Leaving Their Legacy - Rantoul Township High School

The
Rowdie
Review
The Eagle has Landed
RANTOUL TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL
SPRING 2013 EDITION
Leaving Their Legacy
By: RTHS Modern Media Staff
in during their last year at RTHS. Every
The time has come to say your person then they were when they entered fore summer break.
school.
Demontae
Space
learned
that
if
One
of
the
most
popular
senior
dance, game, fundraiser, play, and concert
goodbyes and get ready to take on the real
it
isn’t
his
activities
is
the
Decision
Day.
Decision
all hold its own meaning in each senior’s
world. Senior year has flown by
b
u
s
i
n
e
s
s
,
Day
is
a
day
to
congratumind.
so quickly that most of the seniors
he
should
late
all
seniors
on
their
Leaving
can’t even believe how fast it’s
just
stick
academic
success
and
on
Advice to
gone by. Friendships have been
to
his
busitheir
acceptances
to
colRTHS:
made, best friends have been
ness.
This
lege.
Decision
Day
is
not
Gradfound, and high school sweetlesson
will
only
one
day,
but
an
enuation,
it’s
hearts have been discovered. The
stick
with
tire
week.
There
are
nua
bitterclass of 2013 will soon be receivhim
his merous activities planned
sweet cering its diplomas and turning their
entire
life!
by
Mr.
Thompson
and
emony for
tassels as a sign of success and
Reflecting
the
Senior
Ambassadors.
everyone.
celebrate the new adventures that Curtis Crow, Mariah Nolan, Cord Church, Kalista
Some
of
them
include:
Lutes, Chris Deaville, Chandler Bruns, Larry Crayton, on the past
It’s the day
are about to come.
Diamond Walker, and Kyle Krickovich immortalize years, many
Senior Game Day, Teachevery stutheir election into the 2013 Senior prom court.
seniors
reer
Appreciation,
and
the
dent looks
Past Experiences:
Taking advantage of senior activities, Natasha Trefren, Tyisha forward to
call
embarrassing
moments
when
they
fell
Talent
Show.
The end of the school year is rapAnother one of Goer, Tianna Mendoza, and Tahalia Rusley show off their Deci- since freshidly approaching! As this year’s seniors down the stairs or ran into walls. Look- sion Day apparel after the barbeque.
man year.
come closer to graduation day, many of ing back, some students will even testify the most famous senior
that
high
school
shaped
their
characters
in
activities
is
the
last
song
that
seniors
perSenior
year
is
the
most
special
year
of your
them take some time to reflect on their past
ways
that
will
remain
with
them
forever.
form
at
the
spring
concert.
All
seniors
from
high
school
career.
All
the
moments
we’ve
years at R.T.H.S. Even with all the exciteThe
seniors
will
always
have
the
memories
both
the
Concert
and
Advanced
Chorus
decreated
since
our
freshman
year
have
made
ment, some seniors reluctantly realize that
of
dances,
concerts,
talent
cide
on
one
us
who
we
are
up
to
our
senior
year.
high school will soon only be memories.
song to say With all the different opportunities
Through the past four years, most seniors show, games, and different
events
they
attended
at
high
their
final
the
school
offers, the class of 2013 decided
will testify they are a significantly different
school. While some experig o o d b y e . to leave some advice for the future seniors:
ences were good and some
This is a Rachel Kizer suggests, “If someone asks
were bad, nobody had the
moment of you to do something, just do it because
exact same experience at
happiness, arguing is a waste of everyone’s time.”
*Student Life (page 3)
R.T.H.S. All of the seniors
s a d n e s s , Renowned for his active involvement at
+5-In-The-Hall
will leave high school with
and many RTHS, senior Joe Barton explains that
+Ask Lux - Advice Column
an experience that is unique
more emo- “Even if you haven’t gotten involved yet,
to them. Though seniors
tions all in do as many things as you can because you
* Sports (pages 4-5)
are excited for their future,
one.
only have one senior year.” Jacob Frerichs
+Spring Sports
they will always hold on to
T h e provides even more specific advice when it
the memories they made
final walk comes to school involvement: “Make sure
* Entertainment (page 6)
during high school.
across the you are involved in at least 2 clubs and 1
+Aida
stage is a sport. Also, keep your grades high so that
+Movie Review
Senior Activities:
very excit- when you go to apply for college your se
When
seniors Happy to show off their stunning formal wear, Sabrina ing moment nior year, you feel much more comfort* Student Activities (pages 6-7)
make that monumental Franklin, Keegan Jones, and Kalista Lutes stop in the lobby indeed. Ev- able.” When it comes to finding who you
+Mr. RTHS
walk across the stage and of the Linden on the night of their last prom at RTHS.
ery memory are as a person, Eric Moore reminds the fu
receive their diplomas, recipients reflect on and every emotion flashes back in an in- ture graduates of RTHS that “by all means,
* Special Feature (page 8)
their high school lives, from the first day of stant. Within each senior’s mind is a reflec- be yourself.” With some very sound life
+Baccalaureate
freshman year to the last day of class be- tion of all the activities they participated
Continued on Page 2
What’s Inside
Senior Spotlight
continued from page 1
and school advice, senior Shelby Marsh
warns for students to “do your homework,
don’t skip school, be careful who you trust,
watch what you say, and don’t hurt anyone.” With her creative mind, love of writing, and awesome sense of humor, Marissa
Withers simply leaves the advice for future
graduates of RTHS to “expand your vocabulary and do not embrace senioritis until
after prom.” The eternal optimist,
Taylor Knowles, encourages students to “try something new – you
never know what you may find if
you do!”
Time Capsule:
A time capsule is a collection of
mementos made with the future in mind,
filled with items meant to bring back powerful, meaningful memories from the past.
How different would you be 5 years from
now? How about in another 10 years? Such
a souvenir is a great way to preserve your
current mindset, beliefs, and opinions to
reflect on in the future. They’re meant to
Post Graduation Plans:
Ask anybody and they
will instantly tell you how many
days are left until school is over.
While many seniors are counting down the days until Graduation, they will end up planning a
lot more than their usual plans for
summer. Full of decisions about
Decision Day together in the gymnasium, seniors show
which college is the best fit or Celebrating
their pride as they have a great time with all the festivities and take
working towards unlimited num- in the well-deserved glory of being a senior..
bers of future goals, senior year is
definitely one of the busiest times in high represent an entire era of your life, and we
school. But what is going to happen to intend to represent ours fully. The past 4
the class of 2013 after graduation is over? years have been packed with controversy,
Some of our graduates are going to be at- intrigue, and a myriad of memorable expetending schools all over the state of Illinois riences, but what we really want to know
and around the country such as: Parkland, about is ‘What are the most meaningful
U of I, Western Illinois, Illinois State, things to the students?’
Imagine a time capsule created
Northern Illinois, Southern Il U at Car- by
the
class
of 2013, full of things that rebondale, Southern IL U at Edwardsville,
minded
the
students
of their 4 years of high
Quincy University, Lincoln Trail College,
school.
If
you
were
to get the chance to
Danville Area CC, Millikin, University of
look
inside
this
time
capsule,
what do you
South Florida, Lewis and Clark University,
think
you
would
find?
We
asked
some seEdison State College, Regency Beauty Inniors
what
they
would
put
in
this
time
capstitute, Elsworth CC, College of DuPage,
sule
and
we
got
many
creative
answers.
and The Art Institute of Chicago. With true
Jack Gaffney stated, “I would
pride for our area’s history, some members place
a
broken
clock that has hands that
of the class of 2013 are choosing to become
keep
moving
because
my senior year flew
members of the highly respected branches
by.”
Another
response
we received was
of the United States Military: Navy - Matfrom
Tahalia
Rusley,
who
said, “I would
thew Mickler, Marines - Michael Mickler,
put
the
year
book
from
2012-2013
because
Chris Jones, Jack Gaffney, and Riley Stewit
was
my
biggest
accomplishment.”
Ceyaart, Air Force - Jeremy Paguio, and Army
na
Patton
told
us,
“I
would
put
all
my
grade
- ChaQuera Cross. No matter where the
reports
from
freshmen
year
to
senior
year
future takes the members of the class of
in
the
time
capsule
to
show
my
progress.”
2013, they will always remember the beloved place where their dreams began to We asked Jasmine Monroe what she would
put in the time capsule and she said, “I
form: good ol’ RTHS.
would put a rock because my 4 high school
years were dull and boring.” If we had a
time capsule for the class of 2013 Natasha Trefren stated that she would put in
a light, “because high school has brought
to light a lot of stuff I didn’t know about
myself.” Keegan Jones told us she would
place, “a bottle of Tylenol in the time capsule because school gave me a headache.”
Diamond Walker would not only place one
item in the time capsule, but two: “I would
put my sister Jada Walker in the time capsule.” Diamond also said, “I would get a
group of friends to make a school video
to show the future kids what we were like
when we were all in school.” Our last response came from Rachel Kizer who said,
“A math book because I spent a lot of time
on math.”
Looking back to reflect on the past
is an important part of forging the path you
take as you move forward in life. So if you
were to open this time
capsule you would find
a broken clock, a year
book, grade reports, a
rock, a light, a bottle of
Tylenol, a math book,
Jada Walker, and a video. These items represent the 2013 senior’s
high school experience, something they
would never forget.
to graduate but I’m nervous to start college
and I’ll miss my friends.” This quote from
the fabulous prom king Diamond Walker
expresses how many seniors feel during
graduation time. Even Taylor Knowles
agreed with the king when she quoted, “I
am super excited for graduation! Senioritis has been kicking my [rear-end] lately,
so I’ll be glad that’s done. But it’s also a
little bittersweet.” Graduation is a time
when seniors get to feel like stars. “[I] get
all dolled up. I’ll feel like a model with
all the pictures” says Marissa Withers.
Though these seniors feel their fifteen minutes of fame at their graduation, their many
loved ones feel the pain of being behind the
camera. Seeing these celebrities go really
can be a melancholy affair for their nongraduating friends, family, and even teachers. “Many of these seniors have made a
significant impact on my life, and I don’t
know what I would do without
them,” explains junior Cree Noble. Graduation symbolizes the
embodiment of all a student’s
accomplishments made in high
school. When many individuals
think of graduation they imagine
themselves or loved ones walking across the stage to receive
their diploma. Post-graduation
adventures for some seniors include: Taylor Knowles striving
to go to the Golden Apple Summer Institute, Marissa Withers
will be marrying Johnny Depp,
Graduation:
and Diamond Walker will be
Students
spending well deserved time
spend their entire high
with family and friends. Graduschool careers preparation day is truly the highlight
ing to walk across the
of all of high school careers of
stage on graduation
these legendary seniors.
day. This celebratory Onstage at the talent show, Tahalia Rus- As the proud families
ritual comes with much ley serenades the crowd with her rendi- sit and watch their children rehard work and prepara- tion of “P.S. I’m Still Not Over You.” ceive their diplomas, they think
tion in order to make sure pre-graduation, back to the first day of Kindergarten. They
graduation itself, and even post-graduation watched their baby cry, not wanting to be
goes smoothly.
separated from Mom and Dad, and now
All students must attend a session they’re so excited to leave for college.
of “graduation practice” before they really All of their hard work and dedication for
receive their diplomas, but some students school has finally paid off and they get to
go the extra mile and adopt their own per- start a new journey on their own. The time
sonal rituals for graduation. All of these has come for you to move forward in your
practices lead to the most anticipated day life and begin a new chapter. Congratulaof the school year. “It’s bittersweet; I want tions Class of 2013 – you made it!
Student Life
5 - i n - t h e - H a l l : Advice: Ask Lux
If you could bring any T.V. show
back, what would it be and why?
Kailey Garren - “Wild
Thornberrys, because there
were crazy talking animals.”
Mr. Heller - “Sifl and
Olly
because...sock
puppets. ‘Nuff said.“
Justin Gardner - “I would bring
back Rugrats because, really,
who doesn’t love Rugrats?”
Dear Lux,
My mom just brought home her first
boyfriend after divorcing my dad. How
should I treat her new man?
Thanks,
Conflicted and Protective
This is a good question because I
can relate to it. My mom recently got a
new boyfriend and I’m working on how I
should treat him. Treat your mom’s new
boyfriend like you would want him to treat
you. Out of respect
for your mom, you
should treat him
with respect.
If
you are still having trouble, talk to
your mom about
it and tell her how
you feel. Your mom
doesn’t want you to
be unhappy and feel
awkward
around
him, so explaining
your concerns to her
will help the both
of you. Everyone
deserves respect unless they disrespect
you.
Dear Lux,
I have lots of family coming for graduation and a limited number of graduation
tickets. What should I do?
Matt Nuku - “That’s obvious,
Drake and Josh, because it’s
the best show ever!”
Austin Wilske - “I would
bring back Rocket Power because it’s awesome!”
Thanks so much,
Overwhelmed Oliver
I would give the tickets to your immediate family first to make sure they all have
theirs. After that, you should split the tickets up according to the family you want to
see right after the ceremony. Remember,
you’re going to see everyone and everyone
is going to see you – seating doesn’t matter. Also, if you want more tickets, check
with your friends to see if they have extras.
Congrats!
Dear Lux,
I don’t know what to do after high
school. My parents want me to do one
thing and I want to do another, so how
do I choose? I want my parents to be
proud of me, but I want to do something
that makes me happy.
Sincerly,
Ambitious yet Indecisive
The easiest way to solve your
problem is by compromising. Talk to your
parents and let them
know what your future plans are. Explaining what you
want to do and why
it makes you happy
will help get your
parents on your side.
Writing out the pros
and cons of both sides
will also help. Your
parents are always
going to be proud of
you – they just want
to make sure you
do something smart
with your life.
Dear Lux,
This year I’ve lost a very important person in my family I don’t know what to
do anymore – please help!
Respectfully,
Heart-Broken Holly
I want to first start off by saying that I’m
very sorry about your loss – I recently lost
my grandpa, so I can relate to your pain.
Getting over losing someone that you
cared so much about is difficult, and the
truth is you never get over it completely
– you just learn to deal with it. The best
thing to do is to remember the fun times
you had with that person and keep those
memories close to your heart. Always remember how much that person loved you,
remember that they are still with you every
single day in your heart, and that they are
always still there to talk to.
Sports
Rantoul Sluggers Take Field by Storm
By: Amanda Johnston
start to the season. Even though Normal
After winning the Cornbelt Con- West is the team’s toughest opponent acference in the chamcording to Luke Panbacker,
pionship game against
starting pitcher for the Eagles,
Bloomington
Central
he hopes to win both conferCatholic last season, the
ence and regionals this season.
baseball team has high
Cord Church, like most of the
hopes for their upcomteam, has similar goals for the
ing season. Family and
season, but hopes to advance
friends filled the fence
to sectionals and maybe even
at the start of the season
state. Cord also explained
(after many rain delays)
that the team has great chemto cheer on the baseball
istry, which would make sense
team to another victoridue to the fact that most of
ous season.
the boys have played together
This
season
since they were little kids. Jathe varsity baseball
cob Frerichs shared that one of
team has15 players on
the most significant moments
its roster. Through the
this season was their combatChanging up their strategy in order to
players’ hard work and shut down the batter during a tough ive game against Normal West
dedication, the baseball game, members of the varsity baseball (ranked 7th in the state in 4A)
team is off to a fantastic team meet on the pitcher’s mound.
because the boys made a huge
comeback and fought play by play to win. against Bloomington Central Catholic. AfEven though the Eagles ended up falling ter a tough game, the boys started off conference play with a win
a bit short, the boys
against BCC, 2-0. The
were still proud of
boys’ baseball team is
their ability to complaying Normal U-High
pete with a state
on May 3rd at Illinois
ranked team and take
Wesleyan University and
control of the game.
are hoping to leave the
Jacob also added that
field with another victory.
many of his teamThe Cornbelt Confermates have achieved
ence championship game
personal goals this
will be played on May
season, not exclud4th, which is a game the
ing himself – in fact,
boys have been training
Jacob was able to acfor all season. Check the
complish a feat that
many baseball play- An expectant Tanner Mclain fixes his eyes skyward schedule for more local
ers strive for: a 4-4 after connecting solidly with a powerful pitch. games, take some time to
head over the fields, get
game, which is basisome sun, and cheer on the boys at Wabash
cally a “perfect” game.
On April 30th, the boy’s base- – they love seeing (and hearing) their fans
ball team started the Cornbelt Conference at games.
By: Natasha Trefren, Tyisha Goer, & Tianna Mendoza
On your mark… get set… POW! ous RTHS records. Personal records were
And they’re off. The gun shot sounds and broken by Onessia who competes in shot
the girls are off of their starting blocks and put. Onessia is actually ½ an inch off from
on their way to a strong finish. This year beating the school record. Mercedes Porter
the girl’s track team has 21 girls out for the has already qualified for state in the triple
team, which is amazing considering that jump; even though sectionals have not yet
number has doubled from the team’s roster happened, Mercedes has already jumped a
last year. The coaches,
state qualifying
Mr. and Mrs. Richard,
jump
which
push the girls track
automatically
team to reach their
advances her
full potential as athto state. Merletes. Through hard
cedes
feels
work and endurance,
like her most
this year’s girls have
accomplishing
already accomplished
moment of the
some of their pre-seaseason was at
son goals!
Taking a break from competing, the girls’ track team is eager the home track
The
girls to commemorate their record-breaking achievement after their meet where she
started conditioning only home meet this season by posing for a team picture.
jumped only 3
for their track season way back in Novem- inches away from the school record. Acber. That hard work has apparently paid cording to Mercedes, she prepares for each
off considering personal and state records meet by listening to music, praying, and
have already been broken! Collectively, just getting in the zone. In fact, she says
the girls’ track team hopes to break previ- that her preparation time for each track
meet is when she feels most alive.
there are many people in the stands during
Mercedes also would like to give the meets, the girls always hear their teamsome credit to her coaches Mr. and Mrs. mates cheering for them and encouraging
Richard who she honestly feels are the best them to push even harder. One of the track
coaches ever! It
team members describes
is noted that the
the members relationship
coaches are very
as a big funny joke, and
helpful to the team
nobody is left out!
because they actu Track is not just a comally care about the
petition against other teams,
success of their
because each team member
track team. After
is constantly aiming for
speaking to Mr.
their chance to achieve their
Richard about his
best time, throw, or jump.
favorite memoEven if a member does not
ries from this sea- Taking her place on the starting blocks, Jianna Wan- place first, they can always
son, it was learned kel gets ready to sprint with Aleah Combs’ support. feel accomplished because
that the parts he enjoys the most are crazy, they have worked hard to succeed in their
fun practices, bus rides with Hayley and events and have helped raise the team’s
Onessia (because of Onessia’s riddles) and overall score. These achievements, of
the overall energy of the team. Ms. Weller course, do not come easy; they come with
also assists the girls’ track team occasion- much persistence. All the hard work and
ally and provides insight from her own dedication from the girls pay off when the
track career in high school. Being the big- gun goes POW and the ladies get a chance
gest girls’ track team in a while, the girls to show off their skills by taking challengbonds together very well. Even though es head on and attaining goals.
Girls’ Track Strives for a Record Breaking Season
Sports
Lady Eagles Aim for Conference Title
By: Tianna Mendoza & Diamond Walker
pectations for this year. The main goal for
You can always tell spring is ap- this season is to make it to state and bring
proaching when the softball girls step on home the trophy. Other than making it to
the field. RTHS has always
state, the team would like to
had plenty of talent when it
improve their hitting techcomes to softball. Just last
niques and fielding fundaseason, the 2012 softball
mentals. While interviewgirls team won regionals
ing Coach Flessner, we
against Mahomet with the
asked what his expectations
ending score Rantoul six
were for this year. He statand Mahomet five. This
ed that he wanted his team
win was the biggest acto build off of the success
complishment the softball
that they had last year when
girls had achieved. The
they won regionals. Coach
win was not an easy one In a pregame tradition, the girls rally Flessner does not believe in
- the two teams were neck each other, preparing for the first batter. putting a number on their
and neck, but these Lady
wins because their goal is to
Eagles pulled through! Beside the big win, improve all season, and he says sometimes
the girls ended the season with a perfectly that means they have to take losses. He
balanced record of nineteen wins and nine- wants his team to play their best through
teen losses.
the last game of the season; he has a very
Although the team had a good competitive group of players this year that
season last year, they have even higher ex- will battle each other every day, and chal-
lenge one another to improve each practice do that Coach Flessner wants his team to
and game. We asked Coach Flessner what be very aggressive offensively and defenhis team does to prepare during the pre-sea- sively. He says they will have many difson, and he replied that his team has open ferent starting line-ups in trying to find the
gyms in which anyone can come in and one that will give us the best opportunity to
hit, throw, or work on fielding.
win at the end of the season.
He also said that they do some
To get ready for their big
conditioning to be in shape
season, the softball team has
when the season rolls around.
pre-season work outs. DurWe were curious if there was
ing these work outs the girls
someone on his team that was
stayed after school until 6
seen as a leader by the coachp.m. to improve their coning staff and team members.
ditioning. For a few weeks,
He decided that Kalista Lutes
the girls came to the school
was the vocal leader both on
at 7 a.m. to have pre-tryouts,
and off the field, but he also
which showed true dedicaKeegan Jones, up to bat here, can
said that Hannah Cargo was a be seen next year playing softball at tion. The reason these girls
leader by demonstrating fun- Lincoln Trail Community College. work so hard is to come out
damentals every play and Alon top against their competilison Jordahl was a leader by
tion. The biggest game the
working hard as she can every play. This softball girls look forward to is the night
year the big goal for the softball girls is to they’re on the field with Mahomet Seymour
make it through regionals, and in order to – the girls are ready to rock the house!
By: Diamond Walker & Larry Crayton
dedication and aspirations for the team.
Every track runners’ main goal Track is not only a team sport, but is also
at a meet is being first to cross that fin- a sport that focuses on individual accomish line – it has been said that the feeling plishments. All in all, each member of the
after a race is nearly
team acts like a family and
impossible to describe.
supports each other. WithDuring the pre-season
out their teammates to set
workouts, the coaches
paces, encourage from the
were pushing the team
side of the track, and keep
to build their stamina,
each other in check during
endurance, and core
work-outs and relays, the
strength. All the hard
team wouldn’t be as united
work-outs and practice
as it is today. The coaches
has paid off, the trainask for the team members
ing has come to a stop,
to give it their all during
and the feeling of suceach meet and work-out,
cess is starting to kick
even though they don’t like
in. Last year is in the
the pain, because pushing
to score big for the Eagles, Charles Carpast and a new season Hoping
go soars through the air during the long jump. through it will eventually
has begun. The expeclead them to success.
tations for the RTHS boys’ track team are If you head out to cheer on the
incredibly high, especially because of the boys at one of their meets, the first things
shift in coaching staff. The boys are being you’ll notice are the team’s brand new,
lead by Mr. Wilson, Mr. Jones, Mr. Moto, lightweight uniforms. The coaches knew
and Mr. Johnson who are united in their that a fresh look would unite the team and
inspire them to fight hard against the other the indoor state track meet. According to
teams in their challenging conference. The Coach Jones, he has several great athletes
biggest rival teams they have to compete and he is very proud of the work they have
against are Mahomet
put into the season.
and BCC (Bloomington
Demontae Space
Central Catholic). Winhas been outstandning a track meet is based
ing in high jump,
on how many points an
relays, and 400
individual gets for the
meters. Another
team in addition to the
senior who stands
points earned during reout and places
lays. The most common
consistently
for
races are the 100 and
the Eagles is Cord
200 meter dash – these
Church – plus,
races are run by the fasthe doubles as a
est of the fastest on the
track and baseball
team. For the long dis- With precise form, Demontae Space takes a leap plan- athlete.
Charles
tance runners, the main ning to place near perfect in order to help the Eagles se- Cargo is a returnevent is the 4x800 me- cure their victory.
ing letterman as he
ter dash. Demontae Space, who recently scores in four events. Because of the abuntransferred from Centennial High School, dance of talent, mixed with the strength
competes in the high jump and consistently and stamina that has been developing since
places near the top. Cord Church who was January, the boys’ track team is a force to
the State Champion in 2008, competed in be reckoned with this season and can be exthe 300 meter hurdles, and placed 4th at pected to break boundaries…and records!
Boys’ Track United By Ambition
Entertainment
Fast Six: Cars, Diesel, and Letty?
By: Gregory Morrow & Mitchell Williams late May is the final chapter of the series
While the
Fast and The
school year starts
Furious. Fast
to wind down, this
and the Furisummer starts to
ous SIX will
heat up with the
continue from
upcoming movie
the ending of
titles to be released
the previous
this summer. Movmovie
Fast
ies such as G.I. Joe
Five
where
Retaliation, Oblivthe main charion, Iron Man 3,
acters Bryan
and After Earth are
(Paul Walker)
highly anticipated
and
Dom
titles to hit the the(Vin
Dieaters very soon.
sel) escaped
However, Dom Torretto (Van Diesel) shifts into gear preparing for another from not only
perhaps the most high-stakes race across the nation’s box offices.
Rio, but from
anticipated movie that will be released Hobbs (Dwayne ‘The Rock” Johnson”)
who plays a federal agent assigned to Hobbs needs the help of Bryan, Dom, and
track down and capture
the rest of the crew to
the two fugitives. In the
take down a new threat
end, Hobbs realizes that
in London, and in return,
Bryan and Dom are reoffers full pardons so the
ally the good guys and
boys can have a clean redecides to let them walk
cord. At first, Bryan and
away with 100 million
Dom decline, but that
and not to arrest them at
soon changes because
the end of Fast Five. For
Hobbs shows Dom that
those of you who thought
Letty (Michelle Rodrithe movie was over and
guez), the love of his
filed out of the theater as
life who was presumed
the credits were rolling,
dead, is still alive and
you missed a sneak peak
works for the new crimiat the 6th movie of the
nal mastermind (Luke
series.
Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez), the apparent Evans). The question re
In the action antagonist, and Dom, the protaganist, pose as a mains: what has gotten
packed finale, Fast Six, happy couple before everything falls apart.
into Letty?
By: Tahalia Rusley, Tyisha Goer, & Amanda Johnston
The drama club certainly started Egyptians and has been taken to Egypt to be
the New Year off with a bang! With audi- Amneris’(Radames’ fiancé) personal slave.
tions for the spring musical AIDA starting As Aida continues, day by day, living the
with the new semester, a lot of time was life of a slave, she spends a little more time
spent on vocals right away. After a majori- talking to the self-engrossed Radames,
ty of the vocals were learned, the dedicated who is played by Trey Howard, and gets to
cast started to work on blocking and cho- know him on a more personal level. While
rography. The final step inmaking AIDA Aida hides at a Nubian camp, she begs Raa success was to put it all together with dames to help the Nubians. Radames soon
bigger portions of the show run through opens his heart to Aida and gives the Nuduring each rehearsal. The RTHS cast did bians all of his possessions. Aida flees the
site when she hears the news that Radames’
a fantastic job in
armies
portraying this
have capfamous musical
tured the
by Elton John.
queen of
As the
Nubia
lights dim, the
( A i d a ’s
curtain
opens,
mother),
and the crowd sits
Amonasin curiosity, the
lovely Princess During one of the play’s highly animated dance numbers, various members ro, who
of the AIDA cast help to bring the play to life with their coreography.
w a s
Amneris, played
played
by Jennifer Schluter, lays in her sarcophaby
Cree
Noble.
Mereb,
Radames’
loyal
gus being looked upon by pedestrians in an
Nubian
servant
played
by
Mary
Passareli,
Egyptian museum. Aida, the main character played by Taylor Knowles, is a Nubian and Aida bribe their way into Amonasro’s
princess who has been captured by the prison cell, where Aida is reunited with her
mother. The conniving Mereb hatches a
plan to escape with the queen during the Radames swears he will search through a
commotion of Amneris’ wedding, which hundred lifetimes to find her again. The
means Aida will have to betray Radames musical ends in a contemporary museum,
in order to save her mother.
where we see the spirit of Amneris, at her
Radames’
rightful spot as Phaaffair is quickly
raoh, watching as
discovered by his
a modern man and
mother, the controlwoman, the reinling and power-huncarnated Aida and
gry Zoser, played by
Radames, strangely
Zene Orr, and she
drawn to each other.
warns Radames that
Even though
it could cost him
Mr. Matthews said
the throne. After a
that finding a musithe Dance of the Robe, Senior Taylor Knowles disdisagreement with During
cal that fit the high
plays the emotion of an unwilling leader called to action.
Ramades, Zoser orschool level both in
ders her men to find Aida and kill her right that it compliments the talent pool and stillaway. While Ramades wants to call off the remains appropriate and interesting is very
wedding, Aida tells him that he has to go difficult, but he said that Aida was a sucthrough with it in order to save her mother. cess at RTHS because of the extremely talAida tries to flee, but soon both Aida and ented cast and showed exactly what RTHS’
Radames are captured for treason. At the drama department has to offer. Aida was
trial, Pharaoh, played by Sammi Collins, performed in the RTHS Cafetorium on
sentences both Aida and Radames to be Thursday March 21, Friday March 22, and
buried alive. Amneris reprises her role as Saturday March 23. Many friends, fama future Pharaoh by convincing her mother ily, and community supporters came out to
to let the lovers die in the same tomb, an watch a fantastic show. Congratulations to
act of mercy for two people she has come the cast of Aida for putting on a great show
to love. As Aida and Radames slowly die, for all to enjoy!
A D ay in the Life o f A i d a
Student Activities
Manly Combatants Fight for the Crown
By: Mitch Williams & Amanda Johnston
participating was that he was able to be expressed a preference,
The manliest of men gathered and himself. Cord Church and Blake Quinlan stating that Mr. RTHS
competed again this year for the exception- both had different reasons for wanting to should be someone who
ally masculine and coveted title of Mr.
was
creative
RTHS. This year National Honor Society
and had a sense
members Kailey Garren and Mary Pasof humor, but
sareli hosted the Manliest of Men comkept it classy as
petition. This year’s competition was
well. While K.J.
filled with unforgettable moments and,
Ross, Mr. & Ms.
as is tradition, shameless panhandling.
Ross’ son, was
Kailey Garren said the most successful
not an officially
part of hosting Mr. RTHS was “raising
registered conmoney for the NHS scholarship.” Kailey
testant, he was
explained raising the money was good
the
highlight
because scholarships are “a good thing.”
of Ms. GreenThe other host for the night, Mary Paswald’s night and
sareli, stated that making the audience
stole the show
laugh was a success as was the overall
when he won
improvising done by the hosts.
the arm wres
The candidates were few, but Hostesses Mary Passareli and Kailey Garren get the crowd ready for the tling
contest
exemplary men: Chris Deaville, Cord unbridled manliness about to take the stage at the Mr. RTHS competition. over everybody
Church, Blake Quinlan, Ryan Egerton,
else, unleashing
Alex
Mifflin,
his
hidden
brute strength
compete in Mr. RTHS but agree that
and
Nathan
on
his
unsuspecting
opthe biggest challenge for them was
Hutton.
As
ponents.
changing for the next category in the
the contestants
After the trial of Basking in the glory of his most recent victory of masculinity, the newly
short amount of time given.
vigorously prepopularity
ended, rows crowned Mr. RTHS, Ryan Egerton, unleashes his battle-cry.
Featuring such manly categories
pared backstage
of
chairs
were
left scatas Musky Swimwear, Macho-est
triumphant; this MAN AMONG MEN was
applying their
tered
as
the
contestants
sprinted around Ryan Egerton! While interviewing past
Formalwear, Bold Talents, Powerful
various spraySkills, as well as General Speaking the cafetorium. Once the dust settled, Cord contestants, we discovered that they had
on tans and abs,
Ability, six elite judges
some advice for
the tension fillwould decide who denext year’s coning the air was
served the title of Manliest
testants. Blake
thick enough to
of Men. While the judges
Quinlan urged
cut with a steak
were at the competition
contestants
to
knife.
When
to judge, some of them
be
prepared
the candidates
had devoted their time to
for whatever is
stepped out onto
helping the contestants
thrown at you.
the stage, they
beforehand, likely rigging
This year’s Mr.
were met with
the competition to give
C o n g e n i a l i t y,
the screams of
their men an upper hand.
Cord
Church,
tens of adorMs. Piatt assisted Blake
said to go out for
ing
audience
Quinlan in learning how
Mr. RTHS, have
members in atto tie a bowtie through
fun, and to be
tendance. Ryan
a YouTube video. Once
yourself. Ryan
Egerton said the
the contestants burst onto
Egerton, winner
biggest
chalstage, she claimed the
of Mr. RTHS,
Deaville visibly regrets not spending more time working out as K.J. Ross looks to destroy the competilenge of Mr.
contestants had “col- Chris
warned contestion, using his size to mask his unexpected power during the strength portion of the Mr. RTHS competition.
RTHS was arm
orful and unique” retants to not overwrestling. Ryan
Church
stood
victorious
with
the
title
of
sponses
to
the
concept
of
“dressing
think
a
competition,
because
for his talent
Displaying the true spirit of America,
also stated that Blake Quinlan entertains and amazes the up”. While deciding who was to be Mr. Congeniality. Dominating the com- he decided to blow bubbles because he
the best part of crowd with his enthusiastic personality. crowned Mr. RTHS, Ms. Greenwald petition this year one man stood ultimately couldn’t run for his talent.
Special Feature
R.T.H.S. Seniors Produce a Good Crop
By: Natasha Trefren
laureate services first started spreading just about every Baccalaureate service to- soil will produce a good crop; however,
Graduation is not just a time to around, they were generally a service that day. Also Baccalaureate has kept the idea planting seeds in bad soil will end up badcelebrate the fact that a senior has made only Catholic students could attend. It also as the ceremony being conducted by the ly. The service starts out with worship,
it through high school. Graduation is used to be
s t u d e n t which is being organized by Rachel Kizer
also a time to celebrate who that student a service
b o d y . and a local worship leader, Eric Kidwell.
has become and what that student stands that only
E v e n Following the worship, Natasha Trefren
for. When seniors graduate, they are often c o l l e g e
t h o u g h and Rachel Kizer will both be giving tesable to look back and recognize that there s t u d e n t s
the cere- timonies for the student speaker portion
is something very important to them that participatmony has of the service. After the testimonies, local
has been with them every step of their high ed in. As
b e c o m e youth pastor Larry Collins will speak and
school experience. It would make sense time went
m o r e elaborate more on the theme. There will
that during the celebrations of graduation, on, Baci n t e r d e - be additional seniors from the student body
each senior would want what is important calaureate
n o m i n a - who will be reading scripture to go along
to them to be involved. One option offered spread to
t i o n a l , with the service. As an extra part to the
to all the Rantoul seniors is Baccalaureate. d i f f e r e n t
it still is ceremony, the seniors who would like to be
Baccalaureate is a ceremony that Rantoul r e g i o n s
usually a involved will be planting seeds in the garcelebrates every year the Sunday before and began
c e l e b r a - den at Bethany Park. Their section in the
graduation. It is a time when some of to be redetion for garden will be labeled class of 2013 and
the seniors get together with others in the fined. Each
those who will represent the spiritual growth of those
community and celebrate where God has school that
consider who planted it. Directly after the Baccabrought them so far and all of the talents had Bac- Beaming with excitement, Natasha Trefren and Rachel Kizer, the speakers for this t h e m - laureate ceremony, students will have the
granted to them. Baccalaureate is a time calaureate year’s ceremony, take a break from planning to enjoy their last few days at RTHS. selves to option of placing seeds in a pot which will
where students celebrate two very large services started making changes to the Bac- be Christian. One of the most significant later be transferred to the Bethany Park
things they have in common: one being their calaureate service in order to make it per- parts of Baccalaureate is the student speak- Garden.
relationship with God and the other being sonable to their school. Eventually, high er, who is often elected by the students in- Any senior wanting to attend this
their graduation. At Baccalaureate, stu- schools adopted the Baccalaureate services volved with the
event is more
dents sing, pray, listen to speakers and just as well. The ceremonies used to be very ceremony.
than welcome!
celebrate their graduation with those who closely linked with the school; however, in J u s t
The ceremony
are close to them on a spiritual level. Bac- America, due to separation of church and like many other
will be takcalaureate is
Raning place at
state, Bacca- schools,
a tradition not
the Gatherlaureate has toul’s students
only to Raning Place at
to be located and local pastors
toul, but to
their
the Methodin a place not organize
many others as
ist church on
funded by the own Baccalaurewell starting a
ate that is very
May
19th.
government.
very long time
significant to the
The students
ago.
stumay feel free
Though much Christian
Bacdents.
A
group
to invite famhas changed
calaureate is
ily, pastors, or
about the Bac- of seniors and
believed
to
pastors
anyone imporc a l a u r e a t e local
start way back
tant to their
services since started meeting
in England in
life. There are
it was first for the planning
The gathering place in Rantoul for this momentous occasion, the local
1432 at the
many seniors
created, there of Baccalaure- Methodist Church Youth Center.
University of
who choose
was also much ate in mid-April.
Oxford when
that
stayed This year’s theme is seeds, which is taken not to be in the ceremony, but still attend
each bachelor
the same. At straight from Matthew 13. The focus will the actual event! Any seniors wishing to
was required
traditional be around the idea that there are many dif- be a part of the event should contact NaThe famed Oxford University in England is the homeland of the time- a
to deliver a ser- honored Baccalaureate tradition.
Baccalaureate ferent people with many different back- tasha Trefren or Rachel Kizer as soon as
mon in Latin.
service some- grounds, but each person is able to deter- possible. Baccalaureate will be a dignified
This is a tradition they carried on annually one from the community would be asked mine his or her own environment. Those time where the seniors can proudly display
and still do to this day. When the Bacca- to speak to students, which still happens at who plant their metaphoric seeds in good what they believe in!