Log
The Northmen’s Cast make dreams come true. p. 6
Oak Park High School
Friday, November 20, 2009
Issue 4, Volume 45
Shopping center tenants disperse by Gabrielle Young and Courtney Kelley editorial editor, lifestyles editor Taking a stroll through Antioch Center and Metro North malls, one can notice the vast emptiness within them. Much of the parking lot and many of the stores remain vacant. In the last few years with the opening of Zona Rosa, students look to other places to do their shopping. “If there were more stores there I would have more faith in it, now there is Zona and the Legends,” said senior Jared Malone. Many students have also turned to thrift stores to mix up styles for lower costs.
News Briefs Cheer takes third in State
After taking third at Regionals, the squad qualified for the state competition. This year cheer took third place at state in their division. They were beaten out by Nixa High School, first place, and Lee Summit North High School, second place. This competition took place at the University of Missouri-Columbia. They have been working on this one routine since summer. Each week the squad would do a 7 to 9:30 p.m. practice. “Our routine wasn’t as difficult as everyone else’s,” said varsity senior Caity Strohm. They are holding tryouts for additional members for the winter season on Friday, Nov. 20.
“Occasionally, I go to Metro North but there really isn’t anything there,” said junior Abbey Schoenrade. According to Antioch Center property manager Lori Cogan, malls across the country have struggled to keep customers. She claims this outbreak has just recently hit the Midwest. In order to gain income, properties have had to stretch their uses as more than shopping centers alone. Zona Rosa utilizes this idea, mixing shops with residential buildings. The vacant stores in the two malls can be related to tenants not wanting operate in a closed mall anymore. Tenant owners want to set their own hours but, in a closed mall that stays open
seven days a week and sets operating hours, they’re not given that freedom. According to Cogan, stores have cut back on inventory. Last year during the Christmas season, stores had an overflow of merchandise. As a result, they’ve decided to carry fewer inventories. Once the current state of the economy turns around, Antioch Center aims to reinvent itself into an outdoor shopping center. “We expect it to be better than before; the new mall will look like Shops at Boardwalk; with a walking trail and fountains,” Cogan said. Vacant of customers, Metro North Mall sits mostly empty on Friday, Oct. 30. by Courtney Kelley, lifestyles editor
Legacy continues, team studies science Science Olympiad strives for another strong season by Gabrielle Young editorial editor Following in the foot steps of past years, the Science Olympiad club hopes to qualify again for nationals. During competitions, students compete against other schools in different science related tests and building events, with competitions up to eight times a year. The categories include biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics, building and engineering. “I enjoy the competitions, they are hectic and the events can be difficult but you have a lot of fun, especially in building events,” said vice president senior Andrew Danielson. The competitions can also bring challenges at times. “When you’re at a competition you are up against people who have been working hard on their events and there is always the chance there is someone who knows more,” said spirit coordina-
tor sophomore Janet Meier. “Also with the building events you never know what might go wrong at the competition or on the way there.” A science Olympiad team usually has a makeup of about 15; currently they have about 12 to 14 students. “In years past 40 or 50 kids were in Science Olympiad that was pre-Staley…I’ll recruit, recruit what I’ve got and use them the best I can,” said and head coach Chris Goll. Although smaller, the team still finds Science Olympiad enjoyable. “The things that I enjoy the most are all the team movie nights and crazy bus rides out to the competitions,” said president senior Stephanie Woodke. Science Olympiad has set some goals for the team this year. They plan on qualifying for state,
““I’ll recruit, re-
cruit what I’ve got and use them the best I can.”
‘Breakfast Club’ improvs theatre by Kim Shields writer A blast from the past hit school this year when a hit 80s movie became a morning improv group called the Breakfast Club. This club started last year during a competition against Staley High School’s theater department, which theater teacher Stephanie Siers and her students won. Staley held this last minute contest at their school, each team performed improv skits, then at the end whoever did the best skits won. When this chance arose the theater department had to put a team together. Since last year the team wanted to keep going so they created the Breakfast Club. “It’s enjoyable, we get together to play a bunch of games and make a lot of
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“We get together to play a bunch of games and make a lot of jokes.” senior Taylor Weatherly
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jokes,” said senior Taylor Weatherly. Each meeting consists of games in which the people who attend can play games and become better at improv. There are many returners from last year’s team, including senior Taylor Weatherly, junior Schyler Tate and sophomore Alex Stompoly. They lead the games helping the attendees
which means ranking within the top four at regionals, top 10 at the state tournament, $1000 in fund raising and the recruitment of new team members. On Saturday, Nov. 22 at Barnes and Noble in Zona Rosa, they’ll have several science demonstrations from 1-6 p.m. 10 percent of the proceeds will go to Science Olympiad, if mentioned at the register. Goll appreciates the students. “They’re awesome kids, I’m head coach blessed with fantastic kids, there Chris Goll are no better group of kids in the school, I’m lucky to have them,” Goll said. If any students has an interest in joining Science Olympiad, they have the opportunity to do so until February, when the team heads to regionals.
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Journalism travels to D.C.
understand the meaning of improv. Members play many games, but some find the learning experience a bit of an inconvenience because of the early time. Since many of the people in the club also contributed to the musical, they had late nights at the school. “It’s really hard to wake up,” said senior Ryan Drapela. “We just try to practice certain improv techniques.” At the end of the year another improv competition may occur, however this time Winnetonka and Northtown may also compete. Each meeting the group tries to get better and learn more, to prepare for the possible competition. The meetings take place at 6:30 a.m. every Tuesday in the Little Theater.
Senior Kim Shields, juniors Derek Byrne and Chelsea Troutner, grandmother DeAnn Troutner, and sophomore Chelsie Yokum joined senior Brittany Parker on the journalism staff conference trip to Washington D.C., from Wednesday, Nov. 11, to Sunday, Nov. 15. The students visited the Newseum, the Capitol, the National Archives and attended classes and competitions offered at the JEA/ NSPA fall national high school journalism convention which had a record attendance of more than 6,300 students from across the country. by Brittany Parker, special to the Log
Clubs fund future events by Kayla Smith writer
Extra-curricular activities like sports and clubs need funding for things like equipment, trips and competitions. The AFS club participates in such fundraising. In order to pay for some of the activities members and exchange students participate in, the club has attempted various fundraising options. “It’s very important,” said AFS co-sponsor Nicole King. “For most of our trips and activities, we pay for bus transportation with fundraising.” Each year, members sell boxes of candy to put a dent in the costs associated with membership. In previous
years, this development has started in October. “If we can afford it,” King said, “We also try to cover the entry fees for things like ice skating or bowling, so that the exchange students don’t have to pay them.” Not all fundraisers bring profits. Over the years, AFS has tried many fundraisers, including wrapping gifts at Barnes & Noble for Christmas and teaming up with the restaurant Carlito’s to earn a percentage of their sales on a specific set of nights. Unlike the selling of candy bars and Valentine candy grams, these fundraisers didn’t make as large a profit. Like AFS, band does their fair share of fundraising. This year individ-
uals in the band program raise money primarily for this year’s trip. During spring break, the band will take a three day trip to Texas. So far this year, band members have had multiple fundraising opportunities to pay for this trip. “It’s a great opportunity to travel,” said sophomore Leah Frisby. “I want to have every opportunity I can.” The variety of fundraisers the band has participated in include many things from selling coupon books to selling citrus fruit from Florida. “I think it’s important because I don’t want my parents to pay for the trip when I have the opportunity myself,” Frisby said.
Faculty and students support AFS and other clubs by participating in candy bar fundraisers. by Ally Sansone, photographer
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page sports
Wrestling clings to tradition by Alex Mallin sports editor The wrestling team could consider winning state for its sixth consecutive year last year a point of pride or a heavy burden. After losing 10 seniors in the past two years the team has to adjust to almost a complete reversal of the statistics it has had in the past. Rather than walking on to the mats with a lineup of state champions, the team will consist of a majority making their varsity debut. “To be honest we are not as talented as we are used to being,” said coach Timothy Rupp. “We only have two seniors on our team right now. But we have a very high level of work ethic.” Contrary to the belief of some of the team’s critics, Rupp feels the wrestlers, though young, remain a strong team with championship potential. The Northmen took first in the Class 3 state tournament last year in Columbia, Mo., outscoring second place Neosho, 159-102. This year, the team will return in February with only one state champion. According to
Rupp, Neosho lost not even a single player. “On paper there is no way we should be state champions,” Rupp said. “They [the team] see it as a challenge. But when we get in those vans and go to Columbia, we still are the state champs until someone knocks us off.” Junior Cody Brewer, team captain and the only returning state champion holds optimistic expectations for the team. “I think we are actually a tougher team, maybe not in numbers but I think the group that we have is actually tougher than teams I worked with before,” Brewer said. Winning six consecutive state titles puts a stress on the team many have dealt with all year around. Rupp said he believes the weight will help condition the team for its upcoming season. “We put them through a war zone in practice,” Rupp said. “When you go into a match knowing you’ve trained as hard as you can possibly train, the pressure is not there because you know you’ve done your part.” Junior Gage Harri-
Critiquing his team as they practice wrestling maneuvers, coach Timothy Rupp works his team on Monday, Nov. 16 in preparation for its season. “Right now I’m a hard case in practice,” Rupp said. “The matches are going to be easy compared to what they go through in practice.” by Alex Mallin, sports editor
son returned to the team this year as a two-time state placer, although an injury acquired during football season currently forces him to sit out. Along with preparing himself for a return, he coaches his teammates from the sidelines. “We have had more
wrestlers come out this year than we did last year its just the right weights we lack. There are a lot of little kids coming in and not as many big kids,” Harrison said. Harrison believes the team has a lot of work left to do to ready for the state atmosphere.
“You can’t prepare for the state experience because it’s a whole different thing seeing all those people there,” Harrison said. “Really its just preparing for each tournament and each duel just to get the confidence built up and once you have the confidence that is how
you win the state title.” According to Rupp, just as with nearly every sport at OP this year, wrestling has a fight ahead due to their lower numbers. “Our first three weight classes are freshmen. Three of our captains are juniors,” Rupp said. “Our heavyweight will be at his first state tournament in high school. The disadvantage is them not being through it before. We are going to have to count on a lot of kids who have not been through it before.” Despite the disadvantages, Rupp claims he has made up for numbers with his coaching. As the team continues making adjustments to its unfamiliar circumstances, wrestlers understand that second place still remains far below their expectations. “When we go out there we still put on an Oak Park singlet. That’s our advantage,” Rupp said. “Our advantage is we believe in our program, we believe in Oak Park wrestling. We know that when we put that singlet on we have attained a standard that is second to none.”
Boys basketball aims to unify, mature by Alex Mallin sports editor
Senior Mitch Stewart and freshman Darrel Jones stand on the Northmen line readying themselves to sprint at practice on Monday, Nov. 16. “Basketball practice is incredibly demanding,” Stewart said. “It prepares us well for the games that lie ahead.” by Kim Shields, photographer
Stepping out on the court with three seniors and no returning varsity starters, boys basketball coach Fred Turner considers himself in familiar territory. Last year Turner coached a team with only two returning starters to a winning season record of 18-6. “Every year is different for us,” Turner said. “Some years I have a lot of seniors and some years I don’t have any. I’ve coached a long time and I’ve been in all these situations before. What the team is beginning to understand is that they are part of a rich tradition.” Senior Mark Wopata, the team’s only returning player with varsity time, said he feels the team he has practiced with this year has to have the potential that he saw in last year’s team in order to have a successful season. “Last year we were kind of in the same spot,” Wopata said. “We only had two returning starters and we had three or four guys that didn’t really have varsity experience. They had a lot of leadership and a lot of good athletes and so we have the responsibility to kind of step up and do the same thing to make a name for ourselves.” The opening weeks of practice have consisted primarily of building up the players towards the varsity level. “Our main weakness is that we are a very
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young team,” Turner said. “We are trying to teach them right now is just the speed of the game and what it takes to win. What they need to learn is how to have a basketball IQ. Just because you are smart in the classroom doesn’t make you smart on the court.” According to sophomore David Wingerson, the young players have persevered. To them the prospect of playing varsity gives them a greater drive. “All of us really have had to step up,” Wingerson said. “It’s not just one person individually but really all of us. I played over the summer and practice has taught me how much faster the game is and what I have to do personally to help the team win.” The team will face off against Hickman Mills at Oak Park in its season opener on Tuesday, Dec. 1. As of Tuesday, Nov. 17, Turner has not finalized the varsity line up. “What we are assessing now is who we can count on,” Turner said. “Not the person who can make the most shots but who is the most consistent; someone who can play good defense, be unselfish, be a good leader and who will help us the most at the end of the day towards having a successful season.” According to Turner, the last time the team held a losing record the seniors were in third grade. He feels this trend will continue as the team’s season commences. “We are the smallest school in the largest district,” Turner said. “Our team motto
is ‘iron sharpens iron.’ One of the things we were talking about the other day is that a hammer shatters glass, but it forges steel. But its not the hit that shatters it it’s what you’re made of. We want to be steel.”
Students compete in spare time Bowling team starts second season
Only $70!
MICHAEL DIGGS Manager
At practice on Monday, Nov. 16, freshman Austin Coates and sophomores Austin Brand and Brett Bjerrum run down the court readying for the upcoming season. by Kim Shields, photographer
by Kayla Smith writer
Senior Michael Rieger rolls his ball down the lane on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at Gladstone Bowl. A member of the All-State team and the Bowler’s Journal Top High School Prospect, Rieger bowls two hours a day, five days a week. by Alex Mallin, sports editor
When one thinks of high school sports, they may think of football, basketball or volleyball. Not all high school students find interest in typical high school sports. Some students would prefer playing something like ping-pong over football. Last year, a few of those stu-
dents decided they’d rather bowl. Around February of last year, five students met together to start a bowling club. At first, they couldn’t seem to find a teacher willing to sponsor them. Seeing this dilemma, the students sought the help of Vicki Bowman at Gladstone Bowl. Bowman, a member of the Bowling Proprietors Association state committee, became the students’ state sponsor. Though with a state sponsor, the group still lacks a teacher sponsor. This denies them the official place on the Northmen’s sports roster. Last year, the bowling club competed in multiple tournaments, including Northwest Missouri’s first high school Zone Tournament and the state championship. The team took first place in both events, and shared more than $5,000 in scholarship money. On Thursday, Nov. 4, the bowling team began this year’s season. “It’s going to be a tough year,” said senior Michael Rieger. “We lost three of our starters.” As of now, the bowling club has around 15 to 20 members. They expect more to join as the season continues.
page 3 opinion Your Views: Log’s View: Discipline lacks What are you doing for Thanksgiving? “I’m going to my grandparents and getting a new camera.” -junior Kayalan Ballard
Teachers and administration try to teach students how to follow the rules that have been set before them, preparing them for their future outside of high school. When students break these rules or push the limits of an adult many may find that the consequences for their actions slip into the background. Some teachers and administration members have loosened up on the severity of punishments. Some may not even follow through on the threat of a write-up or
-sophomore Chelsie Yokum
“I’m going to go to my mom’s house and my dad’s house, and have two dinners.” -senior Ryan Gibbs
by Gabrielle Young editorial editor In exactly six days Thanksgiving will arrive, a day some might see just as another day off from school. Not that I think a couple days off from school won’t be enjoyable, but the whole purpose behind Thanksgiv-
To speed or not to speed? Another problem plaguing the lives of those who follow the law: texting while driving. On Friday, Aug. 28, a law went into effect banning texting while driving for those under the age of 21. Many teenagers feel that just because they aren’t 21, doesn’t mean that they are any less responsible when they drive. While thinking that age shouldn’t really matter does have strong points supporting it, many are left to wonder why texting while driving needs to be happening at all. Being in the car and texting takes the concentration off the road, leading to many unnecessary road accidents. To please those around them, teenagers will act like they don’t speed or text while driving. This leads to
parents turning a blind eye to their child’s law breaking ways. In reality, the parents can’t say much, seeing as how they do the same thing. So, it comes down to either setting the right example for their children or being hypocrites and expecting their children to do the right thing. The law-conscious people drive around going the speed limit with their phones tucked away in their pocket, while the riskier people speed around all the corners and flip their phone out every five seconds. In the end, it all comes down to one question: To speed or not to speed? So, maybe we should all try to be more conscious of our surroundings. We could put our phones away and lift our led foots off the petal and slow down the next time we are out driving.
The issues that you have been tackling during the rollout will help make it easier for Northtown, Staley and Tonka as they go through the MiniNote distribution. We are sure they appreciate you as much as we do!! We want to make sure that everyone knows how much your patience and cooperation are appreciated. Thank you! Mr. [Todd] Beeck and Mrs. [Jean Ann] Hart, technology coordinator and technology assistant
the very last page, bisected by ads bigger than the picture, I find a brief mention of something in the fine arts. Furthermore, this small section didn’t even begin to encompass the many facets of the fine arts. Where was band’s congratulations for MO West and Truman? Where was Theatre III/IV’s advertisement for Fright Night? Where was mention of orchestra’s next concert? Even more shocking is the fact that many people on the Log are students of the fine arts. If they aren’t lobbying for us, if they aren’t making our voices heard, who will? I feel if things were equally represented in our school paper, the reader demographic would greatly increase. I know students would be more excited to read the Log if they knew something they put such hard work, such effort into was going to be published. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, senior Taylor Weatherly
Letters to the editor Oct. 22, 2009 To the Students of Oak Park High School, We are sending this letter to the Log to tell you all - “ YOU ARE THE BEST!!” On the day we handed the laptops out, everyone was amazing. You along with the faculty and staff made the whole process run smooth. We received compliments about you from guests and those assisting from other schools. They were impressed by the way everyone was on task; helping and doing what was asked and then some. It has been a very busy, very interesting two weeks since that day. We have had a few bumps along the way. This week almost 500 of the student laptops have passed through the Tech Office. The students affected were patient and considerate and maintained a positive attitude as we worked through process. This is just one of the many things that make Oak Park the best!
ful students may learn that they won’t survive in the real world while they continue acting like delinquents. If students started to take more initiative in their own life the school environment could become a better place. If the students who act out take a moment to step back and look at where their life is going, they may realize they don’t like the end of the road and begin to change their ways.
******************* To whom it may concern, In my four years at Oak Park, I have been an avid Log reader. I’ve looked forward to each addition, but recently an imbalance of your pages has been drawn to my attention. Thumbing through the October issue, for instance, I scan the features and the opinions, taking a mental note of the full sports page, and finally, on
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Write your letter to the editor. Sign it. Bring it to E133 or E134.
just be optimistic. Even the little things in life give me reasons to be thankful. Reasons I have been thankful for this year: being healthy, having food, having a home, friends, an education and a loving family. So many times in life, people take things for granted. People even in our own country will never experience some of the simple blessings in life. I think about people with illnesses and disabilities that they have, yet they have such a joy about life. They have a genuine joy, while others have a hard time to just be happy. Having food remains a substantial hardship for
many families around this time of the year. The tradition has been to have a large feast, but for some families one meal a day can be a struggle to provide. I know without an education, I would have no future. I’m thankful for caring teachers and a safe environment to learn. For some students in other countries the ability to go to school will not be possible for them because of expenses. So this Thanksgiving while biting into that last slice of pumpkin pie smothered in whip cream you should think about what being thankful really means, in the season of Thanksgiving.
3D movies distract from story line Would you pay extra to see a movie in 3D? by Mandy Nichols entertainment editor The days where one could walk into a movie theater expecting nothing but popcorn fumes and a movie have passed. Plotlines alone can’t seem to hold younger generation attention spans. Elaborate visual techniques continually evolve, often overshadowing attempts at plot. Audiences already require extreme visual effects from action-packed entertainment pictures like “The Day After Tomorrow,” and “Transformers.” These rely mostly on their ability to convincingly show the Hollywood sign ripped from the earth to stick viewers to their seat. While these shows have always been entertaining to see, the growing rate at which Hollywood throws them out brings up questions concerning the future
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Yes
“I haven’t made any plans for Thanksgiving yet.”
ing has more meaning. The tradition of Thanksgiving has become a time of being genuinely thankful. Every Thanksgiving I cherish because after about a year I finally get to see all of my family, and taste some of my grandma’s delicious home cooking. For some families this year has been hard for them. People have lost jobs and lived paycheck to paycheck, for the last couple of months. Making this year an easy one to forget about what thankfulness really means. Looking on the bright side of situations every day can be a challenge, but Thanksgiving should be that one day out of the year to
No
-freshman Cody Reed
As many people learn to drive, the same questions burns in many of their minds: Can they speed and get away with it? When driving, one can see the different speed limit signs. But really, what’s the point of a speed limit being posted if more than half the people driving are going way over it? How are they supposed to try to follow the limit if they know they are the only ones doing it? Speeding tickets should be used to stop speeding. Really though, they don’t do anything to make teenagers feel threatened. In fact, some teenagers even thrive on the thrill of being caught, meaning the punishment really doesn’t do anything to scare the youth.
Tired of trying to correct their ways, some teachers slacken the punishment for these students, knowing that many won’t follow through with the reprimand the teacher has handed them. Many members of the staff do try to enforce the rules, though. If teachers and administration were able to enforce the rules more and make sure students follow through with their punishment the school environment could become a safer place. Some of the disrespect-
The joys of the Thanksgiving season
“Sleeping and eating.”
by Samantha Colhour copy editor
office referral. The disruptive student simply receives a warning or “slap on the wrist.” When students do receive lunch detentions or other forms of punishment, many do not take it seriously and choose to skip it, not learning from their actions. Some students may use their outburst as retaliation for not wanting to be here, but they show little respect for their peers and the school which contributes to creating a stressful learning environment.
*100 students surveyed
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“When I go to the movies, I want to see a movie just to see a movie,” senior Michael Rieger
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of the big screen experience. If this growing need for elaborate visual stimulus persists, theaters may feature productions void of story, shifting from one explosion to the next. But what about threedimensional explosions? Lately theaters have seen increased release in movies advertised for the 3D experience. This relatively new element adds another layer to films, potentially distracting
further from the plot. Movies need to show stories. Seats shouldn’t transform into roller coaster harnesses as footage zips by a massive screen. Rather than thinking about the dinosaur that exploded through the screen during that one scene, viewers should come out of the theater recalling why this happened. Did this dinosaur randomly appear, or was there a reason? They should reflect on things such as character portrayals or script fluidity, not the degree of closeness to a threedimensional object floating off the screen. Viewers should be figuratively immersed in the film, not literally engulfed by its moving pictures. “When I go to the movies, I want to see a movie just to see a movie,” said senior Michael Rieger. “The extrasensory experience isn’t needed to enjoy the show.”
The Northmen’s Log Staff & Policies Editor-in-Chief & Photo Editor Gina Drapela Opinion Editor Gabrielle Young Sports Editor Alex Mallin Entertainment Editor Mandy Nichols Lifestyles Editor Courtney Kelley Feature Editor Jessica Nichols Copy Editor Samantha Colhour Cartoonist Johnna Hensley
Writers Courtney Light Kim Shields Kayla Smith Photographer Ally Sansone Kim Shields Adviser Christina Geabhart “The Northmen’s Log” is published 10 times during the school year. “The Log” is a student forum for expression; it is produced by students for students. “The Log” accepts letters to the editor in rooms E133 or E134 or geabhart@nkcsd.k12.mo.us. Letters cannot exceed a
length of 350 words. We will not run letters that are libelous, obscene, or that may cause a verifiable disruption of the education process of Oak Park. Letters must be signed. Advertisers may contact the business manager at 413-5352, or 825 N.E. 79th Terrace, Kansas City, MO, 64118. Opinions expressed in “The Log” do not reflect staff endorsements of that product or service. “The Log” is a member of NSPA, MIPA and Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists. “The Log” is affiliated with JEA and JEMKC.
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page features
Alphabet soup: Bacteria attacks students
Vaccine prevents spread of viruses by Jessica Nichols feature editor As students move from class to class they have a chance of picking up and spreading invisible germs and viruses that sit on desks, computers, and other school supplies. The viruses and bacteria a student picks up during the day may cause them to fall ill with bronchitis, streptococcus, H1N1, the seasonal flu and other small illnesses. “People who get influenza never forget it,” said family physician Dr. Martin Kanne, “Your muscles ache and you’re hot, then cold, and grouchy.” For the seasonal flu, students can opt to get a vaccine that will lower their chances of contracting the viruses. “The annual flu vaccine is created with four different strains, which are decided yearly,” Kanne said. Students can also get a vaccine to help lower their chance of catching the H1N1 virus. Kanne said, the H1N1 vaccine, created quickly for the needs of the country, contains only one virus. Students may receive it in two ways, by a nasal vaccination or injection. “The nasal vaccination
takes two injections and is a live virus,” Kanne said, “You’re given particles that are infectious. Those with low immune systems do not receive it.” Children between the ages of six months to 20 years, as well as those who have health problems or work with high risk groups have high priority in receiving the vaccinations. For those who have already contracted the seasonal flu virus or the H1N1 virus, few medications will help shorten the length a person is sick. Without medications it may take a week for the seasonal flu virus to leave someone’s system, with four days of severe symptoms, Kanne said. “If you’re treated you should be better in a couple of days, if not 24 hours,” Kanne said. Vaccinations haven’t been discovered for bronchitis or streptococcus, though. Antibiotics cannot help shorten the length of recovery for bronchitis. The recovery period ranges from five to 15 days and may be longer for those who smoke. Antibiotics can help shorten the length of recovery for streptococcus.
Illnesses spread through school ““It was awby Kim Shields writer
Coughes and sneezes fill the hallways, setting the soundtrack for the flu and cold season. According to school nurse Debbie Rippe, many other illnesses have hit the school including: streptococcus, bronchitis, ear infections, gastrointestinal issues, and sinus infections. These sicknesses have impacted the attendance record for the school, making the absentee rate 10 to 12 percent daily. Although the
absentee rate is higher than usual, one should remember not every student absent has stayed home due to illness. Many students have gotten sick so far this year, juniors Devon Whitton and Nick Alley included. Whitton said she was out of school for nearly two weeks with bronchitis. Not knowing she was sick beforehand may have put other students in the line for possible infection. Once the symptoms of an achy chest and the incapability to breath hit, she realized that something was wrong.
ful. I had to go to the emergency room.”
junior Devon Whitton
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pital, doctors prescribed Albuterol and steroids to help alleviate her symptoms. Alley said he was sick for around a week. In that period of time, his body fought against two different sicknesses, a sinus infection and a type of flu. “It sucked, but it wasn’t that big of a deal,” Alley said. His sinus infection symptoms included a fever, a headache, fatigue, aches, cough and a sore throat.
“It was awful,” Whitton said, “I had to go to the emergency room." After her stint in the hos-
H1N1 brings concerns by Samantha Colhour copy editor The H1N1 virus, a subtype of the type A flu, often gets referred to as the “swine flu.” According to Price Chopper pharmacist Frank Newkirk, the disease spreads from human to human the same way the regular flu would, through coughing or sneezing. Because of the way it spreads, H1N1 symptoms seem identical to those of the seasonal flu. The symptoms often included fever, cough, sore throat and chills. The test for the virus took weeks for the results to come back, long past the time an infected person could infect someone else, Newkirk said. Doc-
tors started testing for types of flu. If a person had type A flu, they were considered to have the “swine flu.” “The first test just seemed pointless because once the answers got back, it was really too late to stop the spreading. So more and more people would get infected, all in the process of getting the results,” Newkirk said. Infected people could contaminate someone one day before they showed symptoms and up to seven days after becoming sick. So, people passed it onto each other before they knew they had contracted H1N1. Because of this, few things could prevent the virus’s spread. “First and most important is to wash your hands. Try to stay in good
general health,” Newkirk said. “Get plenty of sleep, be psychically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.” Throughout the outbreak, the number of people diagnosed with the H1N1 virus went undetected. With doctors testing for the type of flu instead of the actual virus left, the number remained out in the open. As for the severity of the virus, the swine flu and the common flu produced similar results. The infections could go from mild to severe. “In the end, the swine flu really isn’t that bad. There are medicines and new vaccines to take for it. People shouldn’t freak out too much,” Newkirk said.
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An apple Alternative ideas lend helping hand a day Foods help speed up recovery process
Tips provide ways to avoid the doctor, clinics
by Mandy Nichols entertainment editor
by Mandy Nichols entertainment editor
Many people want to prevent illness as well as end it sooner. These tips may be helpful to them. -Eat light foods A higher ratio of liquid to solid intake allows the body to spend more energy fighting off sickness than digesting heavy foods. -Avoid spreading germs to the face Some find it hard to avoid it, but the face provides access for bacteria to breach into the body easily. -Use lotion to prevent dry skin Excessive washing without moisturizing skin leaves the skin with more cracks that bacteria can sneak into. - Drink warm liquids Drinking or gargling warm liquids of any kind can help fight off bacteria in the throat more effectively than cold liquids alone. information provided by dietician Carolyn Skelton
With the cold season sweeping in, some people seek refuge at pharmacies for pills and tonics meant to relieve or disperse their symptoms. One needs only to look within their kitchen to fight off some of the ails they suffer. According dietician Carolyn Skelton, the spice rack contains tools to combat the season. Spices providing heat such as cayenne and black pepper can dull pain receptors in the throat, while helping flush out congestion. Sweet spices like ground ginger and cinnamon fight bacteria while cinnamon can also suppress nausea. Garlic and onions continue the powerful flavor theme when it comes to overthrowing sickness, Skelton said. Both contain various vitamins that combine to build immunity forces within the body while also working to eliminate symptoms of decongestion. While both contain illness preventive properties, eating either while sick can help fight off bad bacteria as well. Honey and tea combine to create a dense immune system strengthening, bacte-
Medical offices enter pharmacies Clinics provide easier access to the diagnoses of an illness by Courtney Light writer
This semester a portion of students may be found at home, covered in blankets, holding a steaming bowl of their favorite soup. Some may discover that they have contracted the seasonal flu, the H1N1 virus, streptococcus or even the common head cold. However, their medical needs become inevitable. As waiting lines become routine, filling local doctor’s offices and hospitals with ill patients, those who think they have an illness may pass bacteria easily and the illness may worsen with passing time. Developed and inserted into CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, Minute (TakeCare) Clinics provide new ways for people to see a nurse practitioner and physical assistances without scheduling an appointment. “I think having the Take-Care Clinics is an easier process for getting care, especially if you need help right away,” said senior Mary Santulli. “It’s easier to just go in and have an appointment on the spot, then have to call and set a date for an appointment.” The Minute (Take-Care) Clinics provide services such as sports and camp physicals, diagnostic testing which includes testing for influenza A and B, and simple wellness check-ups, “I think they are useful because if someone is in a hurry and does not have
CVS’s Minute clinics have rooms where patients can meet with a nurse practitioner to get a diagnoses when a regular doctor’s schedule does not have an opening. The clinic on North Oak opens at 8:30 a.m. and takes patients seven days a week, late into the night and on the weekends. by Kim Shields, photographer
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“They can just go...and be on their way.” sophomore Kayla Rodriguez
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time to wait at a doctor’s office for about an hour, they can just go to a Minute Clinic and be on their way.” sophomore Kayla Rodriguez said. The clinics’ appointments take 15 to 20 minutes, at any of the 34 locations in the metro area. Out of 17 CVS metro locations, 14 provide the seasonal flu vaccines. Five provide the H1N1 shot. Also, out of the 17 Walgreens locations, six provide the H1N1 vaccine and only
one provides the seasonal flu vaccine. “I went to the Walgreens Take-Care Clinic to get the shot we had to get to register back in August, and both of my little sisters went recently to get their check-ups.” Santulli said. Pricing for the clinic vaccines range anywhere from $15 for a flu shot, to $136.99 for the chicken pox vaccine. Check-ups and more simple, non-vaccine appointments range from $20 to $65 depending on the injuries or business conducted. The Walgreens TakeCare Clinic opens at 8 a.m. and the CVS Minute Clinic opens at 8:30 a.m. Both are open seven days a week. Acceptable insurance lists are located on the CVS and Walgreen Minute (Take-Care) Clinic Web sites, www.takecarehealth.com and www. minuteclinic.com.
Students may prefer to use home remedies like various spices instead of taking over-the-counter and prescription antibiotics. by Courtney Light, writer
ria destroying solution. All generic teas hold antioxidants, not herbal and green teas alone. Pinching tea bags after a longer steep time will release more of the antioxidants within the tea leaves, while a cup left out holds less than one freshly steeped. Honey that has simply been filtered, not pasteurized, holds these properties as well, adding an extra boost of them if one uses it as a sweetener. Eating certain foods every day can help fight off an outbreak of illness before it occurs. “Nutrient-dense foods,” said Skelton, “strengthen the immune system and fight chronic diseases.”
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“Nutrientdense foods strengthen the immune system and fight chronic diseases.” dietician Carolyn Skelton
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While many people recognize certain vitamins as potentially helpful in preventing a cold, foods containing a variety of vitamins often yield more potent im-
munity-building results. “Aim for nine [servings] a day,” Skelton said. Consumers can find a variety of foods that aid in fending off illness aside from oranges and their stocks of vitamin C. Bright colors in produce can indicate the presence of such vitamins, Skelton said. Fruits like pomegranate, blueberry and kiwi contribute to the list of vitamindense foods as do pumpkins and tomatoes. Cold season doesn’t always mean extensive trips to the pharmacy with nature’s own prescriptions accessible at the grocery store.
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‘
C
inderella’
transforms dreams to reality Dedication, talent prove worth by Samantha Colhour copy editor Those young and old recognize the name Cinderella from reading the fairy tale over and over. Many versions of the story circulate throughout homes. While it may seem as though one true original exists, all versions bring a new light to make the tale shine once again. The theater department chose Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, a more recent version released, to perform as this year’s musical. The large cast list present within the show allowed for many auditions to take place, with many roles assigned. With more than 40 students in the cast, the musical showcased talented people. “They work really well together,” said vocal music director Chris Droegemueller. “This year especially, I’ve seen so many others, even in the chorus, really helping out as far as taking little groups and practicing choreography when they’re not on stage, and a lot of them helping move set pieces, and they’re more of a unit this
year than they have been in the past. We don’t have a lot of arrogance in the cast yet. I’m proud of them for that.” Along with the camaraderie, the cast also got to participate in some features new to this musical. Droegemueller and theater teacher Stephanie Siers taught the choreography to the students. For many previous years, a paid choreographer took on this role. “We just decided we were going to try to save some money, budget wise. But also both Mrs. Siers and I are both choreographers, so we just decided to do it ourselves,” Droegemueller said. “Plus there isn’t as much choreography in the show, there’s only two big numbers and we just decided to save the money this year. So when we need a choreographer we can hire one possibly next year. “ Each cast member also rented their costumes. With this system, Droegemueller hoped the actors would seem more uniform, creating a show that flowed more effectively. “It’s hard to with the musical Cinderella, it’s hard to have that in your closet,” Siers said. “It’s hard to have a ball gown or a tux or something renaissance-y in your closet and so we had to do costumes that would fit the period.”
On Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Prince and Cinderella , played by juniors Sterling Robbins and Rebekah Bliss dance at the dress rehearsal for this year’s musical, ‘Cinderella.’ “[My favorite part was] dancing with Cinderella and her big poofy dress,” Robbins said. by Kim Shields, photographer
Sterling Robbins listens to his parents, played by senior Thomas Yoder and junior Brooklyn Bowman talk about the ball they decided to throw for him. The trio performed in front of many packed houses. “It’s the first time we’ve ever seen a play almost sell out,” Yoder said. by Kim Shields, photographer The mice hold up their hands in surrender as Cinderella lowers her broom, like an imaginary gun on her wild safari. In the song “In My Own Little Corner,” junior Rebekah Bliss worked with the young children who had the chance to act in the musical. by Jessica Nichols,writer
Cinderella’s stepmother, played by junior Schyler Tate, discusses the aspects of eligible men in the land as she shops at the town square with daughters, senior Gina Drapela and junior Rachel Perkins. by Jessica Nichols, writer Before one of the many dress rehearsals, junior Brooklyn Bowman puts make-up on chorus member senior Amanda Kronk . “The whole process was a lot of fun. We had to work so hard, but we also got to have a lot of fun,” Kronk said. by Kim Shields, photographer The two wicked stepsisters, played by senior Gina Drapela and junior Rachel Perkins, listen to their mother speak about the importance of making good impressions. by Kim Shields, photographer
Standing in front of the giant ‘Cinderella’ fairy tale book, senior Francesca Christiano sings the opening song of the musical. Christiano played the fairy godmother. by Kim Shields, photographer