Northmen's Log, Issue 5

Log

The Northmen’s

Friday, December 10, 2010

StuCo lock in, page 6

Oak Park High School

Issue 5, Volume 46

Annual craft fair shows variety

Junior Will Bolin sings with his guitar in front of the Oak Street bake sale table on Saturday, Nov. 20. “ I love everyone in Oak Street. They’re just a ball. “ Bolin said. Photo by: Kim Green, Photo Editor

By: Lauren Grace Lifestyles Editor Walking through the blue doors, one would never guess they were in school. Instead of students hanging around in the morning, there were tables left to right with crafts from knitted hats to ceramic figures. One might think it just went around the courtyard, but it spread like the roots of

a tree throughout the hallways, in the gym and to the cafeteria.

Saturday, Nov. 20, Booster Club held its annual Craft Fair, a day when crafters with art up their sleeves came to sell their merchandise to the community. One example of the creativity shown in the fair was Lynda Dickey.

She remakes baby dolls and makes them more realistic by adding details

as well as making the doll weigh what a real baby at that size would weigh. “[I have] several things on the list and I go around and see what I like. I am torn between these [dolls]. This is my second year, a friend showed me here, they do a wonderful job,” said shopper Karen Mathes gazing at the dolls.

Dickey has been coming to OP’s Craft Fair for

four years. She only sells the dolls right now but she also does paintings of pets.

“I like the creativity, I can take the same doll, switch out the eyes and create a completely new doll,” Dickey said.

People from all over came to sell and buy and brought their family along with them. Ann Fisher from St. Joseph, brought her two young daughters to shop with as well as helping her mom, Becky Strafford sell football-designed bird houses. Fisher’s oldest daughter Dylan proudly showed off her new stylish hat that a lady handmade with glitter and feathers.

“We wanted to buy girly stuff. Hair bands, fairy wings, for fun,” Dylan Fisher said.

Mother Dorothy Shryock and her daughter Vicki Walters work together and design fashionable aprons combining patterns and designs to create a one of a kind apron.

“It is an old fashioned style that has come back.

It is satisfactory to hear people say it reminds them of their grandparents,” Shryock said.

A grad student at

Start your career today Students prepare for future jobs By: James Coleman Writer “No boring classes, no lectures from teachers, just hands on work with what I like to do” senior Richard Borsella said about the highly recommended program Vocational technical education, Vo-Tech.

Vo-Tech supports two programs; the Career and Technical Education CTEC and also Northland Career Center NCC. Programs accept students in good standing, meaning attendance and grades because you can’t be too behind and succeed in a two year half day program, three absences in a six-week grading period results in a “F” and nine absences in a semester results in a “F” and dropped from the program which is only open to juniors and seniors.

According to counselor Kathleen Mahan it costs each program $4,000 a student who’s accepted and you will earn your normal North Kansas City diploma; you can also still do College prep or Gold Medallion.

“That’s just us knowing that these are great opportunities and if you’re accepted make sure you’re dedicated,” Mahan said.

CTEC offers five courses, and awards you with three practical art credits, and has bus transportation to and from CTEC, which is located on the Central Office Campus. With the economy being shot, it brought CTEC from having eight programs to now with only five losing Carpentry I, II and Housing and Interior Design—advanced.

CTEC has 30 students

from Oak Park this year.

“It sucks losing those courses, one time students in carpentry built a house from ground up with interior designing the inside,” Mahan said.

NCC offers 12 programs awarding with dual credit which is a college credit upon completion of class. And articulated credit which is a college credit after the student completed 15 credit hours at Metropolitan Community College and has up to two years to benefit from the credit held in “escrow.”

CTEC

gram, you have to apply, meet the qualifications and write a personal letter,” Mahan said, explaining there’s not many spots.

Information Tech Academy I, II—College: The other two courses CTEC offers requiring algebra and the courses may also be taken for college credit. Students should have interest in computer repair and networking. This course targets topologies, protocols, and other topics relevant to networking. There is a lot of knowledge gained after completing; and it prepares you for the CompTIA Network + Certification which is worldwide. This counts as a Gold Medallion course.

Borsella, who participates in this for his second year, says he actually enjoys it, and just learning about real-world experiences preparing him for the future other than school. He says he’s not really sure what he wants to do after the program but that it definitely opened his eyes career wise.

“Quiet a bit of freedom, it’s not easy I’m still in band and pre-calculus and couple more classes; it’s just hands on working and being able to fix broken computers, and a lot of people have problems with computers, so knowing how to fix them is a great skill to have,” Borsella said. “This is a growing category in the career world and working on certifications looks great in the business world.”

Automotive Technology I, II, & III: Students in this program are allowed to bring in their own cars to make repairs and adjustments. The work must be relevant to the current class material.

For example, while studying the module on wheels and tires, the students would be allowed to bring their automobiles to the shop for alignment work, and also have the opportunity to job shadow.

This course brings state of the art equipment providing students training in diagnosing and repairing automotive steering, suspension and brake systems with the tools professionals use. Included topics will cover hydraulics, gearing mechanisms, wheels and tires, two- and fourwheel alignment, disc and drum braking operations, anti-lock braking systems, and on-vehicle steering and suspension systems/ components. There are two advanced courses if you’ve completed this Northland Career one.

Center students have the “Due to limited space opportunity to develop available for this pro- technical, interpersonal,

NCC

academic and employability skills required for continuing education and the work force. Even offering a program for students who have special needs.

Health sciences students have the opportunity to shadow various health careers and work in a long-term care facility gaining experience in vital signs, activities of daily living, medical terminology and a lot more valuable and educational skills. You must have transportation to clinics which begin second semester of their first year.

Another course is heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration learning safety, servicing of components and diagnosing electrical and mechanical components. After completing you’ll be giving the EPA Refrigeration Recovery Certification Exam. This is required for employment in this field.

In another program, industrial welding students learn shop safety, blueprint reading, welding symbols and various welding processes.

Students completing the course eligible to become AWS certified.

Then NCC has vocational preparation for special needed students only their sophomore year, helping to find what career best fits them.

NCC’s other programs are marketing, practical nursing, building trades, computer maintenance tech, crime scene investigation law enforcement, culinary arts, diesel tech and early childhood careers.

If interested visit your counselor. January is the beginning of enrolling process.

UMC Shayne Henderson sold hats that she knitted, and with the help from her grandfather they set up a family-oriented table. Henderson says it is a good practice for business management, which is what she is planning on majoring in at college.

“I have learned that I need a cashier; I can’t do change very well yet,” Henderson said.

The money the crafters spent reserving tables goes to the Booster Club. This all started in 1992, when alumna Michele Sanderson and her friend, a Northtowne alumna Ceressa Jackson thought of a way to help OP. “Both of us liked to craft and we were involved with Booster Club to make money,” Jackson said. “We have ran [the fair] for 15 years, both of us each have four kids who graduated here and make sure it still runs.”

Jackson explains how the event first remained in the gym, but now runs through out the hallways.

She says that on an average there are 100 crafters.

“By the third year, it filled the hallways, and now there is a waiting list,” Jackson said. “I am quite proud and excited

it continues, best show so far. It started with the same people that keep coming.”

Other crafters made money for themselves, though for their own reasons. Hi “the Honey Guy” Gensler with his daughter Gail, sold local honey and shared his knowledge of honeybees, from past experience of owning his own honey farm for 25 years before he had his heart attack.

He came that day to raise money for North Care Hospice; he wants to help build a garden in memory of wife Marirose, who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 2008.

They had been married for 66 years.

“She loved flowers.

She was under care at Hospice; this is my way of keeping her memory alive. It is a completion to my wife,” Hi said.

One could meet people with interesting crafts and stories behind them, but the community came together to build OP and had fun not only making money, but spending money on things made from someone who put their heart into making it.

Powderpuff dodgeball gives

Social studies teacher Matt Reynolds defends his team at the teachers’ dodgeball game on Wednesday, Nov. 17. Reynolds said, “ I prepared for the game by watching ‘Dodgeball’ the movie.” Photo by: Kim Green, Photo Editor Members of the junior team ‘Kamikaze’ Kelcie Thomas, Lauren Elmore and Abbey Stockard wait for an opportunity to make their move on their opposing team.

Money and cans of food were used as admission to the game; they were later donated to Harvesters by StuCo. Photo by: Kim Green, Photo Editor

OMDB [oh my dodgeball] members prepare to charge the line at the Powderpuff dodgeball game on Wednesday, Nov. 17. Photo by: Kim Green, Photo Editor

2

Friday, Dec. 10, 2010

page sports

Wrestlers begin battle for state By: Aggie Rieger Editorial Editor

coaching his ninth year, and joining him are four assistant coaches.

“They have the best coaching style in the state, if not nation,” Cody Brewer said.

The coaches also make parents feel safe.

“They’re nice, they really teach kids where they can succeed in the sport,” said parent Keion Johnson.

“I think they are tough and they push you a lot but they really know what they’re doing. I’m really thankful to have them,” said sophomore Jaeger Low, who is wrestling for the first time this year. “I just heard they were good so I thought I’d try it out.”

Many wrestlers on the team started when they were very young and plan on continuing through college.

“It pays for my education,” said Cody Brewer.

Wrestling also provides OP titles and a team to be proud of.

“The main goal is to win a state title. That’s the main thing, but we want to wrestle through every match,” Dustin Brewer said, coaching for his fourth year, “If they wrestle good then that’s a step in the right direction.”

“It’s early yet, but we wrestle pretty well,” he said.

At practice, the room is a buzz with talk about state. After several practice matches, the team is called together to learn techniques and skills.

“Guys, it’s the little

“Shake.

Wrestle,” assistant coach Dustin Brewer hollered throughout the mezzanine. Slaps and slams echoed around the wrestling practice area as team members moved lightning fast and several tired faces shook and turned red, trying to push through the practice matches. Boys grabbed each other’s heads in ways that looked as though they could cause severe damage to the neck.

During the matches, one wrestler followed head coach Tim Rupp to receive care for his bleeding nose.

“Wrestling is harsh, it’s a violent sport just like football,” Rupp said.

However, wrestlers do not take the shots personally.

“In here it’s like a battle. You’re not trying to hurt them. Once we take our shoes off we’re all friends again,” said state title winning wrestler, senior and one of four team captains Cody Brewer.

Practices starting at 4 p.m. after school shows this, as did conditioning.

“My second year here was the first of six state championships in a row.

In 2006 we broke the record of most points scored by a team at state tournament. In 2006 and 2007, we were ranked third in the nation,” Rupp said.

“We haven’t finished lower than second [at state] since I’ve been here.”

Rupp is currently

things that win us state championships,” Rupp said, addressing the team at practice.

Practices last from an hour to an hour and a half.

“We came in, worked techniques and started fighting. That’s how a practice should be,” said senior, state title winner and team captain Gage Harrison.

“It’s tough, but it makes you better,” said senior and fellow team captain Brian Haynes, “We leave everything on the mat every time we go.”

Haynes, Harrison, Cody Brewer and junior Hashem Omari are this year’s team captains, and receive praise from their teammates.

“I like the team captains; they do a really good job. They keep us in order and motivate us,” sophomore and secondyear varsity wrestler Sam Seidel said.

Others agreed.

“They’re helpful with anything, any question you have. They really help you. They’re really good guys and help you a lot,” Low said.

Through the years and experience that made him team captain, Harrison has seen the team change.

“Numbers have gotten smaller, young kids come in tougher and we’re starting to fight more,” Harrison said.

The loss in numbers is substantial.

“We have a new high

During practice on Thursday, Dec. 3, sophomore Cain Salas attempts to pin senior Cody Brewer.

With a sufficient amount of practice, Salas promised to be a highly prospective competitor on the wrestling team. Photo By: Johnna Hensley, photographer

school now,” Rupp said, “There’s just not as many people to pull from.”

Filling rosters has been a challenge.

“This year we didn’t fill a full JV team. We have about six or seven guys on JV. Anyone who can come out and stick with it the whole way through makes the team,” Dustin Brewer said. “We don’t have tryouts, we don’t have enough guys.”

But do not be fooled, wrestling is not a free for all.

“It’s a physically grueling sport that takes a toll physically and mentally,” Rupp said. “For some of us it’s always wrestling season, but organized conditioning started the first day of school. We run stadium stairs, lift weights and do all kinds of things

that are designed to make you cry.”

Wrestlers agreed.

“Conditioning for wrestling is harder than any sport in high school and that’s just conditioning, not the season,” said Haynes, who is not wrestling this year due to an injury.

“There’s always someone who has to sit out,” Rupp said.

At practice, two wrestlers sat out due to skin conditions, yet another of wrestling’s dangers.

“It’s pretty common in wrestling,” Rupp said.

Coaches and wrestlers take preventative measures to protect them from ring worm. Mats are mopped everyday and wrestlers are required to wear clean clothes and to take a shower after every

Young team swims closer to competition By: James Coleman Writer

sort of distanced from the varsity swimmers for being a freshman and a lack of teamwork on the squad in helping instead of competing all the time with one another. Even though she thinks her girls are unbeatable because there such huge competitors even during practice, which isn’t a bad thing, but leaves Drowns nervous for their first meet knowing how athletic some girls are compared to her.

“I’m nervous for my first meet seeing how good the girls are, and just not much confidence since this is my first year,” Drowns said. “But there’s no way I can see the girls lose. They’re so competitive, thank gosh I don’t have to swim against them.”

Freshman Jessica Comer is also nervous because she knows a couple

The girls swim team has gained a lot of confidence with their team practically doubling in size compared to last year.

But without any seniors, fans will have to see how they dive their way into competition.

“I think we have a strong team with a lot of young talent,” varsity junior Jackie Moore said.

There are eight freshman, making up approximately 35 percent of the 22-person team.

Being a freshman and joining a sport can be difficult because one is new and also nervous meeting the other players and wanting to show off your best skills. It’s completely different from little league to high school sports.

Freshman Derian Drowns says she feels

Sophomore Morgan Foxworthy practices on Tuesday, Nov. 31 for the first swim meet of the year. Photo By: James Coleman, writer

swimmers are already better than her. She does have a lot of confidence though with her experience and strong push offs from the wall with a strong lead. Even though she’s swam for eight years, high school swimming is very hard for her, believing practices are longer and tougher, and that there’s a lot more dedication on the team because none of the ladies rarely ever miss practice. Comer explains she hasn’t even missed

practice because with the way they train her she said she feels if she missed a practice she’d come back feeling like she’s never swam before. Comer has a lot of confidence in her team also saying she feels they’re undefeatable.

“No, I don’t have any doubts, we are so dedicated and other than a few injuries were strong,” Comer said “We have the skill, pride and attitude to beat anyone.”

Practices should be

Keep up on all the news!

a way to bring a team together, but with such a big team and having to share practice with Staley, Northtowne and Winnetonka. The team is ready to face these schools since they know a lot about them by practicing next to them. OP doesn’t practice together making the team even more distant.

Varsity practices six days a week, off on Sundays and with some early morning at 5:30–6:30 a.m. and everybody else practices 3:30-5:30 p.m. every day one week and then the next week they’ll practice from 5:30-8 p.m. switching with Tonka.

“Practices in mornings are tiring but worth it, preparing us the best they can, coaches are great,” Moore said.

meal. Also, medication is available to clear up skin conditions quickly. These skin problems occur partly because people often walk across the mats in the mezzanine throughout the day.

At the end of practice, the harsh tone and criticism used throughout practice is absent from the coaches. Instead, they praise wrestlers individually before wrestlers and coaches end practice with everyone giving a handshake to everyone else.

“Remember last year when we went to the state tournament. We wrestled lights out. I’m starting to get that feeling now. Today I started feeling that way,” Rupp said to the team, and the exhausted wrestlers were proud.

A month in sports Boys Basketball Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. vs Staley Tuesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. vs Liberty North Friday, Jan, 7, 7 p.m. vs Platte County Tuesday, Jan. 11, 7 p.m. vs St. Joe Central Friday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m. vs Grandview Girls Basketball Monday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m. vs Grandview Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. vs St. Joe Central Monday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. vs Kearney Monday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m. vs Staley Thursday, Jan. 13 vs William Chrisman Girls Swim & Dive Tuesday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m. vs Park Hill South Tuesday, Jan. 4, 4 p.m. vs Park Hill/Ray Pec Wrestling Tuesday, Jan. 4, 5 p.m. vs Rockhurst

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page 3 opinion

Friday, Dec. 10, 2010

Oakie Opinions

“I’m going skiing in “I’m going to Florida the Canadian Rockies to visit family.” with Big Foot.”

- sophomore Raul -freshman Brooke Reynaga Rhoads

“Probably go to Texas to visit relatives and cat sit for a friend. And gain like 20 pounds.”

-junior Claire Carreon

“Work, spend time with friends and family, prepare for next semester.”

-senior Charles Lindsay

What are you doing over winter break?

Upperclassmen lack initiative By: Jessica Nichols Sports Editor Another Blue in Review announcement about grade level or advisory competitions, and once again, the freshman have reached the top.

What’s happened to the upperclassmen?

Every year, the freshmen win this competition or that contest. The

freshmen have the highest attendance percentage. A freshmen advisory raised the most money for a certain fundraiser or brought in the highest number of cans during the food drive.

Not that there’s anything wrong with this.

However, one may find it depressing that the sophomore, junior and senior classes seem to fall behind

when it comes to helping out. They were once freshmen, so where has the motivation that drives each freshmen class forward disappeared to?

The upperclassmen seem to have lost their drive, but they’re supposed to provide role models for today’s freshmen. They should set the standard, not slack off and stay out of the run-

Watch your mouth By: Aggie Rieger Editorial Editor “You go to Tonka?

Oh, hope you don’t get pregnant,” I said to an old acquaintance as we laughed about our schools. But she did not laugh with me; instead she glared and snapped her fingers in a Z formation, just like in the movies.

“No, no that’s not true and I’m tired of hearing that [insert profanity here],” was her response as she tore down the hallway away from me.

I watched her go calling out that I was just joking, but she just sashayed away. I knew her in middle school and she must have known that I was joking, or at least I assumed so.

“Man, she’s sensitive,” I thought. Then I thought some more. Maybe it was not her that was sensitive, but I that tried to make light of a situation that should not be joked about in her mindset.

Every day we say things that we assume will go over without a stitch.

We do not always think about the seriousness of some subjects to others.

When people react negatively to such jokes, it is not them that are being sensitive, but us that are unsympathetic and ignorant.

Primal examples of this are racial jokes. Promoting such jokes by saying them oftentimes spreads injustice and prejudice, even if we do not mean them to be that

ning. The homework load and activity level may be strenuous compared to that of freshman year, but that does not provide an excuse for students to lose their motivation. The newness of high school has long worn off. Most things are predictable.

Because of the lack of motivation, the competition that once existed between grade levels has

deteriorated. Participating in a competition as an upperclassman seems pointless when very few students choose to get involved. One may think that their money could go to a better cause or that it is not worth it because their class will not win.

Is it not time that the upperclassmen were back on top again? The class competitions could be-

come competitions again.

Even a small amount of participation from the sophomores, juniors, and seniors, would make the contests interesting again.

Then the freshmen would really have something to work towards and maybe, their motivation will stay strong throughout all four years of high school instead of going down the drain the older they get.

Words can hurt

way. Yet, I hear them all the time, all around school and there are only so many times you can say “that’s not funny” before words fall to silent ears.

Words like those above, words like the ones that I said to the girl are hurtful. Just because you know you are joking does not mean that others know that you are, or have the same sense of humor. We are all different, and we should all be a little more sensitive to the thoughts of others.

“Say what you mean and mean what you say,” I guarantee you have seen a poster with those words printed on it. We need to think about these words, and about the words that come out of our mouths.

You and me both.

By: Kaylan Ballard Cartoonist

Holly jolly or a silent night for holiday music By: Kim Green Photo Editor The joy of the holiday season is always Christmas music for me. Every year I wait for Star 102 to start playing Christmas music right after Thanksgiving.

The holiday season just would not be complete without “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

It is easy for all of us to start singing along to our favorite Christmas songs.

There’s classical, rock, pop and country songs for the holiday season. There are even romantic holiday

songs like “All I want for Christmas is You.” And then of course for the kids, there are songs like “Frosty the Snowman” and “All I Want for Christmas Are My Two Front Teeth.”

On Christmas morning, I always listen to music as my family and I open presents and spend time with each other. As we laugh and open presents “Jingle Bells” or “Silent Night” is playing in the background.

The holiday season is not complete without “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” or “Have

Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Christmas songs are all about the wonderful season. And almost everyone can easily relate. It brings back memories of good times with your family, sitting on Santa’s lap and sledding down hills.

I like the upbeat holiday music more over the soft and dainty ones. Songs with a good beat are always best. Songs like “Little Drummer Boy.” Or “Jingle Bell Rock,” which make you simply want to dance.

VS

By: Johnna Hensley Photographer The minute the tunes of Christmas music spill out of the radio, is the minute I turn the station.

If hating Christmas music makes me the “Scrooge” of OP, then so be it.

As a theatre student, strong cheesy lyrics and over-the-top musical numbers would normally be my forte, but in this case, not at all. It seems as though every store, ranging from HyVee to Dillards blares the seasonal songs repeatedly until you practically know every lyric and

chord.

Not only that, but I also believe it is played way too early in the season and should be limited to the week of the holiday itself. Either the songs are too upbeat and gawdy, or they’re slow enough to put you to sleep. However, there is one song that is guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits, “Jingle Bell Rock,” and we’re just going to say that “Mean Girls” has nothing to do with it. So, overall, I will tolerate holiday music, however I don’t want it shoved down our throats.

From the newsroom: Snow days Rolling out of bed to the sound of a blaring alarm clock, slowly placing bare feet against the hardwood floor and glancing out the bedroom window.

Snow. White covers the front yard and still falls from the overcast sky. Rushing to the TV and searching for a news report, school names scroll across. With very little patience, one waits to see NKCSD and then the words reach the box of school’s out for the day. It is a celebration.

As it is December, students begin to

wonder where the snow is and when it will reach Kansas City. After Thanksgiving break and before winter break, one hopes for snow, even if it is only for one day.

Snow days bring a day of relaxation and fun to the stressful last few weeks of the semester. Instead of being stuck in classes, learning something new that will show up on the final, students stay cuddled up in blankets, sleeping

in, and getting up late to explore the white world outside. Calling up friends, students meet in front yards and parks, bundled up in scarves and bulky winter coats. Snow ball fights ensue, snowmen are built and footprints mush the snow.

Students return to school refreshed and not quite ready to go back to a full day of learning. One dreams of being outside in what is left of the snow, but

Log’s View

concentrates on the work put in front of him or her.

The down fall of snow days: coming back to school in the summer. Seniors are lucky, not having to make up after graduation. But those underclassmen get stuck in the classrooms for a few extra days, cutting into their summer vacation and three months of freedom.

Enjoy those snow days. They’re few and far between, helping students get over the mid-year, end-of-semester slump.

The Northmen’s Log Staff &Policies “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.

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Editor-in-Chief Courtney Kelley Photo Editor Kim Green Editorial Editor Aggie Rieger Entertainment Editor Tatyana Pekarsky

Sports Editor & Feature Editor, Business Manager Jessica Nichols

Writers James Coleman Caleb Eissler Lilla Foldi

Lifestyles Editor Lauren Grace

Photographers Kim Green Johnna Hensley Dylan Kinder

Cartoonist Kaylan Ballard

Adviser Christina Geabhart

4lifestyles

Friday, Dec. 10, 2010

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& Juniors graduating early By: Lauren Grace Lifestyles Editor There comes a time when students know exactly what they want to be when they grow up and can no longer wait to graduate, and some choose to do so their junior year. Assistant principal Gary Miller helps students who want to graduate early and explained how anyone interested and determined to work hard and be like Doogie Howser M.D. and move on to the next stage in their life.

Q: How can juniors graduate early?

A: “Juniors first express interest. NKCSD

states that in order to graduate you have to complete four years, graduating early you don’t complete. Though these juniors are an exception, they have to work with a counselor and need a document for legit post plans saying they are admitted into a college or military.”

Q: How do they fulfill all that they need to graduate?

A: “First they have to be within a number of credits by the end and reasonably will have a request review. It’s unusual for juniors to graduate early, but approved juniors’ titles changes them to seniors.”

Q: Do these juniors have to take the ACT or

SAT?

A: “Well, that is usually for seniors. Now if a junior wants to go to a university that requires them to, then they can. Most juniors, who graduate early apprentice for someone, go to a two-year college or the military. Going to Maple Woods, they take the Compass test. Four years is the SAT.”

Theatre no longer a part of Cappies By: Lauren Grace Lifestyles Editor Students who were willing to put their grudge behind them and praise other schools’ muscials were once known as Cappies.

New theater teacher Jeff Baldwin decided the theatre department would not participate in an organization called Cappies, a group of students go to other school’s musicals and rate them and give their preference on how the actors did.

“I think Cappies was obviously a chance to see others’ productions,” said junior Johnna Hensley.

“It was a chance to see what flaws other schools had, and learn from it for the sake of our future productions.”

Though, as much as a tool to the actors, it also had questionable aspects.

Baldwin said there were several reasons, but his primary reason was he didn’t agree how it was organized and held higher standards and did not want to subject his students to this.

Friday, Oct. 12, on the night of the second show, Cappies were informed that they were no longer taking part.

“I understood my decision I didn’t oppose Cappies program, I would like them to change a few things these things need to be reconstructed,” Baldwin said.

Many OP theatre students have participated in the group before. They where planning on doing it this year.

“Cappies is a great outlet for teens to make friends from all over. I still have friends that I met from Cappies season 2009-2010 that I talk to,” junior Madeline Cherrito said. “Even if I am not assigned to a show as a Cappie, if I have friends in it, I will try and make it.

Cherrito saw Excelsior Spring’s and Park Hill’s performances.

“The shows I saw were awesome.

But, of course, I will always have a bias toward ‘Hairspray.’”

“Hairspray” turned out to be so popular; tickets were sold out almost every night. One evening Cappies from Excelsior High came and were not permitted to see the show because there were no more tickets.

“That was a really unfortunate night. I had friends from the Excelsior’s Cappies team coming

“

“That was a really unfortunate night. I had friends from the Excelsior’s Cappies team coming to see me,” junior

Madeline Cherrito

”

to see me, which made me so excited. They knew already that they would not be attending the show as Cappies, which they were fine with. They were just coming to support us.”

Cherrito said. “Later, I told Mr. Baldwin what had happened. He regretted not having tickets for them. He told me that if he had known they were going to come he would have saved tickets.”

Baldwin said he told schools he was not participating and that they if they wanted to come he will save seats.

“Thankfully, all of the Cappies who came had really good attitudes about it. Most of them came back the next night early enough to get tick-

ets,” Cherrito said.

Students who were interested talked to Baldwin and realized that it would not work for OP. “I told students Cappies show students how to critique. At the end, when they show resumes, Blue Star looks better because professionals are awarding us,” Baldwin said.

Cherrito did it last year, and was disappointed to hear they were not participating.

“I agree with his decision to remove Oak Park from Cappies. He had appropriate reasons and causes. If change occurs by next year, I am sure Mr. Baldwin would be more than willing to place Oak Park back into Cappies,” said Cherrito.

Even though it was different for the students in the theatre department not to take part, it also gives them a chance to do more. Money not spent on Cappies can go to new theater equipment.

“No, I am new to it, what was shown [the] impression was not good. I got all the facts and made a list and I had a lot more dislikes and the list kept on growing. As an individual I choose not to do it,” Baldwin said.

Foreign exchange students bid ‘auf wiedersehen’ to the students By: Aggie Reiger Editorial Editor Frieda Kruger has wanted to come to school in America ever since she was young.

“I was on vacation and it was so cool that I wanted to come back and I wanted to have the high school experience because it’s so cool, this American thing, you know,” she said.

Kruger, along with Laura Kuhnt and Lea Schmidt - all from Germany, came for first se-

mester so will be leaving soon.

“Next Monday, we have a last meeting and social event of the semester and so they’re going to talk about their home and have cookies and dessert,” said AFS sponsor Nicole King.

They’ll be missed.

“I’ll miss them.

They’re so fun and funky and always wanting to do stuff. They’ve had a good, fun experience but I think they’re ready to go home,” said AFS member senior Schyler Tate.

The girls will miss America as well.

“I’m really sad because of all the friends; and you get used to everything,” Kruger said.

King agrees that for all of the girls adjusting to American culture has been difficult.

“It’s hard to get in a new situation and adjust, but they’ve done a good job of it,” King said.

“They’re definitely more comfortable with their language skills. [They are] picking up on slang and they’ve learned a lot

about American family life and school system.”

New families were forged.

“I’m going to miss my house family [the most],” said Kruger.

King says the girls have had a positive impact.

“They are very outgoing so they’ve raised a lot of awareness of the fact that we even have foreign exchange students. We’ve gotten a lot of coverage from the journalism department, but even still some Oak Park students

are oblivious to the fact we even have them but with students as outgoing as that, it makes them aware of cultural differences,” King said.

Kruger’s favorite part about her stay in America resulted from her out-going personality.

“The musical because I’ve never done anything like it and it was so great,” Kruger said, “I’ve had no worst experience.”

While Kruger is sad to leave, she is eager to see her friends and family.

“I plan after my graduation in Germany to come back, like a trip to America to visit everybody,” she said.

All of the girls will be missed by AFS and more.

“They have a lot of energy for the different events and activities they’ve done so that will be missed. [They just have] a lot of positive energy,” King said.

“Saying goodbye is going to be really hard,” Kruger said, a sad look on her face.

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Friday, Dec. 10, 2010

entertainment

Entertainment event calender

Zombies shamble onto cable By: Tatyana Pekarsky Entertainment Editor

Concerts Saturday, Dec. 11, Rick Springfield @ The Midland by AMC Wednesday, Dec. 29, Trans Siberian Orchestra @ Sprint Center

Games 12/12 “Super Mario All-Stars” (Wii) 12/14 “LittleBigPlanet: Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves” (PS3) 12/30 “Alive & Undead” (PS3) “Dream Chronicles” (PS3, DS, PC, Xbox360) “Final Fantasy XI: Heroes of Abyssea” (Xbox360, PC) “Final Fantasy XI: Scars of Abyssea” (Xbox360, PC) “Dead Space Ignition” (Xbox360, PS3) “Dead Rising 2: Case West” (Xbox360, PS3) “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II - Endor” (PS3, Xbox360)

Movies 12/10 “The Tourist” “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Trader” “The Company Men” “The Fighter” 12/17 “TRON: Legacy” “Yogi Bear” “How Do You Know”

Zombie movies are great fun. It’s just a shame that they end after an hour and a half or so. I always thought the idea of a zombie TV series was a good one, if it was done right. Director Frank Darabont had the same idea. Thanks to him and the comic book series, “The Walking Dead,” I get a weekly dose of zombies.

“The Walking Dead” is the first zombie-themed TV series to hit America. The gore is about on the same level as any CSI show, while still capturing the gruesome action that most rated ‘R’ movies do.

The show starts with Rick Grimes, sheriff of a small town in Kentucky, ending up in the hospital during a gun fight. He awakes to find the town completely deserted, only the company of dead bodies welcoming Grimes back. He soon meets two survivors - a son and father – before making his way to the Atlanta, Ga., where it’s supposed to be safe. But Grimes finds the city is not at all safe and traps himself in an abandoned tank.

Grimes’ character doesn’t fully develop until he meets up with a larger group of survivors, in which one is beating another. He leaves the coke addict chained to a wall, showing off his leadership and ability to cope with difficult situations. Grimes is por-

American musicians awarded for talents

12/24 “Little Fockers” “True Gift” “Gulliver’s Travels”

By: James Coleman Writer

Books 12/13 “The Gift (Witch and Wizard Series #2)” by James Patterson 12/14 “Entice” by Carrie Jones 12/21 “The Book of Spells (Private Series)” by Kate Brian “The Fourth Apprentice (Warriors: Omen of the Stars Series #1)” by Erin Hunter 12/28 “Secrets to the Grave” by Tami Hoag 1/04 “Awakened (House of Night Series #8)” by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast

American Music Awards, AMA’s, showed on Nov. 21 in Los Angeles, Calif., in the Nokia Theatre, awarding the best and favorite artists and albums of 2010. All of the votes for each category were determined on the votes from the fans.

Best R&B soul album went to Usher with his album Raymond v.

Raymond.

Favorite breakthrough artist went to Justin Bieber, who also

Swift tales of heartbreak and love By: Jessica Nichols Sports Editor “Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

A simple phrase heard at weddings. These words set off the creative mind of Taylor Swift, inventing 14 new songs on her latest album, “Speak Now.” With the same youthful voice, Swift’s lyrics reach out to her listeners. “Speak Now” focuses on the words left unsaid. Once again, she touches on subjects that sit close to the hearts of most young adults: life, love and innocence. The lyrics provide comfort, letting listeners know they aren’t experiencing the events of life on their own.

The music resembles previous albums; with a strong guitar presence and repeating chords that follow the lyrics until a song’s end. “Speak Now” has a country pop feel, merging the two branches of music Swift has found herself popular in.

Though Swift sticks to her style from her self-titled album and “Fearless,” she breaks out of her comfort zone in the song “Haunted.” Hearing her

sing something different brings freshness to the album. The song fits her vocals and she adds the emotion to it that all of her songs possess.

Compared to past albums, “Speak Now” lacks the upbeat songs which can usually be found intermingled with the songs about lost love and innocence. Swift’s hits like “Picture to Burn” normally breakup the songs that drag up old, melancholy memories. With the exception of a few happier tunes which can be found closer to the album’s start, all of the songs on “Speak Now” have lyrics which dwell on heartbreak and other low points in Swift’s life.

For Swift’s fans, “Speak Now” is an album to add to the collection. Swift stays true to her music and herself, which is part of what keeps her fans coming back for more.

For those who don’t like Swift or only like a few of her songs, it’s pointless to go out and buy the album. Swift still sounds the same and her songs still deal with the same subjects: growing up and heartbreak.

“Psych” provides entertainment By: Caleb Eissler Writer Criminal shows have become a huge part of our lives with CSI (and it’s like eight different cities), Criminal Minds, NCIS, and so many more.

These shows tend to be dark, gritty, violent and grim many times. But something about solving the intense, complex mysteries intrigues us and keeps us watching.

Problem is, all of these shows have become more or less the same.

Gritty, bloody and dark.

This all changed when James Roday and Dule’ Hill said let there be light and so Psych was created.

Roday and Hill play Shawn Spencer and Gus

trayed as a caring man who takes the role of leader when needed.

He’ll help any survivor he meets, even if it means putting himself in danger.

While Grimes is certainly the ideal character, he merely plays the role of the true heroic leader.

Like him, most characters fulfill a certain role, though they each have their own story and personality, making the characters seem realistic in the eyes of the audience.

A disappointment of the show is the ongoing, pointless dialogue. Often, characters will talk for minutes straight, and while what they have to say is important, there is also a lot of filler.

The conversation could easily be condensed into half that time with the same important parts explained.

Also, the women of the show are portrayed weak and inferior. While their characters are important and crucial to the plot, they have almost no strength or courage. They don’t fight back and will just stand in the background during the action. A bit disappointing, if you ask me.

Overall, the show has great potential and grabs the audience in from the first episode. While it focuses on the characters more than the gore, the show definitely fills me up with zombie goodness. Personally, I can’t wait for the next season, and anyone who hasn’t seen the first yet needs to watch it.

Guster, respectively, as two best buds working together in a “psychic” detective agency. Psychic is in quotes because they’re not really psychic. Shawn is just really observant and has a photographic memory. He uses this skill to help solve cases with the Santa Barbara police.

Since Shawn and Gus work with the police, they have a few friends there that all bring plenty of laughs. One of these friends is Juliet, Shawn’s squeeze. Their interactions are sure to bring plenty of laughter.

In the midst of all the dark crime shows, “Psych” shines. There’s no other show like it on TV. No crime show can keep you as intrigued, make

you crack up, and leave you as happy as “Psych.”

Between Shawn’s quickwitted humor and Gus’s nicknames and mannerisms you’ll be sure to end the episode smiling.

“Psych” isn’t a new show by any means. It’s been around for several seasons and is in the middle of yet another hilarious and attention-grabbing season.

This show’s got something for everyone. Unlike many of the other crime shows, “Psych” is good for the whole family.

From little kids to grandparents, everyone will get a kick out of “Psych.”

“Psych” is one of the most enjoyable shows on television. In words of Gus, ”I hear that.”

performed “Pray” showing his skills in singing and the piano, which had the whole crowd clapping to his inspirational religious song. Also this was his first Grammy and he became the youngest ever to receive one.

Favorite pop rock band went to Black Eyed Peas who also had a very creative performance out voting Lady Antebellum and TRAIN. Best female country artist went to Taylor Swift which is the third time winning in this category and this being her sev-

enth Grammy.

Best Latin artist went to Shakira surprisingly beating Enrique Iglesias and Daddy Yankee.

Best R&B female artist went to Rihanna, who kicked off the AMA’s singing and dancing great like always, she performed three of her hits “Love the way you lie” (chorus), “What’s my name” and “Only girl in the world” Best country male singer went to Brad Paisley.

Favorite country band went to Lady Antebellum winning their first

Grammy; and also tied with Eminem in the most nominations of five.

Best alternative rock band went to Muse also walking away with their first Grammy.

Favorite adult contemporary artist went to Michael Buble’ and MercyMe winning most inspirational.

Best Soul & R&B male artist went to Usher beating Chris Brown and Trey Songz.

Favorite Country Album went to Carrie Underwood with her album “Play On.”

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page photo essay

Senior Andrew O’Neil, junior Matt Schoenrode, sophomore Jen Stock, senior Haley Cope, and junior Katie Reschulte participate in the lock-in on Friday, Dec. 3. Photo By: Dylan Kinder, Photographer Student Council gathered on Friday Dec. 3. The students and stayed at the Gashland Presbyterian Church between 8 p.m.-6 a.m. The group planned for next semester’s events, played games and more. Photo By: Kim Green, Photo Editor Student Council president senior Haley Cope explains to the StuCo lock-in group their next activity. Photo By: Kim Green, Photo Editor Student Council advisor Brian Edinger tosses around a football before the lock-in. This is Edinger’s first year as StuCo advisor. Photo By: Kim Green, Photo Editor

StuCo locked in

Seniors Ashley Peralta, Melissa Youngberg and Jessica Dorrel and junior Riley Buckler participate in another activity during the lock-in on Friday, Dec. 3. Photo By: Dylan Kinder, Photographer Senior Savannah Peterson and junior Katie Reshulte play one-on-one basketball during the StuCo lock-in at Gashland Presbyterian Church. Photo By: Dylan Kinder, Photographer

Friday, Dec. 10, 2010