May 2014

May

2014

Becoming financially literate: The importance of personal finance education

By: Kristin Marshall and Madeline Morgan

According to Business Insider, 50% of Americans education and financial awareness is growing in importance,” have less than one month’s income saved for a rainy day. On said Dave Thomas, a Business & Information Technology average, people will spend 12-18% more when they swipe Education Consultant for the Wisconsin DPI. “To ensure our their card than when they use cash. Only 44% of people un- economic vitality as a nation, Wisconsin students at all grade derstand that the most important factor when applying for levels need to learn to plan and make wise decisions about a mortgage, car loan, or credit card is their credit score. A personal finance." good credit score is one that is Here at OHS, Personal Fiabove 700, a number only 58% nance, a course offered to upof Americans have. perclassmen, is taught by Mrs.

These statistics bring to Lisa Leutenegger. Students light America’s shocking lack cover a variety of financial of financial literacy. With the concepts through the semesternational debt already well over long class including: budgeting, $17 trillion and the economy banking, investments, risk and just beginning to recover from insurance, buying and leasing the Great Recession, the decars, credit, and taxes. mand for financial education is “Parents may take on the on the rise. Already, 17 states role of teaching some personal nationwide require a Personal finance topics at home,” LeuFinance course to be taken for tenegger said, “but it’s here, in high school graduation. the classroom where we can

Though Wisconsin is really go in depth on these topnot yet a part of the 17 states ics.” with statewide graduation re In order to make personal quirements, it does require that Senior Dani Loomis understands the importance of a finance more relatable to a high schools offer personal finance personal finance education. Photo by Loran Schultz. school audience, Leutenegger courses to students. According to the Wisconsin Department works to incorporate technology into her teaching approach. of Public Instruction’s 2013 survey of Financial Literacy, “Students use videos, online activities, and games to 44% of Wisconsin school districts already require a course in learn concepts. I’ve used a variety of methods to assess their Personal Financial Literacy in order to graduate. learning, such as letting students create their own quizzes,”

This growing demand for personal finance education she said. comes at a time when students face more financial choices Leutenegger’s goal is ultimately to equip her students than any previous generation in the modern marketplace. with a strong foundation so they will be prepared for what

“Within our global economy, the interface between “Finance,” continued on page 4 • New board members may change dynamic (page 2)

What’s Inside:

• Cancer survivor looks • College admission more than GPA and ACT (page 5) toward future (page 7)

• Absolute BullTM (page 10) • Correct Opinion with Wesley Korpela (page 11)

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News

page 2

New school board members may change dynamic

By: Wesley Korpela and Mackenzie Tubridy

Senior Sawyer Barron felt compelled to start at- the community and staff. tending Oregon School Board meetings a few months ago “This will solidify the district and help foster the over his concerns about the grading policy, which he saw as excellent education that all students deserve,” said Vogeler. problematic for students and teachers alike.

She also believes district funding will be a top priority and

“I think a grading policy should be just as dynamic an obstacle in the upcoming school board session as Govas the student body,” says Barron. ernor Walker begins to designate some public school funds

The initial feedback from board members to his at- to voucher schools. Jeff Ramin, another incumbent school tendance and comments were positive, but Barron said the board member, agrees that the district budget will remain a reaction eventually changed. “After a while, [the school challenge along with a potential referendum and the projects board] didn’t acknowledge my presence and neglected to to include in one. comment on anything I

One of the stronsaid.” It was his dissatgest similarities between isfaction of the school the incoming members is board that drove him the desire to expand comto aid the campaigns of munication with students.

Charles Uphoff, Gwen That’s something many Maitzen and Barbara Feestudents, like Barron, ney, the three challengers have been wanting for a who defeated Courtney long time.

Odorico, Wayne Mixdorf

“Students are afand Lee Christensen on fected by the Board's decithe April 1 election. sions more than just about

The newly electany other stakeholders,” ed board members have said Uphoff. “Their feedsimilar concerns as Barback and input is essential ron and plan on tackling to providing students with them within the next few the skills and experiences months. needed for success after Uphoff, left, and Barron, right, are pleased with the recent

“Our first board high school. I would like school board election results. Photo by Mack Tubridy. meeting on April 28 will to see students as ex-offiinclude approval of the staffing plan for next year along cio (by virtue of one's position or status) members of the with decision on health insurance and deductibles for em- school board.” ployees,” said Uphoff. “But beyond those items, which are Better communication between board members is already in the works, I would like to see the board move something senior Luke Davis also wants to see changed in quickly to re-engage teachers, students and the community the next session. Davis says he was disappointed with the in conversations about where we are going on a whole host public displays of infighting between board members durof issues.” ing past board meetings. He believes personal relationships

Bolstering communication with students, staff outside of board meetings can help alleviate a lot of the inand community members is a priority of Feeney as well. stances of bickering.

“I would also like to see open and complete discussions of “It’s just like any relationship: communication is issues at board meetings so the staff and the public know key,” said Davis. “If you can’t handle having a conversation how the board arrives at the decisions that it makes,” says about basic things, such as the weather, then there is no way Feeney. “There are concerns to be addressed about the grad- you can work together to ultimately make million dollar deing policies put in place several years ago, the need for more cisions which will impact thousands of kids.” Davis’ worry resources to address mental health needs of some of our stu- seems to have diminished slightly as the new school board dents and a general concern about the workload teachers are members have personal histories with one another. carrying.”

Uphoff shared how in the last few years of his pre Current board member Rae Vogeler agrees that the vious school board term, spanning from 1993-2002, he board should and will begin to open up communication with See “School board,” next page.

News

“School board,” continued from previous page worked with current member Steve Zach. He also worked in various organizations with Vogeler over the years, became acquainted with current board member Dan Krause through the Oregon Area Progressives, and knows Ramin by attending school board meetings. Vogeler says she has become acquainted with Maitzen through the Oregon Rotary Club and knows Feeney through church suppers.

Vogeler listed several areas which they were proud of during the last school board session. Vogeler said she is most proud of the district’s individualized learning and the promotion of the STEAM initiative, which integrates science, technology, engineering, art and math. She’s also proud of a nondiscrimination policy for gender nonconforming students.

The new board members were sworn into office at

page 3

the Monday, April 28 school board meeting. In fact, during said meeting, the school board passed 10 out of 11 measures, almost all unanimously. Many of these measures reflected the opinions of Uphoff, Feeney and Barron, such as a targeted pay increase for technology education teachers. The measures also included moving the school board tables off the Rome Corners stage and onto the floor with the community members and adding 10 minutes to each school day, solving the scheduling issues within the district caused by snow days.

"It's never too early to get politically active," summed up Barron. "Everyone is affected by the policymakers we elect, so I say elect the candidates you believe listen to the community and fits the needs of the people the most.

For me, that was Charles Uphoff."

The new school board Top Row: Steve Zach, Charles Uphoff, Gwen Maitzen Bottom Row: Ray Vogeler, Barbara Feeney, Jeff Ramin, Dan Krause Photos compiled by Wesley Korpela.

News

“Finance,” continued from front page

they will face down the road.

“Personal finance is more than just dealing with your checkbook. That is such a small, tiny piece of what personal finance is,” she said. “There’s much more learning to happen in a student’s future in regard to personal finance, and as they experience it I hope that they will remember what they learned in class and be able to apply it in real-world situations.”

As many seniors prepare to embark on college life and newfound independence, personal finance will play a large role in their lives. Because of this, senior Regan Pauls decided to take advantage of the Personal Finance course offered last semester.

“I wanted to be able to learn how to handle money on my own,” she said. “I knew I would be on my own in college and I wanted to make sure I was able to handle my finances.

I did not want to have to rely on my parents to handle my money issues.”

As the need for a financially literate population rises, most experts will tell you the sooner you start, the more suc-

page 4

cessful you will be.

"You don't suddenly become financially literate,” said Carol Staffer, Loan Officer at the Post Office Credit Union in Madison. “It is sad to me how many people in their forties come to me in a fog about their financial situation.

They have lost so much time and dug such a deep hole. Had they learned sooner, they would be in much better shape."

Having a personal financial plan, goals, and direction are becoming more and more important as financial situations dictate many opportunities, or lack thereof, in life. Students now need to educate themselves on the importance of budgets, establishing saving goals, and making practical and responsible investments.

Leutenegger says it ultimately comes down to understanding how to satisfy your needs and budgeting for your wants. “You have to make sure you have a handle on what you can afford in life, and how you are going to manage it,” she said. “I guess that’s the most important thing. It all fits in line after that, when you decide to live within your means.”

Students find success in School to Career By: Dani Ironmonger and Arielle Molot

Most students considering a career in medical research visualize years of classes before they get to see the inside of a lab.

However, through the OHS School to Career program, students are given hands on research experience in labs.

Biotechnology is one of many career areas available through the School to Career program, where students learn what it’s like to work in the medical research field.

“School to Career prepares students for college by giving them a context to relate to while they are learning at the collegiate level,” said coordinator Greg Granberg.

Senior Elinor Higgins is currently taking a biotechnology class at BioPharmaceutical Training Center, Inc. while working in a university lab. She has learned basic lab techniques, while also going farther and developing hypotheses and designing experiments.

“I do mostly DNA and protein work. One specific example is I mutate plants and test to see if the mutation worked,” said Higgins.

One aspect of School to Career is that students get to leave school early every day. Higgins only has a few high school classes before going to work in a university lab.

An advantage of being involved in the program is the knowledge and experience gained from working in a lab.

“I have learned a lot about lab and biotechnology skills that I can apply to college and maybe my future career,” said Higgins. “I struggled a little when I first started and I had to learn how to adjust to working and school but I real-

ized that it will help in the future for when I have to balance both.”

But there are some drawbacks to the program.

“You usually can’t be in sports because I work until 6 and I have class every Wednesday until 8:30,” said Higgins.

You also can’t take fun electives at the high school and you don’t get a lunch or study hall.” But Mr. Granberg added that for the other School to Career programs, being in sports is an option for students.

Senior Caroline McCormick also took advantage of the School to Career Biotechnology program at the beginning of her junior year. Currently, she works in a lab three times a week with undergraduate and graduate students.

“I am working with my mentor on her research along with my own,” said McCormick.

Not only is this program beneficial to high school students, but many graduates and undergraduates find it helpful having high school students in labs. Sara Johnston, McCormick's 20-year-old coworker, believes it's necessary to have a variety of people working together.

"There are so many different tasks to do every day, so it really helps to have an extra set of hands," said Johnston. "I enjoy working with people who aren't exactly my age because we all think differently. I learn something new every day."

The students currently participating are grateful.

“It is a great opportunity. It prepares you for the future, the classes are free and it is hands-on experience.”

News

page 5

Extracurricular activities: Getting into college is more than GPAs and ACTs

By: Ally Kriefski

As this school year draws closer to an end, many sophomores and juniors are beginning to think about their future: what type of career they want to pursue and the education that is needed. For those set on going to college, having a high enough grade point average (GPA) and American College Testing (ACT) in order to be accepted to the school of their choice is probably already on their mind. One thing many high school students don’t realize is the importance of participating in community service or extracurricular activities when it comes to applying for college.

“Extracurricular activities demonstrate that students can contribute to the campus community outside of the classroom which is particularly important for residential and liberal arts colleges” said Mary Beth Petrie, Director of Admissions at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Universities look highly upon a student’s commitment and loyalty to the activities they are interested in.

While the school year can be a great time to build up a college resume in terms of academics, summer is the ideal time because students have more time on their hands to branch outside of the school and try different activities within their community. Many students have a less hectic schedule during the summer which can be beneficial to making time for other activities.

Building your personal resume can be as easy as taking a more active role in the things you love to do and are probably already involved in. Whether you volunteer your time to a local non-profit organization, are actively involved in an environmental cause, or are part of a summer tutoring program, college admissions boards are interested in seeing what type of person you are outside of the classroom and how you will be an asset to their university’s culture. Universities often times hold clinics for music or sport clubs during the summer directed to high school students who are interested in advancing in an activity they love, or help them get a feel for what that activity might be like when progressed in college.

Participating in these activities are a great thing to list on your resume.

“It probably depends on the university, but at Lawrence, we have no preference for what a student chooses to get involved in” said Petrie. “We like to know what a student is passionate about. For some, it may be Girl Scouts while for others it may be basketball”. A student shouldn’t participate in activities that they think will please an admissions office.

“We want students to choose their activities based on their interests, not ours. We prefer to have an incoming class that represents students with a diverse group of interests and tal-

ents.”

Admissions offices are not expecting you to join every single school club and sport that you can fit into your schedule. In fact, they’d rather see you dedicated to a few activities rather than minorly involved in multiple.

“We’re not looking for students who have 400 activities” said a spokesperson for the admissions department at the University of Marquette in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “Instead, we would rather see that you have been involved in a few activities, advanced in leadership and been committed to an activity or organization.”

Students may think that universities are looking for a wide variety and diversity within the extracurricular activities they choose, but that is not always the case. In fact the admissions office at Marquette said, “the kinds of activities don't really matter. We're looking for leadership, service and commitment.”

The same was noted by Petrie.

“At Lawrence, we like to see dedication and leadership. I would prefer to read about a student who is passionate about one or two activities over someone who is only somewhat interested in twenty”.

“The best advice I can give to any OHS students on building their resumes is to show that you can be very committed to things you like. Anything you can do extra that you can use to distinguish yourself is always a plus,” said 2011 graduate Ryan Krull, who is currently attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition to playing tennis, running cross country, swimming, and participating in National Honor Society, outside of school Krull volunteered as a swim coach for the Wisconsin Special Olympics. He said this was one of the most rewarding things he’s been involved with.

As school sports and clubs are quickly com- Things to do in the summer to help ing to an end, it’s time to with your college choices: think about summer and 1. “Like” the universities’ page how you can build your you are interested in attending on college resume. Find an Facebook. By liking a these pages, organization that pertains you can stay informed with campus to something you enjoy news and get a sense of what that a doing, get involved, be particular university is like.

2. Do something that could be ina leader and help others teresting to write about in a college while helping the commu- essay. These could be things such nity – because GPAs and as a grand travel experience that ACTs are not all universi- you found very inspiring, volunties look for. teering, a unique hobby, or a job you enjoy.

The Skinny By: Miranda Mellen

News

page 6

The writing’s on the wall: The return of the murals

By: Sean Bull and Larissa Root With second semester drawing to cer.”

• On April 9, 2003, Satyabhama Ma- Daisy Garrett, an OHS sophohapatra, a 65-year-old retired school- a close, it’s time for new murals to grace teacher in India, became the world’s the walls. Since they were started ten more currently working on a mural, years ago, the murals have been an im- doesn’t want to paint just anything. She oldest mother when she gave birth has clearly thought a to a baby boy. Satyabhama and her portant part of OHS. “It gives lot about what she’ll husband had been married 50 years, a more personal do with her section but this is their first child. touch” said Oregon of blank wall. “I High School Art started painting, and • A mental disorder called Cotard’s Teacher Mike Derthen decided I didn’t Syndrome (also known as the Cotard rick.

“Even hospitals like it, so I painted Delusion, the Nihilistic Delusion, are now adding [muover it in white,” and the Walking Corpse Syndrome) rals] to the walls.” she said. “It’s kind causes sufferers to believe that they

Senior Eliza of stressful because are dead and do not exist.

Neidehart is one you know it’s gonna of the many artists Neidehart poses in front of her mural. be there forever, fu• The chances of you dying on the Photo by Larissa Root. whose work brings ture generations will way to get your lottery tickets is life to our otherwise see it. But it is fun,” she said. greater than your chances of winning. plain bricks. Neidehart created the dande- Garrett also has post-graduation lion mural in the 600 hallway as the final aspirations involving art. “Hopefully I • The cost of college textbooks in the art project of her sophomore year. can get into an art school,” she said. “I reUS has risen faster than the cost of

“I saw a picture of a girl blowing ally like the idea of going into animation healthcare, house prices and inflation. a dandelion and one of the seed blowing or design.” away looked a little like a butterfly,” said For now though, it’s just about • Jonathan Lee Riches got the Guin- Neidehart. “I decided it might be cool to getting better and reaching that next step. ness world record for having filed do a transition from dandelion fluff to Neidhardt said the wall murals provide a the highest number of lawsuits in the butterfly.” unique challenge. According to Derrick world. When he heard of this, he sued Neidehart has taken numerous art it’s also somewhat about student ownerthe Guinness Book of World Records. classes at OHS, where she’s studied pot- ship. tery, painting and drawing. She plans to “It personalizes the building for • A lost wallet is more likely to be re- continue her art education after she grad- them, makes it kind of theirs.” turned if you have a photo of a baby uates at Macalester College in Minnesota.

It also provides the chance to in it. In a 2009 study, 88% of wallets “I won't be an art major, but one leave a visible legacy. “It’s kind of cool with a baby photo were returned, of the reasons I looked at liberal arts col- to think you could come back in ten years followed by wallets with a photo of leges is that I will be able to continue with and it would still be there. That’s the best a puppy (53%), family (48%) and art as well as study science and play soc- part.” an old couple (28%). Only 15% of control wallets were returned.

• There is a garden in a bottle that has only been watered once and is still going strong 40 years later.

• The lifespan of a taste bud is ten days.

Facts courtesy of weirdfacts.com.

Feature

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Cancer survivor looks forward to graduation In remission for two years, senior Cosette Sommers plans her future

By: Ashley Quamme

High school is difficult enough with the amount of That’s a series of chemotherapy that has worked a lot with tests, study materials and social drama. Cosette Sommers people in the past. There was an outline of when I would conquered those obstacles while working to save her life. receive what meds I would take. It was part oral meds that I

In November of 2011, Cosette was diagnosed with would take at home, and some that I would receive thorough Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. When this cancer of the lymph nodes IVs when I went to the hospital every couple of weeks.” was determined to be positive in her system, she was already With the unfortunate possibly that the cancer will at a very late stage of cancer: Stage 4a. come back, Cosette attends check-up appointments every

“I think with any situation where death is a possible few months. These appointments will spread further apart ending for that person, and their family and with each month and year that she stays clear. friends, it always takes things to a higher level

“This May, I will reach my two of intensity. I think that’s just natural with any year recovery mark. And that is a big milecircumstance,” Cosette said. “For my overall stone because after those first two years the mood, I felt pretty comfortable because I had percentage of the cancer relapsing goes down support from my family, friends, my providing by a lot. We’ll probably just eat ice cream to team at the hospital and really most of all, it celebrate it. May 10 of 2012, my family and was my faith. It was number one.”

I came home and ate ice cream when I found

Living with this drastic change, Coout that I was completely cleared. It was just a sette took this challenge head-on and continreally sunny day.”

Cosette, in remission for ued her education.

With the summer coming her way,

“Once the impact of the cancer settled two years, poses for her Cosette has already planned her future. She senior pictures. down, I honestly thought it wouldn’t change will nanny for her niece and younger brother. too much. As time went on, and with talking to my parents

“I hope to read a lot” says Cosette. “My plan is to and the school district, I realized that my second semester live and enjoy life not as a student because I’ve been a stuwas going to be looking a lot different.” dent since I was 5. I’m going to take a year off from school

Memories of the past few years remain and linger and really soak up life. I have a lot of ideas of college and through her everyday life, but Cosette pushed through the beyond but I’m hoping that a lot of those ideas become sotoughest moments and remembered one of the most signifi- lidified in my year off so when I get to school, I’ll have a cant moments with her mother. much better idea of what I want to do.”

“We talked about how when you are moved from

Cosette feels driven when talking about future posschool and other normal-like activities, how you’re really sibilities. more driven by your inner goals and pressures you have “Truly only God knows. If it was solemnly up to me, from within versus all of the extensive pressures that you in ten years I hope I would be married, and working with have, such as school and sports and other activities. That either children or those with special needs.” practice of time management and self motivation is one that ________________ is very hard to find unless you’re put into a situation that is different than your normal schedule. And although I did not Through everything, Cosette remains humble. master it by any means, and I don’t know if I ever will, that “What I went through is not even comparable to practice is something I will never forget, for sure.” what others have gone through, or currently go through, for ________________ sure. There’s people who go through years of chemotherapy

and still don’t get the ‘all clear’ that I was blessed to receive.

At this moment, Cosette is 100 percent cancer-free. I have to remind myself to keep humble and thankful.”

Her recovery stages were crucial to her survival, and she Cosette offers comforting advice. could not be more thankful for the support she received.

“If there was one common attitude that I would try

“I got my treatment done at American Family Chil- to take, embrace and pass on from my specific experience dren’s Hospital in Madison because at the time, I was still would be when one is going through life, verses asking the a minor, under 18. When I met with my doctors, who were question ‘why me’ try to always try to ask yourself the quesawesome, I followed what’s called the German Protocol. tion, ‘why not me’?”

Feature

page 8

OHS senior places in national art contest

By: Kaitlyn Wallin

Like many teens her age, senior Jeni Zernick enjoys senior year approached, I knew that the congressional art hanging out with her friends, playing sports, and participat- competition was my last chance to achieve my goal. I put in ing in various clubs. What many might not know is that she nearly 40 hours on my entry and it earned me second place. is a Gold Key Award Winner, composing pieces which hang Not winning was a disappointment, especially considering from the Oregon it would have High School meant a trip to walls all the way DC. However, to Washington, it has motivatDC. ed me to work

“I have harder and I am loved art for as still proud of long as I can my accomplishremember, but ments.” never started to

Today, her see it as more piece known than a hobby unas “The faces til high school,” of us” hangs Zernick said. in RepresentaSince she was a tive Mark Posmall girl, she can’s office in has always enWashington DC. joyed drawing After entering and painting. the congressioVerona Public Library: (left to right) Mike Derrick, One of her fanal art awards, Representative Mark Pocan, Jeni Zernick, Mr. and Mrs. Zernick . vorite painters is Jeni’s painting Rembrandt, who is known for his crewas displayed in the Verona public ative portraits during the 17th century. library, where she took second place.

“The way he uses light along

Zernick is also a Gold Key with the interesting expressions on his Award winner through the Schosubject’s faces is just amazing,” Zerlastic Art and Writing Awards, in nick said. which some of her work is being

Zernick’s favorite class at OHS displayed at the Milwaukee Art Muwas her painting class she took her seum. Through the years she has sophomore year. Her teacher, Michael been a special finalist in the Doodle Derrick, provided all the students with for Google competition (2012), had materials such as salt and rubbing alhonorable mention in the Badger Art cohol and plastic wrap to incorporate conference (2013), was a particiin their watercolor paintings. They also pant in the District Art Show (2013). painted murals throughout the school.

Zernick also competes in the Duck

“I learned a ton of valuable Stamp competition each year, where skills and it was a lot of fun because I she has placed second and first mulhad to think of where I could incorpotiple times. rate these unique elements.”

Next year, Zernick plans to

Zernick explains though, that attend Iowa State University, where ”The faces of us” By Jeni Zernick her art career hasn’t always been the she will major in biological and preCongressional Art Competition. easiest. “Ever since sophomore year, medical illustration: a career she was my goal has been to win something that would take me across introduced to by the OHS art department. the country to compete at a national level. As the end of my

Paw Print Staff

News

page 9

The possibility of extraterrestrial life closer than ever By: Alex Neal

93 billion. That is how many light years it would take to travel the observable universe. It is so vast, that it 456 N. Perry Parkway would be absurd to think we are the only Oregon, WI 53575 living life forms in the universe.

Phone: 608-835-4418

“It is likely because the coincidences that led to the origin of life on OHSPawPrint@gmail.com earth are bound to have been reproduced elsewhere in the galaxy let alone in the universe,” said Dr. Max Coleman, Director of the JPL Center for Life Detection at Editorial Board: the California Institute of Technology. Dr. Sean Bull Coleman also works at the Astrobiology Kayla Catlin Research Consortium at UW-Madison.

Bridget Corcoran

We may not have to travel the Carissa Goodwick deep depths of the universe to find life.

A moon off of Saturn has recently been Wesley Korpela recognized as a possible site that could Miranda Mellen contain life. The moon (Enceladus) joins Maddie Morgan another Saturn moon (Titan) and Jupiter Ashley Quamme moon (Europa) as places speculated to Larissa Root be habitable by living organisms in our Ian Schultz solar system. Large bodies of ethane and Loran Schultz methane can be found on the surface of Tori Swenson Titan, making it possible for non-water Mack Tubridy based life forms to survive on it, and now a saltwater ocean has been found under Kyra Wooldridge Enceladus’s icy surface. Much like Europa, the water comes in contact with the moons rocky core which provides the water with elements such as potassium and Photography: phosphorus that are useful to create life.

Wesley Korpela

“Most of life we know about Larissa Root on Earth is based on photosynthesis, the Loran Schultz interactions of chemically incompatible Mack Tubridy components on the ocean floor gives the energy that can support lots of life in the absence of light and may have been the origin of life on earth,” said Dr. Max Coleman. “There is evidence that the Advisor: Ms. Abby Riese ocean and ice are interacting with each other on Europa and that suggested the Paw Print is a public forum for student ex- ocean could also be interacting with the pression -- the editorial board makes con- rocky interior – making it a much better tent decisions. Views or opinions printed prospect than Titan and Enceladus.” in Paw Print do not represent the views of Likely what would be seen on OHS administration, staff, or the student Europa are many hydrothermal vents, body as a whole.

similar to volcanic springs at the very bottom of our own ocean. Bacteria would use the energy from the reaction to create a chemical reaction that would produce carbohydrates and furthermore start a long process to create life. This is one of thousands of suggestions. Even though they’re close, astrobiologists have not been able to actually find life. Nonetheless, we may not have that long of a wait until we do find it.

Since 1995, astronomers have found close to six “Earth-like” or “SuperEarth” planets that are vitally similar to our earth as we know it, the closest being a rocky planet more-or-less like mars 6.5 light years away. The most recent discovered “Super-Earth” is now being recognized as the most similar to earth as any planet ever found before. It is found 500 light years away orbiting a red dwarf star called Kepler-186. The planet, called Kepler-186f, is the first planet ever discovered that has the same radius as Earth and is also in the habitable zone like Earth; meaning it has a similar gravitational pull as Earth, is able to have liquid water, and is not too warm or too cold for intelligent beings to live. However, the human race is not quite advanced enough to send probes to investigate the planet.

“With the advances in our space technology and exo-planet discovery, I think it is entirely possible humans will detect the molecular/electromagnetic signature of life on a distant exo-planet within our lifetime,” said AP Biology teacher Ken Francis.

“There is bound to be a handful, if not millions of planets with the needed physical conditions to support life as we know It.” said Francis. “Then if you consider that life may have found other mechanisms to produce living organisms that we do not understand in addition to the ones we do, life could be the norm and not the exception in the universe.”

Opinion

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If you like The Correct Opinion with Wesley Korpela, try

Absolute Bull: Your Monthly Update on the Things That Really Matter TM By: Sean Bull

I have a confession to make, dear readers: I’ve never really thought plagiarism was a problem. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve heard of it; my English teachers have informed me of its perils almost every year since I was nine. And I did listen, I’ve never actually plagiarized anything, but I wouldn’t have been upset if I’d heard of someone else doing it. Because plagiarism is cheating, and eventually cheating stops working. Except when it doesn’t, and companies shamelessly copy others and get away with it forever. This kind of corporate plagiarism happens all the time, and for some reason we’re completely fine with it.

I first realized this while working at the Oregon/Brooklyn Food Pantry last weekend. I had just put away an entire bag full of stolen hotel toiletries (hey, at least they eventually got donated, right?) and I moved on to unloading cereal. I put a few boxes on the shelf before I looked down at what was in my hand. I had assumed it was cheerios. It had the yellow box, the little whole-grain donuts, even the same kind of font spelling out the name.

But the box read “Tasteeos” and then said Toasted Whole Grain Oat Cereal in smaller letters beneath. I thought the latter description was unnecessary until I came across a Great Value brand cereal that was simply named “Toasted Whole Grain Oat Cereal.”

So perhaps the name Tasteeos took more effort than I thought.

For a while I thought that was the end of the plagiarism.

So what if a few cereal companies get their recipes stolen here and there, right? Anyone who’s desperate enough for nutrition to buy any kind of “toasted whole grain oat cereal” will buy Cheerios because of the brand anyway. As long as the food companies don’t actually admit they’re stealing the ideas of other successful people, we’ll be okay.

It took me all of two minutes to realize we wouldn’t, in fact, be okay. Shurfine (the company that makes all of Bill’s storebrand food) now makes a product called Dunksters Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, and has the raw uninhibited guts to say “If you like Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, try these” right on the front of the package!

Not only do they try to directly piggyback off the success of another hugely famous product, they also have the nerve to denounce the original product on the back of the package, saying: “Shurfine Dunksters Chocolate Sandwich Cookies are not manufactured or distributed Flexible

by Nabisco Sandwich Customer Sales/Service SchedulesInc. Oreo Chocolate All which Ages 17+ is not No Experience Necessary Cookies is a registered trademark of Nabisco Inc., Locations Nationwide Conditions Apply Interview Start no afterless.

Finals All Majors Considered associated with this product.”

It was in Comic SansNow, font, Really?!? (I know Nabisco makes Shurfine put on that disclaimer. www.SummerWorkNow.com Don’t send me hate mail, although I’d be kind of impressed if you know where I live.)

Appleton 920-­882-­2922 Racine 262-­261-­0679 262-­786-­3900 Rhinelander 715-­220-­4663

Isn’t theBrookfield whole point of capitalism and patents to protect Eau Claire 715-­598-­2808 Stevens Point 715-­407-­4161 Fond du Lac 920-­933-­1640 people’s ideas? To encourage inventors to Wausau say “Shoot, someone 715-­203-­0358 Franklin 262-­297-­0023 Dubuque, IA 563-­552-­7068 already made that, I guess I’ll have to make a better version?”

Janesville 608-­554-­1749 Rockford, IL 815-­713-­1231 Madison 608-­664-­9258 Chicago West 630-­210-­8153 Couldn’t Dunksters improve on Oreos somehow, in the spirit of Washington Chicago North 847-­665-­8158 progress? WherePort is the “Quintuple Stuf” Chocolate Sandwich 262-­297-­0030 Minneapolis, MN 952-­300-­2359

$17.00 base/appt

Cookie we’ve all craved for years? (Yes, Double Stuf has only one f, I checked.) If Shurfine was forced to try to be better than Nabisco, who knows how many layers of cream might have been added for the sake of creative competition? (Not enough, there’s never enough.)

Honestly though, I’m fine that this product plagiarism is allowed, I’m just saying I’m upset because I have to write a column about something. A column that, in fact, looks very much like the one on the opposite page, save for a few minute details. A column that I started a year after the other one was already established, after I realized that writing twelve clean and funny horoscopes a month was actually rather difficult. I’ve been pumping this column out consistently over the last few months, and so far I don’t think the people behind the Correct Opinion have noticed. Thankfully I had the good sense to not stick with the Incorrect Opinion with Sean Bull, the original title I was going to use, as that would be a little too obvious.

I should be able to continue doing this as long as Wesley doesn’t realize, which as I send this off for publication, he has not.

If he does, he’d probably make me put some stupid disclaimer near the bottom, which would wreak havoc with my formatting. Whole paragraphs on the end might get chopped oAbsolute Bull: Your Monthly Update on the Things That Really Matter is not written or edited by Wesley Korpela. The Correct Opinion with Wesley Korpela is a registered trademark of Wesley Korpela, who is not associated with this column.

$17.00 base/appt

$1

Customer Sales/Service All Ages 17+ Locations Nationwide Interview Now, Start after Finals

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Flexible Schedules No Experience Necessary Conditions Apply All Majors Considered

www.SummerWorkNow.com Appleton 920-­882-­2922 Brookfield 262-­786-­3900 Eau Claire 715-­598-­2808 Fond du Lac 920-­933-­1640 Franklin 262-­297-­0023 Janesville 608-­554-­1749 Madison 608-­664-­9258 Port Washington 262-­297-­0030

Racine 262-­261-­0679 Rhinelander 715-­220-­4663 Stevens Point 715-­407-­4161 Wausau 715-­203-­0358 Dubuque, IA 563-­552-­7068 Rockford, IL 815-­713-­1231 Chicago West 630-­210-­8153 Chicago North 847-­665-­8158 Minneapolis, MN 952-­300-­2359

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Opinion

page 11

The [last ever] Correct Opinion with Wesley Korpela The Correct Person of the year

By: Wesley Korpela

For those who are unaware of the demigod within the school, Mr. Jon Fishwild is the formidable Physics teacher. During the interview, Mr. Fishwild withstood a 20 second staring contest, wore a Snuggie, made little mention of the various wigs I wore with no explanation and refused my attempts to forge Albert Einstein autographs on his Einstein posters.

It did not stun Mr. Fishwild at all when I revealed to him that the Correct Person of the Year runners-up were Pope John Paul II, Abraham Lincoln, John O'Reilly, and Scott Krueger (who made the list solely because he continues to pester me and my friends about getting an article/movie written about him).

What follows is an excerpt from our interview.

Wesley Korpela: Do you consider yourself a man?

Jon Fishwild: Generally.

WK: When don’t you feel like a man?

JF: When I feel like a demigod.

WK: You are involved in the teacher's union. From what I've learned from 1950 movie portrayals, unions are essentially mafias. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, how many people have you offed as a union member?

JF: That is confidential.

WK: I will break your resolve.

WK: How much do you make up on the spot in Physics class?

JF: That is confidential.

WK: (He's already pleading the 5th Amendment, people!)

WK: I learned earlier this year that you have experience as a ballroom dancer. Do you have any other dance experience?

JF: Well I did tell my students a number of years ago that I was the Midwest Break Dancing Champion in 1986.

WK: Oh really! Can you please demonstrate some moves?

JF: All I said was I told my students I did and they believed me.

WK: Well, can you imagine winning the Midwest Break Dancing Competition?

JF: Oh yes and it's a glorious thing to imagine. There would be lots of flips and spinning on my back.

WK: I am not going to hide it. I am a fan of Moodle. It's my favorite social media Web site. I love the chat function. Do you think you and I can make a video to post on the Physics page?

JF: Right now? It requires so much. We would need the camera, the microphone, and a lesson plan. We would need the computer turned on! Maybe later this year if we plan it.

WK: Time for some hypothetical questions. If you were on a des-

ert island, what three teachers would you bring with you? You arrived on the island together of your own free will but then the boat sank.

JF: I would say Mrs. Ehrlich because then we could talk Physics.

I would also have to say Mr. Diercks because he could do all the grunt work; climb the coconut trees and chop the wood. He's very fit. Also, he could develop outdoor games for us to play. Maybe make a ping pong table out of woven materials or make sand shuffleboard. The last person? It could be anyone. They would be the taster to make sure no one gets poisoned. Anyone can do that.

WK: Now, my good friend, Audrey Kratz, came up to me and said, "Hey Wes, I have this question for Mr. Fishwild that I've been dying to know since day one. I hear you're interviewing him and I really want you to ask him this question." I said I would and her question is, if you were on a desert island, what two books would you bring with you?

JF: Oh. It's just another desert island question.

WK: Yes. JF: My favorite book of all time was "Jurassic Park", actually. So I would bring that and "The Dark Tower" series by Stephen King.

WK: You can't bring all of them.

JF: It's a series.

WK: You can only bring one. They burned up in a fire. What book would you save?

JF: I thought the ship sank, though.

WK: Yeah. It did but the night before it sank Ms. Ehrlich, being her typical self, was fumbling around with a bunsen burner, dropped it and started an enormous fire on the ship.

JF: I knew I shouldn't have invited her.

WK: I really want to make a Moodle video. Why won't you let me just go hogwild with the video equipment?

JF: Because you need to know what to say! You don't go hogwild on Moodle! It requires preparation!

WK: Why can't you just accept that I have a different way of creating Moodle videos than you?!

JF: Because your way is wrong! You are a dangerous man!

WK: And a dangerous interviewer. End of interview.

Mr. Fishwild has a wonderful sense of humor and great taste in interviewers. I couldn't have chosen a better individual for my last Correct Person and my last Correct Opinion article.

Continue reading Sean Bull's articles in the following years. He will continue to grow comedically, which is great seeing he's already hilarious. When I first was asked to write a comedic article for the Paw Print by Ms. Riese, I gladly said yes on two grounds: I had free reign on what I write and I would never have to attend a Paw Print meeting in my life. Both promises have been broken, but I have continued to write and have enjoyed it immensely. End of Correct Opinion with Wesley Korpela.

May Horoscopes

By: Miranda Mellen

page 12

Aries- May should be considerably more stable and grounded for you. Steps to improve your feelings of security taken in May can benefit you for years to come. Support for your personal endeavors hasn't been very forthcoming, but from the 19th forward, relationship dynamics smooth over and your confidence improves.

You feel that you can truly begin to move forward.

Libra- Recent relationship challenges and personal frustrations will begin to dissipate this month you can more confidently move your plans forward. A partnership, or your own needs from a relationship, become clearer. Energy levels increase. You might receive good advice or come up with novel new ideas on how to do so. The 14-15 can bring a surprise or bonus.

Taurus- An epiphany or important discovery can be made this month. Your powers of attraction and your confidence are strong in May. You are cleaning out the deadwood and staying in the background when it comes to your affections and love relationships. May is very strong for your social life, which can be especially nurturing and warm, but also practical.

Scorpio- It's a relationship-centered month for you. Personal energy levels remain on the low side, but your outlook improves considerably, and life is steadier in general. It's easier to turn to others, if needed, as they tend to be there for you. For some, travel, legal, or educational plans come together nicely. You may be able to bring more structure to your hobbies or your life.

Gemini- You continue to experience a greater need for rest, relaxation, and some level of withdrawal from demanding situations in the first three weeks of May. Even so, there is likely to be a lot of activity with friends and networking, and fun opportunities arising from these activities, particularly around the 15th.

Your desire to express yourself is strong.

Sagittarius- Getting organized, improving health, increasing efficiency, and harmonizing with others are strong themes in May. It's a good month for solving problems, reorganizing, and tending to the practical details of your daily existence. Emphasis should be on getting a handle on the "little things" that make your life run more smoothly.

Cancer- May tends to be easier for you. Being in the spotlight or in charge is wonderful at times, but we all need a break from too much action, pressure, and decision making, and May gives you opportunities for that break. Meeting personal health goals comes quite naturally now with fewer people and circumstances competing for your time. The 14-15 can be very romantic and creative.

Capricorn- This should be a fruitful, often playful, and mostly stabilizing month for you. Finding a balance by dividing your time more evenly is important now. From the 19th, recent complications both in your professional and personal lives are likely to decrease. Where there was emotional distance or coolness in family and business recently, there is now more warmth.

Leo- May is very good for public exposure as you're coming across as especially competent and attentive. While some people could be feeling left out of your life as you tend to your responsibilities and personal need for space, the month is nevertheless strong for your personal life. There can be periods of release and healing in terms of past conditioning and family life.

Virgo- You're being exposed to different ways of thinking and you especially enjoy exchanging ideas with others this month.

People you meet can be a source of inspiration. Unexpected opportunities to travel or expand your education can emerge. Be open to spontaneity with friends at this time. Keep an open mind and heart, and see where they lead you.

Horoscopes courtesy of cafeastrology.com.

Visit us online! www.issuu.com/ohspawprint

Aquarius- There can be a lot of pleasure found in tending to home and family matters this month. While you may not be as sociable now, you're building your confidence and taking extra, much-needed personal time. If you're overdoing it, circumstances around the 14th will beg for balance. There is increased motivation for tackling tasks that you previously felt were uninteresting.

Pisces- May is a strong month for social, creative, and learning endeavors. You are expressing yourself with charm. Your eagerness, flexibility, and willingness to tag along with others just for the company endear you to friends and family. Be patient and take things one step at a time. This is a good time in your life for expanding your horizons and your reach, in pleasing moderation.

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