2 - Warrick County School Corporation

Volume 52, Issue 4
Newburgh, Indiana
December 2011
The
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
There is much to take away at Ultimate Giveaway
Tori Densley
Staff Writer
Hundreds lined up outside of Boonville High
School’s gym on Nov. 12, waiting to participate
in a unique event involving music, prizes and
speaker Brian “Head” Welch, metal star from
the band “Korn.”
The Ultimate Giveaway didn’t get its name
from thin air, of course. A myriad of small and
large prizes were given out at the event, such as
coupons to local restaurants and entertainment
places, a couple of air hockey tables, a 32-inch
TV and also an autographed guitar signed by
Welch.
Before being admitted to Boonville’s
gym, people signed their name and contact
information on a card that automatically entered
them in a drawing for the prizes being handed
out that day.
“I was excited. I couldn’t wait to go in,” said
sophomore Abbey Avis.
Two bands – Icon for Hire and Identity
– both performed. Identity lacked two of its
four members, but the band still played their
Christian rap music.
The event began with Identity rapping a
few of their songs, and afterward, a significant
number of the smaller prizes were awarded.
Then Icon for Hire sang some of their songs,
with more prizes being announced afterward.
“Both of the bands were really cool,” said
freshman Haley Schmitt. “I found Icon for
Hire to be my favorite out of them both, but
it shows that there are many different types of
Christian music. There’s something out there for
everyone.”
Schmitt isn’t the only person who preferred
Icon for Hire.
“I thought (the bands) were really good,” said
Avis. “I especially liked Icon for Hire.”
Between the two band performances,
students from First Christian Church in
INSIDE
News - p. 1
Community - p. 2
Entertainment - p. 3-4
Feature - p. 5-7
Photo by Tori Densley
Those attending the Ultimate Giveaway watch the band Icon for Hire perform on Nov. 12. The band Identity
also performed that day. Between performances, people won various prizes. Other events included a skit
from First Christian Church in Boonville and a talk from Brian “Head” Welch of the movement “I Am Second.”
“It’s free to get in, and you could win free
stuff. Who doesn’t like free? But really, in
all points of view it was a great learning
experience.”
Haley Schmitt, freshman
Boonville presented a skit.
The skit first showed God creating humankind
and then giving them gifts such as food and
water. Some students then personified some of
the things that distract people from God, such
as relationships, money, drinking, materialism
and death.
Finally, the play ended with Jesus protecting
his child from the distractions of the world and
then overcoming them.
“My favorite part was the skit (by First
Christian),” Avis said. “I just thought they
really did a good job, and it seemed to touch
everybody.”
Welch spoke as a sponsor of “I Am Second,” a
popular Christian theme that has been spreading
throughout the United States. “I Am Second” is
a movement intended to inspire people to live
for God. Welch spoke of his past troubles and of
how he overcame those struggles.
“I was taking 17 Vicodin in one day at one
point,” Welch said. “I knew my heart could
explode, but part of me wanted to die.”
Welch went on to explain how he had an
encounter with God and how it saved him from
all of the drugs he had become addicted to and
And the winner is ...
Sports - p. 8
Briefs - p. 9
Opinion - p. 10-11
Knight Vision - p. 12
The first ever Mr. Castle
competition is complete.
See who the winners were
and read a word from the
competitors. See pages
6-7.
See GIVEAWAY on Page 10
Safe Winter Driving
See
page 5.
2
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2011
coMMUniTY
Photo by Maia Dominguez
Knight Sensations, a coed show choir, performs their show on March 16.
Photo by Maia Dominguez
Knightingales, an all-female show choir, performs their show on March 16.
Castle Croppers earn cash for choirs
Jessica Noffsinger
Staff Writer
Castle Croppers will soon host
their second annual scrapbooking
day of fun.
This is a fundraising event for
Castle’s show choirs, Knightingales
and Knight Sensations.
The fundraiser will take place
on Jan. 14 at Newburgh United
Methodist Church. The doors will
open at 9 a.m., and it will last until
6 p.m.
“The show choir is parentfunded completely, so we need
to do this to help from spending
money from our own pockets,” said
Stephanie Post, the co-chairwoman
of the event.
Barb Chappell, the other cochairwoman, agreed.
“I think that it can be a fun event
that will raise money,” she said.
Post is in charge of registrations,
and Chappell is in charge of getting
vendors.
“It’s a day of scrapbooking,
snacks and entertainment,” said
Chappell.
The fundraiser is open to the
public as well as any students.
“(Castle Croppers is) a catchy
name for the fundraiser,” said Post.
“The school corporation, booster
clubs and businesses have put signs
up (advertising it).”
The fundraiser will include
large areas for scrapbooking as well
as workshops presented by local
scrapbooking businesses.
“Vendors from different types of
businesses that have scrapbooking
stuff will be there (to sell various
supplies),” said Post.
Door prizes will be awarded
throughout the day, and the Castle
show choirs will perform the
music.
Tickets range in price. Before
Dec. 1, they cost $30. After Dec.
1, they cost $35. Seniors, however,
only pay $15. They receive a
discount because of the Senior
Memory Book.
The Senior Memory Book is a
scrapbook that most seniors must
create for English class. This is a
keepsake item which many seniors
treasure after they graduate from
high school.
The ticket includes lunch, an
extra snack and drink and one
scrapbooking workshop.
Because space is limited,
reservations are required.
To register, go to www.castle
showchoirs.com and click on
“Scrapbook Event.”
Post said, “(I) scrapbook myself,
and Castle Croppers is just about
having a day of scrapbooking fun.”
Castle Croppers
If You Go...
Jan. 14
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
at Newburgh United
Methodist Church
Register at www.
castleshowchoirs.com
and click on
“Scrapbook Event”
Cost is $35
Seniors pay only $15
EnTERTainMEnT
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2011
3
Gourieux plays by ear, connects with soul
Lauren Craddock
Staff Writer
Some might call him a prodigy;
some might just call him gifted.
Either way, there’s no denying that
senior Evan Gourieux is blessed
with a wealth of talent.
“I play quite a few instruments,”
he said confidently. “Piano for
nine years, guitar for four, ukulele
for one, drums for nine years
and a bunch of other percussion
instruments.”
Is there an instrument he
doesn’t play?
“I can’t play the stumpf fiddle.”
Hardly.
Evan, a member of the drumline
in the Castle band, was raised in
Newburgh in a household strongly
influenced by music.
“My whole family is musical, so
it’s just kind of how I was raised,” he
said. “My older sister Missy sings
and plays piano, my younger sister
Nichole sings, plays piano and
trumpet, and my brother Daniel
sings and plays trumpet.”
Not only do Evan’s siblings
share his love for music, but so do
his parents.
Evan’s parents encouraged him
to get involved with music at a
young age, and they have supported
him to this day.
“We started him in piano
lessons in second grade, then drum
lessons starting in fourth grade,”
Photo courtesy of Evan Gourieux
Senior Evan Gourieux has been playing piano for nine years. He especially enjoys
playing classical pieces by composers such as Mozart.
said Kim Gourieux, Evan’s mother.
“From the start, he had a beautiful
touch on the piano -- an obvious
connection with the soul of the
music.”
After a few years of taking piano
lessons, Evan quit, only to pick it
back up on his own in eighth grade,
playing better than ever.
“He suddenly played better than
he had before he’d quit, and he was
playing complicated pieces by ear,”
said Kim. “That was the pivotal
moment in his musical passion.”
Evan’s connection to music is
more than obvious. He learned
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how to play an upright bass in one
day, learned an advanced-level
piano piece by ear in less than an
hour, and he composed a fourmallet ensemble piece that Castle’s
percussionists will play next
semester.
Evan’s accomplishments are
admired by both his friends and
family.
“I am proud every time Evan
plays, but I was particularly proud
when he was the drummer for the
Crossroads Christmas musical as
a freshman,” Kim said. “That’s a
pretty big deal!”
On top of everything that Evan
has already accomplished, he plans
to learn how to play the cello and
said he wants “to be able to at least
sort of play most instruments.”
Evan’s motivation and passion
for music are highly evident, and
he hopes to attend the University
of Indianapolis, earn a minor in
music and play recreationally for
the rest of his life.
“I really just like to play for fun,”
said Evan. “I think a cover band
with my siblings would be pretty
fun.”
With the musical talent that the
whole Gourieux family seems to
share, a cover band wouldn’t be a
bad idea.
“I enjoy the beautiful piano
concerts that happen throughout
the day,” said Kim. “His music fills
our home. I love that.”
“You must be
the change
you wish
to see in
the world.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
Please recycle all types of paper
by placing it in the green bins
in each classroom.
EnTERTainMEnT
Cheddar’s: There’s nothing cheesy about it
4
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2011
Sam Haynes
Staff Writer
Driving down North Green River Road
on Friday night, I knew that my experience at
Evansville’s new restaurant was going to be
exceptional before the building even came into
sight.
Cheddar’s Casual Café opened on Nov. 14
and is located in what used to be a vacant lot
right next to Menard’s at 2101 Menard’s Drive.
Even though it is massive in size, I picked up on
exquisite smells wafting through the air even
before I reached the restaurant.
Upon entering Cheddar’s, three things
became instantly noticeable: a huge fish tank to
the left, an exotic fan rotating on the ceiling and
the crowd of people waiting to be seated.
I was expecting an hour-long wait or more
but was pleasantly surprised when it turned out
to be only 30 minutes.
The main dining area is located in the center
of the restaurant with other areas to the right
and a bar to the left. Foliage lines the ceiling
which is totally unnecessary but adds a fun
and sophisticated element to the area. Dim
lighting, cheery music and the fact that there
are no televisions in the restaurant present
an atmosphere that promotes good will and
exuberant conversation.
At this point, my expectations were already
pretty high, and they would continue to be met
the rest of the night.
My waitress made her rounds on a consistent
basis, always making sure that my drink was
topped off; she also didn’t shy away from friendly
banter.
As far as the food goes, my night started with
an appetizer of chips with chipotle cheese and a
house salad. The salad was comparable to one
you can get pretty much anywhere else, but the
chips and cheese were quite impressive. In my
opinion, they were better than the chips and
cheese served at other local restaurants.
My main course consisted of a home style
chicken pot pie. The crust was delightfully
crispy and baked to a golden brown while the
inside offered a variety of fresh vegetables and a
generous portion of chicken.
Unfortunately, I had no room left for dessert
after eating my main meal (I had been looking
forward to eating a “monster cookie” all night).
Other options available on the menu include
ribs, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, chicken
tenders, salads and various appetizers.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of all was the
final check. After plowing through three root
beers, an appetizer, house salad and chicken
pot pie, I owed the restaurant just over $11. Fast
food joints have sucked more money out of me
than Cheddar’s did.
If I had one complaint to make, it would be
the close proximity of the tables which can make
for some pretty awkward situations. My table
was located only several feet away from another.
Every time I would look up to talk to the person
sitting across from me, my eyes would lock with
that of a stranger trying to talk to the person
across from her as well.
If a relaxed atmosphere that comes with
delicious and inexpensive food is what you are
looking for, give Cheddar’s Casual Café a try.
‘Typical Blink’ shines through in new album
The Musicians’ Coalition often reviews a CD
or DVD for The Lancer. Junior Jessica Titzer wrote
this review. For more information about the club,
contact sponsor Jim Kibler in 2109.
After almost six years of waiting, Blink182’s long-awaited album, “Neighborhoods,”
debuted.
Band members Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge
and Travis Barker definitely took their time
perfecting the sound of the new album.
Some fans feel that this album is not their
best because it is different from the previous
albums. However, typical Blink can be seen in
the sometimes too long intros, catchy lyrics and
driving drum beats.
When you add in the mysterious effects used
in songs such as “Up All Night” and “Fighting
After-School
Tutoring
When: Every Wednesday
Where: New Library
Time: 2:50-4 p.m.
(Stay for all or part of the time.)
the Gravity,” the result is a great mix of songs for
any occasion.
This album displays the talent Blink-182
has for creating songs that can accompany any
day. Their traditional catchy sounds mixed with
some new mysterious notes do just that.
After the long-anticipated release of
“Neighborhoods,” it is safe to say that Blink is
back and they aren’t going anywhere.
Rating
out of five
Cost: Free!
No registration needed.
Tutors are usually available in most subjects.
5
FEaTURE
Ice, snow, distractions make bad mix on roads
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2011
Sarah Wagmeister
Editor-in-Chief
Icy roads and distracted drivers don’t mix
when it comes to safety on our streets.
Distracted driving is a year-round problem,
but in the winter time, the risk increases with the
threat of icy roadways.
When the first snow hits, a number of problems can occur. Black ice, snow and slush on the
roadways are among the problems that come
with cold weather.
These are problems especially in the mornings when many students are driving to school.
The roads are not thawed by the time students
get into their cars and head to school.
One of the many mistakes people make
when driving on icy roads is that “they don’t
take their time,” according to Officer Tim Pierce.
He advises that when the roads are icy, drivers
should double their driving time so they can get
to where they need to be on time without rushing and risking sliding.
Braking time is also increased, due to the
little amount of friction tires have on ice.
The Indiana Department of Transportation
(INDOT) also warns that snow can cause limited visibility. In that situation, drivers need to
slow down and remain attentive.
However, being attentive is harder for some
than for others.
“Driver inattention is usually the most common” cause of accidents, said Pierce. One distraction that many people see is talking on a cell
phone.
Cell phone usage of any kind is illegal for
anyone under 18 with a license. But, only texting is illegal for drivers over 18. So, many adults
drive while talking on their cell phones.
This becomes a problem when these drivers
are involved in accidents.
Usually, police take three types of factors into
account when assessing an accident: the driver,
the environment and the equipment. Was the
driver paying attention to the road or distracted? What are the road and weather conditions?
Is the car maintained?
“Experience is the key,” said Pierce. The
longer you have been driving, the better your
chances are for avoiding an accident, he added.
And these accidents shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Many accidents involve some kind of damage to the car.
“Any time you damage your car, you’re talking about $1,000 of damage,” said Pierce. Minor
accidents can also involve minor injuries. In
some instances, though, accidents cause major
injuries, and those involved have to be taken to
the hospital.
Photo by Sarah Wagmeister
This car slid on ice in the school parking lot last March. It hit another car and sustained the bumper damage
above. The other car also had minor door damage.
Fast Facts on
Distracted Driving
•
•
•
The No.1 source of driver inattention is use of a wireless device.
(National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration [NHTSA] and the
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute [VTTI])
Nearly 80% of crashes and 65% of
near-crashes involved some form
of driver inattention within three
seconds before the event. (April
2006)
Teen drivers are more likely than
other age groups to be involved
in a fatal crash where distraction
is reported. In 2009, 16% of teen
drivers involved in a fatal crash
were reported to have been distracted. (NHTSA)
Even when there are no physical injuries,
drivers can also become apprehensive about
driving for some time.
Overall, distracted driving in the winter is
even more dangerous than at any other time of
the year. Therefore, during this season, drivers
especially need to break the habit of inattentive
driving.
INDOT advises, “Ice and Snow, Take It
Slow!”
Car Essentials in the Winter
During the winter months, State Farm
suggests drivers keep these essentials in their car along with the usual
jumper cables, tire-changing tools,
a flashlight and a first-aid kit.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cell phone and charger
Blankets
High-calorie, nonperishable
food
Extra clothing (wool socks,
gloves, hats)
Small can and waterproof
matches to melt snow for drinking water
Road salt or cat litter to help
with traction
Camping shovel, ice scraper and
brush
Tow rope
Brightly colored flag or cloth to
tie to your antenna
Statistics and tips courtesy of State Farm,
TxtResponsibly.org and Distraction.gov
6
FEaT
ThE LancER
casTLE high schooL
DEcEMBER 2011
Mr. Castle competitors impress crow
Jessika Collins
Staff Writer
P
olite applause from the
audience could be heard as
emcee John Morrow began
the Mr. Castle competition on Dec.
1. But soon, one could hear the
audience’s roar as the contestants
stepped out in formal and spirit
wear and the supportive hoots
during the question and answer.
A male pageant might seem
out of place at a high school, but
students have responded positively
to this idea. Nominations were
accepted Oct. 31-Nov. 4.
The senior winner was dubbed
Mr. Castle, the junior, Mr. Knight.
Due to lack of interest in the
freshman and sophomore classes,
this year those categories were
combined for the title of Mr. Blue
and Gold. There was also a Mr.
Congeniality.
Each nomination cost 25
cents. Just from nominations
alone Teen Power raised $119 for
Youth Resources, a non-profit
organization. With ticket sales ($3
for students, $5 for adults) the total
donation to Youth Resources was
$340. Youth Resources is the entity
that funds Teen Power in area
schools.
Teen Power president Jamia
Carson and Shannon Mitchem,
both seniors, created this idea as a
way to give back.
Carson said, “Youth Resources
impacts so many lives on a daily
basis, mine being one. So raising
money for them is very important
for me, and (it) will also mean
that everyone who supports the
Mr. Castle competition will be
impacting many lives as well.”
Ann Burnworth, executive
What do you do in your free time?
Why should you be Mr. Castle?
(Top) All of the contestants stand in the
order of performance;
from right to left, Mr.
Blue and Gold competitors, Mr. Knight
and Mr. Castle. Photo
by Jessika Collins
(Far right) Sophomore
Michael Mulzer, the
Mr. Congeniality winner, dances to a remix
of “Single Ladies” and
“Teach Me How to
Jerk.” Photo by Tori
Densley
(Right) Senior winner
Gale Cross poses with
sash and crowd. Photo
by Jessika Collins
What qualities should the winner
of the competition have?
What’s your motto?
John Curry, sophomore
Good attitude, good
posture, socially active,
sincerity.”
That was good, but I can do
better.”
URE
The Lancer
Castle High School
DECEMBER 2011
7
d with school spirit and confidence
director of Youth Resources,
said, “Our mission is to empower
young people to take ownership
of challenges they see in the
community” and create solutions
through volunteer work to improve
the community. They do this
through their four programs: Teen
Power, Teen Advisory Council
(TAC), Teen Court and Make a
Difference grants.
Youth Resources also hosts a
male beauty pageant they’ve named
Big Man on Campus (BMOC). One
senior from each participating high
school represents his school in the
spring competition. The categories
are similar to Mr. Castle’s: spirit
wear, formal wear, talent and
question and answer. Burnworth
said students in TAC created it to
fundraise. “TAC came up with the
BMOC idea two years ago, and it
grew so much in the second year
alone!”
Carson hopes that hosting
Mr. Castle will increase Castle
attendance to BMOC and will
encourage the senior winner of Mr.
Castle to be the representative. Last
year, Castle was unrepresented.
She said, “I think a male beauty
pageant is just new and exciting
and will make people want to go.
It’s different and not your usual
charity event.”
“Youth Resources impacts so
many lives on a daily basis,
mine being one. So raising
money for them is very
important for me, and (it)
will also mean that everyone
who supports the Mr. Castle
competition will be impacting
many lives as well.”
Jamia Carson, senior
Alex Murphy
I used to play football and
baseball, but I can’t now. So I
try to make it to most of the games,
and I’m one of the leaders of the
student section.”
I should be Mr. Castle because I have a lot of school
spirit and I like to show it. I support
Castle in everything it does, and I
just love the school.”
Ryan Ward
I just hang out with friends
and chase pigeons. Practicing nunchucks in the garage. Collecting vintage cassettes.”
M R. C A S T L E
Gale Cross
Football, track, intramurals
at school. Teen Power, Young
Life, FCA, BPA, DECA.”
Jacob Brown
I work out and run. Track
and Young Life. I run the
5K’s and stuff.”
Because I have a good set of
morals and I can represent
Castle in a positive way both in and
out of the school. I am involved in
the Communities that Care Coalition as a representative of the youth
of Warrick County.”
Cause I have a great attitude
and I’m a fun, outgoing guy.
I know a lot of people, and I have a
great sense of humor.”
Cause I don’t know. I have
a lot of school spirit just for
the heck of it, and I go as hard as
possible.”
M R. K N I G H T
What are you looking forward to
most in the competition?
What are you going to do for
talent?
Nathaniel Washington
I’m really looking forward
to just having a fun time in
the competition and just spending
time with all the other competitors.”
I’m dancing to the song,
‘Party Rock Anthem’ by LMFAO.”
Ryan Riegle
Question and Answer. Talent
is not going to be good. I’m
going to do a somersault. I’m going
to stretch like I’m doing something
awesome.”
“I’m going to do my best to
sing a song.”
Luke Tabor
Just the fun of being one of
the first Mr. Castle competitors ever and the great memories
I’ll make on the way.”
Todd Kaho, freshman
A good sense of school
spirit. And a good attitude
about it.”
Chris Mitchem, freshman
I think he should be honest,
a nice person, a true leader
and a hard worker.”
Playing the ukulele. It’s really
fun to play.”
M R. B L U E & G O L D
Jeff Hale, sophomore
They should be happy and
excited. They should have
awesome school spirit, and they
shouldn’t make anyone feel bad,
though.”
To go into the competition
with an open mind and not
be too worried about all the people
and just go out there and do what
I do.”
Michael Mulzer, sophomore
Good personality, style and
be outgoing.”
Go big or go home.”
Cool life.”
Be yourself with God and
excitement is sure to follow.”
8
sPoRTs
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2011
Seniors lead team
Written goals keep team focused
Ashley Gibson
Staff Writer
After three seasons, seniors
Meredith Berkeley and Ashley
Johnson are finally the leaders of
Castle High School’s girls’ varsity
basketball team.
Berkeley and Johnson, the only
returning seniors, are quickly filling
the shoes of last year’s seniors.
Johnson, a 5-foot-10 forward,
is beginning her second year on
varsity.
Berkeley, a 5-6 guard, is starting
her fourth year on varsity. Both
Berkeley and Johnson feel that this
season is completely different than
last season.
They lost three players but have
also gained three freshmen.
Being a senior leader for the
Lady Knights means a lot to both
Berkeley and Johnson. “I love
being a senior leader and leading
the team with Meredith because we
balance each other out so well,” said
Johnson. “If I am being hard, she’s
all relaxed and calm and vice versa,
which makes the team have a great
atmosphere.”
The team may be led by the
seniors; however, as a team
everyone has to work together. At
least once a week they go out for a
team dinner or something they can
do as a team other than playing the
sport they all love.
“This year we have really
Meredith Berkeley (right) guards a
South Spencer player.
The Lady Knights huddle after a timeout during their game against South Spencer on Nov. 19.
worked hard to become closer as a
whole, not just (junior varsity) and
varsity but with the freshman team
as well,” sophomore Olivia Hunt
said. “We have started going to the
freshman games as a team to cheer
on the freshmen.”
With only two seniors, it’s
obvious the Lady Knights are a
younger team. Although some may
be surprised to hear that there are
two freshmen who start.
“It’s really nice to have freshmen
that have stepped up so well,”
said Berkeley. “Zuri Sanders and
Rebecca Nunge really dominate
down low.”
The Lady Knights’ locker room
is filled with goals made by each
player -- a paper reminder of what
they are working for. Berkeley’s
goal is to help lead her team to win
a conference title and hopefully a
sectional title. Johnson’s goal is to
continually improve through the
year.
“As long as everyone works
really hard and doesn’t give up even
when it’s tough, I will be happy
with whatever record we finish the
season with,” said Johnson.
Both seniors are going to miss
playing Castle basketball next year
and the great atmosphere they have
played in for so many years. Until
the buzzer sounds on the very last
game, though, they both plan to
give it their all.
Photos by Ashley Gibson
Ashley Johnson (42) blocks out a
South Spencer player after a Castle
player shoots a free throw.
Share
your
ideas ...
If you have an idea for a
story (about a person or
something happening in
a class, in a club or on
a team), please write it
down and leave it in The
Lancer’s Idea Box in the
Library.
BRiEFs
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2011
9
Archery practice begins; new growth brings changes
Tori Densley
Staff Writer
Castle’s archery team hopes to continue its
long-standing tradition of excellence this year;
and with so many new members, hopes are high
indeed.
Castle’s team has increased to a total of 86
people this year. Because of these high numbers,
this year’s state tournament in March will have
three Castle teams: an A team, a B team and a
C team.
The archery team is also doing a couple of
things it has never done before. Now members
will have to pay $25 dues. This money will go
toward buying equipment for the team, such as
new arrows and arrow parts to replace those that
have been broken.
The money will also go toward new target
covers to replace those that have been so worn
out that it is difficult to see the lines that dictate
the points received from the arrow.
No team can improve unless some change is
involved.
This year, instead of waiting to start archery
practice until after Thanksgiving, the archers began practicing a few weeks before.
Another change is that this year Castle’s team
members will need to attend a state qualifier,
held at Castle, to determine which of the three
teams they will be placed on.
Last year, a student could walk into the
North Gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays to find
the team practicing on the floor below. This year,
however, students will not find them on the gym
floor but in the multipurpose room.
Practice also used to start at 6:30 a.m., but
due to a limited number of targets and bows,
and also the sheer number of new archers, practice has been split into two sessions. The earlier
session, which starts at 6 a.m., is for archers who
have been on the team in previous years. The
second session starts between 6:30 and 6:45 and
is for the new members on the team.
Indiana’s state competition will be on March
16 in Muncie, Ind. The team is hoping to bring
home both the high school and overall championship for the sixth year in a row.
The archery team’s next tournament is the
Henderson Open on Dec. 10 at Henderson
South Middle School.
Cookies with Santa offers Indiana State University faculty members perform
family fun, helps show choirs
for band students, promote music department
Robin Daywalt
Correspondent
Sarah Wagmeister
Editor in Chief
On Dec. 17 from 10 to 12 a.m., the Castle
High School show choirs will host Cookies with
Santa.
The Knight Sensations and Knightingales
will perform at Cookies with Santa, singing
Christmas solos and caroling. Santa will make
an appearance and will be available for pictures.
Aside from singing and Santa, crafts and
cookies will be available for children to decorate.
Several stockings full of gifts and various items
will also be available during a silent auction.
This event benefits the two show choirs. The
cost is $5 per person. Money raised at Cookies
with Santa will help pay for the show choirs’ trip
to Chicago in the spring where they will compete at a national level.
The band room was filled with music during
third and fourth periods on Nov. 22.
But the music wasn’t coming from the students. It was coming from quintets made up of
faculty members from Indiana State University’s
Department of Music.
They formed two quintets: a woodwind quintet and a brass quintet.
Each quintet took turns playing a variety of
music, from jazz to tango. Some of their pieces
included “Libertango” by Astor Piazzola, “Escape” by Kevin McKee, “It Don’t Mean a Thing If
It Ain’t Got That Swing” by Duke Ellington and
many others.
“I think their choice of music and how they
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performed that music really made the band students become more aware that music has more
variety than they thought it could,” senior trumpet player Adam Voight said.
After the performance, the students got a
chance to talk with the faculty members about
ISU or their instrument.
While faculty members teach their respective instruments, they also teach other musicrelated classes, such as music theory and music
appreciation.
The quintets traveled to Castle High School
as part of a two-day series to promote their music department to prospective students.
They also visited Mount Vernon High School
and Reitz High School.
In addition, they played for an alumni dinner
at Victoria National Golf Club on Nov. 21.
10
oPinion
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2011
Letter to the Editor
Social studies teacher applauds school spirit efforts
To the Editor of the Castle
High School Student Publication
The Lancer:
Please allow me a few minutes
of your and your readers’ time
to express my heartfelt pride
and deepest thanks to the Castle
Crusaders.
We all see the little icons with
students’ names hanging off the
ceiling tiles all over the school: the
band, men’s and women’s cross
country, football, and, yes, even
the Charger staff, just to name a
few. We look; we may think to
ourselves, “how cute,” we might
even sometimes take a second to
untangle a few of them.
However, many faculty members and many students have no
idea who is responsible for this
huge undertaking. I’d like to bring
to the student body’s attention that
the Castle Crusaders make ALL
of these icons and signs by hand
and by scratch and go so far as to
add every participant’s name on
each paper. These are not massproduced, die-cut items that can
be colored and pasted and lettered;
every single one of these are pain-
stakingly made by hand, by the
members of the Castle Crusaders,
on their own time.
Castle Crusaders, THANK
YOU for bringing a sense of spirit
and camaraderie back to the halls
of Castle High School. I know the
hard work and diligence that you
put into these projects, and yet,
the school year is not even halfway
done. I know you want at some
point to recognize every single
group and activity that makes
Castle great, but time and man
hours are prohibiting you from
doing that.
To Mrs. Angie Simmons,
Miss Karen Cox and the rest of
the Crusaders staff, you are to be
commended for your hard work
and extra efforts to make Castle
High School a spirited place where
everyone -- from starter to the
last man or woman off the bench
-- has his or her brief moment of
fame. Once again, this is yet another example of students at Castle
working to make THEIR school
the best it can be.
With humble admiration to the
Castle Crusaders,
John Morrow, Social studies
GIVEAWAY
Continued from Page 1
how he no longer needs the drugs
he once thought he had to have.
“Brian is really cool, and I have
a few friends that look up to him a
lot,” Schmitt said.
“I was extremely nervous knowing I was going to get to meet Brian, but I was more hyper and happy
about it than anything,” she said.
“Getting to meet him was amazing,
and he gives amazing hugs!”
Avis said, “… God loves us no
matter how much we mess up. Even
people like Brian ‘Head’ Welch
(who have had a difficult past) he
loves. I thought (Welch) was awesome. He just had a really good
sense of humor, like he kind of
laughed at how he used to be, how
dumb he thought he used to be.”
After Welch spoke to the gathering, the winners of the largest
prizes were announced.
The items included a toolbox,
two air hockey tables, a 32-inch TV,
an iPod Touch, two bicycles and finally the autographed guitar.
“To anyone that didn’t go this
year, I would say go next year,” said
Schmitt.
“It’s free to get in, and you could
win free stuff. Who doesn’t like
free? But really, in all points of view
it was a great learning experience.”
Photo by Tori Densley
People line up outside of Boonville High School while they wait for the doors to
open for the Ultimate Giveaway on Nov. 12.
Yearboo
k
Interested in being on the
NEWSPAPER or
YEARBOOK staff?
First, you must take
journalism, a one-semester
class. See Mrs. Korb or Mrs.
Recker for details.
oPinion
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2011
Going too far on Santa Switch?
Staff
Editorial
Santa Switch has been a tradition at Castle for years, but it has
become a bigger production than
intended.
Many people spend too much
money, particularly on dresses. Because it’s only a semiformal dance,
spending over $100 is excessive.
It’s usually fun to get dressed
up and feel like a princess for a
night, but staying simple can still
make you stand out in a positive
way. This is so because others will
see you for who you naturally are,
not who you are trying to be.
For example, a simple necklace,
earrings and a few bracelets are all
that is needed. Garters are popular,
but they are unnecessary at a high
school dance. They are usually
worn at weddings.
Many girls have hairstyles so
outrageous that their hair is frozen
with hairspray. Sometimes they
come in the form of a six-inch
poof accompanied by a tiara.
Fake nails and expensive mani-
cures and pedicures are also unneeded. Manicures and pedicures
look nice on everybody. However,
doing them yourself or having a
friend do them for you can save
lots of money.
Makeup is another issue for
Santa Switch. As stated earlier,
being simple can still make an
impression. Looking like Barbie is
not always a good thing.
Instead of eating dinner at an
overpriced place, there are plenty
of low-key restaurants or other options, such as eating at someone’s
house. The evening is supposed to
be fun and relaxing, and going to
an expensive restaurant can add
stress to the person who is paying.
Transportation to Santa Switch
should not be complicated. A car
will do just fine. Limos are completely unnecessary.
Another issue that is involved
with Santa Switch is the dancing.
Dancing has changed over the
years; some of it has gotten quite
explicit.
The main types of dancing seen
at Santa Switch are pelvis to pelvis
and butt to pelvis. Some people
might see nothing wrong with
dancing like that, but it can become disgusting and make people
feel uncomfortable watching it.
Even though there are many issues about Santa Switch that need
to be addressed, the dance has
many positive features.
Not every school has a Christmas dance, and the fact that Castle
does is a privilege.
Many students enjoy coming
up with creative ways to ask their
dates to the dance.
For example, they may paint
car windows, decorate lockers,
place invitations inside cakes and
post the invitation on electronic
billboards. There is an almost endless array of possibilities for asking
someone which makes it fun and
creative.
Although some attendees can
go overboard on appearances,
others appreciate that Santa Switch
is only semiformal and keep their
appearance simple.
A lot of people appreciate that
the administration uses a breathalyzer to keep the atmosphere safe.
Santa Switch is about the
experience, not about how much
money was spent or who looks the
most made up.
Enjoy the dance in the most
stress-free way because high
school does not last forever.
Get involved with The Lancer: Drop off any story ideas for The Lancer in the “Idea Box” located in the Library.
“The Lancer - Castle High School” on Facebook!
Mrs. Kathy Baker is Castle’s
Youth First social worker.
Her office is in the
attendance office.
Drinking Alcohol Affecting Decisions
Hot Topic: Teens often admit that they use alcohol to diminish the awkwardness and insecurity that
they feel in social situations. Many teens report that “hook-ups” occur exclusively under the influence
of alcohol and/or other drugs. The combination of substances and teenage sexuality can lead to
damaging experiences, both psychological and physical, that leave teens feeling uncomfortable and
unsafe. Potentially traumatizing experiences include engaging in unprotected sex which may result
in pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes and AIDS, having cloudy or upsetting
memories, embarrassment as people may start talking about their behavior, rumors, damage to selfesteem and sexual assault. Remember you do not have to drink or use drugs to have a “good time” at a
party. The consequences of your actions can be lifelong and not only affect you but affect others!
Most of Us -- 2 out of 3 -- think getting drunk is never a good thing for teens to do!
Looking Ahead: Reconnecting Youth (RY) will start in January 2012.
11
STAFF
EDITOR IN CHIEF, NEWS 1
Sarah Wagmeister
COMMUNITY 2
Jessica Noffsinger
ENTERTAINMENT 3
Lauren Craddock
ENTERTAINMENT 4
Sam Haynes
FEATURE 5
Sarah Wagmeister
FEATURE 6 & 7
Jessika Collins
SPORTS 8
Ashley Gibson
BRIEFS 9
Tori Densley
OPINION 10
Tori Densley
OPINION 11
Jessica Noffsinger
KNIGHT VISION 12
Lauren Craddock
CORRESPONDENT
Robin Daywalt
ADVISER
Susan Korb
PRINTER
Jim Sherer
The Lancer is a monthly production of
Castle High School’s newspaper class. The
Lancer is a member of Quill and Scroll and the
Indiana High School Press Association.
Opinions expressed in The Lancer are not
necessarily those of Castle High School, its administration, faculty or student body.
Letters to the editor are encouraged and
must be submitted to the staff in person. All
letters must be signed. The Editorial Board
reserves the right to screen all letters for libel or obscene material and the right to edit
or shorten letters as long as the meaning remains intact.
The Lancer accepts advertising but may
refuse any ad which is inappropriate for high
school students. For advertising information,
please contact the staff at the address below.
The Lancer
Castle High School
3344 Highway 261
Newburgh, Ind. 47630
812-853-3331, ext. 450
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 812-853-9886
12
THE LANCER
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2011
Photo by Robin Daywalt
Courtney Tesh (Frenchy) and Raylon Bivins (Doody) from the fall musical, “Grease,” pose with their
jackets.
Photo by Tori Densley
Junior Nathaniel Washington, the Mr. Knight
winner in the Mr. Castle competition on Dec. 1,
dances to “Party Rock Anthem” in a unique outfit. The crowd wasn’t deterred by his colorful wig
and mismatched shoes.
(Right) Freshman Adam Bastawros “Bernies” during a Teen Power meeting on Nov. 10. That day’s
guest speaker was JoBeth Bootz who works
at Youth Resources, the entity that funds Teen
Power. Photo by Jessika Collins
(Far right) Seniors Shannon Mitchem, Nicole Wilson, Anna Jackson and Jamia Carson announce
the winners of the Mr. Castle competition to the
school on Dec 2. Photo by Sarah Wagmeister
KnighT Vision
Photo by Robin Daywalt
Katlyn Holman (Sandy) and Zach Cozart (Danny) talk during “Grease” rehearsal. “Grease” took place Nov. 16, 17
and 18 and was the first show at Castle directed by Eric Antey.
Photo by Robin Daywalt
Flamenco dancers perform in the auditorium on Nov. 7. Spanish students at Castle were offered extra credit
for attending. Several other schools brought students to the two performances. They included Mount Vernon Junior High, Loogootee, Harrison, Mater Dei, Clay City, Madisonville, North Hopkins, North Posey, Edwards
County, Evansville Christian, Vincennes Rivet, Flora, Norris City and Tecumseh.