MRH District and Community come together Posted on October 23, 2012 by megan.owens@students.mrhschools.net
Last Saturday, Maplewood Richmond Heights and local communities had a “ProRally” in support of MRH’s production of The Laramie Project. The play recreates the account of Matthew Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student who was brutally beaten to death in 1998. The peaceful counterprotest was organized in response to the controversial Westboro Baptist Church, which had a picketing rally of their own in front of the school. The peaceful protest drew hundreds of student, staff, and community members
to support the school cast and crew. Superintendent Karen Hall spoke at the rally, emphasizing the importance of standing up for equality. “I want to say that today is such an enormous day. Everyone coming out is showing our students that they support the work that they are doing, regardless of what others might say. You are showing that it is ok to stand up for what is right,” said Hall. Vice Principal Dr. Deann Myers said, “I think one of the most important lessons to come out of
Story by: Mila Wofford Online Editor: Jacob Speed
of Matthew’s life. There was a particularly wide variety of cast and no lead character. Most people had multiple roles, but everyone handled them beautifully. It was very easy to identify the change in characters and the actors usually changed the tones of their voices. “You had to really think about how your character would act and become the person you’re trying
“Rally” con’t on page 6
Story by: Jazmen Bell Online Editor: Will Wadsworth
Above: Superindentand Karen Hall speaks at the October 20, 2012 counter-rally in front of the MRH Theatre. The rally served to support the high school performance of The Laramie Project, and to counter the Westboro Baptist Church protest of the play. Photo: Joey Zunich.
Laramie Project sends message of hope from hate In 1998, a hate crime took the life of Laramie, Wyoming resident Matthew Shepard. After the tragedy, “The Laramie Project” was written to help tell this powerful story. On Thursday, October 18 and Saturday, October 20, MRH performed “The Laramie Project” by Moises Kaufman, a touching evening for all. The play shows the viewpoints of multiple residents who knew Matthew Shepard and the events following his death. Everyone from the doctor after his attack to his best friend, it covers all the ground
to portray,” said junior Nelson Ricks, who played multiple roles in the play. The set, designed by sophomore James Owens, was a favorite part of the play. It included a design of rotating panels that were often moved to to compliment the scenes. The background often had lighting on it that was also fitting with the scene. It added depth to the scenes but was also
simple enough to not take away from the play. I feel like MRH’s portrayal of “The Laramie Project” was a success. The actors understood what they were doing and were able to show this emotional story as a powerful production.
More than just honey: Middle School discovers sustainability practices with beekeeping club Posted on October 18, 2012 by megan. owens@students.mrhschools.net Story by: Janai Robinson
They’ve seeded our gardens, assisted our lunches, taught us in class, and even created a small business partnership with the school district. They aren’t students or staff, but bees. For the past four years, these little helpers have made quite an impact in the MRH School District. Beekeepers and teachers Bill Henske and Kay Burbank say our little friends are widely used in curriculum. “We’re an urban school district, which means we don’t have a lot of outside opportunities,” said Henske. “So the bee yard here, as you can tell, provides students an opportunity to get first hand experience working with animals; they get first hand experience taking care of the system that they are going to then be a part of.” Sophomore Kailen Ludwig says the he has learned much from bees outside the classroom. “The biggest thing that I have taken from bee club is learning how to be a part of something outside of school and sports and just learning how to take care of something. It’s like taking care of a kid, but there are like, five billion of them,” said Ludwig. Middle school principal Mike Dittrich praised the program because of the sustainable practice it gives students that they can replicate at home. “Whether it is our raised garden beds or our chickens, or our bees, they are all programs they can do at home,” said Dittrich.
Click on the bees to see the video “And I think that gives a good brand to our school as we go out into the community, that ‘Hey, these kids are doing something pretty special.’” There are more opportunities for the students to work with the bees than simply taking care of them in the hive. Burbank said the kids enjoy learning about the products made from the bees. “We have a variety of products that we make from our honey and beeswax. Many kids enjoy working hands on with the bees, but there’s more kids who really enjoy taking what the bees have produced and making things,” said Burbank.
Beekeeper Facts
The honey is packaged by students! Every Thursday the Middle School Beekeepers filter the honey, then work on packaging. Students have to check the bees every week and have to make sure that they are well fed. Beekeepers have to make sure they are producing enough honey and babies or eggs. If there are or aren’t enough actual workers in the hive, they have to make sure that they [the bees] will not swarm from the heat. Honey is for sale at local MRH events, including winter concerts and theatre programs.
These small little creatures have impacted MRH in a several ways. Students have gained responsibility, and teachers can explore a new way for students to learn in the classroom. Stay tuned to the microCHIP for more BUZZ about this exciting new program.
2012 Spirit Week forgotten Day 3 of Spirit Week started on the third of October. Our school had a great wacky tacky day with all the students wild for the bright colors. With Spirit Week almost through, students made sure to give their best effort and have a great time. Senior Mariah Medina was excited that this is her last Spirit Week. “I’m looking forward to it but also making sure this is the best one ever,” said Medina.
to never be
Freshman Zach Russell is mighty wacky and tacky on Wednesday during Spirit Week.
Day 4 saw students take control of the interview process and recap Spirit Week. Seniors Wes Williams, Corey Frazier, Jr. Aaron Collins, and Caleb Greenwalt needed many retakes to get the tape rolling. Collins said, “Hey Blue Devils, today is day 4 of Spirit Week and today is decorate your shirt day!” Greenwalt followed up by saying “We have seen many great shirts designs, great hallway decorations and the pep assembly tomorrow everyone is excited for!” Left: Sophomores Caroline Haines and James Owens show their class spirit in the math hallway.
Day 5, on Friday, October fifth was the last day of Spirit Week and students have seen a lot of great spirit throughout the school. Junior Alyssa Winterbauer wondered how student felt about their last spirit week of high school. Senior Mariah Medina said her emotions were mixed. “It’s been really bittersweet; it’s been a lot of fun and really put together well. So, I’m really sad but also excited,” said Medina. Winterbauer said that she has enjoyed her first spirit week here at MRH. “It’s been a lot of fun. I loved all of the days and I can’t wait for the pep assembly.” Senior Aaron Spudich added, “I’m happy to finally beat the underclassmen for the last time and win Spirit Cup.
A gang of Blue Devils show their Blue and White Pride on Friday during Spirit Week.
Click the photos to take a look at highlights from Spirit Week!
MRH shelled by the Bombers Posted on October 19, 2012 by megan.owens@ students.mrhschools.net On Friday October 19, MRH Maplewood fell to #1 ranked John Burroughs 37-6. This matchup features third and first ranked teams in the state. Before the game, MRH seniors Wes Williams and Aaron Collins talked about what it would’ve taken to beat these powerhouses. Senior Wes Williams said “ I think some key aspects that we have to do to win the game friday is to keep their offence off the field, and from giving the ball to their running back because he is a good player and he’s able to make plays. Senior Aaron Collins said, “To be able to win on Friday I think we are going to need to execute offense. We gotta be on key there can’t be any lapses, no stupid penalties and
Right: Tight End John Dudley(12) rallies with his teammates after scoring a touchdown
all that. Basically stop them from putting the ball on the ground and putting it in the air” In addition to being a top ranked team John burroughs also features one of the nation’s top Running back Ezekiel Elliott, Coach Nixon gives us his game plan for tackling this all American. Coach Nixon said “Well anytime you are facing a young, talented athlete such as ‘Zeek,’ it’s really not how do you stop him really its just
how you slow him down. And then how are you effective in the other areas of the game? So we don’t expect to come out and stop the #5 recruit in the country and hold him to zero yards but ultimately we want to rally the football, put a lot of hands on him and just play a good hard fought, mistake free football game for four quarters and give ourselves a chance to be successful at the end of the game.”
Nixon brings fast offense to MRH Story By: Jazmen Bell
Blue Devil football has reached its season under the leadership of a new coach. We sat down with coach Richard Nixon to learn about his style of leadership and how the players are adapting to the new system. Nixon said, “As a coach I think my leadership style is centered around trust, and family. We say the same thing we say at the high school quite a bit and I always have its built around love, and again trust. The trust allows us to push the guys pretty hard and allows us to do things at a faster tempo and a faster pace, and really do things with our bodies that maybe wouldn’t been seen by normal people.” Senior Antar Thompson added, “I feel that Coach Nixon is a great leader, He doesn’t worry about your previous mistakes. He always preaches about worrying about the next play. Every play is better than the rest.” Senior Kahlid Hagens added, “I feel that he’s a great guy, and a grade A coach. He adapted to head coach. It feels like hes been here for the last couple of years, and we love
him as head coach.” Senior Wes Williams said, “He always keeps up motivated and he never lets us relax. He always tells us to keep going and to never take See “Coach” continued on page 6
Above: New football coach Richard Nixon shows focus on the season ahead. Below: The Caruthersville Tigers take down sophomore Elijah Keely after a run.
Above: Quarterback Kahlid Hagens(12) looks down field for a pass. Click on Coach Nixon for the video.
Blue Devils start strong in postseason Story By: Jacob Speed Postseason madness is alive and well in the STL and at MRH. Fall sports kicked off their postseasons with Volleyball, Football, and Soccer heading into the playoffs. We touched base with some of the captains of each sport to see what its going to take to be successful in playoffs. Senior Will Wadsworth said, “We need to be more of a team with this up and coming schedule we got. We aren’t going to be facing teams that are easy to beat , they’re there for a reason and they know how to play as a team, so we just gotta play as a team and start fast and finish strong.” Senior Allison Schott said, “To
be successful we really need to work together as a team and have to believe in ourselves, because if we believe in ourselves then we can achieve anything.” Senior Aaron Spudich said, “I think everyone needs to come together and play as a team, a unit, and not individuals. We can’t have mental lapses during the game, and everything is going to have to click at the same time.” MRH fall sports are ready to make their run to the postseason. Our lady Blue Devils Volleyball team started their postseason against Principia on Monday October, 22. Our Soccer team plays against rival Brentwood in opening round on Monday the 29th. Football opens against Cleveland NJROTC on Friday the 26th.
Top Right: Quarterback Kahlid Hagens (12) avoids a sack and runs for huge gain against Carithersville. Above, clockwise from right. The football team prepares to do battle during their Homecoming Game. Volleyball team discusses a game plan during a timeout. Mariah Medina (12) plans to serve a game winning point. Kiana Hornbuckle (11) cheers on the football team. Will Wadsworth (12) shows joy after scoring a goal.
“Coach,” continued from 4 our foot off the gas.” Coach Nixon added, “It’s gonna take 15 weeks of growth and we talk about it all the time, one day one practice, one rep one drill, one week and a game at a time. If we continue to grow and continue to come together on the practice field and to get better everyday and every opportunity we have all the way until the end of the year. We are gonna be a pretty formidable opponent to anyone in the state.” As of press time, five more wins will place the Blue Devils back in the Dome for the state championship.
The Blue Devils line up against the John Burroughs Bombers on Friday, October 19. The Devils fell to the Bombers 34-6.
“Laramie,” continued from page 1 out of this event and all the hype around our production of The Laramie Project is that students tend to think of diversity just among races. And this broad set perspective allows them to understand how important it is not just to be tolerant, but accepting of others.” Junior Mariah Russell said as a LINK crew member, she understands the importance of working with the community. “I think its great that the community is coming out to support our high school and our play even though we have negative people
saying bad things about the play. I think its great and show how much love Maplewood has for the district and the community,” said Russell. The LINK crew serve as student ambassadors to the community. MRH Career Connection Director John Capuano spoke about the organization of the rally and its message. “It worked out perfectly, making phone calls and sending emails, talking to people directly. Before you know it, you have a couple hundred people out here and that’s what its about: supporting inclusion and diversity.”
Spirit Week Blooper Reel
Click on the image for highlights!