East High Messenger Vol. 117 issue 10

WICHITA HIGH SCHOOL EAST

April 1, 2010 VOLUME 117, ISSUE 10

MESSENGER 2301 E. DOUGLAS AVE., WICHITA, KS 67211 // EHSMESSENGER.COM

STUDENTS DIRECT ONE ACT PLAYS - 3 PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADS HAVE NEGATIVE EFFECTS - 6 TIPS FOR PROM NIGHT - 10 ‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’ REVIEW - 11

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April 1, 2010

WICHITA HIGH SCHOOL EAST

MESSENGER ON THE COVER

Gaylon Nickerson, sr., and the rest of the senior class celebrate their victory in the spirit stick competition at the March 22 pep assembly.

CASSIE FAGEN, PHOTOGRAPHER

STAFF Editors-in-Chief John Camenzind Jeremy Koehler

Webmaster

NEWS East organizations raise money for Haiti A

s a part of the school wide Haiti relief effort, administrators, StuCo and Tri-M planned events to contribute to the cause.

Teachers and groups of administrators bid on administrators to substitute in the classroom for the entire day. The bidding for administrators raised over $1,500.

“The opportunity to interact with students, apart from issues that might occur in the office is refreshing and rewarding. The teaching and learning interaction is something I have always missed

after moving into administration,” Steven Shook, IB coordinator, said.

StuCo held the Ancient Aces Spring Fling prom court in which teachers campaigned for prom queen and king. Danielle Schmitz, history instructor, was crowned queen and Michael Boykins, history instructor, was crowned king. The entire process raised $3,044.

In another event to benefit Haiti, Tri-M will host Harmony for Haiti, April 2 in the east auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will cost $7 and $5 for students.

JENICE DUONG, WEBMASTER

Harmony for Haiti will feature performances by East students. All proceeds will go towards a reliable organization involved with the Haiti relief effort.

“Planning the concert was a little stressful, but the club is full of motivated people who worked hard to help bring this about,” Tri-M president, Sara Wilkes, jr., said.

“I’m very excited for the concert.”

Up to this point, East has raised over $12,000 for Haiti.

Jenice Duong

Advertising Manager Savana Cross

Reporters

Ian Bailey Damien Gilbert Emma Gillespie Lauren Graber Evan Gottstine Aaron Heil Salman Husain Violetta Lopez Ashley Matthews Brae Miner Donald Pepoon Suhayla Sibaai Jessica Thomas Victoria Tran Colin White

Head Photographer Ashley Matthews

Staff Photographer Danielle Dame

Videographers Jacob Faflick Monique Levy

EDITORIAL POLICY “The Messenger” is published in print every two to three weeks, except during vacations, by the Journalism staff of Wichita High School East, 2301 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67211. The Journalism department can be reached at (316) 973-7275 or by fax at (316) 973-7224.

Steve Shook, administrator and IB coordinator, and Pann Pichetsurnthorn, sr., participate in the moose game while Shook substitutes for David Shelly, Spanish instructor, March 11. Shelly bid for Shook. ASHLEY MATTHEWS, HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

In Memorium Yuna Choi

Yuna Choi, soph., died March 15, 2010, as a result of a car accident. She is survived by her father, Eun-Seo Choi and her sister, Hana Choi, soph.

Her mother Kyoung-Yeon Chae and brother Seo-Won Choi also died March 15. Funeral services were held for all three at First United Methodist Church, March 19.

While at East, Choi partici-

“The Messenger” staff will publish news, entertainment, features and sports in an unbiased and professional manner and serve as a public forum for the students of Wichita High School East.

Letters to the Editor may be submitted to room W301 or by fax, and must be signed, legible and concise. The staff reserves the right to edit letters to conform to “Messenger” style. Baseless accusations, insults, libelous statements, obscenity, and letters which call for a disruption of the school day will not be considered for publication.

“The Messenger” is the official student newspaper of Wichita High School East and it is distributed free to students. The opinions expressed in this publication reflect those of the student writers and not the Board of Education or Wichita High School East administration, faculty, or adviser.

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pated in Concert Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and Korean Fan Dance club. Choi was also a member of the golf team and the swim team, helping them to win the 2009 City League Championship meet.

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April 1, 2010 NEWS Drama department prepares for spring play after one acts

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tudents have a rare opportunity to take the seat of Derrick Gronewold, drama instructor, to direct their vision for the stage.

The one act plays were performed March 5-6 at 7:30 p.m. with a variety of plots and actors. Seven plays were performed including “15 Minute Hamlet,” “There Shall Be No Bottom,” “Chocolate,” “The Game,” “The Sequel,” “Naomi in the Living Room,” and “Arabian Nights.”

The plays allowed students to direct as well as act.

“I got to use my creative juices like never before,” Kim Truong, sr., said.

Truong, who has acted in the one act plays for the past two years, learned about another side to theater: directing.

“Every aspect of the production, from blocking to inflection to costuming was up to me,” Truong said.

“Keaton Jadwin, jr., my assistant director, and I added a few humorous things not stated in the script such as the use of a stuffed penguin and a stage manager’s clipboard reading ‘Actors Suck.’”

The one act plays vary from other shows put on by the drama department.

“I like the one acts because it gives the students an opportunity

VICTORIA TRAN, REPORTER

to see what it is like to direct instead of just acting,” Justin Malter, soph., said.

The one acts style differs from the plays and musicals performed.

Plays are short and more informal and the audience gets the thrill of watching more than one play on one night.

“I enjoy one acts because they are very casual,” Christi Lewis, soph., said. “You get to see productions that are not strictly G’s (Gronewold’s) style because most of them are student directed.”

They are an opportunity for students who are not usually involved in productions to take their shot at stardom.

“For students who normally do not get roles in our major productions, the one act plays are a great opportunity to improve their acting skills in front of a sizable audience,” Truong said.

The one act plays are also a great way to make new friends and gain fun high school experiences.

“I love East theater because everyone is so nice and inviting,” Lewis said. “They try to make sure you are included, especially when you’re new. Around East theater kids, I get to be my odd and quirky self.”

Justin Malter, soph., performs in the one act plays, March 6. PHOTO COURTESY OF DERRICK GROneWOLD, DRAMA INSTRUCTOR

PLAY PREVIEW Flowers for Algernon

Flowers for Algernon will be perfomed April 9 during secnd and third hours in the west auditorium, due to block scheduling on April 8. Evening performances will be April 9-10 at 7:30 p.m.

of Charlie, a mentally retarded man, who undergoes experimental surgery to raise his intelligence. The play goes on to describe his life after the experiment and his new relationships with those around him.

Plot

Cast

“Flowers for Algernon” is a play adapted from the short story by Daniel Keyes. The play tells the tale

Many students from the One act plays return to star in ‘Flowers for Algernon.’

Cast members include

Professor Nemur-.........Harper Bottorff Dr. Strauss.....................Kate Freeman Alice Kinnian.........................Alex Gates Burt Seldon........................Aaron Elliott Charlie Gordon..............Keaton Jadwin Nurse Doris ..................Jennifer Wiebe Frank..................................Ian DePriest Gina.............................Kassiani Menas Mrs. Donner.................Jessica Wiemer Joe ..................................Andy Schmidt Mother.........................Keegan Hughes Father .................................. Ian Bailey

Young Norma.............Kelsey Pressnall Teen Aged Charlie..............Sam Oleson Bernice....................Rachelle Feuillerat Connie..........................Emma Crabtree Chairlady...........................Audra Bryant Mrs. Mooney..................Erin Isherwood Mrs. Nemur..................Amy Knoblauch Mr. Harvey.....................Tommy Nguyen Jackie Welberg .......... Andrea Sanders Anne Welberg ..................Emily Jenson Norma ...............................Cora Kilgour

Students look forward to second annual Aces in the Community SCHEDULE

Wednesday (April 7):

8:20-12:10 - Aces in the Community/ lunch 12:10-1:20 - 3rd hour 1:27-1:53 - ACE Time 2:00-3:10 - 7th hour

Thursday (April 8): 8:00-9:13 - 1st hour 9:20-10:33 - 4th hour 10:40-11:53 - 2nd hour 11:53- 12:37 - Lunch 12:37-1:50 - 5th hour 1:57-3:10 - 6th hour

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COLIN WHITE, REPORTER

or the second year in a row, the potential to help the community while also allowing students a change from the ordinary school day is approaching.

Aces in the Community, a school wide event that will take place on April 7, involves Ace Times benefitting the Wichita community.

To accommodate Aces in the Community as well as testing requirements, the schedule for Wednesday and Thursday will be changed

With such activities such as helping out at childrens’ homes or freshening up a local park, Aces in the Community has proved itself to be a fun and rewarding experience, both to the individuals and the area.

“Aces in the Community is a good way to help out the community of Wichita through the work outside of school,” Gabriel Salazar, soph., said. Salazar’s Ace time, led by Shelby Griffith, will help with the refreshment of College Hill Park, not far from the school

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grounds.

Examples of this year’s activities include a visit to Washington Elementary by the Ace time of Doug Biggs, volunteer work at the Kansas Food Bank by Mary Chambers’ class, and work at Trees for Life by the students under Maria Cicenas.

“It’s a pretty tight thing though sometimes we need more direct and helpful activities,” Sagar Patel, jr., said. “I think we need more of a specific focus.”

NEWS 4Scientist builds new fuel cell, large companies sold on idea April 1, 2010

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company in California thinks that they have the next great energy breakthrough: a slice of baked sand painted black and green.

K.R. Sridhar, a scientist with Bloom Energy, has invented a fuel cell made from ceramics that can take in any fuel, and oxygen and produce electricity via chemical reaction, known by most as the Bloom Box. Sridhar has been working on this for the last 10 years. It started as a device to allow astronauts to breathe oxygen on Mars. However, the Mars mission was scrapped, so Sridhar made a way to make his machine take in oxygen instead of emitting it.

Sridhar’s fuel cell comes in stacks several cells thick. The cell is fed oxygen on one side and fuel on the other and the two meet and react in the middle, producing electricity.

To power his project, Sridhar needed money so he went to investor John Doerr who has discovered and invested in such revolutionary companies as Google and Amazon.

In an interview with “60 Minutes”, Doerr said, “New energy

AARON HEIL, REPORTER

technologies could be the largest economic opportunity of the 21st century.”

Large businesses agree with Doerr. Google, eBay, Wal-Mart, FedEx, and 16 other big corporations have already purchased Bloom Boxes for their compounds.

Doerr and Sridhar believe the Bloom Box will one day replace modern power sources. and hope not only to sell to extraneous entrepreneurs, but also to individuals.

Sridhar claims that one block of his new devices will power one European home, two will power an American home, those same two will power four Asian homes, and possibly six in India.

Bloom Energy has its skeptics, though.

Michael Kanellos, editorin-chief of the environmentalfriendly website, GreenTech K.R. Sridhar’s new invention is expected to one day replace coal-burning power plants, Media, doubts that the Bloom like this one. PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS Box will work out.

When asked in an interview what it can be,” Sridhar said, also percent. But it will say G.E.” with “60 Minutes” about the in an interview with “60 Minutes”.

Sridhar remains optimistic chances that most families will “Not as it is.” though. have a Bloom Box in their base“It’s about seeing the world as ment in 10 years, Kanellos said, “20

NHS sponsors dodgeball tournament, donate proceeds to Choi family

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Matt Mally, sr., participates in 2009 dodgeball tournament. JUAN, RIVERA, PHOTOGRAPHER

ational Honor Society will sponsor the Second Annual East vs. Southeast Dodgeball tournament April 3 at 1:30 p.m. in the west gym. Ashley Murphy-Lehman, sr., and Sarah Yun, sr., are the event coordinators.

Only upperclassmen will be participating, with six teams on each side of the bracket and six people on each team. They will be participating in double-elimination rounds.

The $30 per team fee will be donated to the Choi family fund this year to pay for expenses incurred by the car accident that resulted in the death of three family members

SUHAYLA SIBAAI, REPORTER

and the severe injury to one member. Funds will be directly sent to Chicago. Concessions will additionally go to the Choi family, however, admission to watch the tournament is free to those not participating.

Proceeds were initially to benefit project graduation, but after the accident the Choi family faced, coordinators decided to change the cause.

The funds from last year also went towards the death of a student.

“I’m glad were able to do something for the Choi family,” Murphylehman said. “I’m happy about the way it’s going this year, and how much smoother it’s being put together than last year.”

MILES HOGAN, CARTOONIST

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April 1, 2010 EDITORIAL FOX News not acting the part of respectable news agency IAN BAILEY A

news network is not an advertising agency.

Respectable news sources try to keep reports strictly subjective, but it has become more apparent that FOX News network is anything but.

The most blatant example of lax reporting came with the 2009 Tea Party protests, in which FOX anchors openly endorsed the rallies.

TaxDayTeaParty.com lists Fox News contributors Michelle Malkin and Tammy Bruce as “Tea Party Sponsors,” as well as being sponsored by American Solutions for Winning the Future, whose general chairman is Fox News contributor Newt Gingrich.

It seems difficult to do an unbiased news report (which is the purpose of respectable news networks) if the subject is being advertised.

CNN reporter Nick Sanchez pointed out this hypocrisy, berating FOX News for crossing the line between reporting on an event, and endorsing an event.

“We did cover the event,” Sanchez said. “What we didn’t do was promote the event. Just like when thousands marched on Washington to protest the war in Iraq, we covered it as well, probably less than we covered this event. But we didn’t promote it.”

More recently, Bill O’Riley defended the integrity of the network, blasting guest Jon Stewart and claiming the network clearly labels its opinion programs.

Here’s a wakeup call for O’Riley: when a show heralds to be the “NoSpin Zone” on a network that is “Fair & Balanced,” where opinions are contorted into a factual appear-

ance, this is bound to confuse FOX’s viewers into thinking they are watching a reliable and legitimate news source.

And what viewers they have.

According to a poll by Public Policy Polling, 49 percent of Americans say they trust Fox News, with the figure split between 74 percent of Republicans and 30 percent of Democrats.

The polling group itself is hardly left-leaning. The president of Public Policy Polling, Dean Denham, said “That people see the network as trustworthy is worrying in terms of the future of reasoned debate in America. A lie screamed loudly will trump a truth spoken quietly.”

Although the evidence given is constrained to the Tea Party coverage, examples of shoddy reporting and unprofessional journalism run

REPORTER rampant throughout the FOX News channel.

Unfortunately, there will never be enough space to list everything.

But perhaps this editorial is just liberal drivel. Nothing more than propaganda that panders to the “liberal elitists” that Anne Coulter loves to rave about. But there is no denying that the majority of FOX programs are comprised of opinion shows that masquerade as legitimate news. And that is nothing but unethical journalism.

Failure of bill would have encouraged politics of fear B

y now all the pundits have weighed in on the historical significance of the health care bill being signed into law.

The bill’s supporters laud it as the accomplishment of the generation, as something that proves that American government can still solve problems. Detractors are now pushing for repeal and claim that passage of the bill was political suicide for the Democrats.

Instead of jumping into this fray, let us consider the results if health care had failed to pass. The implications and effects would have been far-reaching and drastic.

It would have been a monumental victory for the Republicans, but a loss for civil discourse in America.

It would be a victory of cynicism over hope, fear-mongering over truth, playing politics over working towards the best solution.

There are many legitimate and reasonable objections to have about this health care bill. It does

increase government interference in American life, it does increase taxes, it does not include tort reform, it will probably raise the deficit to even more astronomical levels.

Unfortunately these reasonable voices were drowned out by lies, fear-mongering, and flaming rhetoric from all parts of the Republican party, not just the fringes.

Consider that Sarah Palin, Tea Party hero but also former GOP vice presidential candidate, encouraged the flat-out lie about “deathpanels” being in the bill.

The Republicans wanted to put her a heartbeat away from the presidency.

Republicans all around the party claimed that the bill would lead to a government takeover of health care and decrease freedom in our country. Simply not the case.

This nonsense is not limited to the right-wing fringes of the Republican party. It is time we hold the

whole party responsible, in both the voting booth and the media.

Take John McCain, the Republican’s presidential nominee. In response to the bill’s passing he told Sean Hannity of Fox News he will no longer work with the Democrats - on anything - until the next election. He hopes that the Democrats will be voted out of office as punishment for passing health care.

While this may work out for him and his party politically, the idea of refusing to work with someone just because things did not go his way is childish and has no place in Washington.

Unfortunately, most GOP arguments against voting for health care revolved around politics (the claim that a “yes” vote was political suicide) rather than the bill itself.

Republicans gave up the opportunity to help shape one of the most influential pieces of legislation in US history, one that will affect the whole country years into the

JOHN CAMENZIND

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF future, for the chance play politics and clog up the system. Desperate for bi-partisanship, Obama offered them a chance to add ideas.

Their only idea: start over.

Republicans essentially abdicated their responsibility to govern the country and work toward solutions.

It is clear that politics - beating the Democrats - are most important to them. This is irresponsible.

Thankfully health care passed and this kind of thinking did not emerge victorious.

In the next round of elections the American people must now hold the Republicans responsible for it.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR I am writing in response to an article (Feb. 11, “Anti-abortion commercial inappropriate for Super Bowl”) that that criticized CBS for playing an anti-abortion commercial during the Super Bowl but rejecting a commercial from a dating website targeted for the homosexual community. I dis-

agree with the statements expressed about the commercial, which I found to be perfectly acceptable. CBS is a privately owned company and therefore has the right to air the commercials they choose without criticism.

The commercials they chose were too diverse for comparison. The two that

were rejected were advertisements submitted by private companies to augment their profits, not to raise awareness on an issue. Furthermore, the two issues compared are virtually unrelated. Furthermore, the two issues compared are virtually unrelated. In regards to the offensive nature

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of the commercial expressed, I would simply like to ask if the commercial is offensive because it causes society to consider the consequences of allowing their babies to live. If the answer to this is yes, I feel the commercial is justified.

ANA ANDERSON, SOPH.

EDITORIAL 6Prescription drug commercials a problem for Americans April 1, 2010

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young woman sits by a window with a depressed look and then the next scene she is having a good time. The advertisement is a commercial for an antidepressant drug.

The commercial is an example of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA). DTCA is the promotion of prescription drugs through newspaper, magazine, television, and internet marketing. Currently DTCA is legal in two countries: the US and New Zealand.

When it comes to advertising, policies must be followed. Under the Federal Trade Commission Act, advertising must be truthful and non-deceptive, advertisers must have evidence to back up their claims, and advertisements cannot be unfair.

An advertisement is unfair if it causes or is likely to cause substantial consumer injury, which a consumer could not reasonably avoid and it is not outweighed by the benefits to the consumer. However, with these strict guidelines negative aspects to advertisement still occur.

Critics of DTCA say that drug advertising is primarily emotional in style and underestimates the bad side effects, which is misleading.

The picture for the ads is appealing while the potentially serious side effects are buried in the fine print.

The critics also say the benefits of the drug are overstated.

Surveys reveal that people who see DTCA ads are more likely to request the drug and request that it be prescribed. The drug ads usually

cause people to pick medication based on the effectiveness of the advertisement rather than the effectiveness of the medicine.

Surveys also reveal that 70 percent of the time doctors will prescribe the drug, which shows that doctors are easily manipulated by drug advertisements too.

Most drug commercials follow the same script progression. First, the commercial shows how bleak life was for a person before taking the drug, then the person tells or shows how wonderful life is while on the drug. Next, a voiceover at the end of the commercial lists the side effects as quickly and inaudibly as possible.

DTCA commercials usually have

pre-primed doctors promote the campaign. This results in overdiagnosis of a condition and the inappropriate use of prescription drugs, even when non-drug treatments are as or more effective.

The result of this over-diagnosis leads the DTCA to unnecessarily drive up the overall cost of healthcare without improving the health of those treated.

Pharmaceutical companies have increased the billions of dollars they spend on advertisement, showing the effectiveness of the campaigns.

These advertisements are working too well because average number of people in the U.S. with prescription drugs have increased from 7.3 in 1992 to 10.4 in 2000.

DONNIE PEPOON, EDITORIAL CARTOONIST

ASHLEY MATTHEWS

REPORTER Along with this increase is the shift towards the use of more expensive medications. It is not just a coincidence that many of the expensive drugs happen to be the ones most heavily advertised.

However, the drug advertisement has benefits. The DTCA advertising helps educate consumers of potential conditions and encourages people to see their doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Even if a person sees an ad on television does not mean they will take the drug. Consumers have access to physicians, pharmacists, the internet, and medical literature to educate them more about the medication.

Overall, counties have a reason why they ban DTCA; it does more harm than anything else. Like all profit making companies, the DTCA seems to be only interested in making money and not helping people.

Either DTCA needs to be banned to avoid any more harm to consumers, or the consumers need to ignore the commercials. People in America need to approach their doctor when they believe there is a problem.

School system must lessen emphasis on passing all students regardless of effort

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o child left behind. While it may have stemmed from good intentions on former President Bush’s part, it became an utterly failed attempt to educate the youth of this nation.

America’s education system is undoubtedly fundamentally flawed, while there is also vast misplaced value on education. Inherent in students’ widespread disregard for school, is the system in which they have been brought up in throughout their educational career, allowing their lack of importance for school.

America, prideful of its position as the number one world super power, should be ashamed of its 30th ranking in the world’s educational systems. This is a sheer embarrassment for one of the world’s most advanced nations.

A clear discrepancy exists between students’ dedication to learning in the United States and

other advanced nations. In altruistic efforts to “leave no child behind” it seems as though the youth of this nation have been adversely affected. Our system is plagued with the idea of catering to the lowest needs.

By trying to ensure that every student passes each subject and class, we create a system in which we are insufficiently covering pertinent knowledge. This knowledge would make the United States more globally competitive.

It seems as though it has become more pressing to pass each student rather than hold students to a higher standard at which they will feel truly accomplished when they reach.

This is done even if it means lessening the amount of material covered, permitting notes on tests, allowing excessive amounts of time for a single unit, and other methods of “teaching” that just don’t force

the actual learning and retaining of material.

Repealed tests, excessively light workloads, and lower standards for quality of work are far too often glorified. Teachers expect to be and are greatly appreciated by students in making things easier, but in the long run one can hardly consider their lack of knowledge as ‘making things easier.’

Instead of the idea that if the bar is set too high, students will not be able to meet it, the mentality should be that the place the bar is set at is simply what students should be expected to know in order to advance both in school and in life.

In order to pass each student along from grade to grade by lowering standards, we are inevitably harming two classes of students: those who are already at an intellectually advanced level and become bored and those students

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SUHAYLA SIBAAI

FOR THE STAFF who have the capacity to significantly expand their intellectual capabilities, but are not able to be challenged and exercise their skills to the fullest.

As a nation first to critique other countries’ political systems, human rights, economics, and various other problems, we should be adopting some of those same countries’ educational systems and standards. Mediocrity cannot suffice for a country with the advancement and global influence that the United States has.

EDITORIAL School budget cuts heading in wrong direction DONNIE PEPOON H igh school memories generally include playing on a sports team or taking part in a school’s art program. With the school district facing deep budget cuts, that might change.

Facing a $25 million deficit, the school board looks to cut areas beyond textbooks or a few school items. They are now forced to cut activities that will directly affect students.

The aspect of severe cuts to the athletic or music department is unappealing to say the least, but these cuts could also greatly affect other aspects of the school. Other departments that would receive cuts include driver’s education, drama, debate and forensics, journalism, and JROTC. Cutting these activities will have deeper effects on students besides just not allowing them to participate in them. For many students, their primary or only motivation for attending and working hard in school is participation in extracurricular activities.

One of the more radical ideas proposed is a shorter school year.

As a student, the thought of a shorter school year or week sounds appealing for the sheer aspect of

having less school. But considering how it would likely require less material to be taught during a class, it would not be worth it.

Another disadvantage to having a shorter school year is that it would require longer school days.

For students participating in extracurricular activities, there is hardly enough time to get everything done in a day as it is. By extending the school day, those students would either be unable to keep up with homework or have to drop an activity they enjoy.

While the cuts have to go somewhere, why should they to hurt the students? USD 259 should look more into fundraising options and cutting classes that have little practical value to students. Do students really need to take classes that offer no tangible value and are simply there to be fun and easy?

Several classes that the district offers have no real educational value and are simply there to be “fun” classes or easy A’s. While taking unique, interesting classes is fun, they should not be there taking up funding when more important areas are being cut, and staff members are getting laid off.

Another idea to reduce spend-

REPORTER ing is to lay off staff. The plan looks to cut teachers on all levels of education, and cut librarians from elementary schools. Cutting staff will be a last resort plan, of course, but positions such as librarian at the elementary level should have less staying power than teachers.

USD 259 is doing their best to trim the fat of school spending, and to their credit they are taking out disposable areas such as elementary school field trips and “team time”, but other areas such as music, art and physical education are important to not only the school, but the students themselves.

USD 259 needs to look at all their options before making a decision on what to cut and consider cutting the impractical things before going after the areas students truly care about, such as sports or an arts program.

Tacky commercials ineffective, push target audience away

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ut of all the things seen on TV—the sitcoms, the crimes shows, and the sporting events, the most embarrassing and gut wrenching scenes are locally made commercials.

Unless local advertisers have special knowledge that using annoying children and chicken suits will magically entice consumers to buy cars, these commercials are pointless and distasteful. Tacky commercials do not get people to buy their products and they give the city a bad image.

Local commercials lack focus, class, and appeal. Until scientists can prove that having red faced men yell at you triggers the part in your brain that wants to buy a car, businesses should stop trying to boost their sales with such commercials.

They also lack in quality compared to national commercials.

Commercials get attention for their witty banter, enjoyable attentiongetting ploys, and unexpected twists. People love watching Super Bowl commercials because they have these elements. Even crass commercials appeal to the audience without being overly offensive or dramatic.

However, local commercials are weird and frightening. They can usually be characterized into three types: commercials that attempt to appeal to the average individual (See? She is a teenage girl in a band and she eats Spangles!), commercials that consists of a man in a suit spouting out deal after deal while there is someone in a seasonal costume dancing beside him, and commercials where people fail miserably at being funny.

These unoriginal commercials rarely help the business gain a larger consumer base. Most of them actually make a person want to buy the product less.

Most times, when someone is watching a locally produced commercial, they are not tempted to buy a car because of dancing chickens or red faced businessmen.

Usually, they see the commercials for what they are, pathetic attempts at boosting profits in an ailing economy.

Yes, some products are sold because of tacky infomercials or because of a shouting man (the late Billy Mays definitely serves as an example). While local commercials attempt to play off of this successful idea, they somehow end up

VICTORIA TRAN

REPORTER looking like unedited clips smashed together into something that remotely resemble a commercial.

Not only do local commercials give each business a bad name, it also makes our town and state look bad as a whole. From all of these local commercials, we can naturally assume that all Kansans are cowboys. When a car dealership owner makes his children dress up in hideous outfits to sell cars, it makes Wichita as a whole, look like a badly made home video.

Unless advertisers want to subject their audience to more years of torturous local commercials, they should finally get the message: these ads do not sell. Until businesses get a better creative team and make more appealing commercials, they should not put something on the air just to have something on the air.

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April 1, 2010

Letter to the Editors LUCY ORSI, JR.

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homas Jefferson once asserted that the most effective means of creating a sustainable free society is “to illuminate, as far as practicable, the minds of the people at large.” In other words, the main purpose of our education system should be to form critically thinking young adults who have the ability to productively question authority.

With this idea in mind, I would like to discuss the problems with Mr. Smith’s letter (Feb. 26 - “Letter to the Editors” regarding the article “Faculty, students must show respect”).

In Mr. Smith’s article, the majority of his points are unrelated to Salman’s editorial. In Salman’s article, he pointed out the “guilty until proven innocent” mindset with which many teachers treat students is in direct contrast to Jefferson’s vision. He never once claimed that this attitude is a larger issue than students being disrespectful; he was simply pointing out a problem, to which Mr. Smith responded “well here’s another problem.” Furthermore, the disrespectful situations Mr. Smith encounters in his classroom are entirely different from Salman’s reaction to the librarian.

Sadly, the librarian missed an opportunity to fulfill Jefferson’s goal.

Instead of fostering the questioning mind, she shut down communication using the all-powerful “it’s a rule because it’s a rule.” We should be embracing as allies people like Salman. Encouraging an inquisitive mind is key to developing our youth into productive citizens that understand rather than blindly follow.

Finally, though disrespect of students towards teachers happens more often, the number of these incidences is irrelevant when looking at the wider ramifications of the issue. A disrespectful student at most disrupts the class, but disciplinary action quickly resolves the problem without further consequences.

However, when teachers disrespect students, they cut off communication and hinder their relationship with that student and others, which has much more long-lasting consequences. Furthermore, especially in the case of the librarian, the teacher has stopped Jefferson’s ideals dead in their tracks. She stopped the line of questioning, resulting in a kid that accepts rules because they are rules. As a historian, it seems like Mr. Smith, of all people, should know the consequences of that.

8

Spring Fashion

FEAT

April 1, 2010

It’s not so much about the clothing item anymore; it’s the pattern. Whether it’s on a skirt, shirt or your shoes, it’s a big deal.

Walk on it:

Boots Gladiator sandals Converse with bold print, solids are boring.

Moccasins Something that’s really popular is decorating your own shoes. You can use paint, glitter, fabric or whatever else you want. Show off your artistic abilities and be in style at the same time.

DO:

Carry it:

Wear it:

Canvas bags, no matter what the style, are very big this season. Many people are decorating them with buttons and markers. But you could take it as far as patches and paint.

Multi-print tops T-shirt dresses Pleated skirts Cardigans Hoodless, pocketless sweat shirts Skinny jeans Ripped, holey, bleached shorts.

1. Pair vibrant patterns with basics like a gray t-shirt or jeans.

2. Mix cute little dresses with grungy looking jackets and jeans.

3. “Wear pastels and florals.” -Laura Ramos, soph.

4. Wear clothes that actually fit you.

5. “Leggings with form fitting dresses.”

-Sasha Beard, jr.

6. “Sun dresses and gladiator sandals.”

-Cierra Carter, fr.

7. “Wear dressy shirts and jeans.”

-Desiree Bryant, fr.

8. Wear Cardigans over plain tee shirts.

9. Wear highwaisted skirts.

10. Wear loose jeans, these are usually called “boyfriend jeans.”

1

2

3

4

5

6

Sporty Chic

Popular patterns

Animal print

Sarah Hagerty, fr. models her canvas backpack

Even if you’re not out on the field, you can still dress like a pro signers have playfully incorporated the style of sportswear into everyday clothes. Wearing athletic brands with your simple clo is really big this season. For example you could wear a Nike ja and some jeans. Some other combinations are athletic shorts and Sperrys, Adidas pants and a regular t-shirt, or even something as simple as just wearing jeans and athletic brand shoes.

Floral print

Floral print skirt

www.ehsmes

9

TURE EMMA GILLESPIE, REPORTER VIOLETTA LOPEZ, REPORTER DANIELLE DAME, PHOTOGRAPHER

n

April 1, 2010

Conservitive

VS.

Skimpy

Guys speak out about girls who dress inappropriately

DON’T: 1. Wear too much neon, it’s a no-no.

See DO #1.

2. Wear loose clothes, they are good in some areas but not all over. You’ll look like you’re drowning.

3. Match your acessories to your whole outfit.

4. “Don’t wear sandals and socks.”

-Kyra Rice,soph.

5. Wear clothes that are too small for you, it’s mildly trashy.

6. “Boots and basketball shorts” -Savannah Golden, soph.

7. “Leggings and shorts is so ugly...”

-Donna Cao, soph.

8. Wear shorts that are too short, they don’t compliment your body as well as shorts that actually fit you.

9. “Wearing basketball shorts over your jeans is so bummy. Don’t do it.”

-Kaalisha Thomas, soph.

10. “Don’t sag. It makes your butt look flat and it’s not attractive at all.”

-Vanessa Dimmen, soph.

o. Deo our othes acket s

Tie-dye print

ssenger.com

“(Dressing skimpy) isn’t cute at all.

There’s good attention and bad attention. Those girls are getting bad attention and they shouldn’t want to be known like that.”

Adrian Lawson, jr.

“When I see really young girls wearing low cut shirts and short shorts it looks like they’re trying too hard. The idea now is that girls have to dress like that to fit in.”

Zachary Fecher, jr.

“Most guys think dressing slutty is good; girls think it’s terrible. The girls who dress like that seem desperate, but more guys would go after her because she looks easy.”

Ashton Alford, jr.

“When girls dress innappropriately presenting themselves in such a way, it’s down right disgusting and gross. It makes me not want to know them or even talk to them.”

Keaton Jadwin, jr.

“I don’t want a girl to dress really conservitive. But really skimpy isn’t good either. Showing skin is okay, but there is a limit.”

Danford Wineinger, fr.

“Girls who dress slutty are looking for the wrong kind of attention. The girls who dress more conservative have more respect for themselves.”

David Whiteside, sr.

“It depends on how short shorts are and stuff. There’s a difference between dressing slutty and showing skin and being classy and showing skin.”

Stefan Rouse, jr.

“Girls who don’t dress slutty are more appealing to me. The girls who are showing off their whole body are trashy.

Save it for alone time.”

Jakil Lewis, fr.

“A more conservative girl is classy looking and more worth your time.”

Joey Rausch, jr.

Plaid print

Plaid print scarf

Tie-dye tee

10

April 1, 2010

Under

FEATURE

ABOUT PROM -Tickets are $20 (and come with a surprise)

theSea

-Guest passes must be bought beforehand

Prom approaching, surprises in store G

enerally one of the biggest events of the year, prom will be here in a matter of days. With numerous things to take care of, from restaurants to outfits to knowing the actual date itself, things can quickly go from feelings of excitement to those of utter panic.

Knowing what to find in your date can be a task in

SPEAK OUT

Prom wouldn’t be the same without...

DO:

DO NOT:

•

• • •

• • • • •

Prom would not be the same without my best friends. Samanvitha Sridhar, sr.

Prom would not be the same without girls and a little opera. Ashton Alford, jr.

•

Ask your date in advance. If you haven’t yet, DO IT NOW. Guys, sorry but you’ll probably pay for dinner.

Take friends. As great as alone time is with your date, going with other people can be fun.

Smile! You will see your prom pictures years from now. Best you remember them fondly.

Keep it classy.

Respect your date. Should be a given, but a reminder doesn’t hurt.

Dress up. Jeans and a t-shirt are not prom fashion. Try a nice tux or dress.

• • • • • •

Come to the dance after drinking.

Forget to make dinner reservations.

Take more than one date. That’s usually a bad thing.

Forget your camera Lose your ID beforehand.

Forget your ticket, especially considering how expensive it was.

Go overboard with appearance. It’s important, but you really don’t need anymore stress.

Use too much cologne or perfume.

Wear brown, neon colors, etc.

Prom playlist

What about dinner?

Suggestions have been made, and the list includes:

Stressed about where to eat? Some places offer nice settings and affordable prices. Favorite restaurants include:

• • • •

Sabor Latin Bar & Grille: Around $12 to $20 per person.

• • • • •

Prom would not be the same without friends. Sashia Beard, jr.

-Tickets on sale April 12-15

EVERYONE NEEDS SOME HELP: THE DO’S AND DON’TS

Prom would not be the same without a good date. Rachel Butler, sr.

Prom would not be the same without Mr. Carroll. Andrew Wagle, jr.

itself as well.

There is some leeway, however, as some students, as well as a few teachers, describe their expectations, give tips, and generally help with the otherwise potentially terrifying situation.

-In the dining hall, April 17, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

• • •

“Tik Tok”- Ke$ha “Bad Romance”- Lady Gaga “Sweet Dreams”- Beyonce “Whatcha Say”- Jason Derulo “Replay”- Lyaz “Down”- Jay Sean feat. Lil’ Wayne “3”- Britney Spears “I Gotta Feeling”- Black Eyed Peas “Telephone”- Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce “Break Your Heart”- Taio “Blah Blah Blah”- Ke$ha “Starstrukk”- 30H!3

Sumo Japanese Grill: Many entrees can easily be split, prices vary.

Redrock Canyon Grill: Generally nice environment, food can get a little pricey.

Cheddar’s Casual Cafe: Affordable prices and typically offers a wide range of food.

Bella Luna: Nice selections of sandwiches and pastas for $8 to $12.

Granite City: Generally more casual foods, meals from $15 to $20.

Scotch & Sirloin: Steakhouse dinner ranging from $15 to $30.

www.ehsmessenger.com

Laura Combs, sr., and Hannah Smith, jr., compare prom dresses. LAUREN GRABER, REPORTER.

COLIN WHITE, REPORTER BRAE MINER, REPORTER

11

April 1, 2010 ENTERTAINMENT Burton puts a unique spin on ‘Alice in Wonderland’

I

n the wake of Tim Burton’s surprisingly tame animated film 9, the more harsh critics claimed Burton had lost his “muchness.”

Burton’s latest endeavor, “Alice in Wonderland,” proves Burton is back in his element.

Much animosity had preceded Burton’s latest film. Critics feared “Alice in Wonderland” would be too similar to Burton’s previous films; the so-called ‘Burton Formula’ follows the common theme of a misunderstood main character thrust into an unfamiliar world.

Helen Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, and Johnny Depp as the much-anticipated Mad Hatter were both pleasantly refreshing. Carter, with her head placed on a comically undersized body, was both sinister and darkly funny, but unfortunately brought nothing new to the film, and the Red Queen could just have easily been played by any other grim actress. On the other hand, Depp fit his role surprisingly well. Despite Depp’s more recent extravagant roles seem to blur together, Depp managed to break the barrier

between nonsensical to all-out insane. Needless to say, Depp does it with panache.

Mia Wasikowska, as Alice, seemed to be the dark horse of the film. With only a handful of film and television credits, Wasikowska managed to snare the role, and it is apparent why. Burton’s unique spin on the classic fairy tale is an odd one, and requires Wasikowska to portray a blend of the young, innocent classic Alice, with Burton’s vision of a more worldly and cynical one.

To round out the cast is Crispin Glover, Anne Hathaway, and the voices of Stephen Fry and Alan Rickman. All are magnificent choices for the roles, especially Fry, whose voice for the Cheshire Cat is both eerie and reminiscent of the Disney animated counterpart.

The 3-D effects seemed sloppy and forced at times, with Burton seeming to want to focus on sensory overload at times. “Alice in Wonderland’s” normal 2-D effects, however, are breathtaking and incredibly well done. The 3-D effects seem like nothing more than

IAN BAILEY, REPORTER

Alice (Mia Wasikowska) takes her first steps into Wonderland. PHOTO COURTESY OF MCTCAMPUS.COM aesthetic flair, and there is no doubt just as spectacular DVD release.

“Alice in Wonderland” will make for

‘The Bounty Hunter’ tries to be something it is not P

airing one of the 21st century’s biggest macho men with one of the 21st century’s most popular cougars could be a recipe for disaster. Luckily, “The Bounty Hunter” pairs this odd combination together to make a decent movie.

The best part of the movie is that it is not a serious blockbuster, nor is it trying to be a huge money-maker, it

is just a simple movie trying to have some fun.

Do not confuse this movie for something violent with a mix of romance. It is a lot of romance and relationship-warfare with a negligible amount of violence. The movie did not try to please a man’s desire for blood and guts but simply offers up everyone a laugh, which

Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston take a break for some wholesome fun, gambling, in “The Bounty Hunter.” PHOTO FROM IMDB.COM

also hurts the movie because the violence seems out of place and awkward. Some may think that the humor is juvenile or that the plot is a little ridiculous, which it definitely is, but the film is not supposed to be the next “Titanic.”

Reporter Nicole Hurley (Jennifer Aniston) is investigating a recent suicide, which looks like it could have actually been a murder. Hurley pokes around town, trying to find information, when she hits a lead, a snitch who works the bars in town and gets information out of people.

When the snitch demands Hurley to go to a meeting, Hurley skips out on her trial (for assaulting a police horse) and goes to meet the snitch.

When she arrives at the meet, with some obvious product placement from Dunkin’ Donuts, the snitch’s car has been broken into and he is missing.

With Hurley skipping out on bail, Milo Boyd (Gerard Butler), a bounty hunter down on his luck, excitedly takes the job to find Hurley. Why so excited? Hurley and Boyd used to be husband and wife. Thus, the movies begins its steady rise to an obvious and disappointing climax.

If it weren’t for the antics of Gerard Butler, however clichéd they may be, the movie would not have earned nearly as many laughs. I may be biased from watching the

www.ehsmessenger.com

EVAN GOTTSTINE, REPORTER

awesomeness of “300,” but Butler really struck a good chord. His onscreen antics and goofiness gave a lot to a movie that may have been rather lackluster.

Aniston’s role in the movie seemed disappointing, to a certain extent.

This movie focused on how Aniston is still a sexy actress, but it felt like Aniston did not act, instead just relying on her sex appeal within the movie.

Some of the supporting actors, who did add in their own style of humor, balancing out the bland acting of Aniston.

At points the movie seemed confused. Sometimes it felt like a “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” wannabe, ironic that Brad Pitt was in that movie. Other times it felt like it was attempting to create a beautiful romance between the characters, hating each other one minute and being seconds away from admitting their love for one another the next.

The action scenes were brief, and were not satisfactory in the least, except for Butler’s leap off a building, no stunt double needed.

Despite all these criticisms, “The Bounty Hunter” manages to please the viewer, if only in certain areas.

I would recommend watching this movie once it comes out on DVD, and with a large group of friends.

ENTERTAINMENT 12 Slash solo album delivers with help of all-star lineup April 1, 2010

I

n these dark times of pop rock, as corporate sellouts masquerade about as “musicians,” beaming American Idol hopefuls belt out soulless versions of classic rock songs, and Nickelback roams the charts (I believe my point is made), many agree that a rock revolution must occur to pull the genre out of the dumps, brush it off, and place it back on its pedestal where it belongs.

If the new solo album from renowned composer and former Guns ‘n’ Roses guitarist Slash is any indication of what is to come (which it hopefully is), then perhaps that very revolution is nigh.

The new album, simply entitled ‘Slash’, is slated for release April 6 and will feature a range of artists, including Adam Levine of Maroon 5, M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave, and the everpopular Ozzy Osbourne, as well as a surprising collaboration with Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas. Slash, in an unexpected turn of events, will also contribute vocals in addition to guitar to the album.

The first single released from the album, a collaboration with

Wolfmother’s vocalist Andrew Stockdale entitled ‘By the Sword’, features everything that the rock community has come to expect from Slash. The song is catchy from its first riff, and gradually grows to a monstrous chorus which is topped off by – for lack of a better adjective – a face melting solo.

The album also features the driving, pounding “Nothing to Say,” which was without a doubt influenced by Avenged Sevenfold’s vocalist M. Shadows, who sings on the track. “Promise,” with vocals from Chris Cornell, is unusually and pleasantly melodic for a Slash song.

Even Kid Rock’s usually cringeworthy vocals are transformed into audibly mediocre by the pleasing guitar work of “I Hold On.” Like any album, though, there are a few guaranteed duds, including Iggy Pop’s collaboration, “We’re All Gonna Die,” as well as “Watch This,” which is disapointingly boring.

In the end, however, Slash’s first solo album is decidedly good, and, though it lacks in slower ballads, it still takes every opportunity it gets to rock - much like Slash himself.

  

Furniture, Fabrics, and Windows Phone: 316-214-3291 Fax: 316-651-0472 barbara@barabaraclaytondesigns.com

DAMIEN GILBERT, REPORTER

“Slash” will be released April 6. The album features a wide array of artists collaborating with Slash. PHOTO FROM WIKIPEDIA.ORG

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13

April 1, 2010 SPORTS Swimming adds new talent, aims for repeat championship

AARON HEIL, REPORTER

T

he girls swimming team started off the season by finishing first in a duel meet with Bishop Carroll and West, March 25.

“I was surprised,” Andrea Livingston, soph., said. “Everyone did really well.”

The team intends to continue its dominance of the City League after last year’s championship.

Though the swimmers have begun a new season, few things have changed, according to head coach Joe Hutchinson Despite being without last year’s 11 seniors, Hutchinson expects the team to do well.

“The key elements are still here,” Hutchinson said.

Swimmers said that the team will stay strong.

“We’re starting strong.” Madelyn Ong, soph., said. “We have depth.”

One thing the team does not want to change is their dominance in City League.

“We won the City League meet last year,” Hutchinson said. “I expect we can do that again.”

Besides a GWAL title, the girls had an 8-1 record for their season and took 29th place at the State meet.

“I think (this season) will be really exciting,” Kaitlyn Shinsato, jr., said. “I’d love to get that competitive spirit.”

The swimmers have taken an optimistic attitude for this round.

“We’re all really excited,” Shinsato said.

Shinsato said that the team will come closer together as the season progresses.

“We need to focus on embracing the new freshmen and becoming a tighter team,” Shinsato said.

Other swimmers said that team

Andrea Livingston, soph., swims in the butterfly during a March 25 duel, at West. ASHLEY MATTHEWS, PHOTOGRAPHER togetherness could be something to work on. “(We could improve on) getting to know each other,” Ong said.

Within the ranks of these new freshmen, there is promise.

“We added some nice talent and expect they will be able to be important parts of the team very quickly,” Hutchinson said.

As before, the team will continue to work strenuously to prepare for

upcoming competition.

“5:30 a.m. (practice) comes really early, but we’ll adjust,” Shinsato said.

However, not much has changed about those morning practices.

“We’ve always trained really hard,” Livingston said.

The swim team was hit by tragedy when Yuna Choi, soph., was killed in a car accident March 15. Choi’s mother and brother

were killed in the same accident.

Her sister Hana Choi, soph., was critically injured in the accident.

Hana was also a member of the swim team.

“Emotionally it takes a big toll,” Livingston, said. “In the end it’ll maybe make us stronger.

People put their emotions toward swimming faster for those who can’t.”

Girls soccer begins with renewed optimism for season, strives to improve record

A

fter an 8-8 season last year, girls soccer looks to improve their game overall. One of these focuses is improving how the team works together.

The first varsity soccer game was March 29. Results were not available as of press time. With many games coming up, the team is hard at work.

“We need to work on finishing a goal,” Bailey Avery, sr., said.

“We really need to get the forward involved. I want to have a better record than last year. We had a lot of issues last year on and off the field.

(This year) everyone gets along, its not as hostile as it has been before.”

EVAN GOTTSTINE, REPORTER Team members remain hopeful for the season. While it is still early, optimism for the team is easy to find.

“I think we will do really well this year,” Kylie Mank, fr., said.

“There are lot of really strong players. There are a lot of seniors who have really stepped it up.”

Mank is one of several freshman who are playing on varsity, which gives the team an optimistic future.

The senior team captain position is split between three seniors, Phoenix Keane, Avery, and Melissa Presnall. While this may seem confusing, so far the team has responded positively to three captains.

“The captains are very involved,” Anna-Marie Ortiz, soph., said.

“They care about what they area doing. The seniors very helpful and make sure it is not ‘fend for yourself.’”

The coach of the team is another key component to creating a helpful environment and a winning team. Head coach Jim Griffis has had experience playing soccer at a competetive level.

“He is a good coach,” Erika Ekengren, jr., said. “He is helpful and always tries to give the attention players need.”

The Bond issue, passed in 2008, has given East a new football field

www.ehsmessenger.com

and track, with artificial turf, which the soccer team uses occasionally for practice. “(The Bond issue) will affect us,” Griffis said. “Right now, we are affected by what the city did. They had good intentions, but they left our field a mess. We will use the turf as much as possible, which has helped with speed.”

Besides the setbacks created by the Bond issue, the team is ready for a great season. “(I want) us to be more focused this year,” Ekengren said. “Hopefully we will get better at practices and pull it all together.”

14

April 1, 2010

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Get 10% off on yogurt or boba tea when you bring in your student ID. Lunch combo special $4.95 includes a drink, chips or fruits, sandwich or spring rolls

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SPORTS Young baseball team hopes to improve 9-11 record

BRAE MINER, REPORTER

F

Team captain Aaron Malone, sr., leads off of first base during practice. CASSIE FAGEN, PHOTOGRAPHER

15

April 1, 2010

or three seniors and three juniors, the competition is getting younger. Their remaining varsity and JV baseball teammates are underclassmen—all 24 of them.

“As a younger player, I think we’ve gained leadership by growing up in the past year and realizing our potential,” Douglas Jenkins, soph., said. “It is exactly what we need in order to be very successful in the City League.”

Jenkins is one of three baseball players who gained All-City recognition last year, along with team captain Aaron Malone, sr., and Daniel Silva, jr.

Along with five sophomores, the aforementioned trio helps comprise part of the season’s 10-man starting lineup. Returning underclassmen - Jenkins, Jordan Knox, soph., and Nick Ragias, soph. - started for the varsity team as freshmen last year.

Although head coach Ryan Bensch, aided by fellow coaches Ian McHugh and Aaron Lechien, held tryouts at the beginning of March, those striving to play for East began conditioning months before practices began.

“We have a very quick and limber group that needs to rely on speed and good base-running to be at where we want to be in May,” Quentin Curry, sr., said.

In the meantime, the team has practiced daily after school in hopes of surpassing last season’s 9-11 record.

“We have the potential to turn a lot of heads in the City League,”

Curry said. “We are a very talented group of players that are very much on the same page mentally. We just need to focus on our defensive game and keep the same intensity every game and practice to be successful against every team we face.”

The team opened the season against West March 29 although game results were unavailable at press time.

The second game of the season will be played tonight against Bishop Carroll.

Daniel Silva, jr., runs the bases at practice. CASSIE FAGEN, PHOTOGRAPHER

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16

April 1, 2010

Under

FEATURE

ABOUT PROM -Tickets are $20 (and come with a surprise)

theSea

-Guest passes must be bought beforehand

Prom approaching, surprises in store G

enerally one of the biggest events of the year, prom will be here in a matter of days. With numerous things to take care of, from restaurants to outfits to knowing the actual date itself, things can quickly go from feelings of excitement to those of utter panic.

Knowing what to find in your date can be a task in

SPEAK OUT

Prom wouldn’t be the same without...

itself as well.

There is some leeway, however, as some students, as well as a few teachers, describe their expectations, give tips, and generally help with the otherwise potentially terrifying situation.

DO:

DO NOT:

•

• • •

• • • • •

Prom would not be the same without my best friends. Samanvitha Sridhar, sr.

•

Ask your date in advance. If you haven’t yet, DO IT NOW. Guys, sorry but you’ll probably pay for dinner.

Take friends. As great as alone time is with your date, going with other people can be fun.

Smile! You will see your prom pictures years from now. Best you remember them fondly.

Keep it classy.

Respect your date. Should be a given, but a reminder doesn’t hurt.

Dress up. Jeans and a t-shirt are not prom fashion. Try a nice tux or dress.

Prom playlist

Prom would not be the same without girls and a little opera. Ashton Alford, jr.

• • • • • •

Come to the dance after drinking.

Forget to make dinner reservations.

Take more than one date. That’s usually a bad thing.

Forget your camera Lose your ID beforehand.

Forget your ticket, especially considering how expensive it was.

Go overboard with appearance. It’s important, but you really don’t need anymore stress.

Use too much cologne or perfume.

Wear brown, neon colors, etc.

What about dinner?

Suggestions have been made, and so far the list includes:

Stressed about where to eat? Some places offer nice settings and affordable prices. Favorite restaurants include:

• • • •

Sabor Latin Bar & Grille: Around $12 to $20 per person.

• • • • •

Prom would not be the same without friends. Sashia Beard, jr.

-Tickets on sale April 12-15

EVERYONE NEEDS SOME HELP: THE DO’S AND DON’TS

Prom would not be the same without a good date. Rachel Butler, sr.

Prom would not be the same without Mr. Carroll. Andrew Wagle, jr.

-In the dining hall, April 17, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

• • •

“Tik Tok”- Ke$ha “Bad Romance”- Lady Gaga “Sweet Dreams”- Beyonce “Whatcha Say”- Jason Derulo “Replay”- Lyaz “Down”- Jay Sean feat. Lil’ Wayne “3”- Britney Spears “I Gotta Feeling”- Black Eyed Peas “Telephone”- Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce “Break Your Heart”- Taio “Blah Blah Blah”- Ke$ha “Starstrukk”- 30H!3

Sumo Japanese Grill: Many entrees can easily be split, prices vary.

Redrock Canyon Grill: Generally nice environment, food can get a little pricey.

Cheddar’s Casual Cafe: Affordable prices and typically offers a wide range of food.

Bella Luna: Nice selections of sandwiches and pastas for $8 to $12.

Granite City: Generally more casual foods, meals from $15 to $20.

Scotch & Sirloin: Steakhouse dinner ranging from $15 to $30.

www.ehsmessenger.com

Laura Combs, sr., and Hannah Smith, jr., compare prom dresses. LAUREN GRABER, REPORTER.

COLIN WHITE, REPORTER BRAE MINER, REPORTER

17

April 1, 2010 FEATURE History instructor offers unique quiz schedule to students

DAMIEN GILBERT, REPORTER

S

tudents in history instructor Brian White’s world history courses may very well be among the few youth at East who passionately follow professional hockey.

Most – if not all – do not follow it for the entertainment, but rather to decide whether or not to study their textbooks for a quiz on the following day.

White, who has offered the system for two years, provides his students with the opportunity to follow his favorite professional hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers, during the National Hockey League season. In the case of an Oiler win, the students are guaranteed no chance of a quiz the next school day; with an Oiler loss, there is a possibility of a five-question quiz over assigned reading.

“I use my favorite hockey team because the season basically lasts for the entire school year, and there are a lot of games, meaning more opportunities for quizzes,” White said. “It keeps the students on their toes.”

At the beginning of the year, White, who got the idea from his college professor who used the same system with University of Arkansas football games, offers

students the option of taking quizzes over assigned reading at random or in the case of an Oiler loss. In both of the years White has presented his students at East with the opportunity, all of his classes have decided in favor of following the Oilers.

“I like the system way more than just getting random quizzes,” Conor Goodness, fr., said. “At least with (the system) I get a bit of a warning.”

This year’s students, though, have been misfortunate throughout most of the year to say the least – the Oilers have suffered 49 losses since play began in October (a near franchise record), boast the worst record in the NHL, and have scored only 50 points all season.

“It’s been a really tough year to be an Oilers fan,” White said.

“They’re the worst team in the league by so much, it’s not even funny.”

However merciful the end of the season may appear to his current students, White plans on offering the system to his future classes and still wants to use the Oilers.

“I’ve been an Oilers fan since 1981,” White said. “I don’t plan on changing that anytime soon.”

Prom Homecoming Quinceañera Utilizing an unusual scheduling system, History instructor Brian White prepares to hand out quizzes after an Oilers hockey team loss. DANIELLE DAME, PHOTOGRAPHER

Bridal

Dress Gallery 1005 W. Douglas 264.6688 Mon-Sat 10 am-7 pm

Dress Like a Million Bucks Without Spending It!

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18

FEATURE

April 1, 2010

VIOLETTA LOPEZ, REPORTER

Make-up and cosmetics

Make-up and cosmetics are used on a daily day basis. It is perfect to hide imperfections as well as highlight facial features. Although some girls wear makeup daily there are some that choose to were it occasionally.

Eyes

Eyeshadow pallete to help your eyes pop

Eyes are the main feature of the face.

Eyeshadow can help to advance the color of your eyes and catch attention.

Lips

Find the right shade

Fair skin: Shades such as nudes in a slightly apricot shade, pinks and light corals.

Medium skin: Roses, mauves, berries, and burgundy.

Dark skin: Brown, purple, carmel, walnut, plum, wine.

Tip for applying lipstick: To keep lip stick from sticking onto your teeth, after applying the lipstick, take your index finger and pop it in your mouth, then pull it out. The excess lipstick will come off on your finger rather than your teeth.

In high school not a lot of girls wear lipstick but for kissable soft lips all you need is some chap stick and you are good to go.

Face

Make your skin look flawless

When your thinking about applying make up to your face you need to look for the right foundation and blush to combine well with your complexion

Skin Care

Foundation: Use a sponge or your fingers to apply foundation.

Concealer can be used under the eyes to help hide dark circles. If you want to hide dark cirles, first apply the concealer and then get foundation and dab it over the concealer.

Blushers: It’s hard to find the right shade of blush. To find the right shade bend down and touch your toes for two minutes and then stand back up. The color your cheeks are will indicate the right and natural blush color for you.

Clear up problem skin

Step 1: Tie hair back and clip back bangs.

Step 2: Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap.

Step 3: Wet your face with warm water to open up pores.

Step 4: Pour a nickel amount of cleanser to your palm and rub it.

Step 5: Lather up your face with the cleanser to romove dirt.

Step 6: Rinse your face with cool water to close up pores.

Step 7: Pat dry your face with a towel, don’t wipe, to reduce wrinkles as you mature.

Make-up can cause problem skin.

Specially selected facial creams and washes will help keep your skin refreshed and clean.

“I don’t like girls wearing make-up; it’s ugly. It makes girls look fake.”

Marquis Woods, fr.

Blue eyes: Shades of brown, gray, camel, taupe, dark browns, blacks, charcoal, copper, pink, violet, lilac, silver or gold.

Green eyes: Different shades of brown, deep purples, plums, lilacs, and dark greens.

Hazel eyes: Any hues with a brown base, violet, lilac, plum, eggplant, darker green colors Brown eyes: Deep shades of blue and brown, blue gray, plum, gold, vanilla, shades of purple and violet, nutmeg.

“I think a lot of makeup looks pretty but it makes me wonder what they are hiding.”

Adam Wade, jr.

“If I can see a line by the chin I think it looks a little gross. I think girls look best when they look subtle and natural.”

Adam Black, jr.

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“If a girl looks good with make-up then it’s fine. If they look good natural then that’s better, but if they wear too much then that’s bad.”

Rothy Samonn, soph.