Menke Takes A Victory Lap
The Last Dinosaur Book Signing by Jen Bridgeman Ever since first grade, Demetrius Robinson has been drawing and cartooning. This year, his senior year, Robinson released his very first comic book, “The Last Dinosaur,” which he describes as childish and humorous. On March 5-6 students were able to buy a $12 copy in the library and have it signed by the soon-to-be famous Robinson. His purpose for creating a comic book was to showcase his talents to the public, as well as to add to his art portfolio. This shows colleges that he is able to produce and sell his product. The creation process for De was a long and tedious one that lasted an entire semester of school. He started drawing out “The Last Dinosaur” in pencil, going over it in ink, and scanning and sending it to the computer,
Wishin’ up Wells by Arkayla Tenney-Howard Lancers, search under your car seats, in your old jean pockets, and the bottom of your backpack, because Well Wishers is coming back on March 26-28. $3202.73 worth of wells were dug from last year’s donations. “We hope to exceed last year,” said Senior Mariah Christ. Christ has already experienced the pride of saying that Lancers went beyond her goal. Can we do it again this year? Don’t forget, every penny counts. Well Wishers is an organi-
zation, created by Senior Mariah Christ, that raises money to provide clean water for children in Malawi, Africa. A young boy in Malawi, Africa walks five miles to get water. The water is not clean. It is filled with dirt and parasites that can hurt him. This young boy was named Fred. Christ met him and decided to do something about it. “Hearing his story made me think about how I can help” said Christ. Unlike last year, when the
Mrs. Rita Menke has had many jobs here at East, from a teacher, to a coach, to holding the English department chair, but now we have to say goodbye after 33 years. “No, it’s not really a job when you enjoy coming here every day and it doesn’t seem like work either,” explained Menke. Mrs. Menke started working here at East in the fall of 1981, where she was hired right after graduating college. The first year she was hired, she was given the job of a tennis coach which she did for ten years. She was also given the job as the varsity softball coach, which she coached for 24 years, her last year in 2005. During her time as coach, she led her team to win state titles in 1989, 1995, and 2003. “During these years, the teams won the most honors, so of course those
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by Rylie Kues teams would receive the most recognition,” explained Menke. “Any time you could finish the season on a winning note, it’s a successful season but I have coached some teams where they were not as good as far as wins and losses but still they were great seasons.” While teaching and coaching here she has made several long lasting friendships with her players, students, and coworkers
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Variety Show 2014 Continued on page 3
Something Old, Something New by Tristan Bergman Planet of the Apes “Planet of the Apes” is a movie about -- well the title says it all. Set in the way, way future, the apes have taken over Earth and all human life as we know it. Planet of the Apes (1968)Everyone knows about Planet of the Apes. this is just one of those classic sci-fi movies that everyone knows about. Intelligent, exciting, and thought-
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provoking film. This movie surprised me very much as a 1968 film. Definitely an unforgettable ending. I recommend everyone at least watch this amazing movie once in their lifetime. Stars: Charles Heston as George Taylor and Roddy McDowall as Cornelius. Rating: 9/10. Planet of the Apes (2001)- After the original film, you have to ask the question, did the world really need another version? Planet of the Apes is entertaining, but lacks the substance of the original and may be disappointing
Inside News- 2-3 - Gaming, Drumming, Eating, and Singing Features - 4-5 - Did Disney teach you to dream big? Centerspread- 6-7 - Lancers Up All Night To Get Lucky Entertainment - 8-9 - Remakes, Role Models, and Random TV Shows Sports - 10-11- Thou shalt hoop Activities - 12 - Ninjas and Crosswords
to anyone hoping for anything more than a modernized version of the film. For what it is, it’s well made and delivered, it just seems that the talent involved with this project could have been better served elsewhere. Stars: Mark Wahlberg as Captain Leo Davidson and Tim Roth as Thade. Rating: 6/10. continued on page 9
Saying Goodbye to Kniepkamp After ten years in District 201, Ms. LeAnne Kniepkamp said goodbye on Friday, March 14th. Kniepkamp taught Chemistry and Honors chemistry at Belleville East. Recently, she was offered a new job at Washington University. Her new job is researched based. KniepScan
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End of the Year Countdown
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kamp will be working with the Human Genome Project. Currently, the science department is searching for a replacement with a science certification. We wish Kniepkamp the best of luck in her future endeavors.
Unseen Skyline Crowned Winners of Variety Show by Arkayla Tenney- Howard
On Thursday March 6th and Friday March 7th Belleville East students showcased their talents in Belleville East’s Variety Show. First place went to Unseen Skyline; second was Molly Compton; and third place was Gabrielle Barton. The show was organized by Mr. Ross Kincaid and Mr. Thomas Hickey. Freddie Rice and Megan Cooper were
club did an exhibition performance. The Breakdancing performance included popping, breaking, and jumpstyle. Senior Isaiah Skinner said “We just do it for the fun, and we want to leave our legacy.” After a breathtaking performance at the Homecoming Finale, the club gained a lot of new members. The club plans to continue gaining members and attention. “We’ve finally made a name for ourselves,” said club advisor, Mr. O’Chiu. “We only practiced for two weeks because we didn’t actually know if we were going to do it,” said sophomore Sean McAuliffe. One act that showcased the variety in the Variety Show was the Color Guard performance by Adeja Powell and Brianna Thomas. They performed to the song “What Now” by Rihanna. Staff Photo The routine involved twists, throws, Megan Triefenbach, Heather Hamilton and Jenny Rae are Unseen Skyline, the winners of the Variety Show. and dancing. When asked if she was nervous, Thomas confidently said “I “The Cup Song” by Anna Kendrick. “It feel that this took me about three days to learn the is going to entire song but I practiced a lot,” said be greatBenhoff. Although she made one mistake and we’ve in the beginning of the song, Benhoff performed continued the beat and singing confidently. in front Sticking with a country vibe were of larger Madi McGrady, Hart Morgan, and Evan audiences Trentman who performed “Don’t Think than this.” Twice, It’s Alright.” “I think everyone in the D r e s s show is just really excited,” said Morgan rehearsal while waiting backstage. Fellow country was the singer Makayla Eason closed the show first time singing “Over You” by Miranda Lambert. the groups Stepping out with unheard of got to see confidence were Jake Young and Molly all of the Compton, who both performed their acts. Upon original pieces. Young sang “Complicated,” Staff Photo realizing and Compton sang “All Grown Up.” Don Proctor wowing the crowd with a headstand. all of the Less than half of this year’s other acts Staff Photo performers were seniors, so many of i n v o l v e d Freddie Rice of the Ice Pilgrims performing an Imagine Dragons them will reappear in Variety Show s i n g i n g , Medley 2015. Come prepared for another great Thomas show at Belleville East next year. Masters of Ceremony. They parodied g a i n e d the well-known commercials that play c o n f i d e n c e . during every commercial break. State “I don’t think we have any Farm, Old Spice, and Progressive all fell competition because we are the variety victim to the comic capabilities of the in the variety show,” said Thomas. two. Many of the acts included singing, Many acts performed very and the Belleville East breakdancing popular songs in order to Volume 6, Issue 6 impress their peers in the crowd. Unseen Skyline, a trio including Megan Triefenbach, Jenny Rea, and Heather Hamilton, performed the catchy song “Best Day of my Life.” The Ice Pilgrims, including Justin Murray, Freddie De Robinson William Astle, Tristan BergRice, and Danny Jackson played an Imagine Dragons Arkayla Tenney-Howard man, Madison Bradshaw, mash-up. Just before their Editors-in-Chief Jen Bridgeman, Madison opening performance, Murray said “I’m not really Bruns, Olivia Chell, Rachel nervous. I’m just ready Chandriss McAllister-Lang Hickey, Rylie Kues, Tiffany to go out and have fun.” Choosing romantic songs News Editor Miller, Ivy Truong, Brianna were Amber Carpenter, Zapata- Sanchez Jade Hess, and Tatianna Hill. Carpenter sung “All Abi Agne Staff Writers of Me” by John legend; Features Editor Hill poured her heart out to the say “Stay” by Rihanna; Tasha Campbell and Hess dedicated the Laura Kern Contributing Writer song “Glitter in the Air” by Pink to her love sitting Entertainment Editor front row in the crowd. Also inspired by Pink was Rachel Hickey Misrule, including Noah Madasyn Beach Ceejae Gardiner Harrison and Katie Volluz. Harrison played guitar Business Manager Photographers and sang to “Who Knew” as Volluz played piano. Singing the most Mr. Daniel Boyt obsessed over songs were Advisor Gabrielle Barton and Angel Staff Photo Benhoff. Barton belted Erin Tippit, Katie Volluz, and Noah Harrison at the Variety Show out Adele’s infamous thelancer@bths201.org dress rehearsal. “Rolling in the Deep” to begin the show and soon after Benhoff performe
The Lancer
Wishin’ Up Wells cont. from page 1
Unlike last year, when the organization was beginning, this year students will see pictures and hear presenters explain how every Lancer penny makes a difference. Bob Holloway will be the speaker. He is a member of a Rotary Club in the area that takes frequent trips to Africa. Once all of the money is collected, he takes it to the country to dig the wells. Digging is a complicated process and can only be done during the dry season, which is typically late summer through early autumn. This autumn, Christ will be on her way to John Brown University. The college has already accepted Christ’s program
and plans to continue with Well Wishers. “It’s just a way for kids to get involved worldwide” said Christ. She hopes that East continues the Well Wishers program. The search for underclassmen to run the organization is a hard one. The experience has changed currently leader Mariah Christ. “It’s given me a different mindset in life,” said Christ. So, Lancers, don’t forget to help out globally next week. Giving can change someone else’s life and your own. If you have any questions, contact Mr. Fehrenz or Mr. Karstens.
Empower-Me Reaches Lancer Ladies by Chandriss McAllister- Lang
“Last year, Belleville East’s female empowerment organization, EmpowerMe, was known for the many events held after school for young women. This year, Empower-Me, which is now run by trainer Stacy Panek, holds monthly “lunch powwows” for the young women on campus. Panek said that the lunch pow-wow meetings provide young women with “...an opportunity to express themselves without feeling judged.” During the respective lunch hours, the groups of young women meet to discuss topics such as confidence, relationships, self-esteem, and leadership. The young women involved are encouraged to try to help each other with their problems. Panek said that she hopes “...that the girls will open up and start connecting with the group so that we can be here for each other.”
Staff Photo Stacy Panek and the young women at the lunch hour Pow-Wow meetings.
Staff photo Mrs. Crystal Nesbit, Ericka Harris, Patrice Hill, Tyra Quarles, Mckenzie Swanger, Debra Mize, and Miranda Arnold
On March 12, Belleville East and Empower-Me held its second “In Their Shoes” event, hosted by Debra Mize, director of the prevention of violence center. In Their Shoes was a program designed to spread awareness about abusive relationships. According to Mize, “Three out of five teens know someone who has been abused before they graduate students. Young women who attended were given stories from the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which were based on the stories of real victims. “The purpose of this program is to teach young women that they have a choice every step of the way” said Mize.
Staff Photo
Daniel Kellmeyer playing a game at the Drumline Fundraiser
Drumming Up Funds by Arkayla Tenney- Howard
On Monday March 10th, the Belleville During the first round of laser East Winter Drumline hosted a fundraiser tagging, students experienced some at Laser Rock. The evening was problems. Many of the vests weren’t filled with gaming and laser tagging. working. After the first problem was fixed, the intense game Percussion began. Quickly, head captain certain members Matt Amos became targets. described “We’re going drumline after Lopez,” said as “an Sarah Largent. extension of Collin Graham the marching said, “We’re band.” The going after that group chose kid right there, to have the George Chen.” fundraiser at as he pointed Laser Rock towards a fellow because it was d r u m m e r . Staff photo local. “It’s a Michael Sellers, Sarah Largent, and Jessica Tetzner W i n t e r local thing so playing Wheel of Fortune at the fundraiser. Drumline has it helps both been working them and ushard- just as and it’s just hard as marching a good time,” said Amos. The drumline band. “It’s an extension of the marching members each sold wristbands for 18 band,” said Amos. The group creates a dollars. The wristband included unlimited marching band show on a basketball court laser tag from 6pm to 9pm. “We charge with ¼ of the people and half the space. them a portion of it,” said employee Sammi Although the first show was not quite as McAleenan. She knew that drumline successful, the group plans to be better. would have a great turnout because people “Our end can be better than everyone else,” were there early and ready to play. All of said Amos. The show is named “Balance” the food bought would also help drumline. this year. The main theme is showing the Ten percent of the money made from food contrast between the parts of life. Lancers went to the drumline. Laser Rock hosts can see the show tomorrow, March 22nd, events like this often. When asked if it’s at O’Fallon High School. The group will overwhelming, McAleenan said, “It’s not be performing multiple times throughout too bad. We usually have enough staff.” the day. Hope to see you there Lancers.
Debating in the National Forensics League by Ivy Truong
Renaissance Breakfast
Staff Photo
by Chandriss McAllister- Lang
On Wednesday, March 12, Belleville East held its Spring Renaissance Breakfast to reward students for their hard work throughout the year. The event was run by the Interact Club. “We separated t-shirts, placed stickers on the back of all of the cards, laid out the donuts, and passed out raffle tickets” said junior Ericka Harris, describing her responsibilities during the event. All students in attendance during their second hour class
received either a silver, gold, or lancer card, according to their GPA’s. Renaissance students also received a free t-shirt for their hard work, which will be acceptable as spirit wear. Some students received special prizes from a raffle. Prizes like gift cards to Quick-Trip and Itunes were handed out to the winners from each graduating class.
Even though the debate team has been smaller than those of previous years, this team, led by Coach Carol Harms, has proven themselves to overcome large tournaments and are preparing for the biggest tournaments this season: National qualifiers and State. National qualifiers, hosted by the National Forensics League, was held on March 7th at Normal West High School. Adeja Powell qualified for the second time at Nationals in LincolnDouglas debate after going undefeated in all of her rounds, losing only one ballot out of six. Last year, she won the second bid to nationals; this year, she won the first bid. The team hopes this strong showing at the district tournament carries over to both novice and varsity state, hosted by ICTA and IHSA respectively, because of the team’s work ethic and preparation for these tournaments. The debaters have worked relentlessly throughout their topics that change nearly every month. For their current topics for State, they spent two months writing cases, timing their speeches, practicing blocks, and scouring for evidence. These topics vary on whether the debater debates Lincoln-Douglas or Public Forum. The Lincoln-Douglas topic for state is “Resolved: Placing political conditions on humanitarian aid to foreign countries is
unjust,” whereas the PF topic is “Resolved: Single-gender classrooms would improve the quality of education in American public schools.” These topics are meant to be controversial and related to current events. Morgan Fleshren, freshman and novice Public Forum debater, says they have had plenty of preparation on these topics, but you “can never be too certain of what your competition will be like at the tournament. At this point, we just need to practice our cases and arguments and hope for the best.”
Upcoming Art Shows by De Robinson
Botball Battle Royale by William Astle
staff photo
Juliana Nadler’s winning piece, In the Labyrinth.
Though the seasons of your favorite sports may soon be coming to an end, another competitive season is starting that you may not have expected: Art Season. With the Southwester Conference Art Exhibit and Edwardsville’s Annual High School Art Show already finished, the art season is in full swing. Yesterday marked the start of the Schmidt Congressional Art Show, An annual high school show featuring many of East’s most creative students, alongside others from nearby schools. There are still a couple of art shows on the way. East’s Q Gallery Art Show and Art on the Square, the biggest art show of the year in Belleville. Both in May, the shows cap off the year for the students, giving them one last chance to shine. East’s Q Gallery Art Show is for all Lancer art students, giving them a tighter and more personable space for their work to be seen. Junior Noah Harrison is looking forward to it, saying he’s “excited to get [his] stuff in more shows soon.” Seniors are given
the opportunity to have all of their art on a “Senior Board,” a more professional and personal presentation for their portfolio. This can be a stressful time for art students, what with having to run around and create pieces on a deadline for competition entry. It would be understandable to think that the quality of the art may be hurt from this rushing period, but East continues to prove itself, winning first overall at the Southwestern Conference Art Exhibit in December, and snagging a couple of honorable mentions at the amazing Edwardsville High School Art Show. For answers on what an artist should do to prepare, Mrs. Santos, Belleville East art teacher and Art Club advisor, is one of the best people to turn to. “We don’t make art to compete; we make art to fill our souls.” Santos said, referring to creating pieces only in the hopes of winning awards.
“The Last Dinosaur” Book Signing by Jen Bridgeman
and his next time consuming 200 page graphic novel project, Robinson is going to school for animation in hopes of creating an animated TV show in the future. Whether it is in his digital animation or his comics, something interesting to pay attention to about Robinson’s characters are their fingers. This is because when one of his charstaff photo acters tends to be hapThe Lancer editor-in-chief De Robinson talks with Mr. Lasley and pier and more humorous Mr. Konya. they have four fingers, rather than when the continued from page 1 before Photoshopping the color in. character is more serious the number Next, Robinson ordered one hundred of fingers changes to five. This is a copies to sell at school and in comic detail that many times goes unnoticed Robinson thanks Mr. Schmidt for book shops. His biggest inspirations helping by putting up posters and hostand favorite comic creators include ing the book signing for “The Last DinoBill Watterson the creator of “Calvin and Hobbes,” and David Pilkey, saur.”, Mrs. Byrne for helping him tell the creator of “Captain Underpants.” the story, and Mr. Lasley and Ms. Santos Aside from his comic book career for pushing him in the right direction.
For those of you who don’t know, the seasonal Botball competition has begun. Botball is a competition where robotics teams from around the area compete against each other to go for glory. This competition challenges each team’s strategic skills as well as their artistic flare for engineering. Each team has to build two robots to navigate around a course and complete various tasks which they will be judged on. However, there is a catch; the robots must navigate the course automatously. In other words, the robots cannot be controlled
by human navigators during the competition. All of its actions must have been programmed beforehand. This leaves no room for error when it is time for execution. Failure to work correctly would mean a guaranteed victory for the opposing team. The teams only have a few short weeks to prepare for the competition on April 12th. Our local Belleville East Robotics Club along with the club’s advisor, Mr. Hodson, is hard at work getting their robots to meet specifications. Wish them good luck at regionals!
Success at SISPA by Abi Agne
Mary Beth Tinker, a woman who advocates among everyone the right to the first amendments, spoke at the Southern Illinois School Press Association (SISPA). SISPA was held on February 26 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Tinker has her own experience in defending her first amendment rights. In Des Moines, Iowa in 1965, Tinker, along with her older brother, decided to wear a black armband to protest the Vietnam War. As a junior in high school, Tinker was sent home after refusing to remove the armband. She was not allowed to return to school until she agreed to stop wearing the armband. Tinker eventually agreed, but expressed her disapproval by wearing black clothes to school. The argument between Tinker and the school-board eventually reached the Supreme Court on February 24, 1969. In the Tinker vs. Des Moines case the ruling was 7-2 in favor of Tinker. The courts ruled that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” As a result of the case ruling, students at public schools are allowed freedom of speech so long as it does not interfere with learning. Tinker adds, “young people and the first amendment go together.” Familiar with the first amendment rights, which include freedom of speech and press, are Belleville East’s
newspaper and yearbook staffs. Both student publications were represented at SISPA, carrying away awards in both off-site and on-site competitions. Yearbook won a total of nine awards, including first place in the advertising category and third place in cover design. As for the on-site competitions, yearbook competed in yearbook feature copy, yearbook sports copy, yearbook theme development, and photography, placing in all of the categories. With all of The Shield staff being sophomores, with an exception of senior Haley Burton, advisor Mrs. Coughlin says, “It was awesome that so many new staff members could go in and beat their competitors in their first year of attendance.” Belleville East’s newspaper The Lancer attended as well, carrying away seven first place awards for onsite and off-site competitions. The Lancer staff members will continue onto sectionals on April 26th. Placing in first through third place in any onsite competition at sectionals gives The Lancer staff members the option to contiue onto state on May 2nd at Eastern Illinios University (EIU). Editor-in-Chief De Robinson will be defending his current first place position in Editorial Cartooning. A variety of The Lancer staff members will compete along side Robinson.
Future Physicians of America by Chandriss McAllister-Lang Students at Belleville East often have a profound impact on what happens on campus. Asmaa Khalid, a sophomore, has started the Future Physicians of America club (FPA), which she hopes will take off soon. This is certainly an original club on campus.“I came up with the idea of starting a Future Physicians of America club at Belleville East while researching for college. I’ve always known [that] I wanted to be a physician and when I heard about other kids starting this program at their schools and how beneficial it was to kids who want to be physicians, I knew I wanted to start one at mine.” Mrs. Tesluck- Ecker, who teaches chemistry, will act as the advisor for the club once it comes to fruition. Khalid described Tesluck- Ecker as “...just as excited as I am to have the club on campus.” When asked about the process of starting a club at Belleville East, Khalid said, “ The process of starting a club on campus is really not as hard as you may think, I talked to Mrs. Tesluck-Ecker to find information about starting a club
and once she gave the okay to being our teacher sponsor, I got the application form from Mrs. Posey to get us started.” FPA will teach students aspiring to become physicians, and will prepare them before entering the field. Khalid hopes to also encourage students, who are unsure of a future occupation, to consider the career of a physician. FPA would provide students with the information needed to enter the career. “I believe it’s important to have a club like Future Physicians of America on campus because it’s an opportunity for students to get more detail on a future career as a physician and give them the chance to learn about the career of a physician.” Although there has been a lot of progress made, the club has still yet to become official on campus. Khalid says, “Right now all that’s left for FPA to become official is we have to get all the rules and regulations for the club made and then once approved we will hopefully be all set to welcome FPA to Belleville East!”
Third Annual Military Career Night by Tasha Campbell
Mr. Belline, husband and volunteer, Principal Mrs. Posey, Mr. Scott Harris, Culinary Arts teacher Ms. Natalie Czyz, Belleville East’s Custodial staff, and the JROTC Club/Military Connections members, made this event possible. From the festive red, white and blue decorations, to the delectable desserts provided, this event was a real party, and USCGAUX Bill Barton thought so as well. Barton took the time to reach out to the club after the event, by acknowledging how well-mannered all the photo courtesy of Mrs. Belline club members were, Belleville East student discusses future opportunities with a Navy recruiter.. along with how honored he was to have been inEvery other year, JROTC/Milivited and his hopes to attend future tary Connections hosts an event open to the public for any pros- events as well. Barton wasn’t the pects that may be interested in a only one to notice the success of the military career and even those just event. Larry J. Thomas TSgt for the looking for more information on 126th Air Refueling Wing ILANG the military; which is commonly at Scott AFB reached out to the club referred to as Military Career night. and thanked them for such an eventIn early February of this year, ful night and the warm hospitality he JROTC/Military Connections had endured from all the club members. Commander Tasha Campbell is the privilege of hosting their 3rd annual Military Career night in the caf- a senior at Belleville East and out eteria at Belleville East. With over of all the Military career nights she 100 people in attendance, as well as has been able to attend over the past 14 branches of service from the Air four years since being a part of the Force to West Point, this was one club, this one was the biggest. “All of their biggest events yet! Sponsor of our sponsors and club members Mrs. Anne Belline, with the help of had a goal to make this the biggest Military Career Night we have had
yet, and I can truly say that we ac- to offer. Several parents from West complished our goal. Everything who attended that evening were from beginning to end was run per- very interested in starting a club at fectly! There wasn’t an empty table Belleville West. From their commuin sight throughout the duration of nity service projects, Veterans Day the event; everyone had someone to Program to the various speakers and speak to. I am interested in a mili- PT (Physical Training) they invite tary career myself and every booth anyone to attend their meetings, I went to had a representative that their efforts are not going unnoticed. The next Military Career Night was able to answer any questions I had. I truly appreciate everyone that will be held at Belleville East in took the time to come out to be a part 2015, so keep your eyes and ears of our event and see what we are all peeled for further details. If you or about. I hope you all will be able to someone you know has an interjoin us again in 2016.” Tasha Camp- est in the military and would like bell was so proud of how success- to know more, JROTC Club/Miliful the whole event was and knows tary Connections invites you to join she may not be able to make it again in 2016, but hopes all future events are just as big. Navy recruiter Petty Officer Mike Miller even went as far as attending JROTC/Military Connections club meeting that following Monday and had a military based Q & A with all the student club members at East. One Belleville West photo courtesy of Mrs. Belline student who sat in on Secretary of JROTC, Danny Zuener, welcomes guests to Military the meeting, wishes Career Night. Belleville West had a club similar to the JROTC Club/Military Connections them at Belleville East every Monand plans on joining as many meet- day from 3:30pm-4:45pm in O105 ings and events at East as possible. or you can visit BTHS201.org/East Dylan is one of the many high and find the page containing their school students outside of East who schedule and additional information admires everything JROTC Club/ under the ‘Clubs and Activities’ link. Military Connection does and has
Belleville East Choirs Spread the Delight of Disney by Madison Bradshaw Thursday, March 13 was a ‘Disney Day.’ The Belleville East Choirs put on “Disney in Concert,” featuring classic and new songs of Disney’s greatest hits. Students dressed up as famous Disney characters to accompany the songs performed. There was everything from the Hunchback of Notre Dame to Hercules to the Lion King to Toy Story 2 and every Disney Princess imaginable, represented in the roughly two and a half hour production. Amidst the preparation for this extravagant concert, Mrs. Kim Stamps was asked “Why Disney?” Mrs. Stamps responded that the students have been begging for years to have an all Disney concert and she felt that now was the perfect time. For fifteen years, Mrs. Stamps took her students on road trips to Disney World to perform in concerts at Disney. Mrs. Stamps said that Disney is always a crowd pleaser and on March 13 that was proven true. The East PAC was filled with old and young alike, gathered to see the spectacular concert. Mrs. Stamps commented that Disney is full of happy thoughts and dreams come true, which is what she hoped the audience and the students would take from the concert. “For such a short amount of time the students have managed to memorize and choreography about two and a half hours of Disney music.” Mrs. Stamps said that
the concert was easy to put together due to the hard work of the choir members and the shear delight Disney music brings to the stage. “I couldn’t be happier with them,” Mrs. Stamps remarked on the students’ ability to not only memorize Disney classics in harmony parts, but also to choreograph and perform it in roughly six weeks. The rumor that Disney music is simplistic is now very apparently wrong. Each song performed at the concert has a catchy melody, but a complex rhythm buried in the chorus line, which can make it tricky for even the best of singers. The line up of the program was extraordinary. Concert Choir sang medleys of the Hunchback of Notre Dame and Hercules. Freddie Rice portrayed Quasimodo as well as Olaf from Frozen singing the song, “In Summer.” Korey Prosise portrayed Hercules with a magnificent rendition of “Go the Distance”. Both boys gave wonderful solos that left the audience applauding. The Treble Choir girls gave an adorable performance of a Disney Princess medley featuring songs from Mulan, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Pocahontas. Tiffany Katka, Gabrielle Barton, and Amber Kelso portrayed Ariel, Jasmine, and Pocahontas, respectively. Upper Mixed and Treble Vocal Jazz choirs teamed up to put on a sing-a-long medley version of
the Princess and the Frog. Soloists, Rayna Dalmatians. Molly Compton portrayed Campbell and Kayla Ashford charmed the Mother Gothel, singing “Mother Knows crowd with this jazzy blues side of Disney. Best” from Disney’s newer hit Tangled. Mixed Choir performed a medley of With Villains, Princesses, Heroes, songs from Toy Story 2, featuring Gabrielle and talented singers, Disney in Concert Barton on the violin as Jessie, Daniel White was a smashing success. It was a true deas Woody, Kyle Eads as Stinky Pete, and light to hear such chillingly inspirational a lovely solo by Bria Garrett in the song music from such dedicated and passion“When She Loved Me”. Advanced Mixed Choir gave a performance entitled “Disney in the 90’s.” The medley featured songs from The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. Characters for this ensemble included Rafiki, portrayed by Parys Hampton; Sebastian, portrayed by Jordan Blake; Prince Eric, portrayed by Christian Hayward; Ariel, portrayed by Tiffany Katka; Belle, portrayed by Maddie Knipp; the Beast, portrayed by Jorstaff photo dan Reed; and Aladdin, portrayed Choir singers Thema Thomas, Heather Hamilton, by Adam Jones. But the concert Molly Compton, and Anna Kurtz sang at “Disney was not all smiles and happiness. in Concert.” Students also portrayed famous Disney Villains to show the darker side of Disney. Heather Hamilton ate performers. It was truly magical to see portrayed Ursula, singing the song “Poor how Disney can affect so many people Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mer- at once. From tears to smile to laughmaid. Thema Thomas portrayed Cruella ter and applause, the East Choirs proved de Vil, singing “Cruella de Vil” from 101 that it really is ‘a small world after all’.
Do Lancers Believe in Luck? by Arkayla Tenney-Howard
Fellow athlete, Desmond Dolphy showed off a cross necklace and explained “My mom gave it to me for my birthday and I bring it to every soccer game.” Football player, Jakob Wit-
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, and the luck of the Lancer, our staff asked students if they still believed in good luck charms. Students took both sides of the issue. Many of them doubted the ability of an item to change fate. “I don’t think that items can dictate the way that other things happen,” said Taylor Quinley. Although he denied their actual luck, Quinley continued by saying “Mentally if you believe in it, then you will have a much better mindset.” A firm non-believer, Daria Spencer, said “If you always depend on luck, it’s just not going to happen.” The idea of depending on one item to determine your life absolutely astounded many students, while others embrace the idea of good luck charms. Softball player Tawnee Kramer said “I wear the same tlich said “For football, I always have my Jeremiah Radford bracesocks for every softball game.”
let and I’ve had the same shoelaces since freshman year.” Although athletes seem to be believers, Joey Ferreri explained that it’s not all about luck. “I’m an athlete so there are certain things you have to do. It’s more superstitions and actions,” said Ferreri. Although not everyone is a believer, how many students avoid crack in the sidewalk in fear of “breaking their mothers backs?” How often do Lancers open umbrellas indoors? When you are walking along and see a penny, do you pick it up if it isn’t heads up? Junior Kady Nolte explained that within her group of friends, when they spot a penny facing heads up, they fight for it. “It’s kind of a game for us. I’m not sure if the winner gets any real luck,” said Nolte. A believer in the luck of the penny is Tracy Peden. “I have a lucky penny that I always carry around,” said Peden. Whether it’s truly luck or just a change in mindset, the world will never know.
Who Began the Believing?
by Olivia Chell
There were a lot of weird and unusual reasons why people come up with them. Like during the Salem Witch Trials people use to hang horseshoes on their doors and sometimes even wear them as necklaces to keep away the witches. Nobody exactly knows why witches do not like horses. I guess they just prefer their brooms better for transportation. Everybody still jokes around how rabbit’s feet are lucky, but for the rabbit. Rabbits were a symbol of fertilization and abundant life. Also, people believed that because rabbits and bunny’s back legs
land first it lesser-known charms, grew to a yet still relevant today. Medallions have weird magbeen around since Anical supercient Rome. The most stition. The four-leaf common in the United States is the simple clover is cross necklace from the well known Christianity faith. But for its luck. in Japan you will mostThe clover’s leaves ly see the Omamori, the symbol for Buddist and stand for Shinto religion. Medalthe Father, Son, Holy lions can be made of Ghost, and anything and everygrace in the thing from bicycle reChristian flectors to credit card. religion, Bicycle reflectors are a sign of protection and but also in China the four-leaf clover stands for credit card is for stability. death is near. Amulets are one of the
The Luck of the Lancer led to the Boys Basketball Team becoming Regional Champs. They beat O’Fallon on Friday, March 7th after losing to O’Fallon in the first round last year.
Celebrating St. Baldrick’s Day by Arkayla Tenney-Howard
People raise money and shave their heads for cancer research,” said Endsley. Mr. Padgett set a goal of 100 dollars for all of his classes. Last semester, his student Cole Wierciszewski, beat cancer. The money was raised for team Cole. This is not Padgett’s first time shaving his head in honor of the holiday. “I’ve been shaving my head for six years or so,” said Padgett. The head shaving began when he found out that his neighbor’s daughter had Photo Courtesy of Mr. Padgett cancer. Since then, he lets Brenden Endsley was proud to contribute to his hair grow out around such a great cause. Thanksgiving, then prepares for the shave. On Friday March 14, Mr. Padgett This year, Wiercsewski and Brenden Endsley shaved their shaved Padgett’s head. heads in honor of St. Baldrick’s Day. Mr. Padgett raised nearly This day is celebrated nation- 180 dollars. Inspired by wide. “St. Baldrick’s is celebrated Padgett, Endsley set a goal around St. Patties day every year. of 60 dollars from solely
his seventh hour class. The next day, the class brought in 60 dollars. Justin Nunn brought in 40 dollars himself just to make sure Endsley’s head would be shaved. In the end, Mr. Padgett raised m o r e than expected for Team C o l e .
Photo Courtesy of Mr. Padgett
Cole shaved Mr. Padgett’s head during sixth hour.
Lancers Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by Tiffany Miller
Although, St. Patrick’s Day isn’t recognized in schools as a holiday, some still choose to celebrate this day. Between St. Patrick’s Day and Mardi Gras it may be hard to juggle the two. But, it couldn’t be too hard since they both have similar decorations: beads, hats, etc. St. Patrick’s Day is Monday March 17, 2014. What do you plan on doing? St. Louis, MO, plans on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a big parade. During this parade they will March through Broadway and Walnut, Chateau Blvd. and Tucker Blvd., Market St. and 17th St., Market St. and Garrison Ave., Olive St. and 20th St., and lastly 8th St. Altogether they will march for four miles. While some people will be at the parade, others will be on Skype with their girlfriend. Junior Kendall Perry said, “we actually talk about St. Patrick.” Kendall knows a lot about St. Patrick because his parents
have told him a lot of stories about St. Patrick’s in the past. Now, he wants to pass those stories on to his girlfriend. How cute. Mrs. Kloever decorates her home for a lot of holidays, but St. Patrick’s Day just isn’t on the list. Some people don’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but some do. And for the ones who do celebrate this day do not consider it any ordinary day. It’s a day to celebrate the “Luck of the Irish”. Different stores like Walmart, Schnucks, and Party City are selling decorations, so go and buy you some green.
Heroes and Villains
POW! Comic book adaptations prove to be more than a fad as Cap and Spidey are slated for future films by Jack Mills Every year, there’s a genre that’s become home to many blockbusters: comic book movies. It’s not like silver-screen adaptations of comic books and graphic novels are a new thing; the first Batman serial came out in 1943, just four years following his May 1939 comic debut. However, they make up a large portion of movies in general these days; this year alone, three comic adaptations are ready for the big screen: Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Back in 2012, Marvel’s The Avengers became the thirdhighest grossing movie ever, topping out at $1.51 billion, making it the highest-grossing Marvel movie... to date. So, why exactly are these retold stories raking in so many dollars and people? Is it quality? In that region, these films are all over the place; some are classics, like 1978’s Superman: The Movie and 1989’s Batman; some are downright awful, like 1986’s Howard the Duck and 1997’s Steel (evidence that Shaquille O’Neal should never act); and some kept most audiences split, like 2009’s Watchmen and 2013’s Man of Steel. One explanation for that phenomenon is this: on one side, you have the crowd of comic fans that have followed the stories for years and have been hoping for and expecting an adaption; on the other, the crowds who just enjoy exciting movies. So, when a movie like The Dark Knight or Man of Steel comes out, it gets the avid comic fans pumped with promise of good representations of their favorite characters and stories, while the general action fans who may have watched previous film or TV outings get excited for the promise of action and cool characters. Put simply, the audiences are looking for different things. Another theory is this: there are so many of these films! In 2013 alone, we had Thor: The Dark World, The Wolverine, Man of Steel, KickAss 2, and Iron Man 3. [Sequels are most always successful for having a familiar character fans love.] But why are there so many? Simple: it’s easier to make an adaption than a whole new movie. There are so many stories just laid out right in front of you. You see, comic books don’t always follow one path; spinoffs and “What If?” situations are very prominent.
For example, the upcoming Zack Snyder flick featuring Batman and Superman (slated for 2016) is rumored to be based upon 1986’s “The Dark Knight Returns” by Frank Miller, which features a confrontation between America’s two greatest heroes. Plus, it’s not just restricted to a small group; there are so many different comic characters out there, including Green Arrow, the Teen Titans, Aquaman, Deadpool, the Justice League, Watchmen, Howard the Duck, and more. There‘s also other comic books and graphic novels about non-superheroes; for example, there’s the “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” graphic novel series, which debuted in 2003 and is about a guy who must defeat the Seven Deadly Exes of a woman he wants to date. Not only are the books great, but its 2010 live-screen adaption was considered an underrated gem, and is one of my personal favorite movies. Are there too many comic book movies? Perhaps-- but that’s like saying there are too many Call of Duty games; in the end, they’re still getting made, and at least they can be enjoyable. If you want to get into comic book movies and you don’t know where to start, here are five great ones to begin with: Superman: The Movie [1978]: This classic, directed by Richard Donner, tells the origin of Superman, brought to life by Christopher Reeve, and his first confrontations with main baddie Lex Luthor, played by Gene Hackman. It’s just a classic through and through; it may start a little slow, but once you get into it, it’s quite a goodie. The second one is also recommended, but stay away from three and four; they have nothing to offer, except maybe a few chuckles at just how bad they are. Batman [1989]: The third film to be directed the famed Tim Burton, Batman sees our good friend Bruce Wayne, played pitch-perfectly by Michael Keaton, face off against the Joker, fittingly portrayed by the perpetually insane Jack Nicholson, who has an unwitting connection to Bruce. Gotham is beautiful, the action is exciting-, and it practically reeks of Burton’s dark style. Even though it changes up the canon of the Batverse, they changes do make sense and fit properly. Like Superman, I recommend the follow-up but only for hardcore fans; the third and fourth are for those who enjoy goofy movies that aren’t especially good. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [1990]: Yes, the Turtles had a cartoon when this movie came out, but the Heroes in a HalfShell debuted in comics in 1984, and was actually a very serious storyline. The movie strives for something in the middle, maintaining an overall-serious-but-still-humorous tone as the Turtles fight the Shredder and his evil Foot Clan, as well as save their master Splinter. The story may seem stale, but it’s
fresh and interesting in this flick; the costumes by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop are great, the action is top-notch, the choreography is good for guys in costumes, and all the characters fit well. The second goes full-out goofy, so beware when watching. Don’t even bother with the third; the 2007 CGI flick is OK, but is best for hardcore fans. Spider-Man 2 [2004]: We can’t forget about Marvel’s chief representative. Directed by Evil Dead director Sam Raimi, Spider-Man 2 follows Spidey, played by Tobey Maguire, as he struggles with balancing his social life and duties as Spider-Man, especially when evil Dr. Octavius creates four robot tentacles to take over New York City with. Like the original, the sequel is goofy, fun action with an undeniably cool villain, good character representations, the obligatory Bruce Campbell cameo, and is just overall a fun film. The first is worth it just for Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of the Green Goblin, and the third has some good elements, but overall isn’t worth it. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World [2010]: The only non-mutant/superhero movie on my list here, Scott Pilgrim is a film recommended to everyone. Directed by Edgar Wright, the genius behind Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s team-ups Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, the movie centers on 22-year old Toronto native/loser Scott Pilgrim, portrayed perfectly by Arrested Development star Michael Cera, whose world is shaken by a good-looking Amazon delivery girl from America, named Ramona Flowers, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. It’s not long before things go awry, and not only must Scott break up with his sorta-girlfriend Knives Chau (who is only 17), but also defeat Ramona’s Seven Evil Exes to date her. The characters in this movie are loveable, the dialogue can be hilarious or serious when it needs to be, the fight choreography is great, and it contains some of the best effects in any movie I’ve ever seen, and I don’t just mean the fights; most of the film contains classic sound effects and well-placed drawings and quotes. for quick chuckles. If you haven’t seen it, it’s easily worth it. Movie posters courtesy of IMDb
What’s new? Get your remote-- new TV shows are hitting primetime networks by Tristan Bergman True Detective- The lives of two detectives, Rust Cohle and Martin Hart, during a hunt for a serial killer in Louisiana. This show is fantastic. Both Woody Harrelson (Martin Hart) and Matthew McConaughey(Rust Cohle) are amazing in this show. Perfect casting choices for the show and a killer plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Absolutely brilliant. The show aired its pilot episode “The Long Bright Dark” on January 12 on HBO. Airs on Sundays. The season finale “Form and Void” on March 9th. It produced 8 episodes in all and will have a second season. 10/10 Bitten- Elena Michaels and her werewolf family, the Danvers, have split up and have been leading normal lives for a while. Just when they thought they left the world of the supernatural back at their house in Stonehaven, they receive a mysterious call from the pack father about dead bodies turning up around Stonehaven that were killed by werewolves. This leads them on a journey of survival as a family reunites. It stars Laura Vandervoort as Elena Michaels and Greyston Holt as Clayton Danvers. The show, based on a book series by Canadian author Kelley Armstrong, hooked me from the very first episode. Definitely entertaining and a great show. The season’s pilot “Summons” aired on January 13 on SyFy. Airs on Mondays. 7/10 Helix- The show is set in an isolated Antarctic research base. An unknown virus has spread throughout the facility, leaving many of the scientists very sick and infected with a disease so bad that it turns them into monsters or even one can say zombies. The CDC has traveled there and are trying to find a cure. It stars Billy Campbell as Dr. Alan Farragut and Jordan Hayes as Dr. Sarah Jordan. I absolutely love this show, and I thought it was amazing from the first episode. I had one problem with the show before watching it, and that was that it sounded like they were trying to make another zombie show, even though The Walking Dead is already the best show TV. After watching the first episode, I wasn’t disappointed with it and it holds its own well. Will definitely not compare to The Walking Dead-- as if any show could. Bottom line, it’s a great show and very exciting. The shows pilot episode aired on January 10 on SyFy. Airs on Fridays. 7/10 Black Sails- Based on Captain Flint and his pirates, twenty years before “Treasure Island,” starring Toby Stephens as Captain Flint and Hannah New as Eleanor Guthrie. I tuned into this expecting the worst, so I’ve been surprised at how the series has grabbed my attention so much after airing a pilot episode that, in all honesty, wasn’t great. I was considering not watching the show, but has definitely gotten a lot better. I don’t mark it as a must-see, but if it comes to Netflix, you should definitely try it out. The show’s pilot episode “I” aired on January 25 on STZ and it is set to have a second season. Airs on Saturdays. 6/10 Growing Up Fisher- This comedy show is a true story about family in the middle of a divorce and their kids’ lives. Stars: J.K. Simmons as Mel Fisher and Eli Baker as Henry Fisher. The show has definitely impressed me so far. It is a funny, heart-warming comedy that is a definite must-see for families. The shows pilot episode aired on February 23 on NBC. Airs on Tuesdays. 8/10 About A Boy- This comedy show is about a single guy named Will Freeman who has an apartment. His new neighbor Fiona who is also a single mother, has a son named Marcus, whom Will immediately bonds with. It stars David Walton as Will and Minnie Driver as Fiona. This show is really, really funny and has had me hooked since the beginning. A definite must-see. The shows pilot episode aired on February 22 on NBC. Airs on Tuesdays. 8/10
“Either you run the day or the day runs you.”
Something Old, Something New What was old is new again-- original movies and their respective remakes are pitted against each other by Tristan Bergman
The Amityville Horror “The Amityville Horror”is based on the true story of George Lee Lutz and Kathy Lutz who bought a charming Dutch Colonial home in Amityville, on the coast of Long Island NY, in 1975. They soon discover that they are not alone in the house and that there is an evil demonic presence inhabited there. The Amityville Horror (1979)- While a little campy, this film delivered some great creepy scenes that will truly scare you. The acting is pretty good, even from the kids. Sure, it’s a little fake, but come on-- it’s the seventies! Bottom line, this is a good movie, but not a great movie. Stars: James Brolin as George Lutz and Margot Kidder as Kathy Lutz. Rating: 6/10. The Amityville Horror (2005)-The main problem with this movie is since it’s a remake, you basically already know what will happen and what problem lies in the house. I thought the remake had fewer creepy moments. I thought that this movie was OK, but if you have seen the original, it ruins this one some. It would have been better if you didn’t already know the story. Stars: Ryan Reynolds as George Lutz and Melissa George as Kathy Lutz. Rating: 6/10. Carrie “Carrie” is a classic horror/thriller film that is about a young 17 year old Carrie White who is constantly bullied by her peers at high school and her very religious mother who wishes that she never gave birth to her. She soon learns that she has telekinesis. Carrie (1976)- Fans of Stephen King’s novels will find this to be delightfully faithful to his novel. Fans of horror films will likely find this to be a fairly-executed film. Great acting and an awesome plot to the film makes this one of my favorite horror films. Stars: Sissy Spacek as Carrie White and Piper Laurie as Margaret White. Rating: 8/10. Carrie (2013)- This movie pleasantly surprised me as a movie remake and since I’m a fan of the original. I thought that all of the acting was excellent and the scenes were filmed perfectly. So overall, Carrie is a very welldone and perfectly modernized remake that lets us get in touch emotionally with Carrie, and plenty of bloody moments. Stars: Chloe Grace Moretz as Carrie White and Julianne Moore as Margaret White. Rating: 7/10. Children of the Corn “Children of the Corn” is a classic horror film about a religious cult of children in the small, isolated town of Gatlin, Nebraska who believe that everyone above the age of 18 must be killed. A young couple accidentally come upon this town and soon learn that things aren’t the way they seem. In my opinion, the films were not that great. If I had to pick one, it would be the original. Children of the Corn (1984)- When I started the film, I was interested. Children that kill people are great tools for horror movies in my opinion.The movie goes from this good slasher film about killer kids and then it just throws all that good stuff out the window with some weird supernatural stuff that, in my opinion, completely ruined the movie. In the end, I guess it is a new horror classic and probably has been quite influential to the genre, I just have a problem with how they ended it. I feel it wasn’t Stephen King’s best. Stars: Peter Horton as Burt and Linda Hamilton as Vicky. Rating: 5/10. Children of the Corn (2009)- Absolutely unnecessary remake of the 1984 original. The rest is beyond words. Stars: David Anders as Burt and Kandyse McClure as Vicky. Rating: 4/10. Halloween “Halloween” is a classic horror/slasher film about a teenage girl named Laurie Strode and her friends in the small town of Haddonfield, who get stalked by the serial killer Michael Myers who escapes custody at
the mental institute while his doctor chases him Halloween (1978)- This movie was quite good. This is one of the few that has truly scared me. The tone to the movie was dark and eerie and the music made for the movie was perfect. I liked that you never knew what was around each corner. I would probably recommend this movie to anybody who really likes good old-fashioned horror and knows that a horror movie doesn’t need to spill buckets of blood to be entertaining. This makes this one of my favorite horror movies. Stars: Donald Pleasence as Dr. Sam Loomis and Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode. Rating: 8/10. Halloween (2007)- I honestly don’t understand why people are so hard on this movie. Yeah, the movie was a classic, but I thought it was a decent remake. This movie takes a different approach to what makes Michael Myers terrifying. Rob Zombie (director) offers audiences a background on Myers. That is what interested me about the movie, is that it shows Michael’s child life at home with his abusive family. The only person that loved him was his mother and it was very depressing. Overall, the movie was decent but didn’t compare with the original. Stars: Malcolm McDowell as Dr. Sam Loomis and Scout-Taylor Compton as Laurie Strode. Rating: 7/10. A Nightmare on Elm Street “A Nightmare on Elm Street” is a classic horror film about a child murderer named Freddy Krueger who kills you in your dreams. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)This is a really good slasher horror flick that is a must-see. This is another movie that truly scared me as the killer is in your dreams and you never know who he is going to kill next. The bottom line is that all fans of horror need to see this film. The amazing directing by Wes Craven, the great acting, and the dark, creepy scenes, all make this classic quite a bit better than the average slasher flick. Stars: Heather Langenkamp as Nancy Thompson and Johnny Depp as Glen Lantz. Rating: 8/10. A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)This movie was OK. It will never compare to the scares of the original or the eerie tone. This movie however did give me a better backstory of Freddy Krueger and how he got to be what he is now. However, the original had a better plot to it and overall it was better than this version. Stars: Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy Krueger and Rooney Mara as Nancy Holbrook. Rating: 5/10. Psycho “Psycho” is a classic black and white horror/mystery film about a woman named Marion Crane who steals $40,000 from her employer’s client, goes on the run and checks into a remote motel run by a young man by the name of Norman Bates. Psycho (1960)- This is hands-down one of the best horror movies ever and one of the most influential movies of the genre. Perkin’s fine performance, an awesome script, and a classic music score make Psycho a film that is now and will always be remembered as one of the milestones of the horror genre and one of my favorites. Stars: Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates and Janet Leigh as Marion Crane. 9/10 Psycho (1998)- This has to be one of the worst movies/remakes I have ever seen! Of course this film could not be expected to be as good as the original, remakes rarely are. But, this remake of one of Hitchcock’s greatest films, Psycho, could have been a lot better. First of all, whoever cast the movie must have been truly psycho; Vince Vaughn as Norman Bates? Yikes. Vince Vaughn is a great actor, but his true place is in comedy-- this film clearly shows that. Many of the other actors didn’t seem to fit their parts either, including Julianne Moore. One thing I hated about this movie is that I practically knew all of the actors/actresses in it and they are all in good movies, but they all were a disappointment. Overall, this Psycho remake, which could been a decent picture, instead turned out to be a complete waste of time. Stars: Vince Vaughn as Norman Bates and Anne Heche as Marion Crane. 3/10
Fame “Fame” is a musical drama about the lives of several teenagers who attend a New York high school for students gifted in the performing arts. I don’t have a favorite, because both are good. Fame (1980)- I thought this movie was a good musical movie with a good actors and a good musical score. It is memorable, interesting, and full of daring scenes and performances. It runs maybe a little too long, and perhaps some of the wrong characters get fully developed while others kind of hover in the background. Fame might have a few too many characters, causing it to get a little lost towards the end of the film. Stars: Irene Cara as Coco and Maureen Teefy as Doris. 7/10 Fame (2009)- This movie was a wellmade remake. I enjoyed it thoroughly and to be honest, the musical score is way better in this version of the film. I recommend watching both versions. Stars: Kay Panabaker as Jenny Garrison and Naturi Naughton as Denise Dupree. 7/10 Prom Night “Prom Night” is a mystery/ horror film in which the original and remake both have different stories to them. In the original, a masked killer stalks four teens, responsible for the accidental death of a child six years earlier, at their high school’s senior prom. In the remake, a girl named Donna gets stalked by a sadistic killer from her past that killed her parents at her senior prom with her friends. Prom Night (1980)- This movie was OK, but very disappointing in my opinion. One, Jamie Lee Curtis is in this film and I am a big fan of hers, but this movie was pretty lame. Two, the whole movie dragged on and on until the end prom sequence, because there were no scary parts or any deaths throughout the movie until the end. The acting, on the other hand, was good. Mediocre slasher film. Stars: Jamie Lee Curtis as Kim and Leslie Nielsen as Mr. Hammond. 5/10 Prom Night (2008)- This movie surprised me, because it was actually pretty good compared to the original film. In this version, there was an all new setting, characters, and plot line to it. Prom Night is a remake that manages to better the original. The story line in this film was actually pretty good and the acting wasn’t at all that bad. The original dragged on, but this movie jumped right into the action and the prom had already started within the first 15 minutes. Overall, it isn’t the worst horror movie, or the best. Stars: Brittany Snow as Donna Keppel and Scott Porter as Bobby. 6/10 Red Dawn “Red Dawn” is a classic war film about the Soviet Union starting World War III. The movie is based in a small town that the Russians have invaded. A small group of teen friends band together to form “The Wolverines,” and fight back at the Soviets. Red Dawn (1984)- I thought the movie was particularly brutal and it stays true to what war really is like and how it affects people. Lots of action, and a good plot to it. The acting is great and provides a good aspect on war. Must-See for everyone. Stars: Patrick Swayze as Jed and C. Thomas Howell as Robert. 6/10 Red Dawn (2012)- A modern look on the classic movie. Instead of Russian soldiers, there are North Korean Soldiers invading America. I will say the action here was a lot better than the original. This remake
impressed me as well. The acting was good and the setting was perfect. I think that it provides a fresh new way of seeing the war on a different level. Overall, I really enjoyed this movie and a movie that you should watch after you see the original. Stars: Chris Hemsworth as Jed and Josh Hutcherson as Robert. 6/10 Dawn of the Dead “Dawn of the Dead” is a zombie film of the series of movies by George A. Romero. It is about a group of survivors who find a shopping mall and try to survive there during the zombie apocalypse. Dawn of the Dead (1978)- Dawn of the Dead really disappointed me as an individual horror zombie movie. What Dawn of the Dead needed was less comedy, better makeup, and a lot more suspense. First off, yes, it was way too much of a comedy to me than a horror film. I found myself laughing throughout the movie instead of feeling scared. Second, the makeup in this movie was awful-- their idea of “zombie makeup” was not much more than grey and blue face paint. Third, the suspense was nothing. I felt nothing, at all. I guess in the end, it is a 70s movie and it is meant to be cheesy, so it wasn’t an awful movie but not a great one. Stars: David Emge as Stephen and Ken Foree as Peter. 6/10 Dawn of the Dead (2004)- This remake is awesome! `Dawn of the Dead’ is a very bloody and terrifying film. The acting was very good. Definitely a must-see and a movie that I will watch over and over. Overall Dawn Of The Dead has just enough gruesome deaths, chases, some suspense, a little humor, and decent performances by the cast who make this one of the better remakes out there. Dawn of the Dead does almost everything right. Stars: Sarah Polley as Ana and Ty Burrell as Steve. 9/10 The Karate Kid “The Karate Kid” is a classic kung fu movie about a gifted and talented janitor who teaches a bullied teenage boy the ways of martial arts. The Karate Kid (1984)- This is definitely a classic heart warming film. This is not only a great family film but is immensely uplifting. The acting was good and the story and plot were very well-written. Stars: Ralph Macchio as Daniel Larusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Kesuke Miyagi. 7/10 The Karate Kid (2010)- This remake of the classic film definitely provided a good modern version of the movie. I think this movie is worth watching. Definitely not the worst, but not the best. The movie entertained and left me with a satisfied performance of the movie. Stars: Jaden Smith as Dre Parker and Jackie Chan as Mr. Han. 6/10
M o v i e posters courtesy of IMDb
Menke’s Victory Lap by Rylie Kues
continued from page 1
Photo Courtesy of Rita Menke
Mrs. Rita Menke passed down the position of Head Coach to Mrs. Natalie Peters, but she has still helped with the team over the years.
Senecyzn, Kristin Dinga, Rusty Rayburn just to name a few. “I now enjoy the role of just sitting on the sidelines and watching the girls and watching the coaches. I am very blessed that when I retired from coaching they didn’t just kick me out the door. They all still include me.” Mrs. Menke started coaching varsity softball in 1981 and finally resigned her position as coach in 2005. It was then handed down to Mrs. Peters who is still the head coach today. Mrs. Menke knew it was time to stop coaching because it was time for a
change, and with this decision she could pursue a possible administrative job such as athletic director or the English department chair. Mrs. Peters was a volunteer coach for Mrs. Menke when she was first hired and after that year she just knew it was right. Peters was ready to take over and Menke was ready to move on. Since stepping down from her coaching position she still takes every opportunity she can to see the girls in action and to help her old players, Head Coach Natalie Peters and Assistant Coach Ashlee Heady. “Since I’ve retired, I don’t think I’ve missed a
Lancer Dancers Finish Their Season
by Rylie Kues
Mrs. Tara Zobrist has been coaching at East for 11 years and has had some very successful seasons while here too. This year in particular, the girls brought home in total three different awards.
Shannon said, “this year was so much fun! Us girls have formed such a great, sisterlike bond and although this is probably my only year on the team I know that I have made some lifelong friends here.”
In 2011 Coach Zobrist and her girls placed in AAA Jazz and AAA Lyrical competitions and this year the team brought home two second place trophies and senior, Madeline Remelius placed first in the solo competition. Remelius said, “I had no idea I was gonna get first. I was hoping I would place in the top 5 and when they announced second, I looked at my team and I knew I got first. Then when they announced my name, the entire dance team tackled me because they were just as excited as I was. It was the perfect way to end my last year on the dance team.” This year both Mrs. Zobrist and the team agrees that all of the girls were very tightly bonded and drama free. Freshman, Mikayla Goretzke-
Not only were the girls bonded well with each other they were also very close to their coach. “I am with them more than their actual mothers,” laughingly said Mrs. Tara Zobrist, varsity dance coach, “I am the person that follows them around with lipstick and eye makeup and that person that makes you do weird things that your mother would make you do, not your coach. That’s probably why my girls refer to me as mom.” She talked about how generally in most seasons she is the driving force behind the team that gets them going and excited to compete, but this season the girls seemed to be motivated by each other and didn’t really seem to need her.
home game but they don’t need my help. I go out there and watch,” says Menke, “but they have a really good staff.” After working here for 33 years Mrs. Menke has certainly met her fair share of people. She said that one of the best parts of working and coaching here at Belleville East was all of the friendships that she has made over the years with her colleagues, students, and players. She explained that social media has had a big impact in keeping contact with all of these people; and she says that because of it she still gets invited to weddings, showers, graduations, and birthday parties and it helps make the experience so much more memorable. “The friendships, the custodians, the teachers, the administration, the secretaries; it’s the people here that make Belleville East what it is.” said Mrs. Menke. “The daily hustle and bustle of the job, the go, go, go, and everyone that you encounter throughout the entire day, I think that this is what I will miss the most about working here.” Does she have any big plans now that she is retiring? She plans on
attending Cardinal Spring Training with her husband, not having to set an alarm daily, golfing, and spending time with her growing family. She is really looking forward to golfing more often now, because when she’s working she really only has time to go from the end of June until the beginning of August. She also has a massive and expanding family with 7 brothers and sisters, 22 nieces and nephews, and as of March 5th, she is a great aunt for the second time as well. Once she is officially retired she wants to spend more time with her family and help babysit the new addition to her family. Heady, one of her previous players and now coworkers said, “Every time I think about her retiring I tear up a little bit because there is nobody like her. There’s nobody who puts the time in like her and nobody who cares a b o u t Belleville East, its students, and the school as a whole. And I don’t know if anybody will ever really say goodbye to Rita Photo Courtesy of Rita Menke b e c a u s e Mrs. Menke has brought hom e many titles for the Bels h e ’ s leville East Softball team. always going to be around.”
“Food, Fun, and Fellowhip”
Fundraising For Louisville
by De Robinson
by Arkayla Tenney-Howard
Spring Fever, as he teased the audience for having the weakest “Competition” cheer out of the all the years he’s been there. Turner preached from Joshua 1:1-9, introducing the topic of fear to the audience by telling a story of coming home late during his Staff Photo teenage years. Joshua Jones going in for a lay up during the FCA basketball tournaments. He continued to preach, telling of fear and forgiveness, Last Monday, East’s Fellowship before Murphy returned with songs to of Christian Athletes (FCA) hosted a close out the speaking. night of “food, fun, and fellowship” at their Spring Fever event. Taking place in the Performing Arts Center, then leading to the gym, the night featured praise, live music, competition (something about the competition cheer) and more. FCA’s advisor, Coach Patton, welcomed schools from all around, including O’Fallon, Belleville West, and even Wolf Branch Middle School.
The event was kicked off by FCA officers, seniors Josiah Bergt and Charless Coldon, doing a role call for different schools and favorite sports. Opening with a prayer, the microphone was turned to East graduate of ‘98 and musician, Ryan Murphy. At first he talked about how different the school was during his time as a student; he loved the PAC that wasn’t even around in his day. Murphy then played a few Christian songs on guitar, singing and bringing the audience to their feet to join in. He smoothly transitioned into the next speaker, preacher Nick Turner. It wasn’t Turner’s first time at
The event then turned to a more competitive nature, heading into the main gym and featuring a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. High school students, junior high students, and even teachers all played against one another on the courts, with free pizza and snacks available nearby. Though a tough and competitive tournament, in the end it was all about fun. Attendants should “have a bad team, just to have fun and enjoy the experience with your friends.” says senior John Vo. While it was a multi-school event, the two teams in the championship were both made up of East students, with the team of Blake Adams, Dominic Blaylock, Desmond Dolphy, Jeremy Dorsey, and Parker Hendricks taking the title.
Did They Hit It Out of the Park? by Rylie Kues
“We just always look for good kids. We just want them to represent baseball, so we always check into their grades and character; we ask their teachers about them. We just really want good kids that also have prior knowledge on baseball,” said junior varsity baseball coach Ryan Wiggs. “I guess the best advice I could give to someone trying out would be always give 110% and never do anything halfway,” says sophomore Alex Bugg, who was on the team last year. Tryouts were held March fourth through sixth and the standards for the boys are held slightly high. All sophomores, juniors, and seniors try out together and are watched by all of the coaching staff, so it’s not just Coach Blomberg or Coach Wiggs making the final decisions; they help each other pick who makes it. Jake Kerkemeyer, a sophomore who was on the team last year said, “the scariest part of trying out is looking around and seeing SO many talented guys and not knowing if you have the capability of making it because all of these guys are good.”
Many of the boys who were on the team last year said that the best part of being a Lancer baseball player would be the fun that they have playing together but when it comes down to game time they know how to focus and get serious. Different players have different opinions as to what needs to be improved, but for the most part everyone agreed that they are in need of better pitching and hitting skills. Bugg said, “this year we need to fight hard and try our best to beat Edwardsville, because last year they fought extremely hard. In my opinion, they were our most difficult opponent that we faced all season.” “The best part about coaching these boys is that they all have great personalities and I really enjoy being around them,” explained Coach Wiggs. “Probably the only bad thing about it would be taking the long trips to like Alton and Granite City on the bus, but other than that, I love every other aspect of coaching for sure.”
The Belleville East Boys Track team hosted a BBQ fundraiser on Friday March 7th. The fundraiser included a plate of food for ten dollars. Each track team member was expected to sell ten meal tickets. The money was being raised so the track team could attend an extra meet. The meet will be in Louisville, KY, and it is not paid for by the district. Distance runner Joseph Kraus had to get all of his food to go. Like many other track team members, Kraus is Catholic and cannot eat meat on Fridays during Lent. Kraus has been running track since 7th grade. “Track just got me, and I always wanted to run,” said Kraus. After seeing all of the plates being fixed, Kraus was convinced. “I think we might have enough,” said Kraus. Fellow track team member Amani Franklin was also in attendance. Amani is a younger brother of graduated runner Dakari Franklin. “I just have to work harder than him to get a name for myself,” said Amani Franklin.
After an upsetting first meet, the track team has been working much harder. The boys listed dedication, hard work, discipline, and focus as their needs in order to qualify for state. Snow days made earlier practices difficult. “We started off really slow but now we’re getting in the hang of things and really focusing,” said Junior Anthony Lombardo. During the frigid cold days, the boys still practiced. “If we’re outside just make sure you have your hat and gloves,” said Franklin. Enduring the weather, the boys are “working hard,” according to Joshua Jones. They are hoping to qualify for state in every event this year. Will Session qualified for state last year and ran into hardships there. After complications with the blocks, he had a horrible start on his hurdles. “Sometimes you have to fail to win,” said Session.
by De Robinson
FEBRUARY SOLUTIONS
THE OPPOSITE OF MEDIEVAL
WORD SEARCH
Are you a writer? If so, submit a piece of your work to Mrs. Lillard or Mrs. Byrne for a chance to be included in the English Honor Society Literature Magazine. Your work can be poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. All submissions must be emailed by March 28th. We also need art for the magazine. The art must be related to a work of literature.