Casady Crier Issue 2

the

Get Microsoft Tag Reader (http://gettag. mobi) for your smart phone and watch the Casady fall sports teams in action. Just scan the symbol above.

Page 10

December 6, 2010

Volume 58, Issue 2

Casady School, 9500 N. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, OK 73120

Building offers ideal learning environment in green setting

“The new W.R. Johnston Math Building symbolizes our school’s commitment to excellence and to our deep commitment to the hopes and aspirations of our students now and for many years to come”

–Headmaster Chris Bright

Zainab Shakir Opinions Co-editor Although classes were held there beginning Oct. 27, the new W.R. Johnston math building was officially opened with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 29. Over 200 parents, alumni, teachers, staff, and students were in attendance for this landmark moment for the school. The W.R. Johnston building itself is not only a beautiful piece of architecture; it gives students and teachers a comfortable environment to study and socialize.

“It is an invigorating, feel good place,” Mrs. Ruth Miano, mathematics department chair, said.

The new building boasts high ceilings, a spacious and modern lounge along with splashes of color everywhere, from the hallways to the bathroom stalls. Quirky new recycling bins reside in the hallways, with different shapes for each kind of recyclable material.

“I wish we had recycling bins like those for the science building, too. But I also love how bright and spacious it is,” Mrs. Julieta Zesiger said.

The aesthetics are more than just visually pleasing. The bright medley of colors on the bathroom partitions comes from recycled laundry detergent bottles, and the huge windows provide the hallways and classrooms with natural light, an aspect students seem to enjoy.

“I love all the sunshine from the windows,” junior Katie Costello said.

The environmentally friendly aspects of the new Johnston building go beyond recycled materials and well-lit rooms. The W.R. Johnston

building is Casady’s first, as well as Oklahoma’s first, LEED certified school building.

“We had to meet certain environmental standards to be a LEED building,” Dean of Students Mr. Matt Pena said.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and has various criteria that must be met in order to be LEED certified.

Perhaps the most unique feature of Casady’s new LEED certified building is it being powered by the infamous Casady Lake. The lake has been a part of Casady since it was founded in 1947, and is now used to heat and cool the building, as well as the chapel once it is completed.

“The temperature in Johnston is actually perfect,” freshman Tsu Kreidler said. “Not bad, considering the lake is heating it.”

Over three miles of geothermal loops are submerged in the lake, powering all electrical appliances in Johnston and the chapel. These loops are to be used on all new facilities on the Casady campus, such as the upcoming new science building and the new studio arts building.

This new source of energy is expected to significantly lower Casady’s carbon footprint, something the Environmental Club will be looking into over the course of the year.

“The new W.R. Johnston Math Building symbolizes our school’s commitment to excellence and to our deep commitment to the hopes and aspirations of our students now and for many years to come,” Headmaster Chris Bright wrote on his blog. “We are predicting a 30% reduction in operational costs due to this [geothermal] technology.” [continued on page 2]

Words of Wisdom

Senior Nathan Prabhu speaks at the W.R. Johnston Math Building dedication ceremony. Students moved into the building several days before the official ceremonies.

Construction of the environmentally friendly building was completed on schedule.

Five seniors named National Merit Semifinalists Aamina Shakir Co-Editor

Five Casady seniors, Olivia Branscum, Mitchell Manar, Jake Patton, Nathan Prabhu, and Aamina Shakir, have been named semifinalists in the 56th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. In this nationwide contest, students compete for prestigious scholarship opportunities for college. This is only the first stage, however; from here, these Cyclones still have to make finalist and then possibly scholar.

A student’s semifinalist standing is determined by his or her score on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT); a standardized test administered by the College Board and taken by approximately 3.5 million students every year, of which some 16,000 become semifinalists.

In order to qualify for semifinalist status, a student must take the PSAT in October of his or her junior year and score in the 99th percentile for his or her state, which in Oklahoma this year was 206. Although PSAT scores are released the following December, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation

MYopinion

(NMSC) is extremely secretive about the selection process and does not name semifinalists until the fall of their senior year, this past Sept. 15th.

Though clearly pleased with their accomplishment, Casady’s semifinalists were also not surprised by their selection.

“I was not really surprised. I kind of expected it, but it’s still a great honor and I feel very lucky,” senior Nathan Prabhu said.

Ninety percent of National Merit Semifinalists progress to finalist status, but only half of those finalists become National Merit Scholars. Scholars are distinguished by their top-notch GPA and SAT scores, as well as their extracurricular activities.

They are also eligible for three types of financial scholarships, college-based, corporation, and National Merit from NMSC. Several colleges offer substantial scholarships to finalists as well.

The titles of semifinalist or finalist often prove advantageous on college applications.

“I hope it will create more scholarship opportunities for me and help me get into some of the more competitive schools on my list,” senior Olivia Branscum said.

I think Debate helps me formulate arguments in a precise, accurate manner. In all aspects of life, it’s always helpful to be able to think under pressure.

Overall, the quality of education at Casady is well rounded. You can choose to challenge yourself with hard classes in each subject area.

Mr. Wiley’s AP US History class taught me to buckle down and just get work done.

Complaining never does any good.

How do you feel a Casady education prepares students for their future

Defne Altan, freshman

Eihab Khan, sophomore

However, several less competitive schools offer generous deals to these scholars as well, such as The University of Oklahoma, whose student body includes one of the highest percentages of National Merit finalists in the country.

“I had already decided to go to OU before I became a semifinalist, but their scholarship offer definitely sealed the deal.

Finalists basically get a free ride, as well as preference in their applications to the Honors College, so it’s well worth it,” senior Aamina Shakir said.

In order to advance, these semifinalists must take the SAT and submit an application to the NMSC for finalist status, which resembles a truncated college application. However, that stage is over now. Semifinalists will be notified whether they will become finalists in Feb. 2011. After that, finalists who become scholars won’t be notified until May. At this point, there is little the five semifinalists can do to improve their chances other than keeping their grades up. The Casady community undoubtedly hopes to produce its share of scholars and waits patiently for the final results to be released.

Ted Moock, senior

I remain hopeful that a Casady education still helps students understand that care and patience are often the vital ingredients in creating or learning something of value; that civilization and the human hands that make or remake it merit from us, as appropriate, gratitude, respect, or an urgent willingness to learn; that our salvation lies more in our courage and in our skepticism than in puerile notions of evolutionary progress.

Dr. Thomas Rumsey, History department

2

campusNEWS

the CRIER

December 6, 2010

Earthquake shakes Oklahoma “I can pick up a 7.3 [earthquake] from Indonesia more easily than a 4.3 from Texas,” —Dr. Michael Lewchuk Defne Altan Staff Writer While Casady’s freshmen, sophomores, and juniors sat down to take the PSAT and some seniors rode down to Norman for a visit to The University of Oklahoma Oct. 13, an earthquake of magnitude 4.3 struck to the south. Occurring approximately at 9:06 a.m., the earthquake hit 23 miles southeast of Oklahoma City in Norman.

According to local news channel News 9, it was felt by people all over Oklahoma, from Edmond to Noble to Tulsa, and doubtlessly startled many of the Casady students as well.

“So during the PSAT I looked over and the seismograph was shaking and wobbling. Moments afterward, Dr. Lewchuk was telling us about how we had a reasonable sized earthquake in Oklahoma City, and it was the coolest thing,” junior

Zainab Shakir said.

However, due to its small size and only brief duration, others did not initially consider that it might have been an earthquake.

“I thought it was either construction or a door slamming,” freshman Christine Luk said.

The seniors, who were the closest to the earthquake’s epicenter, the area of greatest damage, did not even feel the earthquake.

“We were going to OU on the bus. It was weird because people here felt it, and it happened at OU. We were between the two places and we didn’t feel anything,” senior David Robertson said.

According to geometry and geology teacher Dr. Michael Lewchuk, earthquakes are responses to movements in the crust of the earth.

Beneath the surface of the earth, basement rocks form an irregular surface. The earthquake in Oklahoma re-

sulted from the top layer of rock adjusting to the bottom layer. However, in Oklahoma, earthquakes, though fairly common, are small.

Dr. Lewchuk has a seismograph in his classroom which records information about the duration, strength, and location of earthquakes that are picked up by responding to vibrations in the earth. Primarily, it is composed of a magnet suspended on a spring over a copper coil; when the earth shakes up and down, the magnet moves and induces an electrical current in the coil that can be measured with a meter. The greater the current, the stronger the vibrations are.

So how does the 4.3 magnitude of Oklahoma’s earthquake stack up against others?

“It’s really, really small. A 5.3 earthquake is ten times stronger than a 4.3 earthquake. A 6.3 earthquake is

Analyzing Nature

Dr. Lewchuk’s seismograph recorded this image of the earthquake, which occurred in Oklahoma Oct. 14. Students are able to study earthquakes around the world up close by looking at the seismograph’s readings.

a hundred times stronger than a 4.3 earthquake. A 7.3 earthquake is a thousand times stronger than a 4.3 earthquake. I can pick up a 7.3 (earthquake) from Indonesia more easily than a 4.3 from Texas,” said Dr. Lewchuk.

According to Dr. Lewchuk, the seismograph is often useful in his teaching.

“I use it whenever we have an earthquake. It brings a bit of geography to the classroom,” Dr. Lewchuk said.

Although it is never pleasant to have an earthquake or

any natural disaster occur, it is always valuable to use our resources to learn from these horrid events. The Casady community is lucky to have a seismograph and teachers like Dr. Lewchuk who can teach us about our daily lives in such a relevant way.

All-American diver, top student Shanna Schuelein, signs with Auburn University

Making it official

Joined by many friends, senior Shanna Schuelein signs her letter of intent to dive at Auburn University next year. Shanna has had a terrific high school career, being named a three time All-American diver while achieving high scores in the classroom.

ALL-AROUND PLUS [continued from page 1] More than just an ecofriendly building, Johnston is student-friendly as well.

“It provides an environment for our teachers and students, an environmentally friendly space where students can excel,” Mr. Eric Fisher, chairman of the

board of trustees, said.

The larger, high-definition SMART boards, coupled with rolling chairs, make the building more engaging. The freshmen, who have their lockers in Johnston, seem to appreciate the new atmosphere as well.

“I love how it smells bet-

ter than Vose,” freshman Maia Kaplan said.

The response to the building has been overwhelmingly positive; all the students seem to enjoy having classes in Johnston. Research shows that the attention paid to acoustics, light, and air quality might further benefit stu-

Eric Kaplan Editor in-Chief From a young age, senior Shanna Schuelein fell in love with diving.

“I started when I was 9. I did gymnastics first, and a diving coach came to a meet and asked me to dive.

I tried it and loved it,” Shanna said.

After a very decorated first three years of high school diving, which included being a three time AllAmerican diver, Shanna decided to dive in college for Auburn University. Upon setting foot on the school’s campus located in Auburn, Alabama, she instantly fell in love with the university.

“It felt like a family, like Casady. I knew I belonged there. I stepped on the campus and felt like it was the place for me,” Shanna said.

Besides the ideal environment, Shanna felt the school’s diving program put her in a position to succeed.

“I also really liked the coach, Jeff

dents’ learning ability.

Making Casady a greener school is a constant, ongoing process. However, with the new W.R. Johnston building, it’s a huge step in the right direction.

“There’s no end to the staircase, no end on the path to infinity…there’s always

Shaffer, and that the program has won a lot. I really would like to make NCAA Nationals,” Shanna said.

With her college decision complete, Shanna can focus all of her efforts on the upcoming Cyclone swimming & diving season. The three time All-SPC honoree and 2 time SPC girls’ diving champion has herself and her team in position to have another successful season.

“High school diving has been a lot of fun. Not only have I dove, but I also got to swim, which has allowed me to be more part of a team, because diving is mostly an individual sport,” Shanna said.

Shanna’s strong work ethic in the classroom and on the diving board will unquestionably lead to much success in her future. With football star Cameron Newton most likely opting to enter the NFL Draft after this season, Shanna has the potential to become the next Auburn sensation.

another problem to solve, and another theorem to prove,” senior Nathan Prabhu said.

With the aid of talented architects, builders, and staff, Casady School has ascended several more steps up the staircase to a greener, student-friendlier campus.

”There’s no end to the staircase, no end on the path to infinity...there’s always another problem to solve, and another theorem to prove

–Nathan Prabhu

campusNEWS

December 6, 2010

the CRIER

3

Casady initiative to fight hunger ensures meals for many families Aamina Shakir Co-Editor During the week of Oct. 25-29, Casady held its annual canned food drive for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. It was headed by senior Aamina Shakir, who was in charge of the project last year as well.

This year’s drive appeared much the same as previous ones, with student volunteers, some dressed in the famous can suits, stationed outside division buildings early every morning to urge students to bring cans and money. However, in reality it represented a more multifaceted effort: while traditionally the canned food drive has been dominated in both planning and volunteering by members of YAC, the Casady service learning club, the Student Council’s important role in the project became much more visible this year.

For this year’s drive, YAC partnered with StuCo and Gales to maximize outreach to the Casady community, in hopes of bringing in as many donations as possible.

Though it has been common in the past to grant an out-of-uniform to Upper Division students who have brought at least five cans or five dollars any given day of the drive, StuCo introduced a themed week of out-ofuniforms this year as an incentive for students to donate more than just one day while also hoping to make the project more fun.

“StuCo decided to make Canned Food Week more fun for students and faculty on campus, to help them get more into it,” StuCo president Liz Brindley said.

Themes for each day related to the types of donations that students were encouraged to bring. For example, Monday Oct. 25, the theme was fruit cocktail, encouraging students to bring

canned fruits in exchange for an out-of-uniform in which they would wear colors traditionally associated with fruit, such as orange and yellow. Tuesday was associated with meat and veggies while Wednesday was soup.

“We thought fruit on Monday would be fun because everyone could wear bright colors,” Liz said.

Students seemed to make an effort to coordinated their attire with the daily theme.

“My favorite theme day was fruit day because you got to choose from lots of different colors,” senior Aly Mott said.

Thursday and Friday departed from the food focus, since the former was dressup day for Halloween and the latter a blue-and-white spirit day for homecoming; however, the food drive was not forgotten, as StuCo had a pancake breakfast before chapel on Thursday in order to raise more money.

“I really liked the pancake breakfast because it was a good way to square the interests of the students with the needs of the food drive,” sophomore Sarah Puls said .

“Pancake breakfasts are always fun and this was no exception, especially since everyone was in costume. It helped remind people that the Halloween out-of-uniform was part of the food drive too,” senior Olivia Branscum said.

YAC and Gales members and other volunteers unaffiliated with school clubs were especially vital to the operation of the canned food drive. They came to school early every morning the week of the drive to take their stations at the various divisions and would spend about an hour collecting cans and money, passing out stickers to donors, counting and tallying their donations, and of course advertising their cause.

MYopinion

I help at the Food Bank because I love helping people.

Why do you feel it is important to serve the community

Jazmine Shoureh, freshman

Food for thought

Freshmen Asha Nanda and Adam Hassoun pose in their can suits. Every day of the food drive, student volunteers dressed up to solicit donations outside every division.

“Working there was so much fun because the kids were all adorable and the parents were excited to be involved. At the end of the week, Arjun and I were really impressed by the outcome of the donations,” junior Chandler Helms, who volunteered at the Primary Division, said.

Others liked helping out in the younger divisions because they felt those kids had a different passion about collecting than in Upper Division.

“I feel, ironically, that the little kids participate more in the food drive, which is a satisfying feeling. While I was there, I wore the can suit,

I’ve helped at Summer by the Lake during the summer. I enjoy being able to help little kids learn to read and count. It is fun to see them put it into practice.

held up posters, counted cans, and chalked the sidewalk with fun facts about the food drive to remind them to bring cans,” senior Alizay Paracha said.

In the Upper Division, donations were further classified according to grade, creating a competition to see which could raise the most money and cans. Freshmen won, donating 452 cans and $280.00 over the course of the week. There are multiple opinions about why this happened.

“I think it’s because as you’re here longer and longer it loses its novelty. Freshmen are really excited to be in high school and want to be

It is important to put others before yourself.

Community service helps you learn that.

Katie Costello, junior

Scotie Conner, senior

involved,” freshman Grace Gliva responded.

Others believe intimidation and fear played a large part in the freshman’s eagerness to donate cans and money.

“I think we’re intimidated that the upperclassmen would be angry if we didn’t do well,” freshman Lizzi Hahn said.

As a whole, Casady School overall succeeded in raising 6,251 cans and $1350.51 over the course of the week, a visible sign students and faculty throughout the school are willing to help fight food hunger head on.

“I was very glad that there

was a collaboration between StuCo, Gales, and YAC to inspire the student body to donate in a year where the need for cans and money at the food bank was greater than ever. Also, it was great how the administrators from the other divisions were so open to allowing high schoolers to motivate their students. To me, the most rewarding part of the week was the collaborative effort between students, teachers, and administrators,” Upper Divison of Service Learning Carmen Clay said.

Specific preferences aside, most seem to regard this year’s canned food drive as a schoolwide success.

I volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club.

I enjoy hanging with the kids.

CDC dances with them and teaches them moves.

Myasia McGee, senior

Service is like breath, essential to a fulfilling life.

Mrs. Carmen Clay, Director of Service Learning

4

the CRIER

campusNEWS

December 6, 2010

Orchestra receives superior ratings Caitlin Anderson Staff Writer The school year is not even half-way through, but Casady Upper Division Orchestra has been quite successful and is looking forward to a very promising rest of the year. The orchestra has already performed their annual fall concert and members from the orchestra have competed for North Central Honor Orchestra (NCHO) NCHO represents Oklahoma City, Bethany, Putnam City, Ponca City, Enid, Shawnee, Heritage Hall, Casady School, and Edmond school systems. Students must spend hours preparing for the audition. NCHO is split into 8th – 9th grade orchestra and 10th – 12th grade orchestra. This year, many students auditioned for North Central Honor Orchestra, making it a very competitive try out. Eight students from Casady made NCHO. In the 8th – 9th grade orchestra, freshman Arjun Reddy made 4th Chair for

First Violins and freshman Christine Luk made 9th Chair for Second Violins.

In the 10th – 12th grade orchestra senior Connor Morrison won 4th chair for bass, senior Nathan Prabhu won 16th chair for first violins, and senior Rebecca Roach made 16th chair for cello. Also, junior Teddy Nollert made 8th chair for first violins, junior Deric Corn made 12th chair for viola, and sophomore Ronnie Garcia won 14th chair for cello.

These students participated in a two day clinic at Oklahoma City University in the Bass School of Music and performed in concert Nov. 13.

“It was fun to be around a bunch of talented musicians for one weekend. It was a good learning experience,” Connor said.

The Casady Orchestra also recently performed in a state contest this past Nov. They performed Lullaby by William Hofeldt and Bach’s Brandenburg #3. Bach’s

Brandenburg #3 was one of the hardest pieces they had ever attempted. “ I thought our contest would be challenging, but if we continued to work hard we definitely The Music Men had a Senior Mitchell Manar, junior Deric Corn, senior Nathan Prabhu and junior Teddy Nollert put their talents to c h a n c e ,” good use at the W.R. Johnston Math Building dedication. In competitions this year the orchestra has earned senior Ol- “Superior” ratings for multiple songs. ivia Branered too easy. superior ratings for both to play in Italy this year with scum said.

Generally, Casady Or- songs at the state contest, all the talented members of Each school was given a chestra tries to take arrange- something very difficult to the orchestra,” junior Branlist of possible pieces to perments higher than its level, achieve but definitely very nan Crossno said. form based on their size. As as it did this year. well-deserved by Mr. Moore With continued hard the size of a school increased, “There was a lot of hard and his entire group of per- work, the second half of the the difficulty of the pieces work and extra practice this formers. year should be just as sucavailable to them increased year, but hearing how it all Casady Orchestra will cessful, if not even more so, as well. Schools could pick comes together was really also be traveling to Italy this for the 2010-2011 Casady pieces harder than their asmotivating,” senior Kailey March in addition to its usu- Upper Division Orchestra. signed level but could not Emmerson said. al concerts and contests. pick pieces that were considThe orchestra received “I’m excited for the chance

English curriculum and Library’s policies meet to offer students more reading freedom Tory Smith Staff Writer Each year, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) receives hundreds of reports on book challenges, which request that a book be removed from a library or classroom due to objectionable content. In 2009 alone there were 460 recorded attempts to remove books from libraries. There

have been 11,000 challenges since the OIF began recording them in 1990.

In response to these challenges, many people across the nation have voiced their support for the right to read.

“I’ve read banned books like the Harry Potter series and The Grapes of Wrath, and I survived. Although some people may find these books offensive, it is the author’s right to express

what he or she feels is im- other book in the library. lum are The Adventures of But as Mrs. Johnson exportant to society. And it is a Mrs. Johnson provides books Huckleberry Finn and The plained, “What teenagers go student’s right to have access from every subject and tries Grapes of Wrath, both of through makes for controto all kinds of literature,” se- to reflect the school’s cur- which are among the most versial writing.” nior Liz Brindley stated. riculum. Casady’s collection challenged books to this Banned Books Week lasts Each September libraries and bookstores across the country celebrate literary freedom during Banned Books Week. This year marked the 29th annual celebration, during which participants often display books selected from Banned Books the ALA OIF’s “Top Even some of the most well-known and beloved books have faced opposition from parents 100 Most Frequently who feel that the content is objectionable.

Challenged Books.”

The list released this spring includes To Kill A of books is impressive, with day. only a short time each year, Mockingbird, The Catcher a vast number and variety of “Casady’s community but students at Casady are in the Rye and books from works to choose from. has been one of academic encouraged to read books the Twilight series. Among “We won’t buy a book freedom. We were one of that interest them all year those proudly displaying just because it is contro- the first schools in the state long, even if those books are these books was Casady’s versial,” Mrs. Johnson said, to teach To Kill A Mocking- considered controversial.

Upper Division Library. “but we won’t not buy it bird, which was controver“Not every book is right “The point of a library because it’s controversial ei- sial from the beginning be- for each reader, but we is that we don’t censor. We ther. We look at the literary cause it deals with racism,” should have the right to celebrate the freedom of value of the book and decide Mrs. Johnson explained. think for ourselves and alchoice,” Director of Library if it is worth it.”

“A lot of books are chal- low others to do the same,” Services Mrs. Jeanie JohnCasady’s teachers have lenged because of sexual, American Library Assoson said. a lot of influence on which religious, or supernatural ciation’s president, Roberta Mrs. Johnson participates books are taught each year. content, or it might just be Stevens, stated in a press in Banned Books Week each English teacher Dr. Gerard language,” Mrs. Johnson release. year by exhibiting books discussed The Kite Runner added.

Casady strongly shares from the “Top Ten” list in in her junior classes last year.

Parents often object to this ideal, and the school’s a display case in the library. This book is considered con- Young Adult literature, curriculum reflects its conInterested students are wel- troversial for its depiction which tends to include one tinuing support for literary come to peruse the pages of of the rape of a young boy. or more of the aforemen- freedom. these books, along with any Also in the Casady curricu- tioned properties.

5 OU physics competition a success campusNEWS

December 6, 2010

Nathan Prabhu Features Co-Editor On Oct. 29, 31 Casady students traveled down to the University of Oklahoma to participate in the annual Engineering Open House.

They competed against approximately 200 other students from roughly 20 different schools in several engineering competitions.

In addition to these competitions all participants took academic tests in math, chemistry, and physics. As expected, Casady students performed very well in all subjects. Senior Mitchell Manar placed 1st in physics and 3rd in chemistry; Senior Olivia Branscum placed 1st in Chemistry; and Senior Nathan Prabhu placed 2nd in Math and 2nd in Chemistry. Nathan also placed 2nd in the Ping Pong Ball Launcher competition, in which students designed a catapult out of a household mouse trap.

“I am very proud of Casady’s performance. It’s great that we could stand strong against so many high schools, including OSSM,” Olivia said.

Besides taking tests, students also prepared many apparatuses for the competition. The famous Egg Drop competition required

creative ingenuity. Students had to create a device that could store two eggs touching such that the eggs would not break when dropped from various heights.

“I made a 9 x 12 inch box, and coated it in several layers of materials to cushion the fall. Bubble wrap worked very well,” junior Katie Costello said.

Katie’s creation was able to withstand the greatest height, which is a very impressive feat.

The glider competition was also very popular. Students designed wooden airplanes and hoped that theirs would fly the farthest.

“I used balsa wood and homemade ingenuity for my glider,” junior Teddy Nollert said. “I named it the Butler, and it flew service of Lufthansa.”

After all the competitions, students enjoyed the beautiful weather and relaxed on the OU campus.

“Being on a college campus is always fun,” said Olivia.

“The cafeteria food was good. I also ran into a couple of Casady alumni,” said Teddy. “It was nice to see some familiar faces.”

All in all, the OU physics trip was an enjoyable and successful excursion.

the CRIER

Hoping for the best

Juniors Katie Costello (left photo), Klancy Brown, and Hilary Hamm watch as their devices are put to the test in the egg drop competition at the University of Oklahoma’s Engineering Open House. Students were asked to design structures to protect an egg being drop multiple stories off the ground.

Disaster creates damage, leaves hundreds of thousands homeless in flooded Pakistan Khadija Hamid Staff Writer Looking back at all the natural disasters, which occurred in the twenty-first century, the flood in Pakistan is among the greatest.

At the end of July this year, Pakistan was struck by this calamity, instantly affecting the lives of its people and other all around the world.

Heavy rainfalls initiated the disastrous flood causing thousands of deaths and displacing over twenty million people. Homes were broken down bit by bit, falling into water that rushed down the roads, eventually submerging whole villages.

Response to the flood didn’t appear quickly enough. Cries of young children ring out through the country, homeless and orphaned. Parents, grandparents, and separated families’ eyes fill with tears at the thought that their loved ones perished in the floods.

Each flood victim suffers from hunger, and the only mode of survival through the winter is donations, which often run out with the millions of people needing him or her. Over seventeen million acres of fertile cropland have gone to ruins, leaving in its wake a massive loss of food production. Prices for almost everything have skyrocketed and those living in poverty can barely even afford bread.

The living condition of victims causes multiple deaths along with the malnutrition.

Camps are set up in many locations across

Horrid destruction

During the summer, vicious floods hit Pakistan and its inhabitants extremely hard. Many are left homeless and hungry with no help today.

Pakistan’s terrain, the tents seen for miles.

Families huddle inside these small homes, possibly for many years to come, hoping for a miracle that could carry them back to their lives or present them with an opportunity to flee these hardships.

Unfortunately, an opportunity arising for these people is near impossible with a president like Asif Ali Zardari. Corruption is so common that even the government has been forced to admit that it might be better if aid were controlled through other, international

hands instead of its own.

However, these victims try to look above that and accept any help they receive. Even with nothing in hand, they put in all their efforts to improve their lives and their future.

6

the CRIER

THREE NECESSITIES to Oklahoma City Thunder success in 2010

Eric Kaplan Editor in-Chief 3. Kevin Durant is struggling by his standards this season from 3-point range.

Durant boosts a career average 3-point percentage of 35.2%, and last season, during his NBA scoring champion campaign, it was 36.4%. So far, this season he has shot 26.7% from behind the arc. I understand he has not taken a season’s worth of 3-point shots already, causing each shot to weigh heavier on his season average. However, Durant uncharacteristically appears a little off from deep range this season.

2.Russell Westbrook’s intense off season program, which included playing on the gold medal winning USA national team at the FIBA World Championship, seems to be paying off so far. This season, his points/game average (23.8) is more than 7 points higher than his career average and his assist/game (8.6) is up nearly 2 assists from that career average. Now, in his third season, look for Westbrook’s offensive maturation to continue throughout the season.

1. The Thunder needs to establish consistency on defense. This year, the team has surrendered an average 102.00 pts/game, the 9th highest in the NBA, compared to last season’s 98.00 pts/game, the 11th lowest. Knowing that lately the players seem to be playing better defensively, look for this average to drop.

(Stats through 11/30/10)

ON THE CALENDAR highlighted home Thunder games

December: 25th vs. Denver Nuggets 27th vs. Dallas Mavericks January: 13th vs. Orlando Magic 30th vs. Miami Heat February: 2nd vs. New Orleans Hornets 27th vs. Los Angeles Lakers Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant

MYopinion

fun&ENTERTAINMENT

December 6, 2010

Thunder makes its mark in Oklahoma City Eric Kaplan Editor in-Chief Rewind back to the past April. You head to downtown Oklahoma City, following a stampede of pumped up people. You walk into the arena formerly known as the Ford Center and your heart begins to beat thunderously with excitement.

Instantly, a sea of blue appears before your eyes as you quickly realize it’s almost game time. As the pre-game clock hits zero, you rise from your seat with the other fans while AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” blares in the background, emphatically realizing this is the place for you.

Over the past two plus seasons, the Oklahoma City Thunder has become an essential part for this city, state, and its inhabitants. Fans nearly instantly became mesmerized with this team and everything it’s about both on and off the court. However, in order for such a strong bond to have formed so quickly, there obviously is more to this team and organization that attracts fans than the average National Basketball Association (NBA) club.

Observing from afar, it seems most successful professional teams are deeply rooted by a wellbuilt coaching staff and committed front office.

Beginning with reigning NBA Coach of the Year Scott Brooks, a young former player who easily relates with the players, general manager Sam Presti, an educated executive dedicated to acquiring and molding players to fit the Thunder system, and a group of owners headed by Mr. Clay Bennett, who are determined

It’s game time

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka tips off a nationally broadcast contest against the Portland Trail Blazers and forward LaMarcus Aldridge Nov. 12. Due to the team’s playoff push against the eventually champion Los Angeles Lakers, the Thunder has gained much national attention this season.

to put together a topnotch professional sports experience, the Thunder has been engineered by a prestigious combination.

Within three seasons, they have quickly rejuvenated this organization, turning it into a high-flying, contending team in the Western Conference.

Much of the Thunder’s success obviously is due to the nucleus of youth talent on the team.

Kevin Durant has been dubbed the leader of the crew after his impressive 2009-2010, which he boosted a NBA-leading 30.1 points per game average. Russell Westbrook, a guard possessing freakish athletic ability, has blossomed into a quality point guard and scorer for the Thunder with Jeff Green, a physical yet finesse forward, also guaranteeing the Thunder vital numbers each time he steps onto the court. Other young play-

ers, such as Serge Ibaka, Nick Collison, Thabo Sefolosha, James Harden, and Eric Maynor, have matured into their niches on this ball club, providing various necessities to the Thunder in the 20102011 campaign.

There are also various other features about this franchise that make it appeal to the Oklahoma faithful. Prior to the 2009-2010, the then Ford Center underwent a series of renovations as part of MAPS. Noticeably, the scoreboard received an extreme face lift, giving it top-notch quality from Daktronics, and many lower level seats were replaced with more luxurious ones. Also, the addition of new restaurants and concessions and the bunker suites added a more NBA-type quality to the arena.

Rumble the Bison, the Thunder’s energetic

mascot, has definitely become a fan favorite. From his behind the back half court shots to his humorous climbing through sections and emphatic waving of the Thunder flag, Rumble undoubtedly keeps fans motivated throughout every game.

Some analysts and critics were critical of the franchise’s initial move to Oklahoma City. However, since being here, the Thunder has definitely done much to capture positive attention across the nation. With multiple nationally televised games remaining and the possibility of reaching and advancing in the playoffs likely, the Oklahoma City Thunder, built around the idea “Rise Together,” will have plenty of opportunities to show the world why 18,000+ energetically pack “The Thunderdome” each home game.

The games are highly entertaining.

I enjoy watching individual players like Kobe, LeBron, and Carmelo play and look forward to telling my son about them one day.

http://www.hoopscribe.wordpress.com

Why do you enjoy attending Oklahoma City Thunder games

I like seeing the team compete at a high level with my friends.

Brayden Dyson, freshman

The Kiss Cam and the Fro Yo.

Molly Brown, junior

Personally, I’m not the biggest Thunder fan, but I’m looking forward to Feb. 27 at 1:30 to see Kobe doin’ work at the OKC Arena.

John Brown, junior

Over the past two plus seasons, the Oklahoma City Thunder has become an essential part for this city, state, and its inhabitants.

Fans nearly instantly became mesmerized with this team and everything it’s about…

Three Words, Rumble the Bison.

Tanner Hanstein, senior

Mr. Josh Bottomly, English/College Counseling

fun&ENTERTAINMENT

December 6, 2010

the CRIER

A journey around the world Khadija Hamid Staff Writer From the moment he entered the world, the life of Joseph Miano was destined to be anything but ordinary.

With his Italian grandfather Sebastiano’s encouragement and grandmother Giovannina’s words of wisdom, “Joey, Joey, work, work! Work never killed anybody! If you work in this country you will become very important,” he set out with high goals and a positive attitude.

“My grandfather’s stories about Sicily sparked an interest in travel and seeing faraway places,” Mr. Miano said.

Mr. Miano gained some initial work ex-

perience being a stock room attendant at a JCPenny, working at the Holiday Inn with a military sergeant woman as his boss, and starting his own lawn-mowing business.

Finally, he decided he wanted to do something extremely incredible. He joined the Peace Corps and signed up for a Spanish-speaking country.

“I left graduate school because of my disenchantment with the military operations in Vietnam and wanted to do something positive like the Peace Corps,” Mr. Miano said.

Mr. Miano found just what he wanted in Kenya. He flew over there to teach at the

Nkuibu high school, and he learned the Swahili language along the way. After three years he transferred to the International School of Kenya in Nairobi, where he first met his future wife Mrs. Miano.

“We made some very good friends among different Kenyans, Muslim Swahili’s at the coast and Samburu warriors in the Northern Frontier district,” Mr. Miano said.

After spending six years in Africa, Mr. and Mrs. Miano both came back to the states and taught in Indiana for twelve years. Eventually they wanted a change, and that change was Oklahoma. It appealed very much to Mr. Mi-

ano with its beautiful red dirt and flat land.

However, what really got him to stay were the nice people at Casady, and in 1990 he began his long journey in Casady Upper Division.

“Casady always felt like home to us,” Mr. Miano said.

Joseph Miano, the man who can speak English, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, and Swahili, the man who went from New York, to Kenya, to Oklahoma, fulfilled his dreams and grew to be an important man, but who knows what greater surprises will come his way in the future.

Anything is possible with Mr. Miano.

7

Climbing to the top

Mr. Miano hikes on a snowing mountain during his time in Africa.

Applying statistics to problem solving Nathan Prabhu Features Editor One statistical problem has fooled many PhDs because its solution seems to defy logic.

Featured in the movie 21, it goes like this: Suppose you’re on a game show and there are three doors. Behind one is a car, and behind the other two are goats.

The car has an equal chance of being behind all three doors. You pick door number one. The game show host (originally Monty Hall who the problem is named

after), who knows what’s behind each door, opens up door number three, which has a goat behind it. He then offers you the chance to switch to door number two. Should you do it?

Statistically, the answer is yes. In fact if you change your answer, you have a two-thirds chance of getting the car.

Let’s assume that you will switch every time.

In order to get the car in the end, you would have to initially pick the door with the goat. If you did this, the host would have

to open the other door with the goat, and then the car would have to be behind the remaining door. Assuming you will switch, the best outcome would be when you have initially selected a door with the goat. This outcome has a two-thirds chance of happening.

This two-thirds chance of selecting the goat translates into a two-thirds chance of winning the car with the switch.

It seems hard to believe, but try it with a friend. It works.

Door 1

Door 3

Result if staying

The Monty Hall Problem Possible outcomes if you initially pick Door 1.

Casady Culture Grid What the Science Department thinks about...

Door 2

Result if switching

What magical ability would you want from the Harry Potter series?

What were you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

If you could have dinner with any scientists, who would they be and why?

What is your science battle cry?

Are you fly “Like a G6” or do you like to “Whip [Your] Hair”?

Mr. Joseph Miano Science Department Chairman

Flying either on a broom or by apparition

My family’s health and mine.

Galileo Galilei and Sir Issac Newton to see how they would consider each others theories.

P-H-Y-S-I-C-S is P-H-U-N.

Fly “Like a G6”.

Mrs. Julieta Zesiger Acc. Chem/Biology/Genetics

Time-Turner

My girls.

Gregor Mendel. I want to know what inspired him to investigate thousands of plants.

Science is F-U-N.

Fly “Like a G6”.

Mrs. Shanon Freeman IPC

Invisibility cloak with The A happy, healthy family Marauder’s Map. and my whole life opportunities.

Richard Feynman because he was hilarious. I would ask him about his incredibly funny experience when he received the Nobel Prize.

There is no other, B-I-OL-O-G-Y.

“Whip My Hair”.

Mr. Lucila Taucer Basic Chemistry

Silencio for my students.

Marie Curie because she was one of the most famous women scientists.

We would discuss treating cancer.

M-O-L-E

Mr. Mark Delgrosso Biology

An owl.

Alexande Von Humboldt because of his explorations of South America.

ATP for the masses

Fly “Like a G6”.

Matilda Mr. Miano’s Physics Doll

Amortentia for Mr. Miano Nothing. I was stuck in a drawer all of Thanksgiving.

Mr. Miano.

M-I-A-N-O is my guy.

“Whip My Hair”.

Being able to communicate with my loved ones.

Being healthy.

“Whip My Hair”

8

holidaySPIRIT

the CRIER

TEN TIDBITS

December 6, 2010

of Halloween 2010

Nathan Prabhu Feautures Editor 10. Bad costume idea: being an astronaut by wearing a Ziploc bag over you head.

9. Worse costume idea: A sophomore boy coming as a ghost/ white supremacist 8. This year, trick-or-treating was moved to the 30th because the 31st fell on a Sunday.

7. What’s a great way to start Halloween dress-up day at school? Stepping out of your car only to be greeted by a giant panda, mouse, and fox creepily smiling at you.

6. Better way to start the day? Having STUCO cook you orange, jack-o’lantern chocolate pancakes.

5. Funny costume idea: strapping a doll to your rear-end and, whenever you sit down, calling yourself a baby sitter.

4. Funnier costume idea: whatever Stickler was.

3. Easiest costume idea: walking around with a toy plane and calling yourself an aircraft carrier, a.k.a Max Blumenthal.

2. There’s only one superhero, from the planet Freud and arch nemesis of Id, who can save us from our selfish desires by pressuring us to follow our social code, SUPER-EGO, a.k.a Gavin Swenson.

1. Laffy Taffy joke (the best kind): How do you mend a broken jack o’ lantern?

With a pumpkin patch.

MY

Kelsey Jones News CoEditor Costumes, trick-ortreating, and haunted houses are all integral parts of Halloween in our culture today. But why do we even celebrate this holiday? Where did it come from?

The name “Halloween” comes from the combination of the words “Hallow’s Een,” which itself is a contraction of “Hallow’s Even” (“eve” in modern English), the day before All Saints’ Day. Devout Catholics were obliged to attend mass on this day. However, the modern traditions associated with Halloween originate from the Celtic peoples indigenous to Britain and Ireland.

Every year, the Celts would celebrate a festival known as Samhain (pronounced sow-in).

This occurred at the end of the harvest season and was also a preparation for winter. The Celts believed that on October 31, the lines between the dead and the living overlapped and the dead would come back to life to wreak havoc on crops. The festival usually involved bonfires which would attract insects; the in-

opinion

Why did you enjoy Halloween this past year

Halloween is the one day a year that I can go knock on my neighbor’s door in my underwear, demand candy, and not get arrested for it.

Gavin Swenson, sophomore

Senior Liz Brindley, who always sects, in turn, would then attract bats to the area.

This is how bats came to be associated with Halloween.

The Celts also wore masks and costumes in an attempt to mimic evil spirits or to appease them.

Halloween has since developed into a secular, lighthearted holiday during which people dress up in costumes, trick-ortreat, carve pumpkins, and attend Halloween parties. On the Casady campus, students enjoy coming in their favorite costumes and having candy during their classes.

“I like that during the blocks the teachers will pass out candy to anyone who comes to their office to ‘trick-or-treat’. It makes the day even more enjoyable,” senior Tory Smith said.

A favorite activity for students is to come to school and see their classmates dressed up in crazy costumes.

The costumes because it’s fun to see what other people come as.

makes a creative Halloween costume, tells about her favorite one: “In fifth grade at Westminster, I was a sandwich for Halloween. I cut white Styrofoam into bread slices and had green pipe cleaners for alfalfa sprouts.

I also cut pink styrofoam to make ham slices. The best part was that I had a pickle shaped hat! It was definitely my favorite costume.”

Although some students may not have time to make their own costumes, most create a different identity for the day with either a store-bought costume or things they find lying around their house.

Another tradition associ-

ated with Halloween is carving a pumpkin. This custom also traces back to the ancient Celts, who carved scary faces on turnips to frighten away ghosts. At Casady, the headmaster hosts a pumpkin carving contest every year for the senior class. Teams compete in two categories, best costumes and best pumpkin. This year, the team that won best costumes was “Emergency Room,” which consisted of Alizay Paracha, Caitlin Anderson, DJ Wood, Rebecca Roach, and Reshawn Lawrence.

The team that won best pumpkin was “Dragon Quest,” whose members included Tory Smith, Aamina Shakir, Aly Mott, Kailey Emerson, and Alley Cottrell.

On Thursday, October 28th, Upper Division students were given an out-of-uniform to dress up in their Halloween costumes.

Student Council had a Best Costume contest that earned the winner’s grade Olympic points.

This year’s overall winners were

Operation gone wrong?

“Emergency Room” by seniors Caitlin Anderson, Rebecca Roach, Reshawn Lawrence, DJ Wood, and Alizay Paracha definitely needed some creative brainstorming. This was one of the pumpkins made at the headmaster’s pumpkin carving contest for seniors.

Connor Morrison, Mason Roberts, and Trace McMurrain who were dressed as a panda, a mouse, and a fox, respectively.

Even though most Halloween celebration and festivities were not held on Oct. 31, because it fell on a Sunday, all students seemed to thoroughly enjoy the holiday.

Costume parties because it let’s you be creative and crazy.

Eating all the candy.

Dalton Parrack, junior

I like seeing all the crazy costumes, especially the girls.

Filip Holy, senior

Warren Wright, senior

Ms. Joanne Infantino, Academic Dean/Spanish

9 Latest installment in Harry Potter series excites, brings back memories for fans fun&ENTERTAINMENT

December 6, 2010

Zainab Shakir Opinions Co-editor As any loyal Harry Potter fan knows, Nov. 19th marked the premiere of the seventh installment in the Harry Potter movie adaptations. Countless fans, many of them Casady students, remember flocking to Barnes and Noble bookstores, waiting for sometimes hours after midnight to purchase the next new book. But now, with the first part of the seventh movie just recently coming out, the Potter mania has made a reappearance, and Casady students are no exception.

“I love Harry Potter. It’s so cool that they [Harry, Ron, and Hermione] grew up with us, and it’s sad that it’s ending just as we graduate,” junior Catherine White said.

Harry Potter began as modest scribblings by J.K. Rowling on a few yellow sticky notes while on a train to Hogshead. It then developed into a full-fledged series around 2000. Rowling has the unique ability of making her books grow with her readers. People who began reading Harry Potter around six to eleven were young adults by the publication of the seventh book.

“Harry Potter has been a part of our generation and especially meaningful to me, because I’m in love with the books and movies,” senior

Wendy Peza said.

Among the reasons both children and adults adore the series is Rowling’s ability to spin out increasingly alluring and creative plots.

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the book upon which the new movie is based, Harry and his best friends, Ron and Hermione, set out to track down the dark Lord Voldemort’s horcruxes, objects of dark magic that allow him immortality.

“Rowlings is great at simple, clean writing with wondrous imagery, which is perfect for easily influenced kids,” senior Kailey Emerson said.

Fans were eager to see the new movie, but some were wary of disappointment.

“I hope they focus more on Rowlings’ plot. The last few movies didn’t even scratch the surface,” senior Caitlin Anderson explained before seeing the movie.

From seeing trailers, fans had a mixed response. Some felt that the movie would capture the mood and intricacies of the first half of the book better than one movie encompassing the whole book could. Others felt that dividing the movie into two is a shameless bid for more money.

“They’re just making two crappy one and a half hour movies to make more money,” senior Ben McCampbell said before hearing the mov-

the CRIER

The saga of The Boy Who Lived vs. The Dark Lord

J.K. Rowling’s literary masterpiece has pitted Harry Potter against Voldemort since Harry was just an infant. The series will culminate with the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II July 15, 2011.

ie actually lasted for two and a half hours.

Also, some students surprisingly never really caught on to the craze.

“I’ve never really been a big fan of Harry Potter,” senior LaDijah Wood said. “But I recently started watching the movies and they’re pretty good.”

Regardless of whether one is a wanna-be wizard or a skeptical Muggle, it’s impossible to deny the tremenThey completely misrepresented my character.

dous impact the books and movies have had on the lives of kids worldwide. “Because of Harry Potter, I’ve met people and had experiences I never would have otherwise.

Some of my favorite memories are of having the books read aloud to me when I was little, watching the movies with friends, and getting into crazy, in-depth discussions about it with people I barely knew at the time,” sophomore Eliza Robertson

said.

Whether one is a fan or an indifferent bystander, everyone must admit there must be something about the books that allows them to captivate so many readers.

“The stories are really powerful. They’re about a lost little kid finding a place where he’s loved and accepted, and that’s something everyone can relate to,” Eliza said.

Oh, stop. I think it’s cute.

As the movie’s release neared, fans felt nostalgia for their childhood and Harry’s, skeptics felt irritated about all the hype the series has received, and a few anti-witchcraft activists got ready to protest outside the theatres.

However, for many Potter fans, the movie was surely another quality installment in the absolutely compelling series.

No, they screw it up, but the affects are decent.

10

casadySPORTS

the CRIER

December 6, 2010

Fall season wraps up with SPC Championships Connor Morrison Staff Writer Recently, Casady fall sports teams capped off their seasons with a strong showing at the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) fall tournaments in the Dallas area. Field hockey, volleyball, and cross country competed with immense effort and experienced some success over the weekend.

Field hockey had a strong regular season this year, finishing second in Zone North and qualifying for the Division-I tournament.

The Lady ‘Clones started the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Houston Kinkaid.

Unfortunately, the girls lost their next two games, finishing the season in fourth place overall.

“This was one of the best seasons we have had and I loved how close our team was. We got fourth at SPC even though we were all hoping for a championship. I am so proud of how the team competed and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything,” senior captain Emily Cox said.

Even though the team did not reach the goal they had hoped for this year and a

handful of players are graduating, key contributors Madison Utz, Caroline Blakley, and Chandler Helms will all return next year to hopefully lead field hockey to another strong season.

The volleyball teams also had their own success in the tournament. The boys entered the tournament with high hopes for success. They ended up getting sixth place after a victory over Houston Kinkaid.

“Although we didn’t finish as high as we had hoped, we grew as a team and prepared the younger guys for next year. So, all in all, SPC was a success,” Matt Silver, senior captain, said.

Finishing sixth place overall in SPC is something to be proud of in a season full of great competition, but the team was also proud of their personal successes and improvements throughout the season.

“SPC was fun. It didn’t go quite as well as we would have hoped but we had fun,” said senior captain Mason Roberts.

For the girls’ volleyball team, the feelings were the same. They also had a fun time throughout the sea-

son and over SPC weekend.

They ended their season with a victory over Arlington Oakridge in their last game.

“SPC was so much fun.

I loved the team bonding all weekend and I am going to miss the team so much,” senior Sara Roush said.

The cross country team also had a great deal of success at their SPC competition. Everyone on the team recorded personal record times. Junior Jack Bickford earned the highest place amongst Casady runners, finishing 31st overall out of about 300 racers.

“The competition over the weekend was extremely tough. As a team we all ran really well at SPC and had a great season,” senior Mitchell Manar said.

Even though no trophies were brought home, there was much success throughout the weekend at SPC. Many athletes were happy with their season and experiences with their friends and teammates. Many of these athletes also wish to use the momentum from the end of this season and take it with them into their next sport in the winter.

Running by the competition

Senior Bobbe Chaffin dribbles past an Episcopal School of Dallas defender during a home counter. Bobbe was awarded All-SPC for her efforts, scoring 7 goals to go along with 5 assists during the regular season.

Season Highlights Garrison Lee, Jr. Football, FB/OL, LB/DL

Garrison’s tenacious play resulted in 153 tackles, 19 of those for a loss, to go along with a forced fumble, an interception, 3 sacks, and 3 batted balls this season. His season was highlighted against Houston Episcopal. Having to play offensive line for the first time in his career, Garrison’s play went beyond what one would have suspected considering the circumstances.

Besides protecting his quarterback, Garrison recorded a likely Casady record 24 tackles, 3 being tackles for a loss. Garrison’s constant drive is an unteachable asset for this team.

Unquestionably, this will continue next year and hopefully translate into more victories for the Cyclones.

MY

opinion

When we were down 18 to 7 against the adult team and came back to win the game 25 to 23.

Hannah Denson, Sr. Girls’ Volleyball, Middle/Outside

Hannah was visibly one of, if not the most, skilled player on the court in each game this season. This combined with her desire to vocally lead her teammates, making her an ideal competitor. Although the team’s record was not what she hoped, Denson put together a highlight-filled season and an outstanding Cyclone career.

All-SPC Players

Football: Connor Morrison, Garrison Lee, Mac Katigan Boys’ Volleyball: Preston Sullivan Girls’ Volleyball: Hannah Denson Field Hockey: Emily Cox, Bobbe Chaffin, Molly Brown

It was winning the Destiny Christian tournament.

We really came together and worked as a team.

Probably beating Greehill because it was the most fun game of the year.

Junior Garrison Lee The Chilli Pepper Festival was really exciting. There was a lot of team bounding with Mr Pena and ourselves.

What was your favorite moment from the fall sports season Mason Roberts, senior

Hannah Denson, senior

Connor Morrison, senior

Josh Ou, senior

casadySPORTS

December 6, 2010

the CRIER

11

Preventing the darker side of sports “It is important to maintain the education of the coaches, teach proper hitting techniques, and stay current. We cannot take any short cuts…”

—Coach Jared Hofer

Eric Kaplan Editor in-Chief Sports make their participants react on the fly, causing them to quickly analyze each situation and instantly adjust their position according to the outcome of the previous events within a play. This time restriction can leave players unaware of nearby opponents and, therefore, vulnerable to possible injury. Especially in football, due to the game’s fierce combination of speed and power, unknowing players can pay an extreme price.

Often, wide receivers run unsuspecting over the middle of the field, looking for the ball, or quarterbacks drop back to pass, not knowing their blind side has been exposed. These situations can result poorly for the offensive player, possibly receiving a vicious blow from the defender. Arguably the worst initial outcome of this confrontation is a concussion.

A concussion, typically happening when a person has an alteration of consciousness induced by head trauma, can result from various events within a game, such as a hit to the front of the head, a hit to the side of the head, and/or a whiplash type mechanism. In any of these cases, the brain is violently thrust inside the skull, ricocheting in any and every direction.

“A concussion is a complex pathophysiological process affecting

the brain by traumatic biomechanical forces sustained by a blow(s) to the head or body. In other words, it is any type of trauma that would affect the brain’s ability to communicate and function normally,” Certified Athletic Trainer Jared Hofer said.

Symptoms usually include a headache, sluggishness, dizziness, and fogginess, and depending on the severity, can also included mental and physical dysfunction. After evaluating a player’s neurological status, a concussion can be categorized, with grades 1 and 2 resulting in no loss of consciousness but causing the player to be dazed while a grade 3 occurs when a player is knocked out.

Recently, Sports Illustrated devoted a major portion of their Nov. 1 issue to thoroughly examine concussions due to the National Football League’s evolving policy, which is trying to eliminate unnecessary head trauma from the game.

David Epstein, in his article “Unexpected Findings: The Damage Done”, comments, “Indeed, it’s possible that all along, while brain trauma questions have focused on concussions, the real damage is being inflicted by minor impacts that chip away at the brain.”

This statement ultimately begs the question how can any player’s nervous system be successfully protected on the playing field? If it possibly takes just consistent, minor

blows, an element of football that is visibly deeply ingrained in the game’s essence, what steps can be taken to ultimately ensure players are put in the safest position that the game allows?

Although there is nothing to completely prevent the head trauma from occurring, proper equipment obviously can downgrade the likely of brain injury.

“After each season, our helmets are sent off to be reconditioned and re-polished to prevent stick and rotational force. The coaches also do a good job with the fitting of the helmets and making sure the players use their mouthpieces, which help prevent vibrations into the skull,” Mr. Hofer said.

Modern technology has resulted in sturdier, shock-absorbing helmets.

Although Riddell’s Revolution and Schutt’s DNA seem to be the most frequently wore, Xenith’s new X1 introduces their patented Aware-Flow system, which is designed without the typical rigid paddling inside a helmet and instead with shock absorbers which they believe better respond to the force of a hit, offering another recommended option.

Many football programs, including Casady’s, also use a standardized test to examine multiple abilities, including memory, coordination, and balance, of each player. Mr. Hofer tests each player at the beginning of

the season prior to any contact in order to have a control to compare with when testing a player’s recovery from a brain injury.

However, even with these important and helpful accessories, head injuries can continue to happen throughout sports, especially in football where they seem practically inevitable. Many serious injuries, although, can be decreased by preventing players from being thrust back into action prematurely, before he or she has fully recovered from a previous concussion.

Ultimately, understanding all possibilities and taking all available preemptive measures can protect players as much as possible.

“It is important to maintain the education of the coaches, teach proper hitting techniques, and stay current. We cannot take any short cuts and both Mr. Shelley and Coach Scoville agree with safety coming first,” Mr. Hofer said.

These measures hopefully should allow many injuries to be adverted.

Ultimately, football is an integral part of the sports world and culture in general. With modern technology and more thorough studies examining head trauma in the sport, player safety will hopefully become easier to protect.

Upperclassmen leadership looks to translate to victories on the court Matt Silver Sports Editor As the 2010-2011 Casady Boys’ basketball season kicks off, the Cyclones welcome in a new coach for the fourth year in a row.

“Talk about tough on the kids, many of them have had a new coach every basketball season,” Athletic Director Steve Shelley said.

It is tough enough for a team to go through one coaching change, but for the seniors this year, they will have had a new basketball coach each and every season in high school.

“Freshman year it was Brad Shelley and sophomore year it was Roger Smith. Last year, my junior year, it was Josh Bottomly, and this year it is Allen Dukes,” senior Mason Roberts said.

Mr. Allen Dukes comes from a very good and well known basketball background. Coach Dukes

coached for 27 years at That is the exact atDel City High school and titude and work ethic led the Eagles to the state that Casady promotes tournament four times. and has been working Coach Dukes will bring towards achieving in the discipline, a good work athletic program. With ethic, and a lot of school their fourth coach in four spirit to the Cyclones. years, the senior class will The Cyclone basketball have to adjust to yet anteam and Coach Dukes are not “Talk about tough strangers to each other.

Over on the kids, many the summer the team went with of them have had Coach Dukes to a new coach every Oklahoma Baptist University basketball season.” to participate in a summer team –Athletic Director camp. The players began to get Steve Shelley a feel for what Coach Dukes is all about.

“It was a lot of fun, and other coaching style, but I really like Coach Dukes. lets face it, they should be He makes the team work used to it by now. With hard every second we are discipline, good work ethbetween the lines and he ic, and senior leadership, expects us to compete the Cyclones will look to with all we have whether have a successful season we win or lose,” junior Ja- under Coach Dukes. son Shelley said.

Cyclones Boys’ Basketball Projected Starting Five POS. PLAYER HEIGHT WEIGHT CLASS

G Mason Roberts 5’ 9’’ 180 lbs. Sr. G Matt Silver 5’ 11’’ 155 lbs. Sr. G/F Preston Sullivan 6’ 2’’ 175 lbs. Sr. F/C Cecil Ray 6’ 6’’ 225 lbs. Sr. F/C Graham Bennett 6’ 6’’ 230 lbs. Jr. KEY RESERVES

G/F Connor Morrison 6’ 0’’ 210 lbs. Sr. F Jason Shelley 6’ 4’’ 205 lbs. Jr. G Casey Roberts 5’ 7’’ 135 lbs. Jr.

Senior Cecil Ray

media&TECHNOLOGY 12 CRIER Muse, Maroon five headline smashing concerts of ROCKtober 2010 the

Ted Moock Entertainment Co-editor This past October, four very popular bands came to Oklahoma. Oct. 8th Muse and Passion Pit rocked the Ford Center stage while OneRepublic and Maroon 5 tore the roof off of the BOK Center in Tulsa Oct. 19th.

Both shows were incredible, but in very different ways.

The Muse and Passion Pit show at the Ford Center was a concert of audio and visual extravagance. Not only was the music worthy of going crazy over, but the lights and effects were very captivating as well. Passion Pit opened the show, and did an awesome job of firing up the crowd.

Passion Pit has a very synth-driven, dance-pop sound. As a result, it was very hard not to get up and dance around. The lead singer, Michael Angelakos, impressed the crowd with his insane upper register, while the synth-beats got the crowd moving. Although they weren’t the most wellknown band, by the end of their set everyone was singing their songs.

Some of the more memorable tunes they played were “Make Light,” “Little Secrets,” and of course, “Sleepyhead.” It is safe to say that if you weren’t a Passion Pit fan before the concert, you definitely were one afterward.

After Passion Pit warmed up the crowd, Muse stepped in to rock their world. Although Muse is only a threeman band, their stage set-up was enormous. The crowd was amazed by the band members standing on three massive pillars of LED lights that created videos and other special effects. These pillars also moved up and down,

December 6, 2010

allowing the band to move around on stage for songs that were more energetic, such as “Supermassive Black Hole”, “Plug In Baby”, and “Time is Running Out”.

The band also played a lot of songs from their most recent album, The Resistance, including “Uprising” and “Undisclosed Desires.”

However, they played many of their older songs as well, including “Starlight,” and, for the encore of the show, “Knights of Cydonia.”

“From the bright green laser lights that stretched out over the whole arena, to the giant eyeball beach balls that were tossed onto the crowd, this was definitely a show where being able to jump around and be crazy on the floor made it all the more awesome,” senior Mitchell Manar said.

Each aspect of the performance was jaw-dropping.

Almost every instrument that the band members played lit up in some way, including a glowing blue key-tar, a guitar with a mirror-plated body, and a grand piano that lit up as each key was pressed. Even the lead singer, Matthew Bellamy, wore a silver-sequined suit the entire night.

The show had a huge shock-and-awe factor to it which made the entire concert spectacular. It was definitely one of the most exciting shows that has come to the Ford Center.

Later in the month, OneRepbulic and Maroon 5 teamed up to rock Tulsa’s socks off. When people think of OneRepublic, they usually think of their most popular songs, “Apologize” and “All the Right Moves”.

However, the band’s other material is arguably their best. Songs like “Mercy”,

MYopinion

Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters performing the entire works of The Wall was epic.

http://www.fanpop.com

Rockstar power

Maroon 5 recently team up with OneRepublic, giving fans something to surely remember. Students who ventured down to Tulsa’s BOK Center to see the show raved about the group’s stunning performance.

“Come Home”, “Everybody Loves Me”, and “Good Life” are among some of their best.

The quality of a band can be tested when you compare their studio sound with their live sound, and for OneRepublic, the two are almost exactly alike, showing the band has true talent.

Lead singer, Ryan Tedder, is also an incredible musician in the sense that he can improvise vocal melodies that make the crowd stop and stare.

“Ryan Tedder is the Messiah of Falsetto,” said senior Ryan Flesher.

Tedder hit notes in the concert that were thought to be inconceivable for a man

to hit. The band played all of their favorites tunes, as well as the crowd’s favorites, but one of the most memorable pieces they performed was a mash-up of the classic hit, “Stand by Me”, with “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes, and “Sexyback” by Justin Timberlake. They used their musicianship as a band to weave the songs together flawlessly, really making the show an awe-inspiring performance.

Then Maroon 5 came out, and the Tulsa crowd went insane. Maroon 5 just released an album last month entitled, Hands All Over, so the crowd was very enthusiastic about hearing the new

Taylor Swift because I got to meet her.

songs live. However, the only songs they played from their new album were “Misery”, “Give a Little More”, and “Stutter”.

They did play almost all of their old classics, including “Makes Me Wonder”, “Harder to Breathe”, and “Sunday Morning”. They also played with the crowd, doing an acoustic call-andresponse version of “She Will Be Loved”, as well as Al Green’s R&B classic, “Let’s Stay Together”.

One surprising thing about Maroon 5’s live performance was the edge with which they played their music. Their studio recordings give them a funky and jazzy

The Avett Brothers because I had never been to a folk concert.

I liked their very different familial vibe.

sound, but live, they were really rockin’, and their songs were more intense than people expected. However, it was a very nice surprise, and the crowd was all the more in love with the performance and the band.

Although the four bands are extremely different, they all have one thing in common, they are incredible live. Each show was geared toward a different type of audience, but they all succeeded in captivating the crowds with their lights, sounds, and gloriously high voices.

For Oklahoma, October 2010 should be renamed...

ROCKtober 2010.

Lady Gaga.

Everyone was dressed up and her costumes were extremely extravagant. Her voice is also absolutely amazing.

U2’s Joshua Tree tour concert in Denver.

They filmed it to make their music videos. I was 15 and have loved them ever since.

What is your favorite concert you’ve attended and why Jason Rader, freshman

Jack Bickford, junior

Kailey Emerson, senior

Taylor McHargue, senior

Mrs. Jen Warden, Dean of Student Life

media&TECHNOLOGY

December 6, 2010

the CRIER

Movie gives world glimpse of conflict behind creation of life-changing website Liz Brindley Entertainment Co-editor What’s on your mind right now?

Most would list instant status updates, writing on friends’ walls, and looking through photos from the weekend’s dance. But while so many people use Facebook daily to do such things, rarely do they think about the process that went into creating the wildly popular networking site.

A recent film, The Social Network, provides a behindthe-scenes interpretation of the story of Mark Zuckerberg, the young creator of Facebook, and his now-ubiquitous website.

Based on the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich, the movie follows Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg, as he creates a site that allows access to friends’ profiles and information while at Harvard University. The mishaps and accusations that occur along the way take the viewer on an intense ride that leaves

open the question of who truly conceptualized Facebook.

With few big-name actors, the movie had the potential to be a hit or miss.

“The acting was surprisingly good,” senior Olivia Branscum explained.

The sass of the main character and the exchanges of conversation are sure to keep audiences chuckling.

“The acting, especially Zuckerberg’s and his friend’s, and the dialogue were awesome,” senior Nathan Prabhu said.

While the actors look eerily similar to the people they portray, other aspects of the film are not quite as accurate. The tagline, “You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies”, describes the movie’s focus on the connection between Facebook and personal relationships.

The movie shows how Facebook can potentially interfere with real-life relationships, as

MYopinion

I think Facebook really helps communication, but can be taken too far.

seen with Zuckerberg’s character. The film takes a spin on the true background of the site and instead focuses on the friendships, desire for popularity, and drama involved in its creation, rather than the detailed process of code-writing that Zuckerberg used to create it. Although the movie doesn’t provide the complete truth about the history of Facebook, it is one interpretation, and an entertaining one at that.

“It showed how the drive for money and fame can make you forget or abandon your friends and do a lot of unethical things,” Nathan said.

But does this spin on the background of Facebook affect its users?

“It made me realize what a huge part of my life Facebook has become. I now think more about the people and the story behind something I used to take for granted,” Olivia said.

Others had a different reac-

13

tion the movie.

“I considered deleting my Facebook after I saw the movie, but then realized that I had too many photos and friends tangled up in it, so I didn’t,” senior Tory Smith said.

Senior Ted Moock liked the movie, but said, “To me, Facebook is still Facebook.”

Although the movie takes some liberties with the real background of Facebook, the viewer is still guaranteed an enjoyable two hours and a wellspent $9.00. So, maybe instead of checking up on the Facebook Feed this evening, take http://www.moviedeskback.com a different look at the The real story behind the phenomenon? site and see The Social The Social Network portrays Facebook’s creator Network.

Mark Zuckerberg as very insensitive. He makes

I think Facebook is a good way to keep in touch.

multiple harsh decisions without caring about the consequences for friends or associates.

Facebook is helpful for remembering people’s birthdays, events, and getting status updates.

I think Facebook reduces actual face to face communication between people.

http://gizmodo.com/5530178/topten-reasons-you-should-quit-facebook

How do you think Facebook affects our society http://gizmodo.com

Elizabeth Brascum, freshman

David Henderson, sophomore

Emma Sharpe, junior

Kelsey Jones, senior

Mrs. Erickson and Dr. Powell, English department

Microsoft brings hands-off gaming to new level with quality of motion-sensing packed into Xbox Kinect By having the precise 3D depth sensors, the Kinect can detect up to twenty moving joints in the human body Salman Hamid Staff Writer The Xbox Kinect system possibly is the most ground-breaking add-on to any video gaming system ever. When a gamer is playing Xbox with Kinect, he or she is the controller, using his or her body to move and do other actions, which the Kinect Sensor Device can accurately detect.

This high tech sensor is able to project such an authentic display through the Xbox 360 onto the television due to its two 3D depth sensors, a microphone, a RGB camera, and motorized tilt. By having the precise 3D depth sensors, the Kinect can detect up to twenty moving joints in the human body, which allowing gamers to truly become the controller.

It also cancels out furniture inside the room, preventing what would be a major flaw in the system’s capabilities. The depth sensors track up to six different people, which creates multiplayer gaming or allows for spectators to be in the background.

The built-in microphone gives the Xbox 360 voice recognition. When creating an account, the device ac-

Revolutionizing the gaming industry

Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect brings motion-sensing gaming to a whole new level on the Xbox 360. With its top-notch camera, microphone and 3D depth senors the system eliminates a hands-on controller, accurately allowing the human body to control the gaming console.

curately captures the gamer’s voice, allowing it to easily tell it apart from other voices. This opens the door for voice commands on the Xbox 360 and more voicenecessary games like jeopardy or American Idol.

The RGB camera also

opens up new ways to communicate, play, and insert the gamer into the game.

The camera is capable of facial recognition and detecting a gamer’s body shape and clothing. Those capabilities combine to give the gamer new social networking

through video chat, something not seen on a video game system previous.

Xbox has opened up a new revolutionizing path toward a more high-tech, family-fun console. This move will definitely attract new gamers to system while giv-

ing old users something new to mess with. Ultimately, Microsoft has offered gamers endless opportunities with its moniton-sensing Xbox Kinect, turning Xbox 360 into the first hands-free gaming console.

14

studentOPINION

the CRIER

December 6, 2010

Locker assignment to freshmen in Johnston Math Building creates stir Tory Smith Staff Writer On Wednesday Oct. 27, the new Johnston Math Building was opened for students and faculty to enjoy. Excitement permeated the atmosphere the whole day long as math teachers led each of their classes over from the old Woods Math Building.

As the new facility had been under construction for over a year, students were understandably eager to walk through its hallways for the first time. Everyone came away from their explorations with reports of exciting finds.

“They have automatic flushing in the toilets,” junior Verena Hogue declared enthusiastically.

All upper division math classes are now held in the new building, and students from all grades are welcome to study or socialize in the sleek blue lounge chairs during their free periods.

The new lockers, however, belong to the freshmen. There have been much discussion and controversy among students over this development.

As a whole, the freshmen were happy to transition from the dark, cramped quarters of Vose Science Building into Johnston’s spacious and well-lit rooms.

“I like it because it’s eco-friendly, and people can hang out and just do homework.

It’s more lively and there’s a lot of space,” freshman Katie Hanstein said.

Other students, though, were less than pleased that the new building went to the freshmen.

“I think the seniors should have gotten the math building, because they had to put up with the construction,” junior Charlotte Cheek explained.

Similar opinions have been expressed by other students in higher grades, particularly

Enjoying the new hangout

A group of freshman relax in the lounge area of the W.R. Johnston Math Building during Block B. The freshman were given the locker area of the new building, causing a stir amongst the student body.

the seniors. Traditionally, the Upper Division Math Building had been where seniors stashed their books and backpacks each day and where they hung out during their free time. For this reason many seniors had expected to be moving into the Johnston Math Building this year and were disappointed to learn otherwise.

“I expected to move into the new math building this year when it was finished be-

cause, being the new building, it makes sense for seniors to have it...not freshmen,” senior Aly Mott said.

On the other hand, some of the freshmen love the new building so much that they are saddened by the prospect of moving out of it next year.

“They give us the new building first and it’s the best, and then we get the crappy ones later,” freshman Jasmine Shoureh comment-

ed.

Although each individual has his or her own opinion on which grade should have been given the new lockers, it seems that everyone can agree on one thing, that the new building is a spectacular place for education.

“Stay awhile, we’ll teach you some math,” Math Department Chairman Ruth Miano exclaimed.

Technology key to Casady’s future?

“I think switching to iPads would be a great idea because I always find myself forgetting a book or not being able to fit it in my backpack because it gets so heavy.

An iPad would be a lighter alternative” –Sody Gentry Eihab Khan Opinions Co-editor Every student on campus knows the feeling of carrying a backpack completely filled with books around campus all day. After a while it can get a little tiring to have to carry all that weight on your back all day. One of the best ways to literally take a load off students’ shoulders is to switch to a more technology oriented curriculum in which students could carry only one laptop or iPad with all of their textbooks and assignments loaded onto the device.

“Carrying books is a pain,” sophomore Clark Higganbotham said.

This opinion is shared by

many other students who would like to see technology become a bigger part of the curriculum. By moving to a more technology oriented curriculum, students would not have to carry around many textbooks, if any at all, making it easier for students to finish assignments, research, studying and ask for help from teachers. Note taking, researching, reading, and completing assignments could be integrated onto one device which would make keeping track of and completing assignments easier.

“I think switching to iPads would be a great idea because I always find myself forgetting a book or not being able to fit it in my back-

pack because it gets so heavy.

An iPad would be a lighter alternative,” sophomore Sody Gentry said.

Not only is having most of the materials needed for school in one device more convenient for students, it’s also more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Less paper would be used for writing assignments and taking notes. If every high school student is using that much less paper, it would have a significant impact on the carbon footprint of the school. Casady has shown that it is dedicated to a cleaner, more environmentally friendly campus with the design of the new math building, and switching to

iPads would only continue that trend.

“I think we should move to iPads and laptops because its better for the environment and it’s more convenient for the students,” freshman Haris Ijaz said.

Switching to iPads would be better financially for both the students and the school overall. While the initial costs of switching to this program might be a little higher than normal, the long term benefits make up for it. The money saved from not having to buy paper textbooks, notebook paper, notebooks, highlighters, sticky notes, etc. would more than make up for the one time cost of purchasing the iPad.

If handled correctly, iPads could last for a lot longer than one school year. eBooks are significantly cheaper than paper textbooks and many publishers are now offering electronic copies of textbooks that can be downloaded to iPads. The school could potentially save a great deal of money on printing costs.

There might be some problems with students staying on task and focused if they had access to games or the Internet, but high school students can and should be trusted with the responsibility of staying on track and focusing on work when necessary. Teachers would also be able to easily give elec-

tronic versions of notes to students and give students assignments that could be completed on their iPads and transferred directly to the teacher, making grading easier. This would provide opportunities for new interactive methods of teaching to be used, such as watching videos and using interactive applications.

There are many benefits to being a technology oriented school and any problems that may arise can be ironed out. Technology is the future of education and Casady should be one of the pioneers of this new style of education.

studentOPINION

December 6, 2010

the CRIER

the

Editorial

What to be truly thankful for It’s about that time

when the perkiness of the early school year has begun to wear off. Temperatures are dropping, classes are dragging, and daylight savings time has ended. Often times school seems like nothing more than an endless, monotonous drag to the low point of the first trimester, namely, finals and continuing throughout the winter.

These dreary prospects were only somewhat mitigated by the knowledge that all we had to do is hold out for another few weeks until exams were over, and then we were free for Thanksgiving Break. However, the break lasted only briefly and was quite a minor vacation in the grand scheme of things, but most would agree that

it was a necessary refresher before the beginning of winter.

So, on that positive note, the Crier staff hopes to somewhat cheer our readership up as the dark, long winter days approach by focusing on the benefits of the holiday season. Obviously everyone loves the food; family get-togethers are generally fun; students frequently get to go out of town; and perhaps most significantly, there’s no school. But we find it especially important to remind our readers of the true essence of the holiday season and how much we at Casady have to be grateful for.

In the context of this article, the first thing that comes to mind is of course how fortunate we are to

attend Casady in the first place. Many others don’t have access to the kind of facilities we do here. Casady’s rigorous academics, intense sports, and comprehensive fine arts programs are often hard to be thankful for, especially when we go home every day needing to bend our spines back into their original conformations, but they undeniably compose a top-notch curriculum. When a good education is so valuable and so hard to come by, we ought to appreciate one duly.

There are several other advantages to studying at Casady as well, such as the constant availability of extra help, the wide variety of clubs and student organizations, and the friendly teach-

ers and students. Although few of us will remind ourselves of this fact when we’re up cramming at midnight the day before a science test, it’s a good thing to be aware of.

Furthermore, the fact that we even go to Casady should impress upon us our financial good fortune. Many kids couldn’t afford to come, and with that in mind we should acknowledge our parents as well for caring enough to foot the bill when there are plenty of public schools around.

This leads into the vast realm of instances of luck outside of school. We won’t dwell on them in this article because these differ from person to person, and every individual knows best what he or

she is uniquely grateful for. But since we all have our membership in the Casady community in common, we can probably agree that we can appreciate the same aspects of it.

While these aspects may often seem tiresome, constant testing, sports practice, research papers, all of us grudgingly admit that they too serve some useful purpose, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to participate. Though it’s probably too much of a stretch to think about this while we’re busy winding through the winter trimester the next few weeks, it’s worth a thought once we’re safely on vacation with the actual work of school out of our heads.

15

Editorial Policy The Crier is a publication of Casady School, produced, written and designed by the students of the Casady Upper Division. The Crier staff believes in maintaining editorial integrity, placing importance in sound journalistic principles of truth, fairness and objectivity. In so doing, The Crier will not purposely show disregard for facts nor proceed with malicious intent in any item contained in its pages.

Editorials, representing the newspaper’s opinion on issues, are unsigned and will appear on the Opinions page.

Columns, representing the writer’s personal viewpoints, are by-lined.

The Crier recognizes that as publisher of the newspaper, the administration has the legal right of prior review, but we will endeavor to conduct our reporting and coverage to merit the ultimate trust of the Casady community.

The Crier will not knowingly print anything libelous or obscene, nor will we engage in personal attacks against members of the community.

Letters Readers are encouraged to use the open forum provided by The Crier to exchange ideas and thoughts which affect the School and community through the submission of letters to the editor.

All letters should be sent to The Casady Crier, Casady School, 9500 N Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 or emailed to casadycrier@mac.com. All signed submissions will receive consideration for publication. While letters may be edited due to space limitations, their original intent will be honored.

Letters must be signed; however, the writer may request anonymity.

Advertising The Crier welcomes community advertising. However, the editors reserve the right to refuse any advertisement deemed inappropriate for high school students. Inquiries should be directed to Sam Effinger, 405-749-3161.

Distribution The Crier is distributed freely to the students, faculty, administration and staff of Casady’s Upper Division. Subscription is offered to all Upper Division parents (and others requesting it) at $10 per year.

Staff My family. We go to Grand Lake for Thanksgiving. We like to watch football and have a special dinner.

MYopinion

My favorite part of Thanksgiving is coming together with the family I’ve grown distant from.

Thanksgiving is one of my two favorite holidays because all of my cousins come in town. It’s fun to see and hang with them for a week.

No matter who in the family or extended family is present, we are always thankful for family. There are a lot of special thoughts around Thanksgiving.

What was I thankful for the past Thanksgiving

James Timberlake, freshman

Molly VanWieren, sophomore

Max Blumenthal, senior

Mr. Tom Ziebell, African History/French

Editor in-Chief Eric Kaplan Co-Editor Aamina Shakir News Co-editors Kelsey Jones

Michael Whaley News Staff Defne Alton

Salman Hamid Features Editor Nathan Prabhu Features Staff Tory Smith

Connor Morrison Sports Editor Matt Silver Opinions Co-editors Eihab Khan

Zainab Shakir Entertainment Co-editors Ted Moock

Liz Brindley Cartoonist Ben McCampbell Contributors TBD Adviser Mr. Sam Effinger

16

the CRIER

Songbird

On the karaoke stage at the annual Fall Fest, Ms. Joanne Infantino showcases her vocal talents behind an enthusiastic backup group consisting of juniors Kevin Ralph, Brannan Crossno and Dalton Parrack.

Casady School P.O. Box 20390 Oklahoma City, OK 73156

the

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Oklahoma City, OK Permit No. 393

Casady Comics

backPAGE

December 6, 2010

You’re tagged In our effort to expand the scope and coverage of the Crier, we have implemented Microsoft Tag technology.

This allows our readers, wherever they see the tag symbol, to scan and view coverage that we have placed on the web. The tag under the caption at the left, as well as the tag on page one, will take you directly to YouTube videos.

The video on this page is a quick highlight of the activities at Fall Fest. You might even find yourself in it.

The page one link will give you some inspirational highlights of the fall sports season.

You can get Microsoft Tag Reader for your smart phone by going to http://gettag. mobi, where you will find a list of supported devices. You can also search “tag reader.”

We hope you enjoy it. Look for more tags in future issues.