2009_Vernois News - Mount Vernon Township High School

VERNOIS NEWS
Volume 88 - Issue 3
Top News
October/November 2009
Fall fun at MV
Harvest Festival
The Southern Illinois
Harvest Festival brings
autumn cheer to local
citizens
News—Page 3
Homecoming Week
Homecoming meets with
much approval from
student body
News—Page 4
Cross Country
Members of MV CC reflect on successful season
Sports—Page 24
VERNOIS NEWS photo/Haley Randolph
Bryce Vowell, „11, Courtney Lawrence, „10, Nick Green, „12, Taylor Browning, „10, Kalee Hughes, „12, Jon Moffit, „10, and Cheyenne Piper, „12, enjoy a warm
fall day at MV. Though playing in the leaves is sometimes considered childish, these students took time to release their inner child and have a good time.
Students express love of autumn
By Alicia Sheldon
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Other News
Theatre for Kids
The production of Aladdin and His Wonderful,
Magical Lamp proves
successful
theBuzz—Pages 10 & 11
Defused
Several MV students share
their rock band experience
See Inside For:
Odds & Ends — Pages 12 & 13
StuCo coverage — Page 9
Horror movie wrap-up — Page 21
The months of October and November are always
accompanied by a festive air. As the leaves transition from a lush green to a warm blend of autumn hues and the colors of orange, and red and
brown become the prominent shades of natural
décor, the spirits of the people around embody
this same tender feeling.
―The thing I love most about the fall leaves is
the colors,‖ commented Brandon Nabors, ‗13.
Autumn is known as a time of pumpkin carving, leaf raking, tree TPing, haunted houses,
scary masks, Thanksgiving, and the transition
from warm to cool weather.
―I love the ‗jacket weather‘ and the pretty
leaves,‖ said Kelly Lisenby, ‗10.
Halloween is a widely celebrated holiday
among high school students who often enjoy the
festivities in many different ways. However,
there is some debate as to whether high school
students are too old to go trick-or-treating.
―I think that people who are too old to go
trick-or-treating should just dress up like they‘re
12 years old and still go trick-or-treating,‖ said
Seth Cox, ‗11.
Another aspect of Halloween is the everpopular ―haunted house.‖ From old train stations to ghostly abandoned schools, the haunted
house experience is different each year.
―I find it interesting that most have horrific
stories on how the ghosts got there,‖ said Cory
Greene, ‗13.
Thanksgiving is also a favorite autumn holiday of students. Each family has a different way
of celebrating the ―day of thanks.‖
―My whole family goes to Ryan‘s,‖ shared
Caleb Staples, ‗12.
From the
traditional ways of
celebrating fall to offthe-wall ideas, many
consider fall to be a
special time of year.
―Fall is so magical, it‘s my favorite
season,‖
said
Erica
Kirsch, ‗10.
M
V
To inform, educate, enlighten, and entertain | A VERNOIS PUBLICATIONS GROUP PRODUCTION
Page 2, News Briefs
VERNOIS NEWS
this just IN
VERNOIS NEWS is a free monthly
publication produced by students and staff of
Mount Vernon Township High School.
HOW TO REACH THE VERNOIS
PUBLICATIONS OFFICE
VERNOIS NEWS is located in Room
122H/123H on the campus of Mount Vernon
Township High School, 320 South 7th Street,
Mount Vernon, Illinois, 62864.
Editorial Policy
All editorials (unsigned) represent the
majority opinion of the Editorial Board. Signed
editorials, columns and reviews reflect the views
of the author and not necessarily those of the
Vernois News Editorial Board or those of
MVTHS.
Inquiries regarding advertising and other questions may be directed to VERNOIS NEWS by
calling 618.246.5826 or 618.246.5827. Calls
will be taken 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday
through Friday during the school year.
Newsroom: 618.246.5826
Mr. VanZandt’s Classroom: 618.246.5827
MVTHS Administration
Dr. Michael E. Smith, Superintendent
Mr. Ron Daniels, Principal
Mrs. Tammy Beckham, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Susan Talley, Assistant Principal
Mr. Rob Knutson, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Melanie Gulley,
Student Services Director
Mr. Doug Creel, Athletic Director
Mrs. Shirilyn Holt, Board Secretary
Mrs. Jane Brown, Treasurer
Thespians take the stage
By Megan Jackson
―Phantom of the Opera was amazing! The show gave me goose bumps,‖ According to Thespian Society member Victoria Lewis, ‘12.
MV‘s Thespian Society recently took a trip to the fabulous Fox Theatre to see Phantom.
Approximately 25 students and a few adults went to see the Broadway performance.
Lewis stated she enjoys being part of the Thespian Society because, ―We get to do a lot of
cool stuff other clubs do not get to do, like go to live theatre.‖
The Thespian Society is involved in many activities throughout the year.
The Society just completed Theatre for Kids with performances of Aladdin and His Wonderful,
Magical Lamp for grade school children and two public performances.
Approximately 25 MV students were involved with the Theatre for Kids performing for over
twenty-eight hundred kindergarten through third grade students and teachers.
About fifteen thespians will also be attending Theatre Fest on January 7 – 9, 2010 at Illinois
State University. While there, they be attend shows and breakout sessions.
Creative Writing Club well underway
By Reis Barnfield
―The club for anyone,‖ or the Creative Writing Club, is already in full swing this school year.
Creative Writing club is for anyone who likes to read books, write books, and even write music.
The Creative Writing Club has already held two meeting so far this year.
For October, the club wrote for the Horror Story contest which will be reviewed by published
authors and will have a cash prize of $20.00.
For one night in November, the club will meet in the library for an overnight novel writing
lock–in.
Creative Writing Club is headed by MV English Teachers Mr. Jeremy Mays and Mr. Brandon
Martin.
The Creative Writing Club meets Thursdays every week after school in Mr. Mays‘ room, 117 G
VERNOIS NEWS Management
Alicia Sheldon, Editor in Chief
Jeanette Straeter, Managing Editor
Hannah Piercy, Associate Managing Editor
Connor Wilson, Opinions Editor
Hannah Lundius, News Editor
Alex Frisby, Co-Feature Editor
Stephanie Modert, Co-Feature Editor
Davianne Kirk, A&E Editor
Cameron Stewart, Sports Editor
Mallory Smith, Staff
Mrs. Karen Hamilton, Print Shop Director
Austyn Taylor, Print Shop Assistant
Mr. Jamey VanZandt, Adviser
VERNOIS NEWS Staff
Writing for Publication 1. Period 2
Maggie Aaron, Nicole Boldrey, Amanda Boswell, Sara
Buffington, Jessi Clark, Blake Fields, Laura Fleri,
Saddie Goodwin, Ariel Ibarra, Megan Jackson, Logan
Murphy, Hannah Piercy, Hunter Quarterman, Lindsay
Rainey, Alaina Reeves, Crissa Robbers, Cale Smith,
Paisley Stewart
Writing for Publication 1. Period 3
Cassaundra Austin, Reis Barnfield, Lamanda Bean,
Amber Bocock, Derek Burwell, Natalie Diller, Andy
Fisher, Patrick Hall, Anthony Hicks, Andy Hoppers,
Juanita Jones, Kyle McMahon, Ericka Opalecky, Kylie
Pickel, David Price, Haley Randolph, Crissa Robbers,
Lora Woodrome
FCCLA off to great start
By Lamanda Bean
Family Career and Community Leaders of America is off to a great start this year. The organization has 34 members.
Ms Julie Holmes, FCCLA sponsor stated that the members enjoy doing community service projects.
The last Friday of each month FCCLA provides a teacher luncheon.
The teacher luncheon is the biggest project the organization is doing this year. Approximately
15 members are currently helping with the luncheon.
Other projects have been the Homecoming Parade and working at the Soup Kitchen.
Holmes encourages all members to participate in community projects.
Math Team to begin first competitions of season
By Jessi Clark
The math team has been working hard with new members to get ready for tough competitions.
The math team had their first competition October 19.
―This is the second time we‘ve done this type of competition (Illinois Mathematics League),
but it allows the team to do more,‖ said Mrs. Stacey Hulbert, Math Department.
According to Mrs. Hulbert, they haven‘t had any types of placing.
―In the competition, the scores are entered online. Then they take the top three or top five
scores and average them to get your total,‖ Mrs. Hulbert stated.
―Edwardsville and Redbud will be our biggest competitors during the regional meets. During
the math field, Carbondale will obviously be a big competitor, because they are one of the better
schools out there,‖ she explained.
According to Mrs. Hulbert, there are a lot of new members this year.
―Last year we only had one sophomore and one freshman. These groups have grown, so that‘s
a positive,‖ she added.
VERNOIS NEWS
News
News, Page 3
Art department tackles new projects
burg sculptures. We do them in groups,‖ Mrs. Rodgers stated.
―I really like that! It‘s neat to see the kids building things into a
picture and to see their expression after taking a drawing to a
What do clay, paint, pencils, and vocabulary words like ―hue‖ and
sculpture,‖ she said.
―tint‖ have in common?
―I love 3D work so whenever we start our sculpture in Basic Art I
They belong to MV‘s art department, where students are rolling
get really excited,‖ Ms. Nowak stated.
along with projects for the 2009-10
Ceramics students are also working
school year.
hard.
―Right now our Basic Art classes are
―My ceramics students are currently
leaning about tints and shades, smooth
completing their largest sculpture of the
vs. textured shading,‖ said Mrs. Hannah
semester,‖ Nowak added.
Rodgers, Art Department
Art teachers are trying to adjust to
Students are also talking about color
going back to the 7 period schedule every
wheels and color families, and an intro to
day, but the short time they get with their
Claes Oldenburg sculptures, known for
students is a problem.
being lifelike, which are typically sculp―Time to meet together [is our biggest
tures of everyday objects.
problem,]‖ said Rodgers.
To make the sculptures, Claes OldenEvery year the Art Department had
burg would make a structure of canvas in
been revising or having a curriculum turnthe shape of the object and then would
over with the teachers, along with curricustuff it with kapok, a silky fiber made
lum mapping.
from the kapok tree.
―That‘s going to help us meet [IL] state
Gravity made the works look a bit
standards, and it‘s helping with making
saggy, which made them ever more lifesure the students know what they need to
like.
VERNOIS NEWS photo/Davianne Kirk at their grade level,‖ commented Rogers.
Mrs. Crystal Nowak, art teacher, said, Mrs. Nowak‟s Ceramics class created vessels inspired by primitive
Students provided input about their art
―Basic Art students will be getting their artwork. They are now working on abstract sculptures with no funcexperiences so far.
first sculpture project of the year, and tion that will be painted either entirely white or black. The vessel
―Some things are easy. Like, painting is
above is titled “Multi-Dysfunctional” By Ian Dodd, ‟11 and is feathat‘s a big deal.‖
easy but drawing is kind of hard sometured in this month‟s issue of the Blue Print.
Since ancient times, sculptures have
times,‖ stated Garrik McConnell, ‘13.
been a big part of various cultures.
―I would have to say one of my favorite projects is the OldenBy Sara Buffington
VERNIOIS NEWS
Harvest fest brings family fun to King City
By Maggie Aaron
VERNOIS NEWS
Floats, marching bands, and a lot
of hay were all a part of the 2009
Harvest Festival.
In downtown Mount Vernon and
across the city, Harvest Fest (or
Scarecrow Festival) ran from October 3 to 18.
Harvest Fest 2009 was only the
second to be held in the King City.
It took the place of the Sweet
Corn and Watermelon Festival
Mount Vernon hosted for many
years.
―It is a better idea because it
happens later and is not as hot.
More bands can come because it‘s
after school starts,‖ stated, Mr.
Frank Winchester, band director.
The first set event was the
Harvest Fest pageant which place
on October 3 at Times Square Mall.
All contestants wore outfits of
red, white, and blue, to accommodate this years‘ theme of
―Remembering 9-11.‖
VERNOIS NEWS photo/http://silharvestfest.mvn.net/
Members of the Harmony Roses chorus ride atop a 1964 fire engine during the 2009
Harvest Festival parade. Many community organizations entered floats and vehicles into
the second annual parade.
direction of Mrs. Mary Sanders.
Age categories of 24-19 years
old, 15-13 years, 12-10, 9-8
years, 7-6 years, 5-4 years, 3-2
years, and 32-12 months were
offered for competition.
Other events include the MV
Police vs. Fire Department basketball game on October 13, a
scarecrow contest on October 1415, and ―Needle in the Haystack‖
activity hosted by Mount Vernon
Register-News.
The MV Marching Rams
marched the parade route on
October 17, directed alongside
Mr. Winchester are drum majors
Sara Palmer and Amber Ashby.
―This years‘ band is comparable to last years. We have more
freshmen who can play well,‖
said Mr. Winchester.
―There is always potential to
be better,‖ continued Winchester.
Also marching was the Casey
Middle School band under the
Page 4, News
VERNOIS NEWS
Fun-filled Homecoming week comes, goes
New this year was the Football Throw that Mr. Andy Wells, social studies, and Mrs. Sarah Watts, guidance office, won, defeating
the other participants by throwing a
After many hours of preparation,
football into a net.
Homecoming Week at MV unfolded
The seniors were as spirited as ever
September 28 - October 3.
winning the coveted spirit stick.
From attending Phantom Monday
Friday night students piled into the
night at the Granada to ―Unmask the
football stadium to watch their MV rams
Night‖ dance, MV students shared
go up against the Carbondale Terriers.
many experiences.
As hard as they worked, the Rams
Brooke Moore, ‘12 stated ―Hands
unfortunately lost 7 to 20 to the Terridown I had a better time this year.‖
ers.
Kicking the week off, students
To wrap the whole week up, the
could go to the historic Granada
students came to Changnon Gym for the
theater and watch Phantom of the
―Unmask the Night‖ dance.
Opera helping them get into the
Sierra Martin, ‘13 added, ―The idea
homecoming mood.
the Student Council came up with was
On Thursday the FFA received
unique.‖
first place for their float in the
When students first walked into the
―Masquerade Parade‖ beating many
lobby they saw a decorative mask, also
other well designed floats that enthey received a smaller mask of their
tered.
own to take home as a keep sake.
―FFA did a really great job with
In the gym lights were strung above
their float. It was pretty awesome,‖
the students along with lanterns that
Sarah Wagner, ‘10.
hung down in the center. The student
That night, students got to percouncil worked hard on the decoration
form in front of their peers at the
to make the gym look festive for the
Coffeehouse in room 123 H. Ian
dance.
Dodd, ‘11, Harold Nordh, ‘10, CJ,
During coronation the students
‘11, and Steven Beckham, ‘10 were
waited as all the candidates were anstudents that performed. Also Ryan
nounced. Brian Sipe, ‗10 was crowned
Conley served as the MC at the
VERNOIS NEWS photo/Hannah Weber king and Savannah Connaway, ‗10 was
Coffeehouse.
Harold Nordh, „10 performs for his fellow students at the 2009 Homecoming Coffeehouse. crowned queen. Both candidates re―I had a really good time at the Several MV students shared their talents at the coffeehouse and found Nordh‟s showcase
ceived the most votes from the student
Coffeehouse,‖ Beckham, ‘10, stated. among the most interesting.
body.
The Coffeehouse is always a
―The dance was the best homecoming I‘ve ever been to,‖ added
good way for students to share their talents with others.
Wagner.
At the assembly on Friday, clubs and teams were announced
A big thanks goes out to the Student Council for making it a
along with the homecoming court.
week to remember.
By Kylie Pickel
VERNOIS NEWS
Frosh, staff react differently to Freshman Academy
By Lamanda Bean
VERNOIS NEWS
With the 2009-2010 school year over one quarter along, so too is the
Freshman Academy.
The class of 2013 is the first class to participate in the Academy.
The Academy is designed to challenge, motivate, and support
students as they transition into high school.
How do the freshman students feel about the Academy thus far?
―It‘s okay. We are kind of deprived of the high school experience,‖ said McKenzie Adams, ‗13.
She likes that she knows most of her classmates, but would like
the opportunity to meet more new people.
―They should have left it the way it was,‖ said Dalton Moore,
‗13.
Dalton likes that his classes are close together, but he does not
like his lunch period.
Freshman students cannot leave the campus during lunch, mak-
ing the cafeteria very crowded.
Adams and Moore are only a small percentage of the freshman
class, but they both dislike the Academy thus far.
Freshman Academy teacher, Mrs. Diane Todd, science, said the
Academy is going well; the students are becoming more motivated.
―I think they are doing pretty good. They seem to be trying and
tardies are very few,‖ said Mrs. Todd.
The main goal for the Academy is to raise ACT scores and to get
the freshman on track for a successful high school experience, according to Mrs. Todd.
The Academy is designed to lessen the stress moving from middle school to high school, which can be scary for incoming freshmen.
The Academy should prepare students academically, increase
attendance, and decrease the drop out rate.
While the Freshman Academy is still new, the remainder of the
2009-2010 school year will determine if it is successful.
The MV Board and Administration will decide if and what
changes will be made for the next year.
VERNOIS NEWS
Feature, Page 5
Homecoming parade proves successful; still room for improvement
―They had clever ideas and followed the theme well,‖ noted
Mrs. Nelson, ―but there was room for improvement when it came to
school spirit.‖
―Who doesn’t like the little gold mask?‖
―It‘s like it‘s not cool to be supportive of your school anymore,‖
Not only was Blake Fields, ‗10, pleased with the 2009 homecomshe added.
ing theme, ―Unmask the Night‖, but also with the outcome of the
Parade chair, Alicia Sheldon, ‗10,
annual MV parade.
and a member of student council,
A three year veteran, Fields has
thinks that homecoming week could be
seen his share of parades.
enhanced if more students would just
And with a decent crowd turn-out
get involved.
and the always present throwing of
This hope was realized in some
candy, Fields feels that this year was
ways even this year.
the best one yet.
―I was pleased with the results,‖
―My favorite was the Hi-Tri float,‖
mentioned Sheldon, ―there were a lot
explained Fields, ―I thought the cut-off
more entries this year.‖
head was a nice touch.‖
Unfortunately, this was Sheldon‘s
According to the MV website, the
first and last year of participating in
FFA float took first place, followed
the homecoming parade. While it was
closely by HOSA in second and Hi-Tri in
considerably stressful to put together,
third.
Sheldon wouldn‘t have traded the exNot everyone was as impressed
perience.
with the parade as Mr. Fields, though.
―It‘s kind of sad to think that this
One of this year‘s judges, Mrs.
VERNOIS NEWS Photo/Bobbie Jo Staley is it,‖ she commented.
Debbie Nelson, shared a little different Members of Hi-Tri wave to the crowd during the annual Homecoming parade. The Hi-Tri
As for the years to come, Sheldon‘s
float received third place in the float competition.
perspective.
best advice to the students is simply
―We really need to encourage more enthusiasm for homecomthis: get involved.
ing,‖ said Mrs. Nelson.
And while it took plenty of effort not only on her part, but all of
The floats were judged according to their creativity, how
the students that participated in making and helping with the
closely they followed the theme, and the school spirit shown by
floats, and the rest of the week, can agree with Sheldon in that ―It
participants.
all pays off in the end.‖
By Erica Opalecky
VERNOIS NEWS
Student schedules filled to the brim
homework finished; when she gets home she just wants to relax.
―Between school letting out and clocking into work, I hardly
have time for school work,‖ explained ScarWhat do piles of books, a gym bag, job uniborough, ―[therefore] my weekends are
forms, and very late nights all have in comconsumed by homework!‖
mon?
Just like achieving educational and
It‘s a busy student‘s life of course!
athletic goals, jobs are also a place where
Students here at MV not only strive for
students can learn and grow as young
academic excellence, they also pursue sucadults.
cess in other areas of their lives.
By holding a job, students are able to
From sports to after school jobs, they
get a better perspective and pay more reknow just how stressful a full plate can be.
spect to their parents.
―When you have animals to take care of, a
―Before, I would ask for whatever,
job to go to, and school to juggle, life bewhenever,‖ confessed Scarborough, ―now I
comes a little crazy,‖ stated Trevor
want all [the money] to stay in the bank.‖
Skidmore,‘11.
Having jobs, good grades, and teamBeing successful in all aspects of acamates gives students a sense of self worth
demic and social life is a top priority.
and the ability to accomplish what they set
This sends students to the edge and
their minds too.
they go to extreme lengths to achieve their
According to a recent study from Teenfar out goals.
Help.com, the five main stressors in teens
Carter Scarborough, ‗11 commented, ―I
are headed by school work stress, making
started working in the summer and didn‘t
VERNOIS NEWS photo/Jeanette Straeter up 68%.
realize how hard it was going to be. Now I Trevor Skidmore dances for his job at Little
Ceasars. Skidmore admits to
Is there such a thing as too much stress?
have all my AP classes, physical therapy, feeling overwhelmed with combining school and work.
Do students feel like they are in over
and staying in shape to worry about.‖
their heads?
School work poses as additional stress on top of everything else.
Have coaches, bosses, and teachers sent teenagers to the dark
Late nights, all too common to high school students, are the
side?
only way this homework and school work will get done.
Skidmore remembers, ―I‘ve wished to get lost somewhere just
Kenzi Tate, a junior at MV, stated that it is hard for her to get
get away [from it all].‖
By Alaina Reeves
VERNOIS NEWS
Page 6, Feature
VERNOIS NEWS
High school marks “Banned Books Week”
MV participated in this national celebration yet again this year.
According to Mrs. Carol Hutchinson, library clerk, ―We put up posters
and had banned books that had been in the library on display, for
Libraries throughout the United States marked Banned Books Week students to see. Mrs. Ann Garrett, librarian, and Mrs. Hutchinson
September 28 through October 2.
were also interviewed by David
Freedom of speech and the freedom to
Belcher, a reporter for the Mt. Vernon
read are celebrated, while books that
Morning Sentinel about the event.
are banned in other schools are proThe banned books on display at MV
moted.
included The Absolutely True Diary of
So, what importance does this naa Part-Time Indian, Black Hawk Down,
tional celebration have on schools?
Brave New World, Chinese Handcuffs,
―It stimulates interest in reading,‖
Girl Interrupted, Go Ask Alice, The
states Mr. Jeremy Mays, English.
Golden Compass, Looking for Alaska,
―I think that it encourages students
My Brother Sam is Dead, and Nineteen
to read. When you tell a student a
Minutes.
book has been banned it makes them
The list included several of which
want to read to know why,‖ said Mrs.
Mrs. Hutchinson has personally read
Holly Davis, English.
such as The Adventures of Huckleberry
The purpose for the national celeFinn, The Catcher in the Rye, The
bration is to draw attention to probColor Purple, The Kite Runner, The
lems with censorship by hosting events
Lovely Bones, To Kill a Mockingbird,
to encourage others about banned
and Wicked.
books.
Censorship, which means ―The use
―People challenge books that they
of state or group power to control freesay are too sexual or too violent. They
dom of expression, such as passing laws
object to profanity and slang, and proto prevent media from being published
test against offensive portrayals of
or propagated,‖ affects everyday life.
racial or religious groups—or positive
―Congress shall make no law reportrayals of homosexuals. Their tarspecting an establishment of religion,
gets range from books that explore the
or prohibiting the free exercise
latest problems to classic and beloved
thereof; or abridging the freedom of
works of American literature,‖ accordspeech, or of the press; or the right of
ing to www.bannedbooksweek.org.
the people peaceably to assemble, and
Some of these challenged books
to petition the government for a reare famous pieces of literature such as
dress of grievances.‖ - The first article
To Kill a Mockingbird, Fahrenheit 451,
of the Bill of Rights.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl,
Though the Bill of Rights declared
and Beloved.
freedom of speech, our modern day
Gone With the Wind, is a personal
has done otherwise.
favorite of Mrs. Davis. ―It would upset
Whether words are censored from
me greatly if I didn‘t have access to
a song or movie, picture prohibited in
VERNOIS NEWS/ Photo Crissa Roberts
that book,‖ claimed the English Hayley Snyder searches for the perfect book to read at C.E. Brehm Memorial Library. MV art class, or a challenged book read,
celebrated Banned Book Week along with other schools across the country.
teacher.
students may encounter censorship one
Their reasons for banning vary from
way or another throughout their school
profanity, racial slurs, sexuality, and
day.
violence, to even drug abuse.
―I don‘t think someone has the right to tell me what to read and
Mr. Mays stated, ―I understand their viewpoints. It‘s all a matter what not to read. I believe a child should have the right to object,
of opinion, I think. Sometimes [seeing only] things like that, they but that should not restrict the rest of their classmates to read it,‖
miss the concepts of the books.‖
expressed Mrs. Davis.
By Juanita Jones
VERNOIS NEWS
Feature, Page 7
VERNOIS NEWS
Overpass finally opens
By Stephanie Modert
CO-FEATURE EDITOR
VERNOIS NEWS/photo Barnfield Archives
Reis Barnfield, „11, and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn celebrate the opening
of the Veterans Memorial Drive overpass on October 27.
After months of anticipation, the overpass had its grand opening with ribbon
cutting on Tuesday, October 27.
Accessible from Interstate 57/64, it
connects Veterans Memorial Drive to
Wells Bypass.
Appearances were made by Governor
Pat Quinn and a very excited Mayor Mary
Jane Chesley.
The MV Marching Rams commemorated the event and became the first
pedestrians to cross the overpass.
Pedestrians are able to cross now,
but the city says it will still be a few
more days until it is open to motorists,
waiting on finishing touches for safety.
The overpass is intended to ease traffic congestion in town.
Trick-or-treating causes stir among students, faculty
―You‘re never too old to go trick or treating,‖ stated Richardson. ―Just because we‘re older than the little kids doesn‘t mean we
don‘t like candy.‖
Most would agree that the best part about Halloween is the multiPart of what captivates many high-school-age teenagers to partudes of free candy that are sure to excite even the most healthy
take in the spirit of the holiday is the fun carefree-ness of dressing
person. And nothing can beat the fun of dressing up as your favorup and candy, usually reserved for their childhoods, even now that
ite character and going door to door.
they‘re older.
To many this has been a pivotal point
Is there another way to capture
of their Halloween Holiday memothe fun of the holiday without makries.
ing our neighbors upset?
But how old is too old to go trick
―When you‘re older than eight-or-treating?
een, you can go to a Halloween party
This widely debated topic creinstead. But you should still dress
ated quite a stir among MV students
up, ‗cause that‘s fun,‖ said Reeves
and teachers.
with a laugh.
To some this silly holiday should
Other alternatives include scary
end while kids are still fairly young
movies or making rounds of haunted
and keep the candy for who it is inhouses throughout the Halloween
tended – the kids.
season.
To others it remains the holiday
Many MV students visited local
they knew and loved as little kids,
haunted houses including Jaycees
complete with the plastic jack-oHouse of Horror, the Haunted Woods
lanterns to carry candy.
in Woodlawn, and Chittyville in
―[You‘re too old when you‘re]
VERNOIS NEWS/photo Jeanette Straeter Herrin.
eighteen. Because you‘re an adult MV students have fun at Jaycees House of Horror this Halloween season. Haunted houses
While Richardson enjoyed
and you need to start acting like it. prove a good substitute for trick-or-treating for high schoolers wishing to participate in Hallowhaunted houses this year and last,
een fun.
Unless of course you take your kids,
she remembers the surprise of the
because that‘s safe,‖ commented
people whose houses she attended, when they saw that she was
Alaina Reeves, ‗11
older.
―You‘re never too old to go trick-or-treating. But I think the
―Some people were really mean,‖ she recalls. ―Other people
only reason I still go is because I have a younger sibling.‖ added
were really nice though. They gave us extra candy because other
Bethany Payne, ‗10.
people said they wouldn‘t,‖ she said with a laugh.
Even if one were to go with a younger sibling or child, is it still
―The whole time, we were surprised that some of the adults
okay to receive candy?
were so rude. We were like, if you think about it, there‘s so many
―Most people‘s friends wouldn‘t want to go with them but if
worse things that we could be doing on a Friday night. But we‘re
you‘re taking [a younger sibling], you might as well dress up and get
not, we‘re staying out of trouble and dressing up goofy and getting
candy,‖ added Payne.
candy, not doing stupid stuff,‖ remembers a frustrated Richardson.
―If you were older than about twelve, and you came to my
If high school students were to go trick-or-treating this year and
house, I wouldn‘t give you candy,‖ stated Mrs. Christine Renth,
in the years to come, it‘s important to stay on the good side of law
Guidance.
enforcement and families passing out candy.
Many other MV students admit to going in recent years, eager
Good things to remember include not showing up too early or
about the free candy and excited to dress up for a night. Because
too late as trick-or-treating is usually reserved for the hours of 6-8
lets face it, who doesn‘t like to dress up every now and again?
in the evening and dressing appropriately - this is still a holiday for
The idea of being someone else for a few hours and showing off
the kids.
whatever costume they‘re sporting draws many to participate in the
And to both those who want to participate in the fun of Hallowfestive holiday.
een even once they‘re in high school and those that are convinced
Senior Margo Richardson admits to going last year accompanied
Halloween is only for the kids, just keep in mind, it‘s only once a
by friends from the Cross Country team.
year.
By Stephanie Modert
CO-FEATURE EDITOR
Editorial
Commentary, Page 8
VERNOIS NEWS
A VERNOIS PUBLICATIONS GROUP Newspaper
Editorial Board:
Alicia Sheldon, Editor in Chief
Jeanette Straeter, Managing Editor
Hannah Piercy, Associate Managing Editor
Connor Wilson, Opinions Editor
Mr. Jamey VanZandt, Adviser
Editorial
Give thanks, MV
Each year, on the last Thursday of November, families all across
the United States gather to celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving. Turkeys are stuffed, pies are baked, and the tables are
filled with festive dishes. Homes are flooding with high spirits as
the Macy‘s Thanksgiving Parade welcomes itself into living
rooms.
While it is easy to think of Thanksgiving as a day of food,
family, and fun, we often fail to recognize the word ―thanks‖ in
―Thanksgiving.‖ In our teenage angst, we focus on the materialistic aspect of the holiday, rather than the spirit behind the holiday. In our haste to retrieve another helping of mashed potatoes, we forget that other families are less fortunate and don‘t
even have enough to hold a true Thanksgiving meal.
Although the news portrays our country as a volatile land
with a shaky economy and restricted freedoms, we are extremely privileged to live in the United States. While our economy is not as prosperous as it once was and not everything always seems fair, we have the freedom to celebrate (or not celebrate) Thanksgiving in any way we choose.
We have many, many other blessings to be thankful for
apart from the celebration of Thanksgiving itself. Everyone has
different lives and experiences that they are particularly lucky
to have. We have the necessities in to succeed in life and the
comfort of love to support us.
This Thanksgiving, Vernois News encourages everyone to
―count their blessings‖ as they spend time with family and
friends. Remember to be thankful for not only the prominent
things, but the little ones that matter just as much.
VERNOIS NEWS
SADD stresses importance of safe,
sober driving
SADD
PRESS RELEASE
Whether you have just received your license or have been driving for
three or more years, it is always good to be safe on the road. One
large step towards safer driving is avoiding drinking and driving.
Mixing alcohol with driving is extremely dangerous. In 2007, 503
people in Illinois were killed in alcohol-related crashes. This is almost
half of the approximately 1200 alcohol-related fatalities.
Also, people caught driving under the influence can lose their driving privileges for up to two years. And after long visits to the DMV and
filling out a log sheet for 50 driving hours, it‘s not worth it.
Drivers have the responsibility to be as safe as possible. This
means drivers should buckle up, avoid texting while steering, and most
importantly, not drink and drive.
National News Briefs
The rate of unemployment when President Barack
Obama took office was 7.6%. As of November 6 that
number had climbed to 10.2%, the highest since April
1983.
Was the Fort Hood, Texas massacre another terrorist
attack or just the act of a man who went insane?
Would we be asking this question if he wasn‘t Muslim?
The facts are he gave away his possessions and had
clearly been planning this tragedy for several days. It
was a cruel act on men who serve for America and was
not a spontaneous crime of passion. Maj. Nidal Malik
Hasan killed 13 people with a .357 magnum pistol with
laser sights and wounded 38 on November 5th.
U.S. armed forces withdrawal from Iraq is on schedule
… for now. Momentarily there are approximately
120,000 troops stationed in Iraq but luckily 10,000 of
these are expected to be sent home by the end of this
year. The Iraqi parliament‘s approval of an election
law on November 8th cleared a major potential distraction to the U.S. Military meeting for withdrawing
all combat troops by September 2010. 50,000 troops
will remain in Baghdad until 2012 to train Iraqi security force and conduct targeted counterterrorism operations.
On Monday , November 9th China protested the visit of
the Dalai Lama to a region near India‘s border with
Tibet. The U.S. defends his freedom of movement.
―He of course has the right to go wherever he wants
and talk to people that he chooses to,‖ State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters.
VERNOIS NEWS photo/Cassy Austin & Kylie Pickel
Edited By: Davianne Kirk
StuCo News, Page 9
VERNOIS NEWS
StuCo News
October-November proves fruitful for MV StuCo
By Clay Jackson
STUDENT COUNCIL CORRESPONDENT
Student Council is on a roll! From helping out their own school and
community to working on a major project that takes a combined
effort to accomplish; and to having a blast together at an adventurous escape, Student Council can do it all!
First, in the month of October, the Student Council worked on
Homecoming. The theme for the Homecoming Week was ―Venetian
Escape.‖ They planned many events centered on the main theme for
the week, like Coffeehouse, Monday Movie Night, The Annual Homecoming Parade, and of course, the Homecoming Dance. Every event
was a great success and much of the student body enjoyed every
event. Mr. VanZandt and Mrs. Gulley are quoted saying, ―This was a
fantastic Homecoming Week. In many years I have been teaching, I
have never seen so much student body involvement and so many
Student Council members working together to make this thing work. I
am very proud of all of them.‖
The Student Council also helped with cleaning the Peggy Simmons area, located in the main quad of the school, close to the
VERNOIS NEWS photo/Alaina Reeves
Tyler Flota, „11, picks up a handful of weeds at the Peggy Simmons Memorial clean-up.
Members of StuCo displayed great effort as they worked to restore the original look of the
memorial, which is located in front of G building.
north side of H
building
and
west side of G
building.
They
all pitched in
and
raked
leaves, put new
mulch in the
area,
and
straightened up
the bench and
the whole area
in general. It
was a great team
effort and everyone did their
part.
With helping
out the community, some of the
Student Council
members went
Nature
Trail
Nursing
Home.
The group spent
about 30 minutes
going
through
the
nursing
home
giving
bananas
to the elderly.
All of the elderly
and staff that
VERNOIS NEWS photo/VanZandt
worked at the Cameron Stewart, „11, warms up to his new Fright Fest friend at
nursing
home Six Flags. The ghoulish man took was quite possessive of his
were very happy shovel, and bellowed, “Don‟t touch it!” to anyone who attempted
to take it away.
and glad to see
the group and
were saying thank you to every single one of the members. The
members felt great for what they did and felt great for helping out
the community like this.
Finally, the fun and big party many Student Council members got
to do were to go to Six Flags for the night to see their Halloween
themed: Fright Night. Many people on Student Council that went said
they have heard of Fright Night at Six Flags, but have never got a
chance to go. Everyone had a blast when they went. Many people
rode wonderful roller coasters and rides, ate great good, talked to
some scary zombies, and had a great time doing all of it. Everyone
enjoyed themselves and didn‘t want to leave for sure. Everyone that
went said they sure can‘t wait for next year!
Well, another month down, another great month for Student
Council. It is great to see Student Council member helping out the
school and committee, but also having fun and doing things everyone
wants to do. That is really want Student Council is all about right
there, hard work but even better play. You could say the whole Student Council is like a mullet, we are tough and hard working business
in the front, but we sure are a lot of fun and entertainment in the
back.
Page 10, theBuzz
theBuzz
Aladdin takes the stage at MV
By Alicia Sheldon
EDITOR IN CHIEF
The lights dim and an anxious applause
erupts from the audience. The curtains part
as awe floods through the aisles — no longer
is it the MV Auditorium — it‘s a voyage
through time to the city of Shammar.
The week of October 22-25 was one of
the busiest of the year for the MV Theater
Department as they put on their 2009 Children‘s Theatre production. This year, the
show selected was Aladdin and His Wonderful, Magical Lamp.
―The last four shows were set in Old
Europe. I wanted to get out of Old Europe
and go more toward the old fantasy type of
show,‖ shared Mrs. Mary Beth Mezo, Director
of Aladdin.
The theater version of Aladdin is slightly
different from the traditional movie version
with which many are familiar. Aladdin and
his mischievous monkey, Alakazam, are the
town troublemakers who cannot seem to
calm themselves down. Aladdin‘s mother
and sister are tired of his immaturity,
especially
when
the townspeople
complain about
all
of his tricks and
games.
One
day,
Aladdin
meets Princess
Jasmine
and
immediately
knows that he
wants to marry
her. Aladdin
is
then visited by the evil magician Jammal who tries to trick
Aladdin into retrieving a magic
lamp for him.
But Aladdin,
being a trickster himself, turns
the hoax around and steals the
lamp.
He wishes for many
riches and wins Princess Jasmine‘s heart. However, Jammal returns to the city of Shammar and takes Jasmine away
from Aladdin, leaving him no
choice but to save his princess
from the evil that Jammal
brings.
The Theatre for Kids productions always produce more
than just a show.
―It‘s rewarding watching
our high school students grow,
both as individuals and the acting craft,‖ Mrs. Mezo said.
VERNOIS NEWS photo/Alicia Sheldon
Each year, the theater exAladdin, Cody Wilson, „13, apologizes to Princess Jasmine, Mollie Burdett, „10,
perience is different. New cast for his unruly monkey, Alakazam‟s, behavior. The two fell in love at first
members and talents bring a
sight, and although they endured many obstacles, their true love prevailed in
the end.
different atmosphere to the
show.
she explained.
―We try to choose just the right show
As Student Producer, Brandt had a wide
that fits our kids best and will maximize their
array of tasks to complete.
talent,‖ Mrs. Mezo explained.
―I had to be there every day and I spent
According to Mollie Burdett, ‗10, who
time
with the actors on a one-to-one basis. I
played the role of Princess Jasmine, the cast
gave them pointers and helped them out that
of Aladdin was tightly-knit.
way. I did a lot of random things like reading
―I really liked getting close to the cast.
lines, prompting people, and I played almost
We all got along really really well,‖ she
every single part at some point,‖ she desaid.
Shauna Brandt, ‗10, who took on scribed.
Hanna Mocaby, ‗11, who played Schethe position of Student Producer,
also said that her favorite part herazade, participated in her first Theatre
for Kids production since transferring from
of the show was the other
Waterloo High School.
actors.
―It was a lot of hard work. It was an in―My favorite part
teresting experience; it‘s a lot of fun getting
would probably be just
to know new people and making a lot of
spending time with
the actors, especially friends,‖ she said. ―Mt. Vernon has a bigger
budget. It‘s cool seeing different props, and
the new ones.
They‘re very funny
PRODUCTION STAFF
this year,‖
Director:
Assistant Director:
Stage Manager/Set Designer:
VERNOIS NEWS photo/Alicia Sheldon
Tech Director:
The Genie of the Lamp, Caleesha
Assistant Producer:
Peterson, „10, waits for Aladdin to
Costumer:
make a wish. The Genie always
Aristic Advisor:
fulfilled the wishes to the best of her
ability.
Student Producer:
Mary Beth Mezo
Jim Miller
Donna Keen
Joe Brown
Enid Kennedy
DeeAnn Endsley
Jim Hawkins
Shauna Brandt
theBuzz, Page 11
CAST
Jammal
Halima
Genie of the Ring
Scheherazade
Neela
Mother
Merchant Woman
Neighbor
Genie of the Jewels
Alakazam
Aladdin
Chop-Chop
Princess Jasmine
Zara
Sheba
Sultan
Queen Sultana
Ali Bubba
Dragon
Genie of the Lamp
Merchant #2
Merchant #3
Shopper
Shopper
Shopper
Guard
Guard
Sam Lawrence
Courtney Lawrence
Bethaney Brown
Hanna Mocaby
Madison Walton
Cassy Austin
Monea Patton
Lora Woodrome/Shauna Brandt
Madison Peterman
Brandon Williams-Meeks
Dakota Bodine/Cody Wilson
Cale Smith
Lamanda Bean/Mollie Burdett
Victoria Lewis
Kathleen Sledge
Bennett Lamczyk
Blythe Lee Brown
Chris Williamson
William Box
Caleesha Peterson
Cody Clark
Cody Wilson/Dakota Bodine
Mollie Burdett
Lamanda Bean
Zachary Standerfer
Nathan Ressler
Sam Cortez
VERNOIS NEWS photo/Alicia Sheldon
Halima, Courtney Lawrence, „10, and
Jammal, Sam Lawrence, „13, listen to
their crystal ball for an answer. The
brother and sister were often up to no
good, but were always outsmarted.
STAGE CREW
Shane Bond
Sara Palmer
Brett Tucker
Priya Patel
Shaye Riley
TECHNICAL CREW
Dakota Bodine
Shaye Riley
Amber Richardson
Shelby Pulley
Leland Stanley
Devon Riley
Brandon Calvert
Rachel Bumpus
Audrey Mayo
Emily Mayo
Kaycee Collins
Jesse Ezell
Kaleb Sledge
Nicolle Patton
Austin Anderson
SOUND CREW
Crystal Westbrook
Casey Brandt
Meldody Staley
Veronica Justice
Trenton Phillips
the background was more beautiful. It‘s more of a ‗theater‘ to work in the middle of the stage and hugged each other. Then, we all just
with,‖ Mocaby stated.
chanted, ‗seniors!‘‖ Brandt recalled.
For many, theater is not just a hobby, but a lifestyle.
The hard work and effort of the seniors makes an impression
―I like theater
upon the production
because you can step
crew as each year
outside of your box
passes.
and do things that you
―To the seniors -would never do. You
thank you,‖ Mrs.
get to dress up like a
Mezo said. ―They
princess and you
have worked hard
would never get to do
and been wonderful.
that in real life,‖ said
They are just fantasBurdett.
tic kids. They always
Stepping out of
rehearse extra, it‘s
reality is a equally
really refreshing and
appealing to the procomforting.‖
duction staff.
As seniors move
―I love how a
on in their lives, any
really good show can
other aspiring actors
take you someplace
are encouraged to
else. I appreciate the
become a part of
little details, but I
theater at MV.
want to get the whole
―I highly recompicture and be taken
mend it; it‘s a great
away,‖ Mrs. Mezo
way to meet new
shared. ―When the
people and have fun.
actors put on the perYou can let yourself
formances for the
go and do crazy stuff.
young children, you
It‘s just great, I love
can see the wonderit,‖ Burdett beamed.
ment and amazement
The next producVERNOIS NEWS photo/Alicia Sheldon
on the kids‘ faces. It Queen Sultana, played by Blythe Lee Brown, „10, marvels at the jewels presented by the Genie of the Jewels, Madison
tion by the MV theawarms your heart that Peterman, „12. The Queen was a materialistic woman who cared only of her riches and wealth.
ter department will
they are so amazed;
be the Operetta, held
the kids think it‘s real,‖ she added.
in the early months of 2010.
For the senior members of Theatre for Kids, Aladdin was their
―Theater is a good opportunity and anyone who is not involved
final production.
with it should be. Spending time with people who have a common
―We had just finished the last show and all the seniors gathered interest is great,‖ Brandt said.
Page 12, Odds & Ends
VERNOIS NEWS
Odds & Ends
Down
1.
2.
3.
5.
6.
7.
11.
12.
13.
14.
17.
18.
A delicious, round desert, especially made
with pumpkin around Thanksgiving
A large Thanksgiving basket usually filled with
a variety of foods
A potato: pureed form (2 words)
A delightfully festive chewy candy generally
eaten
around Halloween (2 words)
Usually worn on Halloween to give the impression of being someone or something else
Traditionally broken on Thanksgiving in hopes
of having a wish granted (2 words)
Cowboys and ________
Parents and their children, considered as a
group, whether dwelling together or not
A Halloween tradition (including little old men
in small cars), locally most common in Centralia
A spooky extravaganza put on by creatively
scary individuals (2 words)
Traditionally watched on Thanksgiving afternoon
The soul of a dead person, a disembodied spirit
imagined, usually as a vague, shadowy or evanescent form, as wandering among or haunting
living persons (plural)
Across
2.
4.
8.
9.
10.
12.
13.
15.
16.
19.
ing
Decorative outfits worn as a disguise, common
on Halloween
Halloween tradition involving children going
door to door requisitioning candy (3 words)
Mr. VanZandt‘s favorite Thanksgiving fruit
(plural)
Large, carveable vegetable
A grotesque sprite or elf that is mischievous or
malicious toward people
A character in Mary Shelley‘s novel of the same
name
A person who journeys, especially a long distance, to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion
Cranial remnants of deceased individuals
Seasoned bread crumbs or other filling used to
stuff a chicken, turkey, etc., before cooking
A scrumptious bird usually eaten on Thanksgiv-
Halloween/Thanksgiving Crossword
Explosion
VERNOIS NEWS
Page 13, Odds & Ends
Odds & Ends
Riddle me this...
It fell from a star,
But not very far.
It seems to fly
Above you and I.
Look further down to see
Cousin Jay below us
three.
Jump down further to see
an empty space.
Tell me what "it" is, and
where is this place?
? ? ?
Fun Facts
·Aerosmith‘s ―Dude Looks Like a Lady‖ was written about Vince Neil of
Motley Crue.
·Actress Jamie Lee Curtis invented a special diaper for babies that has a
pocket.
·Adolf Hitler was Time‘s ―Man of the Year‖ in 1938.
·Albert Einstein‘s parents were worried that he was mentally slow because it took him a long time to learn how to speak.
·A turtle can breathe through other parts of its body.
·Kite flying is a professional sport in Thailand.
.Dueling is legal in Paraguay, as long as both parties are registered blood
donors.
·Baskin Robbins once made ketchup ice cream.
·The mask used by Michael Myers in the original ―Halloween‖ was actually
a Captain Kirk mask painted white.
·Bill Gates designed a traffic control system for Seattle when he was only
15.
·In high school, Robin Williams was voted ―Least likely to succeed‖.
·A group of officers is called a mess.
·The word ‗set‘ has more definitions than any other word in the English
language.
·In most advertisements the time displayed on a watch or clock is usually
10:10.
Above the 8 are the F6 and F7 function keys.
To the left is the seven, which has the & symbol.
To the right is the number nine.
The 8 is below the asterisk, though on the
same button.
It is above the letters U & I.
Underneath those is the letter J.
Skip a row down and you see the space bar.
By looking at the standard US-style keyboard,
you see the answer is the number 8.
RIDDLE ANSWER
Courtesy: www.davinator1.com
DOWN
1. pie 2. cornucopia 3. mashedpotatoes 5. candycorn 6.
masks 7. wishbone 11. Indians 12.family 13. parade 14.
hauntedhouse 17.football 18. ghosts
ACROSS
2. costumes 4. trickortreat 8. cranberries 9. pumpkin 10.
goblin 12. Frankenstein 13. pilgrim 15. skulls 16. stuffing
19. turkey
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
Page 14, Opinions
Opinions
VERNOIS NEWS
Respect in teens declines rapidly
By Ericka Opalecky
VERNOIS NEWS
―If you learn one thing from me I want you to learn this,‖ Coach
Jeff Lonnon said as he looked me straight in eyes, ‗the reason for
the lack of respect in kids your age, in my opinion, is rap music.‖
While I may not agree with his logic, Coach Lonnon is right
about the absence of respect in many teenagers today. It‘s hard to
avoid this reality, even on this campus. Words and phrases such as
―please‖ and ―thank you‖ have become extinct. ―Yes ma‘am‖ and
―Yes sir‖ are a thing of the past and ―excuse me‖ is just about as
realistic as the fairy tale ending, ‗And they lived happily ever after.‖
So what happened? When did the manners and respect become
and element of fantasy? How did young people make the transition
from respecting our elders to thinking only of ourselves? Most importantly, can we narrow it down to a specific cause that has allowed
this behavior to become somewhat acceptable and normal?
Let‘s start with Coach Lonnon‘s nugget of wisdom.
It may not be completely accurate to blame the decline of respect in American teens solely on rap music, but there may just be
an element of truth in this theory. Obviously, media has a major
effect on whomever it touches. Teenagers see and hear famous people acting disrespectfully and gaining attention for it. We listen to
songs that glorify addictive habits, breaking the law, and objectifying women.
Even movies and television shows are becoming increasingly
vulgar. Often times I hear my parents comment about the material
that is shown on television and how much it has changed since they
were children. The evolution of what is socially acceptable has definitely aided in the evolution of the behavior of today‘s young people.
Personally, I think it‘s too easy to blame the media for our
problems. No matter how disrespectful the song on the radio is, or
how crude the humor pouring out of our television screens, we still
have the ability to turn it off. No one is forcing us to listen a par-
ticular song or watch a certain television program.
But if it‘s not the media, then what is it?
I have heard many people place blame on our school systems.
According to this theory, instructors in school need to do a better
job teaching America‘s children how to be respectful. The PBIS system enacted at our school is an effort to accomplish this very thing.
But I have a slight problem with this opinion as well.
Teachers are hard-working individuals that spent years in college learning about the sciences, languages, and mathematics, etc.
Their job resume doesn‘t include teaching kids to behave in a way
that is acceptable and right; their job is to further educate us in
areas in which they have specialized. It is not a teacher‘s responsibility to make sure that we are respectful, rather, we should be
giving teachers respect automatically.
If the media cannot be directly blamed, and our teachers and
education system aren‘t responsible either, it really only leaves one
logical place to look. This is the last place most would want to, because frankly, it‘s the most personal.
Respect starts at home, people.
When it comes down to it, there are plenty of things that will
influence your character, but we as individuals have the ability to
choose what we let influence us.
Music is not to blame, and neither is our teaching staff. If there
is a lack of respect present in our lives, we are the ones to blame.
Once we begin to shift the blame from areas of our lives that
we cannot change, to the personal and maybe even scary place of
the condition of our own selves, it will become possible for there to
be change.
In order to respect others, we must first begin with respecting
ourselves. So, next time you bump into someone in the hallway,
think a little higher of yourself and be the one to say ―excuse me.‖
We cannot expect others to behave in a way that we ourselves don‘t
practice.
I think my guy Ghandi said it best: ―Be the change you want to
see the in the world.‖
Thanksgiving brings sentimental memories
By Connor Wilson
OPINIONS EDITOR
Thanksgiving. For most it‘s a time of celebrating
family unity and counting our blessings. Every year
since I was little has been the same. Sleep in, go to
Grandma‘s for lunch with my extended family, hang
out with them for the rest of the day, and finally
reflect on how it compared to past years. This time
around I‘m already thinking of past years. Not just
Thanksgiving, but every family gathering.
I remember at one point Thanksgiving at Grandma‘s was packed
with family members from all over. As the years have passed less
and less people have been making the trip. Maybe it‘s because of
the current economic condition of our nation, or maybe people are
becoming more independent and making their own traditions with
their own families. That could be the best thing for them but the
best thing for me is to go to Grandma‘s. She has been a huge part of
my life and I wouldn‘t trade any memories made with her for the
world.
She has helped to teach me to always do the right thing, even if
it‘s hard sometimes. Some things can‘t ever be replaced like the
taste of pumpkin and coconut cream pie, or the familiar melody she
always whistles when she is preparing food for the family. Some
things in life are hard but I
know I‘ll always have a strong
foundation in family. Thanksgiving should be spent with
the ones you hold close and
dear to your heart. No matter
where you go in life, family
will always be there. Family
to me doesn‘t mean just your
parents and siblings; it also
includes your close friends.
Not the friends that your
occasionally talk to at school
but the friends who walk in
when the rest of the world
walks out.
No matter where life
takes you remember your
family. Don‘t stay away too
long. ―Friendship is the only
cement that will ever hold
the world together.‖ Woodrow Wilson.
Top Ten Thanksgiving
Foods:
1. Stuffing
2. Turkey
3. Mashed Potatoes
4. Ham
5. Cranberry
6. Pumpkin Pie
7. Bread
8. Sweet Potatoes
9. Green Bean Casserole
10. Turducken
VERNOIS NEWS
Opinions, Page 15
Students’ minds in wrong place: change imperative
By David Price
VERNOIS NEWS
The American Eagle jeans. The New Mustang. The loudest sound
system. The newest cell phone and iPod.
These are the items racing through teens‘ minds not only at MV
but across the nation.
Though nice things that we all would love, focusing on these
items are taking the focus off of where it should be for young people in this day and age.
Instead of the newest and best material items students need to
be focusing more on school and involvement in activities. Even jobs
are being jeopardized because of lack of focus and commitment.
In 20 years there will be only one person who will remember
what jeans I wore, or what car I drove, or which cell phone I had
when I was 18 years old. This person is myself.
What is priority at this point in times is grades, tests, school activities and college preparation.
As high school students, we are starting to set the foundation of
the rest of our lives and most of us are focused on material items
that no one will recollect in 10 years.
Our grades and testing are going to determine our college future
and the start of the rest of our lives.
Getting involved and learning how to behave in society needs to
e in the forefront of our mind instead of impressing others with material possessions.
This generation‘s mind is in the wrong place. This may be the
reason for low grades and even the lack of respect in children of
this generation.
Clothing and cars will soon be a thing of the past, but the grades
made now and the life lessons learned as teenagers and students
will stick with us for the remainder of our lives.
It is imperative that our frame of mind shifts and puts into perspective what is most imported for us to be focusing on at this point
in time.
Jackson: MV needs
improvement
By Megan Jackson
VERNOIS NEWS
There is little doubt the chances of
2013 seeing a new state of the art high
school are slim to none.
Though it has much character from
the past, out high school is in much
need of some upgrades.
There are three areas that if addressed could improve the looks, energy efficiency, and safety at a minimal cost.
The first, and probably the most
costly change or improvement would
be new energy efficient windows in F
building.
This building, even though it is not
the center campus, is usually the first
building that visitors and students see.
After seeing the difference the new
windows at Zadok Casey Middle School
have made, I am confident that this
improvement will perk up the outward
appearance of our aging high school.
In addition this improvement would
most certainly make F building more
energy efficient and would pay for
itself within a brief period of time in
reduced heating and cooling bills.
The next area that needs some attention is the lobby of G building.
I think that a fresh coat of colorful
paint or some artwork reflecting school
spirit would make this area more appealing.
Our school is full of talented artists
that could showcase their work for all
to see.
Surely the walls are painted at least
every four years or so which could lead
to a new set displays on a regular basis.
Another area of much needed improvement are many of the classrooms.
Most of the teachers have done a
pretty good job of working with what
they have.
However, due to either a lack of
funds, flair for decorating or rather
nomadic movement from room to
room, some teachers have not spiced
up their rooms.
Paint, and inexpensive wall décor
could turn lifeless rooms into rooms
with character.
My improvements range from a project costing at least $100,000 to simple
painting and detailing of classrooms
costing only a couple hundred dollars
or so, costs remain outside the normal
budget.
I believe that there would be
enough money saved in electrical bills
from F building to quickly pay off the
expenses.
As far as the painting goes, perhaps
the art department could pitch in some
funds. Some of the many student organizations could also adopt an area
for improvement.
Class seating: Must for
future assembles
By Andy Hoppers
VERNOIS NEWS
―Teachers, at this time
would you please release
students to E Gym for the
homecoming assembly.‖
It used to be that
each class (freshmen,
sophomores, juniors, and
seniors) would sit with
their graduation classmates during assemblies
such as this.
We now have a new
seating arrangement for
assemblies, sitting with
the class hour we come
from.
I think that it should
go back to the way we
used to have it.
It helped out in many
ways, especially with the
Spirit Stick and also
showing the power and
unity of the classes.
Also it helps show the
school spirit and class
pride to sit with your
friends and other class
members.
I know that during the
assemblies now it is
harder to participate in
these activities when
your graduating class is
randomly placed around
the whole gymnasium.
Another thing I‘ve
noticed is the lack of
participation with the
current seating arrangements.
When the spirit stick
was introduced, they
called for the freshmen
to cheer.
None of them did, and
within five seconds everyone in the gym was
booing.
I believe that if we
had the seating arrangements with the graduating classes the freshmen
might have put up a fight
instead of no one making
a single peep when they
were called on.
To me, being seated
with your class gives you
the feeling of power and
unity and this should be
how it feels at all assemblies.
It also gives you a
sense of your class members having your back and
being there for you.
I would definitely get
more participation and
fun out of the students
and staff.
We need class seating
at future assemblies.
Page 16, Columns
VERNOIS NEWS
Florida road trip remembered
By Jessi Clark
VERNOIS NEWS
―Are we there yet?‖
These words filled the car with laughter just as we pulled out of
my driveway to head for Florida. I was in store for a long week of fun
in the sun.
It was the summer of the first grade year. My family, minus my
two brothers, and Brooke Greenwalt‘s family decided we would vacation together in Florida.
The trip was long and boring, as usual. The radio was playing
excessive amounts of oldies music, including the all famous ‗I Feel
Good‖ by James Brown.
We reached our destination, Tarpon Springs, and relaxed the rest
of the night.
By the next day, we were ready to hit the beach. We went
straight to a beach shop to buy the almighty boogie boards, while
Michael, Brooke‘s brother, one-upped us by buying a surf board.
The weather started out being dreary and a little rainy. Florida
weather was supposed to be always hot and sunny, right? Thankfully,
the weather cleared up and became the hot and sunny Florida we all
know and love.
Brooke, Michael and I walked onto the beach the first day with
our boogie boards, disposable cameras, and huge packs of Pringles.
We were taking everything in, and that‘s when we saw the
countless numbers of seagulls. We thought it would be fun to feed
them. We were way wrong. Once you hold up one chip, you better
make a run for it. Those seagulls come in groups and attack. My advice: don‘t ever feed the seagulls.
During the week, all of us visited an aquarium. For the first time
I got to see an actual sea turtle and shark. I was mesmerized by how
big they actually were. By the end of the tour we had the chance to
feed a sting-ray. I was scared to death, thinking I would flinch and
they would sting me. Luckily, I didn‘t and they didn‘t sting me.
We spent every day at the ocean. Whether it was building sand
castles, boogie boarding, or feeding the mean sea gulls, we had no
worries in the world.
The trips was about to come to and end, and, of course I was
sad. I would have loved to stay longer, but our parents had to get
back to work and we couldn‘t leave my brother home by himself
forever.
I was looking back at pictures we had taken with Brooke just the
other day. I realized how fun that trip was. We were so young and
carefree. I would love to go back to Tarpon Springs with them sometime.
You‘re only young once, so make the most of it while you can.
Seniors face stressors such as deadlines, college, relationships
Sleep deprivation is a way of life during our senior year of high
school.
Seniors must decide on commuThe experience of a senior is one
nity college or a four-year college?
like no other. It‘s supposed to be
Possibly take general classes at the
the best time of our lives. But are
community college and transfer afthe stresses of senior year really
ter two years when certain of a maall they‘re cut out to be? What
jor. Will the community college to a
some call the best part of our life
four-year college?
is a very stressful time.
The cost of college is an eye
Making good grades, passing
opener. Will a job be necessary? Is a
classes, extra-curricular activischolarship possible? The scholarship
ties, deadlines, college applicaapplications are piling up. There is
tions, scholarship applications,
so much information to fill out and
relationships, the list goes on and
essays to write. Sort the applicaon. The worry of ―what will I be
tions by deadline and get started!
when I grow up‖ is a pressure
Relationships are a crucial part
that teenagers stress about for a
of being a teenager. Going to lunch
very long time. The acknowledgewith your sweetheart is the highlight
ment of growing up is exciting
of the day! What college is he/she
and also terrifying. Making life
applying for; should you apply to the
changing decisions is something
same college? Will the relationship
that our parents have always
last if attending separate colleges?
done for us; until now.
There are so many unanswered
VERNOIS
NEWS
photo/Logan
Murphy
Procrastination is the definiquestions.
tion of most high school students. Senior Blake Fields sits in the hallway of H Building pondering his future. Many seniors
Concerned parents are a confind themselves stressed out by decisions they make during their last year.
Waiting until the last minute to
stant reminder. Keep your grades
do homework has been a way of
up. What college are you planning to go to? Don‘t forget you have all
life. During senior year that must change, students need to learn a
those scholarship applications to complete. You don‘t need a steady
good work ethic. Making good grades and passing classes have always
boyfriend you have plenty of time to date. The love of concerned
been important, but now students realize GPA and test scores are
parents can be smothering at times.
important when applying for college.
Somebody just tell me what I should be when I grow up. Will
Sports, clubs, choir, all things that students have enjoyed the
destiny lead me in the right directions? Maybe I can live at home
past three years seem to be more time consuming. School, practice,
until I‘m thirty! Okay, take a deep breath and move forward. Tomormeetings, and homework, there aren‘t enough hours in the day. Is
row is the next day of the rest of my life. Enjoy senior year because
the enjoyment of the activities enough to continue doing them?
I‘ve been told it is the best time of our lives.
By Lamanda Bean
VERNOIS NEWS
VERNOIS NEWS
Columns, Page 17
Costumes provide disguise, escape from reality
By Alicia Sheldon
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Growing up, I always wanted to dress ―pretty‖ for
Halloween. A few costumes I donned during my
childhood years included Angelica from ―Rugrats,‖
Bubbles of the ―Powerpuff Girls,‖ and the generic,
ever-cool, ―pop star.‖ One year, I decided that I
would be audacious and dress up as the Grim Reaper
— but I just ended up looking like a becloaked raccoon.
Halloween was more than just stuffing my face with sugary
treats and the cavities that followed — it was a chance for me to
embody another personality altogether. I didn‘t stop at the cos-
tume and makeup. For one whole night, I forgot who Alicia Sheldon
was and instead took on the traits of some of my favorite characters
(Of course, this excludes the Grim Reaper. I didn‘t go on a rampaging blood harvest or watch people beg for their lives, and my plastic
scythe was not enough to scare even the biggest of wimps). I could
be anyone who I wanted to be, and for that reason, I looked forward
to Halloween every year.
Though I could play dress-up any time I wished, it didn‘t have
the same Halloween ―spirit‖ that made the holiday so special to
me. Halloween took me to a separate realm that I could only visit
once a year. Once my head hit the pillow on Halloween night, after
checking for ghosts and monsters, I would breathe a contented sigh
and fall into enchanted dreams of carved pumpkins and candy corn
Catholicism gives student headache
By Cassy Austin
VERNOIS NEWS
My head throbbed and my heart raced. I stared at the enormous
stained glass windows and Mother Mary stared right back at me.
The auditorium of St. Mary‘s Catholic Church was filled with
devoted followers of all ages. I looked around the crowd and selected a few people that I would mimic during the service since I
had no idea what I was supposed to do. Feeling confident, I had
decided that participating in this confirmation service would be a
piece of cake.
Soon I heard the angelic voices of a choir floating through the
air. The surround sound was amazing! It was like Heaven was right
above us and when I looked up I realized that the church choir was
indeed in a balcony directly above me. What a disappointment.
These were not angelic creatures, just plain old human beings singing from hymnals.
As the service continued, I found myself standing up and sitting
down, kneeling and then standing and so on and so forth. I was not
accustomed to being this physically active in my day to day life, let
alone in a church service! If I wanted to exercise, I would have
gone to the fitness center.
The constant motion did not help my splitting headache and I
started to become disoriented. When everyone else was kneeling I
would stand, and when the congregation was standing I would be
kneeling. It was quite embarrassing to be a step behind everyone.
After what seemed like an eternity, we finally had a break from the
intense workout. I figured it would be a water break, but there was
no such luck.
My confusion grew as did the pain in my brain. A man in extravagant robes stepped forward and began speaking. The problem
with this was that I couldn‘t understand a word of what he was saying. Was this some kind of religious gift like speaking in tongues?
Was he possessed?
The speaking was so intricate and pronounced. But what was he
saying? Maybe only Catholics could understand it and because I wasn‘t Catholic I couldn‘t comprehend. Later, I found out that anyone
who could speak Latin would understand because he was speaking
Latin. Why are we speaking Latin in Mt. Vernon? We‘re not that
culturally diverse in Southern Illinois.
I decided that it would be best if I just stayed seated and kept
my head down. I had embarrassed myself enough. My head was
still throbbing so I put my elbows on my knees and rested my head
in my hands. I began to drift off into my own world and contemplate the complexities of the Catholic Church.
My train of thought was going one hundred miles an hour and it
wasn‘t going to stop for anything except maybe a water blockage.
SPLASH!
Water hit the side of my face and snapped me out of my deep
concentration.
What in God‘s name are you doing?!
When I looked up the bishop stood in front of me. He had been
blessing the crowd with holy water. How was I supposed to know?
When someone throws water on me my initial instinct is to confront
that person, so I did.
His face had a look that could only mean I was doomed to hell
for speaking out of turn. I was so frightened that I stood up and
tried to cross myself and ask for forgiveness but I didn‘t know how.
I ended up poking myself in the face and tripping on the kneeling
bench.
I knew I would never be allowed in the Catholic Church again. I
disgraced my Catholic friends and interrupted a sacred service. I
might as well have killed Abel.
As embarrassing as all of that was, I had bigger problems. My
cranial cavity was about to explode. I sat down and assumed the
thinking position again. I prayed the most heartfelt prayer I had
ever said to God.
―Dear Lord, I‘ve never been to confession. I yelled at your holy
bishop and I think I broke your kneeling bench. Please tell Mary
that I‘m sorry and that I honestly don‘t know how to cross myself.
Please don‘t send me to the lake of fire. Oh and Hail Mary and
such. Amen.‖
I didn‘t say it to a priest so hopefully this would be good enough
to save my soul. The service came to an end and I got out of there
as quickly as I could. Congratulations went to my friends and I
headed for the door to freedom and luckily slipped out unnoticed.
As I got into my car, a sigh of relief spilled from my mouth. I
pulled down my visor and looked into the mirror to try to get my
composure. When I peered at the reflection I became startled. My
pupils were completely dilated! The brown of my iris was replaced
by the black of my pupil.
Obviously, it was time to go to the hospital. What had happened
in that church to make me feel this way? Was the communion bread
laced with some heavenly hallucinogen? Am I being punished for my
misbehavior?
In the emergency room of St. Mary‘s Good Samaritan Hospital (I
know, very ironic), the events of the day began to come back to
me. I had been hit in the head with a basketball in P.E. earlier that
day. The blow with the ball jumbled my brain into a classic concussion.
It was relieving to know that my behavior was not entirely my
fault, but that did not lessen the amount of embarrassment that I
felt. Will I ever be able to walk into a Catholic church again?
Probably not, but if I ever need a good workout, I‘ll go to St. Mary‘s
again, because after all, it is much cheaper than the YMCA.
Page 18, Columns
VERNOIS NEWS
Senior band members get involved in pre-game tradition
We march off into the tunnel, and here comes the starting
lineup. We are all shaking in excitement knowing of the trouble that
we could possibly get into, but despite that we were going for it.
Have you ever thought something would more than likely get you
The starting lineup is done; drum line is still playing the standard
into trouble, only to throw caution to the wind just to have fun? And
cadence. ―And the rest of your MV Rams. . . And the senior band
in doing so, you learn you‘ve made a lasting memory for the people
members!‖ said the announcer.
involved?
In mid playing, every senior drops their instrument on the
I‘ve experienced this very scenario first hand, recently in fact.
ground, flips off our hats and runs as if we stole something, not lookThe thought of getting in trouble seemed to be the drive behind this
ing back to see everyone‘s expression.
entire thing. Sad, but true.
As we got to the football
Let‘s start right at the beginplayers huddle, we are instantly
ning; the MV Rams football pregreeted to get in with them. Of
game tradition has always been
course we all join in to amp the
the same. Band marches out into
team up for the big game ahead
the MV formation, plays the Mt.
of them.
Vernon loyalty while the flag team
Now the huddle is over, it‘s
and cheerleaders do their routine
game time and the unfortunate
to it. Then it‘s time for everyone
walk of shame for the band memto stand up and remove their hats
bers. We must now face our punwhile the National Anthem plays.
ishment for what we just did. We
As soon as we‘re done, we are
broke a big rule that hasn‘t been
called back to attention and march
broken for quite some time.
toward the goal posts to form a
We all walk back with huge
tunnel for the starting lineup to
smiles, we feel accomplished.
run down, and the drum line amps
The crowd screams in exciteup the team by playing our normal
ment. I take one look at Mr. Wincadence. After the starting lineup
chester, knowing he is very upset
is finished being announced, the
with us.
remaining football players run
The rest of the band is walkdown the tunnel together to join
ing back to the stands, leaving us
their team for a huddle to combehind because they are obvimence the game officially.
ously embarrassed at our actions.
At this time, the band has
Seniors pick up their left behind
done their job, we‘re once again
belongings and walk back to the
called to attention and march off
stands.
the field to walk side by side to
We are greeted by our very
the stands, where we will sit until
agitated director, ―Everyone go
half time where we will play once
to the stands, but for those who
more.
ran just now, I want you to stay
It‘s all very routine and gets
right here as I take down all of
very boring for us. We have pracyour names,‖ he stated.
tice after practice to do the same
Not knowing what was in
thing. For seniors, we are very
store for us, we all did as we
annoyed by the whole process by
were told.
the final year.
One by one, our names are
VERNOIS
NEWS
photo/Jeanette
Straeter
My senior band mates and I
written down.
Several of the Homecoming night “tunnel runners” gather for a chance to reminisce on
decided we wanted to spice things their senior prank. The senior band members wanted to celebrate their last home game
We all go to sit with the
up a bit, and change some things. in a way that they would remember for the rest of their lives.
band, all the while, we were beWe decided that the best thing
ing lectured bout how disrespectwe could do is to run down the tunnel with the football team. Unforful our actions were.
tunately, we knew for a fact our director wouldn‘t approve. Many
As the last person sits in the stands with the rest of our band, we
other classes have tried but were threatened by taking away their
are all congratulated by our band mates for the amazing thing we
Disney World trip if they were to participate.
did.
Fortunately for us, it‘s the choir‘s year to take the trip. We figNo punishment came out of the whole deal.
ured ―What do we have to lose?‘
This is how I look at it. It‘s my last year in high school and I
We kept the whole thing secret, until the big night.
wanted to leave a lasting memory for everyone that I knew. I threw
Fast forward to Homecoming/Senior Night. We had a couple peocaution to the wind and decided to have fun instead of follow the
ple go talk to the announcer to have us announced, again keeping
‗normal‘ way of doing things.
this a secret between the seniors and the guys in the booth.
To the seniors who ran with me, I just want to say, we sucBefore we knew it, all the coaches were in on the joke; they
ceeded! We made a memory that I will never forget. It was a blast;
loved it. There‘s nothing better than having a whole group in on it,
well worth the time for planning.
and it makes all jokes better.
Simply put, life is too short to live in fear. Have fun and enjoy
So we march in, do the MV formation, do our thing as usual. Senlife as much as possible, within reason. Senior pranks will live on
iors are announced to meet their parents; homecoming court is anforever. Take the opportunity to make yours memorable.
nounced as well.
By Derek Burwell
VERNOIS NEWS
VERNOIS NEWS
A&E
A & E, Page 19
MV rock band shares experience
stated Burge, ―logging onto iTunes and seeing how many downloads
we‘ve been getting.‖
In early 2009, Defused started playing live shows.
Kerrang! The sound of a guitar strikes out and the crowd goes wild!
―I definitely prefer playing in front of a crowd rather than reMV‘s rock band Defused returns the favor with a blasting guitar solo.
cording in the studio‖ explained Baltzell. ―Recording is boring and
Defused guitarist Michael Hicks, ‗11 started recording his own
complicated.‖
music in 2006.
Defused is looking forward to becoming popular enough to begin
―I needed a break from video games,‖ claimed Hicks, ―so I
touring around the world.
started to record music.‖ Defused
―We really want to start touring
started out being a solo music proEurope, that‘s where most of our
ject by Hicks.
fan base is,‖ commented Burwell
Later on, drummer, Brock
―We actually have a lot of people
Baltzel, ‗10 joined and assisted with
downloading our music in France.‖
drums and drum programming.
An online station called
Soon after in early 2008, Hicks
―Distortion Radio‖ played some of
and Baltzel were joined by guitarist
Defused‘s songs.
Connor Burge, ‗10 and bassist Derek
The listeners enjoyed the proBurwell, ‗10.
gressive rock tunes of Defused so
Thus Defused became a full
much that bands such as Paramore
band.
and Foo Fighters weren‘t played as
They started recording new
frequently.
songs and made a new album entiDefused is looking forward to
tled ―The Point of Beginning‖ which
VERNOIS NEWS/Photo Sheila Burge becoming a great band, and only
Connor Burge, Derek Burwell, Brock Baltzell, and Michael Hicks members of local band take break
is now available on iTunes.
a show. Although a young band they‟ve gained popularity over bands such as Paramore and time will tell what the future holds.
―It‘s a pretty cool feeling,‖ before
Foo Fighter in areas of the UK.
By Cale Smith
VERNOIS NEWS
A nice quiet chat with local band members
Davianne Kirk interviews Brock Baltzell (drummer) and Derek Burwell (bassist)
So, I’ve been wondering, what is
with the name of the band?
BB: Well Michael (Hicks) came up
with the name. It came to him in a
dream, I‘m dead serious. [he laughs]
Sounds like being not so mainstream has been a challenge?
DB: Yea, trying to gain fans being
instrumental has been difficult
enough then Napster and uTorent
stole our albums but that gives us a
I see, what kind of genre of music
little promotion at least.
do you consider your work to be?
BB: We‘re not sure if we‘re okay
DB: Instrumental progressive rock,
with that but at least we know peowe‘ve been highly criticized because ple want to hear our music if they‘ll
of our genre. There is a lot of diver- try to steal it.
sity to instrumental rock, a lot of
people say we need lyrics to make it How can your music be obtained
big. We‘ve made it this far without
legally?
lyrics so it is nice to be able to laugh DB: Anyone can listen to it at
at the people who said we couldn‘t
www.myspace.com/defusedtheband
do it.
but we would def prefer for you to
use iTunes, amazon.com, or
What influenced the band to be a
cdbaby.com.
part of this genre?
BB: Overall for the band, anything
What is the ultimate goal for the
instrumental like Joe Satriani. Perband? Are you boys seeking fame
sonally Avenged Sevenfold.
and fortune?
DB: I feel like we‘re influenced by a BB: Yea [says sarcastically]. Actually,
lot of different things, I really enjoy we just kinda want to go on tour and
complicated bass parts.
get our name out there. If the fame
happens we‘ll take it but right now
we‘re kinda going with the flow.
We‘re really trying to get people to
listen but if it doesn‘t work then at
least if was a good experience.
Do you have a record label?
DB: No, we def hope to be signed.
We‘ve talked to a few people about
being signed but it didn‘t work out
due to money. You have to pay
money to the label before they‘ll
sign you.
Can you briefly describe your music
making process?
DB: Well, it is very time consuming
and repetitive especially if the goal
is perfection.
BB: The most we‘ve redone one part
of a song is eight times. We just redo
it until it sounds perfect to us. It
took seven months to record the album we‘re about to come out with.
DB: We‘ll record a song in a day and
Michael will eq it to get everything
balanced and that takes about a
week to do.
Continued on next page
A&E, Page 20
VERNOIS NEWS
Hometown star thrives in spotlight:
McCoy lives the dream
By David Price
VERNOIS NEWS
Jordan McCoy left MV in pursuit of the life of stardom that most
can only dream of. McCoy‘s life has drastically changed since the
days of American Junior and she has become somewhat of an icon.
Jordan was used to singing to whomever would listen. This is no
longer the case for her. She has grown into a star and people are
now paying to hear her voice.
McCoy has recently released her first album Just Watch Me. It is
available on iTunes as well as in stores.
―It‘s crazy to be able to go buy her music in a store, I can‘t believe she has made it so far and been so successful,‖ remarked Gage
Cummins, ‘10.
Just Watch Me contains a variety of tracks about everything from
relationships and love to friends and drama.
―I usually don‘t listen to pop female artists, but I can deal with
her music, I actually like it,‖ Cummins added.
Locals remember McCoy as a spunky kid with determination and
drive from the very beginning.
―I didn‘t know her all that well, but she had a vibe about her
that just drew you in and made you listen to whatever she had to
say or sing,‖ praised James Mulvaney, ‗10.
―She has taught me to keep going and pursue anything I want
and not let a little adversity stand in my way,‖ commented Rya
Heady, ‗10.
Many thought because of McCoy‘s young age it would be hard for
her to succeed. These people were quickly hushed when hey heard
of her accomplishments and happenings in Hollywood.
―I admire that way she hasn't let her age stop her from achieving her goals,‖ Mulvaney stated.
Rumors have arisen about other albums and television shows
involving McCoy, but nothing definite can be said regarding the future for McCoy.
―I hope to ear of new and exciting happenings in her life and
wish her the best of luck,‖ admired Heady ‗10.
McCoy was recently quoted on www.atlanticrecords.com/
jordanmccoy as saying ―There were more people who doubted me
than supported me, but I‘m glad I didn‘t let anything stop me from
pursuing my dreams and now I know that this is where I belong.‖
McCoy is living the life of some of the most iconic people in the
United States. Her popularity is growing and all of MV is proud to say
that she is one of their own.
To hear the latest on McCoy, visit her Twitter and MySpace music
profiles at www.myspace.com/jordanmccoy or www.twitter.com/
jordanmccoy.
Check out Jordan online at www.jordanmccoy.com!
BB: Rehearsals are spontaneous, we
all have other stuff to do. If we have
a show we‘ll practice everyday that
week.
Is there anyone you would like to
acknowledge for offering financial
or emotional support?
BB: Our parents and George Hess for
sure.
What are the main themes or topics DB: Owners of places we‘ve been too
for most of the songs?
… The people at Pop‘s (in Sauget, Il.
DB: Brock and Michael write the
near St. Louis) were really great and
songs. They‘re about our past experi- welcoming.
ences and things going on in our
lives. One of our songs we have a
Any advice for other MV students in
backtracked message. Michael is say- hopes of forming a band of their
ing something and we played it back- own?
wards.
DB: Don‘t listen to people if they say
you can‘t make it because you‘re
different. Strive to be different and
prove them wrong.
Anything else you would like to let
MV know?
DB: We didn‘t expect to be this big.
When Michael and I started it was
sadly a joke but it really just took off
beyond expectations. We owe everyone who supported us along the way.
Especially our UK fans.
BB: Our summer tour will be sponsored by Hot Topic, they contacted
us and wanted us to play at all their
stores with stages. If we happen to
make it out to East Coast Mike from
Distortion radio mentioned he want
us to play. We get played on underground radio stations a lot.
·
VERNOIS NEWS
A & E, Page 21
Bean reviews horror flix
Horror Film Must Sees:
By Lamanda Bean
VERNOIS NEWS
Think back to all the horror movies you‘ve seen. Remember how they keep you on
the edge of your seat.
What horror movies this fall had MV cringing with anticipation?
―I would say Saw IV was good, but after the first ones it‘s not even scary anymore,‖ stated Derek Sanders, ‗10.
Saw‘s sixth movie came out October 13. Agent Strahm is dead and Detective
Hoffman emerged as the unchallenged successor. Jigsaw‘s legacy and grand
scheme was finally understood.
―I honestly think the Saw movies are dumb,‖ claimed Burdett, ‗10, ―I want to
see The Stepfather.‖
The Stepfather was released October 16. When Michael Harding came home
from military school and found his mother with a new boyfriend, he became suspicious of his intentions quickly. Michael suspected that his mom‘s new man, David
is hiding something. Michael and his mother soon discover David‘s dark side.
―Zombieland, looks really lame,‖ commented Olivia Bullock, ‗11.
In the film two survivors, a coward and a warrior, must team up to make it in
a world overrun by zombies.
―I don‘t like the really scary movies, but the bad ones are pretty funny,‖
stated Burdett, ‗10.
―I like them if they give an adrenaline rush.‖ said Caleb Staples, ‗12.
Derek Sanders, ‗10 explained, ―I like to be scared. If it‘s a horror movie that
just kills people it doesn‘t scare me.‖
In most horror movies the victims are always airheads. The thrill and suspense
is heightened by how stupid the victim can be.
Burdett thought she would be the one to trip and fall when the bad guy is
chasing her if she were a part of the cast of a scary movie.
Sanders expected to be the first one to die in a scary movie because everyone
can outrun him.
Would Bullock survive in a horror movie? She replied, ―No definitely not! I‘d be
too scared to run.‖
MV‘s horror movie hero would be Staples. He claimed, ―I would survive because I‘m a beast!‖
How would you fit into the cast of a suspenseful slasher film?
I Am Legend— This Will
Smith movie was based
on the book by Richard
Matheson. It is by far
one of the best zombie
films of this generation.
Robert Neville, immune
and the only survivor of New York and possibly
the world is in search of a cure and survivors of a
man-made virus. Perhaps the scariest part of this
film is the raw emotion and how realistic some of
the situations seem.
High Tension— this French
horror film is a beautiful mix of
gore and suspense. Also known
as Switchblade Romance at
time it puts you in the mindset
of Hostel with a unnerving
twist at the end. Be sure to see
the unrated version.
It— this 1990 film is from the
mind of the king of terror,
Stephen King. The plot is fear
itself. Adults tend to think
everything is controlled, monsters don‘t exist, they can't
scare you anymore... Well,
they‘re wrong: as "It" clearly
shows, adults are much weaker than children
when it comes to facing fears.
Autumn brings haunted house chills and thrills
By Reis Barnfield
VERNOIS NEWS
Every fall, MV students participate in different seasonal activities. A
popular tradition is attending haunted houses.
Standing in line, cold, anxious, somewhat sinking into the soft
ground. You hear screams and chainsaws coming from inside. You
wait and wait to be scared.
An old MV favorite is Jaycees Haunted House. If features a thrilling fictional story and of course, an impossible maze. You may become disoriented due to the darkness and smoke. It‘ll seem as
though doors are closing behind you as you progress through the
cold, dark path.
It‘s because there are doors trapping you in further as you keep
getting turned around and lost. Chelsea Johnson, ‗11 makes an ef-
Editor’s
Pick of
the
Month:
fort to attend the haunted house every year.
MV English teacher Jeremy Mays also attends the Jaycees every
year but he, along with scarefest.com also describes a more exciting
thrill of ―The Darkness‖ and ―Creepy World‖. Both multi-story
haunted houses that are located in Soulard, St. Louis, Missouri.
―The Darkness‖ and ―Creepy World‖ are prepared year-round b
Hollywood special effects technicians. The purchase of a fifty dollar
pass can get you to the front of the line at both haunted houses.
Mr. Mays described the two houses as a higher quality, more
bang for your buck thrill ride.
―It‘s well worth the trip and money,‖ Mr. Mays added.
If you do not feel like spending the money on gas, food, and tickets: stay in town, spend seven dollars at the Jaycees Haunted
House.
“Brooklyn” by Mos Def : This track is on the album Black on Both Sides. It
begins with a sample of ―Under the Bridge‖ by The Red Hot Chilli Peppers
but quickly goes to New York style rap. Mos Def doesn‘t just rap about the
basics– girls, money, and cars. He addresses serious socio-political problems
while remaining optimistic and affirmative from start to finish. Mad beats
laced with bass and great lyrics.
Page 22, Sports
VERNOIS NEWS
this just IN: Sports BEAT
MV Bowling prepares for upcoming season
Women’s Tennis completes season
By Sara Buffington
By Derek Burwell
With the schedule of games completed and tryouts over with,
the MV bowling team is gearing up for its first games of the
season.
The first match of the year will be for the boy‘s bowling
team, who are going to bowl Wrestlin in a round robin, and
Bellville East will be involved as well.
―This is the bowling team‘s 3rd year,‖ stated Coach Dave
Wagner.
―The idea was basically mine; I saw other schools having
bowling teams and knew Mount Vernon needed to be a part of
that,‖ he said.
After discussing the idea with Kristi Johnson, the girl‘s
bowling team coach, she get on board and thus was the beginning of MV‘s bowling team.
―We are going to have a fundraiser for the Mount Vernon
high school team and it will be a 9 pin no-tap scratch tournament open to all our league bowlers,‖ said Wagner.
He hopes it will keep everyone involved in the school
events.
The Mt. Vernon Rams women‘s tennis team finished off their season
very well. The girls ended the regular season with an impressive 10-1
record.
The South 7 Conference ended well for the team, with Chelesea
Cross earning 1st place in #1 singles, followed by Abby Gober who
placed 3rd in #3 singles. Allie Adcock left the conference with a 2nd
place in #4 singles.
Shaelynn Tice and Jeanette Straeter got 2nd in #1 Doubles. Chelsea
and Kylie triumphed 1st Team All-Conference. Followed by Abby
Adcock who earned honorable mention.
The team attended sectional play on Friday, October 16 at Carbondale and placed 2nd.
Sipe signs with SIUE
By Logan Murphy
With signing day around the corner Brian Sipe has a head start
on the field choosing SIUE to play college baseball.
Sipe, a talented catcher and good with the bat in his hand,
signed on November 5 with SIU Edwardsville to play catcher at
the Division 1 level.
―I‘m looking forward to playing Division 1 college baseball,‖ Sipe stated
The only ting Sipe has to do now is get ready for the opportunity.
Besides playing in the spring for the Rams baseball team
Sipe said he will, ―lift every day, take batting practice all
summer, and a play at a high level of summer baseball.‖
If Sipe works hard in the off season, he is hoping it will pay
off and will be rewarded.
―I want to start as a freshman, have a batting average of
over .300, throw out 65% of runners, be in the top 3 in RBI‘s
on the team, and win Missouri Valley Freshman of the year,‖
Sipe stated.
Sipe is setting his goals high as a freshman and setting
them even higher in the long run.
―I want my team to win the Missouri Valley Conference,
win a College World Series, and get drafted into the pros,‖
Sipe said.
Sipe chose SIUE for many reasons. ―The campus is new,
baseball is an up and coming sport. The campus is spread out
too,‖ Sipe said.
―I don‘t like how it‘s real close to MV. But, since I got a
good offer and an opportunity, that‘s why I chose it,‖ Sipe
added.
Sipe will join (on the field at SIUE) four other players he
already knows. Three of them being people who he has played
with over the past summer and the other being MV‘s Michael
Swinnen.
Sipe added, ―If I put the time and work into it I can do a
lot and achieve what I want.‖
Yankees capture another title
By Stephanie Modert
After defeating the defending World Champs, the Philadelphia Phillies
in six games, the New York Yankees returned to the top in style, capturing the win in the first year of the new Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees have won twenty-seven championships now with the
win in ‗09 and have won forty American League championships, remaining the team with the most World Series wins in Major League history.
―I don‘t care how many times you‘ve been there,‖ said Yankee
shortstop Derek Jeter, ―It always feels good.‖
Left-handed Andy Pettitte earned the win, throwing five and twothirds solid innings in the 7-3 win over the Phillies.
Khaos Kage Revival: A Sports Opinion
By Alaina Reeves
As a student council member, I‘ve often questioned my role on campus.
Sure, we put on homecoming week along with the traditions of
Spring Fling. But other than these two weeks, what do we do for our
school, our students?
It occurred to me, several weeks ago, that the support of students
during athletic events was very much lacking.
Students can blame this on the administration, while administration
can point fingers at the student body.
I, however, feel that when you point at someone, four fingers are
pointed back at you.
Both the student body and the ―big dogs‖ have made it nearly impossible to show school spirit.
Khaos Korner was, at one time, one of the main attractions at home
basketball games. Now it has become a thing of the past that even seniors don‘t show too much concern.
Now I said all that to express my hope in a ―Khaos Kage Revival‖.
Much like the ―Orange Crush‖ of The University of Illinois, I propose
the idea of allowing Student Council to be in charge of organizing and
leading a new and improved Khaos Kage.
By regulating and organizing, along with administration, the rules
and requirements of this high school cheering section, I believe change
can come.
I hope to have a meeting with my student council advisor and Principal Daniels to discuss these possibilities.
If all ages well you just might just see a dead tradition resurrected
soon.
VERNOIS NEWS
Page 23, Sports
Rams basketball season set to begin
Junior Kellin Edwards is ready for the season, as
he stated what he does to prepare himself for a
game.
Scott Gamber loves to coach his basketball team,
―I always like to prepare myself by listening to
and he‘s very good at it
music, staying focused, and thinking about the ulti2009-2010 Rams basketball season is set to begin,
mate goals,‖ said Edwards.
and, following IHSA rules the first practice will be
Regionals can always be difficult for the MV
held November 9. The Rams will be opening up the
Rams.
season this year by playing their first game in the
So who is going to be the toughest competition
Pyramid Tournament November 23.
this year?
―This is the first year we have ever been in it,‖
―Belleville Althoff went to Elite 8 last year, and
stated Coach Gamber.
has everyone of their players back. Carbondale is
―I think it‘s a good opportunity for us to start out
always tough too, but were going to go as far as we
and rack up our wins from the start,‖ shared Ian
can,‖ remarked Coach Gamber.
Randolph, ‗11.
Just not MV Rams share this love. Players worldSo what is expected for the team this season?
wide have the same thing in common, and it‘s the
―I think we have a deep team, I think we have a
competitive drive that carries them through life.
chance to be athletic at times, but we also don‘t
The actions and moves made lead you to a path
have a lot of experience on the varsity level,‖ exoriginating from the game loved so much, basketplained Gamber.
VERNOIS NEWS/photo Cameron Stewart ball.
So are the players ready for the season ahead of Coach Gamber is starting his second season
From youth, teenagers, collegiate and profescoaching the Rams.
them?
sionals share the same dream, basketball is life.
―A lot of the guys are not in a fall sport, so
―The season might be tough with some [of last year‘s seniors]
they‘re ready to start; I hope everyone is excited about the season
gone, but I hope we all can work together as a team and win,‖ comstarting,‖ Shared Gamber.
mented Randolph.
By Haley Randolph
VERNOIS NEWS
Injuries hinder cross country success
By Andy Hoppers
VERNOIS NEWS
MV Cross country team
has been plagued with
injuries
throughout
this season which has
hindered their success
this year.
The addition of
many new young runner, like freshman
Collin Young and Steven Boss, who have
both done exceptionally well for gust being
thrown in the mix.
On an overview of
the season Coach Clint
Turner put it best, ―It
hasn‘t
been
outstanding, but it‘s been
okay.‖
Even with some
new freshmen in the
mix, some veterans
are doing well.
Even though they
haven‘t
won
any
meets, they have got
quite a few 2nd
places.
With their runners
they have no matter if
senior.
With
that
there runners are
doing well in getting 1st and 2nd
places but they
need a better
middle
line-up.
―We‘re winning
the battle, but
not the war,‖
Coach
Turner
added.
A key factor
for the team has
been senior Jared
Wilemon, ‗10
He
won
5
races this year
and has been
healthy all year.
He has also
set a new personal record in
the 3 mile with a
time of 16.36. He
is the numberone runner on the
VERNOIS NEWS/Lifetouch
team.
Jared Wilemon „10 pushes himself through a long hard race. Jared
was the number on runner for the MV cross country team.
For more information on this
topic visit www.mvths.org and look under
they run the best
the ―Sports‖ tab.
it‘s a freshman or a
Students reflect on
Coach Harrison’s
dedication
By Maggie Aaron
VERNOIS NEWS
Mr. Steve Harrison has taught at MV for
many years.
He coaches girls‘ freshmen basketball in
the winter, girls‘ soccer in the spring, and
currently boys‘ soccer in the fall.
I enjoy having Harrison as my coach,‖
stated Aaron Neibert, ‗13, MV soccer player.
―He knows what he‘s doing, and I look forward to having him as my coach in the future,‖ continued Neibert.
Girls‘ basketball has kicked off with tryouts that began in early November.
―I am really looking forward to the upcoming basketball season and playing for
Coach Harrison,‖ commented Natalie Williamson, ‗13.
Between Coach Harrison‘s school activities during the year, he holds basketball
open-gym‘s in the summer along with Coach
Lonnon, and soccer ―open-fields‖ for kids
who want to play.
He has also spent the last few months
recovering from hip surgery he had back in
August.
VERNOIS SPORTS
Volume 88 - Issue 3
GO RAMS AND LADY RAMS!
Cam’s Ram Review
October/November 2009
Lady Rams finish season strong
who tied for fifth with 175 points.
After a week of finding a balance between
maintaining strength, but also not tiring their
Mud, sweat, and tears—the words brought to
legs in the hope of being fresh for their State
mind by the Decatur-McArthur Cross Country
meet, November 7 was filled with nerves and
Sectional—proved to be no match for Mt. Vernon
anticipation.
Lady Rams on the morning of Halloween.
A seventy degrees and sunny day ensured
Led by a first place finish by MV‘s Margo
good conditions, much better then the snow flurRichardson, in a time of 18:03, the Lady Rams
ries encountered during last year‘s State meet at
captured a third place finish after winning their
the ever-famous Detweiller Park.
Centralia regional.
A bittersweet feeling swept over the Lady
After placing 5th, 6th, and 7th, respectively
Rams with earning an 11th place finish—the best
the last three years, needing a fifth place finish
ever achieved by a Lady Rams team, but at the
to qualify for State, there were no promises gosame time, being a day filled with ―almosts‖.
ing into the race
Margo Richardthat the team would
son,
defending
make it out of the
State
Champion
sectional.
earned a second
Not just one
place finish, but
person would be
ran her best time
able to have a good
ever on the Detrace, and the team
weiller
course,
still make the fifth
17:20, missing a
place mark. Every
repeat championgirl would need to
ship by six seconds.
run a strong race
Stephanie
and step up to help
Modert just missed
the team score.
All-State
honors,
Strong
races
finishing 26th, hopfrom the team‘s
ing to secure the
core proved to be
coveted spot next
the difference with
year.
a great showing as
The team had
well from the two,
VERNOIS NEWS/Photo Alaina Reeves discussed the possithree, four, and five Jenna Wilemon races hard against Centralia‟s Anna Fields in a meet during the „09
bility of finishing
runners. Smart rac- season. Jenna captured 22nd place at Sectionals and 56th at the State meet.
10th in the team
ing and good comstandings, coming up only one place short.
peting ensured the trip to State.
Other than Richardson and fellow senior runWith top thirty positions held by the top four
ner Toni Huff, who qualified their senior year
runners, Richardson in 1st, Stephanie Modert in
and captured a 13th place finish, this was the
13th in 19:38, Jenna Wilemon in 22nd in 20:08,
first trip to the State meet for the rest of the
and Toni Huff in 28th in 20:27. Rachel Rexing
team, giving the girls needed experience for next
ran 21:41 for a 70th place finish to round out the
year.
top five.
With Modert finishing in 18:42, Jenna WileJoining the Lady Rams from the Decaturmon in 56th in 19:27, Huff in 101st 20:29, DaviMcArthur sectional are Sacred Heart-Griffin, who
anne Kirk in 47th in 21:31, Rachel Rexing 158th
won the sectional; Springfield High School, who
in 22:01, and Jessica Cooper 169th in 23:15, the
captured second; Chatham Glenwood earning
ladies proved they could hang with the top runfourth, and Urbana and Champaign Centennial
ners of the state.
By Stephanie Modert
CO-FEATURE EDITOR
Can’t beat
Ram Pride
By Cameron Stewart
SPORTS EDITOR
The leaves have fallen and the fall
sports season has come to an end.
Both the Lady Rams cross country and tennis teams had outstanding records. The other fall
teams did not see their best season.
Despite some disappointing
games and less than hopeful results,
the Rams‘ Spirit was unbeaten.
Mount Vernon Township High school
has a long and strong tradition of
school pride and loyalty.
The football stands were always
filled with a roaring crowd of fans
decked out in orange and black
clanking cowbells and cheering the
Rams on. With fans like Brendan
Brooks at nearly every football
game in full body paint, it‘s easy to
tell that there are some truly dedicated Ram fans.
Basketball season is right around
the corner and everyone is anxious
to see what the Rams will bring to
the court.
I know that I can‘t wait to strap
on my drums and get everyone going insane at the Rams first home
basketball game. Changnon Gymnasium will be packed with fans old
and young full of Ram spirit. But
you know where I will be … See you
in the Khaos Kage!
“You have to expect things of yourself
before you can do them.” - Michael Jordan
To inform, educate, enlighten, and entertain | A VERNOIS PUBLICATIONS GROUP PRODUCTION