2007 MVTHS Homecoming Court

VERNOIS NEWS
September 2007 Volume 86, Issue 2
Top News
MVTHS Homecoming Royalty
New Budget Cuts
Students and faculty
weigh-in on the budget
cuts arranged by Governor Rod Blagojevich
News—Page 6
Sub Debs Banned
Recent decisions made
by administration affect
the historical Sub Debs
traditions
News—Page 6
Golf Goals
The men‘s golf team sets
goals and looks ahead
after an unsteady season
start
Sports—Page 19
Other News
Cedarhurst Review
The craft fair attracts students for fundraising, performing, and spectating.
VERNOIS NEWS photo/ Mr. Jamey VanZandt
Posing for the press: Fifteen members made up the Homecoming Court at MVTHS
2007 MVTHS Homecoming Court
Kristen Atchison
Emily Estes
Amanda Jennings
LaTasha Mitchell
Josee Redpath
Haley Smith
Lauren Welker
Truvaunty Badger
Dontrell Black
Travis Bond
Siriwut “Bank” Limprasurtsak
Coyn Mateer
Ethan Randolph
Jordan Shoemaker
Jake Sledge
A&E—Page 16
Homecoming Costs
Dance preparations can
create expensive bills
See Inside For:
Freshmen invade campus—Page 3
New teachers introduced — Page 8
Woods reigns as champion — Page 16
Feature Pages 3-7
A & E Pages 15-16
Sports Pages 17-20
To inform, educate, enlighten, and entertain | A VERNOIS PUBLICATIONS GROUP PRODUCTION
Page 2, News Briefs
VERNOIS NEWS
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MVTHS Administration
Mr. Terry Milt, Superintendent
Mr. Ron Daniels, Principal
Mrs. Tammy Beckham, Assistant Principal
Mr. Mark Goodheart, Assistant Principal
Mr. Rob Knutson, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Melanie Gulley,
Student Services Director
Mr. Doug Creel, Athletic Director
Mrs. Shirilyn Holt, Board Secretary
Mrs. Jane Brown, Treasurer
VERNOIS NEWS Management
Leah Minor, Editor in Chief
Alicia Sheldon, Managing Editor
Lauren Duncan, News Editor
Gabe Cralley, Opinions Editor
Eric Lyday, Sports Editor
Alexis Nulsen, Arts and Entertainment Editor
Lexi Scrivner, Photography Editor
Josh Strothmann, Blue Print Editor
Dakota Bodine, Staff
Bryson Owens, Staff
Mrs. Karen Hamilton, Print Shop Director
Mr. Jamey VanZandt, Adviser
VERNOIS NEWS Staff
Writing for Publication 1. Period 2
Priscila Araiza, Dontrell Black, Shelby Campbell, Mike
Greenwalt, Jordan Haarmann, Tim Hartung, Nathaniel
Henschen, Landon Ile, Holden Johson, Teinisha Johnson,
Natasha Kennedy, Katy King, Siriwut “Bank” Limprasurtsak, Martha Manne, Coyn Mateer, Ukierra Mays, Melvin
McGee, McKenzie Milt, Logan Payne, Kayla Reeves,
Brandon Seibert, Lindsay Willis, Brittany Wingfield,
Jordan York, Lauren Zedalis
Writing for Publication 1. Period 3
Joanna Bayer, Hope Bialik, Greg Brown, Brittany Brumley, Kat Bullock, Caleb Cross, Morgan Feltmeier, Justin
Haney, Amy Hawkins, Joshua Hurst, James Jackson,
Brittany Kryger, Kevin Long, Maria Mayberry, Maleah
Mick, Leah Minor, Carmen Notari, Emily Opalecky,
Santaigo Posada, Ross Rubenacker, Jody Shockley, Jordan
Shoemaker, Haley Smith, David Spicuzza, Justin Westbrook, Jamie Williams, Joshua Williams, Ashley Yanez
Hi-Tri kicks off 82nd year
Y&G: Back in business
By Alicia Sheldon
By Logan Payne
A familiar organization at MV kicked off its activities on Thursday, September 13. Hi-Tri began its 82nd year with its annual picnic, held at
Veteran‘s Memorial Park.
The picnic kicked off at 4:00 PM at the west
shelter. Hot dogs and lots of snack foods were
served. Members of Hi-Tri council were asked to
bring different food items, depending on their
graduating class. The sponsors, Ms. Tami Lovin
and Mrs. Carol Hutchinson, had the honor of
cooking on the grill.
Nearly thirty girls attended the picnic,
which was a good turnout compared to years
past. The picnic‘s original purpose was to encourage female students to become members of
Hi-Tri. The membership fee was a mere two
$2.00.
An interesting aspect of the picnic included
playing games. First, girls were asked to do a
―human scavenger hunt,‖ in which they find
others who meet specific guidelines and get
their signatures. The purpose of this activity is
to meet new people and get acquainted with
fellow Hi-Tri members. The second game
played, called ―Moo,‖ provided a good laugh for
all attendees. The game is a bit difficult to explain, but the point is to embarrass one player
by tricking them into screaming, ―MOO!‖ by
themselves.
The picnic concluded at 6:00 PM with a
short float planning committee. The picnic was
generally enjoyed by all who attended.
Youth and Government is sponsored by Mr.
Andy Wells, Ms. Jessica Pilson, and Mr. Sean
Docherty once again at MVTHS.
Youth and Government is a YMCA program and their slogan is ―Democracy must be
learned each generation.‖
MV has taken this to heart in that it has
had more Youth Governors than any other
school in the state and is also one of the
three largest delegations in the state.
The last Youth Governor from MV was
Dustin Herr in 2004.
Tim Benoist is the MV candidate for
Youth Governor, Kathleen Sipe is running for
Lieutenant Governor, and Jessa Hawkins and
Gabe Cralley are after the presiding officer
positions.
Other positions that students can hold
are legislators, attorneys, executive officers,
lobbyists, press corps, and pages.
Those who would like to join should know
that at the end of the year the three sponsors choose students to join according to
their civics grade, interest in politics, and
overall grades.
NHS’s sponsor promises productivity
By Morgan Feltmeier
―Leadership, character, scholarship, and service,‖ stated Ms. Holly Davis, advisor of NHS,
―That‘s what National Honors Society (NHS) is
all about.‖
NHS is an organization for MV‘s sophomore
through senior students who average at least a
3.7 GPA and who have high recommendations
to back them up.
Induction ceremony for the twenty-five
new members will be held on November 5th.
New senior class officers for this year are
President Alicia McDowell, Vice President Emily
Estes, Treasurer Kristen Atchison, and Secretary Lauren Welker.
Ms. Davis informed me that this being her
second year, she hopes to have a lot more
events planned.
―Last year I was a little unsure of what I
was supposed to be doing, but this year there
will be no more surprises,‖ explained Ms. Davis.
NHS mostly focuses on planning community
services, like a blood drive which will be held
on October 18.
Any student who is sixteen and meets the
requirements is encouraged to give blood. See
Ms. Holly Davis in 202 C for more information
on NHS.
Bialik reads into Creative Writing Club
By Hope Bialik
Poetry or novels? Students can express their
writing talents in the creative writing club.
The club is sponsored by Mr. Jeremy
Mays, Mr. Brandon Martin and Ms. Sheila
Stowers. They meet every Friday at lunch,
alternating between their classrooms.
The Creative Writing Club offers a student the medium to express their creative
talents in a peer group situation.
Each student can submit their writing
into two competitions.
―We have a ‗horror story‘ contest going
on right now,‖ remarked Mr. Martin.
Mr. Mays added, ―We have two yearly
contests and the first prize winner gets
twenty dollars in cash. You don‘t have to be
a member to participate.‖
Two MV students have won awards for
creative writing. According to Mr. Mays, Derrick Jones won the Brian Hodge Horror award
in 2006. His Story was called, ―Call Me Cancer.‖
Another student, Sarah Fairchild, won
the Sean Tolley Literary award in 2007. Her
story was entitled ―Wisteria.‖
―We have an overnight stay in the
school‘s library. We spend the night writing
novels and just hanging out,‖ commented Mr.
Martin.
―I like spending time with the students
and seeing them work together and seeing
what they come up with,‖ concluded Mr.
Mays.
VERNOIS NEWS
Feature/News
Students strive for ride
By Lindsay Willis
VERNOIS NEWS
Talk to new drivers about their dream car, and you‘ll likely hear a
new Mustang, a Hummer, or maybe even a BMW.
But realistically, first cars come in the form of a hand-me-down
Ford.
According to an Auto Extra.com survey, most teen‘s first cars are
used vehicles. Many vehicles cost less than $10,000, and parents‘
desire for safety and reliability play a big part in the choosing.
Some teenagers were given the opportunity to choose their first
car, whereas others were given hand-me-downs.
―I got to pick my car, and I was pumped!,‖ announced Aimee
McGovern, ‘09.
―They [my parents] gave me dad‘s car and told me to deal with
it,‖ admitted Kyle Martin, ‘09.
In addition, readmoreabout.net said that teenagers tend to place
importance on style, appearance, performance, size (not too large
but enough room for friends), and accessories.
An automobile is a projection of a teen‘s personality, sense of
freedom, and desire for peer approval – as well as serving a more
practical use in getting back and forth to school and a job.
Many new drivers are given prices ranges when car shopping.
―Not really, the color red can raise the piece of insurance
though, especially or guys,‖ explained Courtney Williams, ‘09.
Features, features, features!
―A sunroof,‖ answered Mallory Sheridan, ‘09.
Homecoming lightens
students’ wallets, purses
By Brittany Wingfield
VERNOIS NEWS
It‘s that time of year. Students can be found emptying
their pockets, digging through couch cushions and
crawling to mom and dad for extra cash. Is it for the
IPhone? New car maybe? No. It‘s homecoming at
MVTHS. And it‘s leaving many students, well, broke.
Tux, shoes, dress, nails, jewelry, dinner...homecoming
has never been cheap, but are some MV students taking
it to an extreme?
―Most definitely,‖ exclaimed Caitlin Burretta, ‗10.
―Homecoming is really expensive and sometimes girls
spend hundreds of dollars just on a dress. It‘s crazy
what it cost for one night.‖ With the high-price of
homecoming it makes one wonder, who exactly is paying for all this?
―My parents and me split the cost, it‘s a half and
half kind of deal,‖ stated Brandi Winkleman, ‗09. Not
so for Megan Scott, ‗09. When asked if her parents
paid for her homecoming she laughed. ―My mom
wouldn‘t do it, she would tell me to forget it and stay
home.‖
What about the guys? Is homecoming as big of a
deal for them as it is the ladies? ―Not really,‖ Andrew
Mendeanll ‗09 said. ―Guys just gotta rent tux‘s and go,
but girls have to buy dresses, do hair, makeup, etc. So
it‘s a big deal for them.‖
But according to an internet source, guys don‘t get
away cheap either. Typical things they buy can include
tux, accessories, shoes, vest, ties tickets, dinner, corsage, photographs and transportation. Whether this
year‘s homecoming is a big deal or not, it probably
won‘t be is cheap. So make the night meaningful MV.
―If I have fun, it‘s all worth it,‖ added Winkleman.
Feature, Page 3
―Mmm, a stereo, definitely, and working windows are nice,‖ replied Edwards.
Last but not least are those ever-changing laws for new drivers
―My mom didn‘t want to go too high, at all,‖ stated Falyn Edwards,
‘09. When car shopping many questions come to mind like, do you
have to help pay for your car, insurance, and maybe even gas?
Brian Sipe, ‘10, commented, ―I have to pay for gas.‖
Color can also be a major factor in car choices.
―The color red can raise the piece of insurance though, especially
or guys,‖ explained Courtney Williams, ‘09.
Features, features, features!
―A sunroof,‖ answered Mallory Sheridan, ‘09.
―Mmm, a stereo, definitely, and working windows are nice,‖ replied Edwards.
Last but not least are those ever-changing laws for new drivers.
Cell phone laws, driving with a permit laws, and even those passenger laws.
The new passenger law states that for the first six months of having a license, the driver is only allowed to have one passenger in
their car, unless the passengers are family members.
Several new drivers weighed in about how they were affected by
the new passenger law.
Sheridan stated, ―I don‘t follow passenger limits.‖
―They don‘t really affect me, I take as many people as I want,
but I‘m safe about it,‖ emphasized Edwards.
New drivers strive for that perfect ride. It obviously takes a lot of
thinking and a great questioning process when trying to obtain that
perfect car.
Freshmen invade campus, begin new experiences
By Kayla Reeves
VERNOIS NEWS
Dairy Queen or Subway? Lockers or
backpacks? Spanish or Basic Art?
The class of 2011 entered a whole
new world on August 16th, 2007, at
Mount Vernon Township High School to
begin their secondary career.
The 342 incoming greenies had to
make many decision upon entertain
the big MV with such things as what
classes to take, where to eat, how
they‘re going to get there, and which
―clique‖ they are going to be in.
Many students remember their
first day at MV. Have they enjoyed the
new experience so far?
Kaylen Haskins, ‘11, admitted,
―Yes, I have. It‘s a lot better than my
old school.‖
―Oh heck yeah! Way more hot
guys,‖ added Rylie Bruce, ‘11.
―I love it. It‘s a completely different atmosphere up here. I guess what
I like the most is the diversity of all
the kids,‖ confessed Alaina Reeves,
‘11.
What does heat, rain, and snow all
have in common? Big worries for
freshmen walking to lunch. But to
some it may not be a big concern, as
long as they can mooch a ride.
―It‘s awesome to have upperclassmen as friends. You can mooch
off them by getting a ride with them,‖
pointed out Bruce.
Kaylyn Morris, ‘11, explained, ―In
my old school it was crowded and you
didn‘t get to choose from a lot of
places to eat. You had to bring your
lunch or eat the school food.‖
One of the hardest parts of becoming a freshman is picking out classes
that will help prepare students for a
future career. According to a few
freshmen educators, the freshmen
class is well prepared.
―Overall the freshmen class does
not change from year to year. You
always have a few kids that struggle
but in general they are a great group
of kids to work with,‖ commented Ms.
Jessica Pilson, Social Studies.
―Classes are harder in high school
than they were at Casey,‖ noted Brendan Brooks, ‘11.
Bruce added, ―Not really, but a
few are. Like Spanish, oh my goodness. You can tell I‘m American!‖
Have freshmen gained any strength
from carrying those big thick books
from class to class or do they visit
their locker when they get the
chance?
―I carry my morning books, then
after lunch I get my afternoon books. I
haven‘t even seen my ―real‖ locker. I
use my sister‘s trunks,‖ commented
Reeves.
So let‘s offer a warm welcome to
the freshmen and make them feel at
home.
Page 4, Feature
VERNOIS NEWS
Spicuzza dives into the subconscious
By David Spicuzza
VERNOIS NEWS
In recent psychological studies,
according to mental health/news,
one of every five teenage students
has suicidal thoughts. For the other
four students, this is a hard thing to
wrap their head around. At Mount
Vernon Township High School, several opportunities exist for those
with problems. So what is really
going on with those students, and
what can we do to help lower the
numbers of student suicide.
In search to find out if MV had a
history of suicide, Mrs. Nancy
Deaton, Crisis, shared several things
about the subject. Mrs. Deaton remembered cases of several failed
suicide attempts, and two students
who succeeded several years ago.
She did not go into much detail
about the students other than that
one was a girl, and the other a boy.
She stated that the boy was a very
bright student and a good person all
together.
Mrs. Deaton added that there
are noticeable signs to look for in
many suicidal cases. She claimed a
big sign is a change in someone‘s
support base. Most of the time
meaning changing their friends entirely.
Mrs. Debbie Nelson, Social Studies, reassured that there are indeed
signs to watch for in suicidal cases.
Mrs. Nelson noted ―Depression is
something that is easy to identify,
but has a great deal to do with suicidal patients. Also if someone ever
says they are thinking about suicide, maybe in a joking manner,
many of the times is a cry for help.‖
Mrs. Nelson stated that we, as a
student body, can help to prevent it
by just being good friends. If your
friend is having some trouble that
you are just slightly noticing, it is
best to find out what is wrong with
them.
For more information on suicide, such as warning signs
and treatment facts see
www.DBSAlliance.com
Students gather at flag pole
By Kat Bullock
VERNOIS NEWS
―Be still and know that I am God.‖
This verse, Psalm 46:10, serves as the slogan of an event that saw MV
students running for the flag pole on September 26, as BASIC and FCA
joined to host the annual ―See You At The Pole‖ event.
The event is designed to set aside time for prayer and encouragement.
Sophomore Dillon Payne stated ―Whether they‘re Christian or not, I like
to see people praying and giving praise to God. It‘s influential to me.‖
Parents, U.S. troops oversees, the administration, and the lost at MV
comprise several of the topics to be lifted up in prayer.
Payne added that he gets the word out about the annual prayer time
each year. Payne has participated in BASIC since 9th grade.
Another student is looking forward to the ―See You At The Pole‖ is Micah
Arcuri, ‗09.
―Lots of good things have come out of it,‖ Arcuri stated.
Arcuri stated ―It‘s a great bonding thing that brings students together to
worship God. It‘s a good way to bring God into school, and it‘s a good witness for kids around school.‖
The ―See You At The Pole‖ website indicates that in its seventeen year
history, the event has a track record of being used by God to encourage
evangelism among teenagers.
Two MV staff who have been dedicated to the event are Mr. Scott Tickner, health, and retired teacher Mrs. Judy Mason. Mrs. Mason sponsored
BASIC for 30 years, while Mr. Tickner has been involved with FCA for 33
years.
Mrs. Mason stated ―Students have a prayer circle—either large or small—
and pray for the school, the community and the nation.‖
Mrs. Mason reported that Logan Street Baptist Church and Central Christian Church assist with the event each year.
Students and staff weigh in on
upcoming election
Joe Sweeney, ‘09 responded, ―I believe [Barack
Obama] he would be a good
Over the summer, there has
change.‖
been plenty of buzz surDarrell Mitchell, ‘09 derounding the upcoming
clared ―Barack Obama
presidential election. Voters
would be a great presicould possibly elect the first
dent.‖
black or female president
―I like [Obama‘s] stance
and many Americans are
on a lot of issues and I think
eager
for
a
he could bring
change.
America back
This is the first
to a respectyear since 1928
able standing
that neither an
in the world,‖
incumbent presifurthered Josh
dent nor vice
Pollard, ‘09.
president will be
While a few
running in the
p e o p le
on
primary election,
campus
are
a c c or di n g
to
excited about
wikipedia.com.
some of the
The
Democcandidates
ratic Party‘s field
feelings
are
VERNOIS NEWS photo/
of candidates connot
shared
by
word2go.blogsome.com
sists of six current Barack Obama
is a Democratic all.
and former U.S. candidate in the 2008 elec―The only reaSenators, Joe Bi- tion.
son Hillary is
den, Hillary Clinrunning is to
ton, Christopher Dodd, John
get back at Bill while in
Edwards, Mike Gravel, and
office,‖ quipped Josh Hurst,
Barack Obama, one U.S.
‗08
Representative, Dennis
―None of the candidates are
Kucinich, and the Governor
very qualified for the job
of New Mexico, Bill RichardI‘ve seen so far,‖ remarked
son.
Mr. Sean Docherty, Social
On the other hand, the
Studies.
Republicans are running two
―I think they are all bad
current U.S. Senators, Sam
choices,‖ admitted Ms. JesBr ownbac k an d J ohn
sica Pilson, Social Studies.
McCain, former U.S. Senator
Johnny Becham, ‘09 reFred Thompson, two U.S.
marked, ―There is still a
Representatives, Ron Paul
long time until the election,
and Duncan Hunter, former
and I really haven‘t been
Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and
paying attention.‖
two former Governors, Mike
The majority of
Huckabee and Mitt Romney.
students and staff on camWhich candidate excites
pus fall into the same catestudents most?
gory. It is still very early
By Caleb Cross
VERNOIS NEWS
Maintenance staff toughs
it out over summer
By Brittany Brumely
VERNOIS NEWS
Many things were improved this summer at MVTHS. The
maintenance department worked all summer to get us ready
for school year 2007-2008.
Continued on page 5
VERNOIS NEWS
News, Page 5
New tardy policy debuts at MV
By Amy Hawkins
VERNOIS NEWS
It‘s 8:05 a.m. and you‘re on
your way to school when all
of the sudden, you hear a
whistle blast from a train on
its way across the tracks.
Worrying that it‘s going to be
your fourth tardy and going to
get a referral, the train stops
and another 10 minutes pass
by until you finally get to
school. You run into class and
a referral is waiting to surprise you.
Has this happened to you
or have you been late for another good reason? This is a
common problem at MV.
Every school year, either
the rules change, either becoming more strict or lenient.
The tardy policy has had some
improvements this year.
―The new tardy policy is
going so much better this
year,‖ commented Mrs. Susan
Talley, Attendance Office.
Last year we had thousands of tardies and the
school felt something had to
be done. ―I don‘t like the new
tardy policy because even
though there were a lot of
tardies last year, there are
also kids who want to be here
and on time,‖ declared Rachel Lee, ‘09.
The tardy policy states
that on the first tardy a verbal warning will be given. On
the second and third tardy a
phone call home is made. On
the students fourth tardy a
referral is written out and
there‘s now a consequence
that has to be paid from that
tardy onward, according to
the Student and Parent Handbook.
The new tardy policy has a
consequence for tardies all
the way up to the 28th tardy.
Believe it or not, there are
already students up to the
12th tardy.
According to Talley that is
nothing compared to last
year‘s tardies
―I think that was ridiculous that our school had as
many tardies as it did last
year and obviously something
needed to be done about it,‖
commented Laina Parsell,
‘09.
Something that has many
students worried stated in the
MV Student and Parent handbook, students can have no
more than 2 tardies per semester before they have to
take the semester exam.
But the policy doesn‘t
have to be all bad. Can‘t it be
beneficial in the work world?
If we get punished for being
late now, then it prevents us
from being late to work and
possible getting fired,‖ explained Amanda Hays, ‘10.
MV students have had to
learn their lesson the hard
way and had to take the semester exam just for the reason of tardiness
―Yes, I had to take semesters last year because of tardies. I was tardy a lot, but we
shouldn‘t have to take them
for only a few tardies,‖ declared Hays.
―In a way I think the tardy
policy is chasing kids away,‖
suggested Lee.
Continued from page 4
Many minor problems were solved this summer. New windows and doors were installed.
―We replaced the windows to keep you
kids cool,‖ commented Mr. Art Highfill,
heating and cooling, maintenance department.
Another minor task done was the opening of the heat boiler. A boiler inspector
comes every year to make sure it‘s safe.
Highfill said that preparation includes
―opening it up and cleaning it out.‖
The maintenance department had a lot
of electrical tasks over the summer, hanging
Lanyards come, go
By Jody Shockley
VERNOIS NEWS
School at Mt. Vernon Township
High School has begun once again.
The hustle and bustle of academic
life has once again returned to full
swing, but this time, something is
different.
The controversial IDs have
vanished from around the student‘s necks, residing now in wallets, pockets, and purses. Now,
they only see the light of day upon
request of a staff member, rather
than displayed for the world to
see.
It‘s no secret that the tags
were disliked by a considerable
number of students. Some even
flat-out refused to wear them on a
regular basis. However, some saw
the reason why it was enforced.
―I understand the point,‖ admitted Colton Burge, ‘09. ―A person on the street could come onto
campus with no identification and
possibly cause trouble.‖
Despite the reasoning behind
the policy and understanding from
the student body, many are quite
pleased with the change. The general consensus seems happy
they‘re out of sight, and for the
most part, out of mind.
―Yes, I‘m very happy [with the
new system]. It takes the pressure
off the kids,‖ said Dustin Smith,
‘08.
―They were really annoying,‖
quipped Brandi Winkleman, ‘09.
The ID policy was only in effect for two years before being
struck down. Why, though, did
this policy change so abruptly?
―Because we [the students]
protested against those dastardly
lanyards!‖ declared Sarah Fair-
over 15 Smartboards in classrooms.
―It was time consuming and tricky,‖
announced Mr. Norman Vance, maintenance
department.
The south wall in Changnon Gym had to
be replaced. The bricks in the wall needed
to be remortared.
―After the mortar is old, it turns loose,‖
stated Vance.
Something major done this summer was
the replacing of a few roofs. Building A had
a severely leaking roof. The roof on the
walkway connecting B and C also needed
replacing. Martinsville Roofing was called to
do the replacing. Because of the leaky roofs,
many walls received water damage. So many
child, ‘08.
―They got tired of students
never wearing the IDs,‖ said Brandon Rose, ‘09.
So how does the administration feel about such changes? Do
they anticipate a problem that the
students
c o u l d
h a v e
missed?
―There
could be
VERNOIS NEWS photo/ ctlaminating.com
an issue
wearing of lanyards was
w i t h The
dropped at MVTHS for „07-‟08.
b e i n g
able to tell MVTHS students and
staff from strangers quickly in
troublesome situations, like the
issue on September 11,‖ answered
Mr. Mark Goodheart, Assistant
Principal. ―For example, if someone driving by stopped and got out
of their car to watch a fight.‖
Whether it is positive or negative, the students, teachers, and
other faculty of MVTHS will be
affected by the now mostlyhidden tags. Opinions on the true
outcome, though, are almost as
varied as the students themselves.
―I don‘t think it‘s going to be
as safe,‖ Alicia Barnett, ‘10,
pointed out.
―I‘d imagine all those teachers
who hounded us for our IDs are
getting pretty bored now,‖ joked
Sarah Connaway, ‘08.
On a slightly different note,
another school which enacted a
very similar policy is Zadok Casey
Middle School. Casey began its ID
and lanyard system roughly three
years before its high school counterpart. It is still in effect to this
day.
walls needed re-plastering, and then of
course, repainting.
A hot topic this summer concerned the
football stadium lights. The maintenance
men discovered late in the summer that the
northeast and southeast lights wouldn‘t
work. They decided it would be best to
switch the games to Saturday. Thanks to
Ameren and Tri-County, the problem has
been fixed. The almost 40 year old lights
had a short.
―A temporary line was ran [from pole to
pole] overhead for the time being,‖ stated
Mr. Highfill. ―Next summer they should
really get fixed,‖ he added.
Page 6, News
VERNOIS NEWS
Lack of Illinois budget affects MV classes
By Logan Payne
VERNOIS NEWS
Governor Rod Blagojevich left the state
budget unsigned and for several weeks
teachers across the state, including many at
MV, couldn‘t get supplies for lab style
teaching. As a result, students have failed
to receive proper instruction in the Career
Training Department classes.
Although the budget was delayed, Governor Blagojevich said, ―…I‘m pleased that
we‘re making a record investment in education…‖ By cutting a total of $463 million in
spending the Governor was able to make the
record investment.
How is MV dealing with the budget delay?
According to Mr. Ron Daniels, Principal,
the delayed budget has had ―no direct impact on scheduling.‖
However, some teachers disagree.
Mr. Steve Odle, Industrial Technology,
said, ―The gist of it is, my whole lesson plan
changed.‖ He added, ―We can‘t work in the
machine shop now, ‗cause we don‘t have
any metal.‖
One student was disgruntled by being
kept out of the machine shop. ―The welding
competition is at the end of the [school]
year and I won‘t be as practiced since next
semester we won‘t be welding,‖ admitted
Huston Fowler, ‘08.
One student
Ms. Julie Holmes,
disagreed about
Consumer Sciences, exthe clay. Ukierra
plained,
―[Students]
Mays, ‘08, decan‘t start labs,‖ due to
clared ―it sucks
supplies not being or‗cause all the clay
dered. Ms. Homes also
has to be resaid she feels the stumade.‖
dents are disappointed.
From
many
One student in const u d e n t s
and
sumer sciences sees that
teachers
interMs. Holmes wants to
viewed, the same
start. Cameron Young
responses of ag‘08, remarked, ―I want
gravation
and
to get stuff started, but
frustration
are
we don‘t have any
common.
equipment.‖
Among
the
VERNOIS NEWS photo/ www.uis.edu needed
Mr. Rob Knutson,
supplies
assistant principal and Governor Rod Blagojevich passed the new budget, with some delay, are steel rods,
CTD director, confirmed into effect in August. The new budget will affect student learning here cooking supplies,
the problems brought on at MV.
food, clay,
colby a lack of funding
ore d
pen ci ls,
when he described how the unsigned budget wood, nails, screws, and automotive parts,
and late property taxes froze up all of MV‘s according to Mr. Knutson. He also reported
Funds until recently.
that the essential supplies and consumables
Some teachers have been able to con- have been ordered as of September 9.
tinue their work undaunted.
With the arrival of supplies, student
Ms. Crystal Nowak, art, stated that, learning should become fully fledged within
even though she couldn‘t get any new clay,
the next week or so.
she could continue instructing ceramics with
reclaimed (recycled) clay.
Hurricane Dean attacks; leaves coast in ruins
I would have enough warning time to get a few
things packed and be better prepared,‖ she
added.
In an already busy hurricane
―I think that you should stock up on water,
season, Dean slammed into
storable foods, and a first-aid kit,‖ said Bethany
the Atlantic coast, hitting
Payne, ‗10. ―Also, if you have pets, get plenty of
the Cayman Islands and surfood and blankets,‖ she added.
rounding areas.
www.weather.com warned and stated that
Dean being the fourth
―you should always be prepared for any major
named storm of the 2007
event.‖
hurricane season, was
Did the government and aid organizations conmarked as a Category 4.
tribute enough? Bobbie Jo Staley, ‗11 responded,
Winds up to 165 miles per
―I think that there could be more organizations
hour crashed into the Eastthat help and contribute to hurricane victims.
ern Caribbean on August 21,
There should be more homes and places for the
killing 20 people and floodVERNOIS NEWS photo/ www.livingearth.org hurricane victims to go to and live a better life,‖
ing thousands of homes.
Hurricane Dean ripped through the Atlantic coast. The hurricane‟s she stated.
―The Caribbean has winds reached up to 165 m.p.h.
The only help was in Jamaica and they offered
taken out hurricane insurone thousand shelters nationwide. And in Haiti,
ance but there still needs to
there was a radio alert so there could get a head start to evacuate
be more help for the hurricane victims,‖ stated Jennifer Williams,
and get to safety.
‗11.
―I think that there should be places all around the world for hurAlthough the worst damage was in the Caribbean, this still
ricane victims and their families to go to when such a terrible storm
struck damage in many areas. Would people here be prepared if a
takes place,‖ said Tiffany Gonzolas, ‗10.
hurricane was to head their way?
―There should be a place that has clothes, blankets, water,
―I don‘t think you could ever be fully prepared for a life changfood, and maybe even safe motor homes to stay in … we all can and
ing event,‖ expressed Hannah Watchel, ‗09. ―But I would hope that
should just contribute what is possible,‖ she added.
By Jami Williams
VERNOIS NEWS
VERNOIS NEWS
Editorial
Commentary, Page 7
VERNOIS NEWS
A VERNOIS PUBLICATIONS GROUP Newspaper
Editorial Board:
Leah Minor, Editor in Chief
Alicia Sheldon, Managing Editor
Gabe Cralley, Opinions Editor
Mr. Jamey VanZandt, Adviser
In Memory of Brett Somers
1924 - 2007
Match Game Panelist &
Very Funny Woman
Editorial
Stop the Fighting!
―Fight!! Fight!!‖ How many times do we have to hear that this
year?
It seems like every other day those words ring out across campus, drawing students from each area of the school to the scene of
the squabble like lemmings to the ocean. And lemming-like, these
students are risking life and limb to see the spectacle of misunderstood words and motives.
What really causes these fights? Someone bumps into someone
else, and instead of saying something like, ―Oh, I‘m sorry,‖ they
have to get defensive and push the other person. Before either
party realizes it, there is a crowd gathered around them screaming
for blood, and both people feel too pressured to back down. Push
comes to shove and a full-scale fight breaks out over something so
insignificant.
Recently, fights have gone way too far, invoking the attention
of the administration, the local newspapers, and television news.
What is the deal? Do we all feel so pressured, so hostile toward
everyone else that we bust out into full-scale Mortal Combat-like
bouts at the drop of a hat? We all need to pull together and show
our community and the surrounding areas that we‘re not the
brawling hoodlums that we‘ve been made out to be in the past
couple of weeks. Really, we‘re all just trying to get through high
school with as few embarrassing experiences as possible. Let‘s
unite together and stop this senseless fighting.
We Need to Address Student Apathy
Ever since kindergarten, there have been the kids who do their
homework and the kids who don‘t. It seems like the number of
kids who don‘t has escalated this year at MV.
Grades are dropping, people are failing classes, and students
are doing an all-around not so good job of keeping up with their
homework. In short, a spirit of apathy seems to have taken residence at MV. We need to step out of our lethargic attitudes and
buckle down. We‘re in high school now, people. The choices we
make and the homework that we do or don‘t do could quite easily
follow us for the rest of our lives.
It doesn‘t take too much effort to do well in most classes.
Homework doesn‘t take much time to do, and even if a student
doesn‘t do well, they will still get some points. It just doesn‘t
make sense to sit in a class and do nothing. Take a study hall if
that‘s the case.
We are issuing a challenge to everyone at MV to get their
homework done and to do the best that they can. This year, let‘s
dedicate ourselves to our studies.
―Then, without realizing it, you try to improve yourself at the start
of each new day; of course, you achieve quite a lot in the course
of time. Anyone can do this, it costs nothing and is certainly very
helpful. Whoever doesn‘t know it must learn and find by experience that a quiet conscience makes one strong.‖ -Anne Frank
ERIC
LYDAY
Sports Editor
What changes would you like to
see in the newspaper?
More Sports!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done so far during your time at
MV?
I got kicked out of Chaos Corner.
This year I can’t wait for…
It to be over.
Message to fellow students:
Have fun and don‘t be afraid to stand up at basketball games.
DAKOTA
BODINE
Staffer
What changes would you like to
see in the newspaper?
Fewer Errors.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done so far during your time at
MV?
I kicked a co-actor in the head during operetta.
This year I can’t wait for…
Operetta!
Message to fellow students:
Try to succeed! Never give up.
Page 8, The Buzz
The Buzz
New teachers debut on campus
Fresh people with fresh ideas begin careers at MV
By Leah Minor & Lauren Duncan
EDITOR IN CHIEF & NEWS EDITOR
This year, freshmen aren‘t the only new people on campus. Scattered throughout the hallways of Mount Vernon Township High
School, new educators can be found familiarizing themselves with
their new environment.
Brand new and brimming with optimism, the teachers promise
to present to MV faculty and students a
In order to acquaint MV students with these newcomers the
Vernois Staff has composed a short interview with each one.
Their responses to the questions revealed their diverse personalities and, perhaps, how they can contribute to MVTHS.
Kiley Thomas
Language Arts
303C
Shiela Stowers
Language Arts
203C
What is different about MV?
This school is smaller [than
previous school I‘ve worked
in].
What do you anticipate in the
upcoming school year?
I expect to learn from my students as much as they learn
from me.
What is your favorite book?
The Count of Monte Cristo.
Kendra Hopkins
Family & Consumer
Science
218H
What are your hobbies?
I sew and cook. I make wedding cakes.
Who is your favorite celebrity/artist?
Dog the Bounty Hunter!
John McGhee
Music
312F
What do you anticipate in the
upcoming school year?
A great year of concerts, contests and Operetta. The kids are great and eager to work!
What image of MV were you given before you taught here?
I have lived here most of my life. I went to school here and
am close friends with Mr. Gibbs (previous choral teacher)
Do you have any pets?
I have a Persian cat named Dr. Penelope Squoosh.
Julie Hayes
Business
232F
Who is your favorite celebrity/artist?
I like Reba McIntyre. She is
multi-talented, has a strong
family life and is very down
to earth.
What do you anticipate in the upcoming school year?
I anticipate a year of designing creative and interesting lessons to excite my students about business. This will take a
lot of research and time. I look forward to getting to know
my students and inspiring them to become future business
leaders.
The Vernois News
welcomes all new staff
members to MVTHS!
The Buzz, Page 9
John Goodisky
Social Studies
304C
Laura Coston
Art
223H
What is your favorite part
about teaching?
My favorite thing is the kids. I
have great kids in class.
What are your hobbies?
Traveling, mission work,
painting, metal smithing,
concerts
How have the other teachers/staff members acted toward
you?
The faculty has been very friendly.
What image of MV were you given before you taught here?
That it was large and had an outstanding art program.
Traci Shackles
Science
205G
What do you anticipate in the
upcoming school year?
I want to help students enjoy
science. Sometimes they just hear the word ‗chemistry‘
and think of it as a challenge. I just don‘t want them to be
afraid of it.
What are your hobbies?
I explore cave tops. I want to learn to scuba dive so that
Caryn Simpson
Health Occupations
227H
Do you have any pets?
Yea, two dogs: Braxton who
is a black lab, and Annie
who is a Heinz 57. We have two guinea pigs: Xavier and
Cinnamon and one cat - Squirt.
Chrystal Gehner Nowak
Art
222H
Who is your favorite celebrity/artist?
My favorite artists include
Henry Moore, Hans Cooper, Frida Kahlo, and far more to
even name.
What do you anticipate in the upcoming school year?
I anticipate lots of cleaning and organizing this year, as
well as working with two other enthusiastic art teachers
this school year.
Diane Todd
Science
222G
What do you anticipate for
the upcoming school year?
I want to help prepare students for their future...I
really want to help the reading and math curriculum develop here at the high school.
What’s your favorite movie?
Beaches - I cry every time.
What do you like about MV?
One thing I really liked was being offered a position as a
volleyball coach. I love coaching.
Cheryl Dierks Boyd
Business
214F
Rebekah Reyling
French
306A
What are your hobbies?
I love to work with my flowers, I love to read, and I love
to volunteer at the local No-Kill shelter. Plus I‘m a huge
Cardinals fan.
What is your favorite food?
French bagnettes.
Who is your favorite celebrity/artist?
Musically, I‘m a big 80‘s fan - Def Leppard, AC/DC, Bob
Segar, Journey, Boston, and Reo. Favorite celebrity - I like
Nicholas Cage.
What do you like about MV?
It‘s nice being here and I like having small classes. I like
that we have an hour to eat lunch.
Opinions
Payne speaks against PDA,
Page 10, Opinions
suggests alternatives
By Logan Payne
VERNOIS NEWS
Students on the MV campus seem
to think it is okay to make out
with their boyfriend or girlfriend
between classes. Many believe,
however, the practice is disgusting.
There are several reasons
why the student practice of public displays of affection is gross.
Granted, holding hands or a
short, quick kiss isn‘t so bad.
But hold, trying to suck each
other‘s faces off is totally nasty
to those of us who have more
self control. Landon Ile, ‗08,
stated, ―It‘s kind of gross if
they‘re, like, making out, a peck
is cool, but when they are really
going at it…‖
According to the MVTHS Student and Parent Handbook, even
a peck isn‘t cool. It states: ―All
displays of affection, including
kissing and fondling, are prohibited anywhere at school.‖
Students shouldn‘t have to
brace each other up all morning,
during lunch, and after school
either. Some even do this in
between classes. All students
doing this have legs of their own,
and don‘t have to be hanging all
over each other.
Again, while students are
hanging all over each other, being disgusting to others, they
remind others of their loved ones
who attend a different school or
go to college, and that can affect
them in all sorts of ways, from
distracting more conservative
students to making them sad.
Nathaniel Henschen, ‗08,
noted, ―It‘s hard to get by them
when they‘re in the way while
getting to class.‖
Offending students, please
think of others who are deprived
of their significant others; they
don‘t need to be reminded of
their missing counterparts.
Those who have more control
don‘t like to see others suck
face. Students who don‘t have a
significant other don‘t need to
see what they don‘t have.
Also, all the rest of the student body doesn‘t need to see
how gross some students can be.
Please be kind enough to tone it
down or go home.
Mateer wonders about lack of
9/11 ceremonies
By Coyn Mateer
VERNOIS NEWS
Tuesday, September 11, was a
day of mourning. Did you notice?
Six years ago, on September
11, 2001, the twin towers of the
World Trade Center were destroyed in the largest terrorist
attack to ever hit America. However, instead of having assemblies and remembering those
died this year, MVTHS was caught
up in controversy. What was
supposed to be a day of remembrance was filled with violence
instead. This is not the way we
should remember 9/11.
Would this have happened
two years ago? No, this day two
years ago was more important to
people. It had meaning. How
could something so dumb be
started on such a day?
In 2002, there was a schoolwide remembrance ceremony in
the quad. In 2003, there were
two assemblies with an Iraq war
veteran. After just a few years
the school has cut it back to a
moment of silence. At least in
past years there were thoughts of
the tragedy going through the
kids‘ heads. Shouldn‘t we do
more on a national day of remembrance?
I‘m not saying that we should
take up the whole day with ceremonies or remorse, but maybe
we could have been a little more
respectful and at least take a
moment to remember the people
who died. I would hope in 2009
this day will be remembered for
what it is and not become just
another day lost in time.
VERNOIS NEWS
Spicuzza suggests senior
trip location
By David Spicuzza
VERNOIS NEWS
Graduating high school can be a big accomplishment, so it‘s no
wonder why graduated students want to take a senior trip in celebration. But the question lingers on where would be a good place
to go. There are many things to take into account when trying to
decide on a place. The place has to be affordable, accessible,
and nothing but fun for you and your friends. So what place exists for us MV students? With a lot of research, Panama City
Beach, Florida, seems to be an excellent choice.
Panama City Beach is located on the western border of Florida. It‘s very affordable. You can find very cheap motels right on
the beach or across the street. Just about everything down there
is cheaper than the things you find here. It‘s easy to find places
for cheat eats, and they have a Wal-Mart right off the shore that
you can get any timely position for great Wal-Mart prices.
Seeing how not too many people are willing to go overseas for
this trip (including myself), Panama City Beach is no more than a
ten hour drive to paradise. Gas with the way it is now, though,
that can be pricy. So gather up your best friends to all throw
down on gas prices.
So what makes Panama better than any other beach? Well, it
has many wonderful attributes for anyone no matter what your
likes are. If you love music (like myself), then you can catch live
music at Club Lavela or some of the other night clubs like Spinachers, and the Corral, which are both known for their great music, as well as their food. Or say you just want to be a kid and do
things like car-carts, or maybe visit the Frank Brown theme park.
And for those of you who just like to kick back and chill on the
beach, you won‘t find a friendlier environment.
So if you and your friends are thinking of a senior trip, Panama City Beach, Florida, should definitely be one to look at.
Lack of adequate drive-thru lanes at
McDonald’s frustrates student
By James Jackson
VERNOIS NEWS
It is lunchtime. I hustle out to
my car and wait for my friends
to arrive. When they get there
we get in my truck and drive
off to our favorite restaurant,
McDonald‘s. Pulling into the
parking lot on the east side of
the building, I park the car,
and get out and go enjoy my
two plain double cheeseburgers.
Recently, however, as we
prepared to leave McDonald‘s,
I noticed that my car had been
blocked in by people using two
lanes for the drive-thru. I attempted for several minutes to
get out of my parking space
but several people simply refused to let me out. Conse-
quently when I arrived back at
MV I saw an empty parking lot
because the bell had already
rung and we were all late.
This was a very frustrating
experience, and it was sad to
see so many people being so
inconsiderate, and refusing to
help a person in need. This
behavior needs to stop. We
can no longer tolerate people
so foolishly using the double
drive-thru lanes at McDonald‘s.
A simple solution to this
problem would be to expand
the parking lot ten or so feet
farther west. Doing so would
allow for people to comfortably park there and people
would be able to us both lanes
for the drive-thru.
VERNOIS NEWS
Opinions, Page 11
Sub Debs member weighs in on initiation ban
By Haley Smith
VERNOIS NEWS
For anyone who isn‘t familiar with the group
formally known as Sub Debs at MV, here is a
little background on the group.
Sub Debs is a non-profit organization
put together each year by a group of young
ladies in grades 10 through 12. Sub Debs is
also regulated by set rules that each member is to abide by.
Each year a president, vice-president,
and treasurer are nominated to lead the
group throughout the year. At the very
same meeting that the officers are picked,
the girls debate on who will become the
next Sub Debs members. There are, on average, four girls picked from the sophomore
class through the upcoming senior class.
Each girl nominated is evaluated on
their attitude, personality, willingness to
get along with others, dedication, and their
behavior. Since one cannot be accepted
into Sub Debs until the summer before their
sophomore year, this gives time for everyone to get to know them and to really see
what kind of person they are.
After the inductees are picked, a ―Big
Sister‖ is assigned to each inductee. This
means they are to act just like an older sister to the new Sub Deb. They are to look
out for them, keep them updated on upcoming events and meetings, and provide
transportation if needed, so on and so forth.
Next, an initiation process is done. This
process consists of the ―Big Sisters‖ dressing
up their ―Little Sisters‖ and having them
participate in a scavenger hunt throughout
the Fruit Bowl. This has been the initiation
for Sub Dubs for several years now.
Finally, the new Sub Deb group is picked
for the upcoming year. The rest of the year
consists of the group meeting to plan upcoming events such as birthday dinners,
fundraisers, charity work, community service, the yearbook spread, and several
other important issues.
During the month of October it is a tradition to have an initiation week for the
new members. This week has been known
as ―Hell Week‖. Every year, the little sisters are dressed up by their big sister for
the whole week. Each day has a different
theme, and the little ones are dressed accordingly and also wear a sign saying they
love their Big Sis. Being that Sub Debs has
been thought of as a privilege, this process
is simply for fun, to make memories, and to
let everyone know who the new members
are. Never has there been a problem with
the initiation week.
This year, that has all changed.
Sub Debs is no longer allowed to perform initiation activities at MV. It is said to
be a distraction to students and is not
needed. Sub Debs is said to be a ―secret
society,‖ not school related, ―invitation
only,‖ a ―distraction,‖ and once was called
―racist‖.
I agree with Sub Debs being a secret
society and not school related. But, in
some way, shape, or form, isn‘t every
school extracurricular activity a form of a
secret society? For example, if one is not a
member of the Youth and Government pro-
gram at MV, is he/she allowed to attend the
trip to Springfield every year? Is he/she
allowed to participate in the Bill Groups? If
one is not a member of the Mt. Vernon football team is he allowed to participate in the
Friday night football games?
As far as Sub Debs being said to be an
―invitation only‖ program, I‘m not so sure
where the problem is. For example, in order to be inducted into National Honor Society at the high school, there are certain
requirements you must acquire, such as a
certain GPA. If you have managed to meet
the requirements to join, you must first
apply to become a member. Your application is analyzed and if you are chosen, you
are invited to join NHS. Now, not everyone
is picked for this group. Just like not everyone is picked to be a MV cheerleader. You
must try out to become a member and
whether or not you are picked is based on
what skills you can maintain.
So, can one tell me where the difference is between the organization of Sub
Debs and every other school related activity? There may be some differences, but
not many. Not enough to terminate the
tradition of initiation week. It‘s not hurting
anyone, it is no more of a distraction than
what some people choose to wear to school,
it‘s in no way racist, it‘s no more secret
than any other group at the high school, and
I don‘t believe it‘s fair to be able to limit
what kids wear to school.
The idea of cancelling Sub Deb‘s initiation for 2007-2008 is unnecessary. With the
evidence given, what is there to argue?
Student expresses favor toward Ron Paul
By Kat Bullock
VERNOIS NEWS
―Who the heck is Ron Paul?‖
―Isn‘t he that one politician
guy?‖
―Why should I even care?‖
These were some of the
responses I got when I asked MV
students what they thought
about Texas representative Dr.
Ron Paul, a libertarian running
for the Republican spot on the
2008 Presidential ballot.
A majority of the surveyed
student body has no idea who
Paul even is.
But who is Ron Paul, and
why should we even care?
The entire student body
should not only know who Ron
Paul is, but should also be promoting him like crazy because
he is pro-life, for lower taxes,
against the war in Iraq, and
believes the United States borders and coastlines should be
secured.
The topic of abortion has
always been a touchy subject,
and most people don‘t like to
discuss it. But Ron Paul is very
vocal in his pro-life beliefs, as I
am.
Paul, who has 40 years of
OB/GYN experience under his
belt, said, ―In 40 years of medical practice, I never once considered performing an abortion,
nor did I ever find abortion necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman.‖
Preach it, brother.
Concerning the tax issue,
Paul believes that, ―Whether a
tax cut reduces a single
mother‘s payroll taxes by $40 a
month or allows a business
owner to save thousands in capital gains taxes and hire more
employees, that tax cut is a
good thing.‖
Lower taxes allow more
spending, saving, and investing
which helps the economy — that
means all of us.
When it comes to our soldiers overseas, I don‘t understand why our current President
sent them there in the first
place, and neither does Ron
Paul.
Paul commented, ―The war
in Iraq was sold to us with false
information. The area is more
dangerous now than when we
entered it. We destroyed a
regime hated by our direct enemies, the jihadists, and created
thousands of new recruits for
them.‖
On this certain political
topic, I think most MV students
would agree with Paul.
And why are we worrying
about things going on overseas
when our own borders are left
open? Our government has almost entirely lost its concern
with illegal immigration.
Continued on page 12
Page 12, Opinions
Continued from page 11
Not Ron Paul.
Paul believes that we should
concentrate more on securing
our borders and coastlines than
what‘s going on in Iraq.
―A nation without secure
borders is no nation at all. It
makes no sense to fight terrorists
abroad when our own front door
is left unlocked,‖ said Paul.
And when it comes to the
government ―getting all up in our
business,‖ Paul believes in the
privacy and personal liberty of
the people.
Paul states that, ―The biggest threat to your privacy is the
government. We must drastically
VERNOIS NEWS
limit the ability of government to
collect and store data regarding
citizens‘ personal matters.‖
And what ever happened to
doctor-patient confidentiality?
Under so-called ―medical
privacy protection‖ rules, insurance companies and other entities have access to our personal
medical information.
Paul thinks that, ―We must
also protect medical privacy.‖
Ever since I learned who Rep.
Ron Paul is, I‘ve been supporting
him. His beliefs on current political issues line up with mine as
well as the rest of America‘s.
Now that you know who Ron
Paul is, go forth and spread the
word.
Let’s add more seasonal
activities at MVTHS
By Amy Hawkins
VERNOIS NEWS
Dodgeball tournament. Outside extravaganza. Coffee house. Class
activities. What does that sound like? SpringFling, what many MV
students look forward to every year.
Wouldn‘t it be even better if MV had SpringFling more than once?
Take one week out of every season, fall, winter, and of course,
spring, and have season related activities throughout the week.
Has anyone bobbed for apples? For fall MV could have a school
wide ―Bobbing for Apples‖ contest, every class against each other. At
the end of the week, MV could have the biggest Halloween party,
come to school dressed up as Spiderman, Jack Sparrow, Batman, etc.
Teachers could participate also.
The idea of being outside in 30° weather does not sound fun. For
winter activities, we would definitely have to do more of the fun inside. For example, has anyone ever come to school all bundled up in
more than one scarf, a hoodie, and a coat? Let‘s see how many coats,
scarves, hats, and pants can be fit on one person and take a lap
around the gym, while racing with other classes.
One outside activity could be a snowman contest. If you‘ve never
made a snowman, here‘s your chance.
It all sounds wonderful, and a chance for the high school to come
together in a way, but sometimes comes with a price. Money sometimes can be an issue but MV many organizations that maybe could
raise funds and take charge of some activities.
Especially with what‘s going on at MV, this could be a great way
to bring us together and do nothing but have tons of fun at our Fall
Fun Fest, Winter Wonderland, and, of course, at our SpringFling.
Vernois News is now
available on the
school website,
www.mvths.org
Bayer reflects on litter,
recycling
By Joanna Bayer
VERNOIS NEWS
While standing in the parking lot, I look to my left. I see someone‘s left over Fazoli‘s, an empty gum container, and an empty
bottle of soda. Trash surrounds our campus everywhere.
Laziness, a perception that littering is not an important environmental concern, and a feeling that someone else is being paid
to clean it up are just a few reasons why people litter.
Throughout our parking lot and campus areas, you see far too
much littering taking place. There is by far too much disposal on
the grounds. The administration, students, and faculty need to
take the time to make it to the disposal.
Many teenagers don‘t realize the effect littering has on our
environment. On average it is said an aluminum can take 100
years to decay. Think about how many cans of soda are out on
our campus or in our parking lot at this very moment.
The enforcement of litter laws in the Supreme Court of the
United States says that litter is a form of propaganda. Cigarette
butts, the most littered item today, is a threat to our wildlife.
Cigarette butts are being mistaken for food by various animals,
such as birds, fish, and whales.
In a way our administration has tried to pull out their green
thumb by adding the recycle bins to most classrooms. By contributing to our environment and to spiff up our campus, the administration should put more trash can disposals around our campus.
Look around at our campus. Try to make it to the disposal
next time.
Benefits of night games goes
without question
By Ross Rubenacker
VERNOIS NEWS
Under the cool night sky, with the lights shining down on the field
or under a sweltering late summer sun beating down on the east
bleacher right into your eyes?
Well, if you ask me, there is not a doubt in my mind which
one to choose. Friday nights are where it‘s at when it comes to
high school football. Nothing compares to the atmosphere of a
Friday night. Especially not a hot Saturday afternoon where the
crowd is dead, and not to mention the sun, that no matter which
way you turn or look, it‘s always right there in the center of your
vision.
Some freshly popped popcorn on a Friday night smells and
tastes ten times better than a batch being popped on a Saturday
afternoon after just waking up and eating breakfast or lunch.
Football games are a given for most students. There are
some w ho actually play in the game and many who attend. If
you ask someone what their plans are for Friday night, many students respond with ―going to the game‖.
Saturday afternoon is reserved for college football. ―Friday
night lights‖ is a tradition for high school football. It has been for
many years and should remain that way for years to come.
Vernois News … have you read it?
VERNOIS NEWS
Columns
Columns, Page 13
Duncan anticipates obtaining license
By Lauren Duncan
NEWS EDITOR
Driving license is just a step away
After fifteen years of walking this earth,
my legs are tired.
Last week I woke up one morning thinking, how long could two weeks last? Little
did I know, the answer was forever.
You see, if I can pass the DMV‘s test, I
am expecting to get my license on September 21st. Ever since I got my permit last November, the possibility of driving behind the
wheel without the presence of an adult in
the passenger seat seemed light-years
away. Now that the time is near, the clock
seems to be ticking slower than ever.
Recently I have just pushed the thought
of freedom on the road out of my mind,
trying to stay focused on other things. I‘m
not only doing this to help pass the time,
but also because I don‘t want to let myself
down.
Many sophomores that received their
licenses‘ at the end of first semester last
year seemed so excited to be exempt from
semester exams so they could get their li-
cense a few days earlier than usual. After
Christmas break ended, it was like driving
was an old hairdo and had gone out of style.
Many students got their big break later in
the year, and didn‘t even mind because
many of their friends were already driving.
Gas is another obstacle on my path to
freedom, because of the expense and the
guilt trip suffered every time at the pump. I
can barely handle throwing pennies away on
nail polish that may have been animal
tested, how will I spend money on gas that
contributes to melting ice-caps and Floridians worsening sun burns?
Fear is one of the smallest contributors
to why I avoid daydreaming of life in the
fast lane. Lunch hour can get crazy and
some of the curves and hills in country roads
demand lower speeds, but the traffic of
Jefferson County doesn‘t scare me. Freedom may be the only fear that I find linked
to being sixteen. Yes, it is an amazing
power, but it can take a teen by surprise.
One little slip at following the rules, and
parents cant take away all of that power
with a set of keys.
But my determination will not allow
myself to push aside all excitement for my
sixteenth birthday. Though students in the
past have forgotten the privilege of driving
and complained about the cost of gas, I will
savor every moment just because I am lucky
to be getting my license. With new driving
requirements and curfew laws, freedom will
be one of the rights that I cherish most. One
thing that I do not want to spend my money
on is depleting the earth, so I‘ll be carpooling to make up for it. Of course, rules will
suddenly cross my mind more than when
repercussions started with ‗no phone‘, but
maybe this sudden awareness of regulations
will strengthen my tolerance of rules and
help to better obey them.
So holding a tightened grip on my anticipation for the day that I may park in L lot
with the other sophomore is soon to be released if the hour hand on the clock will
start speeding up. Please, this day must
eventually arrive, you see, my legs are quite
exhausted and I don‘t know how much further I can walk.
Minor credits St. Mary’s for solid preparation
By Leah Minor
EDITOR IN CHIEF
The nine years of schooling before high
school can prepare or doom students for the
rest of their educations and ultimately the
rest of their lives. Unfortunately, when I
began high school, I felt doomed.
Years 5-14 in my life were occupied
most by the atmosphere and people of St.
Mary‘s Catholic School.
I attended church services twice a week
and had religion class regularly. My fellow
students and I all wore uniforms, completely denying us the freedom and, more
importantly, the freedom to come to learn,
through said expression, our own styles.
Eight students, four girls and four boys,
were the composition of my graduating
class. All of us were white, save one.
As my eighth grade year stated pulling
to a close, I was excited about leaving the
ho-hum that was my extremely structured,
monotonous, and lackluster life for the
great and wide something that awaited me
outside the cross-linked fences and tightbricked walls of St. Mary‘s.
My elder brother, by two year, would
help ease me into high school as would 7
out of the 8 students in my graduating class.
However, the world suddenly tipped out of
my favor.
For the first two years of my brother‘s
high school life, he had begged my mother
to let him go live with my dad so he could
go to Christopher High School (CHS). CHS
had been the high school of choice in my
family for years and my brother felt he
needed to carry on the ‗Minor Legacy.‘ Mere
weeks before my first semester of high
school started, my mother said he could go.
I cried and begged my mother not to let
him leave.
Terrifying questions swam about me.
What was I supposed to do? Who would
guide me in the now terrifyingly great and
wide somewhere? Who would protect me?
Who would encourage me and shield me?
I started doubting my ability to cope in
high school without my brother. I slowly fell
into a state of horrification regarding the
upcoming first day.
When I arrived at the high school, I
stood wide-eyed in terror. Big boys in sports
uniforms, people in all black, people playing
hackey-sack, girls showing too much cleavage, people on skateboards, people kissing,
and people of all races and cultures
swarmed the quad. There were so many
people I was stood completely frozen, staring at the enormity and severity into which I
was not expected to embark.
I knew no one in my first four classes.
I stayed silent, addressing my teachers
with a formal ‗yes ma‘am‘ or ‗yes sir.‘
Every movement I made was soundlessly
calculated, every word thought through
intensely before I allowed it to escape
through my lips, without stuttering. My
steps were taken slowly, confidently. My
back straight and my chin level to the floor
in a non-cowardice, embracing stance.
In reflection at the end of the day I
though of how poorly I had been prepared
and festered in an angry and hurt fit of
criticism of St. Mary‘s School.
My mother always says that ―It is not
how we compose ourselves in times of normalcy, but how we compose ourselves in
times of peril that reveal our true selves.‖
I now realize that my complete and utter terror seemed to have pushed me to
maintain my composure that day.
St. Mary‘s had taught me through meditation and prayer in religion class, how to
focus myself. And through church and other
Catholic practices, I knew how to discipline
myself.
I had reached deep into my gut to find
my core, my true self, and I had found myself capable. I was capable of maintaining
myself in time of panic because of St.
Mary‘s School.
This will not be the last challenging or
terrifying moment in my life. Life is full of
obstacles and hindrances that necessitate
confrontation. And, I revere St. Mary‘s
Catholic School for preparing me for such
impediments and am proud to be an alumnus of such an esteemed institution.
Columns, Page 14
VERNOIS NEWS
Sheldon encourages peace, love
By Alicia Sheldon
MANAGING EDITOR
Almost anywhere you look, you can find
hate and anger. Whether it‘s a physical
altercation or just a heated glare, chaos is
lurking everywhere. This causes me to
pose a question to all students; why is it
so hard to keep the peace?
It seems so easy to just stick up two
fingers in a ―V‖ shape and announce, ―I
want peace.‖ Sadly, this cliché has become the majority of ―peace-makers.‖
True peace does not come from the physical world. It comes from the mindset that
all people should live in harmony together
without conflict. MySpace has become a
way for people to express themselves, and
many do so by adorning every corner of
their web page with a peace sign. However, these individuals are so often the
very heart of drama and disputes. The two
just don‘t seem to add up to me.
One of the biggest peace activists was
none other than John Lennon, the former
Beatle who was shot to death in 1980. I
recently watched a television program
about the way he led his peace movement. He and his wife Yoko Ono held two
Bed-Ins for Peace, where they nonviolently protested the war and promoted
peace. This idea struck me as very inspira-
tional. The way they went about promoting peace was so creative and distinctive.
This extraordinary couple is one of the
first things that comes to mind when I
think of peace.
The concept of peace comes so easily
to some, but for others the view is more
difficult to attain. Being raised in a world
full of hatred is not something one can
avoid, and when the views are forced on
us that strong, it is even more difficult to
visualize a peaceful world.
But there are ways to overcome these
perceptions. If it is thought of as a domino
effect, it is easier to understand. If someone were to drop a smile to another person, it will most likely put that person in a
better mood. That person is likely to smile
at someone else, and so on.
The overall effect, if everything goes
correctly, is a much happier population.
When people are in happier moods, they
usually will not be as violence-prone. This
results in a much more peaceful environment.
Ultimate world peace seems like wishful thinking. But if every human being on
this earth strives towards the goal, it is
not impossible. I will let the words of Lennon guide my heart, ―all we are saying, is
give peace a chance.‖
Health effects of smoking:
May cause cancer in 10
different body parts
Doubles risk of stroke
Women who smoke have
a higher risk of infertility
Reduces life expectancy
Loss of smell and taste
Asthma
Diabetes
Osteoporosis (women)
Loss of singing voice
Cralley analyzes smoking, logic
By Gabe Cralley
OPINIONS EDITOR
On any given day, I can walk
through campus and see students smoking, and it has been
that way since I came to MV
three years ago. Still, though,
the reasoning behind it eludes
me.
Maybe I‘m missing out on
some big secret, some forbidden
euphoria, but I really don‘t
think so. I just can‘t see the
attraction to smoking or chewing tobacco. It stinks, it turns
your teeth yellow, and it‘s so
expensive, not to mention the
fact that smoking kills. Yes,
that‘s right, it kills, and you‘re
not invincible to its effects. Seriously, no teenager
should be smoking.
We‘ve
known for, what, thirty, forty
years that it causes diseases like
lung cancer, oral cancer (in
chewing tobacco‘s case), and
emphysema.
I know I‘m starting to sound
like an anti-tobacco ad, but
really, smoking is just stupid. I‘m not saying that people
who smoke are stupid, but the
act itself is. What really aggravates me even further is that
everyone who smokes should be
smarter than that. It doesn‘t
take too much to notice that it‘s
bad for you. If it makes you
hack and cough, throw up and
turn pale, chances are that it‘s
bad for you.
How much do cigarettes
cost now, four dollars per
pack?
Somewhere in that
area? Let‘s say that a smoker
buys six packs of cigarettes each
week, which comes out to about
twenty-four dollars, then multiply that by the fifty-two weeks
in a year, which comes to $1248
per year, and $12,480 in a decade. That‘s the price of a de-
cent car, but instead of spending it on a vehicle or something
that could be of use to someone, he or she spends the money
on something that will do nothing more than shorten his or her
life.
Is there still some tie to
―badness‖ that makes intelligent young teenagers want to
smoke? Are we still stuck in
that Grease/Happy Days/James
Dean mindset that we‘re rebelling against some authority by
blackening our lungs and lightening our wallets? If that‘s the
case, then it‘s not doing any
good. The only damage being
done is the damage to your
lungs, your brain, your liver, and
your kidneys. So much for that.
Maybe it‘s not so much a
rebellion issue as it is a peer
pressure issue, but still, that
explanation falls through too
easily. Any person who would
try to talk their friends into do-
ing such a stupid thing shouldn‘t
be given the time of day.
I‘ve really only focused on
cigarettes so far, but chewing
tobacco is just as repulsive.
Who wants to go around with a
disgusting lump of ick stuck under their lip? Sure, it‘s not as
noticeable as the popular cancer
stick, but it‘s still gross. The
chewer‘s saliva turns brown and
nasty, and the tobacco sets a
course for rotting teeth and
causing mouth cancer. Surely
there‘s a healthier choice.
It doesn‘t take a rocket scientist or doctor to see that
smoking is bad for the human
body, but people continue, spiraling down a path of breathing
problems and possible death.
Students twitch in class, craving
their nicotine. Can‘t we see
that this is bad? Honestly, people, stop smoking! Better yet,
don‘t start.
VERNOIS NEWS
A&E
iPhone delivers satisfaction
By Holden Johnson
VERNOIS NEWS
Is the iPhone more than just eye candy?
According to the editor of CNET.com the iPhone is only good to look at
and it is superb for surfing the Internet.
When the iPhone was first released to the public on June 29 its price
was set at $599, after only two months the
prized phone dropped to $399.
Will the price drop again? Emily Estes ‗08,
said,
―I think the iPhone prices will eventually
drop. When all rare electronics are first released, the prices are always extremely high.
Apple will have to lower the price if they want
people to start purchasing them.‖
VERNOIS NEWS photo/arunrajagopal.com
After the iPhone was released, Apple had
iPhones have many new features,
trouble with some of its new features. The
including the internet and a fully
phone lacked some of the basic features of a
functionally iPod.
cell phone, like a removable battery, an external slot for an additional memory card, to send picture messages to other
phones, 3G compatibility, and stereo Bluetooth support. The iPhone is said
to have variable calling quality.
On the bright side Apple has again come up with an easy to use electronic device.
Almost every equipped feature the iPhone has is simply accessible with
one easy touch. The iPhone is equipped with many easy to use applications
including a calendar, a phonebook, a camera, email, text messaging, internet, alarm clock, iPod player, etc.
Compared to the standard features of other cell phones, the iPhone
could leave them in the dust.
―All my phone has is a calendar, phonebook, camera, text messaging,
and internet, if I pay for it,‖ added Kayleigh Mccowen ‗09.
One of the most interesting features of the iPhone is the visual voice
mail. The visual voice mail works much like a text–message. A message
appears once you have a voice mail displaying the callers name and/or
phone number and the date and time. The best part of it all is that you can
listen to the voice mail by touching the message box.
Children’s Theater takes stage
By Lauren Zedalis
VERNOIS NEWS
A crowd began to assemble in the hallway, waiting in anticipation for Mrs.
Mary Beth Mezo to put up the list.
At last, the cast of 2007 Theater for Kids has been announced.
Mrs. Mezo is kicking off her third year as Theater for Kids director with
a great start. ―This is the best cast I have ever, ever had,‖ declared Mrs.
Mezo.
The cast is filled with returning actors from previous operettas and
theater for kids performances.
Levi Overturf and Quinton Sledge are playing the roles of the beast.
Jessa Hawkins and Hope Wallace play Beauty.
Many others fill the very talented cast.
The cast rehearses Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school until
five, and Tuesday and Thursday from seven to nine.
―When we practice we don‘t just go over lines, we rehearse everything.
We develop our skills and talents also,‖ stated Mrs. Mezo.
Going to all the practices gets the cast ready and excited for the show.
Mrs. Mezo explained that during rehearsal they don‘t just go over lines.
They go over movements and character analysis.
Continued on Page 16
A & E, Page 15
2007 Homecoming
Sponsors
Expressions
City of Mt. Vernon
St. Mary‘s Good Samaritan
Ford Square of Mt. Vernon
Jeff Donoho Insurance Agency
King City Chrysler
Lundius Heating & Cooling
Campbell, Black, Carnine, Hedin Ballard, & McDonald, P.C.
Attorneys at Law
Beth McDonald/McBeth Consulting
Circuit Judge David Overstreet
Dr. Brian and Carol Lee
Jackson Marking Products, Inc.
Jerry Crisel
Mt. Vernon Fitness
First State Bank of Dix
Johnston Funeral Homes
Bean Insurance Agency, Inc.
Bugsy‘s Chicago Dog
Carl‘s for Men and Women
Girolamo Pizzeria
M. E. Jackson Jeweler Company
Mt. Vernon T.V. & Appliance
Nu Bowl Lanes
Once Upon a Lifetime Photography
Reeves Corporation
Sherry‘s Simply Scrappin‘
Sprint
The Blossom Shop
The Silver Streak Inn
The Style Shop/Tuxedo Corner
Clean & Classy Detail
Fifth Third Bank
Hughey Funeral Homes
Life‘s Little Perks Boutique & Coffee
Shop
Linda K. Carlton
VERNOIS NEWS
Theater, from Page 15
―These are things the audience doesn't see and
isn‘t supposed to,‖ she remarked.
The cast has been working on this performance for a while. They work on it every day for 8
-9 weeks.
―Beauty and the Beast has always been one of
my favorite children‘s movies. The opportunity to
be in it on stage is incredible.‖ commented Jessa
Hawkins, ‗09.
Being in an onstage performance can be
nerve racking and takes lots of preparation. Levi
Overturf, ‗08 recalled, ―Standing offstage right
before a performance is what makes me most
nervous.‖
Mrs. Mezo reassured she wasn‘t anxious, with
a great tech team and cast on her side.
Ways of preparation can differ with each performer.
Hope Wallace, ‗09 remarked, ―Right before I
go onstage, I say a little prayer, I take a few deep
breaths and just focus on getting through my first
scene, I know if I start well, I‘ll end well.‖
Quinton Sledge, ‗09 stated, ―I isolate myself
from other people and focus on my character and
how I‘m going to portray it.‖
Theater for Kids is performed for 2,800 kindergarten through third grade children throughout two counties on October 18 and 19. It will be
preformed for the public on October 20 at
7:00p.m and October 21 at 2:00p.m.
Mrs. Mezo strongly urges everyone to attend.
―This is the best cast I have had, come see them
perform,‖ she emphasized.
A&E, Page 16
Cedarhurst rocks MV again
By Josh Strothmann
VERNOIS NEWS
The Cedarhurst Craft Fair, Sept. 8th-9th,
left me in a festive mood the week later.
The $4.00 parking fee was slightly unsettling, but the rain assured me of an authentic festival, so it‘s safe to say I could
feel the spirit of the craft fair.
Traveling through the pretzel and hot
dog vendors among the works of so many
talented artists gave me this image of a
modern Renaissance. The music of an
Ecuadorian cover band, playing the tunes
of greats like Simon & Garfunkel and
David Bowie, seemed to lighten air.
As I neared the first wall of tents and
their vendors, my wallet began to cringe.
I was very impressed by the craftsmanship and artistry of handmade bongos
and didgeridoos, but at a hundred dollars
apiece! I started losing the feeling of art
coming to life in the air.
Further down I discovered some handmade pottery as well as the beautiful art
of Ron and Rusty Watson. Rusty is a kindergarten teacher at Dodds Grade School
while Ron has worked for Illinois Power
for thirty-two years and is a self-taught
artist. Both have exceptional skills as
painters, but both still hold their dayjobs with an obvious passion for art and
the act of creating it.
As I passed by the tents of natural
photography and tie-dye T-shirts I found
myself wandering into Insane Wayne‘s
Metal Workings. I can‘t comment on the
sanity of Wayne himself, but his artwork
was something else entirely. Having an
endowment for creating metal animal,
Insane Wayne left me feeling like a I just
walked into Noah‘s Metal Ark. Not only
did Wayne create dogs and cats, but
other creatures like pelicans, cheetahs,
and giraffes graced his collection.
After wandering the rows upon rows
of tents I noticed something in the distance. Ms. Coston, my Drawing I teacher,
and her Rockin‘ Ram dance team. I am
implored to admit that their routine was
superb, and perhaps the closest example
of art at the craft fair. Even without the
use of shoes the Rockin‘ Rams were on
step and in time.
Despite foul weather, the Cedarhurst
Craft Fair, a noble tradition in Mt.
Vernon, went off without a hitch. Artists
profited from and expressed themselves,
students wandered and spent time, upstanding citizens up-stood, and the
Rockin‘ Rams truly rocked the fair. This
time in the rain.
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VERNOIS NEWS
Sports
Woods reigns athletics
By Landon Ile
VERNOIS NEWS
―As a kid I might have been psycho, I
guess but I used to throw golf balls in
trees and try and somehow make par
from them I thought it was fun.‖- Tiger
Woods
The images of lush greens, huge
crowds of spectators, large trophies and
the Green Jacket, not to mention his own
video game. There is not one person that
can argue against Tiger Woods being the
best golfer in the world.
But is he the best athlete in the
world or just in his sport?
―I think he is just the best at his
sport. You don‘t have to be athletic to
play golf,‖ stated Ryan Quick ‗09.
You may not be obligated to have the
best athletic abilities or be in tip top
shape to play golf, but golf does take at
lot of practice and hard work to master.
At the age of just three years old,
Tiger Woods shot a 48 in nine holes of
golf at the Navy Golf Club in Cypress,
California. There is little doubt that he is
the best golfer of all time, but the best
athlete in the world?
―Lebron is coming up on Tiger‘s
heels, but Tiger still has him,‖ said Jordan Haarmann, ‗08
In order to say Tiger is the best athlete in the world you would first have to
decide what makes up an athlete.
―Someone with great abilities that
excels in a sport,‖ said Mike ―Big Game‖
Greenwalt ‗08
Tyrance ―Chicken‖ Stuckey ‘08 said
―heart, competiveness, the will to win,
and good sportsmanship.‖
So with this being said, would you
consider Tiger an athlete?
―Tiger Woods is very much an athlete, and he‘s going to become a billionaire someday because he‘s the man right
now.‖ said Haarmann
Stuckey added ―pshh why wouldn‘t
you he‘s a beast!‖
But can you compare a golfer to be
just as much of an athlete as a football
player in the NFL?
Ansley
Murphy,
‘08, commented
―no,
a
g o l f e r
doesn‘t
have to be
ath le tic.
You don‘t
need to be
fit to play
golf,
but
you do to
play footVERNOIS NEWS photo/ www.wisconsinwx.com ball.‖
Pro golfer Tiger Woods shows his
David
excitement. Woods took his 61st PGA
Spicuzza
Tour victory on September 16.
‘08 noted,
―They train in different areas but are
both still athletes.‖
In an interview conducted by ESPN, a
reporter asked is Tiger Woods currently
the best athlete in the world?
He himself chose Ronholdino, a Brazilian soccer player.
Sports, Page 17
Bond’s break of all-time
homerun record: tainted?
By Jordan Shoemaker
VERNOIS NEWS
Crack! Nothing sounds better than a 95 mph
fast ball running into a wooden bat being swung
by someone who has forearms the size of my
legs.
Barry Bonds is the new all time home run
leader of the MLB.
What is America supposed to think about
Bonds? Obviously Bonds has power, but can you
say ―steroids‖. 130 pounds of muscle in a two
or three year span is quite an accomplishment.
Mike ―Big Game‖ Greenwalt, ‗08, said
―save us all the trouble and just get him out of
the game‖.
Barry bonds is a baseball player that you
either love or hate.
Students at MV feel that Bonds is nothing
but a cheater.
By Bonds taking steroids and breaking the
record, is it less important?
Klayton Hahn, ‗08, commented ―Yes, the
record is less important, when McGuire hit his
(now tainted), it was a big deal, because at the
time steroids weren‘t involved, but now no one
even cares, not me at least.
Bonds is in his 40‘s now, how much longer
can the superstar go? ―2 or 3 more years in the
A.L.‖ added Eric Lyday, ‗08.
―I think he will hit 50 more home runs‖
noted Ryan Quick, ‗09.
So who knows how much longer Bonds will
play, and who knows if he will start on the steroids again or how many more homers he will hit
because everyone agrees that sooner or later it
will be broken again. ―In time it will be broken‖
Cheerleading remains in Turner’s routine
By Haley Smith
VERNOIS NEWS
From daily practices and weekend competitions to extensive travel throughout the season, does MV football cheer coach Mrs. Lisa
Turner have any time to enjoy a personal
life?
Some may say, ―Well sure she does!‖,
but Mrs. Turner explained, ―I have been
coaching cheerleading for almost eighteen
years, it has been such a major part of my
life, I don‘t really know the difference between it being my job or part of my life.‖
When asked if Turner seemed busy, MV
varsity cheerleader Alecia Zinke,‘09 said,
―Her job keeps her really busy, she‘s very
involved in her church and we practice and
have games all the time. She‘s always
there.‖
According to www.bls.gov, ―many
coaches in high schools are primarily teachers of academic subjects who supplement
their income by coaching part time.‘
Turner isn‘t a teacher at MV, but coaches
the MV cheer teams along with being a sales
representative for a pharmaceutical company. This job requires long hours and travel
also, which makes one wonder, ‗Can she
make any time for her family?‖
―Of course,‖ she confirmed, ―I‘m not the
best at keeping my priorities straight, but I
do my best to spend as much time with my
family as possible. It really helps that my
husband, P.E. teacher Mr. Clint Turner, and
three kids, are so supportive and understanding of my work.‖
When Turner does have some free time
she loves watching her kids with activities
they participate in, taking walks and teaching Sunday school. However, Mrs. Turner
admitted if she doesn‘t get her Sunday afternoon nap in after church, she‘s not a happy
woman.
Turner manages to find time for herself,
but she emphasizes how important her
friends and family have been throughout the
whole process.
―Without the support I receive, a lot of
things I participate in wouldn‘t be possible.‖
Turner has not only succeeded for years
and years with MV cheer team, but has also
succeeded in raising a family, maintaining a
full-time job and sticking to what she believes in by teaching a Sunday school class at
Logan Street Baptist Church.
Mrs. Turner admitted, ―There‘s nothing
I‘d rather do!‖
Page 18, Sports
VERNOIS NEWS
NFL player fights dogs; gets tackled by justice
can make a harmless dog fight,‖ Sipe added.
―Maybe, only so people can yell, poke, and insult him,
but just to see him play...no, the attendance will slip,‖
According to www.wikipedia.com, the invescommented Rubenacker, ‗08.
tigation into the Bad Newz Kennels dog
Carl
Wh i te ,
owner
of
Atlanta -base d
fighting began in April 2007 with a search of
www.Webtickets.com, said he‘s seen a loss of sales due
property in Surry County, Virginia owned by
to the Vick controversy, and he anticipates a further deAtlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick,
cline, according to www.ticketnews.com.
where evidence of a dog fighting ring was
―I see no reason why they wouldn‘t allow him to play.
found.
The NFL should let the law handle the issue, and if he
Now five months later Vick and three
wants to play when he‘s done with his time, they should
accomplices are being indicated by a federal
hold nothing against him,‖ declared David Spicuzza, ‗08.
grand jury in Richmond, Virginia, on counts
The NFL has currently not publically released a punishof buying and sponsoring dogs and traveling
ment for Vick.
across state lines to participate in illegal
―Vick should be locked away for breaking the law, but
activities, including gambling.
the NFL shouldn‘t add to it,‖ agreed Jordan Haarman,
Once the most exciting quarterback in
‗08.
all of football, Vick‘s career has come to a
Despite the dog fighting problems, there are still Vick
holt. Should this man who supported such
VERNOIS NEWS photo/arunrajagopal.com fans out there.
controversial activities be allowed back into Quarterback Michael Vick holds a Boxer. Vick
―I still like Vick; besides all the dog fighting he‘s a
the NFL? Will anyone want him? What do the is counted with buying and sponsoring dogs great QB,‖ quipped Kyle West, ‗08.
in dog fights.
students at MV think?
―Despite all the controversy I still like Vick. He is still
―I wouldn‘t want a guy that causes that much drama and atten- one of the most exciting QB‘s in the NFL,‖ stated Emily Estes, ‗08.
tion on my team,‖ stated Brian Sipe, ‗10. ―I don‘t see how anyone
By Coyn Mateer
VERNOIS NEWS
Rubenacker offers NFL preview
By Ross Rubenacker
VERNOIS NEWS
The 2007-2008 National Football League season is approaching, as teams begin to make
their run toward the post-season. Who is the
favorite to make it down the road of glory
and win it all?
With the draft complete, training camp
over, and preseason coming to an end, the
2007-2008 season opened on Thursday, September 6 with the defending Superbowl
champion Indianapolis Colts taking on the
New Orleans Saints.
The AFC South is bound to be a competitive division with a combination of high powered offenses and shut-down defenses.
―The Colts have the total package, starting with Peyton Manning at quarterback,‖
suggested Jordan Haarmann , ‘08.
Up the road in the AFC North, the Ravens
are the favorite to repeat as divisional champions. But with the Bengals high-powered
offense and the Steelers defense the Ravens
will have to step it up to take home the title.
―The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to win
the Superbowl because they have a good defense that will dominate during the season,‖
emphasized Jordan McKelvey, ‘09.
The NFC West is filled up with top of the
line offenses such as the Seattle Seahawks,
the St. Louis Rams, the San Francisco 49ers,
and the Arizona Cardinals. There won‘t be
many low scoring affairs between these four
teams.
―The Rams are going to tear a hole
through their division with the explosive offense referred to as ―The Greatest Show on
Turf,‖ declared Mike ―Big Game‖ Greenwalt,
‘08.
With three teams making the playoffs last
year, the NFC East will return with the same
great comp et iven ess.
The Philadelphia Eagles
will try to
repeat
as
NFC
East
victors, but
the Cowboys
and
Giants
will be snipping at their
heels.
Who will
be this year‘s
New Orleans
Saints, who
went from 3VERNOIS NEWS photo/pressbox.co.uk
13 to 10-6, NFL stands for National Football
The 2007-2008 season is
and surprise League.
swiftly approaching.
a few teams?
―I think the Jacksonville Jaguars will surprise a few teams this year,‖ noted Eric Lyday, ‘08.
―The St. Louis Rams have all the weapons
to be a great team. I think they will surprise a
lot of people when they make the playoffs,‖
stated Coyn Mateer, ‘08.
LaDainian Tomlinson won the MVP last
year with a record breaking 28 touchdowns
and 1815 rushing yards. Many people predict
a repeat from Tomlinson this year, just not
quite the astonishing numbers he put up in
the 06-07 season.
―Jay Cutler is going to step up this year
and carry the Broncos to the playoffs. He‘s
underrated right now because he is young,
but remember his name,‖ pointed out Klayton
Hahn, ‘08.
Vince Young stepped in midway through
the season and sparked the Titans to win 5 of
their last 7 games, which propelled him to
Rookie of the Year.
―Brady Quinn will take over the Browns
starting quarterback job and play like a veteran,‖ remarked Joel Rush, ‘08.
Can Quinn lead the Browns to the Super
Bowl or will it be another of the 32 teams in
the National Football League?
―Of course it will be the Patriots and
probably the Panthers,‖ added Mr. Scott
Gamber, C/T Education teacher.
As we all watch closely as the NFL season
progresses and watch rising stars and fading
veterans go about their ways and help their
team make their playoff run.
Hey MV! Don’t forget about your own MV
Rams football team ...Come out to watch a
game and support your school
VERNOIS NEWS
Sports, Page 19
Football back in action
By McKenzie Milt
VERNOIS NEWS
―It‘s football time again in
the King City.‖
Hometown fans have all
become very familiar with
Mr. Clark Overstreet‘s signature call, and as the new
season was anticipated and
well awaited, MV played it‘s
first game again Belleville
East. The year didn't start off
as well as expected.
Now after battling two
tough games against Belleville East at home, and
Withrow at Cincinnati, Ohio
and becoming defeated, the
Rams are struggling to raise
the expectations of fans with
a record of 2 and 0.
―Our schedules‘ probably
the hardest around,‖ remarked Truvaunty Badger,
‗08.
Could this be the reason
fans expectations aren‘t as
high as high as normal?
―It‘s very very difficult
playing schools larger than us
with outstanding football
traditions,‖ Superintendent
Mr. Milt stated.
In the Belleville East
contest, the Lancers used
their size to muscle the
smaller Rams, stated area-
sport.net.
Area Sports later added,
―The Rams were able to
move the ball, but suffered
turnovers and also gave up
two long punt returns that
set-up Belleville East with
great field position and scoring opportunities.‖
―If the Rams perform to
the best of their abilities
they will win,‖ said Jordan
Shoemaker, ‗08.
There still are some loyal
fans supporting MV football.
Emily Tackitt, ‗10,
stated, ―We need to win
more games to give us
[Cheerleaders] something to
cheer for; to be more exciting.‖
―I believe they‘ll do better,‖ Tackitt added.
―6-3,‖ announced Jen
Roberts, ‗08 on her view of
the upcoming season.
On the other hand, not
all students are as optimistic
about the team.
―They‘re not very good
because they‘re not off to a
good start,‖ pronounced Holden Johnson, ‗09.
With two games under
the Rams‘ belt, we have a
long season to go and many
opportunities to chance the
expectations of fans.
MV Golf looks to improve
By Mike “Big Game” Greenwalt
VERNOIS NEWS
As summer cools down, MV golf is
heating up. Despite a rocky start,
the MV men‘s golf team has taken in
a few wins during the month of September.
Besides the 0-3 start in August,
MV is starting to show some September improvement, and expectations
this year have been set higher than
last.
Golf coach Mr. Quinn McClure
said, ―[I hope] to play as well as we
can wins and losses will take care of
themselves.‖
How much the men played this
summer is a big factor on how well
they will do this season. Golf is a
game that takes a lot of hard work
and harsh practices to become successful. Guys need to go out and
practice at least 5 hours a day and
play in numerous summer tournaments to reach their potential.
―To practice correctly is the
key, not to just go out and play,‖
remarked McClure
―The work ethic this year as a
group is just so-so; some guys had a
good summer playing tournaments,
while some just played a little,‖
explained McClure.
Men‘s golf has much improved
from the past few years, showing
strong experience with four seniors;
Jordan Shoemaker, Ross
Rubenacker, Mike Greenwalt, and
Eric Lyday. These guys hope to
make an improvement and have an
impact on the 07‘ season.
―We are shooting better every
match, just not well enough,‖
added McClure. This year the MV
golf team is going to face a lot of
tough competition.
―Centralia who were the south
seven champs last year, are one of
the toughest teams around,‖ stated
Ross Rubenacker, ‘08.
Golf is a game that takes a lot
of mental focus not just ability to
win. The Rams are going to need to
step it up and think a little more, or
this season will continue to be the
same as it always is.
―Staying focused and playing
smart is the best way to maintain
mental focus,‖ explained Bryce Kujawa, ‘09.
―We need to eliminate the mental mistakes and we could win a few
more matches,‖ noted Rubenacker.
―We need to quit trying so hard
and just play,‖ Describe Jordan
Shoemaker, ‘08.
Although the teal golf shirts the
golf team wears were actually a
mistake, the men‘s golf team hopes
to minimize the mistakes of last
year and have a better season.
―They may look goofy, but it‘s
cool,‖ commented Kyle Lamichane,
09‘
Community comes together to repair stadium lights
By Justin Haney
VERNOIS NEWS
For many players Friday night lights define
their high school memories. J.D. Shields Memorial Stadium played host to one Saturday
varsity football game, against Belleville East.
Thanks to a joint effort between TriCounty electric, and Ameren, that was the
last regular season Saturday game.
―As a community we all worry about the
lights and try to find ways to fix them, meanwhile we have some of the worst test scores
in the state, I just think we need to worry
about more than the lights on the football
field.‖ stated Mr. Mark Goodheart, Assistant
principal.
―I think it sucked when they broke, but
it‘s awesome that we got them fixed.‖ remarked Cameron Young 08‘.
With all of the confusion it is easy to
overlook who this affected most, the players.
―I‘m glad the talk about the lights is over
now we can focus more on football which is
what really matters,‖ commented Yonas Habtemariam 08‘.
Some people think it is good that they
went out because now the problem will be
addressed.
―They‘re at least thirty years old and the
wiring just wore out.‖ replied Mr. Norman
Vance of the maintenance dept.
Others think it‘s a good thing there fixed
for different reasons.
―I think it‘s great that they got fixed,
and my husband helped fix them,‖ cited Mrs.
Paula Ramirez main office administrative
secretary.
Then of course there are the people who
think it‘s good for the team.
―It‘s good that they got fixed, it will help
the football team.‖ replied Angel Goodsell,
08‘.
―It was unavoidable, repairs needed to
be done,‖ said Ms. Dawson, Family consumer
Science.‖ ―Playing on Fridays is a good thing
based on tradition,‖ she added.
―It shows how much the town will come
together to support athletics.‖ commented
Ms. Holmes of the Food Dept.
People from all walks of life had something to say.
―It was disappointing not having Friday
night football, but we can be proud of TriCounty and Ameren for donating their time.‖
added Mr. Barry Jackson, co-host of FCA.
Some people didn‘t think the lights
breaking was such a natural thing.
―It was a freak of nature type thing,
when they broke, but fixing them shows community support‖ remarked Mr. Jason Patterson C/TE Department
―I think playing on Fridays is good based
on customs, more people will go, and it is
cooler for the fans.‖ replied Mr. John Kabat
Agricultural teacher.
One thing that the lights did for this
community was show us that when it is time
for us to come together, we will.
Page 20, Sports
VERNOIS NEWS
Fantasy sports maintain popularity
ways play with people I know, it‘s just fun to fantasy sports.‖ Mr. Goodisky agreed, ―They
have major personal bragging rights for a should be allowed to play as long as there is
year.‖ Ross Rubenacker, ‗08 added, no money involved.‖
―Competition with your friends is always
Fantasy sports have become such a big
Live drafts, trades, and trash talk
thing in sports today that sports channels
between friends are all parts of what
such as ESPN and Fox Sports Midwest have
makes up fantasy sports today. Fantasy
their own fantasy analysts to help owners
sports today are no longer played by just a
with decisions like who to start and who to
few diehard fans but are played by milsit and who may be a sleeper in the league
lions around the world.
this year.
What makes fantasy sports so appealAnother fun part of fantasy sports is naming to the average sports fan is that is
ing your team. This is where the people in
gives you the ability to manage and run
your league see your personality and can
your own team. Players get to negotiate
usually tell what teams you root for by your
trades, add/drop players, and set your
team name. Owners are usually creative
own starting lineup.
with naming there team but some just have a
Joe Sweeney ‗09 explained ―I love
traditional name. Mr. Goodisky is one owner
sports, and it builds my knowledge while
NEWS photo/ www.espn.com
that has a traditional name, ―my team name
giving me another way to stay connected PhiladelphiaVERNOIS
Eagles offensive player and fantasy football option
to sports. Also I think being a GM would be Brian Westbrook escapes a tackle by the Washington Redskins. is always the S.I. Playas.‖
Rubenacker reminisced, ―My most unique
pretty cool, and it gives me a poor man‘s
more exciting than with people you don‘t name was uguyzsuk.‖
version.‖
know.‖
There are fantasy sports for all different
Not only are students becoming addicted
Fantasy sports have also become some- people ranging from golf to NASCAR and
to fantasy sports but teachers also enjoy
thing professional athletes play as well. hockey to soccer. If you are not in a Fantasy
playing. Mr. Ryan Goodisky, Social Studies,
There has been some controversy over sports league and would like to be, visit
stated, ―I‘m a very competitive person and
whether or not professional athletes should www.espn.com, www.cbssportsline.com, and
fantasy sports give me that competition.‖
be able to participate in fantasy sports espe- www.yahoo.com. So get some friends toFor students, the most popular way to
cially their own sport.
gether and become a part of the fantasy
play fantasy sports is in a league with
Rubenacker asked, ―Why not? They all sports world.
friends. Sweeney confirmed, ―I almost albet on games, why not play a little harmless
By Eric Lyday
Sports Editor
Haarmann breaks down MLB division races
By Jordan Haarmann
VERNOIS NEWS
Major League Baseball‘s regular season is coming down the
stretch with many teams still alive in the playoff hunt for October.
Half the playoff spots are seemingly locked up, while the remaining half may not be settled until the last day of the season.
The Boston Red Sox have the game‘s best record at 89-58 as of
September 13, according to www.mlb.com, and hold a comfortable
division lead of 5 games in the AL East. The Sox have been led by
the offense of Mike Lowell all season, leading the team in batting
average and RBIs.
Eric Lyday, `08 stated, ―The Red Sox are a veteran team who
look strong down the stretch.‖
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim post a 65-59 record and are
leading the AL West by 9.5 games. The Angels have gotten strong
pitching from their starters all season, with Kelvin Escobar being a
front-runner for the AL CY Young award.
In the AL Central, the Cleveland Indians hold a 5.5 game lead
over the Detroit Tigers. They have a season mark of 85-61 and are
trying to gain home field for at least the first playoff series.
The New York Yankees currently lead the AL Wild Card by 4
games over last year‘s World Series runner-up, the Detroit Tigers.
The Yankees are trying to make the post season for an 11 th straight
year. The Yankees are led by the favorite for the AL MVP Alex Rodriguez.
―A-Rod is doing well right now and when he‘s doing well the
Yankees play good,‖ commented Adrienne Skidmore, `08.
The other team from New York, the Mets, holds a 7 game lead over
the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. The Mets are hoping for
their first appearance in the World Series since the Subway Series in
2000.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs are tied at the top of
the NL Central. The Brewers have never won an NL Central title,
while the Cubs are trying to win only their second division title in
the past 18 years.
―The Brewers will win it, because the Cubs can‘t win in September,‖ said Ryan Quick, `09.
The defending World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals are 8.5
games out of the NL Central, with 10 of their next 16 games against
teams with an over .500 record.
―They [the Cardinals] have experience and they know what they
will have to do to get there,‖ commented freshman Blake Deaton.
Out west, the Arizona Diamondbacks holds a 3.5 game lead over
the San Diego Padres.
The Diamondbacks have posted an 83-64 record, and are making
a late push for home field in the NL.
―They are loaded with young talent that no one knows about,‖
Brian Sipe, ‘10, commented about the Diamondbacks being a possible sleeper in the playoffs.
The San Diego Padres will try and hold off 3 teams for the NL
Wild card spot. The Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the
Phillies are all 2.5 games out.
September should be an interesting month of baseball, sure to
add some wild finishes for the fans.