33Things Issue 3

Eric Perry “I have always loved music I guess, ever since I was born. When I was a baby I used to get pots and pans out and bang on them.�

Columbus North High School | Columbus, IN | Volume vii Issue 3

1 co-bureau chiefs Emili Hefler Katee Holman design editor Katie Kutsko web editor Haedyn Scgalski head photographers Shelby Beatty Katie Stowers staff Patrick Angle CJ Copeland Taylor Decker Keonna Durham Chris Gorbett Karly Hiquet Gabby McLemore Kaitlin Miller Tori Newkirk Regan Pedigo Megan Peterson Ellen Pheral Katie Rawlings Ashley Roberts Megan Shrader Erica Stewart Nick Stroia Laurel Wolfe Alli Ziegler adviser Rachel McCarver

photo by Nick Stroia

photo by Alli Ziegler

photo by Katie Stowers

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1. Michelle Amlung: “I try to stay positive and not worry about things that are really bad.”

2. LUCAS STROIA: “I like loud things and I like fast things and anything that’s cool, and when I saw it I was like ‘that’s me. That’s so me.’”

3. eric perry: “I do music because without it my world would be boring.”

4. Jack Grimm: “One of my favorite parts about having parents like mine is that they have an interesting job.”

5. Ciera Johnson: “It was all my choice to do this.”

4

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How to...

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by Tori Newkirk

Sunny side up

Sophomore Michelle Amlung makes the most out of life

T

hough everyone has problems and different ways of handling them, sophomore Michelle Amlung chooses to face life with positivity, a sense of humor and a smile on her face.

Amlung tries to keep a positive outlook so that life is better for her and others as well. She hopes that her happiness will be contagious.

“I like everyone to be in a good mood,” Amlung said. “I think if I’m in a good mood everyone else should be [too].”

Amlung chooses to have an upbeat attitude for a number of reasons.

“I think it helps me get through tough situations or situations that don’t necessarily turn out the way I want them to,” Amlung said. “It helps me stay happy.”

Amlung is involved in St. Bartholomew youth ministry and soccer. She is motivated to be cheerful because of all the blessings in her life.

“My friends and family and just doing what I like to do [makes me happy], like soccer and just having fun,” Amlung said.

Sophomore Morgan Proffitt notices how Amlung’s attitude affects her peers.

“It rubs off on people. I know it rubs off on me,” Proffitt said. “I think it’s a great quality for

Sophomore Michelle Amlung tries to keep an upbeat attitude. Amlung looks up to people in her life to stay positive and tries to not let things get to her. “I like everyone to be in a good mood,” Amlung said. “I think if I’m in a good mood everyone else should be happy.” photo by Alli Ziegler

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Moving forward someone to have and even when she’s mad it’s not for long.”

Amlung’s mom, Alicia Amlung, plays a big part in her daughter’s life and is proud of how she views the world.

“She’s just a happy-go-lucky kid who has fun with everything. She sees the good in things that other people might think are bad,” Mrs. Amlung said. “If more people had that attitude maybe everyone wouldn’t be so grumpy and think life is so bad because it’s really not.”

Instead of giving herself a reason to be troubled, Amlung has a phrase that helps her to keep from stressing. “‘Hakuna Matata’ [from the “Lion King”] because I try not to worry about things in my life,” Amlung said. “I try to stay positive.”

However, when things go wrong, Amlung has ways of handling them.

“I either try to fix the problem or if it’s something that could be laughed at, I laugh at it,” Amlung said. “Sometimes I just go outside and kick around and hit the [soccer] ball really hard until I’m not stressed anymore. Also if it’s a bad grade I work hard to get it back up.”

She looks up to a ‘10 graduate from North who also keeps on the bright side of life.

“I’d say my role model is Katie Dana because she’s a positive person,” Amlung said. “She’s really outgoing, nice, she’s very smart and everyone likes her.”

As for the future, Amlung has an idea of what she would like to be doing.

“In ten years I hope to be an athletic trainer because that’s what I’m interested in and also to do cooking for recreational purposes,” Amlung said.

Amlung has a message for everyone who struggles with staying happy and keeping a positive outlook.

“Don’t get your head down,” Amlung said. “Everything will turn out alright.”

by Megan Peterson

For junior Hiroki Kato, America is like a whole new world waiting to be discovered

Junior Hiroki Kato stands in the library. He moved here from Japan three years ago. Kato likes living in America. photo by Keely Collier

T

hree years ago on Jan. 16, junior Hiroki Kato moved from Kariya, Japan to Columbus. Kato moved to America because of his dad’s job at Toyota.

When he found out that he was going to be moving to America, he had positive feelings.

“I was like ‘I’m so excited!’,” Kato said.

Kato misses living in Japan, but he likes America better.

“I miss my friends, but I like the people and the freedom,” Kato said.

Though Kato likes many aspects of America he does not like everything about it.

“America is so big. Japan is like the size of California,” Kato said. “Japanese food is healthier too.”

Kato’s brother, sophomore Akitoshi Kato, has similar feelings about the move.

“I felt very happy when I found out I was moving to America. I was excited, but as it got closer and closer to the actual day to move away, I got nervous and worried,” Akitoshi said. “But I am really enjoying living here now.”

Kato has been back to visit Japan only once since he moved away.

“I had to go back to change my Visa,” Kato said.

Not everything has been easy for Kato to adjust to here.

“English is hard,” Kato said. “I have had to pick it up from my friends by asking them questions like, ‘What does this mean?’.”

Akitoshi also has had some difficulties transitioning to America.

“I think we have adjusted here pretty well, but sometimes we still have problems about doing stuff in the Japanese way of the American way,” Akitoshi said.

“For example, in Japan, the education is very strict, but here it isn’t, so sometimes I get lazy and don’t study much.”

Friends are not the only thing that Kato had to leave behind.

“My grandma and grandpa on my dad’s side and my grandma on my mom’s side still live there,” Kato said.

Kato does not think that he and his family will be moving back to Japan and he would not want to make the move.

“I want to stay here,” Kato said. “I like America.”

by Gabby McLemore

Junior Shelby George shows off her scar from a surgery on her knee. She has been seriously injured in the past from playing soccer. photo by Alli Ziegler

Back on the field “

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here was a 3 percent chance that it would tear in the same place,” junior Shelby George said. “And it did.”

George is a dedicated soccer player who has played on both club and school teams. She has gone through many different experiences with soccer, but she never thought she would be seriously injured. In eighth grade, that all changed.

“I was playing for a team called IndyBurn,” George said. “During one of the games I got hit and tore my ACL in my right knee,” George said.

Her injury was severe enough that it required surgery.

“I got surgery for my meniscus,” George said. “I had to go through rehab for four to five months at Methodist Sports Medicine in Greenwood.”

After the stressful rehab and months of building herself back up to where she left off, George was finally able to play soccer again. She was back out on the field.

“I was so happy to be back playing again,” George said. “But it didn’t last for long.”

When George was a sophomore, her soccer playing took a turn for the worse.

“I was playing for the team [at North] and I tore my ACL in the same place in the last game of the season,” George said.

This injury resulted in two and a half more months of rehab.

Junior Shelby George knows what it is like to be seriously injured Along with the physical struggle George had to go through, her injury also took an emotional toll on her.

“The first time I got hurt wasn’t as bad as the second because the odds of tearing it in the same place was so unlikely,” George said.

Her friends also started noticing a change in George’s attitude.

Junior Marie Schwartz was one of them.

“Shelby wasn’t her happy self when she was injured,” Schwartz said.

Another friend, junior Rachel Davison, noticed as well.

“She was down in the dumps most of the time,” Davison said. “It really took a toll on her.”

George’s injury also cut into her soccer schedule.

“I couldn’t participate in conditioning or team camp through the summer which caused me to fall behind,” George said. “I kind of lost my touch, but it didn’t take long to get back to normal.”

When George finally got back on the field, she had new fears to overcome.

“I was hesitant at first because I didn’t want to get hurt again,” George said. “I progressed throughout the season but I always have the fear of it happening again.”

George is prepared to play for North her senior year.

“I’m excited to see what next year will bring,” George said.

by Alli Ziegler

Keeping the faith Being Mormon has changed junior Brian Cox’s life in many ways

Junior Katie Barth stands on the staircase after the drive from her home in Center Grove. Barth lives in Greenwood but goes to school at North. photo by Alli Ziegler

Home sweet home Junior Katie Barth lives in Greenwood but goes to school in Columbus

I

t is early in the morning on a Monday. Junior Katie Barth gets in her car and makes the 30 minute drive to school. Barth has gone to school in Columbus, grown up with the same group of people and is determined to stay in the same place, no matter what.

“I was willing to do anything to continue going to the same school,” Barth said.

Barth has recently moved in with her dad, who lives in Center Grove, which is a part of Greenwood.

“I decided to move in with my dad but, I insisted on still going to North,” Barth said.

This decision forces Barth to travel back and forth daily.

“I take the same road everyday to school,” Barth said. “It usually doesn’t take very long unless there is traffic.”

The distance of Barth’s new home does not stop close friend, junior Leah Basile, from hanging out with her.

“Sometimes I go to Center Grove with Katie and we spend the night there,” Basile said. “We make the distance work.”

The same goes for another friend, junior Rae Wadell.

“I usually have Katie spend the night at my house when we hang out on weekends,” Wadell said.

Barth gets creative when it comes to taking her mind off the drive to Columbus.

“I don’t really mind it because I listen to music the entire time,” Barth said.

Though she lives in a different town, Barth still claims Columbus as her home.

“I definitely like Columbus a lot better than Center Grove,” Barth said. “I spend most of my time here, all my friends live here and it is where I grew up.”

by Alli Ziegler

Cox is involved in academics and also plays the clarinet. “I do band which kind of eats up the fall,” Cox said. “I also do the academic super bowl for math.” Cox goes to church every morning and being a Mormon plays a big part in his life photo by Ellen Pheral

“

B

eing Mormon is a really big part of my life,” junior Brian Cox said. “I have church everyday in the morning and I don’t swear or cuss even though lot of people at school do.”

Junior Seth Vincent, a good friend of Cox’s, spends time with him in the morning.

“Brian and I go to seminary every morning,” Vincent said.

“Brian is that guy that can answer just about anything that our teacher asks.”

Cox’s mom, Susan Cox, believes being Mormon will be helpful throughout life. “[Being Mormon] gives values,” Mrs. Cox said. “It’s just a good set of rules to live by. It’s helpful when things are hard and is a nice anchor.”

Through his religion, Cox is able to look at the brighter side of things.

“It seems like there are a lot of things I can’t do but in a way it makes me more free,” Cox said.

Cox works with his restrictions and is able to do the things he enjoys.

“I do band which kind of eats up the fall,” Cox said. “I also do the academic super bowl for math. In the spring I’m normally outside working in the garden or just doing stuff outside.”

Cox has plans regarding his church and religion for postgraduation.

“After high school, I want to do one or two semesters of college then do a two year mission for my church,” Cox said. “When I get back I will finish my college degree and I’m thinking about going into psychology or being a pharmacist.”

by Ellen Pheral

Junior Brad Bedel works on the school’s computers. Bedel enjoys editing online video games. photo by Ellen Pheral

Seeking security

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lick, click, click. The sound of keyboard clicks fill the room as junior Brad Bedel modifies another online video game.

“What would take a person two days to complete a video game I can beat in five minutes,” Bedel said. “It’s a personal achievement, and I feel accomplished at the end.”

Bedel takes pride in his work and finds his own way to enjoy the games.

“I always [edit] the game and make it my own,” Bedel said.

Bedel wants to be a network security expert, which is similar to a professional hacker, when he graduates.

“I want to be a hacker for companies, they are hired to try and hack [the company’s] system,” Bedel said. “It’s a test for their computer protection so they can fix whatever problems they have.”

Even though Bedel is interested in technology, he has other interests and is currently taking drafting classes.

“Drafting is communication,” drafting teacher Randy Sims said. “We get the

Junior Brad Bedel has interests in editing video games

dimensions and prints of things and send them out so other people can use them.”

Bedel has an interest in drafting as a career.

“Brad has talent in drafting. He has not yet realized his potential,” Mr. Sims said. “I think he is playing with ideas for the future and he could do drafting. Whether he will, we will wait and see.”

Bedel’s talent and dreams drive him to meet his full potential.

“I want to be a professional hacker, with drafting as a side job,” Bedel said.

Along with teachers, Bedel’s friends see his potential.

“He is a really good hacker,” junior Hannah Bulthuis said. “I never thought that’s what he would want to do but, he loves it and is good at doing it.”

With the dream of being a network security expert in his mind, the only thing Bedel can do is practice.

“I’ve only hacked games so far. I’m in the learning process,” Bedel said. “I am waiting until college because there are no classes at North.”

by Ellen Pheral

Bedel’s top games to play and modify:

1 Halo Combat 2 Arms Project 3 Blackout

Final Destination: Japan Sophomore Jimmy Callahan tells about his experiences in Japan

P

eople rushed off to their flights, checked their baggage, went through security and waited in lines. This scene of a busy airport was typical for sophomore Jimmy Callahan. “[I’ve been] on 15-16 international flights [all to Japan],” Callahan said. “My grandparents live in Yokahama, Japan and my uncle lives in the next city over.”

After having experienced multiple international flights Callahan has a least favorite part.

“The plane ride, it’s 16 hours of nothing with airport and stuff,” he said. “[The plane ride itself is] maybe around 14 hours.”

Even though traveling to a foreign country may seem unique to some, Callahan disagreed.

“It’s normal to me, but just different,” Callahan said. “It’s just fun.”

With all the trips Callahan had made to Japan he has been able to visit many cities. “[I’ve visited] Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya and Nagasaki,” he said.

He had visited Japan in order for his mother to visit her family. “[My mom] is fluent in English and Japanese,” Callahan said.

Callahan’s most recent trip to Japan was January 2009.

“We went skiing on Mount Fuji, went shopping, went to a amusement park, went deep sea fishing and went on a road trip,” Callahan said. “We got a taxi and drove to Nagasaki and drove to see other relatives [during the road trip].”

Even though Callahan has done many amusing things in Japan he likes one in particular “Deep sea fishing [was my favorite] because we got to go out in the ocean and fish all day,” Callahan said. “You could see jellyfish, there were whole groups and clusters of them.”

One of Callahan’s longest trips occurred when he was only in eighth grade.

“It was during winter,” Callahan said. “I was 14 and it was during Christmas Break. It was a month long.”

Callahan had spent other holidays with his family in Japan.

“I went there during New Year’s,” Callahan said. “There was a New Year’s party with a lot of food and drinks.”

After spending so much time in Japan, Callahan felt there was only one major difference.

“Transportation is by train other than car,” he said.

When Callahan spent time at home he still brought a piece of Japan back home with him. “[We] sometimes fix curry, the Japanese version [at home],” he said.

Despite the transportation difference, Callahan felt that Japan and America were not as different as they may have seemed.

“It’s just another place,” he said. “It’s a little different not too much, other than the language and being crowded over there.”

by Shelby Beatty

Sophomore Jimmy Callahan stands outside the school.

Callahan visits Japan on a regular basis to visit his grandparents on his mothers side. photo by Nick Stroia

This is the country of Japan and these are the different cities Callahan has visited.

Nagoya Tokyo Nagasaki

Yokahama Mt. Fuji

For better or for worse Sophomore Ashley Haiderer keeps a positive attitude despite difficult situations

W

orry, fear and stress were just a few of the feelings floating through sophomore Ashley Haiderer’s head. Haiderer’s father had been sick all through her childhood.

“It has definitely been a struggle because of what people see on the outside is a typical family of three,” Haiderer said. “My mom had to be both mom and dad while I was growing up.”

Haiderer’s dad has PSC, Primary Schlorosisng Collingitis. PSC is a liver disease that scars the tissue in the bile duct. This eventually causes the liver to shut down. When Haiderer was in second grade her father had a liver transplant, but his problems did not stop there.

“The medicines he had to take, to make sure his body didn’t reject the new liver, made him more sick,” Haiderer said. “It’s a tough situation. He can function, it’s just hard. He will be sitting there and you can talk to him but he isn’t all there. He works, eats and sleeps; that is all I have ever known him to do.”

Due to his illness Haiderer and her dad have a difficult relationship, but they continue to work at it.

“I love him to death, he’s a good man, very nice and well known,” Haiderer said.

Despite Haiderer’s difficult problems she has managed to stay positive.

“I think it’s made me realize that whatever is thrown at me in life I will learn to accept it and adjust my life around it,” Haiderer said. “I will keep going on, living and enjoying life.”

Haiderer’s positive attitude comes from how her father seems to handle his own misfortunes.

“I think he’s a very strong man and he is very patient,” Haiderer said. “He has never raised his voice at me, even when I have deserved it.”

Haiderer’s mom, Laura Haiderer, has watched as Haiderer continues to learn how handle the difficult situation.

“Overall she has done very well and I have tried to make it as normal for her,” Mrs. Haiderer said. “I think it has made her stronger and grow up faster than the normal child. Overall it made her self sufficient and allowed her to think for herself.”

Haiderer’s dad, David Haiderer, has also set an example for Haiderer spiritually.

“For him, PSC was a test of his faith in God,” Haiderer said. “It was his ultimate test to put his life in God’s hands.”

Mr. Haiderer tells how he has managed to face PSC. “If you trust in the good Lord, He’s going to carry you,” Mr. Haiderer said. “That’s what he’s done for me and my family. He gave me a second chance and I’m very grateful.”

by Laurel Wolfe Sophomore Ashley Haiderer sits in her room. Haiderer still finds time to enjoy a book. “Reading is an escape for me,” Haiderer said. “I get to enter a different world with different troubles.” photo by Ellen Pheral

Money matters Junior David Linder dreams of running a business

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ntrepreneur, a person who makes risky economic decisions to meet a goal, junior David Linder wants to be an entrepreneur when he gets older.

“Money is just the side effect of doing my job well,” Linder said.

Linder loves to sell things and wants to run a business when he is older.

“The type of business is not important to me. All businesses have the same basic principle,” Linder said. “My job is to sell the product as frequently and as well as possible and to assure that the gears remain moving in the process of doing so.”

Linder has no preference as to what he sells, as long as he is selling.

“I would not flip the burgers at McDonalds but, I would be okay with running one,” Linder said.

Businesses have to run well and be organized to keep customers happy.

“All businesses have to be practical and efficient,” Linder said. “The entire idea of a business is to be better.”

In a market where you have to tread carefully in unpredictable waters, business can be tricky.

“I would not want to start my own business,” Linder said. “It’s unreliable. I don’t trust the market.”

Junior Logan Spicer and Linder have frequent conversations about business and their future.

“David is a very smart guy,” Spicer said. “He’s usually who I go to when I want to have an intellectual conversation. He is very good at articulating his points and his ideas are usually always valid.”

Linder’s grandmother, Sue Linder, supports Linder’s decision to work in business.

“David’s interest in business was fueled by his CARSS class and his teacher Mr. Hackman,” Mrs. Linder said. “He has always had an interest in the financial tycoons and their impact on America. David’s interest in the financial world has led him to want to pursue a degree with a double major in business management and economics.”

Linder plans to start his business career after high school.

“Right now I’m just trying to get college credits out of the way so I can focus more on business in college,” Linder said.

Linder plans to go to a local school at first like Ivy Tech or IUPUC. “I’m getting mixed messages from school officials so I’m still not decided,” Linder said.

by Ellen Pheral

Junior David Linder’s business personality affects him daily. “I actively study the happenings in business and economics,” Linder said. David has been planning to study business in college. photo by Ellen Pheral

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Junior Toni Bennett stands outside of North high school thinking about the commitments she made to the Prom Committee. photo by Max Byttebier

PROMNight Students get together to create a night they will never forget

J

unior Toni Bennett, a member of Prom Committee, gives the background information on the committees preparation for Prom.

“We come up with a theme, we set up for Prom and we take it down,” Bennett said.

Junior Sydnee Jackson is also on the committee and gives the breakdown on it.

“We split up into groups of 2-4 and we get different jobs,” Jackson said. “The groups will have jobs as in decorations, food, music and publicity.”

Sophomore Evelyn Malcomb explains her leading job on committee.

“I am head of publicity so I’ll take care of things like posters and radio or newspaper and announcements,” Malcomb said.

Because it is Bennett and Jackson’s second year on Prom committee, it is a normal routine for them.

“There are six members from North, six from East and two from CSA,” Bennett said.

Along with students, there are teachers from different schools providing supervision for the committee.

“There is Ms. Williams from North, Mr. Hack from East and Mrs. Cave from Northside,” Bennett said.

Jackson gives reasons for students who would like to join Prom Committee in the future.

“It is a really good way to meet new people if you are interested in decorating,” Jackson said. “It looks good on your application and it is also a great atmosphere.”

Being on Prom Committee is about unity even though each person is assigned jobs.

“There are certain jobs that people will take,” Bennett said.

“In the end we all work as a team to pull things together and make Prom what it is.”

by Ashley Roberts

Sophomore Hayden Fleetwood plays with his sister, Ela. Ela is from Guatemala. Fleetwood’s family adopted her before she was a year old. photo by Alli Ziegler

Sister from a different country Sophomore Hayden Fleetwood has a sister from Guatemala

S

ophomore Hayden Fleetwood’s life changed when he was only in the sixth grade. This was the year that his family decided to adopt a child from Guatemala. During the whole process, Fleetwood learned a lot about himself.

“My adopted sisters name is Ana Gabriela, but we call her ‘Ela’,” Fleetwood said.

Ela was less than one year old when the Fleetwood family decided to adopt her.

“My mom, sister and brother went to Guatemala for six months to live with Ela,” Fleetwood said. “They did all the paperwork for her when they got back to the United States”.

Some of Fleetwood’s friends, including freshman Sydney Keaton, also have opinions about Fleetwood’s adopted sister.

“Ela is adorable,” Keaton said, “She has a smile on her face every time I see her”.

Another friend of Fleetwood, sophomore Nicole Klee, talks about Ela. “She seems to be happy with [his] family,” Klee said. “It’s really cool that they decided to adopt her”.

Fleetwood has a large family to begin with, but he was happy to add another sibling to his family.

“I think it’s fun to have another sibling that is ethnic,” Fleetwood said.

Fleetwood and his family got the chance to be involved with another culture, something that most are not able to do.

“It gave us the opportunity to see what was going on outside the United States,” Fleetwood said.

by Alli Ziegler

Assembly required Junior Lucas Stroia built a motor bike after being inspired

M

odel airplanes, cars, puzzles and ships are just a few of the objects people build for fun. However, junior Lucas Stroia decided to take building up to a whole new level.

Stroia was inspired to build his own motor bike after he heard of someone else riding one.

“The summer after freshman year, I made it,” Stroia said. “It started when Nick, my brother, was talking about a kid coming down the street on a motor bike. My dad and I got online and were looking and we found motors. We bought one and I got it for my birthday.”

The idea of building a motor bike strongly appealed to Stroia for a number of reasons.

“I like loud things and I like fast things and anything that’s cool, and when I saw it I was like ‘that’s me. That’s so me,’” Stroia said.

He did not want to spend time doing something common. Stroia is the type of person who enjoys originality.

“I’m a really creative person and I like the really creative stuff that people usually don’t do,” Stroia said. “I want to have my own unique wave. I don’t want to be seen as everyone else. I want to be different.”

Stroia did not waste time assembling the bike. It was a quick process that made a lasting product.

“We first went to Target and got a new bike,” Stroia said. “After that, we put the actual engine on and the tank the first day. The second day we put on all the little parts. It took me and my dad two days to build it. For the most part, it was easy. The hard part was putting on the tiny stuff that you had to be really gentle with.”

Once the bike was completed, he could not deny that he was proud.

“I felt so great about it,” Stroia said. “My dad was the first to test drive it and when I first got on it, I just felt so awesome. It was very exciting.”

Its average speed is 30-35 miles per hour, but he has future plans on upgrading it to go 60. From spring until fall Stroia typically rides his motor bike two or three times a week. When he does take it for a spin, it’s hard for him to go unnoticed.

“You don’t see a lot of people driving around with this so when I’m driving on the street someone will look over at me like I’m an alien from outer space,” Stroia said. “People always stop me and want to know how I built it and everything. Also, it gets some people angry because it’s really loud.”

Stroia’s friend, sophomore Paul Meyer, built his own motor bike as well. He got the idea from Stroia and liked the originality of the project.

“I thought it was cool because it was kind of creative,” Meyer said.

Luckily Stroia has never crashed on his bike. However, his friend

Junior Lucas Stroia rides on his gas bike. Stroia built a gas bike and rides it in his spare time. He plans to get a real motorcycle sometime in the future. photo by Nick Stroia Noah Czeresko, a freshman at the International School, was not so fortunate.

“We were at a park on a hill and he told me I could ride his motor bike but not to start it until I got to the bottom of the hill,” Czeresko said. “I started up right on the hill, went down, and I didn’t have time to turn. I ran straight into the curb, but I was fine.”

Even though he has had it for a while now, Stroia still loves getting on the bike.

“I feel kind of excited like every time,” Stroia said. “I get a general rush like ‘here we go.’”

Stroia has plans he hopes to pursue in the future regarding vehicles.

“I want to get a real motorcycle,” Stroia said. “I also want to get together with my friends sometime and we want to build our own vehicle. I don’t know what it’s going to look like yet, but we want to make our own vehicle from scratch.”

For anyone who is not sure whether or not to try something new, Stroia has a piece of advice.

“Use good judgement and go for it,” Stroia said. “You’re not going to get anywhere just standing still.”

by Megan Peterson

When I grow up...

Junior Jacob Laine

Junior Jacob Laine looks under the hood of his car outside the school. Laine wants to be a mechanic when he grows up and is hoping on working at a shop. photo by Mackenzie Goins Are you planning on making a career out of being a mechanic after high school and if so why?

I love the to work on cars. It’s male bonding time for my uncles, dad and I. What is your favorite part about fixing cars and why?

The first time we fire the engine the sound is truly rewarding.

Why would you choose to be a mechanic over another career and why?

Like I said, I love to work on cars.

Do you plan on working at a garage, shop or starting your own place and why?

Of course I want to own my own shop, but I’ll need to work in a garage first.

Two students share what they want to do after high school compiled by Shelby Beatty Senior Travis Lockherd

Senior Travis Lockherd checks the oil in his car.

Lockherd plans on being a mechanic. photo by Shelby Beatty

Are you planning on making a career out of being a mechanic after high school?

I’m seriously thinking about becoming a mechanic after high school. I’m thinking about doing it because I like working with cars.

What is your favorite part about fixing cars?

My favorite part about fixing cars is getting them in drivable condition so people can have transportation.

Why would you choose to be a mechanic over another career?

I would choose this over other careers, because most of the things I know about cars has been self taught.

What was the first car you worked on and what did you do?

It was a ‘85 Buick Centry and I put front brakes on it.

What’s the hardest thing you did on a car and why?

Changing the starter on a Chevy 305 V8. The starter felt like it weighted 100 pounds and I had to hold it up with one hand.

Senior Chris Wiles prepares himself for a fight. He concentrates on what is ahead. photo by Keonna Durham

Caged in N

Senior Chris Wiles travels around the state in his mixed martial acts team, Trauma

o nerves, just thoughts of winning or losing run through his head as he steps into the cage for his next match. Senior Chris Wiles got started in cage-fighting at an early age.

“I got started in the fourth grade at Master Evan’s in Taylorsville,” Wiles said. “My father was the one who inspired me to start.”

Cage-fighting takes a lot of dedication and work to continue advancing.

“You have to have a certain number of fighting skills and have to be involved for at least three to four years,” Wiles said. “You also have to be over 18 years old to legally get in the cage to fight.”

It also comes at a price.

“You have to have money for club memberships and for supplies like gloves, shorts, and mouth guards,” Wiles said.

Wiles has won between 30-40 matches.

“We only fight during the summer,” Wiles said. “During the winter we train.”

Cage-fighting can be dangerous when competing against others.

“The scariest part is getting hit in the face or breaking something,” Wiles said. “You never know if it will heal in time or not.”

Wiles has experienced this first hand.

“I injured my knee when a kid put me in a position I couldn’t move out of,” Wiles said. “ I ended up tearing ligaments in it.”

Wiles plans on continuing cage-fighting depending on how college goes for him.

“Right now I’m training for Tap Out at the army base,” Wiles said. “You have to be at least 21 to compete so it’ll be awhile since I’m only 19.”

Cage-fighting is very positive for Wiles.

“I love it, because it’s like something you have never done before,” Wiles said. “It makes me feel good, and knowing that I can make friends doing it.”

by Katee Holman

Find out about: Elissa Boling 33Things: If your house was on fire and you could only grab three things, what would you grab?

Elissa Boling: My charm bracelet that my boyfriend got me, my purse and my photos.

33: Most embarrassing moment in your life?

Boling: I don’t get embarrassed. Ever.

Junior Elissa Boling hangs out in the new part of the school. Boling says that she has a dynamic sense of humor. photo by Kaitlin Miller

My

33: What is your hobby?

What started it?

Boling: I don’t believe in hobbies. I work. It started because I didn’t have any money.

33: How long have you been doing it?

Boling: Since I was 13. I had my own cleaning business.

33: What did you want to be when you were younger?

Boling: An interior designer, because I love decorating my house.

33: If you were an animal what would it be and why?

Boling: I’d be a dragon so they would be real.

33: If you met an alien what would you do?

Boling: I would give it a Snickers. compiled by Kaitlin Miller

years in 17 sentences Junior Andy Conrad describes himself

1. My favorite season is summer.

2. My favorite cereal is Fruit Loops.

3. I do not like bees.

4. I play soccer.

5. I like to play piano.

6. I have never been to a concert.

7. I have a dog named Archie.

8. My favorite vacation was to Pasadena, Calif.

9. Nate Kaplan has been one of my life long friends.

10. I go to Baby Back Blues every week.

11. A random fact about me is that I have double jointed thumbs.

12. To get pumped before my soccer games I listen to ‘Jesus Of Suburbia’ by Green Day. 13. I am scared of drowning.

14. It makes me happy when people randomly make me food.

15. I have broken my wrist and my back.

16. I play Xbox.

17. My favorite artist is Jason Mraz. compiled by Chris Gorbett Junior Andy Conrad sits in the cafeteria as he explains his life in seventeen sentences. photo by Katie Stowers

blue&white sponsors Raft to Rafter’s

Dunn & Associates

First Financial Bank

North Park Dentistry

Skooter’s

State Farm

That Special Touch

Hoosier Sporting Goods

Centra Credit Union

Estep & Company, Inc-Subway

from the

stadium

to the stage Junior Eric Perry is involved with activities ranging from sports to music

T

he sounds of music drifts through the hall from the Debs and Music Men, junior Eric Perry sings along.

“How do you measure a year in the life?” For Perry, his year consists of more than just music.

Along with choir, Perry plays soccer, church league basketball and men’s volleyball. He tries to be as involved as possible with sports and music.

“I play instruments like violin, guitar, piano, drums and recently got a harmonica,” Perry said. “I also sing.”

Perry has been involved with sports

and music for years, his parents got him into sports but music was another story.

“I had friends who started playing violin so I wanted to join them,” Perry said. “I was the only one who stuck with it.”

Perry had been interested in music for quite some time before his friends got him into violin.

“I have always loved music I guess, ever since I was born,” Perry said.

“When I was a baby I used to get pots and pans out and bang on them.”

Perry took violin lessons for eight years. He also taught himself to play piano and picked up the guitar.

Perry had three years worth of guitar lessons after he picked it up.

“I don’t take lessons anymore

because my schedule got too busy,” Perry said.

Friends were also a key factor when Perry started singing this year.

“I always wanted to join choir, but my friends pushed me into actually doing it,” Perry said.

Perry enjoys different aspects of singing but some are better than others.

“My favorite part is just making music, it’s fun,” Perry said.

Perry plays club soccer and volleyball in the spring, high school soccer in the fall, and church league in the winter. With such a hectic schedule, Perry still incorporates time for friends.

“Most of my friends do the same sports and music, so I just hang with them there,” Perry said. “Music stuff

is usually in the morning or at school and sports after.”

This is one of the reasons Perry is involved in both.

“The best part is meeting new people,” Perry said.

Unlike music, his involvement in sports has a downside.

“The worst part is losing,” Perry said.

With being involved in different activities, Perry has to miss some things for others.

“If something conflicts I do whatever is for school because it usually counts for my grade,” Perry said.

It can be a challenge to engage in

multiple extracurricular activities.

“I think it’s extremely difficult, but Eric does the best he can,” junior Nathan Kaplan said. “He makes it to most of the major commitments of both.”

Perry’s love for music and sports drive him to keep doing both.

“Instead of wasting his time like a lot of other people, he works hard doing the things he loves to do,” senior Hunter Sims said.

Perry is still debating what he will pursue in the future.

“I will do either music or sports or both after high school if they help me get into college,” Perry said.

The decision is still unclear as to which activity will take precedence.

“He will continue with both most likely, but one will fade away,” Kaplan said. “It’s tough to say which he will drop because he is good in both music and sports.”

Perry’s life would not be the same without his activities.

“I do music because without it my world would be boring,” Perry said.

“Music and sports help me express emotion.”

by Erica Stewart

Junior Eric Perry show off his unique sense of humor. Perry is involved in many activities, including the Debs and Music Men choir which recently won the ISSMA state show choir competition. “I do music because without it my world would be boring,” Perry said. photo by Katie Stowers

Freshman Austin Huffer stands with his hockey stick after a game. Huffer played hockey for the Columbus Icemen and the Hoosier Wings. Huffer plans to play hockey after high school. photo by Nick Stroia

A hockey hobby F

reshman Austin Huffer put on his jersey, positioned his helmet until it felt snug and slid into his skates. Right before he left the locker room he grabbed his hockey stick and headed out onto the ice.

Huffer has been interested in hockey his entire life. He first learned to skate when he was two and began playing hockey at four.

“Hockey is awesome,” Huffer said. “I love doing anything involving hockey.”

Huffer currently plays for the Columbus Icemen and the Hoosier Wings, a statewide team. He has played every hockey position except goalie and currently plays left wing.

“Usually hockey practice is Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 7:50 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. and games are at different times on the weekend,” Huffer

Hockey has always been a part of freshman Austin Huffer’s life

said.

Huffer plays hockey games at many different places. The home games are played at Hamilton Ice Center.

“I think that he is incredibly fast when he is out on the ice,” Icemen teammate senior Paul Madigan said.

For both hockey teams there is a lot of traveling involved. Some of the places Huffer has traveled for hockey are Ft. Wayne, Cincinnati and Indianapolis.

“One time the Hoosier Wings made it to Nationals and we traveled up to Canada for that,” Huffer said.

Huffer’s friends also support him while he plays hockey.

“I think it’s cool that he is undersized, but when he plays he has no fear,” Adam

Coleman, a friend of Huffer’s, said. “He is the fastest thing on two skates.”

Huffer also spends a lot of his spare time playing hockey.

“I like playing pond hockey,” Huffer said.

“That’s where we play hockey on a pond when the ice is thick and it’s a blast.”

Huffer plans to continue playing hockey after high school by playing on a junior hockey team out in the east side of the country before he goes to college. Then he plans to play hockey at college.

“My favorite part about hockey is that feeling after you shoot a goal. It feels amazing,” Huffer said. “I also love being a part of an awesome team.”

by Nick Stroia

n i . s v t Ou

ore trendy m g in tt e g re s at a Katie Stower Five things th compiled by kirk d and Tori New by the secon

“Being single allows you to spend more time having fun and hanging out with whoever you want to,” junior Isaac Lax said.

Relationships

photo by Katie Stowers

photo by Keonna Durham

out Flip Flops

in “Sanuks are the kind of shoes you would wear if your just chilling on the beach or just kicking it in the summer,” junior Mikey DeDominic said. photo by Nick Stroia

Cafeteria

“PANERA is a good environment to eat and also work on homework. The food is also delicious!” sophomore Rachael Sollman said. photo by Keonna Durham

Remixes

“[Dubstep’s] beats sound cooler and it’s more hard core than remixes,“ freshman Andrew Schwartz said. photo by Keonna Durham

Teen Mom

“It’s (skins) my new favorite show on MTV but it can be unrealistic at times,” junior Mikah Rushalk said. photo by Keonna Durham

The world of jujitsu

This sophomore did a sport that taught him self-defense and life lessons rolled into one

A Social Studies teacher Laurie Pfaffenberger and senior Sarah Jessup stands outside of Mrs. Pfaffenberger’s room. Jessup and Mrs. Pfaffenberger have been working together all year with Diversity Council. photo by Keonna Durham

Diversity Council Diversity Council is a program run by teacher Laurie Pfaffenberger to help make the school diverse by club members volunteering their personal time.

Usually this club meets after school on Mondays. Senior Sarah Jessup is a member.

33Things: What do you do in Diversity Council?

Sarah Jessup: We have campaigns for certain times of the year. Then we have the large shoe posters which people can sign to pledge to promote diversity.

33: What is the main purpose of this club?

Jessup: We try to promote diversity by making posters and hanging them up in the halls.

33: Are there any specific jobs?

Jessup: No, everyone just volunteers their time whenever possible.

33: What is an example of some posters you make?

Jessup: We had flyers showing famous people from all different backgrounds for National No Name Calling week.

33: Does Diversity Council reflect on any historical events that happened?

Jessup: The large shoes are hung up in the social studies classes and are for Holocaust remembrance.

by Ashley Roberts

green belt wrapped around his waist showed just how far sophomore Brad Shaw had come. In a world where the color of the belt shows the mastery of skills, Shaw got to the highest level he possibly could for his age.

Shaw used to take ju-jitsu classes and currently is involved in rugby and soccer. He moved here from England three years ago and stuck with the same hobbies. However, his experience with ju-jitsu is what most sets him apart from other teenagers.

“I did it for about four and a half years,” Shaw said. “It’s a type of grappling kind of like wrestling. You use leverage against a bigger sized person.”

Shaw used to take ju-jitsu lessons at a club in Edinburgh. The sport has certain characteristics that set it apart from other types of martial arts.

“Ju-jitsu is more of a grappling with holds and locks,” Shaw said. “Karate is more like attacking and kicking and mixed martial arts is all that combined.”

Junior Greg Swan feels that Shaw’s involvement with ju-jitsu reflects his personality. It also gives them something to do for fun.

“He’s very outgoing and he’s not afraid to push people around,” Swan said. “When I go over to his house we do [ju-jitsu] when we’re just messing around. He’s kind of taught me it, but I don’t actually take it.”

Not only has the sport taught Shaw new skills, it has also taught him important life lessons.

“It just makes me feel like I’m safe when I’m alone and it helps me make smarter decisions,” Shaw said. “It’s taught me to be more disciplined and stop making stupid decisions. Before I took ju-jitsu I really didn’t care about situations or people overall, but after I started to.”

A typical ju-jitsu class follows a simple routine.

Influenced Senior Brad York looks up to his parents for inspiration

Sophomore Brad Shaw stands outside the school. He used to take ju-jitsu classes in Edinburgh. Ju-jitsu has played a major role in his life. photo by Nick Stroia “Every week we’d warm up and then practice what we had to do for the final upgrading of a belt,” Shaw said Shaw was a natural when it came to ju-jitsu. He picked it up quickly and continued to improve.

“Every three months depending on how fast or good you are, you get put into a group,” Shaw said. “It took me about two years to get to the highest belt I could which is the green belt and you had to be 16 to advance to more belts. It felt pretty good.”

Shaw is drawn to the sport for a number of reasons.

“I just always liked the wrestling part. It’s pretty much the most fun thing I’ve ever done,” Shaw said. “My favorite part is the wrestling part and actually getting physical. The hardest part is the competitions against different clubs.”

Whenever he won a competition or advanced in the sport, Shaw felt a sense of pride.

“It’s like one of the greatest feelings,” Shaw said. “I mean it shows you’re better than most of the people out there.”

Shaw’s friends play a big part in his life. Whether it’s rugby, soccer or ju-jitsu, his friends help support him.

“He likes to joke around a lot. He can be serious sometimes, but all around he’s a good friend,” junior Ryan Jenkins said. “I pretty much support him in whatever he does.

When he needs something I’m there for him, and when I need something he’s there for me.”

Even though he is not involved in ju-jitsu right now, Shaw has plans to go back.

“The one in Edinburgh is not that great, but I’ve been talking to people who do it in Carmel and they say it’s one of the best places,” Shaw said. “I want to start doing ju-jitsu again in Carmel and when I turn 18 I want go into mixed martial arts.”

Shaw is motivated to get back into the sport.

“The reason I want to go back is because it’s just fun,” Shaw said.

“It’s fun to learn new things and when you win it’s just the best feeling.”

by Megan Peterson

Senior Brad York enjoys his guitar. For his senior project he taught guitar to kids at St. Bartholomew. photo by Shelby Beatty

P

laying the guitar and studying to be a physical therapist are two things that can describe senior Brad York.

York’s father was the one who inspired him to start playing the guitar.

“I’ve been playing guitar for about six or seven years,” York said. “My dad started and I wanted to play with him.”

York looks up to his dad for many different reasons.

“He is very outgoing and speaks his mind,” York said.

“He is hilarious and just a cool guy to be around.”

York’s father was not his only inspiration, his mother helped him choose what career he wants to pursue.

“My mom is a nurse at Columbus Regional Hospital and she recommended physical therapy,” York said. “I job shadowed and really enjoyed it.”

York’s mom, Jacki York, thought this would be a steady job for his future.

“It will be a good field to get in and the job is pretty secure,” Mrs. York said.

York has plans set for how he will achieve becoming a physical therapist.

“I’m going to take classes geared for pre-med and physical therapy at IU,” York said. “IU has a good physical therapy practice.”

York plans to go to college for a minimum of four years.

“I want to get a major in physical therapy and a minor in open wound care,” York said.

Since York’s mother is already in the medical field, she is a good role model for him.

“She went back to college for her master’s degree in nursing not too long ago,” York said. “So I’ve seen what it takes to get into the medical field.”

by Gabby McLemore

A famous family

Junior Jack Grimm’s parents act in movies and plays

J

unior Jack Grimm goes to school, plays sports, hangs out with friends and does other things most teenagers do. But, there is something that makes him stand out from other students, his parents are both actors.

“It all started about 25 years ago,” Grimm said. “My parents met in Chicago when they were both there for their acting jobs.”

Grimm’s dad works for the Screen Actors Guild and acts in movies. His dad has been in Clear and Present Danger, Public Enemies and Express.

“My dad has been to quite a few places for the movies he is in,” Grimm said. “He has been to places like Chicago, Los Angeles, Canada and Puerto Rico.”

Although Grimm is interested in both of his parents’ work, he thinks his dad’s job is a bit cooler.

“My dad is in a few movies so I think it’s awesome that he gets more screen action,” Grimm said.

His mom acts in plays and has been in The Red Badge of Courage and Inhibit the Wind. Grimm’s parents usually are not gone for their work, but when they are gone they are usually gone for a good amount of time.

“I’ve known Jack for quite awhile and he has pretty awesome parents,” junior Mikey Dedominic said. “They do cool things a lot of people never get to do.”

Although Grimm’s parents are actors, there is a lot of work that is needed in their jobs. They have to do things like memorize lines and have to really get into the personality of the certain characters they are playing.

“One of my favorite parts about having parents like mine is that they have an interesting job,” Grimm said.

“I can tell people about my parents and have them not get bored as I tell them.”

by Nick Stroia

Junior Jack Grimm sits at North after school. Grimm’s mother is an author and his father is an actor. photo by Alli Ziegler

Songs from the heart

Senior Alyssa Greathouse stands on stage in the auditorium while preparing for group photos.

Greathouse has been singing since she was seven.

Senior Alyssa Greathouse has learned to share her feelings through music

S

he takes a deep breath and focuses on the beat. It is her turn and suddenly she forgets everything else. The music overwhelms her as she begins to sing. This is senior Alyssa Greathouse’s life.

“I was seven when I started singing,” Greathouse said. “My mom would take me to church with her to sing.”

Greathouse got involved with her new passion through her mom. Greathouse’s mom and choir teacher help motivate her.

“They push me to get better,” Greathouse said. “They help me grow.”

Greathouse has worked hard to get to where she is now.

“I took voice lessons for a year,” Greathouse said. “My voice grew a lot through that.”

Sophomore Chloe Hundley talks about Greathouse’s musical talents.

“Alyssa is amazing,” Hundley said. “Every time she sings, everyone around her just

photo by Keonna Durham

melts in their seats.”

Greathouse sings all different types of music, but her faith has influenced her music.

“I sing a lot of Christian stuff because I go to church and I’m in a band with other people from my church,” Greathouse said.

Greathouse’s passion for music is not going to end with high school.

“I’m auditioning for a group that travels around from Indiana Wesleyan college,” Greathouse said.

Choir teacher Janie Gordon, has seen Greathouse grow in her music.

“She has gained so much self-confidence because of her love for singing,” Mrs. Gordon said. “Each time she performs she seems stronger and more sure of herself.”

Music has affected Greathouse’s life by helping her share feelings when she can not.

“I can express myself through music and singing,” Greathouse said. “I’m really insecure about myself and when I sing it boosts my self-confidence.”

by Laurel Wolfe

Significant seasons

Sophomore Karson Tays and freshman Kathryn Notestine share their favorite seasons compiled by Chris Gorbett

What is your favorite season?

My favorite season is summer. During summer it’s always warm and I’m usually in a good mood.

Why is it your favorite season?

Summer is my favorite season for basically one reason only. I just adore the warm weather. It’s so different than any other season, and I think that’s why I like it so much too.

Also since I run cross country; summer usually has some good weather to go running in.

What do you do during your favorite season?

During summer you can basically do anything.

Besides running I like to hang out with my friends, just like the typical high school student.

What is your favorite season?

My favorite season is fall.

My least favorite is the time between winter and spring because it is usually cold all the time and the snow is not always my favorite.

Why is it your favorite season?

Fall is my favorite season because my birthday is right in the middle of it. It is on Oct. 31. The weather is the main reason why I like it though, it’s not too cold and it’s not too warm.

What do you do during your favorite season?

During fall I get really excited because cheering starts, which means football season. Another thing I like to do is go biking and roller skating with my friends.

Sitting on the gym floor with a basketball sophomore Cameron Layman feels at home. Sports have played a major part of Layman’s life. photo by Keonna Durham

Sports fanatic Sophomore Cameron Layman has been involved in sports ever since he was in kindergarten

R

unning down the field he can feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins. His heartbeat is fast, but his mind is calm. He uses all of his strength and kicks the ball. The crowd goes crazy as the soccer ball flies into the goal. The goal resulted in a victory for sophomore Cameron Layman.

“I was excited when I made the goal,” Layman said. “I felt like I was on top of the world.”

Layman’s brother, Spencer Layman, talked about how sports have helped Layman be more involved.

“It has given him the opportunity to meet new friends and become closer with people,” Spencer said. “He has something to drive him to do well in school, but also it gives him something to look forward to.”

Layman has grown up around sports. He got involved at age six, the earliest age possible for kids starting to play Parks & Rec. “I’ve been an athlete my whole life,” Layman said.

“Basketball, soccer and baseball are some of the sports I was involved in” He looks up to other professional athletes.

“Michael Jordan is my hero. I think he’s just one of the

greatest basketball players,” Layman said.

Cameron’s father, Dean Layman, has helped his son get involved with sports.

“My dad’s a big sports enthusiast, he signed me up for sports camps and stuff when I was kid,” Layman said. “He comes to a lot of my sporting events and tells me how I can do better.”

Layman’s father believes that he has gained character through the sports he is involved in.

“They’ve given him a confidence he may not have had otherwise,” Mr. Layman said. “He’s a quiet and shy kid. It has made him social and helped him understand that if he pushes himself he can accomplish his goals.”

Layman believes sports are an easy way to meet new people and stay active.

“It helps your health and it has introduced me to a lot of different people,” Layman said.

Family is a big part of Layman’s life.

“My family is always there for me,” Layman said. “They’re always telling me to persevere.”

by Laurel Wolfe

Taking off Flying planes is just a hobby for this sophomore

H

e lines the plane up in the waiting line, calls the tower, checks for incoming planes, lets off the breaks and pushes the throttle all the way in. Once he gets up to speed he pulls up the steering gear and sees the world with a new perspective.

Sophomore Carson Ward has been flying planes since he was 12 years old. Ward’s grandpa, Andy Biesel, was the inspiration for him to start piloting.

“I’m a pilot and I love flying. My stepfather was the air operations on the U.S. enterprises so I flew all over the country with the military aviators,” Mr. Biesel said. “I just loved that and I really enjoy flying so I thought Carson would too.”

Other than the fact that flying is fun, there are other advantages to getting a pilot’s license.

“It looks good on your resume,” Ward said.

Biesel sometimes goes up with Carson, but he prefers for him to fly with an instructor for a better learning experience.

“I have been up with Carson, but most of the time I let him fly with certified instructors so he can keep learning,” Mr. Biesel said.

Though flying is more common to do in the winter, Ward normally flies more in the summer. “[I fly] about once or twice a week in the summer,” Ward said. “About one to one and a half hours of actual flight time”.

Ward knows what is easy and what is not so easy when flying a plane.

“Cruising [is the easiest part], because the plane basically flies itself,” Ward said. “Landing [is the hardest part], because multiple things could go wrong”.

The freedom of flying is one of Ward’s favorite things.

“You have very little restrictions, and you see everything from a different perspective,” Ward said.

Ward’s biggest memory of him piloting was when he took his dad up with him.

“We did a nose dive and my dad got sick so we had to land early,” Ward said. “He hasn’t flown with me since.”

Though he does not want to make a career out of piloting airplanes, Ward hopes to continue flying as he gets older. “[I want to] eventually have my own plane,” Ward said.

by Gabby McLemore Sophomore Carson Ward sits thinking about flying. He began flying because of his grandpa. photo by Keonna Durham

Working 9 to 5 Senior Brandi Keller shows how to work and go to school

A

fter lunch most students come back to school and continue on with school work while senior Brandi Keller goes to work at Cummins Tech Center.

“My mom volunteered me and I’ve been there since June,” Keller said.

Keller and her mother, Paula Wooten, work together.

“Brandi and I have always been very close and her working in the same building doesn’t affect it. It’s actually fun. She gets to meet my co-workers and see what I do,” Mrs. Wooten said.

Keller works on the Health, Safety and Environmental team.

“When we do see each other she can tease me for not having my safety glasses on because she works for safety,” Mrs. Wooten said. “At the end of the day, we both meet at home and laugh about some of the things that happened that day.”

Keller does not mind going to work

each day.

“I make spread sheets and plan safety events,” Keller said. “I also help keep the training up to date.”

Sandy Wolfe enjoys working with Keller.

“It’s a lot of fun [working with Brandi], her positive attitude [affects the work place],” Mrs. Wolfe said. “She’s task oriented so she takes pride in her accomplishments and she gets a lot done.”

Keller plans on staying employed with Cummins and attending IUPUC for college. “[My major is] undecided,” Keller said.

“I really have no idea what I want to be when I grow up.”

by Keonna Durham Senior Brandi Keller prepares to leave work. Keller has worked at the Cummins Tech center since June. photo by Keonna Durham

Fish and chips

Freshman Eric Myrick’s recollects on his trip abroad

A

Freshman Eric Myrick stands outside on a sunny day. Myrick and his family visited Ireland for two weeks last summer. Myrick longs for a chance to go back to England and Ireland. photo by Nick Stroia

s the plane landed into London’s International Airport, freshman Eric Myrick is excited to begin his vacation.

Myrick and his family visited England and Ireland for two weeks last summer.

During the trip the family travelled by a tour bus, so they were constantly moving.

“If I could have changed one thing about the trip, it would have been to spend more time in England since the tour bus was always rushing us along,” Myrick said.

Myrick had always dreamed of being able to set eyes on the city of London.

“The coolest part of the trip was the first time I saw London, I never thought I would see it in person,” Myrick said.

Myrick wishes the pace of the trip was slower so he could have gotten more sleep.

“The worst part of the trip was that we got up early every morning and we stayed in a new hotel almost every night,” Myrick said.

Myrick learned many facts along the trip.

“I learned that Ireland is loaded with

pubs, Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom and British food isn’t that good,” Myrick said.

His family also learned about local cuisine.

“They put vinegar on everything, it is an acquired taste,” Eric’s brother, junior Dakota Myrick said.

Myrick’s trip was overall a good experience. Myrick’s trip to England and Ireland sparked an interest in Rugby, which he is a big fan of back home in America.

“Eric has been really influenced by his trip in the way that he is really into rugby now,” freshman Hunter Hayes said.

Myrick was happy to return home, but longs for a chance to go back to the England and Ireland and really be able to experience the culture and foods.

“I was excited to come back to America, but I want to go back to London and Ireland as soon as I can,” Myrick said.

by CJ Copeland

Junior Becca Fogler adores her pet turtles, Squirt and Crush. photo by

Kaitlin Miller

Find out about: Becca Fogler 33Things: If you could do any one thing in the world, what would it be?

Becca Fogler: I would travel more to different countries.

33: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Fogler: Costa Rica because it is beautiful. It never seemed too hot or too cold when I was there, it was just amazing.

33: If your house was on fire and you could only grab three things, what would you grab?

Fogler: My turtles, because I can’t let them die. My cell phone, because I couldn’t live without it and probably food because I like to eat.

33: What was the most embarrassing moment in your life?

Fogler: Probably the time I fell in the dirty water from the flood. I was walking through the flooded streets, and there was a fish stuck on dry land, and I picked it up to put it in the water and these bikers yelled at me and told me to put it back. I walked into a backyard where there was a ton of water, but you couldn’t see how deep it was because it was so dirty. I put the fish down, but it was too shallow so I took another step and fell in because of a three foot drop off the people had in their yard. Everyone just stood there laughing.

33: What do you want to be now?

Fogler: I want to open a little coffee shop in an old house, because I think it would be fun to have a little place. My family has a lot of dessert recipes that we could make.

33: If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?

Fogler: Enthusiastic because I get really excited about things and I get really loud. I like to smile.

33: If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

Fogler: I probably wouldn’t change it because it’s a lot of effort and it costs money.

33: If you met an alien what would you do?

Fogler: We would be best buddies. I love meeting new people and then I would fly off on my bike with him.

33: If you could pick a nickname for yourself what would it be?

Fogler: Batman, because when I was little I thought my middle name was Batman, and I think it’s a pretty cool name. compiled by Kaitlin Miller

Adopted at 14 Ciera Johnson had a last name change

C

hanging last names is not something students do before going into high school. For junior Ciera Johnson, it happened.

“I got adopted when I was 14 years old,” Johnson said. “It was all my choice to do this.”

Johnson went through a process to get the name change done.

“First, I had to set up a court date. Then I had to go into like a pre-set up, meet with the judge, explain the reasoning and what not,” Johnson said. “Then we had to go to the court and state this in front of witnesses just like any other trial. Signed the paper and ‘viola’!”

Johnson shares a good relationship with her adoptive father, Tony Johnson.

“Most people see him as my step dad, but I see him as my real dad,” Johnson said. “I don’t call him dad because I’m so used to saying Tony, but I know to give him respect.”

Johnson and Tony share a good relationship.

“When I met Ciera and her mother, Ciera had just turned nine,” Mr. Johnson said. “Once her mother and I were married it didn’t feel right that Ciera still kept the Torres name even though she was a part of our new, quickly growing family.”

Johnson was glad to legally join the family. “[Tony] has done everything a usual father would do. I never called him dad to begin with,” Johnson said. “I knew it would mean a lot to him so I decided to approach my mom about it and she took me to court and got it done.”

The decision was supported by most.

“I felt happy and excited,” Johnson’s mom, Chellena Johnson, said. “I supported Ciera’s decision 110 percent.”

The family expanded as well.

“My mom had two [children with] him so technically they’re my half brothers,” Johnson said.

It took some time for the change to set in.

“Once it changed, people who spoke of me to others didn’t know me by Johnson so it was a little hard,” Johnson said. “I changed it before freshman year so people who met me had no idea I was Dillon Torres’ cousin because of the name change.”

Other family members were affected in a positive way.

“I like him a lot and consider him my uncle,” junior at East, Dillon Torres said.

Johnson looks at the last name change as a good thing.

“I would look at this as a positive experience,” Johnson said. “It means I get to experience daughter father stuff I’ve never really got to have.”

by Haedyn Scgalski

Junior Ciera Johnson sits outside at Mill Race Park. Johnson was adopted at 14 and took her step-dad’s last name. photo by Max Byttebier

If you really knew me...

“You would know I want to join the Marines, Metallica is my favorite band, I plan to major in politics and minor in law, and I love weight lifting.” junior William Kaiser said.

Metallica is Kaiser’s favorite band.

He has been listening to them for 7 years. His favorite album is Master of Puppets. compiled and photo by Keonna Durham

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