`Grease` is the word this fall at Castle

Volume 52, Issue 2
Newburgh, Indiana
October 2011
The
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
‘Grease’ is the word this fall at Castle
Robin Daywalt
Correspondent
When choir director Brian
Adcock and sophomore English
teacher Eric Antey discussed what
Castle’s fall musical would be, the
answer was clear: “Grease.”
“Grease,” written by Jim Jacobs
and Warren Casey, originally
hit the Broadway scene in 1971.
Today, “Grease” holds the record
as the 13th longest running show on
Broadway.
In 1978 director Randal Kleiser
picked up the story line and cast
the popular John Travolta and
Olivia Newton-John as Danny and
Sandy, the lovers of the 1959 class
of Rydell High.
“We really think this show
will be a fresh take on a classic
American musical,” Antey said.
“Thankfully, we have been able
to secure the rights to four songs
featured in the movie that are not
part of the original stage version:
‘Grease,’ ‘Hopelessly Devoted to
You,’ ‘Sandy’ and ‘You’re the One
That I Want.’”
Senior Katlyn Holman and
sophomore Zach Cozart will
play Sandy and Danny in the
production.
Cozart said, “Doing ‘Grease’ is
hard because it’s so famous, but I’m
really excited because it’s a role I’ve
always wanted.”
In 2009, Antey directed the
summer musical “Oklahoma.” But
with this show, he wanted to take a
new spin on things.
Photo by Robin Daywalt
Members of the cast of “Grease” rehearse the songs for the musical with vocal director Brian Adcock on Sept. 27.
“We wanted to do a show that not
only the cast could be excited about
but also the school and community
would be excited about,” he said.
“We think this show will highlight
the tremendous talent we have here
at Castle High School.”
The hard part came after the
directors chose the musical. Over
80 students came to the two-day
audition and were then reduced
to 45. The remaining 45 include
students from all age groups.
“Our first rehearsal was one of
the best first rehearsals I can ever
remember,” said Adcock. “I can tell
that this cast will be serious and
(will) work hard.”
The entire cast is excited to be
a part of such a well-loved musical.
INSIDE
News - p. 1
Community - p. 2-3
Feature - p. 4-7
Entertainment - p. 8
They are also excited to be working
under the direction of Antey.
“This is my second show
working with Mr. Antey, the first
being ‘Oklahoma,’” said Adcock.
“We’ve had a lot of fun so far, and I
can tell it’s going to be a really good
show.”
Before her retirement last year,
Suzanne Godeke directed the fall
musicals. This year, Antey is taking
over.
Antey, who is a 1993 Castle
graduate, said, “I am thrilled to
direct my first show here on the
Castle stage where I spent so much
of my time as a student here years
ago.”
Adcock said that he’s excited to
work with Antey because they’re
“A Special Cup”
Sports - p. 9
Briefs - p. 10
Opinion - p. 11
Knight Vision - p. 12
See
page 5.
both graduates of Castle and they
have a similar sense of humor.
The cast has seven and a half
weeks to pull together and perform
such a world-renowned musical.
Sophomore Reuben Ross, who
plays the T-Bird Sonny, said, “This
will be a close and hardworking
cast because we know how much
pressure there is in performing this
for the community.”
“Grease” will be performed in
Castle’s auditorium Nov. 17, 18 and
19 at 7 p.m.
“If you have ever considered
coming to a Castle High School
show, this would be the one,”
Adcock said. “It’s about the high
school experience, and we can all
relate to that.”
Castle Spirit
Castle students show off their
school spirit during dress-up
days as these students did on
Western/Denim Day. Teachers
participated, too. See pages
6-7.
2
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2011
coMMUniTY
Fall brings falling for Fall Festival
Tori Densley
Staff Writer
Just about anyone who has lived
in this area for more than a year can
tell you a little bit about the West
Side Nut Club’s Fall Festival, but
some people who have been here
for a longer period of time could
easily tell you even more.
The Fall Festival is hosted every
year on Franklin Street in between
Wabash Avenue and St. Joseph
Avenue. It consists of 126 booths
where you can get food and drinks
of all types, including some unique
and odd-sounding items.
“What I love are the desserts —
apple dumplings, pumpkin bread,
things like that,” said Samantha
Head, a senior at Reitz High
School. “I also love the mozzarella
Bosco sticks.”
Viola Helmers, an exchange
student who was here last year
from Germany, said, “I loved the
deep-fried Oreos and the apple
cider, although it’s nothing more
than sweetened apple juice. I wish
I would have tried more foods, but
there are so many. You don’t know
where to start. I plan to come back
(to America) eventually, and it
would be cool to go again to the
festival.”
Senior Devon Rutherford said,
“My favorite has to be fried cookie
dough. It’s gooey and chocolaty and
crazy crazy crazy yummy! Fried
butter wasn’t my favorite thing last
year. It wasn’t as good as I thought
it would be.”
Rutherford refuses to try “the
chocolate-covered crickets. I’ll eat
mostly anything, but since I have
a lizard that eats crickets, I kind of
refuse.”
Tamara Sergi, another exchange
student who was here last year from
Italy, disagrees with Rutherford’s
thoughts on at least one of the food
items.
“I really liked the fried Oreos
and fried butter and also the candy
apples, but I didn’t find any kind of
food I didn’t like,” she said. “There
was too much food, and I couldn’t
keep myself from eat(ing) it all!
By the end of the week, I gained
Photo by Jessika Collins
(Top) Seventh grader Alexis Collins hesitantly tries the deep-fried Coke from the
Highland Baseball booth at the Fall Festival. The Fall Festival offers an array of
fried foods for a week in October every year.
(Bottom) The syrup used to make the Coke is deep fried and shaped into balls.
The deep-fried Coke seems to intrigue festival-goers.
several pounds, and my Italian
friends couldn’t recognize my face
anymore.”
The Fall Festival is typically a
huge event in the area and even
draws people from outside of
Indiana.
The festival is spread along four
blocks, so there’s usually quite a bit
of walking involved for the people
who attend. Most of the space
is taken up by booths on either
side of the street with a stage on
12th Avenue. There are also games
and rides on one side of the street
between Wabash and 10th Avenue.
Senior Isabella Haws said, “It’s
wonderful that so many people
come out to support the festival,
but upon occasion, the amount of
available space isn’t adequate for
the number of people present.”
Helmers said, “I loved how many
people there were, and at night the
streets got even fuller, and it was a
really awesome atmosphere.”
“I live two blocks away. About
the length of a football field,” Head
said. She lives right in the midst
of the action, directly on Franklin
Street.
“We have issues with people
taking our parking spots, throwing
trash and food in our yard,
bothering our dogs and stealing
things. It’s very stressful. One year,
Mom’s ceramic geese were stolen
out of the yard. Our flowers have
been taken straight out of the
ground, roots and all. It’s amazing
what some people will steal.”
The foods found at the Fall
Festival are the extremes when
it comes to variety. They include
everything from hot dogs and
burgers, to kangaroo jerky, to bacon
brownies and deep-fried Pepsi.
A full list of foods and where to
find them can be found on the West
Side Nut Club’s website, http://
www.nutclub.org/. The website also
has a map to help people navigate
during the Fall Festival.
“…I know that the Nut Club
has added some scrumptioussounding delicacies like fried
turkey testicles; totally can’t wait
to try those, not!” said Haws. “I’m
looking forward to trying the
Texas-size pumpkin streusel! Being
a Texas girl, I’m anxious to see what
y’all northerners think a ‘Texas size’
dessert is! I’m expecting a heart
attack of pumpkin-y goodness on
a plate.”
Sergi said, “I remember I was
pretty confused by several foods
because I didn’t understand the
ingredients or what kind of food
it was. So I would just (eat) it all.
Then I would go home, take the
dictionary and translate the names,
realizing just then I ate something I
would (never have) imagined.”
Head added, “I can be there
in three minutes if I want to be,
and it’s fun to be right next to all
the excitement. My house is a
good meeting place for friends
and relatives who are going to the
festival. I couldn’t count the times
I’ve been there.
“You could say that I don’t go to
the Fall Festival because it comes to
me. I usually go to get food several
times that week. I’m glad when the
festival leaves. It’s a relief. Don’t get
me wrong, I have fun. I’m just ready
to clean up our yard, park the cars
in their normal spots, start eating
healthy again and get some sleep.”
coMMUniTY
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2011
3
Boy Scouts cluck for barbecue chicken
Jessica Noffsinger
Staff Writer
A dancing chicken and outgoing
boys help attract people to the smell
of barbecue chicken.
On Oct. 2, Boy Scout Troop 352
sold chicken in the parking lot of
Buehler’s Buy Low.
“We sell chicken in order to
raise money for scouting events
for Troop 352,” said senior Kalvin
Greer, a member of the troop.
There were about 12 troop
members and parents preparing
the chicken.
“It’s barbecue chicken,” said
Greer. “It’s a half chicken grilled on
an open flame followed by a deep
soak of herbs and spices.”
The grill filled the air with
clouds of smoke.
It also filled the air with the
aroma of grilled chicken prepared
with the troop’s special water-based
barbecue sauce.
Half a chicken costs $4, and all
the proceeds go to the troop.
The scouts do this more than
once, too.
“(We do this) roughly once a
month, (and) it starts in March and
goes until November,” said Greer.
Troop 352 has a mascot that
helps advertise the chicken.
Senior Brandon Wongngamnit,
who was the chicken for Troop 352
on Oct. 2, said, “I find being the
chicken fun. I enjoy dancing by the
curbside.”
“We sell chicken in order
to raise money for scouting
events for Troop 352.”
Senior Kalvin Greer
~Cost of a half chicken: $4
~Next weekend of sales:
Oct. 15 and 16
~Where: Buehler’s Buy Low
Greer said that the whole
experience of selling barbecue
chicken for his troop is usually
a good time except for when the
temperatures are extreme.
Both Greer and Wongngamnit
said that selling chicken helps
support Troop 352, and it teaches
them skills for jobs they will have
in the future.
Throughout the day, troop
members help in different areas.
Some members hold advertising
signs by the side of the road while
others help at the grill making
chicken or under the tent selling
chicken.
Boy Scout Troop 352 will have
another barbecue chicken sale on
Oct. 15 and 16 in the Buehler’s Buy
Low parking lot.
The dancing chicken will be
back, and the outgoing troop
members will be, too.
As Wongngamnit said, “Always
honk for chicken!”
Photos by Jessica Noffsinger
(From left) Seniors Kalvin Greer and Brandon Wongngamnit advertised Troop
352’s chicken sales by dancing on the side of the road on Oct. 2.
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Two troop members
planted signs in the
ground to advertise
the barbecue chicken. They also held
up signs to attract
the attention of oncoming traffic.
“You must be
the change
you wish
to see in
the world.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
Please recycle all types of paper
by placing it in the green bins
in each classroom.
4
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2011
FEaTURE
Let’s do the ‘Rocky Horror’ again
Lauren Craddock
Staff Writer
It’s 50 degrees and the harsh breeze is hairraising, yet thousands of people are headed in
the same direction wearing lingerie, corsets,
fishnet tights and eight-inch heels. It’s not public
indecency; it’s Rocky Horror.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” isn’t just a
movie; it’s a parody of science fiction horror films
of the 1940s with an enormous international cult
following. After its debut in 1975 completely
flopped, the film’s biggest supporters formed
a large following willing to dress up (or dress
down) as the characters, dance the dances, sing
the songs, throw toast at the screen, and spray
water on strangers. Sounds fun, right?
Well, it is. For 36 years, teens and young
adults (and maybe the occasional old man who
just wants an excuse to dress like a woman) have
been gathering at theatres and amphitheatres
wearing way too much make-up, not enough
clothing, and enough hairspray to deplete the
ozone layer.
This unorthodox film is most simply a
story about a newlywed couple, Brad and Janet
(played by Barry Botswick and Susan Sarandon),
whose car breaks down in a deserted area, and
their only option is to knock on the door of the
only house for miles, asking to make a call on
their telephone. The house just happens to be
the residence of the eccentric Doctor Frank-NFurter (played by Tim Curry) who presents the
couple with an adventure far more exciting than
the simple act of making a phone call.
It’s hard to imagine that such an event takes
place in little old Evansville, but it does. For 10
years, at the end of September or the beginning
of October, Mesker Ampitheatre has been
attracting thousands of people who want to
join the fun and express their hidden side that
perhaps few have witnessed.
The Evansville showing invites people in the
area to leave their reserved, bashful self at home
and reveal their energetic side, getting involved
in this weird, inappropriate and interactive freak
show where anything goes.
I mean, come on; it only happens once a
year.
“I loved seeing my male peers wearing skirts,
make-up, and the whole nine yards,” said Maia
Dominguez, who attended Castle but now lives
in Baton Rouge, La.
Although Dominguez attended the Picture
Show last year at Mesker, she is unsure whether
or not Baton Rouge participates in the event. “I
doubt they have that around here,” she said. “It
wouldn’t be safe for people to act like that where
I live in Louisiana.”
Among the provocatively dressed teenagers,
there are still a number of people who dress for
the part without completely sacrificing their
dignity. “I dressed up like a maid with a black
dress and apron, just like the maid in the movie,
and of course I wore fishnets,” said senior Kaitlyn
Phillips.
Boonville High School graduate Tyler Weber
has been to the show four years in a row but has
never been too risky with his clothing choice.
“I dress up, but nothing too crazy,” he said.
“I have seven-inch platform boots that I wear
every year. They’re really hard to walk in and
they’re not comfortable, but they’re perfect.”
Besides the abundance of hairy chests and bare
stomachs, if there’s one thing that is incredibly
common among Rocky Horror attendees, it’s the
fishnet tights. Man or woman, it doesn’t matter
– the fishnet tights are essential.
Senior Grace Whaley agrees. “I wore fishnets
and blue heels. I love seeing all the outfits. The
best thing I’ve ever seen was a guy in a fishnet
suit.”
See? Told you.
This year on Sept. 30, the gates of Mesker
Amphitheatre opened at 9 p.m., a costume
contest was held at 10 (with categories such as
Fishnet King and Queen, and Most Likely to
Be Mistaken for a Transvestite), and the movie
began at 11.
For an extra $5, you could purchase a prop
bag complete with everything you would need
to use, including toilet paper, birdseed, confetti
and squirt guns.
But this year, the theatre was so packed that by
10:30, the prop bags were sold out and attendees
were left to watch the movie without the fun of
throwing things at the people around them. But
it was okay because every bag-less person was
still encouraged to scream obnoxiously at the
top of their lungs at every chance they got.
Many Rocky fans might agree that the dancing
is the most fun part of the whole event. Even the
most inexperienced dancer can participate in
the dances. It’s quite simple actually. “It’s just a
jump to the left, and then a step to the right. Put
your hands on your hips, you bring your knees
in tight.” These words are from perhaps the most
famous song of the movie, “Time Warp.”
“I know most of the words and dances, but I
know the ‘Time Warp’ the best,” said Whaley.
However, Weber prefers a different song and
Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Phillips
(From left) Boonville sophomore Kaitlyn Riddle and
sophomore Dee Rollins are in full costume getting
ready for the 10th annual “Rocky Horror Picture
Show” at Mesker Amphitheatre.
dance.
“My favorite song is ‘Hot Patootie Bless My
Soul’ – the song with Meat Loaf in it,” he said.
If nothing else I say sparks your interest, at
least consider the fact that famous hard rock
musician Meat Loaf randomly appears on a
motorcycle playing saxophone, making pretty
women swoon and singing about how much he
loves rock ‘n’ roll.
As much as you might not want to accept it,
your parents and teachers went to “The Rocky
Horror Picture Show” as well. Newburgh resident
Linda Mothershed recalls her experiences as a
teen at Rocky Horror saying, “I went four or five
times, and I remember it was always at midnight.
(My friends and I) would dress up every time,
and we could all do the ‘Time Warp.’”
Mothershed recalled the event being much
like it is today, with props and an eclectic array
of outfits. “I remember one year there was a guy
dressed up like an usher in the theatre. Then
he literally ripped off his uniform, and he was
wearing a bustier and stockings. It was hilarious,”
she said.
English teacher Becki Recker also reflected
on her experience at the show. “I was 15 years
old, and I had no idea what was going on,” said
Recker. “I figured out that if you squirt your
water bottle when it’s not the rain scene just to
be funny, it makes people angry.”
Whether you’re a Rocky Horror first-timer or
a fanatic, at the end of the night, after changing
out of your fishnets and meticulously plucking
all of the birdseed from your scalp, you’ll find
yourself unconsciously humming the tune of
“Time Warp” to yourself as you fall asleep.
“Rocky Horror is definitely something I
look forward to all year long,” said Whaley. “I’m
already looking forward to next year!”
FEaTURE
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2011
5
(Far left) Senior Kyle Gesselman hands
a cup of hot chocolate to freshman
Nick Billig to stir.
(Left) Junior Heather Horn pours A
Special Cup. Horn’s favorite job is to
pour the hot water to make hot chocolate. Photos by Jessika Collins
Life Skills classes offer ‘A Special Cup’ of coffee
Jessika Collins
Staff Writer
Ordering Starbucks coffee in
class might sound like a dream, but
on Mondays and Fridays, thanks
to the Life Skills classes, it’s truly a
reality.
During first and second periods, the Life Skills classes and Peer
Tutors run a coffee shop called “A
Special Cup.”
Students can give their orders
to teachers, and the teachers will
email the order to A Special Cup.
Then, the Life Skills students will
make the coffee and deliver it during class.
As much as it wakes up the students who order it, the Life Skills
classes gain so much more from
running A Special Cup. Kelly Cochren, one of the Life Skills teachers, started it “because it offered
so many areas of strength and opportunity to take what they learned
in the coffee shop and take it with
them to graduation.”
The idea came from an article
sent to her about a coffee shop run
by a Life Skills class in northern
Indiana. They joined with Starbucks and sold coffee to improve
the communication and vocational
skills of the students who worked
the shop.
Cochren loved it but couldn’t
have started it by herself.
“It’s just been put together,” she
said. “A group effort.” Katlynn Gesselman, the sister of senior Kyle
Gesselman, was key in establish-
ing the coffee shop. “(To complete
her degree), she needed a master’s
project. I had said something about
starting it, and Katlynn approached
us,” said Cochren.
In 2009, Cochren, Katlynn and
another USI student met with the
Starbucks manager to see if they
would assist with the coffee shop.
Starbucks agreed to supply the coffee, aprons, cups and lids.
All the money made went directly back into A Special Cup.
Now, although they still use Starbucks coffee, the money they make
goes to purchase the cups, lids and
other supplies they need to run it.
The Life Skills students are, as
Cochren worded it, “so proud to go
work in it.” The experience they get
interacting with customers and the
responsibility benefits the students
so much more than class work
would.
Freshman Tess Fuller’s dad
owns a coffee shop, and when she
helps out with A Special Cup she’s
truly learning skills that will benefit
her later in life. “Helping with the
ice” is her favorite job, and it’s special because she also helps with the
ice at her dad’s shop.
“Serving drinks” is sophomore
Ben Hudson’s favorite job. When
teachers email the order, he enjoys
reading the email and writing the
order down.
Another thing the Life Skills
students enjoy is delivering mail;
it’s especially enjoyable for Hudson
and Kyle. Kyle loves delivering mail
to science teacher Patrick Lockyear.
Drinks offered by
“A Special Cup”
All drinks are $1
Coffee
Hot Chocolate
Mocha Steamer
French Vanilla Steamer
Chocolate Coffee
Mocha Chill
Vanilla Breeze
Kyle said, “He shakes my hand,”
and it’s an interaction he looks forward to.
The Life Skills classes also go, a
few students at a time, to Goodwill
for about an hour to learn more
vocational skills and ways to help
others.
Cochren said, “I think that it
could not work — any of our programs … could (not) be successful
if it weren’t for everyone working
together.”
Cochren and her aides work
together with Peer Tutors. Senior
Kensey Hall is the Peer Tutor Club’s
president and has been a Peer Tutor
for two years. “I signed up because
my sister was a Peer Tutor when
she was in high school, and she really enjoyed it. It was kind of nerveracking because you don’t know
what to think, but (the students)
become your friends.”
Junior Sheridan Strickland is
also a Peer Tutor. She’s in first period, so she gets to help the students
with A Special Cup on Mondays
and Fridays. Being a Peer Tutor
has benefited her, she said, “because when I was a freshman and
sophomore, when I saw (the Life
Skills classes) in the hallway, I just
blew it off and I didn’t think it was
anything special. But now I just …
love it.”
Peer Tutor is a class that a student can take for an elective credit.
“A Peer Tutor needs to be responsible and mature and openminded, flexible. You have to take
the initiative, and you have to have
a caring personality,” said Cochren.
The responsibility given to a
Peer Tutor depends on what period
a student has it. Strickland helps
with the project because she’s in
first period.
Other Peer Tutors in different
periods might help with mail delivery, P.E., or academics.
Hall said, “There’s like a chart
and you rotate (classes)…. We
just like help them, but you end
up learning from them…. I would
suggest everyone in the school to
try and take it. It’s a good learning
opportunity.”
In addition to Peer Tutors,
there is also the Peer Tutor Club.
The purpose is to further develop
the relationship between the students of the Life Skills classes and
their tutors.
It’s a chance, Hall said, “to interact and learn that we’re more alike
than different.” Hall encourages all
students to join and participate in
Peer Tutor Club even if they aren’t
a Peer Tutor.
6
FEaT
ThE LancER
casTLE high schooL
ocToBER 2011
Students share ideas and memories f
What is your favorite part about spirit week?
“Walking the halls and seeing how much spirit
CHS has!” -Molly Gilles, freshman
“Pep Assembly.” -Jennifer Wilson, sophomore
“All the excitement and crazy outfits.” -Shelbi
Brock, sophomore
“Seeing everyone look goofy!” -Jaclyn Parker,
sophomore
“The pep assemblies because they kill time
during the day.” -Bryson Jenkins, junior
“You get to dress up whatever way you want
without people making fun of you because
everyone is doing it.” -Montana Daniels, senior
What is your favorite pep assembly activity?
Photo by Ashley Gibson
Seniors Shane Seniour and Meredith Berkeley -- 80s
Day
Ashley Gibson and Tori Densley
Staff Writer
W
igs, cowboy hats, neon tape and nerdy
outfits are just a few things that make
spirit days at Castle High School
unforgettable. Some participate from head-totoe while others watch with curiosity to see what
their peers will wear to school.
What is your favorite thing to dress up in
during spirit week?
“Definitely Nerd Day. It never gets old.” -Jazmin
Solano, sophomore
“Blue and Gold, everyone participates.” -Sarah
Parsons, sophomore
“70s Disco is my favorite.” -Reuben Ross,
sophomore
“Sports Days.” -Zach Werne, junior
“Nerd Day.” -Meredith Berkeley, senior
“Cowboy day.” -Christian Anderson, senior
“Student vs. teacher volleyball.” -Madison
Curtis, freshman
“Mr. Morrow at the assemblies throwing
Smarties and saying, ‘Where’re my seniors at?’”
-Courtney Cantrell, junior
“Rollercoaster.” -Andrew Stocker, junior
“Watermelon-eating contests.” -Chance Burkes,
freshman
“Watching the seniors against the faculty
(volleyball and tug-of-war).” -Cyporah Kirk,
freshman
“The teachers being involved.” -Lauren
Chappell, junior
“Watching the staff and senior volleyball game.”
-Megan Brown, junior
“Mr. Morrow.” -Nick
Flory, junior
“Dance team.” -Marissa
Sowder, freshman
“Basketball games
between grades (or
teachers).” -José
Palacios, sophomore
What will you
remember most about
spirit week?
“I believe that we will
win!” -Taylor Coin,
freshman
“Mrs. Recker being
chosen to do almost
everything (ex., her
eating watermelon).”
-Kylie Burdette,
freshman
“Sam Tanoos’s outfits.”
-Wesley Holben,
freshman
Photo by Tori
Densley
Sophomore David
May -- Neon Day
“When the drummers
march down the main
hall.” -Rachel Clark,
junior
“Jace Bartley wearing a
dress.” -Olivia Meyer,
senior
“How crazy everyone
is in a good way.” -Tom
Gillihan, senior
Years from now when
you have your own kids
what do you think they
will wear on their spirit
days when they imitate
what we’re wearing
today?
Photo by Ashley
Gibson
Senior Ian Folger -Nerd Day
“Boys will wear khaki
shorts with Hollister
shirts, long black socks and
basketball shoes. I think girls will wear animal
print shirts, jeans with designs on the back and
Jesus shoes.” -Kelsey Walker, freshman
“Tight pants, low shirts.” -Anna Hirsch,
freshman
“My brother trying to do a back flip in the senior
boys’ dance!” -Lexi Tanoos, freshman
“Probably my ‘cool’ clothes from high school for
their old-fashion day.” -Amelia Cashel-Cordo,
sophomore
“It won’t look anything like us.” -Jacob Tilmon,
junior
“Depends on what pictures they find on
Google, haha.” -Lauren Harrison, senior
“I will for sure make them GO HARD, yanno
what I’m saying! They will be dressed to their
fullest potential.” -Ryan Ward, senior
What do you think would be a good thing
for students to dress up in for future spirit
weeks?
“Old People Day.” -Logan Proctor, freshman
“Gangster Day.” -Austin Barron, freshman
“Harry Potter.” - Brandon Cooper, junior
“SUPERHERO DAY.” - Jeremy Hopkins, junior
“Dress up as celebrities.” - Madeline Schauss,
freshman
“Flappers and gangsters.” - Courtney Tesh,
senior
“We should all dress up as zombies (from
Zombie Farm).” - Sophie Whaley, freshman
“Halloween costumes (school appropriate, of
course).” -Caroline Brown, freshman
“Twin Day - Opposite Day.” - Levi Morrison,
freshman
URE
The Lancer
Castle High School
OCTOBER 2011
from spirit day activities
7
Teachers enjoy spirit
days then and now
Photo courtesy of Leslie Shamblin
FACS teacher Leslie Shamblin dressed up for spirit
day on Feb. 9, 2000, when she was a student.
What is your favorite thing to dress up in during spirit week?
“Crazy hair day.” -Leslie Shamblin, FACS teacher
Photo by Sarah Wagmeister
(From left) Junior Braden Sims and seniors Jace Bartley, Alex Murphy, Nate Bell and Austin Warren -- Western/
Denim Day
“I graduated in the 80s, so the only decade we
did was the 50s. We had Twin Day, Blue and
Gold and Western Day. I think we did a “Valley
Girl Day”/Preppy Day. We had Pajama Day and
a Mismatch Day.” -Angie Simmons, Teacher’s
aide
What did your pep assemblies consist of?
“The classes would compete to see who could
cheer the loudest, for example: our graduating
years. Like 90, 90, 90 vs. 89, 89, 89 vs. 88, 88,
88. One time the basketball boys’ mothers came
out dressed in their uniforms and pretended to
do the routine wearing basketball warm ups.”
-Karen Cox, Math teacher
What is your favorite pep assembly activity?
“I love it all! The students are great, the staff
is great! If I had to choose, the Chargerettes
with the senior athletes.” -Becki Recker, English
teacher
What will you remember most about spirit
week?
“Getting to wear something other than a uniform.” -Shelly E. Aull, Anatomy teacher
Photo by Ashley Gibson
Junior Alex Jefferson -- 80s Day
“Military uniforms.” -Michael Stanley, junior
“Favorite movie/book characters.” -Katie
Smith, junior
“PJ day!” -Julianna Miller, freshman
Anything else you would like to share?
Photo by Sarah Wagmeister
Sophomores Morgan Saiko and Samantha May -Western/Denim Day
“People need to learn the school song.” -Cordell
Chenault, senior
“Everyone needs to bring the enthusiasm to the
game.” -Jorden Baize, senior
“Go Marching Knights!” -­ Grayson Adams,
freshman
“Hall decorating and the powder puff football
games were the greatest. My class was undefeated. Of course, we had Mr. Bennett as our
offensive coordinator.” -Kim Gresham, English
teacher
Anything else you would like to share?
“I was voted most school spirit by the student
body and Booster Club (senior year).” -Brian
Poole, WCSC Computer Technician
8
EnTERTainMEnT
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2011
‘Dolphin Tale’ inspires viewers of all ages
Lauren Craddock
Staff Writer
Theatre 9 of the AMC Theatre
on the west side of Evansville was
packed with preteens and their
mothers on Sept. 24.
Kids were shouting and
laughing moments before the start
of the featured movie, and, as an
18-year-old who had no idea what
this “dolphin movie” was about, I
admit that I was a little skeptical.
As the movie began and I sat
back in my seat, I was surprised to
find that this two-hour film was in
fact not a corny children’s movie at
all, but a good watch for people of
all ages.
“Dolphin Tale,” released on Sept.
23, is a feel-good movie inspired by
a true story about a young boy who
gains a connection with an injured
dolphin after rescuing it from the
shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico.
After the workers from the
Freshwater Marine Hospital took
the dolphin under their care, they
discovered that its tail was too
infected and their only choice was
to amputate it.
The
hard
work
and
determination of the people
involved in reviving the dolphin
inspired the lives of many people
all over the world.
The movie had my attention
from the very beginning until its
heartfelt end.
The talented acting of Nathan
Gamble, Harry Connick Jr.,
Ashley Judd and the beloved
Morgan Freeman made the
movie captivating and well worth
watching.
“Dolphin Tale” is a fantastic
family-oriented movie that will have
even the most stubborn old man
fighting back tears of happiness. If
that isn’t convincing enough, then I
don’t know what is.
Chili Peppers’ new album, ‘I’m With You,’ is red hot
The Musicians’ Coalition often reviews a CD
or DVD for The Lancer. Senior Andrew Fallwell
wrote this review. For more information about
the club, contact sponsor Jim Kibler in 2109.
Every year many new bands are discovered
that come out with a great album, and every
year there are bands that flop. The Red Hot Chili
Peppers are an example of the first (about 30
years ago), and they have never had an album
that didn’t sell. Public appeal has never been
a problem, because they can combine catchy
radio-friendly lyrics with genuine good music.
Their newest album, “I’m With You,” has
been anticipated for almost a year, but also
dreaded because of the departure of their former
guitarist John Fruscainte. Trust me, it lives every
bit up to the hype.
The CD goes back to their roots and almost
sounds like some of the band’s earlier albums
that have a heavy funk influence. There are 14
tracks on the album, but you will wish there
were more.
Since Fruscainte left, they were required to
come up with all of their compositions without
him, and they did not disappoint.
There are not many fast songs on the album,
but they are all unique and have their own feel.
The first single, “The Adventures of Raindance
Maggie,” has cowbell. I mean, come on, it has
cowbell. “Even You Brutus?” is an amazing
composition with an instrumental that can get
anyone’s foot tapping.
The song “Brendens Death Song” is about
one of Anthony Kiedis’ good friends who was
close to dying, and the song distinctly catches
the feeling. The CD ends with the song, “Dance
Dance Dance,” which makes you want to do just
that.
Overall, their album is somewhat expected
because everyone has come to expect greatness
from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Their 10th album
isn’t their best, but is definitely great. Considering
the fact they lost their main songwriter, it is a
step up from what I expected.
Share
your
ideas ...
If you have an idea for a
story (about a person or
something happening in
a class, in a club or on
a team), please write it
down and leave it in The
Lancer’s Idea Box in the
Library.
9
sPoRTs
Swimmers hoping to bond through turmoil
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2011
Sam Haynes
Staff Writer
During fall break, most students
will spend their time relaxing and
catching up on lost sleep, just letting the hours drift slowly by.
For others, the upcoming pause
from school work offers a chance at
redemption.
Over the summer, a handful of
Castle swimmers traveled to West
Virginia for a week to train at the
Virginia Technical Institute.
During their free time, the group
decided to give white water rafting
a try on the Upper Gauley Rapids
near the school. Trevor Bradley, a
senior swimmer at Castle, remembers his first rafting trip with slight
embarrassment.
“I fell out almost right away before we really even started hitting
the rapids,” he said.
This upcoming Fall Break the
entire boys’ swim team will travel to
the same rapids for another chance
at rafting glory.
“I just can’t wait for the opportunity to not fall this time,” said
Bradley.
Not falling this time just might
be an impossible feat, however.
When the swimmers ventured to
the Upper Gauley last time, they
only had to face a beginner course.
The upcoming trip promises to be
more of an adventure, considering
the course is much longer, labeled
as “challenging” and an average of
three people die on it every year.
www.rivermen.com
Every year people from all around the country gather in the Upper Gauley for
West Virginia’s annual Bridge Day. Jumping off of massive bridges with a parachute and white water rafting are only a couple of activities that are available
on this day.
“Something challenging like
this should really push the
kids to work together and
look out for each other. These
things are what make a team
successful.”
John Hart,
Castle Swim Coach
All members of the rafting trip were
even asked to sign three separate
waivers to ensure that there would
be no lawsuits resulting from injury. Castle’s coach, John Hart, is trying to remain positive in the midst
of this grim information.
“Something challenging like
this should really push the kids to
work together and look out for each
other,” said Hart. “These things are
what make a team successful.”
Along with rafting, the swim
team will partake in several other
activities during West Virginia’s annual Bridge Day. Every year during
Bridge Day, people from various
states come to the Upper Gauley
area to parachute off of some of
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the highest bridges in the country.
While no one on the team has a license to partake in this particular
activity, several hiking trails will
bring them up close to all of the
insanity.
Following hiking, the team will
relax on the water’s edge where
they can reminisce about their experiences in West Virginia and, in
Bradley’s case, hopefully claim to
have not fallen out of the raft. Fellow senior teammate Jon Roeder
claims that “not falling out of the
raft” is a respectable goal, but he is
looking for something more out of
the trip this fall.
“I’m looking forward to not having to focus on the outside world
and watching the team come together like brothers,” said Roeder.
10
BRiEFs
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2011
Castle warmly welcomes former Knight Ernie Haase
Jessika Collins
Staff Writer
Ernie Haase got the chance not
only to walk the halls of his high
school once again but to sing the
national anthem at the Knights’
first home football game on Sept. 9.
He received a warm welcome at the
fall sports assembly that afternoon
and was given a football jersey with
his number, 85.
He received an even warmer
reception singing the national anthem with his quartet, Ernie Haase
and Signature Sound (EHSS), at the
game, earning himself a standing
ovation.
Haase, who graduated from
Castle in 1983, was a member of
concert choir and in school plays
and musicals. While in high school,
he founded a band called the Hootie Hoots which performed 50s
music.
The jersey he received at the assembly honored his involvement
on the football team, but he also
played baseball.
After graduating from Castle,
he went to Oakland City College.
From there, he became a member
of the Cathedrals. The Cathedrals
were a gospel quartet that split up
in 2003.
That was when Haase formed
yet another gospel quartet, EHSS.
This group has been nominated for
a Grammy, and they sang the national anthem at a NASCAR race at
the Atlanta Motor Speedway twice.
On the Atlanta Motor Speedway
website, the president and general
manager of AMS, Ed Clark, had
this to say about EHSS: “We have
never received a more positive response from any National Anthem
performer in the history of Atlanta
Motor Speedway than what we saw
last year after Ernie Haase & Signature Sound presented the National
Anthem.”
This “positive response” was
enough for the AMS to invite them
Environmental science
classes take place in canoes
Jessica Noffsinger
Staff Writer
Kim Townsend’s Environmental Science
classes went canoeing on Pigeon Creek at Wesselman Woods on Sept. 23.
“We left at 7 a.m. from school to arrive at the
creek at 7:30,” said senior Jordyn Brown. “We
Photo by Jessica Noffisinger
Castle graduate Ernie Haase poses with Castle’s mascot and his new jersey. He
sang the national anthem with his gospel quartet, Ernie Haase and Signature
Sound, at the football game that same night on Sept. 9.
back to sing again.
Haase and the other members
of EHSS--Devin McGlamery, Doug
Anderson and Ian Owens--went
had a short training session on how to paddle
and we were off!”
The trip was designed to teach students
about water sampling and the surrounding environment.
“On the creek, we were able to see five deer
and some birds,” said Brown. “It was pretty
cool!”
“Paddling for three and a half hours was a little tiring and the water wasn’t moving very fast,
so we had to paddle extra,” said Brown. “We also
had to get out and move our boats over a fallen
straight from the game to perform
at Crossroads Christian Church.
They have also performed in Europe, Australia and South Africa.
tree which was an adventure.”
Some students flipped their boats and fell
into the water. “Our canoe didn’t flip, but we did
get quite muddy getting our canoe out of the water,” said Brown. “It was a fun day!”
National Merit
Semifinalists distinguish
themselves, bring pride
Sarah Wagmeister
Editor in Chief
Seniors Tommy Dauer, Lindsey Eble, Erin
Hurm and Lauren Wahle were named National
Merit Semifinalists.
There were 16,000 students from across the
country who achieved a high enough score on
the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test to be named semifinalists.
In order to be considered as a finalist, the students had to submit an essay, their high school
transcript and their list of extracurricular activities. The board also considers the students’ SAT
scores.
According to the National Merit Scholarship
Corporation, there will be 15,000 finalists named
out of the 16,000 semifinalists. Scholarships will
be given to approximately 8,300 finalists.
oPinion
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2011
Bennett looks to usher in new era of education
Staff
Editorial
State superintendent Dr. Tony
Bennett set out many goals in his
State of Education Address on
Sept. 13. In that speech, he asked
lawmakers to pass certain laws
to help improve education for
Indiana students.
One measure Bennett pushed
for is to require every high school
student to take at least one online
course to “make sure students
are prepared for the technology
they will face in college and the
workforce.”
As Bennett said to the
Indianapolis Star, “If we don’t
address the issue of technology
for all children, I think we’re
going to be setting up for the next
achievement gap.”
Online coursework has many
benefits. For instance, it allows
students to learn at their own
pace and during a time that best
fits with their schedule. Also,
students can replay lectures if they
misunderstand something.
Online courses are helpful with
extra classes and make-up credits.
Some students want to take
another course at their high school
or need to make up a credit that
they need for graduation. They
can work on the course outside of
school and can still take the extra
classes they want to take.
In theory, this all sounds like a
good idea, but in some cases, this
idea may not be beneficial.
Many wonder about when
these classes will occur. If they’re
built into the school day, that
reduces the number of traditional
classes students can take. If they
must be done after school, that is
extra work that could be difficult
to complete for some students.
Many high school students are
involved in sports and/or have a
job.
Some online classes have
special times that tests are given,
and that might not work with
students’ busy schedules.
Most classes today involve
some sort of technology in their
everyday curriculum. Computers
are used for research, papers and
other programs that can be used
for learning. Other devices are also
used in the classroom, depending
on what the course calls for.
In general, teens are
pretty technologically savvy.
They sometimes understand
technological devices better than
the adults teaching them.
Although many teens are well
acquainted with technology, some
don’t own a computer or have
access to one on a regular basis.
This could also prevent them from
completing the course.
With every class, teachers
have the problem of monitoring
cheating. It gets even harder with
online courses. Classmates could
get together to work on homework
or complete a test. Even if the
teacher puts a time limit on work
to try to prevent cheating, students
could still get together and figure
out a strategy to complete it.
On its face, Bennett’s
suggestion sounds like an ideal
solution to help prepare students.
But it does have some flaws that
would need to be worked out.
Overall, the cons outweigh the
pros, and the staff agrees that this
isn’t something that should be
implemented.
Get involved with The Lancer!
Write your opinion about
something and bring your
signed “Letter to the Editor” to
Room 102.
After-School
Tutoring
Youth First's mission is to strengthen youth and
families through evidence-based programs that
prevent substance abuse, promote healthy
behaviors and maximize student success.
Mrs. Kathy Baker is Castle’s
Youth First social worker.
Her office is in the
attendance office.
Check the Youth First website
for articles and information for teens.
www.youthfirstinc.org
Need extra help in a difficult subject?
After-School Tutoring can help!
When: Every Wednesday
Where: New Library
Time: 2:50-4 p.m. (Stay for all or part of the time.)
Cost: Free!
No registration needed.
Tutors are usually available
in most subjects.
11
STAFF
EDITOR IN CHIEF, NEWS 1
Sarah Wagmeister
COMMUNITY 2
Tori Densley
COMMUNITY 3
Jessica Noffsinger
FEATURE 4
Lauren Craddock
FEATURE 5
Jessika Collins
FEATURE 6 & 7
Ashley Gibson & Tori Densley
ENTERTAINMENT 8
Lauren Craddock
SPORTS 9
Sam Haynes
BRIEFS 10
Jessika Collins
OPINION 11
Sam Haynes
KNIGHT VISION 12
Sarah Wagmeister
CORRESPONDENT
Robin Daywalt
ADVISER
Susan Korb
PRINTER
Jim Sherer
The Lancer is a monthly production of
Castle High School’s newspaper class. The
Lancer is a member of Quill and Scroll and the
Indiana High School Press Association.
Opinions expressed in The Lancer are not
necessarily those of Castle High School, its administration, faculty or student body.
Letters to the editor are encouraged and
must be submitted to the staff in person. All
letters must be signed. The Editorial Board
reserves the right to screen all letters for libel or obscene material and the right to edit
or shorten letters as long as the meaning remains intact.
The Lancer accepts advertising but may
refuse any ad which is inappropriate for high
school students. For advertising information,
please contact the staff at the address below.
The Lancer
Castle High School
3344 Highway 261
Newburgh, Ind. 47630
812-853-3331, ext. 450
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 812-853-9886
12
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2011
KnighT Vision
Photo by Sarah Wagmeister
Students gather around the flagpole in the football stadium before school on Sept. 28 as a part of “See You
at the Pole.” A rainbow shines above them as they pray. This is a nationwide event that occurs every year. It
started in 1990 in Burleson, Texas, with a small group of teens.
Photo by Sarah Wagmeister
Former Castle principal Phil DeLong admires his new ring and rocking chair at his
retirement reception on Sept. 21.
(From left) Junior Sammie Singler and senior
Logan Ball dance in the
homecoming assembly on Sept. 16. Traditionally, the Chargerettes dance with the
senior male athletes
at every homecoming
assembly. Photo by Jessica Noffsinger
Photo by Lauren Craddock
Members of Knight Sensations learn dance moves from Rob Dicomandrea, who visited from Sept. 8-16. Dicomandrea travels from
New York City each fall and winter to help both Knight Sensations
and Knightingales with their shows for competition season.
(Right) Freshman Allison
Clark holds up the homecoming banner while decorating the main hall with
Student Council on Sept.
12. Student Council decorates the main hallway for
homecoming week. Photo
by Sarah Wagmeister
(Far right) Students from
Cathy Cozart’s ceramics
classes fired raku pottery
in the south parking lot on
Sept. 30. Photo by Ashley
Gibson