Is Twitter Here to Stay? Story by: Megan Owens
Recently students have been hearing rumors that the administration is discussing blocking Twitter in the high school. Students who post illicit pictures, tweet about inappropriate content, use it as a form of ‘texting’, or students instigating fights, are the some of the reasons administrators want to shut down Twitter. In this video the staff of the microCHIP satirized this situation by imitating some ‘typical’ characters who might be seen on Twitter: someone obsessed with hashtags, an old technologically challenged man, and so on. In making this video we also wanted to raise awareness about students who inappropriately use Twitter. In addition to the people who use it incorrectly; we also included people who use Twitter for the right reasons; people who use it to discuss politics, people who use it to voice their opinions, etc. We also wanted people to understand why Twitter is a valuable tool. Twitter is a good way for students to express their opinions, political or otherwise. It can also be used in the
classroom and as a way to reach out to the world. Twitter is a valuable news source, most students hear about important news via Twitter, or from someone else who heard it on Twitter. Many teachers, in particular from the middle school, use Twitter as a way to communicate with the outside world and show what is going on with the school district. Students at MRH need to keep all this in mind while they post to Twitter. Each negative action affects the administration’s decision. If students want to keep Twitter they need to make sure that the things they post publicly are appropriate.
Steps to State for Blue Devils
Story by: Janai Robinson and Mariah Medina
The MRH boys basketball team has had one of the toughest schedules in the state of Missouri. The Devils have gone head to head against formidable teams from Memphis, Chicago, and Alabama. With a record of 154, it’s clear that our small school team can hold their own against larger schools. Last Friday MRH defeated 7th ranked Sikeston 70-66. MRH became the first non conference opponent to defeat the Bulldogs at home since January of 2007. Coach Corey Frazier attributes intense practices and preparation as one of the reasons for this season’s success. “We focus on bringing energy and drive to each game. We practice on controlling the tempo and making opponents play our type of basketball.” Another reason for the team’s success stems from a majority of the team having played 3 or 4 years of football and basketball together. The cohesiveness shows on and off the court. “You’ve got to have that chemistry. [And] you’ve got to know the strengths and weaknesses of everyone on the team.” said senior, Aaron Collins. With nine seniors on the team, time is starting to run short and the pressure is on to bring home another state title. MRH caged the Brentwood Eagles on January 21 with the score of 74-39. The next tough opponent for the devils is the larger school of Chaminade on January 23rd 6:00 p.m. Come out and support your Blue Devils.
Above: Aaron Spudich(12) goes up strong for a basket.
Above: Corey Frazier Jr. (12) shoots a three-pointer. Below: MRH coachs discuss the plan during a timeout.
Above: Wes Williams(12) dribbles, waits for the play to reset.
Hallway Talk: Returning From Break Story by: Amani Coleman
Students and teachers have enjoyed a two week winter break. Students were asked about their last semester of the year at MRH High School. Nearly every student showed a blend of excitement mixed with sadness. “Yes I’m excited to be back in school just because I’m a big fan of learning,” said freshman Keith Harris. Physics teacher Ryan Massey said, “Believe it or not I’m excited to be back.” Sophomores were asked about coming back to school. Sophomore Gracie Biedenstein said she misses her bed. “I’m not very excited because now I don’t get to sleep in everyday,” said Biedenstein. Others miss lazy days. “I’m not (excited) because I hate doing work,” said sophomore Taylor Abutalebi.
Some members of the junior class were ready for the exciting events the arrive every spring. Junior Amani Coleman said, “Yes I am, because I’m ready for track season and its my junior year. So, I’m just prepared to learn more than what I did last semester.” The seniors seemed to be happy but sad all at once about their last semester of high school. “I’m just kind of excited cause you know, we have a couple more months to graduate, but at the same time, I’m kind of sad because I’m going to miss everyone,” said senior Aaron Collins. Other seniors are ready to graduate and are prepared for college. “I’m really excited, I’m ready to be done I’m ready excited for college. I’m kind of nervous cause I know there’s a lot of stuff I need to finish with scholarships, but other than that I’m really excited,” said senior Megan Owens.
Amani
“
Coleman
I’m ready for track season and its my junior year. So, I’m just prepared to learn more
” What Happened to Our Heroes? Story by: Mila Wofford
In recent history, it’s very easy to believe that true heroes are gone. Lance Armstrong has admitted to using drugs to help compete in his races. Amanda Bynes has a D.W.I. Stan “Stan the Man” Musial has died. It’s becoming increasingly easy to give up on our heroes, because it seems like they’ve given up on us. Let’s be honest though, are there really any heroes left? Last week, the world was shocked and probably a little uncomfortable after Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor and seven time Tour de France winner, admitted to using banned substances throughout his career. “I made my decisions. They are my mistakes,” said Armstrong. Since winning the Tour de France in 1999, Armstrong has been viewed as an American hero. After hearing of the news of his doping, people around the world are crushed. Armstrong had a multi-million dollar organization that is now seen as a fraud. He could also be facing criminal charges and a court date for perjury charges. He’s gone a long way from being a highly
praised cyclist and hero to people everywhere. On the other hand, Prince Harry has admitted that he helped kill Taliban fighters during his time in Afghanistan. “Take a life to save a life. That’s what we revolve around, I suppose,” said the twenty eight year-old prince. Pictures were released, late last year, of Prince Harry naked in a hotel room in Las Vegas. This only added to the controversy that has surrounded him since he was seen dressed in a Nazi uniform. I feel like the reason so many people we view as heroes keep failing us is because we idolize these people, and forget that they
are just that. All people make mistakes, but we place these people on a pedestal that is impossible to actually reach. I really don’t think it was right for Lance Armstrong to lie for so long, but everyone needs to remember that he’s human. Also, one needs to ask themselves, would they really do it any differently? People like Prince Harry truly inspire me, because he not only admits he’s human, but he proves it in his actions. It’s when one can see another grow to be so strong that they can go from frollocking around Las Vegas, naked, to defending their country. Knowing what one is and growing from it, that’s what I see as heroic.
Could Gun Control be a Problem? Story by: Mila Wofford
Considering the tragic events from 2012, gun control is being strongly debated. What, with numerous mall shootings, the Colorado movie theater shooting, and the Sandy Hook school shooting, people have reason to want less guns around. That seems logical. However, many fear gun control and believe it goes against their Second Amendment rights. Gun control has always been a highly questioned cause, but many believe that this is the best time to instill it. Gabrielle Giffords, the former Arizona representative was the victim of gun violence when she was shot point blank at a rally two years ago. “Achieving reforms to reduce gun violence and prevent mass shootings will mean matching gun lobbyists in their reach and resources,” said former U.S. representative Gabrielle Giffords. The Second Amendment states: A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. It was originally written in to allow us to protect ourselves in the event of government tyranny. Of course, it’s not consistently used for this. Even dating as far
back as the 1700’s, there have been school shootings. Most notably is the Enoch Brown school massacre, which took place in 1764, where ten people were killed and four children were taken prisoner. This proves that we cannot blame current times for for all of these shootings. Gun control has also been strongly opposed. Many Americans take to the Second Amendment about this topic. The president of the NRA, Marion Hammer, believes people are racist over guns. “Banning people and things because of the way they look went out a long time ago. But here they are again. The color of a gun. The way it looks. It’s just bad politics,” said Hammer. Honestly, I have a very specific view on gun control. I believe it is our right as Americans to own
guns, because it is. I also question how many lives will be lost to protect that right. Gun laws need to be strengthened. I personally think there needs to be stronger background checks on people purchasing guns. Look at it this way, they’re purchasing a very dangerous firearm, this shouldn’t be passed out to anyone. I feel that if one has been in prison, or they have a factor that could be potentially dangerous, such as a history of mental illness, they don’t need a gun. What I really don’t get, is if gun control is introduced, how does that really affect those who believe so strongly against it? They already have their guns. The government will not come and take them away. The point is, this is a serious problem. How many more kids need to die before we see that?
Community unites for great cause Story by: Megan Owens
On Wednesday, January 23, MRH hosted the Community Unity Cafe. MRH Superintendent Karen Hall and Patrice Bryan worked with students and faith leaders from around the area to discuss ways to combat hunger. “The bridge this time is to work with our students and talk about the issue of hunger,” said Hall. The goal was to raise awareness of hunger and develop support for “Weekend on Wheels,” a MRH initiative to support local families who struggle with food purchasing. The school hopes to bond with the faith leaders and raise more awareness towards the issue. “It brought our community a lot closer for solving issues just in Maplewood Richmond Heights before we even branch out so I think
Above: Students and leaders in the MRH community pose with Superintendent Karen Hall and Principal Kevin Grawer on January 23 in the Research and Design Center.
we are a lot more connected,” said sophomore Janai Robinson. The ultimate goal for the Cafe was to bring more support to the program by bringing in supporters from outside of the school. “We get the faith leaders to come in here and we show them our kids, what we do each and every day, what do adults do and how we interact with them. I think we can
get better buy in (with the churches) in this case it’s weekends on wheels which is a program that helps some of our families that maybe don’t have enough food stuff in their house, so when the faith leaders and us work together, hopefully, we can accumulate more stuff to support that program,” said Principal Kevin Grawer.
Upcoming actors workshop with fellow thespians at ThesCON
Story by: Morgan Patterson-Gill
Thursday Morning, January 10. While the rest of the school prepares for another routine day at MRH high school, 16 students crowded at the center of the Research and Design Center, anxiously waiting to begin their three day journey. These students are Thespians, drama geeks, stage junkies, every silly name that means “students of theatre,” and these pupils were on their way to ThesCon. ThesCon, short for Thespian Conference, is an annual threeday gathering of hundreds of High School Thespians from around Missouri. During these days (and nights), students experience a series of workshops that vary from African dancing to Theatrical Clown; from directing classes to singing workshops. The conference offered students a chance to study intensely for
a few hours on their favorite theatrical subjects and also watch performances by peers. These classes are taught by Broadway performers, Circus de Soleil performers, renowned playwrights, and skilled directors. “I feel like we’re a big
deal. I mean to taught by these professionals? I am just proud to be a part of it,” said senior Lans Davis. “This was my first time going,” said senior Maggie Edmondson. “I took this dance class. It wasn’t just about dance, it was about you, being comfortable with yourself. That was beneficial to me,” Edmondson added. Contrary to most of the entertainment industry, ThesCon didn’t focus on praising the most talented individuals of the bunch. Rather, it focused on uniting a nation of young gifted artists. Despite the thrill of coming together with scores of fellow Thespians the excitement had to come to an end; MRH students packed their belonging to leave the conference but the excitement would reside with these “drama geeks” until the same time next year.
Above: Paul Meuser (10) shows off his crazy side at a facepaint workshop.
Above: Left to Right Emma Bright (9) Ben Speed (9) Natalie Mitten (10) show their best faces at ThesCON 2013.
Above left: Holly Potthoff and Joe Hosea present an award for WHAT??.