TBHS Unleashed 2012 Holiday Issue

TBHSUNLEASHED DECEMBER 2012

How do you survive the holidays without even enough to eat?

hunger

pains pages 10-13

IN THIS ISSUE:

Find out how Troy’s holiday lights became a tradition, pg 4

Parents are coming home for the holidays, pg 5

Are stores ruining the spirit of the holidays? pg 8

Letters from the Editors

Editors-in-Chief Zack Hudgens

Cayla Brown

Copy Editor Brent Debert

Design Editor Paige Martin TBHS Unleashed--or, at least, half of it--is now under new management. As of this issue, I will be acting as Editor-in-Chief for the Purple Team of the newspaper staff. Don’t worry; like the rest of the team, I am committed to publishing the best paper possible under the current conditions.

Change begets change; TBHS Unleashed has also undergone a cosmetic overhaul. What does that mean for you? It means more pictures, more graphics, and less clutter. Keep reading--always keep reading--and we’ll keep it looking good.

The holidays are all about presents and self-indulgence, aren’t they? It’s a happy, fluffy time for everybody involved, nobody wants for anything and everything’s perfect. That’s why we’ve devoted 20 entire pages to it, right?

Wrong. My point is, the winter holidays are often a trying time for the citizens of Troy. Our reporters have gone above and beyond to bring you, Reader, the challenges of surviving the winter without even enough to eat (pgs 10-13) and those brave enough to fight holiday hunger (pg 16). We’ve also got your biweekly dose of Versus (pgs 8-9) and a photo recap of Copacabana (pg 20).

Happy Holidays, and stay warm.

Business Manager Jennifer Firoved

Staff Ali Walker Megan Ryba Jeff Fennewald Ryan Buchanan Emily Hutsler Olivia Grelle Morgan Meyer Meagan Weldon Stephanie Adelmann Amanda Huffman Sam Cameron

writer photographer writer writer designer writer designer photographer writer writer photographer

Contributors

Samantha Stevenson

writer

Advisor

Editorial Policy

With Christmas just around the corner, the holidays have snuck up on us once again. In this hectic time, everyone is trying to maintain his or her sanity between classwork, last minute shopping, and visiting relatives. Of course, everyone has his or her favorite aspects of the Christmas season--either the lights, the snow, or the presents. We chose to highlight a few of the top Christmas movies (pgs 6-7) and holiday fashions (pgs 18-19), among other things.

Throughout the year and into the holiday season, many community members give back to help those in need. The Lincoln County Fire and Rescue has proven itself to be a wonderful asset to the community, especially during the holidays (pg 14).

I hope you all have a safe and wonderful winter break and check out the Arts and Entertainment issue arriving in January.

2

Mojisola Oladehin

TBHS publications are produced by students at Troy Buchanan High School. The Siege yearbook is printed once a year; TBHS Unleashed magazine is printed and distributed at least once a month. The mission of both programs is to fairly and accurately report the news, events, and interests of the student body, faculty, staff, and administration, as well as the surrounding community.

Student journalists will abide by all journalism standards by reporting information accurately, thoroughly, and in a balanced manner. The role of the publications is to inform the immediate community of news, as well as entertain them. The staffs are committed to reporting the news without bias, obscenity, defamation or unfair coverage. TBHS publications are open-forum product, with the staff editors reserving the right to refuse the coverage of any event or news that would be disruptive to the educational environment. The advisor does not make decisions regarding content; the students will make all final decisions on what appears in the publications. The programs are funded solely by advertisements. The opinions expressed within the two publications and those of advertisements are not necessarily those of the staff, faculty, or administration of Lincoln County. Staff members work very hard on their publications, but, unfortunately, errors do occur and we apologize for those in advance.

Pi n us. Tweet us. Friend us.

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tbhsunleashed.troy.k12.mo.us

Table of Contents

WE ASKED YOU

All I Want For Christmas is ...

FEATURE

10

Hunger Pains

14

Fighting More Than Fires

// text compiled by STEPHANIE ADELMANN // photos by SAM CAMERON

// stor y by JENNIFER FIROVED & STEPHANIE ADELMANN

“... to win a state championship in basketball because I’ve worked so hard for it.”

// stor y by CAYLA BROWN

A Bank for the People // stor y by MEGAN RYBA

William Johnson (12)

NEWS

4

Stop, Drop, and Shop // stor y by ALI WALKER

“... a car stereo because I don’t have one and it’s a boring ride without one.”

City of Lights

// stor y by RYAN BUCHANAN

5

Andrew Kennedy (10)

Home for the Holidays // stor y by ALI WALKER

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

6

Top Holiday Movies // stor y by VARIOUS

10

“... a painting that I saw in Oregon because it was very colorful and pretty.”

-Shelly Dickinson

Movie Review

// stor y by SAMANTHA STEVENSON

OPINION

8

“... a cat sweater because I like cats and I like sweaters.”

Versus: A Christmas Conspiracy

// stor y by JEFF FENNEWALD & BRENT DEBERT

Holidays Without Spirit

-Megan Haler (11)

6

// stor y by MORGAN MEYER

9

“... subs because I need louder ones.”

Relaxation During the Holidays

-Cody Drummond (11)

// stor y by EMILY HUTSLER

TRENDS

“... a car because I would like to drive.”

of the Season 18 Scents // stor y by EMILY HUTSLER & MEAGAN

-Austin Robertson (10)

WELDON

20 Oh Snap: at the Copacabana

// photos by CAYLA BROWN & MEGAN RYBA

20

“... new boots because I don’t have enough boots.”

-Kayla Gardner (12)

3

Stop, Drop & Shop a Black Friday recap // story by ALI WALKER

W

omen have on their best running shoes, men keep their wallets close, and teenage girls eye the piece of clothing they’ve been waiting months for. It is Black Friday and everyone is prepared. The doors of Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, GameStop, and Victoria’s Secret are seconds away from opening and when they do, it won’t be pretty.

“ I was working at Victoria’s Secret and I knew it would be crazy when my boss unlocked the doors and she actually ran away. ” - Julie Grillion Although stores all over the country hire security to keep watch, there never fails to be an injury, stampede, or a fight that erupts from the hysterical crowds on the day after Thanksgiving. Julie Grillion, a reading specialist at TBHS, tells of her experience on Black Friday. “I was working at Victoria’s Secret and I knew it would be crazy when my boss unlocked the doors and she actually ran away,” says Grillion. Waiting in line for hours in front of a store can be reason to

go to extreme lengths to get a desired item, but some say it’s starting to get out of hand.

“Women were crazy; associates had to jump on tables to prevent getting trampled,” Said Grillion.

Daisy Walker (10) says she goes Black Friday shopping every year. This year, she came face-to-face with vicious crowds. “People were taking items off the shelves before they were even allowed to. Also, people were ripping off the plastic wrap that was supposed to cover all of the toys,” she said.

Black Friday is notorious for its fantastic sales: sales that only come around once a year.

People are instantly drawn, and after months of saving up for this special occasion, many will do whatever it takes to get what they’ve been waiting for. “I was in line at Wal-Mart for a Hulk and Captain America mask for my little brother, and when I reached down to grab it, I was hit in the head with a scooter someone darted for. People were taking others’ carts and running as fast as they could, just to get a place in line,” said Walker. It’s true, Black Friday can get pretty intense, but it’s all about preparation. The sales are only going to get better and the crowds larger, so stop, drop and shop.

City of Lights // story by RYAN BUCHANAN // photo by MEGAN RYBA

4

NEWS

DID YOU KNOW? In 2010, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sent letters to

14

large U.S. retailers warning them about the dangers of Black Friday in response to the death of a WalMart employee at the hands of a stampede of shoppers.* *from safetynewsalert.com

E

very year from November to December, Troy lights are placed around the city. One can drive down Main Street and simply witness these beautiful decorations. Yet, the tradition behind these decorations is largely unknown by majority of the citizens of Troy.

According to Charles Kemper, a member of Troy Historical Society, the ritual has become a tradition. The City lights enhance the Christmas spirit. “They placed the city lights in Troy about 20 to 30 years ago. They benefit the merchants because it puts everyone in the mood to buy.”

When people put their decorations outside; so would the merchants.

People wanted to decorate for Christmas around the entire city.

Currently, the wreaths with candle lights inside are still decoratively hung around the City and are even being expanded into the park.

Miss out on the savings? // text compiled & illustrations by MEAGAN WELDON

Don’t panic. Here are a few do-ityourself gifts for those who didn’t brave the crowds.

Paperclip Earrings http://anicetime.com/ fashion/fashion-fridayspaper-clip-earrings/

Materials:

Fabric Frame

Memory Jar

http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2011/07/creative-guestfabric-frames-by-sada.html

http://www.ohcrafts.net/ kids-time-capsule.php

Materials: Fabric (any cute print) Corkboard or cardboard Some type of strong glue (fabric glue is recommended) Magnetic tape Any cute template

Procedure: 1. Lay the template over the fabric. Outline and cut out.

2. Glue the fabric to the template.

3. Cut a rectangle of corkboard or cardboard and glue down 3 sides (only 3, so you can slide your picture in and out).

4. Attach 2 strips of magnetic tape to the cork/cardboard.

5. Add a cute picture and you’re done!

This gift is very simple. All you have to do is take a jar and fill it with anything that brings back memories.

Include things like: movie tickets, photos, notes, toys, etc. You could even decorate the jar if you’re feeling extra crafty (as long as the person can still see inside of the jar).

2 paperclips (one for each earring) String Hot glue Earring hook

Procedure:

The Guy’s Gift Basket

1. Unfold the paperclip and transform it into a triangle. Glue the triangles together.

2. Before the glue dries, begin wrapping the string all the way around the paperclip.

3. Create a random design and tie a knot at the top. Be sure to cut off any excess string.

4. Attach the earring hook at the top of the triangle and you’re done!

http://www.affordablegourmetgiftbaskets.com/giftbasket-ideas/men-gift-basket-ideas/

Grab a basket and throw some colorful tissue paper inside. Buy some of the guy’s favorite things and toss them in. Add any decoration you’d like and maybe even a note. This would be perfect as an inexpensive or even a last minute gift.

Home for the Holidays // story by ALI WALKER

T

he streets are covered in a light dust of pure white snow. Multi-colored lights are strategically draped over houses. Living rooms are warm and toasty from a crackling fireplace.

The kitchen smells of baked delicacies and children grow impatient, excited as the calendar gets closer to Christmas. The holidays are a time of joy and cheer, and although the weather can be brutal, it’s the time of year families come together and enjoy each other’s presence. For Kaylee Kessler (12), this Christmas will be a special one indeed. After going back and forth to the military since she was a little girl, her father is finally home for Christmas. “A lot of people in the military take off during the Holidays, so last year he chose to stay back so he can be here for other things like my little sister’s middle school

“ ... When he comes home, we just like to hang out. That’s all, because we don’t get to spend a lot of time together. “ - Kaylee Kessler graduation, but he’s home now.” said Kessler.

For some families, Christmas means gathering around the television to watch A Christmas Story or driving to the nearest hill for extreme sledding. For Kessler, just being with her father is good enough. “When he comes home, we just like to hang out. That’s all, because we don’t get to spend a lot of time together.”

With her father being gone the majority of the year, Kessler says family life can sometimes be difficult. “At first it’s definitely hard,” says

Kessler, “but you sort of get used to it. It’s like driving a car…at first it’s confusing but as time goes on, you get more comfortable.” Raising a family can be complicated and frustrating at times and Kessler says she tries to help her mother as much as she can. “Before I got my license there was only one person to take my sister to gymnastics, or run errands and get groceries. When I got my license I was able to do more to help her out. But there are still finances and cleaning she has to take care of.”

Kessler’s admiration for her father is shown when she speaks of him. “My dad is determined and strong willed. I’ve thought about following in his footsteps but seeing what he’s had to do, I know it will be tough. He is a great man for that,” she said.

TBHS UNLEASHED

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Christmas at the

Cinema

Everyone has a holiday tradition, whether it’s going on vacation or spending time with family. However, the biggest holiday tradition is watching movies.

Elf

// review by MORGAN MEYER

A

t Santa’s workshop, all the workers are elves. That is to say, all except Buddy. When he discovers that his elf father isn’t his real dad, he embarks on an adventure to New York City to find his actual father. When he gets there, Buddy meets not only his father but his father’s wife and son, who all think he is crazy. While he is there, Buddy goes to a department store where the manager mistakes him for one of the employees and puts him to work. Buddy soon falls in love with a co-worker, Jovie. Buddy eventually asks her out after much encouragement from his half-brother, Michael, who he recently befriended. During all of this, Buddy’s father has arranged for author Miles Finch to come to his publishing company to work on a new book. Buddy intrudes on this meeting and mistakes the short author, Miles, for an elf. Miles is infuriated and leaves shortly after fighting Buddy. In the end, Buddy helps Santa start his sleigh only using Christmas cheer. Miles Finch left his black book, giving Walter some ideas and opens his own publishing firm and makes a book called “Elf.” Eventually, Buddy and Jovie marry and have a baby, with whom they take to visit the North Pole from time to time.

Elf is a classic Christmas movie, deserving everyone’s attention at least once. Buddy’s sugar coated innocence and eating habits is similar to that of children. I’m sure at some point in life, many of us have wish we could eat mountains of sweets and not gain an ounce, and Buddy is living that dream. It’s a great movie to watch as a family. The silly things Buddy does will make you laugh, or at least smile.

“Elf is my favorite.”

Savannah Bogert (10)

6

A&E

N a t i o n a l L a m p o o n ’s C h r i s t m a s Va c a t i o n // review by AMANDA HUFFMAN

N

ational Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation follows the story of Clark Griswold and his pursuit of a “good, old-fashioned family Christmas.” Clark becomes obsessed with making the holidays perfect, but when dysfunctional relatives from out of town come to visit, everything goes to chaos.

Classic gags of the movie include an exploded turkey and an electrocuted cat. Despite the cheesy screenplay, the film offers a feel-good vibe with long-estranged family members coming together and Clark realising that his dreams of a the perfect family Christmas had come true.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is my favorite. Duh. It’s hilarious.“ Lane Cox

A New

Dawn

// review by SAMANTHA STEVENSON

A Christmas Stor y

// review by ALI WALKER

W

hen thinking of the coveted movie A Christmas Story the first thing that may come to mind is the infamous quote, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Or maybe, thoughts immediately turn to the boy whose tongue got stuck on an icy pole. Either way, this movie only brings up good memories. Ralphie Parker, the oldest out of two boys in the family, wants nothing more than a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas.

He desperately tries to convince his parents throughout the movie that he is responsible enough to receive one, and even writes Santa a heartfelt letter.

All the while he is trying to stay out the neighborhood bullie’s way, and his parents can’t seem to come to terms with a seductive Christmas lamp. Towards the end of the movie he is almost convinced his Christmas dream won’t come true, but maybe what he’s looking for isn’t where he’s been searching all along.

Set in the 1940’s, A Christmas Story is a movie many families can relate to. Instead of focusing on all the good aspects, A Christmas Story also focuses on the frustrating moments that come with the holidays. Family arguments, embarrassing gifts from family members and fluffy snow suits tie this movie together to make it unforgettable. Winning an award for Best Screenplay and Best Director, A Christmas Story is a must-see.

“I watch A Christmas Story every Christmas Eve.” Isabelle Brooksher (11)

C

reating a remake that keeps the fans of the original happy all while gaining fans of a new generation is a hard task to do in the movie industry--a hard task that the filmmakers of the Red Dawn remake seemed to accomplish.

With Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Josh Peck (Drake and Josh) taking the lead as estranged brothers forced to become soldiers as their small town is invaded by North Korea, this Red Dawn keeps the original idea of the first all while relating it to today. Viewers will gain goose bumps and feel their own need to join as Hemsworth’s and Peck’s characters recruit other teen locals, including the Hunger Games’ Josh Hutcherson, to fight back against the North Korean intruders.

Keeping the rebellion’s name the same as the original, the group becomes the Wolverines. Their fighting tactics and efforts to reclaim their home are all rolled into this young-romanced, battle-strategized, American pride action movie for those who don’t even particularly like action films. The film is sure to keep all audiences entertained and is intended to leave a lasting impression on all viewers.

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A

ver

Christmas

An old man, his reindeer, his red suit and his massive white beard have always been symbols that Christmas is near. When the holidays come around, children say things like, “Santa isn’t real!” and “I saw my parents setting out the presents! It wasn’t Santa!”

Rubbish; that’s what I think.

How do we know that Mr. Claus isn’t just getting a tad immobile in his old age and figured it would be easy to let stores sell all of his goods to humanity? The elves that once made wooden horses and dolls have become a bit more technologically advanced, allowing them to produce things such as iPads, cell phones, and game systems. The reindeers became tired of hauling old Saint Nick and his bag of goodies around all night, so they quit. Mrs. Claus finally broke down and decided that the world doesn’t need to feed her husband any more cookies. Santa himself will be upset about his age being released, but he is climbing the age ladder rather rapidly.

Being almost 2,000 years old has taken a toll on his body. Now, the pleasantly plump man sits up in his workshop on the North Pole, watching humans enjoy his new toys and still checking his list twice to see who is naughty and who is nice.

aka SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER

Holidays Without Spirit

// story by MORGAN MEYER

8

OPINION

The spirit of Halloween and the meaning of Thanksgiving are pushed aside as we rush towards Christmas. Hitting the shelves of stores in October, Christmas leaves only small sections set aside for Halloween costumes, and even smaller areas for Thanksgiving items.

“ At this rate, before we know it, Christmas items will be in stores all year round... ” This predicament gets worse every year.

Last year, Christmas hit the shelves between Halloween and Thanksgiving. This year, it came before Halloween. At this rate, before we

know it, Christmas items will be in stores all year round, no other holiday standing up to it.

Why does this occur? Is it greed? For presents, money, or the New Year?

The reality of any and all holidays seems to be disappearing in our community. The coming generations may even stop celebrating some holidays all together. Holidays are supposed to upbeat and festive, but instead are becoming downtrodden, restricted, and will soon be forgotten altogether. What has happened to our convivial events in America that we used to look forward to so much? Christmas shouldn’t come out until after Thanksgiving. Isn’t it time we correct how we celebrate?

sus

Conspiracy // photo illustration by MEGAN RYBA Spoiler alert! Santa isn’t real. I do not intend to ruin the childhood of an innocent child. I am fairly certain that everyone reading this article is already aware of the lie: Santa Claus does not exist.

Am I the only person who feels betrayed by the conspiracy against all children? We are lied to as soon as we are old enough to comprehend lies.

Parents rationalize this lie by saying that they are “protecting” their child from “reality.” Kids deserve to know the harsh truths of reality. The sooner that we rid our youth of their ignorance, the sooner our generation will be able to grasp real world issues.

By lying to their children, parents are assaulting their minds with the very corruption that they hoped to protect them from. Parents do not want their innocent little boys and girls to experience the pain of failure, the deceit of lies, or the tragedy of betrayal. Maybe these parents should practice what they preach. “Two rights don’t make a wrong.”

aka THE GRINCH

Holiday Relaxing PLAN AHEAD Make sure any homework and studying is done before you begin the holiday festivities.

CREATE A BUDGET A student budget is usually very limiting. To ensure that you won’t be stressing out over gift giving this year, plan out how much you want to spend for each person so you know ahead of time what you’re looking for.

MAKE A LIST Often, people will reach the end of their vacation and realize they haven’t done everything they wanted to. To avoid this, make a list of things you want to accomplish and tape it to your mirror so you will be reminded of what you had planned.

If the pressure of the season is building, don’t worry. Here are a few tips to keep you sane during the holidays. // story by EMILY HUTSLER TURN IT ALL OFF Make sure at least one day is spent cut off from your phone, the computer, your planner and other things that would distract you. Without your phone buzzing in your pocket, you can just have fun and enjoy the moment.

LIVE A LITTLE It’s the holidays! You have two weeks to enjoy yourself. Don’t worry about how much food you’re consuming; focus on the people you’re sharing the food with.

TBHS UNLEASHED

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With the holidays just around the corner, times are harder than ever for Troy’s less fortunate.

How does the community fight hunger? Who helps those in need?

hunger

pains // story by STEPHANIE ADELMANN & JENNIFER FIROVED // photos by JENNIFER FIROVED

At Sacred Heart, every can counts. This woman helped the organization by stocking the shelves.

o

Over the past few years, since the economic downfall and recession, layoffs and cutbacks have left millions of Americans jobless and hungry.

Many people have been unable to provide basic necessities for their families such as food, water and shelter.

The cost of living has increased rapidly and many families struggle to support themselves.

Whether parents are divorced or recent tragedies have occurred, financial situations continue to get worse. Throughout the past few years, situations have improved, but not by much. Communities have been coming together to help their struggling neighbors survive these hardships, but sometimes it just isn’t enough.

“ When I take the food out to the cars and see the satsifaction, some are crying, some are just so brokenhearted they can’t express themselves. “ - Joe Martin Troy currently has three operational food pantries Bread for Life, St. Vincent DePaul, and Briscoe Bible Holiness. Together they help hundreds of people a month.

St. Vincent DePaul, mainly funded by parishioners of Sacred Heart, helps 35 families per week year round. This year, St. Vincent DePaul has adopted 36 families for the adopta-family program, also funded by parishioners.

Currently, the food pantry has around 50 to 60 volunteers who rotate on Saturdays.

As the economy remains stagnant, more people are in need of help and have looked to St. Vincent DePaul and other organizations for assistance. Since this food pantry only provides food for the families once a month, they sometimes refer families who are in desperate need to other local pantries. Sometimes, if a family is really struggling with their financial situation and the program does not quite have enough money to provide them with, the volunteers at the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry generously pull together some money from their own pockets to help out.

All of the volunteers who are associated with the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry have nothing but good things to say about the organization. Joe Martin, is one of many volunteers for the organization. Martin was asked by two other volunteers to help out and has been with the organization for four or five years now. He says there are many great volunteers in the Troy community. “When I take the food out to the cars and see the satisfaction, some are crying, some are just so

Joe Martin filled boxes with nonperishable foodstuffs.

brokenhearted they can’t express themselves,” said Martin. Teddi Michler belongs to several other organizations and does a lot of volunteer work. “I volunteer because it’s the least I can do to help my parish and the people in need,” said Teddi Michler. Since her husband passed away, Michler says that volunteering is her life and she enjoys doing it. Ruth Ann Norton is also a volunteer of the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry. “There is not a person out here that has not been in their shoes. Everyone has been through hard times at least once in their life,” said Norton.

TBHS UNLEASHED

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As each day comes to a close in the US,

s

Sacred Heart’s St. Vincent DePaul food pantry is also affiliated with Sharing the Harvest. Every year they receive deer meat for the needy people that the food pantry serves. This brings a little variation and excitement to the food pantry. Sharing the harvest is a program sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation in which hunters donate some of the venison meat to those less fortunate. To donate meat to this foundation go to an approved processor and let them know the amount of meat to be donated.

“In some small way, we are making someone’s life a little bit better,” said Chris Schieffer, parishioner of Sacred Heart and volunteer at St. VIncent DePaul. For anyone who feels inspired to make a difference in the community, consider volunteering at one of Troy’s local food pantries: St. Vincent DePaul, Bread for Life or Briscoe Bible Holiness.

If your family is in need of assistance consider looking into one of these places for help.

The Troy community helps fight hunger in more ways than serving the needy at food pantries. The food drive held at Troy Buchanan High School is an important part of the fight against hunger. Mathew Bauman, social studies teacher, and Matthew Summers, also a social studies teacher,

17

million children go to bed with empty stomachs.*

participate and donate food.

In 2011, 11,040 non-perishable food items

In 2011, Sharing the Harvest donated over 300,000 pounds of deer meat to Missourians in need.

12 FEATURE

DID YOU KNOW? Missouri is ranked

7th

in the nation for food insecurity.

More than

“ When you get down to it, it is something so simple there’s no reason everyone can’t be involved. “ - Mathew Bauman are the coordinators of Troy Buchanan High School’s food drive. Beginning in the Fall of 2001, the food drive is now in its 12th year. It started out as a community service project out of Bauman’s classroom, but Summers joined in during the third year.

Eventually, it transformed into a school-wide effort to give back to the community. Any club, student, teacher, or faculty member can

aside their soda machine money for a week and put it toward non-perishable food items for the food drive then this school could greatly exceed the amount collected in years past and help hundreds of our neighbors throughout not only Troy, but all of Lincoln county.

From 8 to 80 all ages can give back and help make someone’s life easier.

Imagine yourself in a similar situation.

It is a comfort to know that others in the community are willing to lend a helping hand in a time of need. Will you help your community?

112,000

were collected and donated to a local food pantry. “When you get down to it, it is something so simple there’s no reason everyone can’t be involved,” said Bauman, “Once you get everyone involved, half the work is already done.” If everyone in the school set

Missourians live at or below the poverty line.** * from sodexofoundation.org ** from sharefoodbringhope.org

hunger

broke

down

*

Missouri has an unemployment rate of 9.6%.

Several different factors contribute to the issue of hunger. It’s more than a desire for food--it’s a painful mix of poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. Here are a few numbers to make sense of it all.

$$

RESUME

Partly due to the unemployment rate, Missouri also has a poverty rate of 14%.

Due to both of these, Missouri has a food insecurity rate of 22.7% for children--5th in the nation.

With everything put together, Missouri households average a food insecurity rate of 17.1%.

Insecure Food?

No, your food isn’t concerned with how it looks. Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the “access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.” In layman’s terms, it means the availability of not just food, but healthy food. A high food insecurity rate means less healthy food is available.

* from feedingamerica.org

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A Bank for the People // story & photo by MEGAN RYBA

Fighting More than Fires // story & photo illustration by CAYLA BROWN

The Lincoln County Fire & Rescue goes above and beyond to help out in the community. “If anyone needs us, we are there,” said Captain Mike Noonan. “We know that someone will be there for us if we need it, so we try to be there for the community.”

Yes, they do fight fires, but they also do much more than that. They assisted in the flood of 2008, rescued an alligator last year, and even rescued a parrot from a tree.

For all the danger they face, they still have time to come together and give back to the community. After holding a benefit raising over $6,000, the firehouse was able to adopt 14 families through the Lincoln County Adopt-a-Family program this year. The firefighters participate in the honor guard and hold food and toy drives in the community. As a fire department, they also offer training and safety programs to help keep the community safe.

Even though Troy is a growing community, it still requires many volunteers. In addition to working, each firefighter has to take continuing education classes each year. Despite the extra effort, the firefighters love giving back to the community that supports them.

14 FEATURE

With the holiday spirits high, many local businesses have begun to give back: donating to different community charities, adopting families, and collecting food for the food pantry. For People’s Bank & Trust in Troy, this isn’t anything new. PB&T gives back to the community all year long. “Being a community bank, we make it a priority to give back to the community year round,” said Lauren Kleck, Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at PB&T. Every other month, they send care packages overseas to our troops. During the holidays, they will have bins for canned foods and coats, they help sponsor Night of A Thousand Stars, and each bank employee signs up for a shift ringing bells in front of Kroger and Wal-Mart for the Salvation Army.

PB&T is a major supporter of the school as well, sponsoring many organizations and activities such as the PB&T basketball tournament and giving seven seniors a $2,000 renewable scholarship each year.

They also bought the scoreboards in our gymnasium. “The schools are important to us,” said Kleck. The bank truly lives by the slogan: “It’s not what your town can do for you, it’s about what you can do for your town.”

New Explorers The Explorer Program, sponsored by the Lincoln County Fire & Rescue, is open to any 14-year-old who wants to join. The explorers help the firefighters with many community events including the Pumpkin Festival and Night of 1,000 Stars. The teenagers train and learn the basics needed to become a firefighter in the future.

The Explorer Program also offers classes to assist in the training. Once 18, explorers can request to be volunteers with the fire department.

DRIVE SAFE! Do Not Text & Drive!

- from the staff at Valvoline Express Care of Troy

Oil Change Special

8

$

OFF

EXPIRES: 5/31/2013 CODE: NB8

INCLUDES: • Lube, Oil* and Filter (up to 5 qts) • Top-off All Fluids • Check Tire Pressure • Vacuum • Wash Windows

*Not valid with any other offer or discount.

No cash value. Valid at Troy, Wentzville and Warrenton Valvoline Express Cares.

Valvoline Express Care of Troy 47 The Plaza, Troy, MO 63379 636-528-2540 Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm Sat: 8am-2pm Sun: Closed

Micah Denham SCC student Troy Buchanan alum

Success.

SCC makes it happen.

It’s never too early to think about life after high school. Whether your next step will be finding a job or earning an associate’s degree before transferring to a four-year institution, you’ll find support around every corner at St. Charles Community College.

Take the next step toward success at stchas.edu/future_students.

enim reams

D

// story by JEFF FENNEWALD // photo illustration by SAM CAMERON

Jeans Lost, But Never Forgotten

The Catherine Jeans’ Memorial Light Night Team is raising money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Teachers are allowed to wear jeans on designated dress down days if they donate any amount of money. “Our daughter, Catherine Meyer Jeans, passed away at the age of five from Leukemia almost ten years ago,” said Jeanie Jeans, Cuivre Park Elementary teacher. “This was very sudden and tragic as she died only three days after her diagnosis.”

Jeans is passionate about fundraising with her team, raising over $132,000 in the past eight years. “We raise money to honor her and to prevent other families from having to go through the same thing we went through,” Jeans said. Although she doesn’t set monetary goals, she does what she can to help out. Other fundraisers are being used to raise $5,000 for a college scholarship that will bear Catherine’s name.

“We are very thankful for our community,” Jeans said. “It has been a long hard journey, and without the support of our community, we would not be as far along.

We are trying to keep living life while still honoring our daughter, Catherine.”

United We Stand // story by RYAN BUCHANAN

Gifts of Hope

During the holiday season, various organizations provide relief for those who need it. Most are not as prominent or proud as United Way, a non-profit organization. The organization started when people of different faiths came together in 1887 and offered relief to their largely blue-collar city.

Nowadays, United Way gives aid to Troy, Missouri indirectly. Maria Saunders, United Way information clerk, said, “United Way helps people in Troy everyday through the agencies we fund, also through our 2-1 calling system. And we provide volunteers at the agencies we fund.”

It funds certain corporations such as North East Community Action CO, which gives utility assistance, and St. Vincent de Paul Society which offers aid such as utilities or rent. In addition, First Step Back Home is a crisis center for the homeless.All of these charities are supported by United Way which shapes Troy in more ways than one. For more information on United Way, go to www.stl. unitedway.org.

// story by JEFF FENNEWALD // photo by MEGAN RYBA Lincoln County Adopt-A-Family Kim Perkins, Lincoln County Adopt-A-Family Coordinator, describes the program as “a way to connect every family that applies to this program with a generous donor.” To prevent fraud and determine the legitimacy of need, each family is screened and interviewed before they become available for adoption.

The average income of a family in the program is $1,100. Of all the families in the program 48% have a single parent and 38% have at least one disabled parent. Adopt-A-Family hopes to make this holiday season extra special for all 166 families who were entered into the program.

The Future Business Leaders of America chapter at Troy has adopted at least one family a year for over ten years. FBLA continues to give an abundance of donations to the Lincoln County Adopt-A-Family. Currently there are 23 families remaining who do not have donors. Help these families to make it through the holiday season with a smile.

16 FEATURE

FBLA members have been busy collecting items for their adopted family. The members above (left to right) are: Maddie Masters (11), Stefanie Maraczi (12), Suvana Centers (12), and Sam Gillaim (10).

The TBHS Unleashed staff wishes you a Happy Holidays!

Be on the lookout for our Entertainment issue in January.

the mercantile outlet Phone and Fax (636) 528-9033

800 East Cherry Street Troy, MO 63379

Gary’s Cell (314) 605-2116

Gary and Marge Cockrum

WE ASKED YOU

My Thoughts on Pie ... // text compiled & photo illustration by SAM CAMERON “... It’s hot, tasty, and warms the soul.”

Joseph Gmeiner (10)

// text by EMILY HUTSLER // photos by MEAGAN WELDON “... They’re made with love.”

Ryan Frantz (12)

“... I don’t think I’ve ever met a food I don’t like!

It’s just better on the holidays because we eat with family.”

Hanna Finley (11)

In November, six academic labs were approached to provide their insight into one of the most coveted culinary items of the holidays— pies. The result, stemming from over 100 replies, was calculated.*

APPLE

22%

PECAN

18%

LEMON MERINGUE

6%

CHOCOLATE

23%

PUMPKIN

31%

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*Calculations shown come from the top five votes for favorite pies. Other flavors, including cherry, cookies & cream, coconut cream, peach, banana pudding and butterscotch were not featured due to minimal percentages.

TRENDS

Scents of the Season The holiday season is everywhere one looks.

Not only can one take in it’s sweet aroma, but they can also express their love of winter through their wardrobe. We went online to scentsy. net and gathered our favorite scents that best represented the holiday season. These scents were silver bells, cinnamon vanilla, eskimo kiss, iced pine and cozy fireside.

Take a look at how these students are displaying our favorite scents.

SILVER BELLS Parker Geisendorfer’s (10) silvery gray sweater, matched with his silver shoes, is a celebration of seasonal style.

CINNAMON VANILLA

Most students are familiar with the smell of cinnamon vanilla. This sweet aroma translates to a great color scheme for Amanda Clark’s (11) chocolate tights paired with her creamy cardigan and tribal skir t.

COZ Y FIRE S ID E

E SK I MO K I SS

Emily Arras’ (10) outfit, with its warm colors, embodies the feeling of cozying up by the fire and enjoying the holidays.

Dakota Gipson (12) dons a laid-back look in his icy blue sweater and white-washed jeans, a refreshing take on the usual dark tones of winter.

ICED PINE

Amy Keller’s (10) outfit draws similarities to the crispness of pine trees as different layers of her scarf, tunic and boots produce sharp lines.

TBHS UNLEASHED

19

Oh Snap! at the Copacabana // photos by CAYLA BROWN & MEGAN RYBA

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5

1 2

1) Conchita Alvarez, played by Amanda Preston (11), flir ted with the audience as she performed her song, ‘Havana.’

2) Jacob Kaibel (12), Kourtney Mudd (11), Jared Danielson (10), and Al Badalamenti (11) who were featured dancers throughout the production, danced and sang to Havana, one of Copacabana’s biggest musical numbers. 3) Brian Murphy (12), Tyler Williamson (9), Steven Lyle (10), David Haake (12), Nick Guyot (11), and Jared Danielson performed Dancing Fool, a favorite among the cast and audience. 4) Rico Castelli, as played by Guyot, stirred up conflict with Ricky Farrell’s (12), Sam Silver, when he arrived at the Copacabana. 5) Kiera Loveless (11), who played Lola La Mar, climbed on top of a grand piano with hopes of impressing the judges so she would earn a role in a musical.

1 1) Tammy Kozinski, Gina Finazzo (12), and Angelique Cole (12) discussed notes that needed to be addressed to the backstage crew before the show. 2) Before the show began, Stacia Rucker (9) and Kelsey Creech (10) styled their hair in vintage updos to reflect the decade in which the musical was set. 3) Romy Massey (10) mimicked the style of 1940s makeup by putting on red lipgloss and brown eyeshadow.

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TRENDS

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