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Sandy Hook tragedy impels change By: Colin McReavy It all began on the morning of Dec. 14, 2012. First grade teacher Lauren Rousseau sat peacefully at the front of her first grade classroom, watching her students listen to the morning announcements. Moments later, the piercing sounds of gunshots echoed throughout the hallways, sending Rousseau into a panic. Frantically, she sprang from her seat and rushed to lock her classroom door, but it was too late. Gunman Adam Lanza entered the first grade classroom with his Glock Handgun and opened fire, taking the lives of Rousseau and the 14 children in her class. By the end of the rampage Lanza had killed 20 young children and six faculty members, making the Sandy Hook shooting the second deadliest incident in history. Unfortunately, it has taken the lives of these 20 innocent children for many to realize that the issue of gun violence throughout schools must be addressed. This sickening event may have been the second deadliest school shooting in the history of the country, but it is far from the first. In the last decade, our country has witnessed 62 school shootings, eight of which have occurred after the Newtown incident. Oregon has taken actions to ensure that our school isn’t added to this list. The recent outbreak of violence has all schools across the country, including Oregon, reconsidering just how safe they actually are. This January, the Oregon School Board took proactive measures and approved spending of up to $40,000 to add a variety of new safety equipment to schools across the district. Oregon High School in particular will be subject to numerous significant changes. The bulk of Oregon’s recent approved spending will go into implementing a completely new buzzer system at OHS that will require all students to be buzzed into the building during regular school hours. Between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. all doors to the school will be locked, unlike now where students can come and go as they please. After the changes, there will only be two entrances in which students can enter the building after 8 a.m. The first of which is door 16, located by the big glass doors near the student parking lot. After school starts the glass doors will
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be locked, and students will have to enter the smaller set of double doors located to the right of the usual entrance. From this point they will have to “buzz in” using an intercom system and speak to someone in the main office. Cameras will also be installed, and before a student is let into the building, an administrator or office staff member must be able to visually identify the person, at which point they will unlock the door. The second entrance, door 2, is located in the commons near the 100 hallway. The same identification methods will be used before the person is allowed to enter the building. In addition to this new entrance system, the school store will also be removed so that administrators in the main office will have a direct line of sight to door 2 in order to see who is coming and going. The changes will indefinitely ensure a safer school; however there are still details that need to be worked out. The question arises of what will happen during lunch hours or senior release. It will be difficult and burdensome to individually monitor the control of each student. • March Madness gambling “There’s a lot that rampant (page 2) has to be worked out because there are kids who have a le- • Spring break fun in Dane gitimate reason to be gone, County (page 5) and we need to allow everyone to leave and return safely • Spring break fun in and for appointments, family ob- near Wisconsin (page 5) ligations, etc.,” said Principal Kelly Meyers. • The college dilemma School board Presi- (page 6) dent Courtney Odorico noted that the buzzer system was • Spring sports preview an essential first step towards (page 8) improving school safety, a priority of many throughout • The Correct Opinion with the district. Wesley Korpela (page 11) “At the end of the day See “Change,” page 2
What’s Inside:
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March Madness gambling rampant By: Blake Nikolai March Madness seems to bring a certain level of excitement to Oregon High School. Students pick their teams and empty their wallets on the NCAA tournament, yet gambling on school grounds is a problem of which administration is unaware. “Over 100 students and around $500 are involved in my [gambling] pool here at school,” said John Smith*, (name changed for anonymity). This is just one of many other March Madness gambling pools at OHS. “It’s just something that everyone does for the fun of it.” Although, some students seem to take this “fun” to a whole another level. Senior David Hallinan plans on spending $50 on this year’s tournament. “It’s exhilarating, and I could end up making a lot more money than I spend.” Hallinan is just one of many other students who plan on betting on the tournament games. Students watch games whenever they can. “Some teachers even let us watch the games during class as long as we are working” said Hallinan. In addition, students find other ways to stay up-to-date on the tournament. Phones and other devices have NCAA March Madness applications where one can check scores and watch live games. “Most of the monetary exchange and team selections take place at school because that is the most convenient for everyone,” Smith said. And yet, according to the OHS student handbook, “Gambling shall be prohibited on school premises and at all school sponsored events both home and away at all times.” “If it’s happening, then it should not be going on”
said Associate Principal Jason Wilhelm. “If we were aware then we would address it. Although, we are not going to go looking for situations of gambling.” “I have bet on the games in past years without any problems. I’m not worried about consequences due to the fact that teachers knew about the gambling and didn’t do anything about it” said Smith. Current Wisconsin law states the gambling age is 18 when there is no alcohol present; when alcohol is present, the gambling age is 21. This is a Class B misdemeanor if there is an offense, but there is no federal enforcement here at school. “I would instead let the school deal with the problem with appropriate measures” said Officer Cindy Neubert. The consequences at OHS entail a warning and parent notification with the first offense, and higher consequences for later offenses. “School consequences would vary depending of the severity of the infraction,” said Wilhelm. “Administration would have a meeting to determine the fate of the consequence”. Since each student indicates they have read the student handbook by signing a form, each student should be aware of the rules about gambling on school premises and at events. Yet, this upcoming tournament is shaping up to be no different than in years past. “I do not feel threatened by the rules of gambling at school because they are not really enforced,” Smith said.
“Change,” continued from front page
professional development plan for the department of public instruction focusing on school safety. Here at OHS he leads the school safety committee, a team of 25 administrators, teachers, custodians and secretaries who each have a specific responsibility during an emergency. Wilhelm is also a member of the district level safety team composed of firefighters, EMT, police, and administrators from each school. The district committee meets every other month to discuss safety throughout our district. After Sandy Hook, the safety team met and discussed possible improvements, eventually spurring the approved $40,000 budget. Despite the somewhat impulsive changes sparked by concerns, Meyers still believes in our procedures. “Schools are still the absolute safest place for any of us to be,” said Meyers. Wilhelm agrees. “It really is. I truly believe that.”
everybody wants safe schools,” said Odorico. However, she also mentioned that “the camera system may only be a temporary fix.” The upcoming referendum will feature a completely new reconfiguration of the high school. It would be set up like RCI, where everyone must pass through the main office before entering the school. The referendum would provide the ideal permanent solution to most of the school’s safety concerns. Currently the school board is obtaining feedback from the staff and community about the proposed changes to facilities. Despite the high school’s response to the Sandy Hook shooting, Associate Principal Jason Wilhelm stands strong supporting the school’s prior safety methods. “We already had a pretty good plan in place,” said Wilhelm. Before coming to OHS, Wilhelm worked on his
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Impact of Words Hurt Week felt at OHS By: Taylor Ashworth “You’re retarded!” “That’s so gay.” “You’re such a teacher and H.E.R.O. advisor Abby Riese. fag.” Have you ever heard these words in the halls of OHS? Former speaker at OHS, Deirdre Croal, a woman If so, you’re with cystic fibronot alone. That’s why sis, emphasized that Helping Everyone physical appearance Reach Out (H.E.R.O) and behaviors can be organizes an annual deceiving and carries Words Hurt Week to with her the earlidiscuss how words est memories of behurt people. This year ing bullied in grade Words Hurt Week was school. Cystic fibrosis February 11 through (CF) is a genetic disFebruary 15. The ease a person is born group organized an with causing mucus to assembly discussing build up in the lungs. the emotional impact Although people with that words can have CF look healthy with on others. The group no physical impairalso encouraged stument, they have a hordents to post secrets rible cough that can on the Blue Hut, gave sometimes be misout ribbons, and sold taken for a smoker’s Seniors Kayla Evans and Andrew Schulting work in the Blue Hut. bracelets and T-shirts cough. Croal rememto promote Words Hurt Week. bers being first bullied in second or third grade, not only by The assembly for Words Hurt Week occurred on Fri- students, but as she progressed through school by teachers day, February 15. At the assembly, there were many student and even a principal. In her early years, Croal was called “a speakers as well as guest speaker Tim Michael, manager pill popper and a druggy” by her peers. of the Wisconsin Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools Into adulthood, Croal’s cough has worsened and can (GSAFE), an organization that helps to make schools a safe be very scary to hear if you don't know the cause. Today, environment for everyone, including lesbistrangers continue to approach her suggestans, gay, bisexuals, transgender, and people ing that she will make them sick. With a questioning their sexuality (LGBTQ). laugh Croal said, "It's amazing how quickly Tim Michael referenced the webpeople quiet down when you tell them that site nohomophobes.com, which in real time you’re waiting for a double lung transtracks how often the words “faggot,” “no plant.” homo,” “so gay” and “dyke” are tweeted. Croal encourages those being bulThe total between July 5 and February lied to reach out for support through their 22 are: “faggot” 8,222,040; “no homo” peers, teachers, parents or friends. By just 2,857,582; “so gay” 2,591,370; and “dyke” Ms. Riese wears a blue ribbon looking at a person it is hard to know what 976,690. Michael also talked about the to support Words Hurt Week. kind of problems he or she is dealing with phrases “that’s so gay”, “that’s retarded”, “no homo”, and at home. “ghetto.” At the Words Hurt Week assembly, one of the gen Oftentimes, students don’t think before they say eral take home messages is that if you don’t know someone, things and may not realize who they could be hurting with you should not judge them. their word choices. “Words have a more profound effect than [people] But “language has meaning, and language is power- realize," said Riese. Good or bad, intentional or not, your ful,” said Michael. words may be carried by another for life, which is why “Words really do have an impact,” said English “owning up and apologizing is really important.”
Arts and Entertainment
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Yellow brick road to success
By: Tess Reimer Follow the yellow brick road! Oregon High School each [actor] develop the character in their own way…and students recently put on the hilarious hit, “Ozma of Oz: A [it] made for two very different shows.” Tale of Time,” a sequel to “The Wizard Emma Ledin played a rock person of Oz.” Many students and staff, under and was an understudy for Bill the Chickthe direction of Kathleen Tissot, worked en. Although there were many aspects for many weeks perfecting this producshe enjoyed throughout the practices tion. and performances, she thought that part “Ozma of Oz,” written by Suzan of what allowed this play to excel was Zeder, and based upon L. Frank Baum’s the unique aspect of the “many special story, “Ozma of Oz,” Dorothy Gale reeffects.” Among those was a trap door, luctantly accompanies her uncle on a intricate makeup and costumes, lighting journey to Australia when they are swept and sounds, as well as the unique aspect off course to Oz. Through their advenof “using people (rocks) for some of the tures, Dorothy and Uncle Henry encounscenery,” according to Tissot. ter many magical creatures. Among the “Ozma of Oz” attracted many commuwheelers, Tic Toc, Bill the giant chicknity members to its four performances. Andrew Nelson poses with the wheelers. en and Roquat the gnome king, Ozma With a deeper underlying theme of wisPhoto provided by Tissot. “teaches Dorothy to look beyond Uncle dom and the acceptance of older adults, Henry’s outward signs of aging to recognize his true compe- it attracted a variety of age groups. Ledin’s parents described tence, energy and worth” said Tissot. the experience as “an energetic performance.” Students spent This play was different from others in the past be- many hours of preparation for these high-energy, successful cause of the casting. With understudies for many of the char- performances. acters, this gave way to have an additional matinee, with “We appreciated the hard work and talent of the stuanother interpretation of the characters. Tissot “tried to let dents involved” said Ledin’s parents.
Cat’s Pajamas are the bee’s knees
By: Maranda Ricker Oregon community members might have thought they were in a plane getting ready for take off, or strapping their seatbelts on a rollercoaster ride as a women on the loud speaker announced, “Please put your chairs and tray tables back to their full, upright and locked positions [and] keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times.” The Cat’s Pajamas, a vocal group, had every audience member on their feet when they performed at Oregon High School’s PAC on February 23. The Cat’s Pajamas took to the stage as part of their Sixth Annual Music in Schools Tour. The vocal group, which performs contemporary a cappella, uses their voices to create all musical sounds; no instruments are needed. The Cat’s Pajamas’ contributions to school music programs have been felt nationwide. The group has raised over $50,000 in the past for area schools and will continue to bring in funds for numerous Wisconsin communities this year. With previous performances at Oregon, the vocal group has already given back. In fact, 25% of ticket sales go directly to the OHS Vocal Music Program for each performance. Vocal music teacher Jennifer Yancey had nothing but
good things to say about The Cat’s Pajamas’ performance and the funds they have raised. “When the choirs traveled in 2010, the monies raised provided scholarships for students with financial need,” said Yancey. “The Cat’s Pajamas are so talented, so fun and provide a great performance. They perform such a wide variety of genres of music that they entertain people of all ages.” The history behind The Cat’s Pajamas is also very close to home. “The group started in 2005, so about seven years but the current members have been singing together for over a year,” said The Cat’s Pajamas bass signer Brian Skinner. “The original Cat’s Pajamas were all alumni from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and [sang] together in the college group the MadHatters or in the Wisconsin Singers.” “Oregon is one of the very first schools we ever performed at back when we were getting started in 2005,” said Skinner. “We feel we have a special loyalty to Oregon High School because they gave us a place to perform when we were just beginning and other schools didn’t give us that opportunity.” See “Cat’s Pajamas,” page 6
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Spring break fun in Dane County
By: Kelsey Beyler
Many students struggle to find something to do during their spring break without even realizing the many (inexpensive!) opportunities they have just in Dane County. Students might be more likely to get out of the house if they are aware of local events and destinations, especially if they are cheap. “It’s nice to not have to spend money because I need it for my future in college,” said senior Brooke Debroux. State Street is a great place to do a little shopping and grab a bite to eat. Both Debroux and senior Lauren Hughes said they would most likely go to State Street at least once during spring break. “I could never turn down a trip to go get frozen yogurt and Ian’s Pizza,” Debroux said. Near State Street, the Madison Children’s Museum is not just for children. Admission is only $4; Tuesday through Thursday between 3 and 4 p.m. it is $3 per person. Not a fan of museums? Try the zoo. Admission is free at the Henry Vilas Zoo, and it is a great way to pass a couple of hours. For a great view, check out the Monona Terrace. “I love how the building looks from the outside. Especially the view from Lake Monona with the State Capitol building behind Monona Terrace,” said Monona Terrace Associate
Director Bill Zeinemann. Monona Terrace stands on the shores of Lake Monona, near downtown. Take a guided tour, daily at 1:00 p.m., or walk through free on your own. Admission is $2 per student or $3 per adult. “The large garden area on the rooftop of Monona Terrace has spectacular views of Lake Monona and also the State Capital,” said Zeinemann. Another place to check out is Olbrich Botanical Gardens, which features a year-round tropical conservatory filled with spectacular plants and flowers. You can also walk through the 14 acre outdoor display gardens that include a sunken garden. The outdoor admission is free and the conservatory is $1 per person. Similar to Olbrich Gardens, the UW Madison Arboretum offers a scenic and serene view of nature. It is 1,260 acres of prairies, woods, wetlands and savannas. It has many walking and hiking trails which would be great for a bike ride or a walk with the dog. There are public tours and they are open year-round. So when you’re sitting at home over spring break not knowing what to do, consider exploring Madison. There are plenty of opportunities to be active, learn something new or enjoy nature.
Spring break fun in and near Wisconsin
By: Lauren Jacobson The air gets warmer, the snow melts, and the flowers start to bloom. We all know what this means…spring is coming! That also means that spring break is right around the corner. There are many events to go to and places to see in Wisconsin during the spring break period. Whether it be spending the day walking around and shopping at the many stores, or staying at one of its many amazing resorts, the Wisconsin Dells has something for everyone. Mt. Olympus, Noah’s Ark, and all the shops in downtown Wisconsin Dells are just a few different places to see at the water park capital of the United States. To find out more information on package deals and upcoming events during the spring break period in the Wisconsin Dells, check out www.wisdells.com. But if traveling for more than 30 minutes doesn’t sound appealing, the Alliant Energy Center is hosting multiple exciting events. “Alliant Energy Center is a prime venue for concerts, sporting events, outdoor festivals and more!” says Meghan Jensen, sales and marketing assistant for the Alliant Energy Center. One of the best parts of the Alliant Energy Center is that distance isn’t a problem. Some of the many exciting events the Alliant Energy Center is
hosting include multiple concerts by some of today’s biggest stars. “Country sensation Jason Aldean, with special guests Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett, take over Veterans Memorial Coliseum on March 21 for his 2013 Night Train Tour.” Tickets for Jason Aldean will be $54.75 (subject to change), which includes reserved seating. Follow the Alliant Energy Center on Facebook and Twitter for the latest up-todate information and to win tickets to shows. If you’re looking to get out of Wisconsin, check out the Mall of America. This mega mall is located just outside of Wisconsin, in Minnesota. “On March 23, we’re celebrating the Great Minneapolis with a celebration for all ages,” said Allison Evans of Guest Services at the Mall of America. “This will be held in the theater court, which is on the first floor of the mall and feature performances by JD Speele and even a youth community choir.” For more information about the many activities the Mall of America has to offer, visit www.mallofamerica.com. Spring is approaching, and that can only mean that spring break is approaching as well. Save money, attend wonderful local events and see attractions in Wisconsin.
News
The college dilemma By: Alexander Nasserjah
For many high school students, college is still a distant future plan. However, seniors, and even juniors, are beginning to make choices on which college is right for them. Whether it is large or small, public or private, or even four year or technical, there is a college for everyone. So how do you go about finding the right college for you? Here is some information to help you decide.
Large schools: The size of a school is one of the most important aspects to look at when deciding on a college. Some large schools like the University of WisconsinMadison offer a large campus with numerous opportunities. With nearly 42,000 students, UW Madison is one of the most diverse environments that those of any culture can thrive in. Along with a diverse atmosphere, UW-Madison provides over 100 student organizations. Though the large nature of the campus has many advantages, there are a few downfalls as well. Because there is such a large student body, some lecture halls house 300+ students. To some this may be overwhelming. When asked about her experience at the UW Madison, recent OHS graduate Katy McKelvey stated, “It’s intimidating at first, but you meet lots of awesome people, and you actually do get the opportunity to get help from your professors and teaching assistants, so you don’t feel so overwhelmed with the academic process.” Small schools: Smaller schools on the other hand can still hold a few advantages over larger school. Take the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, for example. The student body is around 10,000 students. This leads to smaller class sizes, which later translates to a more personal experience in the classroom. The smaller student body also means a more intimate campus lifestyle where many either know each other or know of each other. Laura Risser, a current student at UW Eau Claire and recent OHS grad, described her classroom experiences by saying “Most of my classes are about the size of all my high school classes, so you have that one on one with the teacher and other students. It’s nice
“Cat’s Pajamas,” continued from page 4
Preparing for a professional group is exciting and offers resume building experience for OHS senior and PAC lighting designer DJ Steinberg. “Every year they have a different set list. The Cat’s audio specialist and sound designer are easy to work with because they are professionals,” said Steinberg. Skinner said, “We usually spend an hour or so every day rehearsing during our sound checks to add stuff to our arrangements or to make our songs better.”
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for me because that’s how I learn the best.” Public schools: Public schools are extremely popular for their low tuition and quality education. Because they are funded by the government, they are required to meet certain standards of education. This provides for congruency across the board and gives an unbiased approach. Private schools: Run separately from the government, private colleges have to receive funding from private organizations. This leads to a significant increase in tuition. However, because of the private organizations funding the school, there are abundant scholarship opportunities to offset the high tuition. Math teacher Dave Ebert, a Marquette University alumnus, commented on the cost of attending a private university by saying, “Although it is a private school with a high tuition, the financial aid package I received made it the most affordable of the schools I was considering.” Four year schools: Four year colleges offer the most comprehensive approach to higher education. They can provide a well-rounded and respected degree that is valued when entering the workforce. Though four year universities are considered the standard for achieving success, they do come with a large price tag that leaves many people in debt for several years. Technical colleges: Technical colleges give a choice to those who either don’t wish to spend tens of thousands of dollars or are going into a specified field where a four year college degree isn’t needed. On top of their overall affordability, technical colleges also have options to transfer to a four year university after a certain period. This can save thousands of dollars. The differences between public and private, four year and technical, and small vs. large are all aspects to explore when finding which college is right for you. There is a college for everyone.
The most rewarding part of performing for Skinner is “getting to meet people after shows, signing autographs and CDs, and getting emails from fans weeks later about how something we did directly touched them.” Seeing Oregon community members standing while clapping, singing, and dancing as the performance finished with great success goes to show how The Cat’s Pajamas truly took the audience on the ride of their lives.
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: Sean Bull Contributing Staff: Taylor Anderson Taylor Ashworth Kelsey Beyler Zachary Eyers Heidi Gempeler Lauren Jacobson Wesley Korpela Colin McReavy Alexander Nasserjah Blake Nikolai Tess Reimer Maranda Ricker Jackson Schneider Advisor: Ms. Abby Riese Paw Print is a public forum for student expression -- the editorial board makes content decisions. Views or opinions printed in Paw Print do not represent the views of OHS administration, staff, or the student body as a whole.
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It’s that time again... PROM! By: Taylor Anderson Sparkly dresses, dashing tuxedos, dancing on a decorated ballroom floor. You know what that means…prom! With less than two months remaining, excitement and curiosity stirs, especially among the junior class. The OHS Prom Committee has worked hard to plan the dance that will be held in the spring of 2013. Prom Committee advisor Brandi Hussli explains all the hard work and planning that each member of the prom committee does in order to make prom a night to remember. “Hours start off slow, and then pick up as the date and deadlines approach. So far, the ladies have already fundraised and planned quite a bit. Our first meeting was the last day of school LAST year!” This year, prom will be held on April 20 at the Sheraton on John Nolan Drive. This year’s prom will “play up the elegance theme without creating a need for decorating, because the hotel is so luxurious on its own” said Hussli. “We are really hoping more people do attend prom this year because it is in a hotel, and we know a greater amount of seniors are planning on going,” said OHS junior and Prom Committee member Regan Pauls. This year, tickets will cost $25 per person. “Each ticket will include three and a half hours of music, a professional photographer, a dessert buffet, and soft drinks or punch,” said Hussli. Only juniors and seniors will be allowed to purchase tickets this year, although juniors
and seniors may bring an underclassman as a guest. Still need a dress or a tux? With prom fast approaching, some may have this taken care of. But for last minute prom shopping, Premiere Couture in Cambridge is the perfect boutique to start. Premiere Couture’s prom dresses range anywhere from $198-$630. Shopping at Premiere Couture for prom season comes with several perks. “For all of our prom shoppers we offer 10% off if they purchase on their first shopping trip,” said co-owner Laura Evansen. Another benefit to shopping at Premiere Couture is there is absolutely no anxiety involving having the same dress as another student. “[We] only sell one of each gown style for each school, and will not sell the same dress in a different color,” said Evansen. “This allows each girl to be truly unique!” To the gentlemen who want to look sharp on prom night, Premiere Couture can fit the perfect tux, whether you are looking to rent or purchase! “Most guys rent tuxes for prom and they range from $119- $169. This includes everything a guy needs to look perfect for prom, even the perfect shoes,” said Evansen. Prom does not come cheap. With the dresses, tuxedos, dinner, and tickets, everything adds up fast. But junior prom only happens once, so make it a memorable event!
Sports
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Spring sports are just around the corner By: Zachary Eyers
Guys’ baseball swinging for the fences Big goals leave players excited to play this upcoming spring baseball season. With eight returners and 25 incoming freshman there are high hopes for the team. “We do have a good shot at a conference championship this year” said junior Logan Laski. The team knows fundamentals are a big part of the game and are focused. “We have to work on our overall hitting - power wise and contact” Laski says.
Boys’ lacrosse: New team, new dreams Lacrosse is a new sport to Oregon; with only five students who have played before, the Oregon boys’ lacrosse team knows they will struggle this season but that doesn’t get their hopes down. “Have fun, get better, and win a game or two” are the goals that Junior Troy Johnson has for the team this year. “It’s a learning process…we won’t win much but we will have a lot of fun” Johnson says.
Girls’ lacrosse have the experience Twenty returners hope to give the girls’ lacrosse team an advantage this season. “We have improved a lot since last year, and we hope to have more success,” said sophomore Kenzie Torpy. This is only the second year for the girls’ lacrosse program here at OHS. One way Torpy says they will do to reach their goals is to “work hard and score [goals].” The team is young but hopeful for this upcoming spring season.
Championships in sight for the soccer team Many returners hope to lead the girls’ soccer team to victory. There is a chance this team could get to the state tournament. The girls’ soccer program has always been strong in Oregon but this year it seems like they may just be a little bit stronger. The team will practice hard everyday to make sure that they are fit and ready to play every game. With 12 seniors and about six other returning players the team looks to have a great team this season and a winning record to show for it.
Boys’ golf looks to be above par With roughly 10 returners and six incoming players, boys’ golf looks to have a strong team. Sophomore Carson Torhorst said the the season will go “great” and hopes to “make it to sectionals and top three in conference.” Consistency is a huge issue for any golf team but won’t affect the vision the team has for this season. When asked to compare this years’ team to last years’ he says “we are going to be better.” New coaches for boys’ track The Panther boys’ track team may struggle this season. When asked how many returning players will be back this season, junior Colton Purdy says “not very many, everyone quit.” Some things that Purdy says the team will have to work through are having “a small team, new coaches, and few seniors.” This season will be a rebuilding year with a lot of learning. Girls’ track thinks they have the key to winning Hard workers hope to help the girls’ track team this upcoming season. “I think it will be a strong season” senior Brooke Debroux said. With 25 returning girls, the team looks to have an advantage over rival teams. Winning conference is not the only goal for the team this season; Debroux says that she would also like to see them “bond well as a team.” As the girls’ team keeps working hard in practice they hope to pick up big wins along the way.
Injuries haunt softball team Girls’ softball starts off having to work around injuries. Yet, even with injures this team is not going to back down; they are ready and willing to work for their goals. Senior Alyssa Damon says she would like to see her team “have a good season and do well in playoffs.” Damon and the other three seniors hope to lead their team to big victories. “Work hard and play as a team” is what Damon believes are the keys to reaching their goals this season. Boys’ tennis looks to make history Returning experience gives high hopes for the boys’ tennis team. Even though they are bringing a lot of experience back, last years’ seniors will be missed. “The loss of Kyle Wood is a big deal” senior Nick Hepner said, “but we think others will step up to fill the leadership role.” This year’s tennis team seeks to win conference for the first time ever. Perhaps the tennis team will make history this season.
Opinion
With safety measures on the way, questions arise By: Jackson Schneider
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The recent shootings across our nation’s schools the time, allowing students and anyone else to come and go have many people wondering if we are doing enough here as they please. The only thing preventing them from accessat OHS to protect our students. Oregon High School is con- ing the rest of the school is the locked doors in the comducting changes to the way we protect our students and fac- mons. This leaves students and faculty members with offices ulty. An update to our current procedures seems like a good in the commons vulnerable to anyone who walks through the idea. doors. Before the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary However, improvements are on the way. The proSchool in Newtown, Conn., we hadn’t practiced any type of posal of a “buzzer system” will keep the school secure from lock and secure drill during the 2012-2013 school year. In 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This will require students, faculty, and fact, following the Dec. guests to “buzz” into 14 shooting, we didn’t the main office, where do a drill until February someone will see the 1, a month and a half afperson requesting entry ter the tragedy. through a camera, and Even when decide whether to grant these drills are conductthem entry, or investied, they are often taken gate further. This seems as a joke. An OHS stuto be a good idea to predent who wishes to revent entry of strangers main anonymous shared those unknown to adthat his class didn’t ministration. This does even practice a drill at not, however, protect all. When asked what us from known people procedure the class folwithin our school. In lowed he said, “Our the case of the Columteacher told us what to bine shooting in 1999, do if it was a real drill, Eric Harris and Dylan and then we played a Klebold were seniors A component of the new buzzer system. game.” This is only one at Columbine High Photo by Colin McReavy and Jackson Schneider. of many documented School. On a spring cases of teachers and students at OHS not taking these drills day in April, they opened fire on their fellow students during seriously. Students and teachers also need to take some re- a lunch period. A buzzer system most likely wouldn’t have sponsibility when our school does try to conduct drills to stopped this tragedy because of the fact that they were both enhance our overall preparedness. recognizable students at the school. Another area of concern is the timing of these drills. Another concern with the buzzer system would be So far, the drills we have participated in have been either open campus lunch. With many students leaving campus for mid-morning or mid-afternoon. It seems the time we are lunch and returning near the end of the period, lines to be most vulnerable to attack would be during lunch periods, or “buzzed in” would be a challenge. “OHS has an open cambefore school, as that is when most people are in the com- pus policy so we will need to work out logistics for what mons. Practicing a drill during these times, however, would to do for the buzzer system during our lunch periods,” said be a challenge, points out Associate Principal Jason Wil- Principal Kelly Meyers. “We will need to work through helm. snags, but I think, as with many things the devil is in the “It would be a mess,” he said when asked about details and we shall find a system that works best for all.” a potential drill during lunch. “One of the problems with The improvements seem to be headed in the right [practicing a drill during] lunch is that half of our staff is not direction, but is it enough? Mr. Wilhelm reassures us by statworking.” ing, “I still feel like school is the safest place to be.” Additionally, the school’s front doors are open all
The Skinny By: Miranda Mellen
• 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321.
Feature
an atomic bomb.
• Human birth control pills work on gorillas. • On St. Patrick’s Day, Hallmark usually sells anywhere from 8-15 million St. Patrick’s Day cards each year. • The average cost of a movie ticket in 1940 was 24 cents. • 76 percent of people eat the ears on chocolate bunnies first. • The average human body contains enough fat to make seven bars of soap. • In 1892, Italy raised the minimum age for marriage for girls to 12.
Facts courtesy of weirdfacts.com.
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ASK CARL
Who is Carl? Words cannot describe me. However, let me • There are more plastic flamingos try: I am intelligent, charming, gracein the U.S. than real ones. ful, enigmatic, and the ladies love me. Is my advice always accurate? No. But • If you fart consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me! produced to create the energy of Love, Carl
• Peanuts are one of the ingredients used in dynamite.
How do I pass AP Chem? Get anything above an F. I kid. Show up, pay attention, do homework, ask questions, and have fun! Love, Carl What is love? Oh baby, don't hurt me. Don't hurt me…no more. Love, Carl How do I make friends? Smile a lot. Say hi to people. Be nice. Join a club or a sport. Treat others like you want to be treated. If all else fails, you can tell people I’m your friend. Love, Carl What is the distance to the moon? 237,674.41 miles on average. Check it out, I’m like Siri. Love, Carl
It seems that the majority of my students care more about getting good grades than actually learning. Can you help? – Frustrated Teacher Dear Frustrated Teacher, Try to incorporate fun activities like games. And candy. Candy always works. Ask students directly what would make learning more fun. Some students are more mature than teachers give them credit for, and they know what motivates them. Love, Carl I don’t like Italian food. Help me, please! Eat a burger. Love, Carl Where is my purse? You STOLE my purse! I’m going to have to contact the police. – W.K. Dear W.K., 1. How dare you accuse me of stealing your purse? I resent that. 2. You should probably not have given me your locker combination. 3. Frustrated Teacher thanks you for all the candy I bought her with your money. Love, Carl What if I don’t need advice? Then don’t waste my paper. Love, Carl *Carl illustration by Maddie Smith.
Need advice? Ask Carl!
Submit your questions anonymously in the box outside Ms. Riese’s room, 603. He’ll answer your questions in upcoming issues!
Opinion
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The Correct Opinion with Wesley Korpela
Substitute teachers: A conspiracy By: Wesley Korpela
Imagine this scenario, my little bun- turn them into robots so no one notices it’s missing. Everydles of joy: You walk into a classroom one except you of course, wise and all-knowing Korpela.” one day and find that a strange man I let out a yelp! Substitute teachers are a ploy by or woman is sitting in your teacher’s some Iceland-based organization that wants our teachers’ chair. They tell you your teacher is sick brains! When they’re “filling in” for our teachers, they’re or at a meeting and they’ll be leading really just covering up the fact that our precious teachers are the class. Does this strike you as nor- probably on some cargo boat headed for Northern Europe. mal behavior? If so, my charming com- Then again, some logical questions arise from this. How panions, you are being bamboozled! come some teachers are gone more frequently than others? I had Mr. Nedelcoff for freshman history. He was I’ll answer this with the example of Mr. Mark G. Lindsey. always a little quirky and usually very energetic; having him Master of the Cosmos Mark Lindsey is gone a lot. in APUSH this year, I can say he hasn’t changed much. Or Substitutes and students usually attribute this to him having has he? Mr. Nedelcoff often talks about how he “runs on to travel from Milwaukee and Oregon every day but the truth 5-hour energy.” He runs on it like fuel. What needs fuel to is a lot more awesome than that. Mr. Lindsey keeps getting survive, my poppets? Machines! kidnapped by the Iceland organ thieves but escapes! He is Mr. Nedelcoff is an android, a robot almost indis- part of a small group of teachers who are rebelling against tinguishable from a human. “Yes. Mr. N is an android,” said these satanic Iceland monsters and are also unwilling to an anonymous source. Check share their story with students and mate. But wait. I rememover fear of worrying them. I ber there being a lot of water can picture it now, Mr. Lindsey bottles spilling in my freshman escaping from the cargo hold class and Mr. N walking in the and jumping onto an iceberg puddles. He gave no jump; no or into the cold Atlantic Ocean electric shot went through him, time and time again, only to rewhich would happen to any anturn to OHS to share his humor droid. So when did he stop beand knowledge. There’s a secret ing human and become a robot? war happening right under our There had to be a point noses, my dearest little truffles. where the real Jon Nedelcoff That’s why I have taken it upon was taken away and the android myself to get the truth out of all replaced him, where none of substitute teachers and reveal his students, family, or friends their heinous crimes! I also proWesley and substitute teacher Mr. Gallagher would have noticed. I was ponpose war against Iceland to degive their best duck faces. dering this as I walked into his stroy the wretched organ black classroom on January 25 where we had a substitute teacher. He told the class, “Your teacher is at a meeting all day.” That’s when it dawned on me: ‘Meeting’ was code. Everyone knows teachers live at school and they have no outside life, so where could this meeting possibly be taking place? ‘Meeting’ must mean ‘maintenance’ in substitute teacher language. I thought my mind was blown at this revelation but that wasn’t until I turned to my desk partner, Helen Feest, expert in everything conspiratorial, where she dropped the shocking truth about substitute teachers. “Obviously, they’re organ thieves. They want the teachers’ brains because Midwestern teacher brains fetch the highest price in the Icelandic black market,” she told me, breathing heavily and with a crazed look in the eye. “So they
market and because sheep dominate the population of Iceland. The Sheep Wars must begin! My views? Far too often, we end up throwing logic and reason out the door to make room for conspiracy and other more thrilling ideas. Our mind manifests ideas or thoughts that really aren’t true. For example: We blame others for our own mistakes or don’t profess our emotions, all because we let fear run our lives. A highly negative emotion makes our decisions for us. Is it the unknown that pressures us into letting fear run decisions, relationships, and thoughts? Fear only exists if we let it exist. This is why I believe the nonconformists, people who take risks, are the second bravest people around, preceded by Mark Lindsey and his rebellion against the Icelandic organ snatchers.
March Horoscopes
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By: Miranda Mellen
Aries- As March progresses, it can be as if you are Libra- A strong focus on your health continues in March. emerging from a sleep. From the 12th forward, your energy levels run high (sometimes too high) and your pioneering instincts are strong. This is a fabulous period for charm and attractiveness. The 27-30 is a power period for you, but it can also be an emotional and impulsive time.
Close partnerships begin to heat up towards mid-month. Sudden changes, new directions, and strong emotions characterize this period. It's a powerful period for your relationships and while spontaneity is the name of the game at this time, try to avoid rash or careless decisions.
Taurus- March can bring opportunities to clinch a deal Scorpio- Surprising events and feelings can arise this and cement a bond. From the 17th forward, you will benefit from working on clearing up any problems that have cropped up with friends. This is a time for feeling personally hopeful, emotionally satisfied, and socially popular. You are beginning a period best used for emotional renewal, tying up loose ends, and laying low.
Gemini- The month ahead is strong for networking,
and friendships. From the 22nd through to the end of the month, there can be surprising happenings with friends or acquaintances and possibly a love relationship. Unexpected meetings, disruptions, or changes that point you in a new direction can occur now. It's also a time when inspiration comes suddenly.
Cancer- This is a month in which you can be more
experimental, spontaneous, and adventurous than usual. Your need to "get away from it all" is powerful. You are likely to feel the need to assert your independence. The last week of the month can bring a reality check that you need the support of family in order to feel confident.
month, particularly in the areas of work, daily routines, and health. Hidden issues and information can surface. Some of you could meet a romantic partner through any of these things. Be open and willing to make necessary changes, but avoid overly hasty or rebellious actions.
Sagittarius- March is strong for making memories with family and for getting some much-needed down time. From the 20th, a shift of focus to more creative, sociable, and pleasure-seeking activities occurs. Surprises are in store, and they're pointing you in new directions. The last week of the month can involve some social drama in your life.
Capricorn- March is a very strong month for your rela-
tionships, in particular with friends and siblings. Most of March is excellent for collecting information, research of any kind, and work that involves refining and editing. By month's end, you'll be ready to move new projects ahead. There can be surprising events and circumstances surrounding home and family this month.
Leo- The first 10 days of March are strong for research Aquarius- Your initiative is stronger than usual this and strategy. While you should wait to begin new projects until after the 17th, you can be busy refining and reworking those already in progress, and should meet with success. You could feel as if you are moving out of the dark and into the light, and you're likely to find the motivation to embark on unusual adventures.
Virgo- The first 10 days of March are strong for discoveries, research and review. In the last week of the month, there can be a surprising or sudden show of support, emotional or financial. Some of you could connect intimately with someone seemingly out of the blue, or there can be an unanticipated financial matter to manage.
month, and your taste for the new and untried is powerful. A partner is in your corner, and an important meeting of minds can occur in the last week of the month. New interests and possibly love opportunities can be part of the picture in the last week of the month.
Pisces- The month ahead is a strong one for you in
terms of personal influence, goal-setting, and finances. You are bolder than usual, and motivated to pursue what you want and to prove your value. You might also be asserting your independence in surprising, this can be a time when you defend yourself and demand fairer treatment. Horoscopes courtesy of cafeastrology.com