November 2011 Edition by Benton High School

the

BENTONIAN

5 6 5 5 S . 4 T H S T R E E T S T. J O S E P H , M O . 6 4 5 0 4

Inside this Edition:

(816) 671-4030

Turkey Time!

In honor of Thanksgiving, the Bentonian staff has asked the student body what Thanksgiving food they prefer to stuff their face with. Here are the results!

Cyberbullying Christmas Wish List

Senior Spotlight Texting and Driving Staff Recipes

33%

11%

34%

23%

Troops Homecoming Students Thanksgiving Traditions and more... nnn

Farmer’s Almanac 2011-2012 Winter Weather Prediction For the winter of 2011–12, the Farmers’ Almanac is forecasting “clime and punishment,” a season of unusually cold and stormy weather. For some parts of the country, that means a frigid climate; while for others, it will mean lots of rain and snow. The upcoming winter looks to be cold to very cold for the Northern Plains, parts of the Northern Rockies, and the western Great Lakes. In contrast, above-normal temperatures are expected across most of the southern and eastern U.S. Near-normal temperatures are expected in the Midwest and Far West, and in southern Florida.

Index

Ad Donations

CONTENTS

Mrs. Carol Stephenson

November Calendar of Events.............................................. 3

Mr. and Mrs. David Stegall

December Calendar of Events...............................................4 Cyberbullying.........................................................................5 Holiday Features.................................................................6-9

ADVERTISE WITH US! Interested in advertising your business in the monthly editions of The Bentonian? If so, contact us at: (816) 671-4030, or briana.michaud@sjsd.k12.mo.us for more details!

Staff Special (Holiday Recipes).......................................10-11 Sports..............................................................................12-15 Opinion/Column...........................................................16-18 Reviews................................................................................19

Contact Info.: Briana Michaud briana.michaud@sjsd.k12.mo.us

Advertisement.................................................................20-22

Bentonian Staff

Brittany Boggess Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Stephans News Writer

Cheyanne Mast News Writer

Jourdain Brooks Sports

Jered Ross Student Life

Emily Cox Opinion/ Columnist

Leetha Rowe News Writer

Miranda Smith Arts & Entertainment

Kaelynn Burchett Student Life

London Poston Features

Sami Kretzer Sports

Mrs. Michaud Adviser

Calendar of Events

Sunday

November 2011

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Phantom of the Opera 7:30p

North Kansas City North Kansas City Invitational-Debate Invitational-Debate

2 hour early out

No School- Thanksgiving

No School

Boys BB vs. Lafayette (A) V/JV/FR 5:00p Wrestling vs. Pleasant Hill (A) 6:30p

Sunday

Monday

December 2011 Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Wm. Chrisman High School-Debate

Truman High School- Debate

Boys BB vs. Harrisonville V/JV (A) 5:30p

St. Joe Central JV Tournament JV (A) Boliver Wrestling Invitational V (A) 9:30a Indoor Soccer begins-BHS gym 11:30a Girls BB vs. Raytown V/JV (A) 1/2:30p

Wm. Chrisman High School-Debate

Boys BB vs. Lafayette 2 hour early out Boys BB vs. Raytown South-Debate FR (A) Lafayette FR (A) TBA Boys BB vs. Lafayette TBA Girls BB vs. Truman High School- FR (A) Harrisonville V/JV/FR Debate Boys BB vs. Platte TBA Boys BB vs. (H) 6:00p County V/JV (A) Maryville V/JV (A) 5:30p 5:30p Wrestling vs. Odessa/Lathrop V/ JV (H) 6:00p 11

Benton Tri Match V/ JV (H) 6:00p

Girls BB vs. Savannah V/JV/FR (A) 5:00p

Boys BB vs. Schlagle V/ JV (A) 5:30p 26 27

Raytown South-Debate Excelsior Springs JV Tournament (A) 9:30a Indoor Soccer begins-BHS gym 11:30a

Benton Quad V/JV (H) 5:30p

Boys BB vs. Savannah V/JV/FR (A) 5:00p

Girls BB vs. Bishop Girls BB vs. Central V LeBlond V (A) TBA (H) TBA

Indoor Soccer-BHS gym 11:30a

Boys BB vs. Bishop Boys BB vs. Central V LeBlond V (A) TBA (H) TBA

Harrisonville Tournament- Wrestling (A) TBA

Winter Choir Concert-BHS Auditorium 7:00p 22

Harrisonville Tournament-Wrestling (A) 4:00p 23 24

2 hour early out

No School-Christmas Break begins

No School-Christmas break Indoor Soccer-BHS gym 11:30a

No School- No School-Christmas No School-Christmas No School-Christmas No School- Christmas break break break break Christmas break Boys BB Rolla Holiday Tournament Lady Jays Classic V V (A) (A) TBA TBA

No School-Christmas break

Indoor Soccer-BHS gym Lady Jays Classic V Lady Jays Classic V (A) 11:30a (A) TBA TBA

BY BRITTANY BOGGESS Have you ever encountered that awkward moment when you go to get on the world wide web and see your name on everyone’s news feed, being verbally abused to the point it’s broadcasted all over the Internet? This very thing is the latest trend that teens have picked up on, and it has gotten so out-of-hand that there’s now a name for it; it’s called “cyberbullying”. Cyberbullying is when one person, or various groups of people, try to threaten, or embarrass, someone else by using a mobile phone or the Internet. Those who take part in online bullying tend to use a group of friends to target their victim or victims. They will ask others to add a photo, or a comment, on a certain website, or forward something through text messaging on their cell phone. Most of the time these bullies don’t even realize they are actually bullying someone; they look at it as getting even, or “righting a wrong” that was done to them. This year a poll from the AP/ MTV found that 56 percent of teens have been the victims in cases of cyberbullying. In a poll taken in 2009 from the same organization, only 46 percent of teens had been a victim of cyberbullying. As more and more teens are allowed access to computers and cell phones, the act of cyberbullying is beginning to rapidly rise. Effects of cyberbullying are not only happening on street corners and school’s, but in the home, as well. Twenty-four hours a day kids who are cyberbullied feel they have no place to go to escape. Severe cyberbullying can lead victims who are at a greater risk for anxiety, to become depressed, and/or have other stress-related disorders. In very rare cases, some victims have resorted to suicide. The punishment for cyberbullies often includes suspension from school, as well as kicked off any extracurricular activities they may be involved with. Certain types of cyberbullying can also lead to violating a school code of conduct such an anti-discrimination, or sexual harassment rule, and lead to criminal charges. Many teens who are being cyberbullied are afraid to confront their peers, often because they feel ashamed of their social status, or they fear their computer and cell phone privileges will be taken away. When teens were asked why they think cyberbullying occurs, 81 percent said because the cyberbullies think it’s funny. Other teens believe that they

don’t consider it a big deal, and most certainly don’t consider the consequences. Teens also say, “Everybody’s doing it,” so there’s no way they’ll get caught. The signs that a child is a victim of cyberbullying vary, but a few signs to look for are: emotional distress during or after using the Internet, withdrawal from friends and activities, avoiding school or group gatherings, decline in grades, "acting out" in anger at home, sudden changes in mood, behavior, sleep, and loss of appetite. In the case of cyberbullying, teens have found ways to prevent it by refusing to pass along a bullies message, encouraging friends to stop bullying others, block communication with bullies, and reporting instances of cyberbullying to a trusted adult. You can also help prevent cyberbullying by speaking up to other peers, teachers, and school administrator to come up with ways to prevent cyberbullying. Remember, the world wide web is accessible to billions of people globally; not just to your friends and family. Even though you may not see a cyberbully, or their victim, it is real and is happening all around you. If you wouldn’t say it in person, then don’t say it online. Delete cyberbullying. Don’t write it, don’t forward it, and don’t tolerate it. This is one teen trend that needs to be stopped, and the only way to do that is to speak up and speak out against it.

Features

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade By Brittany Boggess The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving

department store was built.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS THANKSGIVING?

Altogether, the parade route totals 6

Day parade first appeared in 1924. This parade is presented by Macy’s

miles long.

Department Store and is the second oldest parade in America right behind

variety of floats and balloons, each year a new one being introduced, but

the Thanksgiving Day parade held in

never replacing a previous one. The

Detroit, Michigan. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is 3 hours

oldest balloon making its appearance every year is “Felix the Cat” which

long and is held in New York City.

made its first debut in 1927. The oldest float in the parade is “Tom the

In the 1920’s, many of the Macy’s department store employee’s were first-generation immigrants. Proud to be a part of the American culture, the employee’s decided to celebrate the countries Thanksgiving celebration with a festival that many of their

The Macy’s parade is known for its

appearance in 1971. This years additions to the parade will be “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “Universal Orlando Resort”. The Macy’s parade will be

ancestors loved to have back home in Europe.

broadcast live on Thanksgiving Day starting at 9 am. This year will be a

The Macy’s parade starts at 77th Avenue in New York City, and ends at

commemorative year, celebrating 85 years of tradition. This will truly be

Herald Square, where the first Macy’s

“Making dinner with my family.” ~Alex Wilson

Turkey” who made his first

“Running the Turkey Trot with my mom.” ~Skylie Hughs

one to watch!

Macy

’s Par 1924 ade

Features Walt Disney Christmas Parade By Daniel Stephan Benton Teacher’s Wish List World peace-Mrs. Talbot Gift card for running clothes-Mrs. Nash Ipad-Mr. Johnson Money donation to the advent conspiracy -Ms. Herbert Hippopotamus-Mr. Reynolds Bicycle trainer-Mr. Gier Books and a Kindle-Mrs. Corey Nook tablet-Mrs. Pain Diploma free-Mr. Knight Good health-Mrs. Snapp Successful basketball season-Mr. Ross Peace, love, and happiness-Mr. Paolillo Kindle fire-Mrs. Jones Tazer-Mr. Turner For the homeless in Joplin to find happiness this season-Mrs. Michaud

During the Christmas season, cities across the country begin to celebrate the holidays in their own way. Christmas, or holiday, parades seem to be the most popular way of celebrating the season. The Walt Disney Amusement Parks join in the countries holiday celebrations by having their own parade down Main Street, USA. This parade features special guests like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Pluto, Scrooge McDuck, and Chip n’ Dale. The parade also includes several elaborate Disney floats featuring celebrities, musical performances, and marching bands from schools and groups all over the country, The parade used to take place on Christmas Day, but in the early 90‘s, when Disney’s partnership changed from CBS to ABC, the parade began taking place earlier in the holiday season, was videotaped, and then aired on Christmas Day. This year will be Disney’s 26th annual Christmas parade and will feature guests such as the Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, “American Idol” winner Kris Allen, USC Marching Band, Demi Lovato, and the puppies from the Disney movie “Santa Buddies”. The two-hour special will air on December 25 at 10 am on ABC.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS CHRISTMAS?

“Spending time with my family.” ~Mr. Snider

“Going shopping at the Oak Park Mall.” ~Junior LindsayWilliams 7

Features St. Joe’s Holiday Park Cheyanne Mast The Holiday Park began in 1981, when a group of “Optimists” came to the Parks and Recreation Director with a dream to convert Krug Park into a “Winter Wonderland.” After a contest was held among the cities elementary schools, “Holiday Park” became the official name for Krug’s winter lights. In 2010, close to 100,000 people visited Holiday Park. Holiday Park is the largest seasonal display in northwest Missouri, and a “must visit” place in St. Joseph for the holiday season. Krug Park has a living nativity scene, complete with sheep and a donkey, as well as

Benton’s Wish List

several computerized displays. At the southern end of the Parkway, Hyde Park will also have a dazzling light display. Setting up Holiday Park takes about a month and a half, and the majority of the park employees chip in, through the wet and cold, to help out. Holiday Park will be open Friday, November 25-Sunday, January 8 from 6-10 pm (including Christmas night).

Top 10 Christmas Movies By Leetha Rowe A Christmas Story-1983 It’s a Wonderful Life-1946 The Muppet’s Christmas Carol-1992 Planes, Trains, and Automobiles-1987 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation-1989 The Polar Express-2004 Home Alone-1990 Elf-2003 Miracle on 34th Street-1947 Scrooged-1988Quisque vitae lorem

Street bike-Bobby Berschenk Hello Kitty stuff-Taylor Cayton Car-Jessica James Laptop-Bethany Domann Deer rifle-Dylan McCellan Candy-Jacee Thomas Airplane-Jakey Lian Gorilla-Trenton Younger Spiderman stuff-Ashley Higgins AR15 Deer rifle-Alex Hunstman Orange Camaro-Katie Hall My two front teeth-Kyle Kendel Puppy-Kay Brown 2010 Camaro-Dylan Wiggington Big Wheel-Ruben Cosslyeon Graphing calculator-Andee Whalert New car-Zack Hayes Camera-Molly Gach Red Camaro w/black stripe-Taylor Garton Miss Me jeans-Sydney Miller No snow!-Courtney Higgins Car-Jacob Braswell A big truck-Colby Davis Horse-Shelby Ewart Laptop-Rilea Birkinshae Black Mercury Mariner-Faith Hildebrand Miss Me jeans-Mariah Punnell Phone-Tim Vanderver Texas stuff-Shelby Hudson Some chicken-Courtney Williams

Money saving tip this Christmas season:Watch the newspapers for coupons and store sales! 8

Features

HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS! BY JERED ROSS CHRISTMAS IS A HOLIDAY FOR EVERYONE TO JOIN TOGETHER AND UNITE AS ONE. IT’S A TIME FOR JOY, A TIME TO SEE FAMILIES SINGING CHRISTMAS CAROLS TOGETHER, A TIME TO BUILD SNOWMEN, AND A TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE NIGHT WHEN SANTA WILL COME TO TOWN. STOCKINGS ARE HUNG, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE LIT, STRUNG UPON HOUSES, AND CHRISTMAS TREES ARE SHINING BRIGHT WITH PRESENTS SITTING TEMPTINGLY UNDERNEATH. FOLKS ARE SMILING AND IN GOOD SPIRITS, AND CHILDREN ARE EXTRA GOOD SO THEY CAN STAY ON SANTA’S GOOD LIST. CHRISTMAS IS COMING, SO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT THIS YEAR. I KNOW I AM! !

Staff Special

T h a n k s g i vi n g R e c i p e s Pumpkin Bars Kaelynn Burchett Ingredients: 4 eggs 1 2/3 c. sugar 1 c. vegetable oil 1 (15 oz.) can solid-pack pumpkin 2 c. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt Icing: 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened 2 c. confectioners’ sugar 1/4 c. butter, softened 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 T. milk

From BHS teachers

Shepherd’s Pie

s e p i c e R

London Poston

Directions: In a mixing bowl beat eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Pour into an ungreased 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Bake at 350F degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Sami Kretzer

Crust: 1 c. graham cracker crumbs 1 T. sugar 1/4 c. butter, melted Filling: 2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened 3/4 c. sugar 2 eggs 1 can (15 oz. each) solid-pack pumpkin 1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp. salt Topping: 2 c. (16 oz.) sour cream 2 T. sugar 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 12-16 oz. pecan halves Directions: 1. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-in. springform pan; chill. 2. For filling, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in the pumpkin, spices and salt. 3. Pour into crust. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, for topping, combine the sour cream, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over filling; return to the oven for 5 minutes. Cool on rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. 5. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Garnish each slice with pecan halves. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12-16 servings.

Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. ground round beef 1 onion, chopped 1-2 c. carrots, corn, peas-chopped 8 T. (1 stick) butter 1/2 c. beef broth 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce Salt, pepper, or other seasonings of choice Directions: 1. Peel and quarter potatoes, boil in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes). 2. While the potatoes are cooking, melt 4 T. of butter (1/2 stick) in a large frying pan. 3. Sauté onions in butter over medium heat until tender (about 10 mins). If you are adding vegetables, add them according to their cooking time. Put carrots in with the onions. Add corn or peas last, or after the meat has been cooked. 4. Add ground beef and sauté until no longer pink. Add salt and pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce. Add half a cup of beef broth and cook, uncovered, over low heat for 10 minutes, adding more beef broth as necessary to keep moist. 5. Mash potatoes in bowl with remainder of butter; season to add taste. 6. Place beef and onions in baking dish. Distribute mashed potatoes on top. Whip with a fork so that there are peaks that will brown nicely. You can use the fork to make some designs in the potatoes, as well. 7. Cook at 400F degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbling and brown. Broil for last few minutes if necessary to brown.

Banana Nut Muffin Brittany Boggess

Ingredients: 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 1 c. chopped walnuts 1/2 c. toasted wheat germ 1/2 c. brown sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 2 ripe bananas, mashed 3/4 c. milk 5 T. butter, melted 1 egg cinnamon sugar, optional Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line 12 muffin cups or coat with cooking spray. 2. Mix flour, walnuts, wheat germ, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in large bowl. Stir in bananas, milk, butter, and egg. Mix just until blended. 3. Using an ice cream scoop, fill muffin cups evenly with batter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, if desired. 4. Bake muffins until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 20-22 min. Cool 1 minute, then remove from muffin pan and cool on a wire rack.

Baked Chicken Breast Mrs. Allen Ingredients: 6 chicken breasts 1 c. vegetable oil 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese 2 c. Club crackers, crushed 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese 1 tsp. garlic salt Directions: Combine oil and garlic salt in a bowl. Combine the crushed crackers, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a Ziploc bag. Dip the chicken into the oil and garlic salt first, then into the crackers and cheese mixture.

Bacon, Cranberry and Mushroom Rice Stuffing Mr. Dial Ingredients: 4 c. Everyday Value low-sodium chicken broth 1 (16 oz) bag 365 Everyday Value Organic Rice Medley 6 slices Wellshire Bacon, chopped 1 yellow onion, chopped 1/4 c. roughly chopped sage 1/2 lb. button mushrooms, chopped 1 c. whole fresh cranberries 2 T. maple syrup 1 egg, beaten Directions: Preheat oven to 350F. Bring broth and 1 c. water to a boil in a medium pot; add rice, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer just until tender; about 35 minutes. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-heat until just crisp, 7-9 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a papertowel-lined plate; set aside. Return skillet to heat, add celery, onion and sage and cook until golden brown and softened, 7-9 minutes. Add mushrooms and continue cooking until golden brown, 7-9 minutes more. Stir in cranberries, cook for 2 minutes, then transfer contents of skillet to bowl with rice. Add maple syrup and egg, and fold together to combine. Transfer to a 9x13 in. baking dish, and bake until hot throughout, about 35 minutes.

Staff Special

T h a n k s g i vi n g R e c i p e s Mississippi Mud Pie Emily Cox Ingredients: 1 cube butter 1 c. flour 1 1/2 c. pecans, chopped Directions: Mix butter and flour well. Add chopped pecans, mix until pecans are well coated. Press firmly into bottom of a 9x13 in. pan. Bake 20 min. at 350F degrees. Cool 30 minutes. First Filling: 1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 c. powdered sugar 1 c. Cool Whip (lg. size) Directions: Mix well and spread on crust. Second Filling: 1 lg. pkg. instant chocolate pudding 1 lg. pkg. instant vanilla pudding 3 1/2 c. cold milk Directions: Mix well and spread on top of cream cheese mixture. Spread remaining Cool Whip on top of pudding mixture and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Granny’s Homemade Cookies Jourdain Brooks

Ingredients: 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, or 1 c. shortening 1 c. brown sugar, packed 3/4 c. granulated sugar 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 lg. eggs, well beaten 1 T. vanilla 3 c. rolled oats (do not use instant) 1 1/2 c. raisins 1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional) Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Grease two lg. cookie sheets or line with Silpat, parchment paper, or waxed paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add sugars; beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs. Add vanilla. 3. Mix flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg together in medium bowl. Stir dry ingredients into butter-sugar mixture. Stir in raisins and nuts. Stir in oats. 4. Spoon out dough by large tablespoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie. 5. Bake until cookie edges turn golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets. Then carefully remove them, using a metal spatula, to a wire rack. Cool completely. They will be quite soft until completely cooled. Store tightly covered. Yields: 2 dozen cookies

Pumpkin Pecan Crunch Cheyanne Mast Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk 3 eggs 1 c. granulated sugar 1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar 6 tsp. McCormick Pumpkin Spice, divided 1 T. McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract 1/4 tsp. salt 1 package 18 1/2 oz) yellow cake mix 1 c. chopped pecans 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, melted Whipped cream (optional) Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugars, 5 teaspoons of the pumpkin pie spice, vanilla and salt in large bowl until well blended. Pour into 13 x 9-inch baking pan which has been sprayed with no stick cooking spray. Mix cake mix and remaining 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice in medium bowl with wire whisk. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle with pecans. Drizzle evenly with melted butter. Bake 50 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serve with whipped cream and Spiced Pecans , if desired. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Daniel Stephens

Ingredients: 1 package (2-layer size) devil’s food cake mix 1 package (3.4 oz) Jello-O Vanilla Flavor Instant pudding 1 c. cold milk 1/2 c. Planters Creamy Peanut Butter 1 1/2 c. thawed Cool Whip Topping 4 squares Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate 1/4 c. Planter’s Dry Roasted Peanuts, chopped Directions: 1.Heat oven to 350 degrees F. 2.Prepare cake batter and bake in 24 paper-lined muffin cups as directed on package. Cool 30 min. (Cupcakes need to still be warm to fill.) 3.Beat pudding mix and milk with whisk 2 min. Add peanut butter; mix well. Spoon into small freezer-weight resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Snip off 1 bottom corner from bottom of bag. Insert tip of bag into center of each cupcake; pipe in about 1 Tbsp. filling. 4.Microwave Cool Whip and chocolate in small microwaveable bowl on high 1-1/2 min. or until chocolate is melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 1 min. Dip tops of cupcakes in glaze; sprinkle with nuts. Keep refrigerated.

From BHS teachers

s e p i c e R Peanut Clusters Mrs. Herbert *This recipe is for Zack Coon! Ingredients: 1 pack almond bark 1 can dry roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted) wax paper Directions: 1. Melt the almond bark according to the packages 2. Stir in peanuts 3. Spoon them onto wax paper 4. 4. Let them dry for approximately 10-15 minutes. Cranberries Leetha Rowe Ingredients: 1 lb. (4 c.) fresh or frozen cranberries 2 c. water 2 c. sugar Directions: 1. Rinse cranberries with cool water and remove any stems or blemished berries. 2. Heat water and sugar to boiling in 3-qt. saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue boiling 5 minutes long, stirring occasionally. 3. Stir in cranberries. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue boiling about 4 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to pop. Pour sauce into bowl or container. Refrigerate about 3 hours or until chilled. Mashed Potato Salad Emily Cox Ingredients: 6 med. red potatoes, boiled in skins until tender and cooled 1/2 lg. sweet onion, diced 2 lg. stalks of celery, diced 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped 1 tsp. celery seed 1/4 c. sweet pickle relish 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1/2 c. mayonnaise 1/4 c. mustard 1 T. white vinegar or pickle juice 1 hard-boiled egg cut into 8 wedges for garnish 8 cherry tomatoes for garnish Parsley or garnish Sweet Hungarian paprika for garnish, optional Directions: 1. Cut cooked potatoes into cubes with skin on or scrape off the skin with a butter knife (if preferred). Place in a large mixing bowl with sweet onion, celery, chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery seed, pickle relish, salt, and pepper. Toss gently. 2. Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar (or pickle juice). Mix into potatoes and vegetables until combined. 3. Decorate with hard-boiled egg wedges, tomatoes, and parsley. Sprinkle with a light dusting of sweet paprika. Refrigerate mustard potato salad at least 4 hours to let flavors meld before serving.

Sports

Announcements BHS Choir Benton High School’s choir will be performing its “Winter Concert” on December 15, 2011 at 7:00 pm in the Benton theatre. Choirs performing will be men’s choir, Benton singers, girls glee, concert choir, and Belconto. Come join in the holiday celebration!

Prom Committee The BHS prom committee is selling Benton Cardinal decals for $12. All proceeds go towards Benton’s 2011-2012 junior/senior prom. Help make this prom a memorable one! ACT Deadlines ACT Test Dates Deadlines: February 11, 2012 April 14, 2012 June 9, 2012 Registration Deadlines: January 13, 2012 March 9, 2012 May 4, 2012 BHS ACT Academy Application Deadline: January 13, 2012 March 14, 2012

Girls Soccer Pre-season soccer conditioning will begin after school on January 14, 2012. Conditioning will be Mon-Thurs and is recommended for all girls not involved in a winter sport. Make sure to bring both indoor and outdoor clothes; weather conditions will determine where running will take place. Indoor soccer will begin Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 11:30 am in the BHS gym, and will continue every Saturday until February 25, 2012, with the exception of holiday and winter sports activities. Practices for spring girls soccer season will begin Monday, February 27, 2012 at Spring Garden Middle School (weather permitting). You must have a physical and concussion screening on file with the school in order to practice. Player will NOT be allowed to practice without either of these. All information regarding girls soccer can be found on the BHS website by going to: http:// sjsd.schoolwires.net/benton. See Coach Bosch in room 216 for questions.

Senior Goodbyes The 2011-2012 yearbook is offering Senior Goodbyes. Each goodbye can include up to 35 words and a wallet sized picture for $35.00. (Do not send your only copy of the photo.) Checks should be made to Benton High School-Yearbook. We MUST receive your Senior Goodbye wish and check by December 16, 2011 to be included in the 2011-2012 yearbook. Any late senior goodbyes will not be accepted. *Any message deemed inappropriate will be edited by the advisor. Send senior goodbyes to: Benton High School Lynn Laipple, Yearbook 5655 S. 4th Street St. Joseph, Mo. 64505

City Showcase Basketball Tournament By Sami Kretzer The boys and girls City Showcase Basketball Tournament will be held at the Civic Arena on December 15-16, 2011. Participating high school’s are Benton, Lafayette, Central, and LeBlond. Gates will open at 2:45. Come out and support your Benton Cardinals! Thursday, December 15 3:25 Color Guard Presentation & Anthem 3:30 Central vs *Lafayette (girls) 5:00 Central vs *Lafayette (boys) Pom Routine between Games 6:45 LeBlond vs *Benton (girls) 8:15 LeBlond vs *Benton (boys) Friday, December 16 3:25 Color Guard Presentation & Anthem 3:30 Lafayette vs *LeBlond (girls) 5:00 Lafayette vs *LeBlond (boys) Pom Routine between Games 6:45 Benton vs *Central (girls) 8:15 Benton vs *Central (boys) *Denotes home team

NCAA Honors Veterans By Jered Ross North Carolina and Michigan State honor Veterans Day with a game spectators will not soon forget. The 2011 Quicken Loans Carrier Classic, involving two powerhouse teams, tipped off on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson. President Obama spoke before the game saying, “We are proud to be here to see a great sporting event, but the main reason we’re here is, on Veterans Day, we have an opportunity to say thank you.” Before deciding on this unique location, many factors had to be taken into account such as the winds affect on the long-range shooters, and what to do if the forecast called for rain. Neither factors ended up being an issue for the teams. The Carrier Classic is now ranked as the highest-rated game ever played in November, outranking the previous topranked North Carolina-Duke game watched by 3.78 million in March 2006. The previous top-ranked November game was the Preseason NIT championship in 1992 between Indiana and Seton Hall. The game was won by top-ranked North Carolina 67-55.

Sports

CARDINELLES Top Row (left to right): Fr. Bailey Fry, Fr. Madisyn Reynolds, So. Myleigh Lanham

Middle Row (left to right): So. Cheyenne Miller, Jr. Lani Bambfield, Fr. Cora Keesler, So. Camille Carter

Bottom Row (left to right): Fr. Alisyn Wintersheidt, So. Ravyn Blanchard, So. Baylee Flowers

What do you enjoy most about being on the Cardinelle Squad? By Cheyanne Mast

Being on the Cardinelle squad takes hard work, and perseverance. To be a Cardinelle, one must maintain passing grades, work well with others, have certain dance skills, keep a good attitude, and be a good role model for others, in and outside of school.

“Dancing with them ‘studly’ football boys, and gettin’ down with my Cardinelles.”

“Getting the crowds pumped up. I also enjoy being a part of a team, and become closer to the other girls, and dancing in front of large crowds.”

“Dancing at games.”

“Hanging out with everyone.”

“Getting to dance at pep assemblies and games. I also like that I feel closer to some of the girls and we have become better friends.”

“Dancing in front of everyone.”

“Getting to dance at the pep assemblies.”

“Doing the dances and preforming them with everyone.”

“Getting to dance at games and pep assemblies and spending time with friends.”

Sports

Congratulations to the 2011-2012 Benton Cheerleading squad for earning

Lauren Kafer Freshman

3rd place at this year’s Regionals competition! The team went on to place

“I was excited and nervous since it was

7th at State. Way to show the Cardinal

my first high school competition and I didn’t know what to expect.”

Spirit!

“There were a lot more squads than I expected at Regionals! There were tons!”

Taylor Garton Junior “The whole team was eager to go!”

Katie Hall Junior

“I was disappointed because I felt we could have done better.”

“I feel like this year, we aren’t as advanced as last year without guy cheerleaders, but we’re still pretty good, I thought!” “Next year we won’t be as aggressive without tumblers. I feel like we will still be better than Lafayette!”

“When we arrived at Regionals, I was scared out of my mind thinking, ‘Everything HAS to be perfect, this is what we've worked our butts off for.. this is our time; Give it everything we've got!’” “Since we have so many seniors, I think everybody tried their very best to make it good, last Regionals performance. For us, and we did great!”

“My favorite memory from the cheer competitions was all the crazy moments we had learning the routine, we had our ups and downs as a squad, but at the end of the day, we're a family, we depend on each other, and not one person can do it alone.”

“We got 5th at State my sophomore year, and that was by far my favorite memory! First time Benton cheerleading ever placed at state.”

Angela Rehm Sophomore

Cassandra Peek Senior “At Regionals, I was so nervous. I thought I was gonna poop my pants! But I was so excited, ‘cause I knew that as a team we would do amazing!” “At Regionals, it was very nerve-racking because one if our girls got hurt, so we had to change a lot in our routine. We still went out there and had a positive attitude!”

“My favorite memory so far would be, when we performed the state routine in front of the school and nailed it! Along with watching Katie Hall try and do a cartwheel!”

Sephra Pompa Junior

“I have many funny memories about competition, but the one I remember most was this year when we were practicing our building and we were almost done with our build when I started laughing and accidentally spit on Shae’s face and dropped the build.” Brea Lembke Junior

Sports Jefferson City Holiday Invitational by Jered Ross

T h e 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 2 B e n t o n g i rl s basketball team look to start their season out strong at the Jefferson City Holiday Invitational December 28-30, 2011. The team plans to take their season to new heights this year, and what better way to show what they’ve got than winning the holiday tournament.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Aside from taking down the holiday tournament in Jefferson City, the team also plans on winning the state title this year. With high hopes and strong determination, the lady cards plan on taking the 2011-2012 season to new heights. The girls first game in the tournament will begin on Wednesday, December 28th at 7:30.

TENNIS

VOLLEYBALL

CROSS COUNTRY

GOLF

SOFTBALL

Cassandra Peek “I had a lot of fun. It went by fast.”

Colleen Prendergrast “We had our fair share of victories and losses, and we faced them all as a team, so I’d say our season went pretty well.”

Lauren Johnson “I had a great time. It went by way too fast!”

Gail Bungee “I feel the season was decent. I accomplished in earning a few metals, made it to regionals, but didn’t quite make it to state.”

Cheyenne Ellis “I feel like our season went very well. We came together and fought our way to the very last game. Even then, we didn’t just give up the win.”

Advice: Don’t get mad at yourself if you do bad. Just have fun and keep your eye on the ball.

Advice: Never let your ego get in the way from making you better as a ball player.

Reflecting on their last season...

Advice: Train hard and your reward will be great.

Advice: Don’t give up and always push yourself because it’s Advice: Keep your head up the victories and never give you’ll up. That is how remember. you make your season great.

military

Opinion

Troops Homecoming by Emily Cox

On October 21, 2011, President Barack Obama announced that all U.S. troops would be coming home from Iraq by the end of the year. At this point Obama can declare an end to America's long, and costly, war in that Middle Eastern nation of Iraq. When interviewed, Obama said, "After nearly nine years, America's war in Iraq will be over." Obama went on to say, "The coming months will be a season of homecomings. Our troops in Iraq will definitely be home for the holidays." Out of the total 39,000 troops in Iraq, 150 will remain overseas to tie up loose ends and should be expected to come home at the end of December. Drug out for over eight years, the war cost the United States heavily. Over 4,400 members of our military have been killed, and over 32,000 have been injured. During

the next two months, thousands of troops will begin boarding convoys for the journey home. Obama said, “The last American soldiers will cross the border out of Iraq with their heads held high, proud of their success, and knowing the American people stand united in their support for our troops. “ It’s been a long nine years, and we’re happy to have our troops home. It’s an amazing thing to see families reunited with their loved ones for the holidays, and has been a long time in the waiting to finally have our troops back where they belong, home. “Both countries achieved their goals,” said Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Moussawi. “Iraq wanted full sovereignty, while the United States wanted its soldiers back home, and both goals are achieved.”

Warning Signs of Suicide Prolonged depression or sadness

Impulsive actions

Change in eating habits

Loss of interest in activities

Feeling hopeless

Poor performance at work or school

Frequent talking or writing about death or suicide

Feeling strong anger or rage

Giving away prized possessions or belongings

Feeling trapped Change in sleeping habits

Writing a will Dramatic mood changes

Withdrawing from family and friends

Feeling excessive guilt or shame Drug or alcohol abuse

Change in personality

by Emily Cox After falling for more than a decade, the U.S. suicide rate has begun climbing steadily since 1999. The rate has risen from 10.5 per 100,000 in 1999 to 11 per 100,000 people in 2005; an increase of just under 5%. "We really don't know what is causing this," said Dr. Paula Clayton, research director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. There could be many reasons why the suicide rate has been going up and up since 1999, as Clayton said, "All we have is speculation." One possibility for the increase in suicides might be tied to a rise in the abuse of prescription pain pills. Studies have shown that people who abuse drugs are at greater risk for suicide. Another possible explanation is the drop in hormone replacement therapy after its link to sever health risks back

Recklessness

in 2002. Women who gave up the replacement drug have become more susceptible to depression. If severe depression isn’t properly treated, it can lead to thoughts, and oftentimes acts, of suicide. As a matter of fact, Dr. Ian Cook, another member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention research board, said, “Untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide.” Some experts also suggest a post 9/11 effect, or an increase in suicides among veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is another possible reason for the increase in suicides. The declining economy has also been putting an enormous amount of stress on many Americans over the past few years, especially among middle-aged adults who seem to be enduring the most pressure and stress from it. Whatever the reason for the rise, it is something that should not be taken lightly and could befall on anyone.

With the holidays coming up, depression can become an overwhelming feeling. Everyone needs to know the signs to watch for. By knowing the signs, we can all do our part in stopping this terrible occurrence.

Around the holidays there is a signiﬁcant rise in the amount of suicides that occur. It’s an unpredictable event that occurs, but we can take steps to prevent it. If you recognize any of the warning signs within yourself, or another person, can contact any member of the Benton staﬀ. Together we can help.

by London Poston Did you know that 1.1 percent of drivers between the ages of 16 to 24 have been observed visibly manipulating hand-held electronic devices? Many people, across the globe, have died all because he or she answered a simple text message or phone call. Maybe you think it’s not important, but indeed it is. In the blink of an eye your friend, or family member could be gone forever, and all because they decided to take their eyes off the road for a split second. The ability of sending a short message has been embraced by millions all over the world, and been the cause of death for just as many. Driving is an activity that requires full concentration, and reading or composing a text message while driving can compromise a drivers concentration. The most obvious thing that happens when a driver is texting and driving is that driver will avert his or her eyes from the road for a matter of two to five seconds. That’s more than enough time for someone to run in front of a car, or for a car to run a red light. Despite the urgency of a text message, the risk it puts on yourself, and others, and the numerous

other dangers of texting and driving should be enough to prevent any driver from texting. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Senior Raychel Baker, and Junior Miles Goodwin both said, “Texting and driving is dangerous. The only time Baker thinks it is okay to text while behind the wheel is when you are stopped at a light. Baker also believes that texting and driving increases the risk of a car crash. Despite knowing the dangers, Goodwin said, “Heck yes I text and drive, and I’m darn good at it.” Goodwin also said he thinks texting while driving forces him to have a better reaction time. Baker and Goodwin both have their own beliefs when it comes to texting and driving, and they both agree that despite their differences, it is very dangerous. Mrs. Carol Stephenson, Benton High School’s nurse said that she does not text and drive whatsoever. Even when her phone is easily accessible while driving, she will let it ring. Stephenson believes that she can go without answering her phone while driving because she knows how dangerous texting and driving is. She also thinks that by her not answering her phone, she is saving the lives of everyone on the road.

The three main distractions when driving are visual, manual, and cognitive impairments. This mean when you take a phone call, or answer a text message, you are taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel, and taking your mind off of driving. Did you know that 20% of accident reports in 2009 were due to texting and driving? Also in 2009, 5,474 people were killed in the U.S., with an estimated 448,000 injured, from motor crashes due to texting and driving. Knowing how serious of a risk texting and driving is to yourself and loved ones, should be incentive enough not to do it. Face it, statistics don’t lie, and we only get one life. Is it worth the risk?

Mrs. Carol Stephenson

Jr. Miles Goodwin Sr. Raychel Baker

Reviews

November Music Releases

November Movie Releases

by Leetha Rowe

by Leetha Rowe November 2

November 16

Five Star Day The other F word

The Descendants Tomboy

November 4 A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas Tower Heist The Son of No One Young Goethe in Love

November 9 J. Edgar House of Tolerance

November 11 Immortals Jack and Jill Melancholia Into the Abyss The Conquest

November 18 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn part 1 Happy Feet Two Another Happy Day The Lie Tyrannosaur The Heir Apparent: Largo Winch

November 23 Hugo The Muppets Arthur Christmas My Week With Marilyn The Artist A Dangerous Method

November 1st

November 8th

November 15th

Four the Record by Miranda Lambert Ceremonials by Florence & The Machine TH1RT3EN by Megadeth Blouse by Blouse Long Live the King by The Decemberists Ambition by Wale Lulu by Lou Reed & Metallica

Parallax by Atlas Sound Replica by Oneohtrix Point Never Welcome to Condale by Summer Camp Twerps by Twerps So Outta Reach by Kurt Vile Humor Risk by Cass McCombs Tumble Bee by Laura Veirs Tycho - Dive Fear of God: Let Us Pray by Pusha T National Treasures: Complete Singles by Manic Street Preacher Crazy Clown Time by David Lynch Kinshasa One Two by DRC Music Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds by Noel Gallagher The Hunter by Kele The Vision by Joker

Hello Sadness by Los Campesinos Get Along by Tegan and Sara Camp by Childish Gambino Take Care by Drake Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage by R.E.M.

November 7th Inni by Sigur Ros Johnny Foreigner Johnny Foreigner vs Everything

Book Reviews

November 21st 50 Words for Snow by Kate Bush Talk that Talk by Rihanna

November 22nd Keys and Codes Remix EP by Death Cab For Cutie

Gone

By Michael Grant People are missing; teachers, cops, doctors, parents, all adults are...gone. Phones, internet and television, all down. Violence is ensuing, bullies are taking over, and hunger is on the rise. Teens are developing new, unimaginable, and deadly powers. They grow stronger with every waking moment. They must choose whose side to be on, and war is swiftly upon them. “If Stephen King had written LORD OF THE FLIES, it might have been a little like this.” -VOYA (starred Review) I rate this book four stars for its spine tingling drama and adventure.

Thirst No. 2 By Christopher Pike

Alisa has finally become what she has wanted to be for over five thousand years; she is finally human. Alisa is discovering emotions she gave up every having the chance to feel again. She is defenseless and vulnerable, and trying to cope with her new self all while trying to differentiate between what is real and what is only in her mind. Will Alisa be able to handle her new human self, or will she be doomed to make the same fatal mistakes she made once before? “I've loved this series ever since I read it.” ~B. Mason I rate this book five stars. Christopher Pike does an amazing job telling Alisa’s story and her battle with her deepest desire; to become human.

Benton Football Coach Taybor Coach Dial Coach Johnson Coach Glawson Coach McCoy

Coach Fowler Coach Burton Coach Paolillo Coach McCammy Coach Hubbard

Home of the Cardinals !

Legacy Stables God First, Horses Second 2012 Summer Camps Jamie & Tammy Noll 7765 N.W. Hwy NN Stewartsville, Missouri 64990 (816) 424-6309 (816) 294-3651 www.myhorsecamp.net

No horses! Ride one of ours!

Boarding, lessons, camps. It can all be found at Legacy Stables

All ages and experiences welcome.