October 2007

The Oakwood Times
5870 U.S. Route. 150
Fithian, IL 61844
Volume 22
Issue 2
Oct. 22, 2007
inside
2.Pichon is SOM
(Photo by Joe Lewis)
3.Rehearsals begin
(Photo by Amie Burke)
OHS eats up
10.XC wins VVC
(Photo by Minda Pichon)
Overheard
“This is a Homeroom
contest, and I want
to WIN!”
-- Mr
Mr.. Calkins
Homecoming
see page 4
(Photo by Carly Wilson)
10.22.07
2.News
Busy Pichon named
October SOM
By Kristen Picklap
The Student of the Month for October is Minda Pichon. Minda is ranked fifth
in her class with a 3.925 out of 4.0 GPA.
“I was very excited and proud of
myself,” said Pichon on hearing that she
was selected to be Student of the Month.
Pichon is a very active student at
OHS. She has been a member of Student
Council for four years and is captain of the
Comette squad, which she has been on for
two years. She is also on varsity softball,
the honor roll, a member of International
Club, and the Editorial Director for The
Oakwood Times.
Pichon likes to do many things outside of school.
“I love texting on my awesome enV,
mask hunting with Chelsea Tarquini, and
eating at Red Lobster,” said Pichon.
She also likes to hang out with her
family and friends, listen to music, go to
the movies, go on vacation, swim, dance,
play laser tag, and go to bonfires at Megan
Bartlow’s and the races with Kassi Zeigler.
“I admire my coach, Paige Harrison,
because she is a very accomplished young
woman,” said Pichon. “She is only 22 years
old and has graduated college and has her
life planned out. She is also a very caring
person.”
Local youth pastor takes
over OHS’ FCA huddle
By Katie Webb
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is
an organization that supports Christian ministry through coaches and sports.
“I think the most important thing about
FCA is that you get to have fun with friends,
and it’s a great way to learn about Jesus
through sports,” said Josh Hunsberger, this
year’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle
leader.
Hunsberger is the Youth Pastor at the
Oakwood, Fithian, and Hebron United Methodist Churches. He also plans on trying to
take up substitute teaching in area districts.
This is Hunsberger’s first year leading
the FCA group.
“I’m a big sports fan,” said Hunsberger.
“I got involved in the FCA in middle school
and high school by playing sports and being
a Christian. Those are two things that go good
Minda Pichon was named the
Student of the Month for October. She is
involved in Comettes, softball,
International Club, and The Oakwood
Times. (Photo by Joe Lewis).
After high school, Minda plans to attend either Eastern Illinois University or Illinois State University, where she plans to major in accounting.
together.”
See You at the Pole, held on Sept. 26,
was the first event held by this year’s FCA.
See You at the Pole was started in 1990
by a group of teenagers in Burleson, Texas.
During a youth group retreat, they decided
to drive to several of their area schools and
pray around the flagpole for their friends,
schools, and government.
Since 1990, See You at the Pole has
grown into a nation-wide event. Each year,
over 3 million students from all 50 states, plus
students in more than twenty countries participate in See You at the Pole.
Other events planned for this year include breakfasts at the Oakwood Truck Plaza,
county-wide FCA meetings, and lock-ins.
Meetings will be held at the truck stop
the first Thursday of every month and every
other Thursday in the Ag room at 7 a.m.
Fellowship of
Christian Athletes
huddle leader Josh
Hunsberger looks
over the shoulder of
Cody Marsh at a
recent meeting.
(Photo by Logan
Lee)
New driving laws will have great affect on future drivers
By Carly Wilson
Taking effect on January 1, 2008, students
will be required to have their driving permit for a
minimum of nine months before receiving their
license.
Due to many driving accidents caused by
teenage drivers in Illinois in the year 2006, Governor Rod Blagojevich signed the bill in effort to
reduce traffic accidents and to make the roads
as safe as possible for all drivers.
“I hope it helps and I think that it could,
but I don’t know if it will,” said OHS driver’s
education teacher Dave Markwell. “It will be
good for the kids to get more practice, but when
they get away from their parents and/or instructor they can still drive however they want.”
While some schools have rearranged their
curriculum, the curriculum at OHS for driver’s
education will remain the same for the remainder
of the school year, with mostly sophomores in
the classroom and behind the wheel.
A few different possibilities have been
considered for the 2008-2009 school year, but no
definite decision has yet been made.
“We are only able to do so much with the
staff that we have,” said Principal Brenda Ludwig.
Many students will not be able to receive
their license until after their 16th birthday, which
may cause an inconvenience to parents. Both
the student and the parents will have to dedicate
more time to practicing to ensure that the student has enough experience behind the wheel.
“The biggest thing is the safety of the
kids,” said Markwell.
There are many other changes in the bill,
which will make Illinois have some of the toughest driving laws in the nation.
Some of these changes include the nighttime driving curfew extended to 17-year-olds instead of 16-year-olds, only one unrelated passenger under the age of 20 in the car for 12 months
rather than 6 months, and all passengers from
the ages of 15-20 could be ticketed if riding in a
car driven by a new driver.
Sophomore Phil Sporcich sits behind the wheel of his car in the OHS parking
lot. Sporcich recieved his license on his 16th birthday, but with the new law students
may have to wait until after they turn 16. (Photo by Joe Lewis)
3.News
10.22.07
Cast brushes up on British accents for Cash on Delivery
By Amie Burke
The OHS Drama Department
will be presenting Cash on Delivery on November 9 and 10 at seven
p.m., and on November 11 at two
p.m. This year the play will be in
the cafeteria. The cafeteria was
chosen to improve the sound quality and decrease the echoes. This
year’s play is fast paced with a run
time of approximately two hours.
The cast includes veterans
and a few new faces. The seniors in
the play include Aaron O’Neill as
George Swan and Kelsey Parker as
Ms. Cowper. The junior cast members include Kayla Corzine as
Brenda Dixon, Logan Lee as
Norman McDonald, Ryan Parker as
Eric Swan, and Katie Webb as Sally
Chessington.
The sophomore cast members are Zack Alvey as Dr. Chapman,
Jacy Miller as Linda Swan, and Brad
O’Neill as George Jenkens. The
freshman cast member is Darren
Cundiff as Mr. Forbright. Mrs.
Dawn Lee and Mrs. Lori Learnard
are the advisors for the drama club.
“We have some experienced
people and some newcomers coming in, so it’s going to work out,”
said Mrs. Lee.
A challenge for this year’s
play is British accents.
“It’s a lot of fun doing British accents,” said Mrs. Lee.
The plot is very fast paced
and you will have to pay close attention
“It’s going to be hilarious,”
said senior Aaron O’Neill. “It is
going to be a change from traditional
plays, but it’s still going to be very
interesting.”
The Department of Social Services is being scammed by Eric
Swan (Ryan Parker) and he pulls his
friends into the scheme to help him.
By using his friends, he is trying to
get himself out of the hole he has
dug and prevent himself from going to jail. By the time the end rolls
around it is one big mess and nobody knows who anybody is.
“While the show may not be
as “out there” as our past productions,” said Ryan Parker, “the situations that the characters get themselves into are absolutely hysterical.”
North truck stop’s closing
surprises students
By Dr. Joe Lewis
For as long at they can remember, the OHS football team has went to the North Oakwood
Truck Plaza for breakfast on Friday game days. In September the tradition came to a bitter end
when the North Oakwood Truck Plaza closed.
“That was where we went, it was tradition, other teams went to other places, but that
was ours,” said junior football player, Kevin Beaulier.
Now the football attends the South Oakwood Truck Plaza on game days.
“It’s more crowded and sometimes other teams come to eat there, but the service is
good,” said Beaulier.
Standing as one of the few establishments to eat at in Oakwood, the closing of the truck
plaza has left the community with fewer options for dining out.
“The north truck stop was a good place, it had a family-oriented atmosphere,” said
former employee and OHS junior Lance Bloomfield, “I’ll miss it.”
The north truck stop at the Oakwood exit closed in the middle of September. The truck
stop was frequently used by students to grav a bite to eat. (Photo by Joe Lewis)
The cast of Cash on Delivery rehearses a scene in the OHS library.
Members of the cast are, from left, Jacy Miller, Ryan Parker, Darren
Cundiff, Katie Webb, and Logan Lee. Aaron O’Neill is lying down. (Photo
by Amie Burke)
Parents and students
celebrate 30th SWAP
By Minda Pichon
The 30th annual SWAP Day took
place Friday, October 19.
SWAP Day is a day that gives parents an opportunity to go to school for
their kids and see what they experience
each day. Parents were not required to
come to school for their kids, but if a parent was not in attendance, the student had
to be.
Dismissal on SWAP Day was at
11:30 a.m., with each class period being 25
minutes long. Parents in attendance had
to stay for at least four class periods. Parents with more than one student at OHS
could attend some classes for each student.
Many parents enjoy attending
SWAP Day.
“They like to come and meet the
teachers and try to learn what we’re learning,” said senior Adam Barr.
Teachers, such as Mr. Eric Fenton,
gave the parents some sort of worksheets
to do in class. In some cases, they can
take the worksheets home to get help from
the students. Fenton offers extra credit for
the worksheets that the parents do.
“It’s interesting to get to meet the
parents of my students,” said Fenton.
Some parents weren’t able to attend
SWAP Day due to their jobs. For those
students whose parents didn’t attend,
they had a unique experience being at
school with parents.
Mr. Ed Biehl assists a “student” in
Typing class in the first SWAP Day in
1977. This year’s SWAP Day was the 30th
anniversary of the unique day. (Photo
courtesy of the 1978 Acorn)
“It’s interesting to see how the parents deal with the classes the students
are taking,” said senior Aaron O’Neill.
2
10.22.07
4.Cover
A SUPER
week!
Homecoming 2007 was a rockin’ week. From the opening Saturday of float
building to the closing Saturday of the dance, the week was full of memories.
The student council organized the dress-up days for spirit week. The days
included superhero day, fake-an-injury day, twinkie day, and class color day.
On Thursday of Homecoming week, Cometfest was held on the
practice football field. Numerous games were played pitting the
classes against each other.
On Homecoming Friday, the school came together
for the school-wide assembly. The assembly came
complete with staged entrances by the juniors and
seniors, coordinated outfits, and homemade noisemakers. The sophomores were the suprise winners of
the assembly’s spirit award.
Following school, the parade was held
throughout the streets of Oakwood. The weather
was sunny and warm, bringing many people out
to watch the parade.
The football team wrapped up
the evening with an exciting 14-7
win over the Bismarck-Henning
Blue Devils in front of a full
house.
The dance completed the
week’s activities on
Saturday night.
Photos courtesy of The
Oakwood Times staff and Mr.
David Calkins
10.22.07
5.Cover
Homecoming 2007rocked!
Juniors win float competition for third year
By Cody Marsh
The class of 2009 came out on top for the third year in a row in the float building contest. This year’s theme was 1980s
rock songs.
The juniors chose the song Abracadabra by The Steve Miller Band. Their float consisted of a magic hat with two
arms pulling a devil out of the hat, pictured at right. In addition to the first place victory, they also won the award for
construction.
The seniors chose the song Highway to the Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins. Their float was made up of a Comets
monster truck getting ready to crush a little Blue Devil car. The seniors won an award for their originality. The sophomores
chose Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne, which had a Blue Devils player tied to train tracks
about to be run over by a train drove by a Comets player. They won the award for best
color. The freshman float was a large football player on a motorcycle that had just run
over a Blue Devils’ player. Their song was Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood.
They won the award for neatness.
With the class of 2009 winning the float building in both of the last two
years, they were all feeling a lot of pressure for the three-peat. One person in
particular who felt a lot of pressure this year was the junior class sponsor,
Lynn Anderson.
“They told me they don’t do pep assemblies, they only worry about
the float,” said Anderson.
Anderson also said that once float building began, she was not that
worried because of good kid and parent involvement.
Terry, Jones crowned in assembly
By Kayla Watson
This year’s Homecoming Dance was held on September 29 at the OHS Gymnasium.
The theme was the Jungle of Love and the gym was decorated accordingly with trees and a waterfall for the photo display.
The King and Queen this year were Justin Jones and Kayla Terry. The Queen candidates were Kayla Bridgewater, Amanda Cruse, Stephanie
Denius and Amanda Wahlfeldt. The King candidates were Mitchell Cronk, Chris Duncheon, Joe Lewis, and Cody Marsh.
The freshmen attendants were Chelsea Terry and Logan Cronk. The sophomore attendants were Erica Young and Douglas Pierce. The juniors
were Chelsea Tarquini and Alex Cundiff.
Homecoming was put on by OHS Student Council.
2
10.22.07
6.Opinion
Editorial
Homecoming
needs an
opening act
We the staff of The Oakwood Times
feel that there needs to be a “kick-off” to
begin Homecoming week.
In recent years, there has been the
Powder Puff football games held the
Saturday before Homecoming week.
Because of injuries, we went without
Powder Puff this year.
We feel that a part of Homecoming
was missing, and going straight to float
building on Saturday just didn’t seem
right. We would like to see some sort of
activity take place that would bring the
school together to begin the week.
Homecoming originally began as an
event to bring back the alumni to their
graduating high school. At OHS, it was
held during the football game. Homecoming is still about the football game, but it
has lost its alumni purpose.
In the future, maybe an event to bring
back the alumni could take place the
Saturday before the Homecoming game.
A game, like Powder Puff or Macho
Volleyball, could take place as a friendly
competition between the classes. Something like a movie night could be an activity to bring all of the classes together,
instead of competing against each other
like the rest of the week.
A past tradition at OHS has been a
bonfire. Everyone could come together
and have a good time, while being outside
and enjoying the start of the crazy week.
Other high schools around the area engage in various activities as their “kickoff” to homecoming.
We would like to see the alumni come
back to visit their high school. We would
also like to see all of the students come
together one more time during this spiritfilled week to help cheer on the Comets.
Stories from the summer...
The importance of counting beans
This summer, my brother Jason and I sat at the coffee but I asked the waitress to refill the carafe of coffee they had
bar in a high-end breakfast restaurant somewhere in the heart given me earlier. I had planned to stay at the bar and drown
of Peoria, Illinois. The restaurant was full of elderly couples my doldrums of the overworked teen in bitter black coffee.
An hour had passed and the coffee hadn’t got better.
wearing nicely pressed khaki pants and baby-blue shirts with
their noses up in the air to avoid seeing us sitting at the bar I kept my mind on the negative. Thinking of school, college,
how to pay for it, how if I tried I probably could have had
wearing flannel shirts and beards.
better grades. I thought
“Ten more minutes,”
of all the friends I hadn’t
he said looking at his
seen over the summer and
watch.
all the chances I had to
I focused on the
hang out with them yet
waitresses making their
had to give them up bespecialty coffee drinks.
cause I was working. And
The amount of espresso,
for what?
the amount of syrup, how
Whatever these
they are steaming the milk,
part-time
jobs were payit was all wrong.
By Dr. Joseph Lewis
ing me, wouldn’t even
All that summer I
get me close to paying for
had worked in a restaurant
any college, whether
and had spent my time critiquing the way I made those exact drinks. I was an expert on community or a private university.
I sat in the wake of this rue, probably staring sadly at
the topic.
I had considered offering my services and show them the baby chicks on the wall paper when I felt someone tap
how to make a better product, but I would be at the risk of the back of my bar chair.
I turned around and saw an old man wearing a red
sounding rude and jeopardizing my day off from steamed milk
flannel shirt, green trucker’s hat, and navy suspenders.
and concentrated coffee, so I sat staring.
The old man looked at me with a long, wrinkled face
“Yeah, you said it’ll take you four hours, right?” I asked.
“Yeah, I’ll call you when I’m done. What are you going and finally said, “Can I ask you a question?”
Unsure of what this old man could possibly ask a
to do?” he said.
I broke my concentration from the steamed milk giving stranger like me, I said yes.
“Why do they only put 239 beans in a can of pork and
that billowing sound it makes when you over heat the milk,
beans?” he asked.
looked at him blankly, and said I don’t know.
Immediately the thought of stock markets, bean fu“Well, you have the keys to the car. Feel free to go whertures, the endless rows of soybeans
ever you’d like,” he said.
along the roads outside of Oakwood
The whole reason we were in Peoria
flashed through my mind. All my knowlwas so he could take his GRE (Graduate
edge on beans and legumes proved
Record Examination), a test that allows unuseless. I had no answer. I had nothdergraduates to get into graduate school.
ing.
I came along for the ride because I some“Because if they added one more,
how had the day off from all of my four
they would be too-farty (240 said with
jobs that I had held that summer.
a deep Chicago accent).”
For the past few weeks prior to that,
He let out a small hoarse chuckle
I had felt the overwhelming woes of a teenand patted me on the back.
ager who had worked away his summer.
I started laughing. I wasn’t sure
Not just a few days a week, but had manif it was the joke, the delivery of the
aged to get four jobs that worked with each
joke, the old man, or just that in the
other’s schedule so that I would not have
midst of lamenting over how much sumone hour of daylight where I wasn’t workmer and fun I had wasted, this old man,
ing somewhere.
a complete stranger saw me staring
The long hours and constant faA can of Van Camp’s
sadly and baby chicks on wall paper
tigue was catching up. I agreed to come
Pork and Beans® with only
and thought a good old-timer joke
along with my brother for a small break
239 beans, according to a
would cheer me up.
from the town.
stranger from Peoria.
I downed the rest of the coffee in
“Well, I’m going to go over there.
(Photo courtesy of
my cup, paid for my bill and stepped
I’ll call you later,” he said.
www. tomsdomain.com/
out into sunny Peoria. I had two more
I waved good-bye to him and he
r e c i p e s /
hours to see what the town had to ofwalked out into the sunny street. It was
beansandonions.html)
fer.
noon on a beautiful sunny day in a large
Haha, too-fawty.
town with many ways to pass a few hours,
Cup o’
Joe
7.Opinion
10.22.07
I’ve always wanted a cute little
Beetle, and now I’ve got one
Everyone has a car that they
would absolutely love to have. For
me, it has always been a new
Volkswagon Beetle.
It never really mattered what
color or any specific details, I just
wanted one. I mean, they are the
KP Duty
the Vermilion County Airport. I saw getting the car that I have wanted
a Beetle sitting there with a For Sale for years. I didn’t want to get my
sign on it. Shannon said that it had hopes up though, because I knew
been sitting up there for quite some that if I did that, something would
time. So, just for the fun of it, I pulled go wrong and I wouldn’t be able to
get the car. I still told all of my
over to take a look at it.
It was a silver 2000 Beetle. It friends about it, and they were all
looked like it was in really excited for me because they all knew
good condition, and the that I have always wanted that car.
Within the next couple of
price was extremely good
for the year and condition weeks, my dad did some research
of the car. I called my dad on just about everything that he
right away to tell him and could think of on that car. He
wrote down the number checked with my neighbor about
for it. My dad said that he whether or not he has had a bunch
of Beetles in his shop with probwould call on it later.
So, I kept reminding lems, he checked it out on the
my dad everyday to call internet, and he also figured out
on the car, but he never how I could pay for it. When I say
did. One day, when I re- everything, I mean everything.
The day finally came where
minded him, he told me
that he had drove by there my dad was going to go out and
to take a look at it, and it was gone. look at it. I met him at the airport
I was so angry that he hadn’t called after I got out of school and he was
on it when I had asked him to in the already there looking at it. He looked
first place. But, I wasn’t really wor- under the hood and under the car
ried about it because I knew that I and made sure that everything was
had a good car and I didn’t neces- OK. Since it was his daughter that
was going to be driving it, he had to
sarily need that Beetle.
make sure that
About a
everything
month later, I
was safe.
was going to
When I was about
After
the Sweetcorn
to turn 16 and my
that, the guy
Festival with
parents and I were
let us drive it
my friend Maaround. Now,
son and we
searching for a car
this car is a
had to pass by
for me, all I could
stick shift, and
the airport.
As we
talk about was how although I
learned how to
were nearing
I wanted a Beetle.
drive my dad’s
the airport, I
Jeep before I
saw that Beetle
sitting right where it had been sit- got my license, I still killed it twice
ting when I had seen it the first time. before I took off. When I did get
So I made Mason pull over and I going, I took off with quite a jerk.
My dad did some more regot out and took a look at it again. It
was the same one that had been search and talked about anything
there before. I called my dad right and everything with me. But, after
away and told him that he had to about two weeks, my parents decided that I could get the car. I was
call on it.
Once again, it took my dad so excited! When I got it, my dad
absolutely forever to call on the car, had to drive it home because I
but he did. He said that the guy went would’ve probably wrecked it.
I still haven’t had the chance
even lower on the price that he was
asking for, and it was an extremely to learn how to drive it because it
good price. He also said that the isn’t plated, but I’m thinking that
guy was really nice and that he here in the next couple of weeks, I
will be driving it, finally. I still have
would look further into it.
I was excited because there yet to sell my old car, but hopefully
was a possibility that I might be it will happen soon.
By Kristen Picklap
cutest cars ever! They are so small
and curvy, definitely a girl car.
When I was about to turn 16
and my parents were searching for
a car for me, all I could talk about
was how I wanted a Beetle. My dad
would always tell me that Beetles
were too new and were going to be
too expensive for a 16-year-old to
have as a first car, especially since I
had to pay for it myself.
My neighbor owns Watson
Tire and Automotive, so, when he
came across a nice car, he told my
parents about it. It was a 1998 Ford
Taurus and it was in good condition for the price that my neighbor
was asking for it.
I never really liked the car, but
I was 16 and it was a car. To me, it
seemed kind of like a grandma car.
But, I took it because I knew that it
was very unlikely for me to come
across another car that nice and that
cheap again.
I do have to admit that I was
lucky; I hardly had any trouble with
my car. I hardly ever had to take it in
to fix it, though there have been a
few times when I just wanted to
drop it from a ridiculously large
building because when something
did go wrong, it was the biggest
pain in the world. But, all in all, it
has been a really nice car.
One day this summer, I was
driving around with my boyfriend,
Shannon, and we were driving by
Review
Halo 3 ®
Killing spree, killimanjaro, killtacular; by now you’re either
smiling or very confused, let me elaborate.
Halo® is a first-person shooter game that arrived in 2001.
Since then Microsoft has released a Halo 2 and 3.
In this game you are a biologically enhanced super-soldier
fighting your way through levels of alien infested ships and territory. Now, unlike a lot of other alien fighting games, Halo has a
multiplayer option where you can fight together on campaign, or
play online against people from all around the world. The online
option is what most people know Halo
by. On average there are over a million
people a day playing Halo on X-Box
live.
You should have an idea of how
big this game is and what it means to
Microsoft (the company who created
the X-Box). You should know that the
vast majority of computer games will
never sell even 500,000 copies in their
lifespan. Halo 3 did it in a matter of
hours. In the first 24 hours, it generated $175 million, topping Halo 2,
which only made $125 million.
The story behind the game
starts in the year 2553 where you are a super-soldier named Master
Chief. Master Chief is returning to Earth to finish the fight left off in
Halo 2. The Covenant (alien forces) occupation of Earth has uncovered an ancient object beneath the African sands called the Arc.
The Master Chief’s AI companion Cortana is still trapped in the
clutches of the Grave mind.
Compared to Halo 2 the graphics to Halo 3 are extraordinary.
Little things like grass actually stand out and you can see it move.
The sky is also very unique because if you can get past the boundary, you can fly an alien aircraft into space. These graphics are some
of the best in the gaming world, competing with the also new game,
Gears of War.
Also offered are upgraded weapons, offered in three categories; Human, Brute, and Covenant. Duel-wielding is still here which
allows you to combine two weapons and fire them at the same time.
A big rumor to Halo-goers was that you could duel-wield
swords in Halo 3. While this would be an undefeatable combo, I
regret to inform you that I have played the game at least 50 times
already and it’s impossible.
Among thousands of video games, why is Halo 3 such a
success? Maybe ask a high school gamer, or perhaps play it. It’s
very addictive, similar to reading one of the “Harry Potter” books,
by some online Halo-goers. The realistic qualities to this game are
not mind-blowing in my opinion, but the combination of an intriguing story and great sound effects make it worthwhile.
In the online mode, up to 16 players can take part in contests
over 11 different maps in a plethora of different customizable battle
types. A new addition is the match moderation feature known as
The Forge, which allows players to move objects around the different levels in real time, as well as spawn weapons and vehicles.
There has been a long wait for Halo 3 to arrive, and I’m not
disappointed at all. The game has surpassed my expectations in
every area and I’m excited for Halo 4. Whether you’re online playing team slayer against a group of your buddies or fighting off the
aliens in campaign, you can probably count on some sleepless nights
with your X-Box.
By Josh
Farren
2
8.Opinion
10.22.07
5 In The Hall
If you could’ve asked
any celebrity to
Homecoming, who
would it have been?
By Chelsea Tarquini
Brylie Anderson
Freshman
“Brad Pitt”
Be yourself
Don’t let others influence how you act
I am sure that you can recall some time in your life
where someone has told you to just be yourself. Sounds
simple enough, right? Or is it?
Many people, including me, have all been in a situation
where it may be difficult to be your complete self. It may be
because you will feel stupid saying or doing something that
you normally would, or maybe you are being pressured into
acting a certain way. No matter the situation or reason, we
have all been there.
Acting stupid and being immature at times is normal,
and rather fun. Of course there is a time and place for this
kind of behavior but, when you get the opportunity, take
advantage of it. Who does not like to act goofy at times?
There are many situations where people do not act how
they normally would. Maybe the person you like is sitting
Cat
Chat
Trace McClintock
Sophomore
“Jessica Simpson”
Kyle Taylor
Junior
“Reese Witherspoon”
Kayla Bridgewater
Senior
“Wentworth Miller”
By Chelsea
Tarquini
nearby and you are concerned what they will think about
your odd behavior. Or you might be around a group of people
that think that they are just way too cool to act stupid and
immature to have a little fun.
Whether fun for you would consist of sharing a joke or
a Laffy Taffy® wrapper that you thought was hysterical,
loudly singing your favorite song when it comes on the radio
regardless of who is around, or imitating your favorite part in
the movie, Super Bad, if you act and feel comfortable expressing yourself around others, you might be surprised about
how you affect people around you.
For some it is not that they are holding back from being
themselves, but it is that someone is pressuring them to act
differently.
Although this situation affects more girls than guys,
many people will be able to relate. Sometimes people get into
a relationship and at first everything seems perfect, until you
get to know each other a little better.
You will learn and notice each other’s weaknesses,
faults, and annoying habits. You should learn to accept the
person for who they are, but unfortunately this is not always
the case.
Your significant other may expect you to change for
them. They might want you to act a certain way around certain people or maybe even pressure you to adopt their hobbies and interests. It could go as far as wanting you to change
your appearance.
Not only do significant others do this, but friends do
too.
Your friend may act one way around you, and when
they get around a different group of people they change
significantly, and expect you to change as well.
Have enough self respect for yourself to not let someone walk all over you and tell you what to do or how you
should act. As long as you are being cautious as to not
offend or hurt anyone when you are goofing off, then there
is nothing wrong with it. As far as friends and relationships
are concerned, if someone is trying to change you to help
you for the better than that’s one thing, but they shouldn’t
try to change you into the person that they personally want
you to be.
Despite everything you should be able to be yourself.
Surround yourself with others who accept you for who you
are, including your imperfections. Be proud of yourself and
who you have become. Just because someone disagrees with
you, don’t allow them to bring you down. You are your own
person. Stand up for yourself and what you believe in. There
is always going to be those people who are going to think
that their ways are superior to yours. You do not deserve to
have someone tell you that, who you are, is wrong. Everyone is different and that is what makes life so interesting.
I am not trying to lecture you on how to live your life.
I am simply giving you advice that I have recently been living by. I have become a much happier and confident person,
because of this simple change.
So take this advice, go out and sing, laugh, dance,
have fun, be immature, act crazy, stand up for yourself, believe in yourself, and most of all just be yourself.
Steroids
Miss Lambert
Teacher
“Zac Efron”
9.Opinion
10.22.07
Love to travel but hate to pack, here’s your cure
I love to travel! Any opportunity I get to explore the
world outside of central Illinois, I take. The only thing I have
learned to dread when it comes to traveling is packing. No
matter where you go you will always leave something of use
at home.
In the past few years, I have become an expert packer.
Whether it was a day long trip or for a week, I am experienced!
For the guys, I know you have your own style of packing but
you may just learn something and put your belongings in a
Latest
Moos
By Amie Burke
suitcase instead of a Wal-Mart plastic bag. Packing is an art
that can be easily learned.
The first step to becoming an expert packer is to try and
plan ahead. Guesstimate what the climate will be, how many
outfits you will need, and any other essential items needed
for your destination. Once that is determined, write it down
and make a list so nothing gets left behind. Making a list
helps you straighten out what you really need because when
the time comes to pack you will probably be frazzled and not
thinking clearly.
Step number two is not difficult at all. Begin packing a
week in advance. The earlier you start the more organized
you will be. I know it sounds impossible considering you are
taking things with you that you use everyday, but just lay
them out and set them in a bag so you know you will have it.
Also, when going through your daily routine, if you use it,
put it in a bag. Then the night before you will just have to add
the clothes you recently washed, hopefully.
The final step is to double check everything! You may
think you put it in your bag, but more than likely you may
have taken it out to use or wear. I always get the “I’m forgetting something” feeling right before I walk out of the door.
My advice to you is to have someone quiz you to make sure
you have the essentials. Once you’ve doubled checked everything, zip your suitcase and head out the door. Now as
easy as that may sound, sitting on the suitcase while someone else zips it shut really does help.
Here is my list of some essential things that you may
never think to pack, but should never be left at home. This is
a key to having a great time no matter where you go.
An alarm clock: This could also mean your phone,
but make sure you have more than one thing set. The alarms
in hotels are not always guaranteed to work. For example, if
you sleep an hour over and get a wake up call saying you are
leaving in 30 minutes and have to get two girls through the
shower and four in front of the mirror, that may cause a slight
delay in departure time. Be sure to have extra alarms set.
Window Paint: No matter where you are headed it is
great to have a little fun writing on the windows. Whether
you are headed down to Kentucky for a mission trip and write
“Honk 4 Jesus” on the windows or to Indianapolis for National FFA Convention and have “Oakwood, IL FFA Chapter” in yellow and blue it is always a good time to see the
reactions of the people around you.
Snacks: You never know when there may be a wreck
on the interstate and you will be stuck there for four hours
when your stomach is cramping for lunch. Food is also a
social highlight and when you are up late in a hotel room it is
always good to have a midnight snack.
A hat: By the time my last day of being gone from home
rolls around, I am normally pretty tired. A hat fixes everything
because you can sleep an extra half hour and just throw the
hat on. It is perfect for the travel home. The hat can also
shade your face so perfect makeup is not required.
Scissors: It sounds silly but you would be amazed at
all the times I’ve heard, “I know nobody has any, but a pair of
scissors would be great.” Well, actually I have them. Whether
it is cutting a loose thread from your shirt or just cutting a
piece of paper.
Phone charger: As great as it is to get away and discover things other than cornfields, it is nice to call home. My
phone had a short battery life and a three-day trip in Springfield was too long for it to live. So let’s just say that is very
important.
Eight plastic spoons: No the spoons are not for eating,
The Oakwood Times
T he Oakwood Times is a student-produced medium of information published by the OHS journalism class. The Oakwood Times will not be reviewed or
restrained by school administrators prior to publication. Advisers may coach
and discuss content during the writing process.
Because school officials do not engage in prior review, the content is
determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school
officials or the school itself. The editorial board and responsible student staff
members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the
publication.
The Oakwood Times will not publish any material determined by student
editors or the editorial board to be unprotected, that is, material that is libelous,
obscene, disruptive of the school process, an unwarranted invasion of privacy,
a violation of copyright law or services unlawful to minors. Letters to the editor
should be 300 words or less and contain the author’s name and signature. All
submissions may be checked for verification.
but to play SPOONS, of course! It is always fun to sit in the
hallway of the hotel and play a good ole’ round of extreme
spoons. It brings people together and let’s them burn off
their extra energy from riding in the car all day. (Other fun
games to bring are Catch Phrase® and a Twister® board for
full contact Twister a.k.a. Extreme Twister.)
Deck of cards: You can’t play spoons without cards!
Camera: Lot’s of people are camera-shy meaning they
are afraid to take pictures, and that is definitely not me. For
guys especially, it is not cool to carry around a camera, but let
me tell you it is always better to take too many pictures than
to not take any at all. Taking pictures allows you to capture a
place you may never go again in your life and let’s you relive
those memories back home.
Money: Advice that was once given to me was as long
as you have your undergarments and your money, you can
buy anything to get you along while you are gone at the local
WalMart. This comes in handy when you have a little cosmetic caboodle and it locks. You get to Florida and go to get
your deodorant out of the box and well, the keys are laying
on my bed in Illinois. That also goes back to double checking
to make sure you have everything.
Duct tape: If you can’t fix it with duct tape or super
glue you need to get a new one. Many of you are thinking
redneck right now, but you really need to have it on hand in
case of emergencies. At a fair once, a steer stepped on the
bottom of this kids jeans and he didn’t have time to go and
change so he just put duct tape on the insides of his jeans
and stuck them together so it wasn’t showing and went right
on into the show ring for the next class. Another use goes
back to the snacks. You can tape the top of bags shut so that
the contents will stay fresh for the entire trip. By far the most
important use of duct tape is when you have someone in
your vehicle that just never stops talking. Showing them the
roll of tape is enough to make them get quiet and it is an
enjoyable trip from there.
As fun as it is to travel elsewhere it is always good to
sleep in your own bed knowing there are no other creatures
crawling in with you. It is also nice to no longer be restricted
to the use of only the contents of your suitcase. And it doesn’t
hurt to have access to a bathroom all to yourself and not
having to try to jam three other girls in there at a time.
Volume 22. Issue 2. Oct. 22, 2007
Editors in Chief ... .......................................................Joe Lewis and Carly Wilson
Editorial Director ........................................................................... Minda Pichon
Business Manager ............................................................................. Amie Burke
Art Director ............................................................................... Chelsea Tarquini
Managing Editor .......................................................................... Kristen Picklap
Assistant Managing Editor ................................................................... Logan Lee
News Editor ........................................................................................... Katie Lee
Opinion Editor .................................................................................... Ross White
Sports Editor ..................................................................................... Cody Marsh
Projects Editor ................................................................................. Kayla Watson
Reporters .. Mitchell Cronk, Josh Farren, Justin Jones, Mitchell Pouilliard, Katie Webb
Advisor ............................................................................................. Mr.Tim Lee
2
10.Sports
Sports Column
Illini on the rise
Illinois is off to an excellent start this year. The
team has come together and is showing the Big 10,
along with the rest of the nation, who they really are.
The offense is a scoring machine and the defense makes opposing offenses think they are facing a
wall. This season’s Illini are very young, but they have
shown the talent to stay ranked in the nation’s top 25.
This is Ron Zook’s third year as the Illini’s head
coach. The past two years for Zook have been a
struggle, but this year
his team is breaking
out. Illinois has had its
first 5-1 start since the
01-02 season. The team
has also started 4-0 in
Big Ten play making
them a strong contender.
Isiah “Juice”
Williams, the team’s
quarterback, is back
for his second year.
By Mitch Cronk
The young athlete is
only a sophomore, but has more than enough experience being the returning starting quarterback.
This year ,Williams is feeling some real pressure
to keep his position. The redshirt freshman, Eddie
McGee, has taken his game time opportunities and excelled. This puts him in the running for the quarterback
position. McGee is the first redshirt freshman in Illinois
history to ever pass for over 250 yards in a game, throwing for 257 yards against Missouri.
The first game of the season Illinois lost to Missouri, 40-34. Juice was involved in a collision putting
him out for the game. Even with an injured quarterback
the team held their heads high.
They’re not called the Fighting Illini for no reason. The team took its loss, used it for self-motivation,
and went on a five-game winning streak. Illinois cruised
through Western Illinois, 21-0, and beat Syracuse, 4120. Both games helped build the team’s confidence up,
preparing them for their next two big conference games.
Illinois’ defense along with their running back,
Rashard Mendenhall, is what help the Illini win over
Indiana. The defense recovered three fumbles and had
one interception, doubling their forced turnovers for
the season. Mendenhall set a personal record with 214
rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Next on the list was Penn State. It was a good
game, with Illinois comming out on top. They defeated
the Nittany Lions 27-20 putting the Illini in a tie for first
in the Big Ten conference.
The real challenge was facing the fifth-ranked
team in the nation, Wisconsin. Illinois scored the game’s
first touchdown and never looked back, winning 31-26.
Illinois has had an incredible start to their season. Together the team and fans hope to make this year
unforgettable.
9.21.07
Boy’s cross country takes VVC
Sectionals, and the new class system that OAP has been
By Katie Lee
Beating a school record may be a personal goal for placed in should help. Some of the larger schools have been
moved up into a larger class so they are no longer competisome, but for others it’s a confidence builder for State.
This is the case for the number one runner on the boy’s tion.
The last time a boy’s
cross country team, Justin
cross country team from
Jones. On September 29, at
Oakwood
went
to
the Thunder Run Race,
Sectionals was in 1999
Jones beat Jeff Trask’s
where they placed 12th. FinKickapoo course time
ishing higher than 12 th
(16:13) by three seconds.
would be another goal for
Trask, an 1990 graduate, was
the team to exceed for the
an All-State runner his junseason.
ior and senior year, placing
According to num23rd in 1988 and 11th in 1989.
ber two runner, Alvey, the
“It gives me tremenboys need to work on endous confidence and lets me
durance and setting their
know I am running times that
own pace for the race inan All-Stater has run before.
stead of following behind
It lets me know I am running
someone else.
how I want to be in preparaTyler Grey, also a
tion for November 3,” said
past Sectional Qualifier,
Jones, referring to the date
placed 32nd last year and is
of the IHSA State meet.
aiming for top 20 this year.
After winning the VerFrom Sectionals, the
milion Valley Conference title
top five teams and the top
on October 9, Jones and the
boy’s varsity team have
Senior Justin Jones gets ready to cross the finish line at the seven individuals advance
high hopes for Regionals, Spartan Classic at St. Joe. Jones would finish second in the race, to State, which takes place
Sectionals, and State.
beating the returning state champion. (Photo By Minda Pichon) in Peoria. Jones plans to
make the trip again, with
Runners that placed
in the top ten and received All-Conference Honors include much improvement. Last year he placed 39th, but at the rate he
Jones, Austin Grey, Brenden Hafner, Zach Alvey, and Tyler is running, he is hoping to place in the top ten.
“I’m feeling stronger that ever,” said Jones.
Grey. Cody Marsh who finished 11th and Douglas Pierce who
Now that he has beaten one record of Trask’s, Lee
finished 12th, were both very close to All-Conference honors.
These last few weeks of practice are very important to would like to see him go after another, such as Trask’s State
record.
each runner, and the cool weather has been a nice change.
“Aiming for Jeff’s mark would be the best state finish
“We are shifting over to speed training,” said cross
in OHS history,” said Lee. “That would be a nice goal at this
country coach Tim Lee.
The successful boy’s team hopes to qualify for point.”
Football team eyes a playoff bid
By Mitchell Pouilliard
Despite a slow start to the season, the varsity football
team is now flying high and exceeding expectations.
The team started off slow. They dropped their first two
games to Knoxville and Clifton Central.
Three weeks into the season the team got their first
conference win due to a forfeit against Schlarman. Although
no game was played, it counted in the standings and boosted
the players’ spirits.
In week four, the team proved themselves worthy by
defeating Hoopeston. It was the first actual win of the year.
The following week, Oakwood traveled to Georgetown
to take on the Buffaloes. Georgetown was ranked 10th in the
pre-season poles. The Comets went onto their home turf and
defeated the Buffs by a wide margin.
“The win got our confidence up and got us on the right
track,” said Junior running back Brady Leeman.
Week six was a very important week throughout all of
the high school due to homecoming. The team capped off
that week in a thrilling fashion. In a tie game, Brady Leeman
scored the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quar-
ter. This was Leeman’s first game being able to start coming
off of a previous injury. The Comets went on to win 14-7.
“Going into the homecoming game we knew we had to
get the win to make a run at the playoffs,” said junior Alex
Cundiff. “This win could prove to be huge once it’s time to
qualify for state.”
Week seven didn’t turn out so well as the Comets
dropped a tough game to the number two ranked team in the
state, the Westville Tigers.
Leeman feels that the loss won’t bring the team down
too much.
“Even though we didn’t perform as well as we had
hoped, we still did a lot of good things,” said Leeman.
On senior night, the Comets hosted Milford. The game
was a crucial deciding factor on whether or not the team will
make it to the playoffs. With a 48-7 victory, the team should
be eligible for the state playoffs. This would be the first playoff appearance since 2002, when the team finished 5-4 in the
regular season.
9.21.07
11.Sports
Soccer hosts first Sectional game
By Logan Lee
The OHS soccer team ended
their season on October 13 with a
record of 9-8-2. They lost their
opening round Sectional game to
the East Richland Tigers in a close
to three hour long game.
In 80 minutes of play, there
were only two total goals scored.
Senior Evan Davis scored the
Comet’s lone team goal, in the first
half. The Tigers scored their goal
in the second half.
With the tie, the game went
into overtime, which lasted another 40 minutes (four 10-minute
periods). Neither team would score
in those periods. After the overtime periods, the game went to a
shootout, where the Comet’s
would get their only goal from Senior Justin Harper. Senior Mitch
Cronk was the next closest to making the penalty shot at the end.
Hid shot went of the top bar of the
goal. They would eventually lose
Senior Mitchell Cronk attempts a corner kick in the
3-1 in the final shootout. The Com- Sectional game against East Richland High School in Oakwood.
ets played a well-fought game. The Comets lost 2-1 in a shootout after playing four overtime
Senior goalie Adam Barr finished periods. (Photo by Logan Lee)
with 13 saves.
Senior forward Matt
Reynolds missed a lot of the game
due to an injury. He got hurt in the
first half, was able to come back. He
would eventually have to get sent
back to the bench for the injury.
Reynolds was our next in line to
shoot the penalty kicks before the
games was ended.
The rough and physical game
lasted a total of 120 minutes plus
the shootout. It was the first postseason game hosted by the Comets
in their short history.
It was the final game for the
Comets seven seniors (Barr, Harper,
Reynolds, Davis, Cronk, Dustin
Leverenz, and Kyle Carnahan). Five
of which played all four years.
New coach Eric Fenton is
very pleased with his team’s success this year.
“We met most of my goals this
year,” said Fenton. “I would’ve liked
us to win one or both of our last two
(regular season) games.”
Coach Fenton is hoping to
also have some post-season award
winners, not only All-Conference
and All-County, but also all area.
Volleyball team aims for postseason success
By Justin Jones
When a team puts in hours upon hours
of hard work, it is rewarding to see the benefits of all that dedication. This year’s volleyball team is enjoying that kind of success as
they are attaining some of their team goals.
The team has put together a season
that has earned them a very respectable
record, as well as the sixth seed in the Sectional Tournament.
“It’s good to see that they are playing
together,” said Anderson. “It is important that
a team has chemistry on the court because
they have the skills to succeed, but without
chemistry you can’t be successful.”
The team’s chemistry was shown during the Vermilion County Tournament, as the
team defeated the Georgetown-Ridge Farm
Buffaloes and the Westville Tigers to make it
to the County championship for the first time
since 2001.
Anderson is not the only member of
the team that has noticed how the girls have
been excelling. Senior hitter, Stephanie Denius,
is pleased to see that the team is playing well
towards the end of the year.
“With this being my last year, it feels
good to know all of our hard work has paid
off and we are winning,” said Denius. “I think
we have a very good chance of surprising
everyone and making it to sectionals this
year.”
A trip to Sectionals would make this
year’s team the first to advance that far since
the team of 2001. It would mean a lot to the
players if they could achieve these high
hopes.
“Since this could be my last volleyball
season ever, it would be a great accomplishment as well as a good example for our younger
players, for our team to have a great postseason,” said Denius.
Setting a winning example for the
younger players that are a part of this year’s
team will be crucial for the success of the
volleyball team in the future. With three of
the six starters, as well as all of the key reserve players, on the team being underclassmen, these are the players that will be looked
to for leadership in seasons to come.
Sophomore Amy Martin goes up for a
kill in a recent match at OHS. The girls will
be hosting a Regional game on October 23
against the Fisher Bunnies. (Photo by Justin
Jones).
Girls run
toward
three-peat
By Minda Pichon
The girls cross country team is
hoping to make it to Sectionals for the
third consecutive year.
“I do expect us to qualify out of
Regionals into Sectionals,” said Coach
Lee.
The
t e a m
started
out with
10 runners this
season,
but
is
n o w
down to
just six
due to injuries.
E v e n
with a low
number
of runners, junior Katie
Junior Kassi Ziegler
Lee is ex- runs in the Spartan
p e c t i n g Classic at St. Joe. Ziegler
the team would finish 32nd in the
to do well race. (Photo by Minda
in the Re- Pichon).
gional.
“Hopefully we will use next week
to rest and get prepared since we have
a lot of girls hurt,” said Katie Lee. “I
hope the team will come out and run
strong like we did at the beginning of
the season.”
Coach Lee has faith that junior
Kassi Ziegler, the teams number one
runner, will excel at the Sectional meet.
If she finishes as one of the top seven
runners who are not on one of the advancing teams, she will qualify for the
State meet.
“Kassi has the best chance,
though it will be a very tough Sectional,” said Coach Lee. “I’m hoping
Kassi, who has been running very well,
will continue and give herself a shot at
qualifying for State.”
“(Ziegler’s) times are dropping,
but it will be tough,” said Coach Lee.
1973
Valedictorian - Cindy Myers
Salutatorian - Jan Elliot
DAR - Cindy Myers
SAR - Terry Wonderlin
Homecoming Queen - Cindy Myers
Prom Queen - Jana Vinson
Class Cut-Up - Jerry Fourez
* The cross country team (girls did not
participate) finished second place in the
Vermilion County meet, went 15-4, and won the
East Central Conference.
* The football team went winless.
Slang Words
Black Saber - You’re
finished
Skinney - Real deal or
truth
Bogus - used to describe
something offensive or an
unrealistic idea
Things To Do
Bulan’s Bowl
Stuckey’s - (Across from
the north truck stop)
Snack bar, candies,
gifts, and food gift
packs
Tuck’s Drive-In - In
Oakwood, near Casey’s
Ancient history facts
Events
President – Richard Nixon
Vice President- Gerald Ford
U.S. and North Vietnam sign a
treaty to end the Vietnam War
Robbers are caught breaking into
the Watergate complex
Top Music
Crocodile Rock- Elton John
Free Ride- Edgar Winter
Sing- The Carpenters
We’re an American Band- Grand Funk
Railroad
Superstition- Stevie Wonder
Bad, Bad Leroy Brown- Jim Croce
Let’s Get It On- Marvin Gaye
My Love- Paul McCartney and Wings
Drift Away- Dobie Gray
Sports
Super Bowl - Dolphins 14,
Redskins 7, caps a perfect
season for Miami
World Series- A’s over Mets
in 7 games
Fast Facts
Gallon of Gas- 48 cents
Average Income- $7850
New Car- $4181
The sophomore class officers
pose in front of OHS. They are
shown with their advisor, Mrs.
Norma Anderson, on the right.
(Photo courtesy of the 1973
Acorn)
Fashion
T-shirts
Platform shoes
Bell bottom jeans
Short skirts
Letter jackets
Flannel shirts