Triangle
the
The Newsmagazine of Columbus North High School
1400 25th Street, Columbus, Ind.
Volume 89
Issue 7
March 26, 2010
The drinking
Monster Teens know it breaks the law; they know the emotional and physical health risks. Yet some still choose to drink. But what happens when it goes bad? page 11
inside:
“I ride my scooter to the new lot because it’s faster, more fun and chicks dig it.” junior Hunter Sims
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06
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“Sports here in America are just less intense than the ones back in South Africa and Singapore.” sophomore Greg Swan
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photo illustration by Emily Miller
Boosters A friend A friend Allen & Crystal Smith Paul Trotta Dan & Ann Wierzbicki Brian Williams Caitlin Wilson James& Nancy Wilson Julie Woolls
Community Connection senior Grace Gudates
Hang out Shop Eat
Friends’ houses
American Eagle, Buckle, Nordstrom Qudoba, Noble Romans, Olive Garden, Mexico Viejo
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content 03_26_10
The Triangle 2009-2010 Staff
Go to www. cnhsmedia. com to see story updates, extended copy and much more! This week, in addition to Jamie Webb’s ‘What’s up with that?’ blog, take a look at blogs by Sam Arthur, Levi Olmstead, Courtney Turner and Barrett Beech
Editor-in-chief Emily Miller Managing Editor Olivia Williams Editorial Board Alex Weisner Madeline Hodek Emili Hefler Andrea Behling Taylor Gohn Sarah Burr Cade Mead Courtney Smith Jason Latimer Chelsie Cooper Sara Smith Jennifer Dieckmann Staff Sarah Barriger Becca Brougher Sarah Burr Chelsie Cooper Alyssa Dean Taylor Decker Nicholas Edwards Caroline Federle Blake Fields Katie Kutsko Connor LeClerc Hillary McCloskey Whitney Olibo Emma Smith Patricia Souza Vanessa Staublin Kayleigh Steigerwalt Virginia Steilberg Evan Trotta Zeb Walton James Webb Adam Willats Caitlin Wilson Adviser Kim Green
16 Spring musical “Into the Woods” brings big fun with a smaller cast and puppeteers acting the animal roles
March 26, 2010 News Courtyard construction Dates changed by snow Focus The drinking monster Features Key Club
Sports 06 Rugby 08 March madness Freshman Morgan Proffitt 11-13 Leisure “16 and Pregnant” review 15 Heard in the halls
17 18 19 20 23
The Triangle editorial policy The Triangle is an open forum for student expression at Columbus North High School. The student staff chooses all content. Signed columns published in The Triangle express the writers’ personal opinion, not the views of The Triangle, student body, BCSC, administration, board of trustees or faculty of CNHS. The Triangle practices ethical journalism by providing balanced and fair coverage as determined by community standards.
The Triangle strives to achieve 100 percent accuracy by checking sources, spelling and quotes and by attaining multiple sources. The Triangle encourages letters to the editor, but reserves the right to reject them for reasons including, but not limited to, lack of space, multiple letters on the same topic and personal attacks. The Triangle will not edit for content but reserves the right to ask contributors to edit for grammar and length. Letters should be submitted to room 177 or sent
via e-mail to greenk@bcsc.k12.in.us. All letters must be signed by all persons involved in writing the letter, which the staff will check for validation. A letter sent via e-mail must be validated with a signature from the writer before The Triangle will publish the letter. Letters must be submitted within one week after the publication date to which they are responding.
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opinion 03_26_10
Our voice Why do students still choose to drink underage?
E
veryone knows drinking in high school is illegal. However, according to the poll displayed at right, 40 percent of 200 North students surveyed said they do drink. That means that in an average class of 30 students, about 12 students have participated in underage drinking at some point. That is a big number for an illegal and dangerous activity, which shows the seriousness of a growing issue in high schools across the country. The solution to the situation is not one that can be forced onto high school students by somebody else. Even if a student is caught drinking, that young person needs to realize, for himself or herself, that they have to choose to stop drinking underage. Students drinking at Prom proves that where there’s a will, there’s a way. Uniformed police officers are the security, yet a few students still decide to drink that evening. Some get caught, others don’t. More wait until after the dance to drink. The only way to fix the problem is to take responsibility as minors and make the decision to quit drinking. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, one teen is killed every hour because of drunk driving. It would be nice to know that our students are not contributing to that statistic. Prom is a night like no other. Students look forward to it, preparing months in advance for their perfect night. It is a night that we will remember for the rest of our lives. It is not something that should be forgotten because of too much alcohol. Even if you do not care about the legality of drinking before you are 21, all that drinking underage will do is hinder what could be great memories of a lovely night of pictures, close friends and extravagant dates. There will always be someone who feels the need to break the rules. But that person may regret the decision to drink underage for the rest of his or her life. This is an issue that could be fixed with a simple “should I really do this?” Check out the related story on page 11.
Your vote Do you participate in underage drinking?
60% no
40% yes
This issue we took a look at underage drinking and surveyed 200 students. When asked simply, “Have you ever consumed alcoholic beverages?” 80 students answered yes.
compiled by Cade Mead
Your voice We asked for students’ opinions on under age drinking and if they thought anything should be done about it “Underage drinking can be dangerous to certain people because it can react with their medicine, and it can become addicting and ruin your life to a point. I think we should put a limit on residential stock and sales of alcohol, as well as have random breath checks on holidays.”
junior Eric Chodan
“Well, I think it’s wrong to break the law, but I think the drinking age could be lowered to like 19, so that college freshmen can drink but high school seniors can’t. I think if they lowered it, people would lose the thrill of knowing, ‘I’m breaking the law and drinking.’” sophomore Ben Jines
“I don’t think you should drink underage in public in front of all the people and police. It’s not the smartest thing to do, and it ruins your reputation.” junior Cassey Ricketts
“I think underage drinking is wrong, but people still don’t. I don’t think you can stop it; people will always get ahold of alcohol, adults will always help, and if they have alcohol, people will still smuggle it in.” sophomore Aaron Addis
opinion 03_26_10
Coping with the past
J
an. 6, 2004. I was sitting in my sixth grade class when the phone rang. My teacher talked longer than usual then told me to head to the office. I walked the Taylor Gohn endless hallway to the main office, where the secretary told me to go outside because my dad was waiting for me. If I ever needed to be picked up, my mother was the one in charge. I approached his car, saw him wipe his eyes and make instant eye contact with me. I opened the door and he said, “Punk, everything is OK.” After my begging, he told me, “Grandma
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Looking back on a loss, time brings peace
passed away today.” A flood of emotions took over my body, but to my surprise, no tears. I walked in the house and saw my mom and said to her, “Grandma is gone?” They told me what had happened and where she was now. I listened for a while, then asked if I could leave the room. That was when I finally started crying; I missed her already... I grew up knowing only two grandparents. And of those two, I lost the first in third grade, my grandpa Jack Richard Gohn. I knew he was gone, I knew I would not see him anymore, but I didn’t understand why. Then three years later I lost Doris Gohn. Doris and Jack Gohn, or Grandma and Poppy to me, were my rocks. I loved them
so much. Mattie and Kenneth Frazee died at young ages, so I was not blessed with the chance to meet them. It makes me wonder what my grandparents and I could be enjoying at this stage in both of our lives. I really wish I would have had the chance to meet my mother’s parents and make more memories. To Kenneth and Mattie, I wish I could have met you. I know you know who I am, and I know you love me, but all I know is what I hear from stories I pry from my mother. To Doris and Jack, thank you so much for all you gave me, for all you taught me, for all I am today. I love and miss you. And to those students whose grandparents are still alive, be grateful for what you have, and cherish the moments you have together. They truly last a lifetime.
Bullied?
Time to consider a reversal of power
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rowing up sucked. I was pretty much the kid everyone thought was pretty weird and/or crazy, and I didn’t have a lot of friends. And bullies didn’t help. Bullies need only one thing to attack: the power to get you to react the way they want you to react. But there is a way to counter that Connor LeClerc power. Take this pop culture example: One particular time in music history Kurt Cobain of Nirvana called Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses a “prima-donna.” Rose heard this and ran into Cobain and Courtney Love in a restaurant. (I have to censor a certain word in the exchange with “harpy.”) “Hey ,Axl!” Love yelled. Rose walked over to them, looked at Cobain and said, “Tell your ‘harpy’ to shut up.” Cobain, relaxed about the whole thing, said to Love, “Okay, shut up, ‘harpy.’” Long story short, Rose stormed out, knowing he had been denied power over Cobain. I’m not saying I’ve always been able to shake things off like Cobain did, but his example of disarming the bully’s power is one anyone who’s been bullied should try. by Adam Willats
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news
03_26_10
Trees leave L
oud hammering during tests. Classrooms shaking. Teachers trying to talk over the disruptions. All are effects from construction in the central courtyard. Workers took down all but four trees, preparing for tmore extensive summer construction. “The courtyard was a place for students, teachers and classes to go outside. It provided a home for several animals and plants that we could observe,” science teacher Nick Williams said. Although these benefits of the courtyard will be lost, new trees will be planted once construction is done. “There will be about 34 more new trees once all of this is done,” assistant principal John Green said. “It’s all going to happen in different stages. More trees will be taken down during Spring Break and throughout construction.” Sophomore Karen Ma feels the effects from tearing down the trees. “It bothers me that they took the trees down,” she said. “But I am glad they are re-using the trees.” Construction has been on-going for about two months now and has caused a few setbacks for some teachers. “Since the construction is right outside our wall and under our floor, it is very noisy at times,” science teacher Marsha Cheatham said. But Mrs. Cheatham tries to keep a positive attitude. “I keep reminding myself to be patient as this is going to be a long process. After all, it isn’t always bad, just certain days and periods,” she said. Students and teachers will have have to wait a little bit longer for the disturbance going on outside to be over. “The construction in the courtyard will take about 12 months,” Mr. Green said. “It’ll be the spot for the new commons.” Having construction right next to classrooms has affected students. “Classes are depressing now because the windows are boarded up,” freshman Sydney Jarrard said. Students like Jarrad will have to be patient. Mr. Green cautions this is just the beginning. “Construction,” he said, “is going to be going on for about two more years.” Shade trees can
green facts
make buildings up to 20 degrees cooler in the summer.
by Vanessa Staublin
Tree removal in central courtyard makes way for construction of the new classrooms, commons area Branches and the remains of the trees will be used for mulch.
Trunks from the courtyard trees will be used for planks of wood. photo by Emily Miller
Remove | Construction workers put caution tape around the trees that needed to be removed from the courtyard Feb. 13.
news
03_26_10
Take a hike D
ifferences of opinion about the new lot vary, but the lack of parking spaces will be this way until construction ends. “I think sophomores should park in the lot because there is not enough room on the streets to have sophomores park there,” sophomore Zak Blackwood said. Even though the new lot is bigger than the previous one, the rule remains unchanged. “Sophomores still cannot park on campus,” dean Jim Sheridan said. No students are allowed, at any time, to park in the Schmitt Elementary parking lot. On campus does not include the angles and parallels which are open for sophomores to park in. “I think everyone should be able to park where they want,” Blackwood said.
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As construction continues, drivers and riders make their way to, from new lot
However, with parking still limited, Mr. Sheridan thinks students need to rethink driving to school. “We don’t have room for everyone’s car,” Mr. Sheridan said. “Carpooling needs to happen.” Driving to school does not have to be the only option. “Sophomores should ride the bus,” dean Ruth Hurrle said. “It’s still free.” There are consequences for sophomores who park in the new lot. “First you get a warning, then out of school suspension,” Mr Sheridan said. “Just be adults; we would prefer not to be traffic cops.” Even with more spots, the complaint from students about the new lot is the length of the walk. “I ride my scooter to the new lot because
it’s faster, more fun and chicks dig it,” junior Hunter Sims said. Sims and friends, such as senior Andy Kaplan, enjoy riding their scooters instead of walking. “It was (senior) Matt McKain’s idea, but Andy was the first to do it,” Sims said. Even though some students do not like the new lot, others look on the bright side. “The new lot is awesome because I get to ride my scooter,” Sims said. According to Mr. Sheridan, a positive of the new lot is the safety factor. “Kids used to drive over the curb and on to Home Ave. from the lot,” he said. However, the new lot is here to stay and the rules still apply. for Mr. Sheridan it is simple: “t’s going to get worse these next two years before it gets better.” by Kayleigh Steigerwalt
133 students were surveyed about the new lot.
34% like it 66% dislike it
55% believe sophomores should be allowed to park in the new lot while 45% think that sophomores should not.
photo by Sarah Barriger
Park | Trucks line up in a row similar to how they parked in the old lot, dubbed as “Hick Row.”
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news
03_26_10
Time is a changin’
The school year has changed thanks to seven snow days. Check the dates below to see if they affect you.
May - June: Old
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2425 24 25 26 27 2829 29 30 31 11 22 3 4 5
Grad date for seniors
Original release date for students
German students Japanese students Original release date leave on trip leave on trip for seniors abroad abroad
May - June: New
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 2829 29 30 31 11 22 3 4 5 German students leave on trip abroad
Student release date moved to June 2, and Japanese trip remains on June 2
Grad date for seniors
New last day for seniors
Blizzard blues
Snow days cause problems with scheduling of two trips abroad and end of school year
A
s snow fell and the inches piled up, students waited for the word that school was canceled. When the bold red message had been posted on BCSC’s Web site, most celebrated, making plans for the following day. Sophomore Andrew Goen thought the days off were nice while they were happening. “At the time I liked getting out of school, but during the summer I think we will regret it,” Goen said. Snow days may seem nice, but for three different dates, the snow days are affecting and changing schedules. The changes have lengthened the school year, adding five days. So far, snow days have students going to school until June 2. The German and Japanese world language class trips abroad have been affected by the snow as well. “Right now students will have to take a PPA absence, which is a parent pre-approved absence,” Japanese teacher Elizabeth Bays said. “I hope that the administration will let them have excused absences for the last day of school.” The Japanese students are leaving June 3 to Miyoshi, which is Columbus’ sister city in Japan. Currently, according to Mrs. Bays, they will not technically have excused absences for the last day of school even with the PPA waiver. “It should be easy for parents to get the waiver because students are missing a day for a good reason and an educational experience,” Mrs. Bays said. Mrs. Bays does not want students to miss out on an oppor-
tunity like this just because they cannot have excused absences. “This is the real thing: It’s sink or swim. You can’t get this type of experience without going on a trip like this,” Mrs. Bays said. The German students are also leaving for their sister city, Löhne, June 1. “It’s a great experience for German students to go on the trip,” junior Adam Davis said. Davis will be going on the trip abroad for his second time. This trip is different, though. His parents had to secure a waiver which is different from the Japanese students’ waivers. “The parents will have to apply for a waiver that will allow their absences to be excused,” German teacher Ruth Mussillami said. Mrs. Musillami was not expecting the added days. “I had planned the leaving date a week past when school was supposed to be over,” Mrs. Mussillami said. With students leaving before the school year is officially over, everything must be completed prior to the departure date. This includes turning in all of their work, completing finals and anything else required by their teachers. Even with all of the problems snow days have caused, students still enjoy them and look forward to them. “I love snow days,” sophomore Connor Spurling said. “It’s a nice little break in the week where you can have some fun in the snow and catch up on some stressful school work.” by Becca Brougher
news
03_26_10
The bare facts
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tudents need to know that school is a business setting. The clothes are not the same as beachwear or what you would wear on the weekends,” English teacher Ms. Barbara Handt said. Dress code violations are evident throughout the hallways. Freshman Oliva Greer thinks teachers need to be more consistent. “Some teachers are too strict and make you go to the deans for every little thing about your clothes. But I have also seen lots of girls walk around in tank tops and spaghetti straps without being in trouble,” Greer said. Ms. Handt described one possible solution for inconsistent dress code procedures. “I think that first period teachers should be aware and say something to the students “
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Hats, tank tops, baggy pants, low cuts, coats, short shorts violate dress code rules
if they are not dressing appropriately,” Ms. Handt said. “I think that if students wear inappropriate clothing they should be sent home to change if they have nothing else to wear and then come back to school.” Spring has arrived and Ms. Handt believes that this is prime time for breaking the dress code. “At the begining of the year and when it gets warmer I see more dress code infractions,” she said. Ms. Handt explained why students should follow the dress code. “If they follow the dress code I think kids will feel good about themselves and to visitors they will look nice,” Ms. Handt said. There are several ways to make a wardrobe appropriate. “Layering is helpful, but students should
use common sense when picking out clothes for school,” Ms. Handt said. “Kids know when they are breaking dress code but they wear the clothes anyway.” Sophomore Shelby Newrick gave a tip for other students. “When shopping for school clothes, just be sure whatever you end up buying is appropriate for school. That way you have nothing to worry about,” Newrick said. A dress code discussion with a teacher does not have to turn into an altercation. “Teaching is a lot like parenting. Sometimes you do not bring up an issue because you do not want to argue,” Ms. Handt said. “Although talking about dress code does not have to be an argument.” by Hillary McCloskey
By the book Dean Aaron Karrer explains the dress code’s hat and offensive material rules. Sophomore Sam Dragon gives his opinion. Hats
Dean Karrer: “I think the hat rule is broken the most. Students receive a verbal warning and remove their hat. If they continue to wear the hat, I take it away.” Dragon: “The hat rule is understandable because people are inside.”
Offensive articles of clothing
Dean Karrer: “It is our business to make everyone feel safe at this school. The Confederate or Rebel flag is threatening to some students.” Dragon: “I don’t think anything is wrong with people who wear the Confederate or Rebel flag. It is not discriminating against anyone. There is nothing racist about the Rebel flag.”
photo by Sarah Barriger
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news
03_26_10
u need to know Powder power
Meet your macho match
Men’s volleyball opened the season March 8 with both JV and varsity defeating Plainfield. Team member and freshman Brandon Brush gives some insight into his first season. Check out their next home game Tuesday
“
My dad and coach got me interested in volleyball. My dad played volleyball for a long time and a coach saw me and said I could play my eighth grade year.”
“ “
Volleyball isn’t just a women’s sport. It was actually first invented by men and played by men.”
Our season’s going well. I think we’re doing good and I think we’ll eventually go to State. I think the team could be better and we need some more practice. We need to work on our rotations.”
SAT deadline
What North vs. Indianapolis Chatard - JV/Varsity Where Gym 2 When March 31, 6 p.m. What to bring School spirit, admission is free
How to register: Visit www. collegeboard. com and be prepared to answer several questions about yourself and your standings in school. source:
compiled by Olivia Williams
Senior Cassie Funcheon scored a 9.8 on vault, earning her the gold medal at the IHSAA State gymnastics meet last Saturday at Perry Meridian. To cap off her meet, she was named the Mildred M. Ball Mental Attitude Award winner. The team finished third.
The deadline to register for the next SAT testing date is in five days. Areas tested: English, reading, math and science
Home game details
Funcheon wins high honors
www.collegeboard.com
photo by Madeline Hodek
Yearbook ‘Senior Salute’ ads Log staff invites seniors to celebrate your graduation by purchasing a ‘Senior Salute’ ad in the 2010 yearbook. ‘Senior Salute’ ads are one of the most popular features in the yearbook because you determine the content. There are six sizes to choose from and prices can fit anyone’s budget. Visit room 177 for more information. Also, this is the last chance to order the 2010 yearbook. Go to www.herffjones.com and use North’s order number, 8881.
Kids on the Block Kids on the Block, a puppet show that tours elementary schools in Bartholomew County and emphasizes kids’ safety and well-being, is in need of volunteers to help out with the show. This program has many perks including service learning hours, being around kids and getting to become a puppeteer with your own special character. Some excused absences from school are required. Kids on the Block meets every Monday from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. at 806 Jackson Street. For more information, contact Ann Smith at 812-314-2949 or annblsmith@aol.com. For more events, check out www.cnhsmedia.com.
focus
03_26_10
11
“Drinking becomes a
Monster It is much more involved, much more costly and much more of an impact,” Columbus Police Department’s Public Information Officer Joe Richardson said. “You won’t have time for it.”
photo illustration by Emily Miller
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focus
03_26_10
dangersof drinking
The
Even though it’s illegal, a few drinks may seem harmless. How bad could it be? But then you get drunk and you cannot think straight. You do something you would normally never do. The consequences of your actions that night could escalate into something greater than you could ever have imagined.
A haunting
mistake
"I
The charges were dropped, but the effects of one junior girl’s night out will last forever
had a bad feeling all day," an anonymous junior girl said. There was one last party before the end of Christmas break and her parents had given her a midnight curfew. She knew there would be alcohol, but she had arranged for her sister to pick her up, just in case. Although she hadn't planned on drinking much, things got out of hand. "I ended up having seven shots of vodka, played beer pong, a strawberry daiquiri and three yegar bombs," she said. The alcohol consumption became too much for her to handle. "I got drunk to the point where I couldn't see and was throwing up," she said, "so I called my sister to have her pick me up a little early." When she arrived home, her parents were already asleep. She went down to the basement with her sister. "I realized I left some of my sister's clothes at the party, so she went back to get them," she said, "I don't know what happened after that, but something upset her and she ended up calling the cops." When her sister called the party into the police, she did not realize that the junior girl would be affected as well. "When the other students at the party got arrested, one of the parents called
me in as well, so the cops came to my house and arrested me." Four police officers arrived at her home that night. She was first breathalyzed and then led down her driveway in handcuffs to the squad car. "My whole neighborhood was watching. It was so embarrassing." She was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center where she was detained for almost an hour until her dad picked her
“I shouldn’t have
drunk,
but I’ve learned.” up. According to the source, both her and the other students at the party were pardoned from court. However, they were still forced to meet with a parole officer. The experience with her parole officer had some lasting effects on her. "They basically told me I wouldn't be getting into college," she said. Because of that one night, she believes that these consequences will continue to be a part of her life. For example, when she applies to college it may come up. "If admissions asks me about my previous record, I have to tell admissions
my fault. It will be more difficult to get into college now." Although it seems as though she may not get into college, she has talked to some schools, and they are okay with her past history. Unfortunately, school punishment was much worse. "My biggest punishment occurred at school. I was kicked out of [my activities]. I also missed a few school functions. School was rough because when my sister left, I had to take the repercussions. I lost friends temporarily, and some still do not talk to me," she said. "After that night I figured out who my real friends are." Life will always be different for her now. One more mark on her record and there will be more serious consequences, but lessons were learned from her experience. Though charges were dropped from her record, her mistake will always come back to haunt her. "I shouldn't have drunk, but I've learned. I no longer do drugs and rarely drink alcohol, but I am definitely a lot more cautious. There's nothing I can get out of now," she said. "I don't want to end up in a bracelet." compiled by Jason Latimer, Emma Smith, Taylor Gohn and Courtney Smith
The police
report
Officer gives drinking a whole new meaning
A
lthough called “drinking parties,” Columbus Police Department’s Public Information Officer Joe Richardson explained that these parties could lead to other offenses. “The process isn’t as simple as take a call, arrive, arrest two or three youths under 21 and put them in jail for illegal consumption. It can become
Choosing to
abstain
Junior Courtney Larson’s take on drinking
By the
numbers The surprising statistics that may make you think twice about attending the next party
much larger much quicker than you can imagine.” When officers reach the scene, they must evaluate the situation to see what other activities are occuring. The use of drugs, illegal parking, resisting law enforcement, driving under the influence, causing an accident or simply attending the party could be tied to the incident and involve more charges. “What started out as a few people sneaking out to have a beer has now turned into something much larger with a personal injury accident or a fatality accident because somebody was just trying to
Reputation, morals, abstaining: three things that kept junior Courtney Larson from underage drinking in high school. Larson sees no reason to drink and finds fun in her own ways. “I really like dance parties. Hanging out with friends where you can be yourself doing legal, stupid stuff. It’s just fun to me,” Larson said. Larson, like most teenagers, has been to parties where drinking was involved but has abstained because she does not think it is “worth the risk.”
sneak and get by with it,” Lt. Richardson said. According to Lt. Richardson, the numerous parties that go unnoticed allow students to develop reckless habits that grow into dangerous lifestyles. “There’s always a bad luck kid. It’s easy one weekend, easier this weekend, and then easier the next.” Lt. Richardson said. “It turns into a mindset. A mindset that ‘it’s not going to happen to me.’” However, when the luck runs out, the legal repercussions can add up. Underaged drinking and possession of alcohol is classified as a
“It is against my morals, and what I believe. It’s silly,” Larson said. “It makes me sad to see people do it and waste their potential.” Many teens feel that they will lose the respect of their friends if they do not follow the crowd. Larson defies the normal. “I have friends that do and friends that don’t, and I think they have respect for me because I don’t. They just don’t even bother to ask me anymore,” she said.
Of the Indiana high school students surveyed during the 2007 Indiana Youth Risk Behavior Survey, • 75 percent reported using alcohol in their lifetime According to the Columbus Police Department, • From 2/25/08 to 2/25/09, 198 minors were charged with illegal possession or • Drivers under 21 make up 10 percent of licensed drivers but 17 percent of fatal alcohol related crashes • Teenage drunk driving causes 1/4 of all motor vehicle accidents • of the 319 alcohol related fatalities in Indiana in 2006, nearly 15 percent of the Hoosiers were under 21
Class C misdemeanor and is punishable with 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500, not to mention the expenses of court costs, attorney fees, possible restitution work and additional charges associated with the original incident. But the time, money and trust lost from getting caught can affect a student’s life much more dramatically than any of these legal consequences. “(Drinking) become a monster,” Lieutenant Richardson said. “It is much more involved, much more costly and much more of an impact. You won’t have time for it.”
According to the 2007 Indiana Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 44 percent of students taking the survey reported currently using alcohol in high school. Larson, unlike these students, decided her future is much more important. “I have so much on the line because of my reputation.” With plans to attend Miami University of Ohio in the Fall of 2011, the potential of losing an athletic scholarship just is not worth it.
• 44 percent reported currently using alcohol • 59 percent of seniors reported having at least one drink on one or more of the past 30 days • 36 percent of freshman had same consumption • From 2/25/09 to 2/25/10, 219 charges of the same nature were filed
• One teen is killed every 60 minutes because of drunk driving source: National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration
source: Indiana Office of the Attorney General
9 2 l e n n a h
C
Tune in to
BNN daily
or log on to www.cnhsmedia.com for your daily announcements
Seniors Levi Olmstead, Emily Foust and Kayla Rupp enjoy lunch at the 25th St. Burger King
Serving you at three locations: Our Favorite Taylorsville West Columbus 2710 25th St. 7835 E. Deer Run 2725 W. Jonathan Moore Pike 372-7415 526-6330 378-4816
Community Connection junior Julian Humes
Hang out
Friends’ houses, my girlfriend’s house, everywhere Everywhere, Target
Shop Eat
Anywhere, DQ is good, though
Let us take care of your dog while you’re at work. Our goal is to send your dog home happy and tired. For more information visit our Web site www.dogworlddaycare.com Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call now for reservations. 812-375-2334 or 812-343-0540 Come in on Saturday and enjoy our indoor dog park from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: $5
feature 03_26_10
15
And that’s not all, folks!
Wrist relief
Key Club President Sarah Hill has a list of activities you can get involved with during the coming months • March of Dimes • Cystic Fibrosis Walk • Utopia Wildlife
photo by Madeline Hodek
Embrace | Students may purchase bracelets like these for $1 to benefit victims of the Haiti earthquake.
Key Club has a new way for students to support Haiti
W
hen the earthquake in Haiti hit Jan. 12, sophomore Bryon Niccum took action. Through Key Club, Niccum came up with an idea to sell bracelets to raise money for orphanages in Haiti. “I was originally going to do Box Tops but that only goes to your school, so I searched the computer for ideas for fundraisers and I saw bracelets and I thought it was cool,” Niccum said. Niccum himself got to decide what went on the bracelets. “He put his cheer into it,” Key Club sponsor Jamie Champlin said. “He has a lot of heart; he really wants to help people. He specified what he wanted on the bracelets. They are very simple because if they were fancy we would have only gotten 25 cents per bracelet.” Niccum believes the “kids need some of the money” going towards Haiti the
most, so the money Key Club raises will be directed to help Haitian children. “The money is going towards the orphanages in Haiti via the Kiwanis International Relief Fund,” Mrs. Champlin said. “Kiwanis’ goal is to aid children left homeless and in need of help.” Freshman Drew Scher supported the cause by buying a bracelet for one simple reason. “It’s important because the people in Haiti are lacking pretty much all of their resources like food, water, and shelter,” Scher said. “(If I did not have) the resources and shelter I would feel left behind and uncared for.” Niccum sees it in a different light. “It’s just a way for the high school to support Haiti.” by Sarah Burr Sort | Collecting cans for Student Assembly is just one of the many programs for which senior Sarah Hilll volunteers
• Lincoln Central Family Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt/ Mother’s Day • Collecting Pop Tabs at elementary schools for Riley Hospital • Working at Love Chapel every Saturday • Other events are posted in the Social Studies Resource Center
To get involved contact Mrs. Champlin in room 158
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Looking beyond the woods “We are trying to get used to how the puppets will feel when we use them for the first time.” junior Geordie Denholm “We are posing for pictures and trying to give an accurate representation of what he might look like.” sophomore Lucie Cyliax
“We were just goofing around with the puppets and trying to embody the cow, who is stupid and loving.” junior Betsy Clerkin
photo illustration by Adam Willats
Rehearse | Juniors Geordie Denholm and Betsy Clerkin and sophomore Lucie Cyliax practice a scene in the auditorium March 8 using their temporary rehearsal puppets that will eventually be replaced with the puppets for Cinderella’s friends, the birds and Jack’s pet cow, Milky White.
High-level musical has a small cast with big hopes
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irector Julie Caffee is not short on praise for her troupe in the spring musical. “The music is extremely difficult for accomplished adults so we’re very proud of the student actors for taking on such a difficult task,” Ms. Calfee said of the upcoming production “Into the Woods.” The musical combines several fairy tales, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk, in an attempt to answer the question “What happens when all of your dreams come true?” “As an adult, I think about the times I experience my own dreams coming true as well as times when life doesn’t cooperate,” Ms. Calfee said. “‘Into the Woods’ offers insight into both extremes.” Last year, 53 students were cast in the spring musical “Of Thee I Sing.” This year, the cast is smaller with 24 students in various roles. From Ms. Calfee’s perspective, the cast size doesn’t make a big difference. “I enjoy working with all sizes of casts. I’ve directed shows with 100-plus cast members, and I’ve directed plays with two characters,” Ms. Calfee said. “Each project is unique.” Like Ms. Calfee, freshman Rory Willats, who plays the
character Jack, appreciates the smaller atmosphere. “I prefer a smaller cast because it allows for all of the characters to bond much closer,” Willats said. “Also, it allows for scheduling a rehearsal with everyone, which is much less of a hassle and more productive.” Aside from individual roles, a trio of students play the role of animals as puppets. Junior Besty Clerkin, finds the puppet roles challenging. “Normally you use your arms a lot,” she said. “In this role, you have to use your face a lot more.” Sophomore Lucie Cyliax, a puppeteer as well, finds it an unusual experience. “It’s something different,” Cyliax said. “It’s a unique thing that people haven’t seen before. I’m excited about that.” The musical debuts April 16 and continues through the weekend. Ms. Calfee suggests any student come to the show because of the insight it provides. “The musical offers beautiful music, humorous twists on familiar characters, blood, love, death, life, wolves, giants, witches and princesses - and through it all, the audience can identify with every character.” by Whitney Olibo
sports 03_26_10
photo by Amanda Stahl
Pursue | Sophomore Greg Swan, in the gray shirt on the right, chases down an oppenent during a jamboree Feb. 21.
On the move
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Brothers freshman Euan Swan and sophomore Greg Swan journey from South Africa with high hopes of a new athletic environment
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oving can be a big part of kids’ lives. Whether their wish is to be in a more convenient location, they want to live in a bigger house or simply because of a parent’s job, kids may often live in more than one house while growing up. Moves like these can often affect their social life, too. But for brothers sophomore Greg Swan and freshman Euan Swan, growing up on three different continents has not been difficult at all. “The boys have adapted very easily,” their father Graham Swan said. “They were relatively young during the moves so socially and athletically they have been fine.” The brothers have lived in Singapore and South Africa due to their father’s job at Cummins. After playing soccer, golf and even cricket in both of these countries, they decided to play a new sport here: rugby.
“My friends played the previous season and invited me to the call-out meeting,” Euan said. “I thought it seemed like fun, so I went for it.” The uniqueness of rugby really caught Euan’s eye early-on. “It’s a lot of fun to play,” Euan said. “You get to just randomly tackle people.” Greg said he thinks athletics here are different from those in his previous homes. “Sports here in America are just less intense than the ones back in South Africa and Singapore,” Greg said. Despite being rookies to the rugby program, both brothers have adjusted. “They are new to the sport, but play very well and are improving each week,” rugby coach Graeme Shaw said. “This year we probably have the best crop of players we have ever had.”
Greg and Euan both play on the back wing position on the back line. Players in this position run the ball up the field on offense. Coach Shaw is optimistic about the season as the team prepared for its first match against Brownsburg March 24. “Right now we are physically and mentally preparing for Brownsburg,” coach Shaw said. “The Swans are contributing to this preparation greatly.” Being on the rugby team in Columbus and numerous other teams around the world have helped Euan and Greg become who they are today. “The sports they have played have shaped them as individuals,” Mr. Swan said. “Rugby has taught them to work as a team.” by Evan Trotta
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One mad month E
Students and teachers embrace March madness
very year, spring brings rain, flowers and warmer weather. And it brings basketball. March Madness is what sports fans refer to when they are talking about the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tournament. This tournament is a single elimination tournament that teams from across the country strive to qualify for all year. March Madness is also an event that gets students and teachers alike involved and competing against one another. While some people may fill out tournament brackets for money, many do it for fun. Senior Andy Kaplan has filled out a bracket every year since he was 12 years old. “Filling out March Madness brackets is really fun,” Kaplan said. “Plus you feel really smart if you’re right.” Freshman Andrew Pennington agrees with Kaplan. “I do it because I like to see how close I can get to the actual pool,” he said. This year, Kaplan has Duke as the champions of his bracket. “I’ve been a ‘Dukie’ since I was five,” Kaplan said. “They’re really good this year and they have the experience and composure to win.” Although most of the time Kaplan fills out brackets for fun, he once got to experience the more serious side of March Madness. “One time I participated in my dad’s office pool. I won.” Senior Spencer Layman has also participated in March Madness pools for a few years. “My favorite team is Notre Dame,” Layman said. “I have Syracuse winning my bracket, though. They have one of the greatest coaches, and they have leadership.” He, like Kaplan, has competed in a pool for more than just pride. “I have competed for money between some guys my dad knows
Compete | Seniors Andy Kaplan, left, and Spencer Layman, right, are both participating in March Madness by filling out tournament brackets to predict what team will win the NCAA Division One Men’s Basketball tournament.
from the church,” Layman said. “I have won a few times.” Teachers at North also join in the “madness.” They have a pool to participate in to compete against each other for bragging rights. However, the teachers are not having a March Madness pool this year since the tournament begins during Spring Break. “We have had a pool in the past, but we haven’t been able to the last few years because we’re on break,” P.E. teacher Megan Shaff said. Pennington has followed college basketball for four years. “I have Syracuse as the champs this year,” Pennington said. Along with having favorite teams, most participants also have teams that they would hate to see win. For Kaplan, that team is the University of North Carolina. “I would hate if the UNC Tar Heels won,” he said. “I think they are the worst team from the worst school ever. I like all the other teams.” Pennington is hoping for early losses for two teams in particular. “I don’t want Duke or Kentucky win,” he said. “I just can’t stand either team.” The tournament opened March 16, and will continue until April 5. This weekend are the regional finals, which will result in deciding the Final Four teams. Mrs. Shaff thinks it is a good way to get involved with college basketball. “It’s just a fun thing.” by Andrea Behling
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Goal getter Freshman Morgan Proffitt has been chosen to go to Holland to compete in upcoming games with the Olympic Development Program
F
or freshman Morgan Proffitt athletically, this year has been unreal. As an incoming freshman on the soccer team last fall, girl’s assistant soccer coach Kenrick Ramirez knew to expect great things. “Morgan I’ve coached personally for nearly four years now. She’s a very technical player; she has the ability to control the game. I expected her from the get-go to be one of the premiere players on the team,” Coach Ramirez said. But even Coach Ramirez could not have predicted that she would be chosen by the Olympic Development Program (ODP) to compete at the national level in Holland. Proffitt’s experience with ODP began when she was 12. She played for a year then decided to return this year. “It’s not really club. It’s more of an organization that brings in girls from their region. There are state tryouts to make the state team, and if you make that team you go to the re-
Kick | Freshman Morgan Proffitt cuts the ball back in a game against Region in November.
gional camp in Illinois, which is in the summer. I miss team camp every year because of ODP,” Proffitt said. Morgan was picked to be on a region team after regional camp, and out of the four Region Teams, she was one of the girls chosen to go to Holland. She has already participated in two events in Florida this year, in November and February. “Holland is March 19, and it’s nine days excused from school. My parents talked to the Athletic Director,” Proffitt said. Athletic Director Jeff Hester was thrilled to find out about Proffitt’s opportunity. “I heard about it in September, and my initial reaction was I was just elated. It’s pretty exciting for that
photo for The Triangle
to happen to any student athlete but especially when it’s a Columbus North athlete,” Mr. Hester said. According to Coach Ramirez, the most important thing is to acknowledge the work Proffitt put in to get to this point. “The thing that needs to come out is that this didn’t happen overnight. When others were sleeping in on Sundays she would get up very early to work out,” coach Ramirez said. Proffitt’s work ethic has been evident since she started playing soccer at age six with the Parks and Recreation program to Express to the team at North, where she’s obviously had a great start. Like Mr. Hester said, “This is a whole other level, what Morgan is doing.” by Virginia Steilberg Dribble | Proffitt plays against Region 4 during a November game in Florida, one of the events she was invited to by the ODP.
“The thing that needs to come out is that this didn’t happen overnight. When others were sleeping in on Sundays she would get up very early to work out,” Coach Ramirez said. photo for The Triangle
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Voteforit
Baby blues
MTV shows what it’s like to be 16 and pregnant
Before Spring Break began, we asked students what exciting placed they were headed to.
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photo by Jenny Dieckmann
Travel | From Left: Sydnee Jackson, Katie Barth, Kasi Prohaska, Andrea Solis, Kristen Clark, Hanson Tran, Connor Conroy, Blake Hurd.
1.Florida 2. Pennsylvania 3. Kentucky
4. New York 5. California 6. Tennessee 7. Arizona
8. Staying in C-bus
“I am going to Naples, Florida, with my friend Ashley Roberts for Spring Break.” sophomore Katie Barth
“I am staying home for Spring Break because my family doesn’t want to go anywhere.” sophomore Kristen Clark
Freetime
am not very fond of reality TV shows in general. They bore me in a way, Jenny Dieckmann especially the ones that claim to be “reality TV” when you know they have tweaked it slightly to be fake. I always thought it was boring to watch a show about people’s lives. But when I saw a commercial on MTV for this reality TV show, it caught my eye as slightly interesting. The show “16 and Pregnant” follows the lives of numerous teenage girls, all of whom are enduring the process of being a teenage mother. Each episode focuses on the struggle of one teen mom and what she deals with every day. Watching girls struggle to be able to take care of a child and go to school puts viewers in the teen mothers’ shoes. Each teen mom has a completely unique story although they all end up in the same boat. I started watching the series in the middle of the first
season; I was hooked after the first episode. That first episode I watched was Maci’s story. Maci was a complete over-achiever. She earned good grades, she played softball and she was on the cheerleading squad. Charmed life, huh? That all changed when she found out she was pregnant. Now she is graduating early and moving into her fiancé Ryan’s house. Most of the teenage girls in the series start out with a life like Maci’s, but like I said, they all end up in the same boat. This reality show is not half bad. I think it is very informative for growing teens. It doesn’t seem tweaked at all. It really describes the lifestyle of a teen mom. From the moment the teens tell their parents they’re pregnant to the day they have the baby the show emphasizes every minute detail about being 16 and pregnant. Although I have a strong dislike for reality TV shows, “16 and Pregnant” reeled me in. So check out “16 and Pregnant” airing on Tuesdays at 10/9c on MTV.
heard in the halls >> “Pirates are way better than ninjas!”
Students explain what they do in their free time at home or when hanging out with friends
“I play paintball in Ogilville at my friends uncle’s house.” freshman Johnathon Hoff-
“I sit at home and watch sports on TV, and I play basketball.” sophomore Chris Thompson
“I play basketball and football and hang out with my girlfriend.” sophomore Terrill Nichols
Boosters A friend
Gary & Doris Edwards
A friend
Kristin Edwards
A friend
Steve & Diana Edwards
A friend
David & Cindy Force
A friend
Leann Frodge
A friend
Cameron Michael Gohn
A friend
Sharon Gohn
Susan Adler
Estep & Co., Inc.
Tom & Joanne Allen
Jo & Bob Kern
Rich & Pam Anderson
Steve & Martha Knott
Patricia Barriger (Grandma)
Lance & Jeanette Marsh
Roberta Brougher
Don McCloskey
Jim & Sharon Dickey
Lynne Maguire & Will Miller
Gregory & Nickcola Dickey
Kay Padgett
Virgil & Norma Lee Dolan
Tim & Linda Shuffett
John & Rose Ann Dunlap
Delilah Walton
A huge ‘thank you’ to our special supporters! Want to see your name listed here in our next issue? We do! Call 376-4260 to get the details!
5 days
…to reserve memories of this year …to keep the history of your time at North …to remember friends and classmates …to be able to always know “who was that?” …to order the 2010 Log yearbook
final day • March 31 www.herffjones.com order # 8881
PROM Dress • Tuxedos
specialtouchbride.com
M-F 10:00 - 6:00 Sat. 10:00 - 4:00
SENIORS! LAST CHANCE to preserve special moments with friends or a funny moment you want to remember forever?
Order your 2009-10 Senior Ad now! Showcase your favorite pictures in the Log.
Boosters
Stop by room 179 to pick up an order form.
A huge ‘thank you’ to our special supporters! A friend
A friend
Sharon & Stephanie Sexton
A friend
Cheryl & Brian Dieckmann
Matt & Tracy Souza
A friend
Rick & Sharon Pease
Fred & Jane Anne Stadler
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Betty Proffitt
Harold Steigerwalt
A friend
Connie & Steve’s Auto Repair
Tom & Stephani Steilberg
A friend
Kenny & Wanda Russell
Lori & Paul Trotta
Want to see your name listed here in our next issue? We do! Call 376-4260 to get the details!
leisure 03_26_10
Sacrifice by choice 40 days of the religious observance of Lent ends in a little over a week. Freshman Jessica Mao shares her experience
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believe that if Jesus gave his life for us, we should be able to give up something small for 40 days. This is my way of giving back.”
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or lent this year I gave up sweets, seconds, snacks, and soda. I am hungry a lot. And every time you see what you are giving up, you want it more.”
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came so close to eating sweets. We had frozen cookie dough in the freezer. It was white chocolate macadamia cookies, which are my favorite. It was, like, two inches from my mouth, but I managed not to eat it. I was proud.”
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iving up something like texting would be harder for me because I am always in contact with friends. I came here from East, so I would miss them.”
compiled by Caitlin Wilson
Heard in the halls
We do not mean to evesdrop, but it is too hard to listen to what others say in the hallway and not publish it. Here is a random collection of what we have heard in the halls. “I want to be educated and entertained. Edutained.” “Sometimes, when you go to pick out a puppy, the puppy picks you. It’s kinda like getting a wand.” “I mean, I love my mother very much... but I love that car.” “It’s okay, graduation is overrated.” “Next time you find yourself as the devil, you can be whatever animal you want.” “My mom is super mad right now because starting in October, Farmville is going to cost $5.99 a month.” -“Why don’t you do opera?” -“Why don’t you do opera? You’re a bigger, huskier man.” -“That’s true.” “That sounds like something you would see in Heard in the Halls!” “You’re gonna die, and we’re all going to be laughing when you do.” “I don’t know what it is, but it’s not backwash.” “He eats ketchup like it is a food group.” “Sing a song about fire safety!” “I breathe fire for a living, what do you do?” “When the classroom starts shaking because of the construction, it feels kind of like I’m getting a massage.” “Ninjas are legit. There is no way pirates could beat ninjas.” “My mother bought this heinous rug thing to put in our living room. It looks like there is a dirty sheep laying on the floor.”
Restaurant Sandwich Big Mac McDonalds 540 cal
Drink * Medium Medium 380 cal 250 cal
Dessert
Total Calories
Oreo McFlurry 550 cal
1680 cal
Single 470 cal
Medium Medium 420 cal 200 cal
Medium Frosty 410 cal
1500 cal
530 cal
Medium 540 cal
Medium 250 cal
Jamocha Shake 482 cal
1802 cal
Whopper 670 cal
Medium 440 cal
Medium Hershey Sundae Pie 290 cal 310 cal
Wendy’s Arby’s Burger King
Beef and Cheddar
Fries
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1710 cal
Calculate your daily recommended calorie intake at: www.dinewise.com/ calorie_calculator
* depends on syrup amounts added sources: www.mcdonalds.com www.arbys.com www.wendys.com www.bk.com
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moment in
A picture worth a thousand words can be nice, but instead of doing without words, why not add ones that shed light on the moment? Here’s one of the highlights from March 10, Nerd Day, the Wednesday before Spring Break.
“Nerd Day this year was hysterical! During the day, I walked around with a ‘kick me’ sign on my back. I advise all people to not do that...” sophomore Steven Greathouse
“Rule #1 of being a nerd: DFTBA (Don’t Forget to be Awesome).” sophomore Katy Arthur
“Who doesn’t enjoy an intriguing round of calculator games? Represent.” sophomore Emily Haight
“I think Nerd Day is the best day of Blah Week because you can look completely ridiculous and say it was intentional.” sophomore Katy Arthur
“Nerd Day was an interesting day. I dressed up as myself, because I’ve been told that I am a nerd.” sophomore Adam Hogan
“I put my jacket of that quality school IU to good use, Smile. math teacher Reggie McLarin
photo by Chelsea Mathis