June
18-21 program teaches life lessons
2013
By: Mitch Barron
As seniors approach graduation, they prepare for the social, quick to help the other struggling students with their recipes all the physical and other significant adversities they will face. These eager while looking back to ask, “Did you see that Mitch?” I didn’t blink students leave behind friends, familiar places and the students with once. special needs in the 18-21 program. Corey’s happy-go-lucky attitude permeates throughout the The 18-21 programs’ goal is to teach students the skills and school atmosphere as we make our way to the next endeavor. On our tools to live an independent life. The students in the special educa- way there, Corey receives more greetings by students and faculty than tion program start their day by engaging in a social skills lesson led by I do in a whole day, but something about his joyful demeanor seems to speech therapist Kathleen Tissot. dissipate just before boarding the bus. The theme of the lesson today is appropriate reactions for As the view of the high school fades away, so do all traces of situations, a concept many of them struggle with. Something as small Corey’s joy. Earlier in the day during the social skills lesson, the stuas “dropping a pencil,” said a student in the room, is considered a dis- dents were asked to rate upsetting situations on a scale of one to 10 by comforting situation. In order to assist the students in her class with holding up their fingers. An appropriate reaction for a situation deemed such cases, Tissot has adapted her own guidea one would be to quietly reflect on what haplines from some of the more mainstream spepened, and a typical reaction for a situation cial education curriculums. deemed a 10 would be to verbally express their “Michelle Garcia Winner developed a frustration. In Corey’s case there is an eleventh social curriculum in the autism spectrum,” said interval reserved for when he has been made Tissot. “I took what she talks about and adapted fun of, to which the prescribed reaction is to it for the kids in our program.” This change in shut down completely. “Most people are nice curriculum is in correspondence with the expoto me and I appreciate it,” said Corey, “but nential growth of autism diagnosis. “13 years it’s really hard for me when people are being ago, there was only one student diagnosed rude.” with autism enrolled in OHS” said Tissot. She Today, this person is a girl in mainstream added, “I’ve been teaching social skills for 10 classes who has been giving Corey dirty looks years here, and [this class] was only recognized and ignoring him in his innocent attempts to as a formal class in the last three years because simply say hi. “She’s just really mean,” said more and more kids need it now.” And some of Corey, “and I don’t know what I did.” But that Students enjoy the Wii. the students in her program certainly do need label doesn’t stick for more than 30 seconds, Photo by Mitch Barron. this. and Corey desperately asks me whether or not For whatever reason one would think these students need to this girl, who he will always identify as “too good for [him],” likes him. be taught social skills, the truth of the matter is much more depressing. Suddenly, Corey’s bright attitude arises as our next destina“We need to know this stuff so people don’t think we’re weird,” said a tion becomes visible on the horizon. “Is that the pool?” said Corey in a student in the room when asked why this information was important to refreshed and vivid tone, “we’re gonna go swimming!” Joyousness is know, to which Tissot responded, “That is exactly correct.” unanimous as the students eagerly file out of the bus to start their swim The room then fell silent, as if this idea that they themselves ming activity, or, as I observed, salvation in the form of buoyancy. are “weird” coupled with the apparent simplicity of the concepts was The students are happier now than I have ever seen them, as suffocating them. they sublimely float amidst serenity; defying the gravity of their own From that point on the entire class is either apathetic or com- quandaries. The mentors of the group are similarly blissful. “It’s the pletely dissociated from the lesson, perhaps as a coping mechanism or best job in the world” said one of the mentors lost in the tranquility, “I maybe they’re simply sick of being labeled different. But one of the can’t believe they pay me.” students is able to smile and laugh through it all. Just then, Corey makes his way up to the diving board and all That student is Corey Evans, a 19-year-old student who is eyes in the room are on him. The elementary students stop splashing revered through out the halls of OHS, receiving a total of seven fist- and yelling, mentors stop chatting, and I am in awe. Corey makes his bumps just on his way to the water fountain. way towards the end of the diving board, bounds once, than lifts off Corey is all laughs and smiles as he and the other students into the air. He spreads his arms out so that his body creates the shape in the 18-21 program begin their cooking activities. He is assigned to of a crucifix than flips just before hitting the water. The huge splash he frost the éclair cake they are making today, and with his jokes he cer- makes is amplified by the crashing applause echoing through the pool. tainly puts the icing on the cake for me and the faculty. Corey emerges victorious, beaming from the adulation. Kids, In the dismal shadow cast by those who deem others super- mentors and I cheer and hold up our fingers in reaction to his perforficial, Corey illumines through his compassion towards others. He is mance: 10’s all around. • The future of modern warfare (page 7) • Make-A-Wish sends senior to Disney (page 3)
What’s Inside:
• Defying stereotypes, redefining eduation: A day at OASIS (pages 4-5)
• Strong is the new skinny (page 8) • Correct Opinion with Wesley Korpela (page 9)
News
Co-curricular code 2.0 By: Sarah Kahl and Cordel Weber Living the life of a high school athlete can prove to be a constant balancing act between being a good student and doing well in sports. Many students fear falling off of this proverbial tightrope that seems to be constantly nagging them. Not to mention the upperclassmen who are preparing for college with the ACT, SAT, or any AP testing. With all of this running through students’ minds, it seems difficult to excel in school. For those that do not know, the policy previously used by Oregon High School regarding students involved in athletics has recently been undergoing a few changes. Originally, the grading requirement for student athletes to be able to compete in OHS athletics was maintaining a minimum of an average of a 1.6 GPA. As always, any participant with an “F” or incomplete in any class at the end of the quarter would be academically ineligible to compete until it has been rectified. The difference is, this school year (2012-2013), the minimum grade point average for athletes to be allowed to compete increased to an average of a 1.75 GPA requirement. Those responsible for the change believe this will ease students into the new policy without as much shock. The reason some may seem shocked is because by next year, students involved in co-curricular activities, including athletics, will need to maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA average instead of the 1.6 GPA average that was in place last year. Some students involved in co-curricular activities have growing concerns regarding this new policy. One of the largest is the possibility that they may not meet these new requirements. Although this is a very plausible fear, it hasn’t been much of an issue in the past. “We had very few students that were participating this year that did not meet the requirement,” said Athletic Director Mike Carr. For those that do struggle with maintaining proficient enough grades, there are many helpful resources and steps available to take that can help get these students back on track. “[Math teacher] Ms. [Lauren] Lebwohl has been great helping students find tutors. Students need to ask us for help and we will help plug them into the resources that they need,” said Carr. Another concern with this policy change is the possibility of students no longer taking challenging courses in fear of not meeting the requirements. Although this idea may affect some students’ course selections, it doesn’t seem to be a very large concern. “I believe that students will continue to stretch themselves in the classroom by taking rigorous classes,” said Carr. The resources available at this school will allow students to be able to meet the 2.0 GPA requirements,
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as stated earlier. Whether or not students decide to take AP/Honors courses depends solely on their personal educational goals and their drive to succeed themselves. “I think that students will choose their classes based on their own personal goals, and not the new 2.0 GPA requirement for being in an extracurricular activity,” said Associate Principal Jason Wilhelm. Each student must shape his or her own future. Letting a simple change in policy deter them from a class they either want or need to take seems very unlikely. Although athletes are affected by this change, they are not the only students that will have to adapt as well. This change in policy will affect all of those involved in any co-curricular activity. That includes musicals, National Honor Society, Paw Print, plays, Winter Guard, Indoor Percussion, Oregon Marching Band, Science Olympiad, etc. It may seem unfair that these students have to meet a higher requirement than those before them, but it is all in the better interest of the students. “I believe that students involved in cocurricular activities will have their grades improve due to this policy change, which will ultimately help them get accepted into secondary schools, while helping positively affect the state report card,” said Wilhelm. It may seem as if this change in policy has been implicated without much discussion, but that is not accurate. It has actually been a topic of interest for quite some time now. “The policy was discussed, studied and debated for over a year and a lot of research was conducted on what policies translate into the most benefit for student athletes, on and off the field,” said School Board President Courtney Odorico. Whether or not this change seems to be positive for the students of Oregon High, it doesn’t solely affect them. This policy is used throughout the Badger conference and Oregon was the only school that had not implemented a policy such as this for their students involved in extracurricular activities. The main idea to take away from this change in policy is the school board and administrators only want what is best for the students here at OHS. “Oregon students are students first, athletes second,” said Odorico. “The real duty of the school district is to prepare students academically and while athletics and other extracurricular activities are very important, first and foremost in importance is success in the classroom.
News
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Make-A-Wish sends senior to Disney By: Heidi Gempeler and Taylor Anderson The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish to a child-inneed approximately every 38 minutes, and granted nearly 14,000 wishes in 2012 alone according to Wish.org. Cassie Johnson, a senior at Oregon High School, has suffered from a plethora of illnesses in her lifetime and was referred to Make-A-Wish by hospital staff earlier this year. Johnson, a 17 year old petite blonde, has been diagnosed with illnesses for the majority of her lifetime, starting at the young age of two. These include hypoparathyroidism (HP), autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type-1 (APS-1), Addison’s disease, vitiligo, several gastrointestinal difficulties, as well as forms of anxiety and depression. Johnson had her first long-term hospital visit when she was just two years old. Hypoparathyroidism (HP), an extremely rare condition, causes an exceptionally low production of the parathyroid hormone which plays an important role in maintaining the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body, according to Mayo Clinic. Johnson will have to be treated for HP for the rest of her life, as it is a chronic condition. “The main medication that I need is my injections to help with hypoparathyroidism, and that gives me more of the parathyroid hormone. Without that, my body would shut down,” said Johnson. Some of Johnson’s diseases are quite rare, such as APS-1, with only about 500 cases worldwide according to Genetics Home Reference. APS-1 is an autoimmune disorder that is heavily associated with two of the diseases Johnson has been diagnosed with, hypoparathyroidism and Addison’s disease. Johnson survives off of an estimated thirty pills per day, including her daily injection. “Without my medications, I would actually be dead right now,” states Johnson. “I’ve definitely gotten used to [taking so much medication], and it’s more of a routine because I’ve had to take them my whole life. I can’t even imagine how nice it would be to not worry about taking my medications every day.” The Make-A-Wish Foundation works to grant wishes for children diagnosed with life threatening medical conditions, and strives to make each wish an unforgettable experience in a child’s life. Each wish goes into one of five categories, including “I wish to be,” “I wish to give,” “I wish to go,” “I wish to have,” and “I wish to meet.” “[In the Madison area], the most common wish is “I wish to go” to Disney World, which is at about 45%. In general, 75-80% of wishes are travel wishes, like to Disney, Hawaii, Australia, and even Italy,” said Nicole Williams, Madison Regional Director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Each wish is really up to the wish child’s imagination,” said Williams. “The sky's the limit, to a degree. The average cost for each wish is around $10,000, but we give away wishes such as college tuition for up to two years, which costs much more. The child could travel to meet a celebrity like Justin Bieber, let’s say. But we don’t do wishes that involve firearms, hunting trips, new construction, or just hand out cash itself.”
Johnson was very excited to be nominated to be involved with Make-A-Wish. “We were given a sending off party a week before we left. Red Robin decorated the restaurant with a free meal, Dairy Queen gave us a free ice cream cake, and I got tons of presents, like necklaces and lotions,” said Johnson. “There are always lots of little surprises for them, like limo rides to the airport for example” said Williams. “Cassie was my very first wish, and being a wish granter is super easy and extremely rewarding,” said Make-A-Wish wish granter Tacy DeRouin. “My husband and I have friends whose daughter received a wish, and I was amazed at the positive power and drive it brought their family. It was a shining goal, a happy time, cherished memories, and truly a blessed gift to them. I wanted to be part of this relief, this moment of bliss, the chance to give brave families some wonderful wishes come true.” Wishes as we all know don’t just happen on their own. Make-A-Wish is only able to create life-changing wish experiences with the help of dedicated staff members, volunteers, donors, and other valuable supporters. “[The most rewarding part of my job] is working directly with the children and their families,” said Williams. “We don’t go on the trips, but we talk to them about their experiences to understand what each wish means to them. At a time when families are going through something so dark, this is all really just a beacon of hope.” “After all of this, I want to help people and do something with my life to better the world,” said Johnson. “[Going through these illnesses] really isn’t that big of a struggle for me, but actually more of an adventure. I feel lucky because others haven’t been able to experience the same things as I have. I’ve met a lot of people, and spent a lot of time in the hospital. I love the hospital, it’s like an oasis.” The farthest Johnson has traveled for medical care is to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Washington, D.C. “At NIH, I actually met a girl around my age that has hypoparathyroidism. I don’t really keep in touch with her, but it’s nice to have people with the same diseases,” said Johnson. These critical medical needs don’t stop Johnson from staying positive. “Cassie is such a sweet, happy, positive, beautiful girl. She is a wise soul and impresses me on so many levels,” said MakeA-Wish wish granter Tacy DeRouin. “She commented once how she chooses to go through life with a smile on her face, because being upset or sad about things does not make anything better. I think she is amazing, and I am SO happy to have been able to make her wish come true!” “I’m so happy because, well, might as well be!” said Johnson. “It takes up a lot more energy to be angry all the time.” Almost an adult, Johnson has overcome many obstacles since her first diagnosis, and still has many more to deal with in the future. “It would be nice to have others in the high school who had the same diseases as me, but I was chosen to have these illnesses for a reason, so I just try to have fun with it,” said Johnson.
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Defying stereotypes, redefining education
A Wednesday morning at OASIS
By: Colin McReavy
As I stepped out of my car into the overcast morning, an uneasy the main, larger room. This is where I got my first experience with some feeling swept across my body. I felt like timid new student on his first day of the unconventional ways that students learn. Sitting in red cushioned at a new school. The clouds above me were a dull gray blanket across the chairs was a teacher, and next to her a student. She smiled as I walked in. sky, blocking out all of the sunlight. A damp murky breeze swept my way, The girl and the teacher were talking casually when I interrupted. and the faint smell of cigarette smoked lingered in the air. The depressing “Nice to meet you, I’m Ms. Porter,” said the women as I shook ambience surely didn’t help to ameliorate my nerves. My mind was rac- her hand. Michelle Porter is one of three teachers at OASIS. The girl next ing as I apprehensively walked toward the building. to her was a sophomore who took some classes at OASIS and some at the I had heard the stories about this high school. She was in the middle of an oral place. From heroin addicts to juvenile delinsocial studies test.. quents, the rumors about the people inside “OASIS offers all of the subject areas were far from calming. Outside the building taught at the regular high school,” said Ms. I saw the infamous spray painted sign which Porter. “The format offered may be different, read “OASIS.” though. We are very flexible and offer options The black and orange graffiti letters to students, which is an overarching goal in an reminded me off something you would see on alternative learning environment. As long as dumpster in south central L.A. where a gang genuine learning is taking place, and an ability staked out their territory. to demonstrate progress is shown, the staff at *** OASIS works hard to accommodate individu OASIS alternative high school was als and their respective academic objectives.” founded in 2005. Located just down the street It was different than any test I had ever from the high school, it was built as an extentaken in my four years at the traditional high sion onto the community ice arena over eight school. Ms. Porter asked a question and the girl years ago. The reputation of OASIS at the high would respond in open discussion. The test foPhoto by Colin McReavy. school is far from commendable. Over time cused on Indian culture and history. As the two students of alternative education have developed negative stereotypes continued to talk about the economic and social aspects of Great Britain’s such as being drug addicted failures who won’t succeed in anything. We imperialistic tirade of India in the 18th century, my mind drifted off. picture kids who smoke cigarettes all day and probably have more mis- I was still unaccustomed to the unique surroundings. The classdemeanors than friends. Yet, one afternoon I asked a handful of random room had no tables, only chairs arranged in a circle all facing the middle. students if they knew anyone from OASIS; all said no. I asked these same In one corner of the room was a large television with a Nintendo Wii people if they had ever been to OASIS; all said no. hooked up to it. A few electric guitars were laid up against the wall and The widely held and oversimplified image of our own alterna- a football sat on the ground. Hanging from the adjacent wall was a large tive school had been perpetuated long enough. It was time for someone wooden sled that probably hadn’t been used since winter. The whole atto discover the real story. So there I was, standing anxiously in front of mosphere felt more like a living room than a classroom. OASIS alternative high school with my notebook, a pen, and a desire to My attention was brought back to the conversation when they finally find out the truth behind those walls. began to discuss the forced assimilation of Indian students into British *** schools. The Indian youth, with their dark skin I could hear heavy metal music playand jet black hair, who spoke nothing but traing as I pulled open the main entrance doors. ditional Hindi, were coercively pushed into the My first glance took me by surprise. I looked unfamiliar British school setting. The primarily around the large, open room and saw about Hindu students now attended institutions run 10 kids, all of who seemed to be normal high by white catholics who spoke nothing but Engschool students. They looked no different from lish. the students at the “regular” high-school. No The original intentions of the British were orange prison jump suits, no ankle bracelets. I to bring India together as one by establishing was met by very affable greetings from teacha population that spoke the same language. ers and students alike. “Welcome to OASIS; The Indians, however, had their own language, I’m Randall, nice to meet you” said a tall man practiced their own religion, and had their own as he stuck out his hand to welcome me. customs. Nothing was wrong with the British Randall Smith is one of the founding schools, nothing was wrong with the Indian staff members at OASIS and also the princistudents. It was just two different cultures, and pal. I looked around the room, at the students. two different types of people. Photo by Colin McReavy. A few of them said “hello” or “nice to meet This brief history review struck an ironic you” while others merely looked back at me shyly. They were no differ- analogy in my mind. It may be a far stretch, but racial and ethnic aspects ent from me, and I was no different from them. aside, I saw a parallel between the situation in 18th century India and OA “Can I get you a cup of coffee?” asks Randall as he regains SIS. You can’t forcefully assimilate every student into a traditional school my attention. The gesture of kindness caught me off guard. I hadn’t ex- setting: It just doesn’t work like that. “Learning is personalized based on pected such cordiality. Mr. Smith led me on a brief walk around the small learning goals, student strengths, interest, and based on best way an indibuilding. It was the first time I had ever actually been inside. There were vidual student learns and demonstrates knowledge,” said Ms. Porter. “For two large rooms that made up the main corridor. Branching off were two each student it’s different. Some learn better at the high school while some smaller classrooms and one office. It was a very untraditional setting, learn better here.” which I guess it fitting because it offers a very untraditional education. The oral exam ended and I ventured back out into the large Randall led me to one of the small classrooms extending off room. Most of the students were sitting at computers doing an interactive
“OASIS” continued on the next page.
“OASIS,” continued from previous page.
Feature
program about cellular biology. Two students invited me to follow them back into the second larger area. The large room had a ping pong table in the back corner with a car seat being used a couch. Near the front corner was a small kitchen, something I didn’t expect to see. The kitchen was equipped with standard appliances: a stove, fridge, cabinets filled with plates and glasses, and a large food pantry. I peeked inside the cabinet, similar to the one I have at home. Cheez-It crackers, Hamburger Helper, peanut butter, baking soda, and numerous other familiar items lined the shelves. I was reminded of the kitchen I found myself in every morning at my own house. This provided a bit of comfort as I was finally beginning to relax and realize this place wasn’t so bad after all. The stovetop was turned to medium as the a student cracked an egg over the edge of an iron skillet. The runny yellow yolk poured out and simmered in the pan. “Can I get you some eggs?” he asked. Another student stood near the toaster, making toast. I felt like I was getting the presidential treatment. Yet, the student’s casual aphorisms cued me that this type of behavior was nothing out of the ordinary. Almost instinctually, the two students continued to cook eggs and toast for all their friends who wanted some. Most of my closest friends wouldn’t make me breakfast if I paid them. More surprising was the sense of unity of the whole situation. The students voluntarily made breakfast for each other and then sat down for a meal together. I felt like I was at a family gathering rather than a high school. The sense of community was something I rarely see at the “normal” high school. Ms. Porter agrees. “There is a strong sense of community or ‘family’ here. We do care about one another, respect differences, and cultivate a climate that is calm, positive and productive. When we all feel safe and respected, true learning and personal growth occurs.” *** At breakfast, I was surprised by students’ abilities to talk so casually about insignificant and very significant events. Some talked about their next court dates. One girl said she had been charged with disorderly conduct, another talked about being pulled over and having to get searched. They all seemed to know the entire police force by name, as if they have had one too many experiences with them. A taller girl showed off her newly painted fingernails. Another student remarked about going to watch Iron Man 3 that weekend. One girl told me she was pregnant, then remarked that both of her ex-boyfriends were currently in jail. Breakfast was the first look I had into the lives of these students. They all had different experiences and were in different situations. They all had a different story to tell. More importantly, though, they were all accepting of one another. To them, the situation you were in didn’t matter. The troubles they went through were irrelevant. It seemed that same things that made them different in the high school were the same things that brought them close together at OASIS. They saw their differences as similarities and formed a tight bond over it. After fnishing breakfast, the students scattered back to their various activities. Some went back to computers, some did work on paper, and others went to play ping pong for their gym credit. It was a very unstructured. Students are completely independent and can do what they want, but they are responsible for their work. I talked to a girl as she fum-
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bled through her purse, looking for something “If I want to graduate, I’ll have to complete all of my work eventually. I’m responsible enough to do it,” she said. A pack of Newport cigarettes fell onto the table. “Want to go outside with me?” she asks. I follow her and another girl outside behind the building. They sat out back and lit up their cigarettes. “I like it here,” said the girl. “It’s smaller and I get all the one on one help I need. It’s just a better atmosphere.” I was beginning to realize most students took pride in being here. They all belonged. When we went back inside, Ms. Porter gathered about half of the students in the small classroom for what she called “mentor prep.” Every Wednesday, the OASIS students go to the local elementary schools across the district to mentor and tutor students where they spend one-onone time together. They read books, go outside and play games, and form friendships. “These kids are counting on you,” says Ms. Porter to the students. “Whether you realize it or not, you’re helping these kids.” Everyone seemed excited to go except one student who was hesitant. “I don’t want to go, Ms. Porter.” He says. “The kids won’t even notice if I’m gone.” Those words lingered in my head. “They won’t notice if I’m gone.” Maybe he was just being apathetic, or perhaps he truly believed what he said. Another student tried to persuade him. “It’s not about you, it’s about the kids.” Ms. Porter too urged him to come. She remembered how the first grader he mentored last time cried when he left. That seemed to resonate with him a little bit, but he was still hesitant. “I can’t tell you how much these kids look up to you. You are their mentor,” said Ms. Porter emotionally. This statement resonated even deeper with the student. He looked down and said quietly, “I’ve never had a mentor.” Ms. Porter replied. “Just because you’ve never had a mentor doesn’t mean you can’t be one.” Ms. Porter hugged the student meaningfully, and then they left for the elementary school together. *** I closed my notebook and tucked my pencil into my pocket. I sat at the round table by myself and reflected on the day. I had missed a day of classes, but the lessons I learned at OASIS were well worth my time. The stereotypes of that had previously plagued me were replaced by a more comforting reality. The images of drug dealers and felons seemed foolish to me now. The students may not have lived the most exemplary lives and, like us, have probably done things they aren’t proud of. Yet, this is by no means a reflection of their character and should definitely not define who they are. They weren’t perfect, but neither is anyone. The way they have learned to accept everyone no matter their situation or background was truly special. This is a lesson that we can all learn from. In the end, it is our differences that make us special, and we must use those differences as the tying bond that brings us together. The gray clouds above and had cleared as I walked back to my car. The bright sun was shining down in full warmth and the smell of spring lingered in the air. The orange and black OASIS sign glimmered like a carefully crafted piece of artwork. I started my car, rolled down the windows, and watched the sign, like my preconceived notions, fade in the rearview mirror.
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Generation gap: How simple it was By: Ashley Quamme The door swiftly opened, leading into a small, white entry way. Muffled laughter came from several doors, delicious secrets hidden from the outside world. No answer came after ringing the room number. Patience was honored with a surprised greeting; a short woman with a wide smile gestured to follow her, and the volume of joy increased from the other room. Spread across the table, desserts covered any empty space and the aroma of coffee lingered in the air. Whipped cream was the outer layer for each sweet. The tender laughter continued until my presence was introduced, and a hush fell. Bernice Olson looked up and kindly excused herself; she forgot about our appointment due to their monthly potluck. Her delicate hands reached for her plates, placing her cookies quickly into a Tupperware with a subtle shakiness in her arms and hands. Her politeness was startling, which made me apologize quickly for being so early in the evening. Her effect on me was astounding; I was suddenly very formal. Rushing from the group gathered around the table, she led the way to the elevator up to her apartment. On each white wall between each apartment, pictures of flowers and kittens filled the empty spaces. Pushing her door open, I was surprised: she didn’t lock it beforehand. Her reply was beyond expected. “Who’s going to rob us? We’re just a bunch of old women.” This interview was turning out to be nothing less than unpredictable with this woman. Handmade ornaments and little trinkets were purposefully placed in each shelf, on each table, tacked on each wall with a simple string. Greyed pictures illustrated her past, showing her large family. Bernice pushed her bright blue walker ahead of her and slowly leaned back into a large cushioned chair. She exhaled deeply and pointed to the piles of binders on the table. They contained memorabilia of her long past, including the senior picture of her high school sweetheart and husband, Walton Olson. Married at age 19, they only dated for one year before they became engaged. But before going “steady,” group dates were expected and never questioned. “No one ever got serious until they were older.” She explained how the boys always asked the girls out on dates, never the other way around. They went to 10 cent movies and dances but always in groups. When asked about long term relationships at that time, she responded that some boys were drafted into the service, so they wrote to their girlfriends back home. Momentarily she paused and picked up the picture of her husband. Trying to stray away from the uncomfortable silence, I asked about the other activities that were available during her high school years. “Now
remember,” she stated, “no TV’s. We listened to the radio on Saturday nights, and played outdoor games. We made our own fun, in other words.” She commented on how everyone had a birthday party, and everyone was invited. In the large groups, they went to fairs and festivals. Since she lived in the country, she showed her animals. When asked about how important physical appearances were during high school, she said matter-of-factly that girls wore lipstick around the age of 14 but no eye makeup. “The older girls wore eye makeup. They were usually seniors or out of high school.” At the same age, a perm was the popular choice for the girls, and her father cut her hair. With this response, I couldn’t help but laugh. She seemed surprised but gave a small laugh in return. She continued on saying, “The wild girls dyed their hair.” I showed her my hair, proving that I must be a wild girl by dying mine. She only smiled, and exclaimed how times have changed. “I feel sorry for teenagers today. You grow up too fast.” She continued by saying that people are losing their knowledge of conversation and trust. “We used to trust our neighbors and keep our doors unlocked. Now people don’t interact or even know each other. We used to greet everyone who walked by.” Her input on teens was not much different from now. “[Girls] are gaga about some guy. They don’t realize how serious it is.” Some things don’t seem to change. Glancing over at the clock in her kitchen, it was several hours past the time I arrived. I was so immersed in her stories and compelling life experiences; we lost track of time. “I expected you to stay for longer.” It was already 9 p.m. She seemed disappointed, craving to tell me more, but simply let it slide. She escorted me to the entrance of her apartment, walker in hand. I thanked her for the evening and for her time, and she only reciprocated the same. Her politeness never faded throughout the whole night, which only heightened my respect for Mrs. Bernice Olson. Almost 90 years old, she still voiced her opinion with no regret. “[We] you have to be politically correct all the time, but I’m not. I speak my mind.” Slowly closing the door, she smiled at me through the crack until only her right eye showed. She instructed me to have a good night and stay safe, and I nodded, telling her the same. The formality of it all felt refreshing yet practiced. Expecting to hear her use the lock, I waited for a moment, yet there was no clang of the metal. These women still live in their same, familiar lives from years before. Time doesn’t seem to change in this building, only the occasional visitor.
Paw Print Staff 456 N. Perry Parkway Oregon, WI 53575 Phone: 608-835-4418 OHSPawPrint@gmail.com
Editorial Board: Sean Bull Carissa Goodwick Miranda Mellen Maddie Smith Mack Tubridy
Photography: Mitch Barron Sean Bull Ava Wagner
Advisor: Ms. Abby Riese
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Editorial
page 7
The future of modern warfare By: Alexander Nasserjah
A bow and arrow, a rifle and a nuclear bomb were all weapons that defined warfare in their time of inception. Now, there is a new weapon ready to join the list: drones. Drones have previously been used as simple unmanned surveillance planes. Now, however, drones have been used to strike and sometimes kill enemy targets. Drone strikes have been used frequently in Middle Eastern conflicts, including in Iran and Pakistan. Iran has shown opposition to the United States’ use of drone strikes and has brought to light the morality of this weapon. The unmanned nature of drones presents an opportunity for the United States to accomplish missions without risking American lives. America’s involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts has cost the U.S. valuable lives along with significant sums of money. When fighting Middle Eastern enemies such as al Qaeda, it becomes a significant challenge to overcome things like the terrain along with sorting out who is actually an enemy and who is not. That is why in 2004, President George W. Bush first authorized the lethal use of drones over Pakistani land. Since then, President Barack Obama has increased the usage from approximately one strike every 40 days to one strike every four days. The heavy use of drones has now terminated an estimated 1,562 to 2,377 suspected militants. Without the use of drones, targeting those militants would have been significantly more difficult and would have put American lives at risk. There is no doubt that using drones can help save American lives and ultimately save money. Drone technology has made significant gains in recent years, and is proving to be more and more accurate. This technology presents a new opportunity for our military to
become quicker and more effective when dealing with militant groups. According to the New American Foundation, the total civilian to militant death ratio in 2012 is 0 to 153. It is clear that the United States has made drones reliable and should continue using them against vicious militant groups like al Qaeda. Drone strikes do have a significant downside, however. The idea that the United States is constantly watching over countries like Pakistan has causes uproars amongst civilians and prompted the international community to weigh in. In a joint news conference with the Russian Foreign Minister, Pakistani Foreign Minister Rabbani Khar described the “U.S. terror drone attacks” as counterproductive and unlawful. In response to Pakistan’s stance on drone strikes, the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov told CNN, “It is not right to violate the sovereignty and integrity of any state. We fully support Pakistan’s stance.” The main issue Pakistan opposes is the inaccuracy of drone strikes leading to several civilian deaths, including innocent women and children. It is clear that drone usage has escalated tensions between the United States and Middle East and put at risk many innocent lives. Yet the benefits outweigh the risks. Human lives should always be the main focus of pressing issues like the use of drone strikes. Moreover, it is up to the United States to weigh the options and decide if using drones is a legitimate option. Do the cost of possible civilian lives and increased international tensions outweigh the benefits of potentially saving American lives and cutting spending? Should the United States choose to continue the use of drones abroad, it must ensure that this technology does not lead to America becoming the omnipotent big brother of the world.
The Strong
Formerly known as “The Skinny” By: Miranda Mellen
• At the height of its power, in 400 BC, the Greek city of Sparta had 25,000 citizens and 500,000 slaves. • Richard Nixon was the first U.S. president to visit China, in February 1972. • February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon. • Flying from London to New York by Concord, due to the time zones crossed, you can arrive two hours before you leave. • You use 200 muscles to take one step. • An average human loses about 200 head hairs per day. • Golf was banned in England in 1457 because it was considered a distraction from the serious pursuit of archery. • At 101, Larry Lewis ran the 100 yard dash in 17.8 seconds setting a new world record for runners 100 years old or older. • Canada beat Denmark 47-0 at the 1949 world hockey championships. Facts courtesy of weirdfacts.com.
Editorial
page 8
Strong is the new skinny By: Maranda Ricker Last week, I was told by one of my but just ate a cake and feels really guilty and track coaches that “strong is the new skinny” is considering regurgitating it 3) miserable and I found an article online that sparked my because she’s given up on dieting and reinterest. Well, it wasn’t so much of an article, signed herself to being ‘fat,’” as declared by more of a blog. Either way, it caught my at- sophieologie.wordpress.com. tention. Then again, that is definitely not all Those of you who know me could of us girls. I mean there are those girls that generalize me as pretty normal. Yes, people can eat Qdoba and T-Bell for a week straight know me as the one voted most athletic, tak- and not gain an ounce, but still, the media has ing homework and my grades seriously, and come so far as to persuading teenage girls I could bet you a million bucks that I wasn’t that it is okay to eat little to nothing at all! at the crazy rager last Friday night. But I still “Good job Special K, you have convinced consider myself nothing a fifteen year old girl that too out of the ordinary. Of it is healthy to function on course, I had flirted with all two cups of cereal a day,” sorts of diets, fads and ways said Sophieologie. Why of looking thin throughout does the media do this? my adolescence like many And why do we believe it? of other girls do too. Because we want to be the However, when I supposed “thin and beautiread this, it helped me to ful” that the media encourrealize what the media has ages us to be. come to and what needs to However, this debe changed. What my long, sire to be skinny goes betime-wrenching research yond appearance. As girls has come to is: Pressuring grow up, whether we know teenage girls to be skinny it or not, we realize that should be illegal. the world works in certain I’ve had a pretways that see women as acty petite stature, yet as I tual human beings as well looked at myself in the as sexual objects. We as mirror I always thought Maranda works on her strong girls learn that things like about how huge my legs body. Photo by Ava Wagner. employment, social accepwere. Others would tell me tance, and other opportunithat I’m super muscular, and I knew this, but ties come easier if you are good looking. On still it never seemed to compare to those girls top of this, the media puts more emphasis on who have mile long legs that seem to never the women’s aptitude of being a sexual obend. Even a study from Health and the Media ject rather than her intellectual accomplishstated that, “53% of American girls are ‘un- ments. It is a shame that the pressure to be happy with their bodies.’ This grows to 78% attractive overshadows a woman’s achieveby the time girls reach seventeen.” ments. But do you really think some of All this said, change needs to be these girls that are on magazines are happy made with the media’s advertising and change with their lives? I mean for some of us, or needs to be implemented in ourselves. To be most of us, “Teenage girls are so [gosh darn] beautiful shouldn’t mean to look like those moody because they are always [freaking] airbrushed cover models. Beautiful means hungry. I guarantee you that every teenage healthy, and strong is healthy! Coming to girl’s angst is amplified ~300% because she this realization has helped me see that strong is 1) miserable because she’s on a diet and is the new skinny and other girls should see hungry 2) miserable because she’s ‘on a diet’ this too.
Opinion
page 9
The Correct Opinion with Wesley Korpela
A summation of the past year of extravagance in botchy details By: Wesley Korpela
According to a recent poll taken on which is why I would like to announce that Ms. Riese has the Lilo & Stitch fan website, savel- signed me on to continue writing the Correct Opinion for iloandstitch.org, 95% of Americans one more year for a meager salary of $750,000. All I can say currently believe that there need be is: I would have liked more money. more citizen arrests in our nation. Now, My fans have been a very mixed crowd. There are I'm not going to take a stance on if I my close friends, like Luke Davis, Mack Tubridy and Ryan believe citizen arrests need to increase McGuine, who read my article consistently. There are those dramatically, but let's just say they who find themselves reading it upon being confronted by my need to augment. Here's a little secret, intimidation tactics. There are some weird fans out there too, my darlings; most of my facts are made like Mr. Krueger who wouldn't talk to me for two days beup! I know, your universes may have crashed and burned cause I wouldn't write an article about him. I've actually had with that piece of information, much like my dreams of JJ fans come to my home at night, wrap tape around my entire Abrams making a good Star Trek movie, but your life isn't body, sail me down the Mississippi River on a raft fashioned over and you should know that from my lessons throughout out of trees along the riverside, and then take me fine dining the year. If no lessons of mine come to mind, shame on you in New Orleans. All I can say is my fans are great. first of all, but that's why I've decided to write this article, "Wes, you're rambling on and on about this past to sum up this year and describe this article in my eyes. Not year, what about next year?" I'll answer that question now. because I forgot to inI have some very good terview Jake Kleitsch or ideas about I will do anything. next year for my arti You avid readcle. My main goal is to ers have come to realize make my article bigger that I am your voice, as than life and a resource I have come to observe available for citation in as well. I'm easily the English student's essays. best representation of the The main way I plan on common/average student achieving this is changin the school and that's ing the picture you see at a fact with no room for the top of all my articles. argument. I'm like the Wesley feels this photo of Richard Nixon and Elvis is the best representation of But in all honesty, big Andrew Jackson of OHS his entire year of article writing. Don’t analyze it too deeply; there’s no content. things are coming. I have except I'm not a racist, an begun the search for my imperialist, nor do I support any kind of violence, meaning successor to the Correct Opinion once I graduate at the end I'm generally not anything like Andrew Jackson. However of next year! I have it narrowed down to two candidates at average I appear to be, some of you may be wondering how the moment and I will not reveal who those two candidates I write these articles. I have many sources for inspiration; are. The only ones who know are my cast of judges: me, Ms. searching "Trained Russian Bears" on YouTube, looking at Riese, and Cee Lo Green, who apparently misses judging pictures of bears riding horses on Google, dressing as a bear after leaving The Voice. As I will be in Journalistic Writing as I type my articles, or realizing that Ms. Riese emailed me 2 next year, you'll be seeing me write many serious articles that night and also told me last week that I need to get my next year. So every once and a while I'll have my chosen sucarticle done ASAP. All of these are good inspiration for writ- cessor sprinkle a few of their articles in throughout the year. ing and Abraham Lincoln agreed when he said, "What you It's exciting! Get excited. have just listed, Wes, are all good inspiration for writing." My year has been great and I have had many doors What I've liked about my article (besides it being opened up for me because of its' greatness. I'll leave all you syndicated in over 500 newspapers worldwide) is how it has scavengers with some words of advice; you can't get anyreally captured major events in my eyes over this past school where in life unless you put yourself out there for the world year. From Miranda Mellen's reign of terror as horoscope to see. To sum up my entire year of satirical article writing, writer to my TV debut on NBC 15 News or even to me be- here's a Robin Williams quote, "People say satire is dead. coming reverend. It's a good archive of my junior year of It's not dead; it's alive and living in the White House." Good high school and I'm honored that you all have enjoyed it, one, Robin Williams.
June Horoscopes
page 10
By: Sean Bull
Aries (March 21-April 19): Procrastination energy is Scorpio (October 24-November 21): Weight loss is fu-
high this month. This means that now is the best time to tile this month. At this point it would be much easier to eat throw your new years resolutions out the window, or maybe all the skinny people. According to the position of Canis you’ll just do it later. Whatever. Major, they might even taste good with a little seasoned salt.
Taurus (April 20-May 20): You do realize, at some Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): The conpoint you will have to stop playing Call of Duty and go to the bathroom, right?
Gemini (May 21-June 20): Now is not the best time to
get stabbed in the chest. This means you should avoid people with knives at all cost. Or even sharpened toothbrushes, for that matter.
stellations point to the fact that you just lost The Game. (For
those who don’t know, the object of The Game is to forget the game entirely. If you think about the game, you must shout “I lost the game!” as loud as is appropriate. This will cause everyone within earshot who is playing the game to lose it, causing a chain reaction of losses. Once this avalanche has been completed, you must wait 15 minutes to lose again. If anyone asks what you are doing, you must repeat this message to them. Once you hear about The Game, you are playing and cannot quit. You cannot win The Game, you can only hope to forget it forever... Good Luck!)
(December 22- January 19): You will disCancer (June 21-July 22): According to the position of Capricorn cover that you actually get paler with exposure to sunlight. Uranus, I don’t really have to finish this one because the Spend a lot of time outdoors to go for the word-record word Uranus is funny all by itself. whiteness.
Leo (July 23-August 22): This is a good month to take Aquarius (January 20-February 18): Due to that spider risks. This means you shouldn’t need to wear a helmet when
you killed a while back, every bug in the world is out to get you try to motorcycle jump the Grand Canyon. Don’t woryou. Avoid this problem by staying inside for the rest of the ry, your family will continue to be supported by the money year. that the subsequent YouTube video makes. (February 19-March 20): The position of JupiVirgo (August 23-September 21): The stars say that your Pisces ter indicates that the ladies will not be impressed when you heart will be broken this month. Fortunately, a little Duct Tape will fix that right up. Also, try using Gorilla Glue.
Libra (September 22-October 23): The alignment of Ju-
piter and Alpha Centauri says that, really, saying YOLO does not make you cooler. Neither did doing the cinnamon challenge. The constellations strongly recommend you get a life.
eat five hamburgers on the Fourth of July. Eight, however, should do nicely.