May - Limestone Community High School
Transcription
May - Limestone Community High School
Limestone Community High School Bartonville, Illinois 61607 Volume 55, Issue 8 Editors: Sami Hubbard and Leah McElhiney May 5, 2009 Limestone organizations hit the road Disney Land for the Marching Band JROTC heads to Ohio The JROTC students pose before leaving for Ohio. In this picture: Back row: Chris Wood, Nate Fales, Jamie Bombhold,Thomas Ricks, Andrew Ellis, Sergent Johnson, Major Russik Middle row: Kayla Lupperger, Sami Smith, Jonny Shwindenhammer, Cory Banks, Josh McCollum, Justin Joosten Front Row: Kelsey Rahming, Terisa Farris, Penny Lane Photograph Courtesy of Sami Hubbard The marching band takes a break for a picture in front of Magic Kingdom. Photograph Courtesy of Mr. Empy By Autum Greeson Hot sunny days spent laying out on the beach in Florida is a typical vacation over Spring Break. This year, a large group of LCHS band students went on a trip to Florida. Although they were not able to go to the beach, the students did have the chance to do something that many high school bands are not able to do. The band applied, auditioned by taped, and had to send pictures of their uniforms in order to perform in the pre-parade for the Disney Magic Music Days they and made it. Every band student had the opportunity to go on the trip, but with the 579 dollar expense only one hundred band students, eighteen color guard members, and thirty chaperones and parents attended. To get ready for the trip, it took a lot of practice inside and outside of school. Also, there was a lot of fundraising events that went on such as the Market Day sales, a car wash, and “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” which was a silent auction. After a whole year of working hard, spring break finally came. On Saturday, April 4, the marching band took the long journey down to Florida. After the twenty-three hours of driving that included the frequent stops for gas, restrooms, and food, the band made it to the Fairfield Inn. During their trip, they had the opportunity to do many activities. On the first day of their arrival they went to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. After liking Hollywood Studios so much, they decided to go back again the second day and spent the rest of the day at Epcott. The third day, they went to the Magic Kingdom and then got ready for the pre-parade of the Disney Magic Music Days. Then the whole reason why they went to Florida in the first place finally came. The parade was three quarters of a mile long and they performed their piece for this season’s parade called “Entry into Olympia” by Dale Hopper. The band arrived back to the school on Tuesday, April 7 after a very successful trip. Mr. Empey shared his thoughts about the trip in saying, “They did a great job and it was a great trip.” He also added, “It was awesome. The kids were well-behaved. It was a blast!” To add to the thoughts of the band director, many students had much to say about the trip. Ellen Reynolds, freshman, said, “The trip to Disney was loads of fun and a great learning experience. Marching in that parade was completely amazing.” “The parade was amazing. It felt great to be able to perform for all of those people.” expressed Brianna Johnson, junior. Hannah Shue, junior, exclaimed, “The Disney trip was extremely laid back, everyone went to have a good time and once it was parade time we realized why we were really there. Between having thousands of people supporting us and marching toward the castle, it was a performance I will never forget. I’m extremely proud to be a Marching Rocket.” Samantha Post stated proudly, “It was the perfect way to end my senior year!” With the success of the band trip, they hope to attend in four years when the Disney Magic Music Days happens again. By Tony Azbill Limestone JROTC cadets have been very active this last semester of school. They have been practicing their drill movements every Thursday after school and have been training their Honor Guard. The dedication and hard work put forth by the students in the program has been gaining them reputation in and out of school. They have presented the flags at multiple events including monster truck shows, LCHS basketball games, an ICC concert and the Peoria Pirates. Five students took a trip to Scott’s Air Force base to learn proper movements when presenting the flags. The students involved in the trip were Nigel Wheeler, Danielle Webster, Jacob Joosten, Kelsey Rahming, and Nathan Fales. Recently they went on an orientation flight sponsored by the 182nd airlift wing. The aircraft the cadets flew in was a C130. The C130 was invented during the Korean War. It is the prime transport for air dropping troops and supplies into hostile environments. Central High School’s JROTC joined our cadets on this flight. The flight was held on April 27. They departed from Peoria Airport and arrived at WrightPatterson Air Force Base in Dayton Ohio. While they were there, breakfast and lunch were provided by the 182nd airlift wing. The only out of pocket expense for the cadets was the IMAX and any personal souvenirs. They also visited the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The museum is located at the base. It is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum. There are more than 400 aircrafts and missiles on display, most of which are indoors. Several Presidential aircrafts are on display as well. These include the ones used by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. There are many other exhibits on display. All aircrafts on display were built by the United States, unless otherwise indicated. Students were chosen based on third quarter report cards. The students were required to be at the Air Guard base by no later than 5:30A.M. and at the school by 5:00A.M. They made it back around 4:00P.M. All students were required to be in uniform. Only 15 students were chosen to go on the trip. Students that went are Cory Banks, Jamie Bomhold, Andrew Ellis, Nathan Fales, Teresa Farris, Jacob Joosten, Penny Lane, Kayla Lupperger, Josh McCollum, Kelsey Rahming, Thomas Ricks, Johnny Shwindenhammer, Sam Smith, and Chris Wood. Sophomore Kayla Lupperger said, “This trip was an amazing experience. Seeing all the planes and history at the museum was fascinating. I’m glad I didn’t pass up the opportunity.” Senior Sam Smith thought, “The museum was freaking amazing.” Opinion 2 Editor: Taylore Carr Dica arrivederci By Tyler Owen As the expected topic of this edition of Unspoken coincides with the theme of this month’s Limelight, I told myself I should write something unique. I wanted to author something of brilliance that would reign forever in the tongues of seniors of both today and tomorrow. I wanted to author timeless words that would be quoted at every graduation nationwide for years and years to come. I believe I have that kind of poetry in my soul, but I just cannot seem to grasp the certain words that convey the emotions I am feeling. Just one paragraph into the article, I feel as though I have effectively explained my inability to explain things effectively. This is truly just a tip-ofthe-iceberg preview at the inner paradox I am experiencing in writing my ultimate farewell to the students of LCHS. To this point, not a single one of my articles has traveled the path I had originally set for traveling, and I feel I owe it to my audience (let alone myself) to express the kind of passion and mindset I have been so blessed and/ or cursed with possessing. I want nothing more than to sum up the high school experience in six or seven hundred words, making classmates both nostalgic and optimistic about the future. I want underclassmen to read my words and feel inspired to work to their full potential without missing a bit of fun along the way. I want our educators to see the thoughts of an average student written out before them and better understand the perspectives of both students and themselves. I want to express my longing to make my audience stop for a second to take in all that I have said, while also coming to a good deal of self-realization. I want my readers to feel as though they have taken something valuable from their time spent on this, just as I want to feel like a better person by putting these thoughts into word form. The humbling fact of all those desires is as simple as this: what I have learned in high school can be neither elegantly nor justly summarized by any amount of words. These words are futile and insignificant. Not only that, but greater and heavier experiences lie ahead of me. Conclusively, I am wasting my time by stressing the perfection of this article because it will all be useless and forgotten by Sunday, the tenth. But it is with this said fact that I wish the class of 2009 the best that life has to offer. No matter how more or less perfect this lowly piece of literature is, it will end up in the recycle bins and garbage cans of classrooms throughout the school in no time at all. These words mean everything to me now, but they are just words written for the sake of being written, and will be ultimately treated as such. What is important is how I feel these words have impacted others and how they also somewhat build a window that leads to the person I am inside. The main point that my fellow classmates must retrieve from this elegant mess of prose is that our footprints on Earth are miniscule, if even noticeable, but ever important. It is not the words we use, but the manner in which they are said. It is not the experiences we have made, but the way experiences have made us. Sure, the artist has created beautiful work with lines, shapes, and colors, but it is life that has lined, shaped, and colored the artist to become the beautiful piece of work he/she is. To you, my audience and, hopefully, my friend, I wish you everything both our hearts can possibly muster. I wish you the very best of life’s endeavors, and prosperity in each one respectively. Although everything has room for improvement, I could not be prouder of the way things have resulted, and I hope the feeling is shared. It is here that I must bid my farewell, but never forever. From here, my farewell article will be either saved by pack-rats or recycled into more paper, which will continue the same cycle. My farewell will be a part of something for years and years to come, and I can only hope you will feel its presence before it becomes someone else’s goodbye. Thank you. Auf Wiedersehen By Leah McElhiney It’s MAY 5th!! And believe it or not, it is our last day of school, seniors! It has been one wild and crazy ride and I have enjoyed every minute of it. It has been a colossal rollercoaster with no limits to its height. However, now it is that awful time; we have to climb out of the roller coaster seat and say goodbye. No matter how you say it, auf wiedersehen, aloha, adieu, arrividerci, shalom, or proschi, it is still an arrow to my heart and my stomach will still drop like every dive in the roller coaster’s t r a c k . Waking up has always been a drag in my book. However, when I wake up tomorrow, it will be worse. I will only see most of you one last time at graduation. It will be filled with speeches, smiles, laughs, and tears and my heart will be filled with sorrow. As the songs begin to play and we race off the field, the memories of these last four years will flash through my head. From “go home freshman” to “Can we get a ride” we have left our marks on this school. I do not mean physically, although more than half of the lunch trays say “’09.” We have left our memories drilled into the minds of every teacher, dean, and underclassman. They will all struggle the last thirteen days of school, they will not see our smiling faces, nor will they hear our obnoxious laughter. From Freshman English to Senior Consumer Ed and APS, we have left every class with the knowledge it is one more step closer to our future. Every stride we have taken, every move we have made has influenced our future. Every tid-bit of knowledge that we h a v e managed to suck up is now the foundation for what is to come. To each and every one of you, you have left your mark in my past, your memories in my mind, and your love in my heart. You are my past, and you have influenced my future. My last words to you: enjoy college (or whatever your future plans may be) and I hope that you succeed in everything that you do. Remember, “it is by chance we met, and by choice we became friends.” - Anonymous Photographs courtesy of: www.thepixelgardenblog.wordpress.com, www.associatedcontent. com, www.clker.com, & www. jengwei.blogspot.com Limelight Limelight is the student newspaper of Limestone Community High School. It is published monthly by media methods students. Limelight is a member of the Quill and Scroll, National Scholastic Press Association, and Illinois High School Scholastic Press Association. Students are responsible for the content of Limelight. Views presented do not necessarily represent, in part or in whole, those of the Limestone Community High School administration or faculty. Editorial policy is determined by the Editorial Board of Limelight, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of the editorial board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent that of Limelight. The paper is distributed free to students and staff. Subscriptions are available by mail anywhere in the US for $8 per school year. Contact us at: Limestone Community High School, 4201S. Airport Rd., Bartonville, Illinois 61607. Telephone: (309) 697-6271. Email: [email protected]. Read us on the Internet at: http://limestone.k12.il.us/limelight. Printed by School Publications Company, Neptune, NJ. Editors-in-chief: Sami Hubbard, Leah McElhiney Editorial Board: Chris Butler, Taylore Carr, Tyler Owen, Connor Webster Chief Photographer: Sierra Redmon Student Business Advisor: Liz Kelly Assistant Student Business Advisor: Blake McWilliams Reporters: Tony Azbill, Kelsi Cheek, Kimberly Fawley, Autum Greeson, Nick Hermann, Nick Jones, Liz Kelly, Danny Miller, Jordan Miller Advisor: Rebecca Coovert Opinion 3 Editor: Taylore Carr À tout à l’heure By Sami Hubbard Today is our last day seniors. We have been waiting for this day for the past four years, but now that we have reached our final days of high school it is hard to let it go. High school is supposed to be the best years of our life. I agree, but with those good times we learn some of the most valuable lessons of our lives. Through my four years here I have discovered many things about myself. I hope that through my articles, even though you may have been upset or disagreed, that some students have learned at least one thing. I started Limelight as a freshman reporter. My sophomore year I became the editor of the opinion page. Along with it came my monthly opinion article. I did not write anything big that year, mostly because I was scared of what people would think. Junior year I became Co-Editor-in-Chief along with Leah McElhiney. This came with many new responsibilities, but I still had the same monthly opinion. In the second issue I wrote a story titled “Who wears short shorts”. I knew that people would take what I was saying the wrong way. I was not trying to upset people; I was simply trying to get my point across. Even though I knew people would get mad, I still wanted the story to print. After many approvals from the deans and Dr. Funke, the story ran. I never guessed how much people would blow the story out of proportion. People I did not even know threatened me, all because of an opinion. This year I had about the same reaction from my story “Get some class Limestone”. What I am trying to say here is that even though you may not agree with me, I hope you can respect the courage it took to print the stories I wrote. I am willing to say not many people in this school would have had the courage to print something in the school paper that they knew people would get upset about. I hope that you can take from my experience that little extra confidence to say what you have to say. Even though you may have about one thousand students mad at you, you will find out who your true friends are. Leaving Limestone will be hard. I know that I am moving on to bigger and better things, but being a part of the Limelight has been such a huge part of my life. I will also miss the speech team and waking up at five in the morning every Saturday. I feel good leaving though, I have left my mark. Twenty years from now you may not remember my name or my face, if you even know it now, but you will remember what I have done. Twenty years from now you will remember “that girl who wrote that one story”. I hope that when you do remember you remember how brave that girl was. So even though Saturday will be a bitter sweet day, I know that I will get through it. We have been through highs and lows as a class, fighting back to the class of 2006, to the loss of a fellow classmate. I really mean it when I say I will miss every one of you. Even though we may not get along, you were a part of shaping who I am today. I wish you all good luck, and I am proud to graduate with each and every one of you. Congratulations class of 2009. We have made it. Do svidaniya By Sierra Redmon As the year comes to a close, the realization of graduation is truly setting in for me. In less than a week, the seniors of Limestone will be celebrating our final moments of high school. As I think back from my f r e s h m a n year until now, I would not change anything that has happened in these past four years. They were years of happiness, sorrow, regret, and achievement. And I will never forget a moment of it. I am having a hard time finding the words to express how these past four years have changed my life. I have walked these hallowed halls for four years, and I am walking away with all the memories I could ask for and more. Of course I will come back for the occasional visit, but it will not be the same. Luckily, I am taking a piece of Limestone with me and I will never forget what happened here. All of the dances we attended, the games we cheered at, the money we raised for Easter Seals, those are memories that are going to stay with us the rest of our lives. I would not want it any other way. I am told that saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do in life. I would like to meet whoever said those words so I could ask them what moment in their life made them think that saying goodbye is difficult. The past few years have held hardship f o r everyone, but I believe that saying goodbye to the Class of 2009 marks an amazing milestone in all our lives. Of course I am not happy about leaving all of you, but leaving is a part of life. Luckily, with a class that has as much swagger as we do, the goodbyes will not be filled with sadness, but of companionship, enthusiasm, and hope of the future. So this is my goodbye seniors. Do not forget what you learned here, and the people who helped you along the way. Take every part of the past four years with you. Remember who you were here and the person you are going to become. Good luck in the years ahead of you, with anything and everything. In the immortal words of William Shakespeare, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.” Some more wise goodbyes from our Senior staff... Deuces I cannot believe that the day is almost here. The day when the seniors finally leave. Most of us look forward to it. Some of us wish it wouldn’t happen. It will be difficult for most of us. Unlike myself, most seniors have been here for the past four years. Some are going to college, some are joining the military, and others are going to get a job. I will be leaving in a little over a month. I am going to Fort Jackson, North Carolina for basic training. I am not saying it will not be hard for me though. I have a lot of friends who are underclassmen. I plan on coming back to visit certain teachers next year. Teachers like Miss Tinnon and Sgt Johnson. I may even stop by Mr. Veirs’ class, maybe. Anyway, I just wanted to say goodbye to everyone who isn’t graduating. At least the senior class is leaving something behind for the underclassman to remember us from. - Tony Azbill Limestone, So comes the time to bid adieu. It is time to leave behind good friends and great times to embark on my own adventure. High school has been such a learning experience for me, but it has been a hard, stressful road. As happy and eager as I am to be graduating, it saddens me to say goodbye to my friends and teachers. To my fellow seniors, I want to thank you for making these last four years so memorable. From the time we were freshmen and being told to go home, to serenading the freshmen as seniors. It has been a great ride; one that I will cherish forever. You guys are great! To my teachers, thank you for being so harsh, demanding, and obnoxiously funny. Because of you I have the skills needed to do well. Life here at Limestone has been a great experience and I know my memories from here will always be with me. -Liz Kelly Dear Limestone, Another year, another senior, you do not know, saying good-bye. However, I would like to say so long to all of the teachers, administrators, and underclassmen that I have gotten to know along my high school journey. High school has been one of the most interesting periods in my life. I hope that it will be the same for any student who is still here, reading my conclusion. It is over and done with and I did not realize how important these four years have been until they were done. From the hesitant first days of my freshmen year, to the pranks in ‘taxidermy’ class with Mr. Hebron and the class slogan of ‘Deuces’, I am glad I enjoyed my time here. High school really is a life changing experience in any student’s life. I would just like to ask the underclassmen to enjoy your time here as well, and, finally, to say good-bye. -Kimber Fawley Four years at Limestone came quicker than I anticipated. These past few weeks I have done nothing but try to make time go faster for graduation. Now here it is… the very last day! Now, you expect me to give a few words of advice before I go. Despite the fact that I do not believe many people are going to really take the seniors advice to heart… heres my two cents. I do not agree that these are the best years of our life. They are definitely a time of learning and growing, but the future holds much, much more. But do not try to hurry your life along. Make every day here worth your time and have as much fun as possible. The future is going to bring bigger and better things. Just remember when you mess up, it’s gonna be fine. You have your entire life ahead of you. One mistake in high school will mean nothing once you are gone. -Kelsi Cheek I’m not one for emotional farewells, but this time it’s different. Many times before I would say good bye knowing that I would see who ever I am bidding farewell to soon. But this is different considering I may not see 95 percent of you again. I’ve made so many friends that will be leaving for college, moving away, or I just won’t keep contact with. However, I hope that this is not the last time I see many of you. Some of you have really made an impact in my life and will never be forgotten. I know that later in life I’ll be able to open up an old yearbook and relive something unforgettable with a majority of the faces I see. My past four years here at Limestone will be something I will never forget and there will be memories to cherish for the rest of my life. I’m going to miss you Limestone. To put this in the words of the class of 2009, “Deuces”. -Danny Miller Feature 4 Editor: Chris Butler What is love By: Tanya J. Wolfram Love is one word A word I haven’t heard Betrayal and distrust Seems to always be a must. Young and naïve Life isn’t an ease. Doing what I do is never enough Obstacles and trials make life rough I keep my head high And tell myself I will get by Knowing that they doubt me Makes me want them to see That I am a woman to be. Looking forward through the years, I’ve promised myself no more tears. Looking in the mirror I see a beautiful picture Behind my eyes lie A girl who will try and try Never giving up my dream Although they’re ripping at the seams. Love is one word A word I haven’t heard Betrayal and distrust Seems to always be a must. Young and naïve Life isn’t an ease. Doing what I do is never enough Obstacles and trials make life rough I keep my head high And tell myself I will get by Knowing that they doubt me Makes me want them to see That I am a woman to be. Looking for a word through the years, I’ve promised myself no more tears. Looking in the mirror I see a beautiful picture Behind my eyes lie A girl who will try and try Never giving up my dreams Although they’re ripping at the seams I know my faith will help me through Although my prayers are far from few. I left without my words to you, And I want you to hear it, all the truth. The long nights I had to fight Keeping my words back because I knew it wasn’t right You’re an amazing friend With a backbone and a plan. Your smile so bright, Your presence always known Like you sat on some type of throne. All I have learned about you Makes me feel like you have to be untrue. In the dark you don’t see my tears. I cry the cry of a friend’s fear. The friendship isn’t there and they don’t even care. I’ve cried my cry so now I say Compiled by Liz Kelly With Jill Parks College- Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design Location- Milwaukee, Wisconsin SAT/ACT- Not needed, but encouraged High school diploma- Diploma or G.E.D. Transcript of high school records- Yes Student to faculty ratio- 1:15 Total enrollment- 675 Tuition- $24,950 Room/Board-$7,583 Total- $32,533 Why did you pick this college? Because I love it! And I feel Like MIAD will give me the education I need in the art world. Oh, and the scholarship didn’t hurt. What’s your major? Photography, Graphic Design What was the deciding factor on moving away from home? My freedom to live my life on my own terms and it is a great way to get a new start. goodbye. Eyes of almonds. With so much patience A mind at ease, A look of affection You have my attention. Laughter with dimples I wish it could be simple Nine year Could bring lots of tears. So I leave it alone, To think about and leave home. Do you really care or does it ease your mind To keep me on track and stay on my back It means so much that you care I promise to always do my share. You keep me with a smile. Something I haven’t had in awhile You have no idea what this means to me So I won’t confuse you and I’ll let it be A friend is something I’ve never had. No one to call on when I needed you the most. You have no idea how it feels To know that I wasn’t too big of a deal to have a friend like you. I’ve shed my tears, but now I switch gears. Always knowing that I was so near. Not making any attempt to find me, Leave me alone, Let me be. I have no words for you. I know my faith will help me through Although my prayers are far from few. You’re an amazing friend With a backbone and a plan. Your smile so bright I thought about it tonight. And in the dark, you don’t see my tears. I cry the cry of a friend’s fear. The friendship isn’t there and they don’t even care. I’ve cried my cry so now I say goodbye. With so much patience A mind at ease. A look of affection. You have my attention I wish it could be simple Sixteen years Could bring lots of tears. So I leave it alone. To think about and leave home. Do you really care or does it ease your mind To keep me on track and stay on my behind It means so much that you care I promise to always do my share. You keep me with a smile. Something I haven’t had in a while You have no idea what this means to me So I won’t confuse you. And I’ll let it be A friend is something I’ve never had. No one to ever call on when I need you the most. Sometimes it hurts. But the more I think about it the more I want to scream They aren’t there and they don’t care. I’ve made it all this way without a friend To think about it another day You have no idea how it feels To know that I wasn’t too big of a deal I’ve shed my tears, But I switch gears. Always knowing I was so near. Not making an attempt to find me, Leave me alone, Let me be. I have no words for you. Me and you will forever more be through Cause friends last throughout the years. --This is for all of my friends that I have and for my older sister, Candie, and also my two nieces, Marleigh and Nevaeh. Jetting to D.C. By Liz Kelly How does a free trip to Washington D.C. and a chance to win $1,000 sound? For some, this sounds like an amazing dream but, for Dalton Vodden, it was just the beginning of a very busy spring break. Vodden went to Washington D.C. to compete in the Academic World Quest hosted by The World Affairs Council. The Quest is a game similar to scholastic bowl with teams of four competing against each other based on their knowledge of the world. Unlike scholastic bowl, Vodden was the only Limestone student participating in this tournament. His team consisted of himself and three men from East Peoria, Bloomington Central, and Dunlap. The students were accompanied by an executive of Peoria Area World Affairs Council (PAWAC). The one day tournament was held at The Press Club building and the students competed for scholarship money. Each team member from the winning team received a scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Out of the 3,000 students who participate in local competitions nationwide, only 168 students attended the Washington D.C. tournament. In order to win a spot at the Academic World Quest in Washington, students must win a local tournament. For Vodden, his bid was won when he was named to the all tournament team at the PAWAC tournament. Vodden has been a very dedicated member of Limestone’s scholastic bowl team. He has participated in the competition all four years of his high school career. He also took part in his grade school scholastic bowl team for one year. The Washington D.C. trip was just an amazing way to end his scholastic bowl career. Vodden left for Washington D.C. on Friday, April 4 and partook in the tournament on April 5. The team took 6 out of 41 teams. Kudos on a job well done! Feature 5 Editor: Chris Butler Say tchau and auf wiedersehen By Danny Miller This year, Limestone was fortunate enough to host two full-time foreign exchange students; Luiz Zomignani of Brazil and Malte Hornbogan from Germany. Malte and Luiz arrived in the US over the Luiz Zomignani from Brazil. Photograph courtesy of Sierra Redman. summer and are staying for just under a full year each. Luiz came from Sao Vicente, Brazil on August 9. He went through the Student Travel Bureau, which had him fill out a lot of paperwork, take a lot of vaccines, and also had him pass an English test given to all of the interested exchange students. To be able to come to America, Luiz had to answer 50 of 64 questions correctly on the test. He says he came to the United States to have experience in a foreign country and to improve his English skills. He has enjoyed his stay in America thus far, minus the fact that the weather is too cold for his liking; but he has made many new friends and plans on returning after completing high school at home. Luiz will be leaving before the end of June. Malte, the exchange student from Hamburg, Germany, arrived in America on July 27. Like Luiz, Malte also had to pass a test and fill out a lot of paperwork in order to come to America. He says it costs quite a bit to go through the foreign exchange program, but that scholarships were offered to help. Malte explains he is not exactly one of the better students in his class, just one of the typical guys. He claims to be the everyday “Average Joe”. He told me he came to train to be a banker and to meet new people. He has missed his friends and family at home but says he has had a good time in America. He says, “I did enjoy Malte Hornbogan from Germany. Photograph courtesy of Sierra Redmon. living out on the big blue lake, but like everything, it had its highs and lows. I think my life has changed a lot.” Malte also plans on a return sometime, mainly to visit the east coast. Malte will be leaving June 1 to return home and finish his schooling in Germany. Luiz and Malte will be greatly missed by our community and we will all be hoping for another visit soon. Two Classes Come Together By Kelsi Cheek This year, Mrs. Bentley and Mr. Binder have come up with a new project to challenge their seniors. Every year, Bentley’s senior Illustration class requires the students to create a children’s book as their final project in the class. the Creative Writing students developed and came up with the stories while the Illustration students created the pictures and pages. The Creative Writing students were split up into groups and were each paired with one Illustration student. Binder and Bentley have also been working on their own story together. The students have enjoyed making the projects. It was something different and new to try, bringing some relief to last few weeks of school. “I enjoyed making the project. It was a lot of fun making all the pages and seeing the book come together,” said Senior Courtney Bacon. The seniors spent their last Compiled by Autum Greeson Mrs. Montgomery Mr. Privratsky How many years have you been at Limestone? 10 years What are you going to do after you retire? I’m going to travel, relax, and ride my bike. What is a fun fact that you have learned while teaching at LCHS? (About the students, staff, or yourself) Laughing at yourself releases stress What is fun about being a social worker? I enjoy working with students. I have enjoyed getting to know the students, their families and faculty at LCHS. Last semester, two staff members retired as well. Mr. Jim Sprague, a custodian, retired on November 1, 2008. Also, Mrs. Karoe GibbFletcher, a fashions teacher, retired on December 19, 2008. How many years have you been teaching? 31 years What subject do you teach? All of the automotive classesfreshmen through senior What are you going to do after you retire? Find another job to pay for my two girls’ college bills. What is a fun fact that you have learned while teaching at LCHS? (about the students, staff, or yourself)? I have been stuck in a “time warp” for the last 31 years dealing with high school students and now I can finally grow up. What is fun about your job? Messing around with my good students and then bumping into them years later and still having the same relationship with them. Compiled by Nick Hermann few weeks making the books in their second hour. Being in the class, it was neat to watch the pages become more detailed and colorful each day. This was a very productive and unique idea for the students. It allows a lot more creative opportunities for Pages from books created by Mr. Binder’s Creative Writing class and Mrs. Bentley’s Illustration class. Photographs courtesy of Kelsi Cheek. Normally the students would write and illustrate a book that was completely their own, until a new idea was brought to the table. Binder came to Bentley with this idea. Binder’s senior Creative Writing class and Bentley’s Illustration class have decided to create the children’s books together. This, of course, means that Retiring teachers both classes. It also helps give a better understanding of publishing books and working with others. The stories were well written and very unique, while the Illustration students have made very bright and interesting pages. The projects already stand out much nicer from previous years when the Illustration students created them strictly by themselves. Name: Sierra Redmon Grade: 12 Year in Limelight: 1st Role in Limelight: Photographer/Reporter Favorite food: Pizza and Chinese Favorite color: Black Favorite music artist: Brad Paisley Favorite childhood cartoon: Rocko’s Modern Life Fun fact: My three sisters and I all have the same initials. Name: Danny Miller Grade: 12 Year in Limelight: 1st Role in Limelight: Reporter Favorite food: Good ole’ cheeseburger Favorite color: Brown Favorite music artist: I can’t pick just one. Favorite childhood cartoon: Johnny Quest Fun fact: The Limelight staff would like to keep Danny’s fun facts a secret. The Limeight staff would like to congratulate Jennifer Kelly on winning the “I lost the Game contest.” Congratulations!!! 6 Goodbye Editor: Taylore Carr Class of 2009 Encouraging words from your... Superintendent Dr. Kelly Funke Dear Class of 2009, Saturday, May 9, 2009, marks the graduation of the Class of 2009. However, your graduation day is, ironically, not for your celebration but a gift from you to your parents, grandparents, family, and friends who have helped you the past four years to reach graduation. Your celebration and reward for your hard work will be seen as you take what you have learned from Limestone and apply it to your new role, whether you enter college, join the armed services, or begin your career in the workforce. Limestone Community High School will always be proud of the accomplishments you have achieved. The Class of 2009 has accomplished many tasks for which you should be proud. From the senior member of the Student Council to the Senior Class Officers to the senior leadership on our athletic and cocurricular competitive teams, you have always been reliable, enthusiastic, and dedicated. No one will ever forget the great things your class has helped achieve for our school. The gifts of life through your blood donations, the food baskets during the holidays, and donations to the Easter Seals Foundation have established the caring nature associated with the Class of 2009. The Class of 2009 has provided our school and commu- nity with wonderful, memorable moments including the Softball team’s Class 3A State Championship, Mid-Illini Conference Championships in the Automotive, the Fall Play, the Madrigal productions, the Spring Musical, and All That Jazz performances. The Class of 2009 will be remembered for the successes on the athletic courts and fields, the stages, and within the community. In areas of academic success, your class boasts many gifted scholars. Members of your class will be attending colleges around the country and in a variety of settings. Many other classmates have already been accepted in the various branches of our armed services where they will use their Limestone education and experiences to develop new skills while defending our country. Still others of the Class of 2009 will take the skills and education learned the past four years and immediately put them to use in the current workforce. As you say your last goodbyes to Limestone, I encourage you to remember all of those individuals who have given you the opportunity to accomplish so much while at Limestone and have prepared you to be able to do so much more in the years ahead. Please tell your parents, grandparents, and that special person how much you appreciate the sacrifices they made to ensure you would graduate with distinction as a part of the Class of 2009 by allowing them to join your graduation ceremony on May 9th. At the same time, thank your teachers for sharing with you the gifts of knowledge and friendship. These gifts will continue to enrich and brighten your future. Finally, remember each other. Every member of your class is unique and each played a role in all that you have accomplished the past four years. To each of you, please accept my personal congratulations and very best wishes for continued success throughout your lives, and my thanks for giving so much of yourselves to make Limestone such a great school. Sincerely, Kelly J. Funke. Ed. D. Superintendent My Little Goodbye: I may not be graduating next month with the class of 2009, but I am going to miss a lot of you dearly. As the class of 2010 came to Limestone, your class welcomed us with open arms. As freshmen, I am sure we annoyed you but that annoyance grew into friendship. Now three years later those friendships have grown stronger. As you walk that stage to obtain your diploma, you open up a world of opportunities. With your life moving on, try to stay true to yourself. Life is going to throw many good things as well as bad things at you. It is a fact of life. Just don’t take your life for granted. Take all the chances you can and make as many memories as you can. One last thing - thank you - now go make a difference, be that change! Opinion/Goodbye Editor Taylore Carr Student Council President Teddy Delicath Dear Class of 2009 (’09 BABY), I have the distinct pleasure to write a farewell to our extraordinary class. To say goodbye to a class that has undoubtedly left its mark on the halls of Limestone. A class of unique individuals that brought a sizzle and spice to the plain broth of Limestone. So I will keep this short this just like David Mooney’s attention spam. Taking a stroll down memory lane so many memories come to mind. We put the big bad seniors in their place our freshmen year at our first variety show. Collectively we were a group of awkward and boney kids that hadn’t hit puberty yet, but we gave Limestone a taste of what kind of class we were and were going to be. Of course, everyone remembers the epic run the Average Moes had against the seniors in our first dodge ball tourney. As sophomores we started having a senioritis itch, and as juniors we strolled with the swagger of a fifth year senior. I’ve been to a couple other schools’ dances and I have yet to see any of them shake that stanky leg or get down on it with apache like the class of ’09. Our class is eccentric, hilarious and if you want the truth at times strange and peculiar. In all honesty if some of us attended any other school, we might be social rejects. Friends h i p s have formed through our athletic programs, extracurricular activities, and our class’s love for late night excursions., So I say this to our class, savor the sweet memories you remember and even the ones that have become a little hazy. Love your friends for who they are and throw the petty drama to the wayside and enjoy our last days. Our high school lives may be drawing to a sad and tear filled halt, but the real fun is just beginning. Hopefully, our bonds will stand the test of times and for most of us these four years have gone by way too fast. So I say this with swollen eyes and an aching heart, “Thanks for the memories, the laughter, and the love. I will always call our class a family and I will always be proud to associate my name with such a stellar cast of individuals that collectively, may be the greatest senior class Limestone has ever seen.” In loving memory of Brandi Marie Palazzo, whose life was cut short, whose spirit will never die, and whose memory will be etched in our hearts forever. Class President Melissa Durdel Many seniors may consider this an ending but it’s just a new beginning; new adventures, new triumphs, and new discoveries. Adventures that may shape our lives or new triumphs that may lead us in a different direction. Whatever direction you may go always believe; always believe you can reach past the stars, always believe there’s s o m e o n e there when you fall to guide you back up, and there’s always someone there to dry your tears. Those people will always be the Class of 2009. We have become one, a class that has gone through many ups and downs, a class that has relied on one another through thick and thin. So as we say goodbye to all we know, remember the teachers, your parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters and your friends that helped you get this far. Thank them for all they have done but most importantly never forget the tears and laughter we have shared and the friends you have made. Good Luck Class of 2009. Congratulations, we’ve done it! Class of Please note that the people listed below are those that took place in the Limlight graduation survey. Also names are in alphabetacle order, going downward in the columns. If your name is not listed below you either to fill out the survey or your answers were not school appropriate. Surveys that are listed in blue are from students in the top ten percent of the Class of 2009. Congratulations Seniors! Name: Tony Azbill Major: Architectural Engineer School: ICC/ISU Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years?: Tinnon, her class is very relaxed Name: Brittany Bacon Major: Communication science and disorders School: WIU Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Mrs. Nannen because I have learned a lot vocally and she has helped build my confidence with singing. Name: Courtney Bacon Major: Art education K-12 School: Illinois College Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Mrs. Bentley she encourages and helps me. Also she has shown me it’s worth being a teacher because you get to see your students succeed. Name: Kurtis Behm Major: Architectural Drafting & Design School: ITT Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Camp Name: Nichole Bill Major: Speech pathology School: SIUE Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Kathy Thomason, there are too many reasons. Name: Gabriel Blancaflor Major: Civil tech engineering School: Bradley Name: Jeff Brooks Major: Undecided School: ICC Name: Aliex Bullock Major: Accounting School: Northern Illinois University Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Mrs. Warren she has the most positive way of teaching. Name: Whitney Carlyle Major: Cosmetology School: 5A beauty Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Miss Tinnon, she teaches us things that you need to know Name: Kayla Cook Major: Fire science School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Miss.Tinnon she teaches about life values. Name: Brad Courdt Major: Engineering School: U of I Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Miss Bonifas, she taught me a lot about leadership Name: Jessica Dearing Major: Exercise science School: Heartland College Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mrs.Tinnon, because she helps you and pushes you to do better. Name: Ted Delicath Major: Political Science School: IWU Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mrs. Adams. Name: Jason Boucher Major: Poly/Sci School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Fitch – Biggest role model and only teacher I could talk to Name: Jordan Barnes Major: Pre-med School: University of Illinois Champaign Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Binder, he’s pushed me to be the best I can be at everything. He’s become my brother and mentor. Also, Mrs. Stout. She was my fav during my Freshmen year. Name: Patrick Ding Major: Electric engineering School: University of Illinois @ Champaign Name: Melissa Durdel Major: Pedantic Nursing School: ICC/ISU Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Ms. Bonifas because she always pushes me to be my best and do what I’m capable of. Name: Danielle Ewing Major: Computers School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mrs. Bryan Name: Mike Fleming Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Coach Schmider/ Miss Tinnon Name: Chelsea Floyd Major: Psychology School: U of I Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Why? Mrs. Nannen and Mr. Binder, they both taught me to believe in myself and encouraged me to take on great challenges. Name: Kaid Fought Major: Undecided Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Mr. Allred because he was the funniest teacher and the most down to Earth Name: Antony Guiliano Major: Pre-Med School: Bradley University Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mrs. Bonifas because she is so inspirational Name: Asia Harris Major: Defense Attorney School: ICC - ISU Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Mrs. Nannen because she taught me that you can be and do anything you put your mind to. Name: Michelle Heitman Major: Massage Therapy School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Veirs-He really improved my writing and taught me many life lessons. Name: Jake Hermann Major: undecided School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Alfred, Wood, Farquer, Coaches. Name: Sami Hubbard Major:Journalism/Psychology School: Eureka College Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? L1 and L2 (Largent and Look): They taught me no matter how bad one tourney went, there is always next week. Name: Tyler Huffman Major: Secondary Education School: ICC /SIU-E Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Farquer Name: Amanda Hurst Major: Undecided School: University of Illinois, Champaign/ Urbana Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Mr. Binder because he showed me I could break out of my shell and was capable of so much more. Name: Ben Johanson Major: Mechanics School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mrs. Tinnon because she taught us rules to live by. Name: Jessica Friday Major: Environmental science School: ICC/Bradley Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Ms. Bonifas, she is such a nice person Name: Shawn Fryer Major: Film Studies School: Bradley Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Binder saves me the camera and direction Name: Rich Fuller Major: Wielding Specialist School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Mr. Seals, he’s an awesome dude Name: Marin Garcia Jr Major: Math School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Miss Maddison Name: Nick Gioviannia Major: Automotive School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Ms. Tinnon she’s down to Earth Name: Jameika Grier Major: Criminal Justice School: Parkland Community Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Miss. Tinnon she’s the best teacher and she loves what she does. Name: Tom Heuermann Major: Mechanic Engineer School: Bradley Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Mr. Hebron, he wears rubber pants Name: Jessica Jones Major: Biochemistry/Pre-med School: Monmouth College Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Veirs, because he taught me so many random things. Name: Lorin Heiser Major: Pre-Med School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Ms. MacAfee she’s taught me life lessons and prepared me for college Name: Missy Keith Major: Photography School: Indiana UniversityPurdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) Name: Malte Hombogen Major: Banking School: University of Kiel Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Robinson Name: Zach Hostetter Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Madame Coovert. Name: Liz Kelly Major: English Education School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Veirs because the torture and ridicule brought out the best in me. Name: Kirsten Krupps Major: Multimedia School: Bradley or IIT Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Kathy Thomason, she taught everyone a lot of good life lessons Name: Travis Ledford Major: Music School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Seals he’s cool like that. Name: Kristen Lehman Major: Digital Photography School: Art Institute in Schaumburg Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Ms. Tinnon Name: Carli Light Major: Pre-Med School: U of I Urbana Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Ms. Nannen, she taught me a lot and helped me to get involved in things I never thought I would. Name: Aaron Lorentz Major: Accounting School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Veirs, because with teaching I lost my shyness and he taught me to look at life in different ways. Name: Danielle Lowder Major: Physical Therapy School: ICC/Bradley Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Kathy Thomason. She always helped me out in rough times. Name: Tyler McBride Major: Undecided School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? G-Rob Name: Leah McElhiney Major: BIO-Chemistry School: ICC/Bradley Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Hebron and Mr. Adams. Both of them have made me see that there is more to life that what you learn in the classroom. However, what you learn in the classroom will get you through life. Name: Tyler McIntyre Major: undecided School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Miss Nannen she was always there for me 2009 Name: Nick Mehn Major: Undecided School: Monmouth University Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Allred, he always made things for us and I learned the most from him. Name: Dan Miller Major: Computer programming School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Largent, because I said so. Name: Cydney Moody Major: Theatre School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Binder, he’s taught me so much and made a huge on pact on my life. Name: Megan Morrison Major: Middle Level Education School: ISU Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mrs. Warren Name: Cassidy Mullen Major: accounting School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mrs. Warren Name: Jill Parks Major: Photography/graphic design School: Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mrs. Bentley- she has taught me so much and has always made her class fun. She will be the teacher I miss the most. Name: Robby Reeder Major: Elementary education School: ISU Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Mrs. Warren she taught me many skills that I will use as a teacher myself. I can’t forget Mr. Saylor. He taught me that losing was okay. Name: Ryan Paul Major: Criminal Justice/Fire Science School: Illinois State Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Veirs, he pushes you ready for college Name: Aaron Riley Major: Engineering School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Seals because he gave me a skill I’ll be able to use the rest of my life. Name: Mark Phan Major: Radiography School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? All my teachers! Every teacher has made an influence in their own way! Name: John Rivers School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Shipp, he taught me that you can be anything if you work at it. Name: Adam Pitzer Major: Criminal Justice School: ICC/Western Illinois Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Mr. Clausen-he gets work done Name: Amanda Robinson Major: Physical Therapy/Kinesiology School: ISU Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mrs. Warren, she’s a great teacher who has an amazing outlook on life. Name: Alex Plunkett School: ICC What is your fondest memory? When Rich ran into the pillar in Mr. Gross’s class Name: Samantha Post Major: Music/Math School: Parkland Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Empey he makes the last hour of the day enjoyable Name: Angie Reames Major: Veterinarian Science School: Louisiana State University at Alexandria Name: Seth Schwindenhammer Major: Undecided School: University of Illinois Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Coach Wood, like a father in school Name: Cody Shoesmith Major: Electrical Systems design technician Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Pille, he has taught me so much. Name: Rachel Slama Major: Nursing School: ICC/OSF Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Viers, because he has taught me the most. Name: Randy Nichols Major: Undecided School: U of I Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Ms. Tinnon she’s the loudest Name: Samantha Smith Major: Art School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years?: Mrs. Bentley. She’s amazing Im glad I’ve had her for my classes. She’s taught me that no matter how boring something is, it can be fun. Name: Brittany O’Day Major: Undecided School: WIU Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Miss Tinnon and Mrs. Seals Name: Tyler Owen Major: Education School: ICC/ISU Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Turner, because he was a teenager trapped in a man’s body. 1...2...3...4...FIFF Name: Katelyn Rupert Major: Undecided School: Bradley University Name: Sierra Redmon Major: Graphic Design School: Parkland/SIUC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mrs. Bentley, because she has taught me more than art in her class, she taught me about life. Name: Taylor Stewart Major: Bio-Chemistry School: NIU Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Veirs because he has taught me how to open up more and he’s helped me through the hard times. Name: Austin Szentes Major: Business School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Privatsky, he tells it like it is. Name: Danny Terrell Major: Culinary Arts School: ICC Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mrs. Tinnon, I’ve learned a lot of life skills from her. Name: Aaron Toland Major: Multimedia School: ICC Name: Kevin Traxler Major: Conservation police School: WIU Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Shipp, he’s influenced me to be strong Name: Cameron Vanvooren Major: Mechanical Engineering School: Illinois State Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Seals, he has helped me through the past 4 years. Name: Andrew Walker (Beard) Major: Undecided School: ICC Name: Bobby Wheeler Major: Architecture Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Mr. Pille Name: Kirstin Wikoff Major: Nursing School: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Which teacher had the biggest influence on your four the past four years? Mr. Veirs, because I have learned a lot. Name: Kristen Williams Major: Nursing School: ICC, St.Francis College of Nursing Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Why? Miss Nannen, she has always pushed me to do my best no matter what. Name: Tyler Wright Major: Auto Technology School: SIU Carbondale Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years?: Privatsky Name: Luiz Zomignani Which teacher had the biggest influence on you the past four years? Clausen 10 Welcome to this issue’s edition of Name That Movie! Congratulations to last month’s winner, Randy Hacker, for correctly recognizing the quote from Monsters Vs Aliens [B.O.B. pictured below]. He received a bag of Twizzlers for his display of cinematic knowledge! If you think you have what it takes this month, look at the movie quote below. Write your name, the name of the speaker, and what movie the quote is from and slip it into the envelope outside room 208 (Mrs. Coovert’s room) in the Foreign Language hall. We will randomly choose from one of the submissions to receive a surprise. Good Luck! Entertainment Editor: Tyler Owen Photograph courtesy of Tony Azbill “Count your blessings, Lizzie. If he liked you, you’d have to talk to him.” By Jordan Miller On Wednesday, April 1, some friends and I went to Beef O’Brady’s for dinner. Beef O’Brady’s is a sports pub that was established in 1985. When I heard that this restaurant had sports and good food I could not wait to experience it for myself. It is located at 2601 W. Lake Av. A-7 in Peoria. This restaurant includes a small bar once you walk into the restaurant. The bar includes about ten stools with a large countertop where you can eat. Also, in this restaurant is an arcade room with about seven games. The games include: Pacman, Fast and the Furious, Galaga, etc. If you do not feel like eating inside, food can be taken to the patio outside. When we arrived at Beef O’Brady’s, we were seated immediately in the center of the restaurant. Once seated, our waiter came to our table to get our drink order. Amber and I ordered water, while Stanley got a Root Beer. Our waiter told us he would return in a minute. While we were waiting, we gazed around the restaurant and saw that have about fifteen televisions all with a sports program on each. Keith Urban - Defying Gravity Reviewed by Taylore Carr does fit the song because, well, someone that you are thankful Keith Urban has been under it is really a “Sweet Thing.” for what they do in your life. the radar, often, in the past Number two on the track Now, “Hit the Ground Runnin’,” few years with his marriage listing is, “If Ever Could I Love,” is a fun song. In this song, a to actress Nicole Kidman and which was the girl left and birth of their daughter, Sunday i n s p i r a t i o n the guy went Rose Kidman Urban, born on and reason for after her. July 7, 2008. Urban is once the title of the “I wouldn’t again in the headlines with album. The waste all his new album released March title comes of my time 31, 2009, Defying Gravity. from the lyrics cryin’, I According to USA Today, Keith of the song’s wouldn’t sit says, “It’s a very up record. chorus. Part home alone Once we got in the studio and of the chorus wondering started recording, the majority is, “You know I where I went of the songs tended to be pretty can’t read your wrong, I’d be up [beat] and joyous.” mind, love, rockin’ on “When I picked you up for but it seems out of here, “ our first date baby, well, your to me that are just some Photograph courtesy pretty blue eyes, they were your heart and of the catchy of kick104.com drivin’ me crazy, and the tiny mine tonight phrases in little thought that was so are defying this song. It amazing, is they were lookin’ gravity,” This song is my second is a song that can liven up any at me.” This is probably one favorite on the album because crowd. of the better songs on the of the message the song states The other songs on the album new album, called “Sweet and the rhythm to it. It is are, “Kiss A Girl,” “Til Summer Thing,” number three on the about a person being afraid of Comes Around,” “My Heart is track listing of starting over Open,” “Only You Can Love Me Defying Gravity. on love yet This Way,” “Standing Right in I personally they want to Front Of You,” “Why’s It Feel loved this song when they So Long,” and “I’m In.” This the first time I meet this album really is pretty good. I heard it. It has person who liked all the songs, some more a catchy beat they think than others but there was not to it and can could be, one that I could say I did not pretty much THE ONE. like. Keith Urban expresses be listened to “Thank his emotions well through his no matter the You,” is songs and you can tell he is mood that you such a at a point in his life that he are in. The song sentimental is the happiest he has ever reflects a guy song that been. Urban shows that he is totally in love Keith Urban deeply in love with his wife and with a girl, his wrote. It has daughter, as well as showing “sweet thing,” a slow beat that he loves the place in his and wants to to it but is life that he is at. Fans can pick spend all his such a nice up his album, Defying Gravity, Photograph courtesy time with her. song if you at any local department store. of smh.com.au The title really want to show 4 out of 5. We noticed that a soccer game be $10.67 with the happy hour was being televised and the price of wings. If he did not tell 2009 McDonalds All-American me about happy hour my bill Game was on also. We decided would have been $13.99. Our food came out twenty to watch the McDonalds Game while waiting for our drinks, minutes after we ordered it. Everything which arrived was cooked in about two perfect, just minutes after the way we ordered we wanted them. Once it. While our waiter we were brought us eating we back our continued drinks we to watch the told him we McDonalds were ready Game on to order our the big food. Photograph courtesy of s c r e e n Stanley peoriarestaurants.com TV. While went first; enjoying the he ordered the chicken finger basket with game, our waiter continued to fries and coleslaw, which cost come and check up. At half only $7.29. Amber went next time of the game we finally and ordered the Philly Steak finished our food and paid for with fries, which cost $6.99. our bills. Overall, the restaurant had Lastly, I said “I want twentyfive wings.” While finishing very good food and a great my order, our waiter informed atmosphere if you are a sports me that Monday-Friday 4-7 fan like I am. I would have to P.M., they have a happy hour. give Beef O’Brady’s 3.5 out of The Beef O’Brady’s happy 5 stars. If you do not want to hour allows beef wings to dine in the food can be ordered be only 39 cents each. After to go. The phone number is Hopefully, he told me this I still wanted (309)688-5610. twenty-five wings. Thanks to you will enjoy it as much as our waiter, my bill came out to my friends and I did. Compiled by Danny Miller Disturbed Peoria Civic Center Peoria, IL Wednesday, May 6 7:00 PM Beach Boys in Peoria Peoria Civic Center Peoria, IL Thursday, May 14 7:30 PM Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities (Fireworks Show) O’Brien Field Peoria, IL Friday, May 15 6:30 PM Vince Gill Peoria Civic Center Peoria, IL Tuesday, May 21 8:00 PM Peoria Pirates vs. Quad City Steamwheelers Peoria Civic Center Peoria, IL Saturday, May 23 7:00 PM Entertainment Editor: Tyler Owen 11 Race to the finish The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls Reviewed by not have to do much in Blake McWilliams this movie. He just gets Zoom, Zoom, Zoom! That is to stand there with his the sound of very fast cars; arms crossed and mutter cars that are in the Fast and one or two lines per Furious. Fast and Furious sequence. Yes, of course is the fourth sequel, in the he races and beats up Fast and Furious franchise. a few people. This is The movie is rated PG-13 for all though, as he really violence, sexual content, and does not have much else drugs. going for him. Photo courtesy of The movie opens up with a Brian O’Conner is high speed chase. Don, played played by the returning bighollywood.breitbart.com by Vin Diesel, P a u l is with his Walker. in this movie in which people crew as they Unlike Vin should not have survived. The are chasing Diesel, he has unrealistic approach makes down an oil to show the it very cool and the special tanker. They emotion that effects are nice. manage to is needed. The negative thing about catch and He returns to this movie is the music. The wreck it, play the part music is some sort of Spanish letting Don very well. He or Latina music. We cannot and company also produces understand a word that is gain a lot of great action. being said. The music is also money. We There is no going very fast and does not learn of the problem with have a good beat. plot where him in this Fast and Furious could have Don is wanted movie. done a lot better with the plot, by both The greatest though. It is basically a plot criminals and thing about that we are all too familiar police and he this movie is with: the main characters is avoiding pretty obvious: are running from the law and them all. the cars and chasing a villain at the same Photograph courtesy Vin Diesel racing. There time. That is why it is getting of empireonline.com really does are wrecks only 3 out of 5 stars. Reviewed By Kimber Fawley her brother and sisters to fend I have wanted to review this for themselves, supporting novel for some time now. If each other as they dealt with you think your childhood their parents’ betrayals, and was unusual or unhappy, it as they found the strength to is nothing compared to the leave home. wild upbringing I really enjoyed experienced reading, what I think, by Jeannette was a great novel. Walls and her The characters grow siblings. In this to become relatable memoir, Walls to anyone who has tells the story of dealt with their own her original, but family problems. exceptionally The wonderful thing dysfunctional about this book is family. the author’s way Walls’ story of compassionately begins with her describing her parents’ ideals of situation. She nonconformity never condemns Courtesy of where it became her parents for her umbc.edu a curse and childhood. Instead, sometimes a she finds a way to blessing for the family. Her love her dysfunctional family parents, Rex and Rose Mary despite its numerous flaws. I Walls, had four children. They would recommend this novel to lived like nomads, moving anyone. It is a quick read, and through desert towns and a nice way to learn something camping in mountains. Rex about your own situation in was a spontaneous, intelligent life. man, who, when sober, taught his children everything from physics to literature. He especially taught the children to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, an aspiring artist, did not care for the responsibility of family, calling herself an ‘excitement addict.’ Later, when money ran out, the family found themselves in a West Virginia mining town. The family’s troubles Photograph courtesy escalated to her father stealing money from the family and of newsinfo.iu.edu disappearing for days. This left GRADUATION WORD FIND bachelors cap degree diploma doctors gown gpa grades graduates graduation high school homework honors masters papers school seniors students tassel teachers tests university D N N E Y Q P K D I Y X P X U K L J L U U E B M M J H P V C P Q K P L O J V R X N D A L D C X U B O J Y I J O L I H S N W Z W V M Q L E S S A T E H D P O G F M R M S W G S G B S Y W I C N Y S R E R K C X R E S T N E D U T S E N I O R S E V G U G K D U N V B P D R U I C J N X A V I W T R L A R O Y H J E K N L V M M T Z Q O A O O I R E I X I V W M M S O E Q A S R C W U B C G N T N I Y E S L H Q M W T R V E P U H K E D A N C B P A P E R S H W F M A S I A R D C U B I D J S L D R G Y L O C I C E E R G E D O C T O R S L Q I Q H H H S R O L E H C A B I M I M U G H O X E O T X X H L N E I R N R B V C P O P R T N T S E T A U D A R G D M N Z L E S X J O Y T N E J V K K O P P X O U F N N A J R L A N S G M Q W P Z Z A E T Word find courtesy of wordsearchfun.com N R P D A S P J X T Z M N X S M G U G E S R E T S A M S H S D X L M F H M N E Q Cartoon courtesy of cagle.com 12 Top ten: Teen Life Editors: Sami Hubbard and Leah McElhiney Top of the class of 2009 Top eight percent: Top ten percent: From left to right, in order of rank: Patrick Ding, Chelsea Floyd, Katelyn Rupert, Kristin Wikoff, Teddy Delicath, Ryan Stoens, Jessica Jones, Rachel Kyle, Sydney Gann, and Tom Heuremann. Photograph Courtesy of Sami Hubbard Aries March 21st to April 19th Those of you with families will be feeling a powerful nesting instinct this month as the planets encourage you to focus on domestic bliss. You will, the challenge of the organization and the strategy in very unusual manners! Those who surround you will become stunned and amazed. Thoughts and emotions on Graduating = I did it! Haha! I told you I could! I’m way better then you! Taurus April 21st to May 20th If you are single then be prepared to be convinced that love at first sight really can happen! Fiancés should be already starting to show improvements now. Issues from the past will need to be talked through. Thoughts and emotions on graduating = I worked very hard for this. I had some great times even though I missed a few of them. Hard work pays off. Gemini May 21st to June 21st As a Gemini you have a natural charm and wit, which appeals to a wide range of people. This month you can use this to your advantage in the work place and this could lead to promotion. It is a good time for the planning of cruising. You recall being on and around water to refresh your lost energies. Thoughts and emotions on graduating = Yes! I’m finally out of here! Now it is on to college and time to party! Cancer June 21st to July 23rd You need to begin this month by putting your foot down with a friend who thinks that they are acting in your best interest. The love you feel in your heart may not be turned over to your apple of eye. Patience and comprehension are the best approaches. Thoughts and emotions on graduating = My family is here for me and that brings a tear to my eye. Leo July 23rd to September 21st Emotions are running high in the first half of the month, but you are unusually perceptive right now and can resolve things with a few well chosen words. Later in the month you will have the ability to persuade and you can use this to improve your career position or gain advantage in a competition. Thoughts and emotions on graduating = I should have been the one to give the farewell speech! Why them? I deserve it more. Virgo August 24th to September 22nd A range of positive influences this month mean that you will see success literally falling into your lap. You may find yourself excited that you lose some perpestictive and forget your friends and family a little. Trust advice of a loved one this month. Thoughts and emotions on graduating = I did my best and tried really hard. I could have done better though. Libra September 23rd to October 23rd It may seem a little early in the year to be thinking about taking a vacation, but the planets indicate that this is the best time for you to travel. You are in the mood for soaking up some culture making this month a period of intense personal growth band learning for you. Thoughts and emotions on graduating = I can’t wait till I find that someone very special to me now. Let’s do this. http://horoscopes.horoscope.com/monthly_horoscopes/May09horoscopes.html http://www.horoscopezodiacsign.com/monthly-horoscope/may-horoscope.html Carli Light Taylor Stewart Lorin Heiser Kirsten Krupps Zaxhary Budde Amanda Hurst Jay Linsley Mackenzie Camp Courtney Langen Scorpio October 24th to November 22nd Scorpios rarely need to be told to be cautious as it is their standard approach to decision making. However, the planetary influences are encouraging you to take risks right now. The new feeling may be interesting, but do be careful as there is potential for losing money. Thoughts and Emotions on graduating = Ha! It is about time. I’m so glad I have Graduated. I need to celebrate with someone. Sagittarius November 23rd December 21st If you act now success will be fully within your grasp. A friend will be on hand to add their own particular skills. Finances could be hugely improved if you’re willing to make the most of the opportunity in front of you right now. Thoughts and emotions on graduating = Yes! I’m finally free! Woo Hoo! Capricorn December 22nd through January 19th On the work or school front you have been feeling as though something has been holding you back. This month that block will be removed and you can make spectacular progress, which will bring you praise and respect from all those around you, including someone special! Thoughts and Emotions on graduating = Well, I did well. I have prestige. That is good enough for me. Leah McElhiney Bradley Courdt Mark Phan Taylor Closen Jordan Barnes Michelle Heitman Mackenzie Shannon You have all worked hard and you earned it! Congratulations! Aquarius January 20th to February 19th If you are looking for success this month then you can rely on your charming personality as your charisma receives a major boost. Emotionally this is a month where you should be looking to someone to make some kind of commitment, don’t be scared to give them an ultimatum. Thoughts and Emotions on graduation = I don’t know what I wanna be yet. I hope I find that out in college. Pisces February 20th to March 20th Nostalgia is likely to dominate the first couple of weeks as contact with relatives brings back a number of fond memories. However, the second half of the month will be demanding as a number of outstanding projects need your close attention. Don’t let romance distract you. Thoughts and Emotions on graduation = It is now time to pursue my goals. I’m so happy. Teen Life 13 Editors: Sami Hubbard and Leah McElhiney Alright seniors, I realize that we all have the entire summer to wrap up everything before you go away to college, so here are some ways to say goodbye to the people here at good ole Limestone and fun ways to spend your summer Step One: Make sure all your expenses are paid off. If you sent more than two transcripts, then you need to stop by the guidance office to see how much you owe. Also, library and school books need to be returned. You will not be able to graduate if these things are not finalized. Step Two: The last week of school, walk up to your favorite teacher or teachers and tell them “thank you.” I realize your teachers may have been a pain, but just remember they felt the same way about you. Despite your mutual feelings toward each other, you owe your high school education to those peo- ple, and they deserve a Step Three: Attend little appreciation. I am Senior Tea and take not talking about buy- pictures with all of your friends. This can be the friends you have known forever and were with you the second you walked into the school, or maybe the people you have become buds with throughout the years. The memories of high school will help to comfort ing them a bouquet of you when you are adflowers, but a short justing to college life. and sweet “Thank You” Step Four: Try to be card would be the per- one of the first people fect way to say goodbye. off of the football field 2009 Scholarships Illinois Central College Board Steven Segler Memorial Cecil Wyman Memorial Limestone Girls’ Softball Association (LGSA) Kristen Williams Patrick Ding Bartonville Club Jillian Parks Lions Dalton Vodden LFT Union Limestone Community High School Alumni and Friends (LAFA) Katelyn Rupert Kristin Wikoff Rachel Kyle Melissa Keith Jordan Barnes Danielle Lowder Glen Aldrich Memorial Femmes Unir Limestone Communtiy School Kirsten Krupps High Jessica Jones Sam Gibson Memorial Kurtis Behm Chelsea Floyd Bartonville School Zachary Budde Diane Randle Memorial Grade Ted Delicath Pleasant Hill Grade and School Chelsea Floyd LCHS Alumni Friends Nichole Randle Kiddie Kampus Walters Preschool Robert Reeder Amanda Hurst Monroe Grade School Ryan Stoens Adeline Rosenbohm Memorial Leah McElhiney Oak Grade School Grove Charlie Mathis Memorial (Norwood) Pleasant Grade School Valley Megan Morrison Thomas Heuermann Virginia Correll Memorial Abagail Borland Taylor Closen Bartonville Superwash Nancy Barth Memorial Fund Lynn Hohenbery Memorial Nikki Jones (Monroe Boosters) Carli Light Kyle Reynolds Robert Reeder Roger Dailey Memorial Melissa Durdel Jennifer Seiler Nikki Jones (Family Funded) Pepsi Theresa Sanders Alex Williams-Harrington Limestone Grade School Katelyn Rupert Lorin Heiser Steve Heath Memorial Jay Linsley Pleasent Valley Grade School Booster Club Brad Courdt Abigail Borland Hollis Grade School Taylor Stewart Kayla Finley Courtney Langen Tyler Christiansen Taylor Closen Randall Garske Jake Hermann Nicholas Mehn David Mooney Alexander Plunkett Adam Regguinti Seth Schwindenhammer Justin Stear Ryan Stoens Brayn Maser Memorial Mark Phan Stephanie Contoni Scholastic Bowl Abby Borland Patrick Ding Shawn Fryer Dalton Vodden Limestone Area C of CommerceCommunity Service Mark Phan Limestone Area of CommerceIndustrial Technology Tyler Wright National Honor Society Inductees for 2009 Seniors Bobby Schmitt Memorial C after graduation. Nothing is more important on that day than knowing that you are finally done than by running off the field. Step Five: Have a ballin’ graduation party. Step Six: Spend your summer with the people you are leaving behind. Depending on where you are attending school, you may not be able to come home every weekend. Spending time with the people you are leaving behind will help you make more memories to take with you. Joshua Allen Courtney Bacon Jacob Carroll Kimberly Fawley Cole Johnson Ryan Paul Samantha Post Juniors Barry Arnett Daloria Artis Kayla Austin Sarah Bastin Kylie Beckman Hal Bouchez Rebbecca Bucklin Taylore Carr Christine Celiberti Keith Cramer Kevin Cramer Dereck Cranford Mallory Eckstein Amy Flessner Kimberly George Kathryn Gray Taylor Hampton Hillary Harrison Luke Hermann Christopher Hetzel Mitchell Heuermann Kayla Hislope Kelsi Johnson Matthew Johnson Melissa Kemper Briana King Emily LaValle Laura Loyd Bree Luster Nicholas McKinney Megan Miller Brooke Owen Alexander Peacock Alexander Rasbury Kate Reaktenwalt Marissa Reynolds Katlyn Roos Dustin Sacco Kaylin Sharp Brittany Smith Megan Swanson Amelia Thomason Connor Webster Tyler Wright-Carnell Hong Zhang Sports 14 Editor: Connor Webster Running with the track team By Chris Butler BANG! They are off. What is one of the only sports that you can show off how far you can throw, how fast you can run and how high or far you can jump? Track and field. The Limestone track team is doing well and is ready for anything that comes their way. “This year’s track team is young, but they are very determined,” said Coach Saylor. The boys team is led by seniors Colton Cranford, Mark Phan, Kyle Reynolds and Kev- in Traxler. The girls team is led by Kristen Wikoff. Some of the top performers on the boys and girls team are; hurdlers: sophomore, Mason Arnold. The top sprinters are: sophomore, Tyler Ashby, junior: Caleb Parsons. The top throwers are: junior, Jordan Light and Colton Cranford. The top jumpers are: junior, Brad Courdt. The boys and girls team both had a meet at Limestone against Pekin on April 7. The boys team then had a meet on April 21 against East Peoria and Dunlap, which was also held at Limestone. The girls team then had a meet at Limestone on April 28 against Metamora and Canton. All of these opponents are in their conference. The track team hopes to have a great season. They were looking forward to the Mid-Illini conference meet on May 2. They also hope to reach the sectional and state meets. So, come out and cheer on the track team members to state. Girls Soccer Kicks Off By Connor Webster GOOOOAAAALLLLLL! The girls soccer team is looking forward to having a great season. The team is returning last year’s starting goal keeper, Carli Light. They also have returned seniors Amanda Hearst, Chelsea Floyd, Rachel Kyle, Nicole Bill, Jordan Barnes, Aliex Bullock, Kaylee Ozuna and Sierra Davis. The rest of the team consists of Sarah Bastin, Kaitlyn Chamblin, Mollie Scarcliff, Ashley Schultz, Hannah Shue, Kora Bestold, Kayla Bredernitz, Sarah Daugherty, Ashley Hartzler, and Stephanie Test Last year the team struggled in the conference with a 0-11-1 record and an overall record of 2-12-2. They were looking forward to coming into this season with a lot of energy and tough play. They started the season off against Lincoln. At halftime they were down 1-0. At the start of the second half Rachel Kyle scored to tie the game at 1-1. She would later score again to make the game 2-1 and they ended up winning it 3-1 to start the season off at 1-0. The team was feeling pretty good to start that way against a rather competitive Lincoln team. Next came the Central Lions. The girls came out with a lot of energy and had a 7-0 lead at the half, with a good game from Carli Light and Rachel Kyle. The girls did not score at half, but the physical play picked up and it ended up being a hard nose victory to put them at 2-0 for the season and tying the season win total from last year. When they started conference play, they started to struggle in a 5-0 loss to the Pekin Dragons. That game put their record to 2-1 with East Peoria coming up next. The game at the Eastside Centre was cold and windy but a lot of people came out to support the girls as they took on the Raiders. Rachel Kyle scored the lone goal for the Rockets, who came out with a 1-1 tie to put their record to 2-1-1. Then they played Olympia and beat them 7-0. Then the girls played Washington and tied with them 1-1 to put their record at 3-1-2. Then they went to Morton where the girls lost 7-0 and could not get anything going so it got their record to 2-3-2 and hope to keep improving as the season goes on. This year’s girls soccer team has started off quick and hopes to keep things going in order to turn things around from previous years. They look they will have a competitive season this year. Cheerleading Gets Back into the Spirit Congratulations to everyone that made the football and basketball cheerleading teams for the 2009-2010 school year. Keep up the spirit! Also joining the cheerleading teams next year will be the new coaches which are Ms. Shipman, head coach, and Brittney Christiansen, assistant coach. Keep up the good work! Rockets Baseball Blasts Off The baseball team this season has started out with an 8-5 start while being 1-2 in the conference. They lost 9-4 against East Peoria and 5-2 to Washington on a historical night for the Panthers who played their first game ever under the lights in Washington. The team leaders are David Mooney and Seth Schwindenhammer. Girls Softball #1 in the State The Lady Rockets continue their tear through the MidIllini and Illinois. Starting off the season, the softball team was ranked number one in the state. Overcoming most of their conference rivals, the year is shaping up for the softball team. As of April 24, 2009, the rockets are leading the MidIllini with an undefeated record of fourteen wins and zero losses. We wish the Rockets the best of luck in the remainder of the season, especially to seniors Melissa Durdel, Mackenzie Foiles, Sierra Redmon, Chelsea Hoyle, Rachel Burns, Mackenzie Camp, Jessica Dearing, and Katelyn Rupert. Sports 15 Editor: Connor Webster MLB Back in Action By Nick Hermann er from the Texas Rangers. League they predicted that in Spring training has just endBradley had 22 home runs the NL Central Division the ed and it is time to start the and a batting average of .321. Cubs would come out on top. This will be the 101 year regular season. There have The New York Mets helped been some big offseason moves out their bullpen by acquir- anniversary of them winthe World Seriesand pickups. ESPN has made ing closer Francisco Rodriguez ning their predictions on how the from the Los Angeles Angels of it has been a long time. Out of the NL Central, the season is going to go and who Anaheim and closer J.J. Putz is going to win their divisions. from the Seattle Mariners. ESPN analysts picked the St. A couple of the big named Rodriguez led the league in Louis Cardinals to win the National League teams picked up wild card spot. valuable players, In the NL East Diviand the New York sion they picked the Yankees picked up New York Mets to win. a lot of big names. In the NL West The biggest was Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher C.C Sawere predicted to win. bathia from the MilIn the American waukee Brewers. League the analysts Last year with picked the Cleveland the Brewers he Indians to win the had 11 wins and 2 AL Central Division. losses with a 1.65 In the AL East they earned run average. picked the New York The Yankees also Yankees because all acquired pitcher A.J of the trades and free Burnett from the To- A.J Burnett and C.C Sabathia pose for pictures agents they acquired. ronto Blue Jays and for their new team, the New York Yankees. Then, in the last first basemen Mark division, AL West, Teixeira from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. most saves (62) which was a they picked the Los AnThe Yankee’s third baseman Major League season record. geles Angels of Anaheim. There have been many teams Alex Rodriguez admitted to Putz was injured most using a performance enhanc- of last year but he had 15 that have bettered theming drug called “Boley”; there saves and 56 strikeouts. selves because of the offseawas no punishment for this. Every year ESPN predicts son and all of the trades or The Chicago Cubs helped all of the division winners free agents they acquired. This will make for an interout their offense by getting before the season begins. Milton Bradley, an outfieldThis year in the National esting race for the division. NBA Playoff Outlook By Nick Jones With the NBA playoffs starting, the leading team in the Eastern conference is the Cleveland Cavaliers led by super star LeBron James who seems to be in good shape. The second place Boston Celtics five games behind them the Cav’s are sitting comfortably in first place. The Cav’s are leading the league with a 65-15 record and also have an amazing record at home with 39 wins and only one loss, and are currently on a four game win streak. The Defending Champions Boston Celtics, led by their big three Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, have suffered from injuries all year with Kevin Garnett missing twenty five games this season and possibly missing all of the playoffs. After All-Star break the Celtics signed seven foot big man Mikki Moore to replace Garnett while he was out, and they also signed six foot two inch floor General Stephon Marbury who has not played for two years because of team issues. Also, the third place Orlando Magic has lost three of Derrick Rose trys to lead the Bulls to victory over the Celtics. photographs courtesy of NBA.com their four best players Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Turkoglu. With those three out, the Magic have only Superstar Dwight Howard to try and lead their team into the playoffs. The other teams in the eastern conference playoffs are the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons. In the Western conference the Los Angeles Lakers, led by reigning MVP Kobe Bryant, are ahead of the pack with a 65-17 record. In second place the Denver Nuggets, led by Carmelo Anthony and new acquisition Chauncey Billups, are tied with The Portland Trailblazers and the San Antonio Spurs, each with a 54 and 28 record. Other teams in the west consist of the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Hornets, and the Utah Jazz. This year ESPN has picked the Los Angeles Lakers against the Cleveland Cavilers as a projected finals appearance. The NBA season this year was great, but the playoffs should turn out even better. David Mooney What sport do you play? Galactic Baseball What position do you play? Robothrow(SS) How tall are you? How tall do you want me to be? What grade are you in? Senior Do you have a nickname, if so what is it? No, hungry hobo Who is your biggest role model? Why? Startsky and Hutch, because they weren’t jive turkeys. Do you have any pre-game rituals that you do before every game? If so, what? Yes, I dance to Richard Simmons “sweatin’ to the oldies’ before every game. What do you do during the off season to keep in shape? Well, basically I take a bath in meat, then let ravishing wild dogs chase me through the woods. When is your birthday? September 15, 986 B.C. Who is your favorite professional athlete or team? Montreal Expos What type of music do you listen to? Russian Fold music Gabe Blancaflor What sport do you play? Tennis What position do you play? 5th seed, but hopefully 1st later this year. Do you have a nickname, if so what is it? Ninja Who is your biggest role model? Why? Myself because I like to be the best I can be Do you have any pre-game rituals that you do before every game? If so, what? I think about how I’ll win. Are you superstitious about anything? If so, what is it? Not superstitious. What do you do during the off season to keep in shape? I work out at Landmark and nap or warm up. Do a triathlon or Iron Man. When is your birthday? February 12,1991 Who is your favorite professional athlete or team? Myself What type of music do you listen to? Anything What is the best quote you heard from a coach or teammate? Go big or go home…ladies. Photograph courtesy of Mrs. Kocher