11.20.08 Issue

(I,ITE . . .

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

INSIDE THE ISSUE • Administrative changes shake up current faculty roster, Page 2 • Swim team gears up for another successful season, Page 7 • Students here combine foreign traditions with holidays, B1

FOOTBALL Men’s varsity football continues road to State championship PAGE 8

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Carmel, IN 46032

Volume 54, Issue 6

November 20, 2008

(Don’t) Catch Me If You Can STEP 6: Vaccine shipments typically begin in August or September and continue into November. A limited dose is released in December and beyond to support late season immunization.

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STEP 2: Strains are submitted to the FDA, which distributes seed viruses to manufacturers of the vaccine.

STEP 5: Upon FDA approval, the vaccine is released for distribution; manufacturers begin filling the doses into vials and syringes.

STEP 3: Each virus strain is produced separately in specially ARJUNA CAPULONG / PHOTO prepared chicken eggs. After STEP 7: Jennifer Conley, RN, administers a flu shot. Researchers created incubation, the virus-loaded fluid the vaccine to combat what they predicted to be the three most prevalent is harvested. strains this year.

STEP 4: Virus fluid undergoes steps to ensure that the virus is inactivated. The virus is split, and the fragments from all three strains are combined into one vaccine.

BY SARA ROGERS srogers@hilite.org

ost of the 5 to 20 percent of Americans that the influenza virus infects each year experience symptoms for only a few days.

Junior Shanna Smith doesn’t get off so easily. “Almost nine times out of ten, I will get (the flu) for at least two weeks,” she said.

Smith was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in seventh grade.

“I got (mononucleosis) somehow, and it weakened my immune system, letting in a virus that weakened me even more,” she said. “Somehow in all of this I got CFS, and it’s been with me ever since.”

Smith is just one person who will benefit from the flu vaccine this year.

“I do get the vaccine. Either way I will get the flu, but with it (the flu) will be less severe, and I can pull through it a little bit quicker.”

For the 2008 flu season, usually spanning from late November to early May, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the flu vaccine to almost 85 percent of the United States population.

“Students, health care providers, people who care for young children, anyone over the age of 50, people with medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for complications with the flu, people who live in dormitory settings and anyone else who wants to prevent themselves from getting the flu, should get the vaccine,” school nurse Carol Gelatt said.

Symptoms of the flu include a fever (usually high), a sore throat, chills, a cough, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue. “Stay at home if you have a fever of over 100 degrees,” Gelatt said.

Recently the CDC began emphasizing the importance for students to get the vaccination. This year, they recommended that almost everyone between six months to 18 years of age be vaccinated.

“The reason for that is that there is a high rate of communicability in schools. If we can control (the flu) in schools, hopefully we can control it in our homes and communities,” Gelatt said.

In 2008, an estimated 143 to 146 million doses of the influenza vaccine should be available to the public, an all-time high. This year, two different forms of the flu vaccine are available. The first form is the flu shot. This is given through a needle by injection and contains an inactivated (killed) virus. This version of the vaccine is usually covered by a person’s medical insurance, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The second form is a spray, commonly referred to as FluMist. This vaccine is administered through a spray into the nostrils. The spray contains a live, attenuated (weakened) influenza virus. A person’s medical insurance may not cover FluMist.

According to Gelatt, it is important to get the vaccine annually. “The CDC comes up with different strains of the virus each year. They choose the strain they think is most prominent globally to use for the vaccine,” she said.

“The influenza virus is constantly mutating,” biology teacher Cindy Radaker, said. Radaker encourages students to get the influenza vaccine. “I wish all students would

ABOVE: A picture of influenza virus taken by an electron microscope.

STEP 1: On-going surveillance allows researchers to predict which three strains of influenza will be most prevalent during the year.

School nurses encourage students to get flu vaccine

ALL INFLUENZA PHOTOS / NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, MEDICINEWORLD.ORG TIM CHAI / GRAPHIC

SEE FLU SHOTS ON PAGE 3

Consumers locate bargains in midst of economic downturn

KNOW AND TELL

Sophomore Samantha Osleger said she enjoys giving gifts to friends during the holiday season. Osleger said this year instead of giving to all of her friends, they drew names out of a hat because it would cost less to give to just one person.

“We like giving each other gifts but it costs a lot,” Osleger said. She said she will make her holiday gifts this year.

Cost concerns such as Osleger’s, are exactly what worry some local stores. But with the current economic

19 17 66

downturn, many stores are feeling the pinch in different ways. To combat the problem and keep customers coming in, some local stores are working harder to lure customers with lower prices. Both Old Navy and Kohl’s representatives said they are implementing changes to help cope with the struggling economy.

“We’re really tr ying to bring customers in with lower prices,” Michelle Myers, store manager of Clay Terrace’s Old Navy said.

Osleger said, “If the prices are lower, I’ll be more willing to buy more (for the holidays).”

Myers said Old Navy’s strategy

Percent of children ages 6 to 11 who are overweight Percent of adolescents ages 12 to 19 who are overweight

to encourage holiday shopping is to offer more bargains.

“I think that shoppers will still shop the same, maybe with a little less money,” Myers said. She also said that the store is marking coats off 50 percent, something they have never done before.

At the Kohl’s stores, similar strategies are being implemented like advertising for holiday deals earlier than the store ever has, Nicole Norris, store manager of Carmel West’s Kohl’s, said. Norris added that the stores will also train associates to better assist customers so that the customers will be

40

inclined to come back to the stores again and shop.

“We also have a system where customers can sign up for e-mail alerts and we’re using that a lot this year,” she said.

Still according to Norris and Myers, much remains to be seen regarding customer shopping habits this holiday season, especially the shopping habits of teenagers.

“We value all our customers, especially our younger customers who shop in the juniors and young men’s department,” Norris said.

“Hopefully they will come in and shop so we can meet our goal.”

RETAIL BY THE NUMBERS 15.5 million: Number of people working in the American retail industry in 2007.

15.3 million: Number of people working in the American retail industry in May 2008.

0.7 percent: Key economists’ median forecast of retail sales decline in September 1.2 percent: Actual percentage of decline in retail sales in September

BUSINESS WEEK / SOURCE

For complete previews and reviews, see pages B3 and B4.

Percentage of McDonald's profits that come from Happy Meals.

Quantum of Solace starring Daniel Craig

7

F

Percent of adults age 20 years and percentage of the United over who are overweight or obese States that eats at McDonald’s everyday

318,979,564,000 200,000,000

B+

THE FREEMAN INSTITUTE / SOURCE

Perfect Thanksgiving compiled by HiLite staff

Ropechain Grampall Jookabox

Possible combinations of the first four moves in Chess

approximate number of M&Ms that are sold each day in the United States

preview

A

preview

Holiday Spectacular featuring all choral groups

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A+

A

GO ONLINE

As always, you can find the latest reviews on the most popular movies, CDs, restaurants and books online.

www.hilite.org

BY AFRA HUSSAIN ahussain@hilite.org

Page 2 • Thursday, November 20, 2008 • News

GREYHOUND NEWS BRIEFS Debate The debate team will compete at a meet in Kokomo this Saturday.

Buses leave from this school at 7:20 in the morning.

According to Head Coach Amanda Richmond, the new topics for this meet include retaining felons’ voting rights and modeling U.S. health care after that of the French system. The meet will include both novice and varsity debaters.

Last week was the first debate meeting after a two week break, so the team discussed universal health care and practiced the topics.

The Kokomo meet isn’t the only event coming up for debate team.

“We’re hosting a small invitational meet here at Carmel on Dec. 6,” Richmond said. By Reid Conner

Administration changes yet again With the departure of Kerry Hoffman, four administrators have now left this school and been replaced by new members of the staff

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By Amy Flis aflis@hilite.org

he past year has brought numerous shifts in administrations. The recent departure of Assistant Principal Kerry Hoffman marked the fourth administrator loss this school has experienced since last spring.

The changes began with the retirement of John Abell and Bob Grenda at the end of last year, and then Assistant Principal Kathy Luessow turned in her notice during the summer. Kevin Gallman,

decided that we would not replace Mrs. Hoffman,” Williams said.

Several other staff members will take Hoffman’s duties, which include curriculum and the IB program.

Ruff had been working mainly with Bird but will now work under both him and Eshleman for operations and curriculum. In addition, social studies department chair David Bardos will take over Hoffman’s responsibilities as the IB coordinator.

Williams said, “I really appreciate the remaining administrators’ willingness to make adjustments and add more to their responsibilities.”

Kathy Luessow

John Abell

resigns

retires

Media Center Throughout this month, the media center will continue its typical events, including its association with Writers, Readers, Artists, and Performers (WRAP).

According to media specialist John Shearin, the relationship between the media center and this club was established years ago.

He said, “(Media Specialist Connie) Mitchell really started (WRAP activities here) about a dozen years ago. It used to be more focused on writing, but now it has more performances and art…the club really grew up in the library.”

In addition to housing upcoming WRAP events, media center specialists will continue to instruct teachers’ classes, if the teachers choose to utilize the information literacy instruction sessions the media center provides.

These “mini-lessons” are short sessions that last from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the subject.

Additionally, tomorrow is significant for the media center because the movie version of the bestselling Twilight series comes to theaters.

The librarians and media center specialists have promoted this series since it premiered, most recently in the window display that faces the senior hallway.

Senior Allie Weller said she has seen the window display and also plans to attend the midnight premiere of Twilight tonight at midnight.

She said, “I really like the Twilight series because it’s a good mix of romance and fantasy. (Author) Stephenie Meyer is very talented.”

By Maria LaMagna

Karen Campbell and Sam Ruff were hired to fill these administrative positions.

After all these changes, the 12-month administrators were (and still are) Assistant Principals Doug Bird, John Newton, Ronda Eshleman and Amy Skeens-Benton.

Their main focuses (respectively) are operations, student services, curriculum and the freshman center.

On Nov. 6, Principal John Williams announced how the administration would cope with the most recent change—Hoffman’s resignation.

He said that there will not be a replacement for Hoffman. “Given the current financial situation, it was

Principal

John Williams

Operations Doug Bird

curriculum Ronda Eshleman

Student Services Dr. John Newton

Freshman Center

Amy Skeens-Benton Dr. Kerry Hoffman

Athletics Director

Jim Inskeep

Bob Grenda

retires

resigns

Superintendent According to Superintendent Barbara Underwood, the administrators and board brainstormed four goals for the district at the last workshop.

These goals include curriculum, achievement, finances and long-term outlook. On Monday the rough draft of the goals will go back to the board in order to began forming the drafts.

Under wood said, “There are no major changes to policy, just building upon where we currently are.”

Another item that is under discussion is a system for paperless board meetings. Underwood said that there have been meetings with companies to do this and that she recently met with the company that formed the district Web site.

“It keeps us from sending out p a g e s o f p a p e r, a l lows better communication with the public and saves preparation time,” she said.

There is already a program for the Goshen district that the company oversees, but they will personalize and update it for this district. “They have done a great job on the Web site. We will bring it to a board meeting in January,” Underwood said. By Brittani Wheeler

Operations and Curriculum Sam Ruff

Kevin Gallman

asst. athletics director Bruce Wolf

ADMINISTRATIVE HIERARCHY: The faded photos are staff members who have left this school, and the solid photos in front are replacements. The 10-month assistant principal whose picture is located right under the picture of the 12-month assistant principal works under the 12-month. Assistant Principal Sam Ruff will now be the 10month Assistant Principal for both 12-month Assistant Principals Doug Bird and Ronda Eshleman after the departure of 10-month Assistant Principal Kerry Hoffman.

Club teaches unique study techniques

By Beverly Jenkins bjenkins@hilite.org

From the 10.17 and 11.6 issues

There were numerous corrections in the “JV cheerleading hopes to win state title” sports story. Go online to hilite.org view the corrected version.

Karen Campbell

Freshman Center

Michelle Hu and Steven Chen / Graphic

CORRECTIONS and clarifications

In the feature story “Burnt Out,” counselor Shelly Rubinstein was misquoted. Her quote should have read “State schools, because you’re a taxpayer, will look at the activities more lightly.”

Student Services

Michelle Hu / Photo

STUDY HARD: Senior Alexandra Keehan-Villegas completes a lab in her Human Anatomy and Physiology class. With difficult classes like this one, she said that Stunt the Academic Stress club can “teach people how to eliminate unnecessary stress.”

Whether a student is struggling academically or is looking for a little extra community service hours, one of the new clubs here has it all: the Stunt the Academic Stress Club.

Already a nation-wide project known as Stunt the Stress, club president and senior Alexandra Keehan-Villegas recently formed a chapter here and encourages everyone who is interested to come to the meetings. “(The Stunt the Academic Stress Club) is open to any student (who) wants to do well, or any student looking to volunteer,” club sponsor Patricia Balchan said, adding that the club will meet in E204.

Keehan said she began to communicate with Sara Bennett, who is directly associated with the organization’s origin.

Bennett is an author who wrote the book The Case Against Homework: How Homework Is Hurting Our Children and What We Can Do About It and also created the Web site stophomework.com.

Stophomework.com is the Web site which the club draws its goals from. Bennett, according to Keehan, has also been featured on television programs such as 60 Minutes and national networks such as NBC. With many academic clubs here already, questions about what makes this club different from the other academic clubs are likely to surface.

The club’s opening letter to its members cited nine different goals, including its official mission statement to “manage school stress in a positive manner by fostering a strong relationship with school faculty.”

Keehan said that the difference between this club and another is that most of the existing organizations provide straight tutoring. The Stunt the Academic Stress Club not only offers straight tutoring, but it also aims to instill study techniques for students.

Keehan said, “We want to give (students) the tools to eliminate stress now and in the future.” She also highlighted themes such as time management and study strategies.

Keehan also added that this club is not specific to only students looking to receive extra help on their homework. It is an option for students who look to receive community service hours.

Stunt the Stress offers the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for tutors who meet a certain number of hours over a twelve-month time frame and hours would vary depending on the tutor’s age.

Also, students involved in National Honor Society (NHS) or any other community service organization can receive dual credit.

One of the final goals the club vows to accomplish is to provide a laid-back environment for its club members.

Attendance to meetings is not required, but to make sure the majority of members can and will come, Keehan has said that the majority of the meeting times and dates will be determined at the prior meeting. She said Wednesdays after school are usually when the club meets.

Balchan said this method will be beneficial because members will know ahead of time when the meetings are. “We wanted to (decide meetings) this way for a reason,” she said.

“You can’t get rid of stress by adding it on.”

What You Can Do

1) Talk to your teacher in a non-confrontational manner 2) Tell him/ her the facts about your life and the rigor of your schedule 3) Eliminate any intimidation you have about approaching your teacher by being honest stuntthestress. org / Source

NEWS • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2008 • PAGE 3

FLU SHOTS, from Page 1 (get the vaccine),” she said. “So many people come to school sick and if students had immunization, then that could reduce the possibility of that type of the flu.”

Gelatt said, “It is important that students get the vaccine to help prevent them from getting influenza.”

However, Gelatt said, there are some common misconceptions associated with the vaccine. “Some people say ‘I always get the flu when I get (the vaccine)’ but, it is an inactivated virus so you can’t get the flu from the vaccine itself,” she said.

Most likely, she said that “they were probably exposed to the flu prior to getting the vaccine therefore their body did not have a chance to develop protection.”

The CDC encourages students to get immunized

between October and November. “You can get vaccinated anytime really, but the best time is now.

It takes about two weeks for the vaccination to take effect,” Gelatt said. “That’s why it’s recommended around this time of year before flu season begins.”

According to Gelatt, vaccines are available through the Visiting Nurse Service (VNS), various Medchecks, doctor’s offices as well as other health departments.

This year, the nursing staff here gave vaccinations prior to the football game against Ben Davis on Oct. 17. Around 270 staff members were immunized.

Aside from the vaccine, there are other ways to

prevent the spread of influenza. “When students come to school sick, every breath they take, every surface they touch can spread the virus,” Radaker said.

Gelatt advises students to wash their hands, eating a balanced dietand getting enough rest to prevent contracting illness.

With flu season under way, the CDC especially recommends students to get immunized against this year’s strains of the virus.

Smith said, “I think that (students) should take the time, because as much as you think it’s ‘just the flu’ it can harm you and possibly harm your immune system so much that you can get what I have or something so much worse, and no one deserves that.”

ANATOMY OF AN H5N1 (INFLUENZA) VIRUS

LIPID BILAYER Each new virus will pick up the cell membrane from the infected cell

Cause of the 2006-07 Flu season M2 ION CHANNEL This protein allows acid to enter the virus, starting the release of genetic material. It can build resistance very easily against antiviral drugs by just changing shape

TIMELINE OF THE INFLUENZA VIRUS 400 B.C.

First appearance of the flu in Turkey, as recorded

by Hippocrates

1781-82

Pandemic infects 2/3 of Rome and 3/4 of Britain

1829-32

Epidemic breaks out in Asia and reaches United States in 1831

1889-90

Russian Flu worldwide epidemic starts in Asia and spreads westward, kills almost 750,000

1918-19

Spanish Influenza kills between 20 to 40 million people around the world, more than World War I

RNA RNA carries the genetic information necessary for making new viruses

Infected 28 percent of Americans

1968-69

HAEMAGGLUTININ The H in H5N1, haemagglutinin is one of the main surface proteins and a target for our immune system.

In humans, it makes red blood cells clump together

NEURAMINIDASE The N in H5N1, neuraminidase is the other main surface protein that allows new viruses to bud off from cells

STEVEN CHEN / GRAPHIC NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH / SOURCE

Hong Kong flu kills 700,000 worldwide

1976

Swine flu leads to massive vaccination movement, causing Guillain-Barre syndrome, paralyzing 100,000 people MSNBC.COM / SOURCE

Marketing students prepare for Santa’s Secret Shop

BY TIM CHAI AND MICHELLE HU tchai@hilite.org, mhu@hilite.org Starting Dec. 1, senior marketing students will see their plans for a children’s store in action. All of this school’s marketing students will participate in helping local community childr en purchase holiday presents for their family members and loved ones.

According to marketing teacher Rachel Cera, the store provides real-life business experience for marketing students.

Cera said, “It started as a chance for the marketing 3-4 students to see what it’s like, just on a small scale, to run a business, figure out how things are going to sell (and) how much they’re going to price it.”

Since the inception of Santa’s Secret Shop, generations of local families have participated in the activity.

“Now, we’re starting to see the little kids come back as adults,” Cera said, who also taught students whose parents took them to Santa’s Secret Shop as young children.

Usually, children visit with their parents or while on a field trip with a local elementary school. This will last until Dec. 10, giving children over a week to visit the business department after school and pick out their presents.

The business department will sell each item for under $5, and senior marketing students will buy the presents from a catalogue.

Senior Tricia Kennelly, the fifth period marketing class’s manager, said the store requires delegation.

“Everyone kind of helps with everything, but then we all have different groups we’re divided into, like buying, selling, operations and control,” Kennelly said.

Santa’s Secret Shop will open at 2:30 p.m. and close around 5:30 p.m.

There will be at the doors to lead children to the actual shop area. In addition, marketing students will help the children pick out their presents and will also be the cashiers.

The theme for this year is the Carmel Express, stopping in a holiday winterland. This theme was finally decided upon during marketing classes on Nov. 5.

The senior marketing classes developed the themes and will continue with an igloo and holiday express train theme.

Marketing students will also have to assist children through the store.

According to Cera, the children will choose their presents, pay for them and wrap them without parents.

In addition, parents and adults who must wait for their children will be able to purchase items from the spirit shop.

Cera said, “Last year was the first year we called the spirit shop Gifts Unlimited.” During the time Santa’s Secret Shop is open, Gifts Unlimited will sell more pricey items, such as party platters or candles, along with school spiritwear.

The last day for local children to visit the store is Dec. 10.

SANTA’S SECRET SHOP What: Children’s holiday store When: Dec. 1 to 10 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Hallway by the business department CHS WEB SITE / SOURCE

EVELYN FORBES / PHOTO

CLOSE UP: Junior Alexander Lange rehearses for an upcoming competition. On Dec. 10, he will also perform in the percussion concert, featuring band students from all grade levels. The concert, according to junior Becky Welch, will also serve as preparation for a March percussion competition.

Percussion concert on Dec. 10 Performance will allow practice for Bands of America percussion competition in March

BY LAUREN BURDICK lburdick@hilite.org

MICHELLE HU / PHOTO

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: (From left to right): Seniors Tricia Kennelly and Samantha Fazzini prepare the display window for Santa’s Secret Shop. This annual shopping tradition for children has been here for over 30 years.

On Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the band room, percussionists from all five bands, including the two freshmen bands and the three upper-class bands will perform for the students at this school. For some, this experience holds an especially important meaning, as it is in preparation for the Bands of America (BOA) competition this upcoming March.

“The top two concert bands’ percussionists are going to BOA and performing as a percussionist ensemble,” percussionist and junior Becky Welch said. This concert will not only ser ve as an opportunity to practice their pieces before the competition, but also as a way for members of the school to see what the percussionists have been working

on all year.

“It’s open for students to come see. We’re really trying to fundraise, so it’s definitely open for everyone to come,” Welch said. Tickets are available for $3 for adults and $2 for students, and all of the proceeds from the ticket sales go toward funding for the percussionists to go to BOA. Although the competition takes place in Indianapolis , according to Welch, they will be staying downtown near the venue, Lucas Oil Stadium. The percussionists had to apply to attend the BOA and be accepted before ensuring their spot at the competition.

Director Bruce McConnell said, “This is the first time we’ve done a first semester concert. We’re doing some ver y neat works and some good literature for the percussion.”

Students will have the opportunity to see solely the percussionists for the first time during the first

semester. Highlighted pieces include an electro-acoustic piece with a talking marimba, a few pieces by Lou Harrison and an arrangement of a Steve Rice piece. This plethora of music types will provide something for ever yone to enjoy at tahe concert, according to McConnell.

In addition, the upcoming concert will give the percussionists themselves the opportunity to show off their craft to their peers and provide satisfaction for all the work they have done thus far.

According to Welch, being a par t of the percussion concer t is more than just practicing their instruments, it is a chance to grow close and have fun while bettering their musical talent. As she said, “I really enjoy being a percussionist because of just all the different music; it’s just a more exciting atmosphere, and I really like the ensemble aspect of it.”

Page 4 • Thursday, November 20, 2008 • Beats F E AT U R E D B E AT : k ey club

Key Club members prepare for holidays

By Thalib Razi trazi@hilite.org

Club and Activity News at a Glance Art club

On Dec. 2, Key Club will take club pictures at 10:20 a.m. in the varsity gym, and by the end of the year all members must have their required hours of community service for the club. “(For) this year, they need 50 hours of community service. They should be at 25 by now,” said cosponsor Katie Gray. “If not, they should think about some group activities.”

Sophomore Shokhi Goel said, “I have…seven or eight hours right now. I’ll probably go to as many carnivals as I can, do some retirement home visits, and I’ll donate some clothes and books for those drives. Oh, and I’ll probably go bell ringing.”

The Key Club will start ringing the bells for the Salvation Army right after Thanksgiving break, according to Gray.

The students will stand in Key Club the cold outside the Wal-Mart in members need Westfield, the O’Malia’s on Grey Road, the O’Malia’s on 136 th to complete: Street and the Kroger in Carmel, ringing their bells to raise funds 50 hours of for the poor of Hamilton County community and Indianapolis. service

“Bell ringing is fantastic throughout the because it raises money for school year. people in our own community,” Gray said.

The club members At least 25 can also earn group hours by group hours ushering at the Central Indiana are needed Dance Ensemble’s performance to ensure of “The Nutcracker,” showing membership. from Dec. 5 to 7.

At the end of ever y Katie gray / month, the club organizes a source “faculty appreciation day” for a cer tain depar tment in the school, so students may bring in snacks and drinks for credit as well.

“We’re also doing a continuous book drive for IPS (Indianapolis Public Schools) students,” Gray said.

The number and type of books affects the amount of hours earned from the donations, according to Gray, and students can bring in picture books, chapter books, encyclopedias or dictionaries.

“In IPS, a lot of kids are two years behind in reading…(the book drive) provides them with reading beyond their level,” Gray said.

By the numbers

shirley chen / photo

HELP IN THE HOLIDAYS: Tianyi Zhang, Key Club president and senior, explains volunteer opportunities to Key Club members. The club is offering volunteer options, such as bell ringing, for the holidays.

Final exam tips These are some tips to help students with preparation for final exams

• Don’t Panic: Find out what each final is worth in the class and how it will affect your grade.

On Dec. 2, Art Club will have their annual Christmas party in C117 or C127, from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. At this meeting members will make ornaments.

On the day of the Christmas party, the meeting will start out like it usually does and then the decorating will begin.

T h e ornaments have been made out of beads and pipe cleaners in the past. The Taylor members are smith allowed to take their craft home with them after they are done.

Taylor Smith, Art Club president and junior said, “Normally we start out with updates, what we’re doing, what’s coming up. Then we will probably spread the materials around, and have someone be in charge.”

Club sponsor Linda Lutes said, “It’s a quick elementary project, but they have fun with it because it is quick and easy, but they can create their own design and pick out their own bead choices.” By Lexi Compton

CCPR Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation (CCPR) is planning a Grinch Scramble on Dec.13 beginning at 7 p.m. This event is one of the several activities that not only focuses on younger children, but for all ages, including teens.

“Most of our events are geared towards all ages.” Lindsay Holajter, marketing manager for CCPR said.

The Grinch Scramble is a family event where the object is to gather as many candy canes as possible and try to spot the Grinch.

Whoever finds the green Christmas monster wins a grand prize. According to Holajter, the Grinch Scramble is one event that seems to appeal to the teens as well as the children.

“It’s during the nighttime, so you’ll need a flashlight. Kids are more drawn toward nighttime events.” Holajter said.

Fall and Winter events, like other events, require volunteers and so far no one is involved in the teen council, according to Holajter.

Diana Winkler is a former volunteer and is currently a senior at Lawrence North High School.

Winkler was involved in the CCPR during the end of September. She volunteered in the overnight camp out and the triathlon.

According to Winkler, one of the main reasons she enjoyed

volunteering for the parks and recreation organization was the fact that most of the activities are scheduled on the weekends.

Both W inkler and Holajter encourage teens to volunteer and help out for the CCPR. “Yah, even though it’s dirty work it’s a lot of fun.” Winkler said. By Audrey Bailey

CCPL Texting reminders instead of e-mail reminders for holds and overdue books are now available at the Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL).

Hope Baugh, the Young Adult (YA) Services Manager, said, “People who love to do texting can now get texted reminders about books or other library materials that are about to be overdue or things that they have on hold.”

Baugh said that anyone who is interested in receiving texting reminders instead of email reminders can go to http://www.carmel.lib. in.us/cgi-bin/textnotices/texts. cfm to sign up.

Junior Hannah Smith said she texts a lot. Smith works at the CCPL and borrows books from there.

“I think it’s a good idea. I’m more likely to pay attention and take care of (my overdue books) quicker if I get a text,” she said.

“You can use texting for overdue books, things on hold and certain calendar events,” Baugh said.

“I think our goal for this par ticular thing with texting is to make sure that we are communicating as effectively as possible with the people that we serve.” By Michael Wang

Hera Ashraf / photo

Check it out: Young Adult

Director Jamie Beckman checks out books for teens to read. Teens can now get text alerts from the library.

CHOIR Tickets for Holiday Spectacular went on sale Nov. 5 in the bookstore.

Shows will take place on Dec. 3 through 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 through 7 at 2 p.m.

A fifth show was added this year, allowing for more people to experience the show.

Choir director Ann Conrad said, “It looks like we are going to sell out five shows instead of four, which is

amazing. We’re absolutely thrilled.”

Conrad said the students are excited for the performances. She also said the students understand that each audience deser ves an excellent show, which is what they plan to give them.

Conrad said, “I’m very proud of the students in the way they’ve worked and the time they’ve dedicated to this project.” By Jade Schwarting

FOR MORE CLUB AND ACTIVITY INFORMATION Go online to hilite.org and click on ‘BEATS’ in the navigation menu Angels and teacher, said, “(The copresidents) always research a lot of small charities, and they choose such interesting projects. Many of them, I have never heard of. I learn a lot.”

Feller said she looks forward to Operation Christmas Child. “(Operation Christmas Child) shoeboxes are in most cases the only Christmas presents these children will receive,” she said. By Jade Luo

German Club

kaitlyn lampe / photo

Practice makes perfect:

Choir members practice their choreography for Holiday Spectacular. A fifth show was added this year.

CHS Angels CHS Angels will meet after school today until 4:30 p.m. to wrap shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is a program which sends shoeboxes full of gifts to different impoverished countries all over the world.

According to Kati Feller, copresident and junior, members will not need to bring shoeboxes because she has plenty.

However, she said members need $20 each. Ten dollars cover the cost of shipping the shoeboxes to other countries and the other $10 cover the cost of the presents.

“The dollar aisle at Target has a lot of items,” Feller said. “(The members) buy presents beforehand. They (wrapped the presents) by themselves last year, but we decided to change it to a group project this year.”

According to Feller, members will bring presents to the meeting and spend the time wrapping their shoeboxes and filling them with gifts to make them ready to ship out.

There are other fundraisers for Operation Christmas Child as well.

The bake sale from early November raised about $400, Feller said. The money will go partly to Operation Christmas Child and par tly to another CHS Angels fall project, Thanksgiving baskets.

These Thanksgiving baskets are assembled by CHS Angels.

“They will go to underprivileged people,” Feller said. She will deliver the baskets this Saturday to St. Elizabeth’s Ann Seton Church.

Frances Rushing, sponsor of CHS

To d a y, t h e G e r m a n C l u b i s scheduled to go to Heidelberg Haus after school. Heidelberg Haus is an authentic German restaurant located on the east side of Indianapolis.

Despite its small size, it also serves as a German bakery and gift shop filled with all sorts of treats imported straight from Germany.

The German Club has visited Heidelberg Haus in the past and Lena Gerber, co-club president and senior is excited to return.

“There is really something for everyone and the people (that work) there are really nice,” she said.

She said she recalled the Christmas ornaments, German candies and delicious pastries there from last year.

Club sponsor Laura King also has good things to say about Heidelberg Haus.

“I love their pastries. They are amazing,” she said.

She added that the servers there speak both English and German which she said will be a good way for students to use German in real life situations.

According to Gerber, the German Club is a lot bigger this year, with a total of 50 members.

Due to the large size of the German Club and the small size of the restaurant, only 20 people can go on this trip.

Gerber thinks that the reason the German Club is so large this year is because past members and the German teachers have advertised to students.

“People hear German Club and think its boring but we actually have a lot of fun,” Gerber said. By Meredith Boyd

German Dishes Here are some popular German dishes:

Schweinebraten • Pork roast in a rich gravy.

Goulasch • Fried beef and pork cubes with onions and red peppers.

Germany.co.za / source

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Sports • Thursday, November 20, 2008 • Page 7

For the love of the game MIDWEST SPORTS TALK By daniyal habib

kate grumme / photo

FAMILIAR STROKES: Swimmer and junior Nikolas Astashinsky works on his butterfly during practice. Many swimmers and divers said that practicing elementary techniques like the breast stroke, back stroke and butterfly helps prepare them for the various meets in their season.

Swim teams set for success by mackenzie madison mmadison@hilite.org

T

he swim teams are looking for war d to another competitive season in the water.

With a scheduled line up of other talented teams like West Lafayette, Noblesville, North Central and Hamilton Southeastern, Chris Plumb, coach of both teams, said he believes that the teams’ biggest competition will be at the State meet.

Plumb said, “To compete against everyone at (the) IUPUI natatorium is a thrill and a great challenge.”

Along with the State meet, the biggest competition might be the team itself; competitions within men’s and women’s teams, but also competition between the men and the women. For the past 22 years,

this school’s women’s team has been well-known as the best in the state for swimming, with the men’s team always finishing not too far behind.

Charles Williams, varsity swimmer and junior, said that he doesn’t believe that this difference in the two teams is a lack of talent or capability. He has been swimming since first grade, Williams said that he thinks there is a difference in how seriously swimmers take the sport. “(The women’s team) doesn’t have as much fun as (the men’s team) does,” he said. “We act a lot more crazy and use our energy towards other things.”

Their coach said that he believes differently. “It takes dedication, courage and perseverance to be a good swimmer. It takes dedication because of the time requirement and the amount of practice needed to be good is extremely high,” Plumb

said. “It takes courage because this sport requires you to take risks. It takes perseverance because there will be many times where you do not think you can make it, where do you think you can do it, and you must continue on despite of the fears and circumstances that surround you.”

The men’s and women’s teams both practice the same amount of time and do similar increments of swimming, with the exception of the men carrying the extra load of weight room practices.

Williams said that the men’s team does not let the women’s success get them down or discouraged. “We kind of just get used to the fact that they’re so much higher up than (the men’s team), (the women’s team tries) to put us down, but we just keep having fun even though they get annoyed with us,” said Williams, who has been experiencing this for

the past three years of his swimming career here.

With the Sectional and State meets nearly three months away in February, the women are already getting pumped, while the men already are predicting the outcome.

“To be honest, I don’t really think we have a chance (at State) this year, but next year is looking a lot more hopeful,” Williams said.

According to Williams, this lack of focus on swimming is not necessarily a bad thing because it actually is a benefit for the men that the women do not have.

“I think because we don’t put 100 percent of our focus on swimming that we are more bonded as a team than the girl’s team,” he said. “I find being part of the swim team a ver y fulfilling experience because of all the bonding and life lessons learned.”

There is a fundamental difference between high school, college and professional sports. High schoolers play for fun, college players play to go pro, and professional players play to make a living.

Obviously, the motives mix and match between the three levels, but for the most part, that’s how it is.

High school sports are so great because of this fact. Everyone loves doing their job; there are no egos involved. Except in extremely rare cases, no one high school athlete is good enough to completely dominate the entire game. It takes each person doing their job.

In a basketball game, the point guard must pass, the scorers must score, the defenders must defend and the rebounders must rebound. It may not be as flashy, but it sure is a beautiful thing to see perfect teamwork in a team sport, something not seen as frequently in the professional world of athletics today.

Professional players, even if they have a bad game or simply aren’t inspired enough to play, can take solace in the fact that they will make millions of dollars over the course of one year. College players play for the love of the game also, but the motives are split between that and stuffing stats going pro. But what do high school players have at the end of the day? According to the Georgia Career Information Center, only .03 percent of male and .02 percent of female high school basketball players eventually make it to the big leagues.

They don’t get paid, needless to say. It’s obviously the comraderie and love for the game. High school sports aren’t just games, they are many times where an entire town can gather and celebrate as one.

You can say that professional sports can unite an entire large city, or in some cases, a whole state. This is completely true; example A is the New Orleans Saints storybook season after Hurricane Katrina.

But high school sports provide a personal level of excitement that is unmatched anywhere else. What else can cities like Valdosta, GA, recently named “Titletown USA” by ESPN, indulge in? In what other venue can you watch an athlete play his heart out on the playing field, then go out and hang out with them at a bonfire?

When the Indianapolis Colts defeated the New England Patriots to win the AFC Championship a couple of years ago, the entire RCA Dome rejoiced as one. What are the chances that two random people at that game will ever see eachother again? Contrastly, fans at high school events are probably friends.

I’m a huge fan of professional sports, and America would be worse off without them. But we don’t have to pay high ticket prices or simply watch on TV to enjoy a sporting experience. Just head down the trail or to the gymnasium on Friday nights. Daniyal Habib is a sports reporter. Contact him at dhabib@hilite.org.

JV, Freshman Athletics News JV Sport in the Spotlight: Wrestling by david zheng dzheng@hilite.org

NICK JOHNSON / PHOTO

READY FOR THE REAL THING: Wrestler and senior Shea Watson and his friend attempt to take each other down during practice. The wrestling team’s first meet is the Lawrence Central Invitational on Nov. 29.

Wrestlers ready for season by david zheng dzheng@hilite.org This school’s varsity wrestling team is preparing for the Lawrence Central Invitational, which is scheduled for Nov. 29 at Lawrence Central at 9 a.m. Practices for the season started Nov. 3, and the team has been working on their technique and improving since then, according to Head Coach John Kopnisky.

“Right now we’re preparing for the season, not so much our opener,” Kopnisky said. “How we do at (Lawrence Central) is relative. We’re more concerned about the end of the season, so right now we’re just preparing for the State championship.” As Kopnisky said, the team has just been scheduling out, practicing technique and drilling in practice.

“We are practicing every day after school from 3:40 to 6 p.m. and are starting morning practices that go from 6:30 until 7:15 a.m.,” wrestler and sophomore James Frascella said. “Our team works extremely hard and our success shows when we step on the wrestling mat.”

“It’s the first competition, so everyone’s always excited,” Kopnisky said. “They want to get in there and they want to wrestle. It reminds them that they can’t just expect to go in there and wrestle everybody, because it’s

still early in the season and you have to pace yourself.”

Last year in the Lawrence Central Invitational some of the teams that competed were Lawrence Central, Columbus North, Mount Vernon, Brownsburg, Carmel and Franklin Central, among others.

“This meet could boost our confidence and set us up for a very successful and eventful season,” Frascella said.

“It was a great tournament last year. It was run well and we came out as a team in second place. This year we have a great shot at winning the tournament.”

However, some of the wrestlers might see wrestle-offs as their first competition, being only a week before the Lawrence Central Invitational. “They know (wrestleoffs) are coming,” Kopnisky said. “There’s guys on this team that know they want certain spots and are going to have to battle for it.”

Frascella agreed, but does not think wrestle-offs being so close to the invitational will affect how the team prepares for it. Frascella said, “People should be in the mindset already and treat wrestle-offs just like a regular tournament.”

“Our first competition is always a good gauge for our wrestlers to see how far they have come and how they feel starting the season,” Kopnisky said. “Whatever happens when we get up to Lawrence Central is fine, but our goal is long-term.”

The junior varsity team’s first meet is next Monday against Anderson Highland. It begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Eric Clark Activity Center.

“Anderson Highland always has a full and fairly decent JV squad,” said Head Coach John Kopnisky. “But we’ve got a group of guys that had been working since last season to improve.”

However, wrestler and sophomore Nathan Ziems has another thing to worr y about: wrestle-offs. “There are a couple of good kids in my weight class I have to beat to make it to the varsity squad,” Ziems said. “Our team has so many good people that not all of them can be on varsity.”

Kopnisky said that the JV team’s depth attributes to its dominance. “We’ve had an undefeated JV squad for four or five seasons so we take pride in how they do,” Kopnisky said. “JV is not for going out there and filling a hole. It’s to go out there to improve and win some matches.”

Ziems said he agreed with the JV team’s depth being a cause of their success. “A lot of JV teams are just not as deep as ours is,” he said.

“We haven’t lost to (Anderson Highland) in the past six seasons,” Kopnisky said. “But it’s still a good way to gauge how our guys are doing.”

FOOTBALL The junior varsity football team ended their regular season on Oct. 20. However, the JV participants continue to help prepare the varsity players for their post-season games. Tomorrow, while the varsity team plays the Semistate game, all JV players will be required to attend because the Semistate game will be a home game.

Guard and senior Cory Faulkner, who played in several JV games and is on the scout team, said that off-season training will begin in January. Some seniors, like Faulkner, have opted to drop APC, Advanced Physical Conditioning, and discontinue training. Head Coach Mo Moriarity is in charge of scheduling off-season and summer practice, according to Athletics Director Jim Inskeep. However, some seniors will continue APC in order to train for spring sports such as track. By Faith Mwalwa

MEN’S BASKETBALL The junior varsity men’s basketball team kicks of f its season right before the varsity squad takes the cour t next Wednesday.

The home Alec game against peterson Brownsburg will start at 6 p.m.

A few changes were made in the coaching staff in the off season, and this year’s JV squad will be directed by a new coach, Steve Drabyn.

Alec Peterson, JV center and sophomore, said he thinks Coach Drabyn is ready to lead this team to a successful season. “Our new coach knows what he is doing and I believe we will be able to win games. He has been able to quickly learn about our program and understand how things are run,” Peterson said.

Varsity Head Coach Mark Galloway said he feels confident in the team’s ability to succeed this season. “We have a great mix of freshmen, sophomores and juniors that are talented. I think they will perform well and have a successful season,” Galloway said.

Peterson said he agrees with Galloway. “I feel like we will do very well this season. We just need to stick together and play as a team.

As long as we play hard and smart, ever ything else will take care of itself.” By Ryan Duffy

RESULTS ONLINE For the latest sports scores and updates, as well as Ryan Duffy’s basketball story, go online to: WWW.HILITE.ORG

Page 8 • Thursday, November 20, 2008 • Sports

Hounds storm into Semistate KAITLYN LAMPE / PHOTO

GOING FOR GOLD: The varsity football team’s offensive line lines up with Kurt Freytag, senior and running back, in the backfield, before their first Sectional game against Noblesville, which the Hounds won 41-0. Practicing as an offensive or defensive unit, players said, helped them the most as they prepare to go into Semistate play.

respective Roads to semistate Penn and Carmel’s tournament paths and season highlights

CARMEL

PENN

SECTIONAL: v. Noblesville (41-0) at Lafayette Jeff (44-21) v. Harrison (48-3)

SECTIONAL: v. Elkhart Central (38-0) at Mishawaka (17-7) v. LaPorte (33-18)

REGIONAL: at Fort Wayne Snider (24-21)

REGIONAL: at Merrillville (19-0)

KEY REGULAR SEASON WINS: at Warren Central (31-17) at Center Grove (33-32)

KEY REGULAR SEASON WINS: v. St. Joseph’s (34-20) v. Mishawaka (17-0)

KEY REGULAR SEASON LOSS: v. Ben Davis (24-17)

KEY REGULAR SEASON LOSSES: at Ben Davis (35-27) v. Valparaiso (10-9 in OT) ihsaa.org / source

By faith mwalwa fmwalwa@hilite.org The football team heads into its Semistate game tomorrow at 7 p.m.

The team plays Penn at home in hopes of gaining an opportunity to play in the State championship game on Nov. 29 against the winner of Ben Davis at Center Grove. The Trojans come into that Semistate matchup as the favorite, behind a sturdy running attack, a stingy defense and a home field advantage.

The team began the postseason by plowing through Sectional 4, winning every game by at least 23 points. Last week, the team played Fort Wayne Snider in the Regional game, defeating them 24-21, despite sloppy field conditions. The Panthers orchestrated a steady two-minute drill as the clock wound down in the fourth quarter but missed the tying 42-yard field goal as time expired.

According to Alexander “Alex” Pierce, left tackle and senior, the Hounds have no way of knowing ahead of time who they would play in next week’s State game, should they beat Penn, because both Semistate games take place at the same time.

The Indiana High School Athletic

Association (IHSAA) orchestrates the competition and organizes the games for each week leading up to the State championship, Gabe Johnson, Co-Defensive Coordinator and English teacher, said. According to Athletics Director Jim Inskeep, determining the host for each game can be quite complicated. Last week for the Hounds’ matchup with the Panthers, the decision was made that Snider would host because of the fact that Snider is in a higher Sectional number.

“We play in brackets. A team that wins one bracket will play the winner of the other bracket,” Johnson said. “Once you lose, you (are pretty much) done.”

Kevin Shaw, inside linebacker and senior, said that although the team is now deep into the post-season, the players have been comforted by the stable practice and training regimen.

“If (the practice) wasn’t (routine), that would throw us off,” he said.

The team has traveled to State championship for the past two years, becoming State runner-up in 2006 to Warren Central, and winning the title last year against Pike 16-7. The game will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium for the first time this season.

RUNNING WILD: Senior and running back Kurt Freytag carries the ball as he scores during the team’s practice before its first game in Sectional against Noblesville.

KAITLYN LAMPE, LILY ZHAO / PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

Cheerleaders prep for another winter season by maggie brandenburg mbrandenburg@hilite.org

Jennie strauch

This year, just like all the others, the men’s and women’s basketball teams will take to the court with the winter cheerleading squads backing them the entire way. This will be no easy task with the crowds the men’s basketball games attract and with the added pressure that now rides on the women’s team due to the State title it won last season.

“Usually (the crowd) is pretty pumped up already, and it’s just a matter of keeping them entertained and enthusiastic throughout the game,” Alyson Endicott, men’s varsity basketball cheerleader and senior, said. “We do, you know, cheers that they know and can cheer along with and just kind of like defense, offense. They can really get into the game that way.”

To earn a spot on either squad, cheerleaders stated a preference for which team they would like to cheer for and then had to participate in a try-out process where they were graded on different cheerleading techniques such as jumps, motions, personality and leadership. Based on the scores they received and their preference, each cheerleader is assigned to a squad.

According to Jennie Strauch, men’s varsity basketball cheerleader and junior, “You put down what you want and then you try out. So it’s like if I only wanted to cheer boy’s varsity, I put down boy’s varsity.

You try out, and then they decide

whether or not you’re capable of being on that squad and if not, then you just don’t make it.”

Also, Vickie Walsh, women’s varsity basketball squad head coach, said that to begin preparing for the season, all of the squads, including the freshman and junior varsity groups, practice together and are taught the cheers and chants of the winter cheerleading program.

The squads then split up to begin putting stunting groups together and learning their routines. The squads even receive help from outside sources to help the cheerleaders master their skills.

According to Walsh, that help includes this Saturday’s cheer camp where, “a group of college cheerleaders will come in and just do things (to help the teams).”

While fall cheerleading involves competition, winter cheerleading is more of the traditional cheering type of situation, and according to Walsh, with games being the main focus.

For cheerleaders who compete on both squads, how far the football team goes into tournament play can become hectic.

“It’s totally different,” Wa l s h s a i d . “ F i r s t o f a l l , t h e fall cheerleaders participate in competitions, and that is definitely the major difference, and so there are really two types of cheerleading; there’s the classic game cheerleading, and then there’s competition cheerleading, and not everybody enjoys both. Some cheerleaders prefer the competition,

and some cheerleaders enjoy the game situations; some prefer both.

So for those cheerleaders that prefer the classic game cheerleading, that’s what our program is for. For those that prefer competition, fall

cheerleading is perfect for them.”

Strauch, who competed on the fall cheerleading squad and the winter cheerleading squad, said she agrees. Strauch said, “Football and basketball cheerleading are

two totally separate worlds. If you do football cheerleading, then you also have to do competition cheerleading and so it’s not just all like ‘rah-rah’ like cheerleading, like sideline cheering.”

Truth behind cheerleading myths revealed by Head Coach Lisa Knipp By steven chen schen@hilite.org

broken legs to stress fractures to concussions. We have (injuries) just like a football player would have. So that is definitely a fact. It is a very risky environment. We try to be as safe as we can.”

Myth: Only girls cheerlead.

LK: “Here in the state of Indiana, there are co- ­ ed teams. If you look at collegiate cheerleading, Myth: Cheerleading has no rules.

L K : “We ar e gover ned by I can’t think of one college federation rules, just like the cheerleading program that is sport of football has rules that only for females. So it most they are governed by. Just definitely is a co-ed sport. We like you can go to the state of have tried to open it up to California and play a football different gentlemen in CHS game, we can go to the state of who have chosen not to embrace Girls aren’t the only ones Texas and cheer against other the sport. It’s their decision, not with school spirit teams in competition because mine. At this time, there are no there are federation rules we gentlemen that are cheering for George W. Bush have to abide by.”

CHS. At one time back in the Samuel L. Jackson late 80’s, early 90’s there were Steve Martin Myth: Cheerleading is like stuntmen. Male cheerleaders Michael Douglas being in a popularity contest. were called stuntmen. And it Franklin D. Roosevelt LK: “We don’t have the student was the president of the student body, it was the speaker of the about.com / source body or anyone in the school judge our tryouts. I bring in house, it was football players. outside judges from across the It was made up of high school boys who were in Midwest to judge. So we do not have anyone in leadership roles.” the building giving us advice as to who will make Myth: Cheerleaders don’t incur a lot of injuries. cheerleading, so it definitely is not a popularity LK: “We do incur injuries. We have everything: contest.”

Famous male cheerleaders

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520 E. Main Street • Carmel,IN 46032 • Volume 54, Issue 6 • November 20, 2008

Tasty Turkey Recycling

Create a new meal with leftovers Compiled by Shireen Korkzan Turkey Enchiladas

Students from foreign countries learn to incorporate their own traditions into Thanksgiving

By Ellie Seta

G

athered around her dining room table, sophomore Donna Chesnova and her family sit down to a typical Thanksgiving feast. However, the items included on their menu are not so typical. Instead of the usual turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, Chesnova eats an array of Russian cuisine such as, shish kabobs, meatballs, potatoes, bread and multiple types of salads. For most students here, Thanksgiving is a time of three elements: food, football and shopping. But for Chesnova, Thanksgiving is just another opportunity to spend time with her family and eat a home cooked feast.

According to Scripps Howard News Service and Ohio University, one out of every eight people are planning a non-traditional Thanksgiving this year.

Chesnova, who is originally from the Ukraine and moved to the United States when she was three years old, said that although she does celebrate Thanksgiving, there are some differences that separate her Thanksgiving from the average American’s Thanksgiving.

“Our Thanksgiving is not like a huge family reunion,” Chesnova said. “It is just my (immediate) family plus my aunt and uncle.”

Chesnova said the main difference between her Thanksgiving and the average American’s Thanksgiving is what is served. She said that she remembers the first time she learned about Thanksgiving and the meaning and customs behind it.

“In preschool we learned about Thanksgiving one day, and that day I went home and told my mom that we needed to buy a turkey,” Chesnova said. “But instead of American food we have Russian food.”

Chesnova said although they eat mostly SHIRLEY CHEN / PHOTO Russian food at Thanksgiving, they still eat turkey as their main dish. In addition to the ETHNIC FOODS: Sophomore Donna Chesnova looks at a local shop that sells ethnic foods. kabobs, meatballs and other items, for dessert Chesnova is Russian and moved to the United States when she was three years old. she said that her family usually drinks coffee and Also like Chesnova, Becker said that she does not participate in some of tea and eats Russian chocolates. the American traditions that go along with the Thanksgiving holiday.

German teacher Angelika Becker, who is originally from “I don’t watch football and I don’t go shopping the day after,” Becker Hüttenbach, Germany, said that she too celebrates Thanksgiving in a said. “They are just things I don’t associate with Thanksgiving.” different way.

Sophomore Shokhi Goel, who moved from India to the United States “We have created our own family traditions,” Becker said. “We fi ve years ago, said her Thanksgiving is quite different than the average eat turkey and stuffing, but then we add Rotkohl (red cabbage) and Knödel (potato dumplings), which are both German dishes, and a American’s Thanksgiving.

German-style cucumber salad. For dessert we have pies, like you are supposed to have.”

Go Mexican the day after this American tradition.

In a casserole dish, combine a half-pound of cutup turkey meat with a cup of salsa, a half-cup of olives and a teaspoon of garlic powder. Heat in the microwave for two minutes. In the meantime, heat up several tortillas on a pan over the kitchen stove and preheat the over to 350 degrees. Spread a little cream cheese on the tortillas. When finished, spoon the turkey and salsa mixture onto the tortillas and top with shredded cheese. Fold the tortillas in half. Place the enchiladas in a deep-dish pan, sprinkle top of tortillas with a little shredded cheese, and heat in the oven for five minutes or until cheese is melted.

Turkey and Cranberry Sandwiches Simply slab on heated and sliced turkey and cranberry sauce on toasted bread.

Turkey and Pasta Slice chunks of turkey and mix with a handful of your favorite pasta. Stir in two teaspoons of olive oil, salt, pepper and rosemary. Heat in the microwave for a minute-and-a-half and stir.

Turkey Salad Add chunks of warm turkey to your favorite salad.

Ser ved best with a few shredded argula leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. For a more traditional taste, add a few spoonfuls of cranberry sauce as a salad dressing.

SEE TWISTED TRADITIONS ON PAGE B2

SHIREEN KORKZAN / PHOTOS

Vegetarians find alternative Thanksgiving options Students create meatless traditions, keep holiday spirit

BY AMANDA NGUYEN anguyen@hilite.org Turkey is what defines Thanksgiving for many Americans.

For many, it’s hard to imagine having a Thanksgiving dinner without it as the centerpiece of the meal. But for vegetarian and junior Vikas Vavilala, not having a turkey during the holiday is the norm. He said the bird’s absence doesn’t damper his family’s spirit. Instead, Vavilala said his family enjoys several vegetarian Indian dishes like a stuffed pastry called samosa and naan, clay oven-baked bread.

“We don’t have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but we do give thanks,” Vavilala said.

Vavilala said he and his family treat their Thanksgiving dinner as any other normal dinner. Vavilala said he and his family have been vegetarians all of their lives. He said that most Indian food is vegetarian, and because his whole family is also vegetarian by religion, a meat-free Thanksgiving dinner is not a problem.

“Because there are a lot of vegetarians by choice, there are plenty of options in the U.S. to accommodate their choices. It’s hard to find a restaurant that doesn’t have vegetarian choices,” Vavilala said.

According to thanksgivingworld.com, the first Thanksgiving included several non-turkey options.

The original meal consisted of fish, berries, watercress, lobster, dried fruit, clams, venison and plums. It wasn’t clear if the colonists ate turkey because back then “turkey” meant any type of wild fowl. Modern Thanksgiving dinners include turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.

For those vegetarians with more traditional Thanksgiving tastes, according to Alicia Herder, vegetarian by choice and junior, some popular Thanksgiving vegetarian dishes today include tofu turkey, baked pumpkin with vegetable pilaf, pumpkin tomato soup and vegetable pot pie.

“I think the worst thing about Thanksgiving is the smell of turkey. I just want to shut myself in my room,” Herder said.

Herder said she gave up meat the summer before her freshman year. Unlike Vavilala, she said her family is not vegetarian and they do have the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Instead of eating the turkey, Herder said she just eats the mashed potatoes, corn and pumpkin pie.

Vegetarians have a lot of options instead of turkey.

Patricia Brinegar, family and consumer science teacher, said, “Vegetarians look at getting enough protein, and they do this through the side dishes. If you avoid turkey, you can get a lot of protein from side dishes. You can substitute turkey with pasta dishes, bean dishes or eggplant parmesan. Proteins are not difficult to get. Lacto-ovo vegetarians can get their complete proteins from dairy or egg products. Vegetarians can also use soy products because soy is also a source of complete protein. Combinations of plant products also contain complete proteins.”

SEE VEGETARIAN THANKSGIVING ON PAGE B2

THE VEGETARIAN PILGRIMS’ MENU You can still be traditional and skip out on the Thanksgiving meat.

Here’s the original menu without it

Seafood: Cod, Eel, Clams, Lobster Grain: Wheat Flour, Indian Corn Vegetables: Pumpkin, Peas, Beans, Onions, Lettuce, Radishes, Carrots Fruit: Plums, Grapes Nuts: Walnuts, Chestnuts, Acorns Herbs and Seasonings: Olive Oil, Liverwort, Leeks, Dried Currants, Parsnips HISTORY.COM / SOURCE

For Vegetarian and Vegan friendly Thanksgiving recipes, visit Hilite Online at www.hilite.org

Page B2 • Thursday, November 20, 2008 • Feature

5

meals per day: the new ?

3

Research shows eating nutritious snacks throughout the day leads to a healthier lifestyle Healthy CHoices Try one of these healthier options when snacking during school

Dried Fruits: Raisins, apricots, figs and dates don’t have the water content of fresh fruit, so they aren’t quite as filling, says Maria Walls, senior nutritionist for Weight Watchers International.

Still, they last for ages and contain much of the nutrition of their undried brethren. A small box of raisins has 130 calories and no fat.

Tuna Salad in a Pouch: The StarKist Lunch To-Go, for example, has 3 ounces of tuna, mayo, relish and six crackers, plus a spoon to mix it all up. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated and weighs in at a relatively small 210 calories.

Nuts: “They’re great snack items because they’re so filling,” says Katherine Tallmadge, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. Walnuts are desirable because they’re high in omega-3 fatty acids that protect against heart disease.

Limit yourself to 1 ounce -- about 160 calories.

Fruit Cookies: Two cookies have about 110 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. The low-fat varieties have 90 calories and almost no fat.

Animal Cookies: Sixteen of the critters contain only 120 calories. And even vegetarians can enjoy biting the head off a lion or the hump off a camel.

Single-Serving Soups: Look for an 8-ounce serving that has no more than 480 milligrams of sodium, says Connie Diekman, director of nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis. You can find a nutritious cup of soup with 100 to 200 calories.

bgh.com / source

regular, full-size meal.

According to Patricia Brinegar, family and consumer science teacher, it depends on the student, whether he Every morning before school, sitting by her locker or or she is cut out for three meals a day. Some people, during her first period class, senior Mary Robin pulls out particularly active teens may need five small meals a day, a healthy snack, which she considers breakfast. The snacks like swimmers. Swimmers often need to eat an enormous do not consist of Pop-Tarts, donuts or cinnamon rolls. amount of calories. Whereas a teen that doesn’t have an Robin’s idea of a healthy snack is eating granola bars, activity after school may be fine with three meals a day and a couple of good snacks. It is an individual thing on Luna bars and fresh fruit.

Althea Albritton, Freshman Center nurse, said, “I how many meals and calories one should eat a day. have seen kids sick lots of time due to not eating. The “What is generally recommended is to eat five or six main problem is not eating breakfast. That’s huge and meals during the course of the day. You eat less at meals, is probably the number one most important meal of but you eat a little more frequently. Selecting good food the day. It gives you a good start for the day, gets the choices would be the key in a balanced diet from all the metabolism going, wakes you up and gives you a good food groups,” Albritton said. foundation for learning. They have done research that Snacking through the course of the day can take a toll has proven that students who eat good breakfasts actually on a student’s body if he or she does not eat nutritious perform better in school. Of course, the number one snacks. Students tend to reach for the quick energy, high fat, sugar foods, because those snacks are always accessible. excuse is ‘I overslept or I had to catch the bus.’”

Researchers recommend munching between meals The occasional high fat, sugar foods are appropriate but to maintain energy and to prevent devouring too much in correct sized portions. at lunch or dinner. By eating small, high protein snacks, “Students need to make wise food choices for snacks. people will be able to reduce the amount of food for a The chips, cookies and candy should be substituted for a little peanut butter and crackers, a little bit of cheese and yogurt or fresh fruits and vegetables.

They are much better snack than reaching for a bag of potato chips and the stuff that we really love,” Albritton said. Snacks offer nutrients and vitamins to the body, and it also reduces the feeling of hunger.

Smart snacking can help students keep going until their next full meal.

Putting small, healthy snacks in lockers and backpacks will reduce the student’s urge to walk to a vending machine.

Robin said, “I think what you choose to snack on kind of decides how healthy you are. It is one to think if you are going to eat cookies rather than eating something with protein, which helps you keep on going.” Snacking can keep one’s mood on an even keel, to prevent blood sugar from sinking. Snacks can also help with appetite and weight control since they can prevent over indulgence at meals. However, there are factors that student’s should look at when deciding and eating snacks.

According to fitsugar.com, the danger in snacking is that it can add extra calories to one’s day. By unconsciously adding 100 calories per day beyond the calories one burns can add up to a 10-pound gain in one year.

“Students should really look at the food pyramid. They can go to mypyramid.gov. Mypyramid.gov has 12 food models based on your age, weight, gender and activity level.

Those food models then will direct you to what you should eat, how many calories you should consume and how many servings you should have from each of the food groups,” Brinegar said.

Brinegar said, “Three large meals is our standard pattern, but it doesn’t KAITLYN LAMPE / photo fit everyone’s needs. Some people better on five small meals than healthy munches: Senior Mary Robin stands outside in the hall eating do they do on three large meals. So, it a snack before class. Robin tries to eat healthier snacks, such as pretzels, is just and individual choice and an throughout the day. individual preference.”

by kelsey binion kbinion@hilite.org

TWISTED TRADITIONS, from Page B1 “(My Thanksgiving) is more of a family get together,” Goel said. “It is the only time when my whole family can get together.”

But also like Becker and Chesnova, Goel said that she eats novelty Indian food at her meal. She said her favorite dish is a dessert made of balls of dough with creamy filling inside; which she said is a traditional Indian dessert.

Chesnova said that although Thanksgiving is an American holiday, there is a similar holiday Ukrainians celebrate. She said that during this holiday everyone makes food and gives it to their godparents and the purpose is to let them know how much they are appreciated. But unlike in the United States, Chesnova said that the first toast is for the holiday that they are celebrating, and the rest of the holiday is just about eating.

Becker also said that in Germany there is a German Thanksgiving called Erntedankefest. She said that this holiday is celebrated the first Sunday of October. The purpose of this holiday is to give thanks for the new harvest. This holiday is actually very similar to the American Thanksgiving. Becker said that everyone puts together a basket of fruit, bread, flowers and vegetables, and then takes them to the church to be blessed. The blessed food then becomes the meal for the day.

“Some towns have parades and floats, but they all have to do with bringing in the harvest,” Becker said.

But still Becker said that she loves to celebrate the American Thanksgiving. “(Thanksgiving) is a wonderful holiday that my family loves, especially since we created our own traditions around it,” Becker said.

Chesnova said that although her Thanksgiving celebration is a lot about food, it also brings about much more than that.

“I am just thankful for being able to live in this country,” Chesnova said. “It is filled with so many opportunities.”

shirley chen / photo

peek around: Sophomore Donna Chesnova looks around at Babushka’s Deli, a Russian Deli in Carmel. Chesnova, Russian herself, and her family celebrate a slightly different version of the traditional American Thanksgiving to accommodate their own cultural backgrounds.

VEGETARIAN THANKSGIVING, from Page B1

Because Vavilala doesn’t eat a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, he said that he has the option of dining out for the holiday. “Most restaurants of fer vegetarian foods. There are vegetarian burgers, tofu turkeys and even vegetarian corn dogs,” he said. “Even Italian food like pasta is vegetarian. There are a lot of options.”

Brinegar agrees with Vavilala on the fact that since there are so many alternatives, most vegetarians don’t feel excluded during Thanksgiving.

“Vegetarians don’t feel different,” she said.

“Avoiding turkey isn’t a big deal for them because they’re used to it. They don’t feel slighted at all. It’s their lifestyle. Vegetarians approach the holiday as a regular meal. Because there are a lot of vegetarian and vegan recipes, (vegetarians) can enjoy all holiday festivities.”

Have You Ever Wondered... where birds go during the winter?

Compiled by Jade Schwarting

What?

Migration is defined as “the seasonal movement of birds generally between breeding and non-breeding areas.

When?

Hawks, raptors, swifts and swallows fly during the day and avoid water, especially the hawks and raptors species. Songbirds fly during the night and search for food on the ground during the day.

The stiller air also allows for easier flying.

Why?

Food: Different seasons force birds to move to areas with more plentiful food supplies.

Reproduction: To breed and raise their offspring.

How?

Where?

The Arctic Tern holds the record for the longest migration distance: 18,000 miles between its breeding and nonbreeding ground areas. Songbirds stop a number of times to rest during their journey, mostly in search of food. Some birds only migrate short distances, or as far as they need to go in order to find food. Austral, or southern birds, migrate North to breed and South at the end of the season.

Birds become hyperphagic, or eat an increased amount of food to prepare for the long journey. Food is stored in their bodies as fat, which is easily used for energy.

zoosociety.org / source ROSEMARY BOEGlIN AND STEVEN CHEN / PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

Entertainment • Thursday, November 20, 2008 • Page B3

The Perfect Meal Arjuna Capulong / photo illustration

Put a fresh spin on this year’s Thanksgiving feast with HiLite reporters’ favorite recipes. Your guide to making mouth-watering, unforgettable dishes

For the main course...

Turkey Stock Ingredients

1.

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 large chopped onion • 1 large chopped carrot • 1 chopped celery stalk with leaves • 1 carcass with skin from a 12 to 15-pound turkey, meat removed and reserved, carcass broken into pieces • 4 quarts cold water • 4 fresh parsley sprigs • 1/2 tsp dried thyme • 1/4 tsp whole black peppercorns • 1 bay leaf

2.

3.

4.

5.

Jade Luo / Photos

Directions Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot and celery. Cover and cook until veggies soften, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes.

Place the turkey carcass pieces into the pot and add water.

Bring mixture to boil and skim any foam from the surface.

Add parsley, thyme, peppercorns and bay leaf.

Reduce heat to low, cover loosely with lid.

Simmer for three hours.

Strain stock into large bowl. Discard solids.

Let stock stand for 10 minutes, and then skim off the fat. Boil to reduce to 10 cups or add water to measure 10 cups. Season with salt and pepper.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

• 1 medium head of garlic • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 pounds potatoes (Russet works best) • 4 tablespoons softened butter • 1/2 cup milk • salt to taste • pepper to taste

1.

2.

3.

4.

Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Drizzle peeled garlic with olive oil. Wrap in aluminum foil. Bake in preheated oven for about an hour.

Cut potatoes in same-sized cubes. Add to large pot of salted, boiling water. Cook until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain. Stir in milk, butter, salt and pepper.

Remove garlic from oven; cut in fourths. Squeeze cloves into potatoes. Blend or mash potatoes until desired consistency.

For dessert...

Frozen Pumpkin Mousse Pie

Pecan Pie

Ingredients

• 30 small gingersnap cookies (about 7 ½ ounces) • 2 tablespoons raisins

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/3 cup packed • brown sugar

• 2 pints frozen low fat vanilla ice cream softened • 1 tablespoon canola oil

•

Directions

to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-inch deep-dish pie 4. To prepare filling: Combine pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, pan with cooking spray. ginger and nutmeg in a large bowl and mix well. Add 2. To prepare crust, combine gingersnaps and ice cream and stir until blended. Spoon the mixture raisins in a food processor and pulse until finely into the cooled pie crust. Freeze until firm, at least chopped. Add oil and pulse until blended. Press two hours. evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the 5. Let the pie soften slightly in the refrigerator for 20 to prepared pan.

30 minutes before serving.

3. Bake the crust until set (about 10 minutes). Transfer

Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole Ingredients

• 5 medium sweet potatoes • 3 Granny Smith apples

• Juice of 1 lemon • 3 T cold, unsalted butter

• 1/3 cup honey • 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Directions

1. Cook potatoes (can do three days ahead).

2. Remove skins and slice 3/8 inches thick.

3. Peel, halve and core the apples. Slice 3/8-inch thick and toss with lemon juice.

4. Grease three quart casserole.

5. In microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, honey, spice and salt.

6. Heat for one minute in the microwave. Stir and cover the bottom of the casserole dish with half of the potatoes and the top of the dish with half of the apples. Drizzle with the honey mixture. Repeat.

7. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Broil two to three minutes to brown the top.

Lexi Muir / Photo 8. Can assemble one day ahead and keep in the refrigerator.

1. To make the pie base, crumb together the flour and butter with your fingers. Then add the eggs, sugar and about one tablespoon of cold water and knead to smooth dough.

2. Roll out the dough and use it to line an 8-inch pie tin. Prick the base and then fill it with baking beans.

3. Refrigerate for about half an hour.

4. In the meantime, preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

Then bake the pastry base for about 10 minutes.

5. Heat the syrup, sugar and butter until the sugar dissolves completely. Cool slightly and then add the eggs and vanilla essence to the mix.

6. Lastly, stir the pecan nuts in the mix.

7. Pour the mix into the pastry case and bake for 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain flour • 1/4 cup cubed butter • 2 tbsp castor sugar • 1 egg yolk • 3/4 cup golden syrup • 1/4 cup butter • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 3 eggs • 1 ½ cup pecan nuts, halved • 1/2 tsp vanilla essence • Baking beans

Page B4 • Thursday, November 20, 2008 • Entertainment

Reviews

Books. Movies. Food. Music. Shopping. Previews.

Local indie band breaks out with second album

By Renny Logan rlogan@hilite.org

BENNETT FUSON / Photos

PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ: Performing arts students across the department put on the show as an annual tradition to celebrate the season. Freshman Amanda Koopmann (above right) practices her roller blading role in “Holiday Spectacular.” Seniors Anna Mowery, John “Kyle” Straub and junior Katie Roberts (above left) rehearse for their upcoming trio piece.

It’s Spectacular!

“Holiday Spectacular” strives to get its audience into the holiday spirit with annual send up to winter festivities

By Lexi Muir lmuir@hilite.org Every year, the choirs here work together to put on the single most popular show at this school, “Holiday Spectacular,” which is scheduled to begin this year on Dec. 3, earlier than in past years. It is the most attended and the most talked about show of the year.

As a celebration of the sounds of the season, the directors and performers have one goal: to get everyone in the audience into the holiday spirit.

“It is a total celebration of traditions of the holidays,” Lamonte Kuskye, choral director and director of the musical, said. “It’s all about spectacle. It’s a show where people can just come and be happy.”

According to Kuskye, this year the show will be loosely celebrating Christmas in New York–specifically, Central Park.

“We are going to have the illusion of people ice skating in Central Park,” he said. “We have only done this once before.”

According to Kuskye, “Holiday Spectacular” is the most widely attended show here. He said that this year, they have added a fifth show to give more people an opportunity to come.

Along with being the most popular show here, it is also the most rehearsed. Evan Cain, member of the Ambassadors choir for the past two years and senior, said that the choirs have been rehearsing their songs since the first week of school.

“We started after-school rehearsals the first week of school,” Cain said. “We did this along with morning rehearsals, and the Rockettes

have had rehearsals during SRT as well.”

The shows this year will take place earlier this year than usual. They will be performed on Dec. 3, 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. and on Dec. 6 and 7 at 2 p.m. According to Kuskye, the Saturday night show was moved to 2 p.m. because of a conflict with a men’s basketball game that same night. Tickets went on sale to the public on Nov. 5 at the bookstore, and while many seats are gone, students can still buy tickets for $8, $10, $12 and $15 depending on where they want their seats to be, according to Kuskye.

Kuskye said he thinks this year could be their best year yet.

“There is such variety in what we are doing,” he said. “The order is different and we have brand new costumes. There is also a hilarious Santa scene, the ice skating and a train.”

Cain said that students should attend the show because it really puts them into the holiday mood.

“It’s big, bright and exciting,” he said. “Everyone I see after the show has big smiles on their faces and they always say they just want to go out and go Christmas shopping and be with their families. It really gets you into the family mood.”

Kuskye said that he thinks despite the recent economic situation, the turnout this year will be comparable to years past. “Economically, everyone is concerned,” he said. “But people want and need to see holiday shows.

“We are going to have such fun this year. We have so many fun kids; I am really looking forward to putting it all together.”

Cain said, “It would be really great for more students to come to the show. I know they won’t regret it if they do.”

Last year, Grampall Jookabox released its wild child debut “Scientific Cricket.” The CD contained an array of influences, from folk to experimental. With paranormal-inspired lyrics and crackly, raw recordings, the capricious debut had much to offer listeners disinclined to mainstream music. On Tuesday, the band (if you can even call it that; its composition is loosely formed) released its second CD “Ropechain.”

In light of this, I met with Grampall Jookabox mastermind David “Moose” Adamson at a café in Broadripple to take a peek at the man behind the music.

The Indy local got his start in music early on, recording songs on his boom box while in grade school, he said.

Adamson said he has tried holding down normal jobs and also attended Indiana University, but realized that music was what he wanted to do. “ I w a s n ’ t c o n v i n c e d t h a t ( m a j o r i n g i n telecommunications) was what I wanted to do,” Adamson said. “I didn’t want to be stuck in Bloomington learning about camera angles and whatever else.”

After a tour with his former band BIGBIGCar didn’t go well, Adamson said he began to focus more on Grampall Jookabox, which originated as a side-project with girlfriend Amy Brown. Brown, who attends Herron School of Art and Design, no longer records with Adamson because of commitments to school and work.

Musically, Adamson said he believes in maintaining a raw sound. “I think you often lose something when you try to re-record a raw idea in a crisp way,” he said. “Even though I upgraded the technology on (‘Ropechain’), I still kept it to as few takes as possible.”

True to this statement, Adamson maintained the unrefined quality on “Ropechain;” however, the difference between the two albums is still noticeable.

While I’m somewhat nostalgic for the crackly recordings of “Scientific Cricket,” to add them to “Ropechain” would have sounded forcibly raw. “ I t r i e d t o m a k e ( ‘ R o p e c h a i n ’ ) s o t h a t it’d make more sense. One time I listened to ‘Scientific Cricket’ and I thought that it was j u s t t o o a l l - o v e r- t h e - p l a c e , ” A d a m s o n s a i d .

The ef for t was executed well. “Ropechain” had all the oddity in style as “Scientific Cricket” without being incoherent. Adamson succeeded in harnessing his musical ability to put “Ropechain” together so that all the pieces worked in a s y n e r g i s t i c m a n n e r, r a t h e r t h a n c o n f l i c t i n g .

For example, the opening track “Black Girls” begins slowly, with each sound entering separately but building upon one another. Adamson’s vocals soon begin as spoken-word over the simple beats. Adamson said one of the new technologies implemented on “Ropechain” was a loop pedal for the drums, which can be heard on this track.

One of many aspects of “Scientific Cricket” that can be found on “Ropechain” is the altered and sometimes just crazy vocalizations of Adamson. Vocals are sometimes sped up or slowed down, Adamson said. Other times, Adamson utilizes spoken-word or even a strange and modern kind of scat singing, l i k e o n t h e t r a c k “ L e t ’ s G o M a d To g e t h e r. ” Unlike the debut, transitions between songs occur much more fluidly and cohesively on “Ropechain.”

Each song leads into each other and all have the same underlying tone, whereas on “Scientific Cricket” each song existed on its own plane of existence.

That’s not to say that “Scientific Cricket” was a bad CD, only that the songs, each good in their own right, didn’t necessarily belong on the same disc.

This is not true of “Ropechain,” which leads the listener logically from track to track. The CD is a successful for ward step in the ar tistic progression for Grampall Jookabox and I’m interested in where it will take the band as a result.

‘Quantum of Solace’ builds on new Bond legacy

By Sam WaTERMEIER swatermeier@hilite.org After killing two men with his bare hands, the man stares at the mirror, looking at the monster he has become. This quiet moment with James Bond from 2006’s “Casino Royale” single-handedly revolutionized the “Bond” franchise. By showing Bond’s shame, it added an emotional layer completely lacking from the previous installments. The mirror motif is continued in the follow-up “Quantum of Solace,” except this time when Bond looks in the mirror, he coldly wipes some blood off his face and presses on instead of examining his self-worth. This mirrors (no pun intended) the goal of the film which is providing non-stop action and pure escapism. “Quantum of Solace” is not a dark character study like “Royale” and in a year filled with gritty, heavily dramatic Hollywood films like “The Dark Knight,” this kind of lighter affair is refreshing. Through the screenplay and Daniel Craig’s performance, the film even justifies its lack of depth by explaining Bond’s need to be emotionally detached.

The plots for James Bond films are notoriously convoluted, so here are the basics: The film is essentially a revenge story. To avenge the death of his one and only love, Bond must defeat a dastardly environmentalist named Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric). Bond is joined by another revenge-seeker, the beautiful Camille (Olga Kurylenko), who was oppressed by Greene as one of his business associates/mistresses. This plot sets the framework for some truly spectacular action sequences.

The action scenes, although flawed, are staged beautifully and tautly by director Marc Forster. This is surprising considering Forster is not known for making movies like this on such a large scale, but rather for telling

small, human interest stories (“Monster’s Ball,” “Finding Neverland”). The fight scenes provide both eye candy and suspense. One shoot out even takes place during the middle of an epic opera around its grand set. The chase scenes are equally ambitious and they occur by land, sea, and air. As impressive as these scenes are, the flaw lies in the fact that they are so hectic and relentless that they can be more exhausting than thrilling as the film progresses. Thankfully, the character of Bond is never tiresome though.

Craig and screenwriters Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis, and Robert Wade provide a completely unapologetic Bond in that he never stops to analyze his actions or bare his soul. The screenwriters show that not only does he not have time, but that if he did stop to ponder his existence, he would fall apart. This is evident in Craig’s performance. There is sadness behind his urgency. He talks and moves very quickly as if trying to outrun or suppress his emotions at all times. This reminds me of a line from “Goldeneye” in which a woman asks Bond, “How can you be so cold?” He replies, “It’s what keeps me alive.” In this sense, maybe “Quantum of Solace” does have more depth than I am giving credit. It just does not wear its emotions on its sleeve like “Casino Royale.”

Critics and audiences seem to want much more serious Hollywood films these days. Many critics complained that “Quantum of Solace” is “too light” and does not provide enough food for thought. What happened to a little thing called escapism? That is what movies and specifically “Bond” films were meant for in the first place. These days, with our massive war and financial crisis among other conflicts, we need a break. We need to escape reality and experience good, old-fashioned fun. We need a film like “Quantum of Solace.”

007.com / photo

‘Quantum of Solace’ Starring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Mathieu Amalric

Rated: PG-13

Written By: Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade

directed by: Marc Forster

Run time: 1 Hour, 45 Minutes

Overall: B+

Student Section • Thursday, November 20, 2008 • Page B5

Vacations Without Borders Forget 180 days, senior Alex Meyers is going around the world in one high school career

By Cassie Dugan

and social situations.

Or some, an exotic vacation may “I think it has just made me a nicer person entail a location such as Florida or realizing what some people have to do in California. But for senior Alex Myers, other countries to get through life and it places like Peru, the Galapagos Islands makes me want to try a lot harder with my and Tanzania are normal destinations. life to succeed,” Myers said.

Myers said that witnessing the contrasting Regardless of being exposed to the lifestyles between all of the locations has struggles people face in other countries, improved his character and the way he Myers said that is part of the enjoyment. lives life.

“It’s good to be looking at something According to Myers, both of his parents different than just the United States and traveled often in their childhood which is opening your eyes to other things,” he said. why they travel so much now as a family.

When the Myers family travels, they “My grandparents traveled a lot and took typically travel with the Moehling family, (my parents) places,” Myers said. “They who have kids that are both currently didn’t really go out of the country though enrolled here and who have also already – just within the states.” graduated. Laura Moehling, the mother In addition, Myers’ father participated of the family, serves as the chairperson in mission trips because of his occupation for the Our Lady Mount Carmel Church as a doctor. The family began traveling to Haiti Ministry, a missionary organization. major destinations when he was in sixth She said that her travels to Haiti have, like and seventh grade. Among all of the places Myers, changed her view on life. he has traveled, Myers mentioned that “It’s just a matter of social injustice. climbing 15,100 foot Mount Kilamanjaro The fact that we live here is just a matter was a specific event that made him open of luck. We could have just as easily been his eyes a little. born in Haiti or anywhere else,” Moehling “When we climbed Kilamanjaro, we said. “I feel like it is my responsibility to really didn’t carry anything, just, like, help people with daily struggles. We can’t backpacks,” Myers said. “We had all of even imagine just trying to get food and these men that just carried our stuff up surviving. We are called to help people for us. They made a living by climbing a everyday whether it is the person next door, mountain, and we were just there to enjoy in another family or in another country.” it. That kind of opened my eyes along with Both Myers and just being there and seeing Moehling, though they their day-to- day life.” have traveled for different Myers also compared reasons, have both been life in South America and exposed to the var ying Africa to how life is lived lifestyles of this world and here in Carmel, noting the agree it seriously affects extreme contrast.

According to the HiLite one’s view on the world.

“Just seeing how they student name list, there His favorite trip thus far has live; I mean, they live in all were 4,199 students been going to Africa and these little shacks and we participating in a safari. have these amazing houses registered at CHS as of “We wer e ther e two here. There, schools aren’t the first day of school. We weeks. One week we were even air conditioned; it’s plan to cover some of them on the mountain and the just a room with tables. randomly. This week, we other week we were on a And to think that our feature number safari. There were really nice school has like 4,000 kids. lodges. It wasn’t exactly like Seeing starving kids, what a hotel; it was more of just a they have to eat and what bunch of different houses,” they have to do to survive, Myers said. it’s just stuf f I’d never Experiencing the broad worry about here.” spectrum of lifestyles Myers said that visiting For more has definitely changed places that are less fortunate information Myers’ life for the better, and do not have as much as on our selection according to him. the United States or even process, visit www.

He said, “It just makes Carmel has benefitted him hilite.org me want to try harder and in many different areas of life and be all I can be.” his life including academic

Everybody has a story

2,634

Alex Meyers / Submitted Photos

Student shares insights on Holiday Spectacular Guest Columnist Olivia Burkholder

of that fact, it is the most fun concert of the year for many people.

The pre-performance aspects of the concert are a favorite for some people. The girls do their hair and make-up before everyone meets in the green room. We warm up, run through our songs, and then many choirs have inspirational songs or chants to sing before they perform.

This is a time where everyone gets very excited for the upcoming performance.

Another favorite aspect of Holiday Spectacular occurs at the end of the concert when performers walk out of their dressing rooms to see their friends and family. It is always encouraging to hear people’s reactions to the show and be rewarded for the hard work. Then, of course, there is the performance itself. Being on stage, in front of a crowd of people in a full auditorium is more exhilarating than anyone can imagine.

The program order of Holiday Spectacular is similar from year to year.

Though the songs, dances, For more and costumes change each information year, the first act is always on Holiday ver y upbeat and targeted Spectacular see more towards the kids. Santa page B4 comes out in the finale, usually joined by elves and reindeer, and people dance in To have your the aisles as well. However, voice heard the second act is more serious. contact, the The entire choral department performs at once, lining all student section editor at sides of the stage. More risers must be added in order to fit mqiao@hilite. everyone into the space. org Though it is very hectic for the performers, the audience loves hearing their favorite holiday tunes, and the image of everyone on stage is impressive.

Holiday Spectacular is always exciting to put on, and going to a performance is a great way to support friends or family in the program.

And so, from Wednesday, December 3rd to Sunday, December 7th, I invite you to come to the Carmel High School Holiday Spectacular.

Want more?

Ever since I was little, I looked forward to coming to Carmel High School to be in choir. Watching Holiday Spectacular every year always put me in awe, and ever since then, I imagined becoming a part of it.

Now I am about to participate in my third Holiday Spectacular, and before going on stage, I always think of when I was a child. I imagine all of the children who are watching, amazed that Santa is there right in front of them, and I perform to those aspiring to someday be in this program.

Though this description of the concert may suggest that preparation for such an event is somewhat magical, a ton of work goes into putting on Holiday Spectacular. Weekend and evening rehearsals take place the week before the five concerts, and the “techies” work extreme amounts of time in order to help the choir kids look good. Choir parents volunteer their talents to sew costumes and build props, and the choir directors have little time to do anything but live and breathe Holiday Spectacular. To think of everything that must be done in order to put on a program this large is mind-boggling, but regardless

In the Back pack...

Freshmen Joe Kedanis gives us a peek in his backpack

By Maggie Brandenburg

Arjuna Capulong/ Photos

On the backpack: -Soccer tag: “I got it in Ohio at a soccer tournament four years ago.”

In the backpack: Main Pocket -To Kill a Mockingbird: “Yeah, (I’m reading it) for English class. It was pretty good.”

-Honors biology book: “It’s alright.”

-Spanish II world language packet“It’s not my favorite, but I don’t mind it.”

-Notebook: “I have my notes for world history, biology, and English.”

-Random sheets of paper: “Those are papers that fell out of a binder.

I dropped it and then the springs broke.”

-End Game- “Yea, (it’s pretty good).”

-Drawstring bags- “(They are) shoe bags for my soccer cleats.”

Middle Pocket -Water bottles- “They’re from practice.

I forgot to take them out. (I’m on the) freshman (soccer team).”

-Envelope of pictures- “It’s pictures from photography class, darkroom. One is (a picture of) the playground outside and then a trash can. I though darkroom would be more fun (instead of taking digital).”

Front Pocket -More water bottles- “I always have a few water bottles.”

-Papers from gym class -Spanish note cards- “It’s just vocab words.”

-Pens and pencils Side Pockets -Permission slip- “(For) Spanish. I just had to show it (to the teacher).”

Condition of backpack: -Tears on the seams- “I have no idea (how it got there), it just tore. I think it was just from throwing books in there”

PAGE B6 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2008 • PERSPECTIVES

Students need to find positive in economic downturn T he current economic situation is clearly taking a toll on everyone, and despite Carmel’s perceived well-to-do location, the city is not excluded from that equation.

Whether it is a student who is looking for a job, a parent looking to purchase a gift or a retail manager looking to turn a profit, changes will be implemented this holiday season, and it will be apparent to people everywhere.

Changes will start soon within Carmel’s own city limits. Retail companies have reported that there will be a decline in the amount of people employed this holiday season, a reported estimated one-third less. While this may be disheartening to students looking to make a little extra cash this holiday season, the economic crisis may prove helpful to some students and families, at least in the short run, as price levels of virtually all material goods will shrink in the coming winter months, the strategy being to just turn a profit for the corporation in question.

But what does this mean for students here? Any student looking to work through this winter, specifically the holiday season, would be wise to start job searching now, OUR STAND maybe getting on a friend’s good side, because Instead of dwelling employer’s the demand for employees will on financial difficulty soon become scant.

A different idea students this winter, students might want to consider is should keep in mind looking for alternative ways to earn dollars this holiday season. what the season Working for a neighbor or is all about. offering their services for family, friends and acquaintances such as snow shoveling or gift wrapping, or even doing the bargain shopping in the first place, could prove profitable.

And while the stress of locating and holding a job this season might prove stressful and irritating, students should keep a positive outlook on this season, after all, as the popular children’s song goes, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

The most important idea to keep in mind this holiday season is the basic theme the season is supposed to promote and emulate in the first place, and to not let materialism outweigh the more important things this year. Students and their families will most certainly feel the economic situation this year and likely for years to come. After all, according to the Web site economist.com, an average American household will spend roughly $1,700 on gifts and other trinkets.

DANCING THRU LIFE

BY AMY FLIS With performances of the “Nutcracker” fast approaching, dance companies ar ound the countr y look for ward to their biggest revenue-provider of the year. However, the economic downturn this year could spell trouble for the companies.

I am a member of Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, a notfor-profi t ballet company, which is one of those dance companies. I will be playing the part of the Rose in our show. That said, I obviously

3,000 tons of high-level waste each year are produced by commercial nuclear power plants in the U.S. alone

20 30

It can take to years to move from the planning to the opening of a nuclear reactor

30

years until the world’s Uranium supply runs out

35%

is the low amount of thermal efficiency of nuclear power plants

400 to 700 highly

skilled jobs created with each new plant DEBATEPEDIA.COM / SOURCE

WHAT IS YOUR FAMILY’S THANKSGIVING TRADITION?

” “ ” “ ” “ JUNIOR EMILY SPENCER

REBECCA XU / ART

But perhaps this negative event in our economic history can have a bright side. America has one of the highest marginal consumption rates in the world, with no other nation even close, which is indicative of how much our country’s citizens rely on material goods in their lives for happiness and entertainment.

Retailers and other companies that sell material goods would like everyone to believe that without the latest and greatest technological gadgets, trendiest clothes or anything else that a person might want for, a holiday season is meaningless, but this should not be the mindset.

Instead, both here and throughout the entire United States, citizens should take this economic crisis as a wake up call to remember what this season is all about: having good cheer and celebrating the important people in their lives, family and friends.

a study titled “Arts & Economic Prosperity III: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Ar ts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences,” the not-for-profit arts and culture industr y generates $166.2 billion in economic activity nationally each year.

In addition, the arts attract tourism and add culture to the community. Indianapolis has already experienced the loss of a precious company, its only professional ballet company at the time, when Ballet Internationale abruptly closed its doors in November of 2005.

This event is, however, some hope for the art world. An Oct. 3 article by Shane Hickey in Independent.ie, an Irish independent newspaper, said, “As

the economy slows to a grinding halt, it seems the art world is ready to sail through the downturn,” a statement supported by the high prices in an art auction.

A separate ar ticle from the Associated Press also cited successful auctions as a marker of hope.

Despite these positives, though, the examples of art-related organizations suffering along with the economy are also numerous.

For now, I will just have to wait and see what happens to my own company and to the rest of the art world. We will have to hold on and hope the economy either picks back up or doesn’t cripple the organizations I hold dear. Amy Flis is the editor in chief of the HiLite. Contact her at aflis@ hilite.org.

Nuclear power promotes dependency

BY THE NUMBERS

Compiled by Maria LaMagna and Jinny Zhang

We serve food at a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving Day. It was my mom’s idea and we’ve been doing it for a couple of years.

Economic situation threatens dance ticket sales hope that the current economic situation does not af fect the ability of companies such as mine to continue operating as always.

However, with budgets already under strain and families cutting back on spending, it doesn’t seem likely that dance companies will be exempt from the effects of this strained season.

According to forbes.com, this Christmas season will not provide much relief. The traditional retail stores are expected to see their first flat Christmas season in 33 years, according to Merrill Lynch retail analyst Daniel Barr y. All this adds up to my fear of a tough season for the world of ballet.

This is bad news for not just the companies themselves but for the economy as a whole. According to

“

SPEAK UP

HU’S THERE?

BY MICHELLE HU The issue of how best to obtain energy to sustain our nation is one of the biggest ones the president-elect will have to face.

Last month’s Public Forum debate topic addressed the issue of significantly increasing the use of nuclear energy. It forced me to research an issue that I admittedly knew little about. The negative arguments personally drew me in.

Nuclear energy will create new jobs: true, each proposed nuclear power plant will create around 400 to 700 new jobs according to the Nuclear Energy Institute. However, these jobs can’t be given to people like Joe Six Pack. Plants must be operated by trained officials who usually have a college degree or higher. In addition, these workers must be willing to undergo continuous work at levels of high risk.

Nuclear energy will decrease our dependence on foreign oil: false. The reason why the United States purchases oil is to refine it for gasoline, which powers cars. Nuclear energy can only provide for electricity, which powers buildings and appliances. Unless all of the cars in the nation became electric cars, we would still have to import oil from other nations. In fact, nuclear energy will make us more dependent on other nations. Nuclear power plants rely on a certain isotope of uranium, uranium-238, which makes up only 5 percent of the world’s supply according to University of California Santa Barbara. The United States has little to no uranium, and therefore must import it from uranium-rich nations such as Russia or Australia. This means that we would not only rely on the Middle East for

oil, we would also have to turn to Russia for uranium.

Nuclear energy is clean and efficient: false. Nuclear energy actually emits about 2 million tons of carbon dioxide into the air each year. This is due to mining for uranium, transporting the pellets internationally and refining them. Every method of producing energy will emit greenhouse gases, but in comparison to wind, water and solar energies, nuclear energy is misleading in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.

Nuclear energy will sustain us: false. According to Professor Edward Keller at UCSB, the world’s uranium deposits will run out in 30 years. Each nuclear power plant also has a limited lifespan of 30 years. This is due to the fact that nuclear energy is produced by fission, which is the splitting of uranium atoms. The building is constantly bombarded by particles and will deteriorate within three short decades. Due to this, the plant must be decommissioned after its use has been fulfilled.

Decommissioning costs $200 to $500 million.

Nuclear energy is a good investment for the future: false.

In fact, each power plant costs around $4 billion to build according to the Nuclear Energy Institute. Due to these ridiculously high costs, the U.S. government currently gives nuclear energy companies as much as $60 billion more in subsidies each year than other renewable energy companies.

This money is diverted from cleaner, more efficient and sustainable methods of producing energy.

As the nation moves on from the Bush Administration, it is important to keep in mind that the environment supercedes party lines. Any decision made by either party will affect liberals and conservatives alike. With this in mind, it is imperative to ensure that the best decision for the nation’s energy future is made. Clearly, nuclear power plants should not make up the view from planes, but instead, wind farms or solar panels. Michelle Hu is a News editor for the HiLite. Contact her at mhu@hilite.org.

My whole family gets together at my house and we eat turkey with cranberry sauce.

SOPHOMORE BLAKE KENNEDY

We get together with family and sometimes friends, and we say what we’re thankful for before we eat dinner.

SENIOR ALLIE SMITH

The day before Thanksgiving I go paintballing with my cousins and my whole family except my mom.

FRESHMAN ANDREW TIMBERLAKE

Perspectives • Thursday, November 20, 2008 • Page B7 g r ap h i c p e r s p e c t i v e

Contact information Mailing Address: 520 E. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: (317) 846-7721, Ext. 7143 Web site: www.hilite.org E-mail: Staff members of the HiLite may be contacted by using their first initial and their last name appending @hilite.org. For example, Amy Flis will receive mail sent to aflis@hilite.org.

Responding to the HiLite

Letters to the editor will be accepted for the Dec.12 issue no later than Dec.5. Letters may be submitted in Room C147, placed in the mailbox of Jim Streisel, e-mailed to letters@hilite.org or mailed to school. All letters must be signed. Names will be published. (Letters sent via e-mail will be taken to a student’s SRT for him to sign.) Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual and may be edited.

rebecca xu / art

The ugly side of politics get happy

Prop 8 shames American values chai town

by meher ahmad

By tim chai

This past election has been one of the most historically significant elections in America. The covers of every major magazine and newspaper can tell the average reader that. It has also been one of the most controversial elections in recent history.

The reason this election has stuck out, in my mind, is because of the unprecedented student involvement.

Unfortunately, I was not able to vote this election on account of my age, but I worked as much as possible for the Obama campaign locally. I wasn’t the only one. The Students for McCain group was equally active in spreading the publicity. A group of students, to my dismay, took it upon themselves to spread their opinions via sidewalk chalk on the trail. While this last action, in my opinion, was utterly irresponsible of the school administration that has told me time and time again that it strives to keep from endorsing one candidate, it nonetheless shows the lengths to which young people began to involve themselves.

The point is that people who never before cared about politics are beginning to get involved. The only downside to this, in my opinion, is the introduction of those who do not have the basic knowledge of politics necessary to formulate credible opinions. The ugly remarks made about both Barack Obama and John McCain in the last week before election were shocking to me. Although I knew that ignorance ran rampant in the halls of this school, I had no idea that it afflicted so many students.

Among some of unmentionable things, I heard that Mr. Obama was a “raging socialist” who “pals around with terrorists” and, worst of all, a Muslim. Born as a Muslim, I was shocked to see that word synonymous with “terrorist” in most people’s vocabulary. I naively assumed such opinions were limited to crazy McCain supporters who had obviously fallen off their rocker.

In a hyper-media world, reporters were putting out stories on matters that frankly had nothing to do with the issues of the election, like the “terrorist fist-jab” story or the over-analyzing of the minister at Obama’s church.

The media is free, fortunately, in this society, but that also means that a number of ridiculous things can be said on air, things that students take a little too literally.

The effect of parental indoctrination also became evident, as I witnessed several students who obviously had not formulated opinions themselves and instead relied to the biased opinions of their parents to define their opinions as well.

At the end of the day, I respect Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Socialists or Communists equally, but only if they back their opinions with facts and not generalizations and myths. Unfortunately, too many fell to ignorance and relying on dubious information to formulate their opinions.

While I cannot complain at the increased political activity of my school mates, it is dismaying to see such lack of awareness in a group of people I expected more from. Meher Ahmad is a reporter for the HiLite. Contact her at mahmad@hilite.org.

Nov. 11 will forever be remembered as a new era in American history: an age of equality, an age of hope and an age of unlimited possibilities.

And an age of continued discrimination and hate.

This past Election Day, Americans seemed to finally have put race behind them when they elected Barack Obama for the virtue and ability of the man irrespective to the color of his skin. But, waking up the next morning, my heart broke when I heard that Proposition 8, which redefines marriage as the union of man and woman in the state of California, passed by the narrowest of margins.

Perhaps the most disturbing part of the passage of Proposition 8 is the fact that one minority group voted against another.

According to exit polls, Prop 8 was largely helped by a high minority turnout driven by the excitement for Obama’s candidacy; these polls reported that 70 percent of African-Americans and more than half of Latino voters backed the proposition to take a right from a fellow minority. I’m angered with all these liberal individuals—a minority which has endured more than a century of discrimination and segregation—who mobilized behind Obama for “change,” but didn’t turn to check on their fellow brothers and sisters, some of the biggest fundraisers, campaign organizers and supporters of the presidentelect, from being left behind. Proposition 8 is in many ways similar to Virginia’s 1924 Racial Integrity Act, which outlawed interracial marriages; the Supreme Court would eventually rule the law unconstitutional, calling marriage a “basic civil right of man.”

The controversy of Prop 8 rests on the definition of marriage and who has the right to define it. One group of proponents of the bill argued that the California Supreme Court did not have the right to rule the ban on same-sex marriages unconstitutional

earlier this year. They said that Prop 8, rather, would ensure that the issue be democratically decided upon.

But our founding fathers didn’t build this nation on a system of complete democracy, fearing the excess of the masses against minority groups. Instead, they created an electoral system and different branches of government to uphold the ideals of the constitution. This first camp ignores the historical dangers of allowing the majority to vote on a minority’s civil rights. It’s amazing how easily they can forget the masses’ support of discrimination and segregation just decades earlier.

The second major group supporting the proposition consist of religious conservatives (the Mormon Church alone raised $22 million for Proposition 8); they claim that allowing same-sex couples to marry ruins the sanctity of marriage. While private institutions like churches have the right to these ideas and can make arbitrary rules about which marriages they sanction, it is important to note that marriage has moved from a religious practice to a secular one. Indeed, no matter what philosophy you follow or what religion you practice—or choose not to for that matter—marriage is a universal practice.

Today, secular government has changed marriage into a very much legal practice. Couples must register for marriage licenses at City Hall, and many individuals meet with lawyers and financial planners to hammer out the technical aspects of the union. While most states offer civil unions to same-sex couples, this practice does not provide the same legal protections and affords couples at least a thousand fewer privileges. If the government is going to be involved in marriages (taxbreaks anyone?), it must be held to the same standard of equality that every other aspect of government is put under and be readily available to everyone. After all, don’t we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

In his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “(An) injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Proposition 8’s prejudice is a threat to the entire American legal system and its ideas of equality and hope. God knows we don’t want that again.

“Change happens because the American people demand it, because they rise up and insist on new ideas.”

Genetic advantage important, leading many to sperm banks chompin’ at the bit

By Lily Zhao What if parents could give their child the ultimate genetic athletic advantage? What if parents could design a child with the forearm of Venus Williams, who could throw a perfect spiral like Peyton Manning, who could slam dunk a ball like Kobe Bryant or who could hit a hole in one like Tiger Woods?

The idea isn’t as far-fetched as it seems. According to E:60’s coverage of “Sperm U,” a documentary about parents who go to great measures to make sure their child has a fighting chance at a better future, many parents who cannot conceive children naturally opt to go to the extreme of buying not just a healthy child, but a child with athletic advantages. These parents go to sperm banks that offer the seeds of baseball, soccer and basketball players, among other sports. By doing so, they hope that their children will have the genetic code for success.

Their goal is to get their child a college scholarship and recognition; but, knowing that their child has a genetic athletic advantage, expectations can change.

Because of this, most of these parents push their kids to strive in athletics early and often. In gymnastics, 3-year-olds are being molded into tiny versions of Shawn Johnson, while in soccer, 5-year-olds can make David Beckham-like goal line kicks; but, is it fair to immerse these young athletes in their respective sports, simply because their parents expect their child to get a full college scholarship or because their supposed genetic makeup prompts them for success? What about the child’s free will and ability to make choices?

Well, if a child has the DNA of a football player,

many parents hope that their child has actually received the genetic traits of their donor and therefore pay the expenses by hiring private coaches and trainers. They want their child to be the best, whether they’re the quarterback or defensive linesman. So instead of focusing on academics, many athletes are home-schooled so that they can properly train for their sport. Because of that, most of these children do not have any hobbies but their designated sports. And even if some children are seven feet tall, they don’t all necessarily want to play basketball.

But because their parents have a preconceived notion that their child must exceed expectations in athletics, that child normally doesn’t get a say in what he wants for his own future.

And while many people think these parents are “crazy,” colleges offer scholarships that do nothing to alleviate these parents’ ideas. That’s because coaches in college football like Pete Carroll from the University of Southern California and in college basketball like Billy Gillespie from the University of Kentucky are already recruiting middle schoolers; these coaches think that if they can interest that athlete and his parents in their respective programs, the athletes will be more likely to sign a contract later on.

While these scholarships may be beneficial in college, many adults find the conduct of these coaches and parents “harmful to the future of that child.” According to U.S. News, 76 percent of parents disagreed with adults who pressure children to pursue a career in athletics even if that child has no passion for the sport.

Overall, some parents believe that their children who receive the sperm from an athlete will automatically succeed at sports. While some do, others won’t and while some children become professional athletes, others will become professional educators. In the end, it’s not up to the parents to completely decide their child’s future, it’s up that child to decide their own future.

Lily Zhao is a sports editor for the HiLite. Contact her at lzhao@hilite.org.

Purpose The HiLite is a student publication distributed to students, faculty and staff of Carmel High School, with a press run of 4,500. Copies are distributed to every school in the Carmel Clay district as well as the Chamber of Commerce, city hall and the Carmel Clay Public Library.

The paper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for both the school and the community. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of CHS nor the Carmel Clay system faculty, staff or administration.

Credentials The HiLite belongs to the Indiana High School Press Association, Quill & Scroll and the National Scholastic Press Association.

Advertising Businesses may advertise in the HiLite if their ads adhere to guidelines. The advertising policy is available in Room C147 or at www.hilite.org

Editor in Chief Managing Editors Accountant Acumen 15 Minutes of Fame Ads Manager Artist Beats/Calendar Entertainment Feature Front Page Graphics News Perspectives Photography Sports Student Section Videographer Web Writing Coaches Adviser Principal Superintendent

Amy Flis Cathy Chen Brittani Wheeler Charlie Duncan Ariel Aisen Jinny Zhang Stephanie Hodgin Beth Brookie Renny Logan Hera Ashraf Bennett Fuson Jade Luo Rosemary Boeglin Sarah Sheafer Tim Chai Matthew Kanitra Steven Chen Michelle Hu Michael Wang Reid Conner Maria LaMagna Evelyn Forbes Kaitlyn Lampe Andrew Browning Lily Zhao Min Qiao Brian Bondus Yon-Sue Choi Shireen Korkzan Renny Logan Jim Streisel John Williams Barbara Underwood

Reporters Meher Ahmad Aili Arnell Kelsey Binion Maddi Bourgerie Hope Boyer Maggie Brandenburg

Lexi Muir Faith Mwalwa Amanda Nguyen Tatum Outlaw Monica Rice Mitch Ringenberg

Lauren Burdick

Erum Rizvi

Steven Chen

Sara Rogers

Susie Chen

Jade Schwarting

Ryan Duffy

Ellie Seta

Cassie Dugan

Tommy Sneider

Daniyal Habib

Mallory St. Claire

Jon Haslam Afra Hussain Beverly Jenkins Julie Kippenbrock Erin Lowe

Tracy Sun Sam Watermeier Tyler Wright Celina Wu Rebecca Xu

Mac Madison

Michelle Yun

Lauren Mugavin

David Zheng

Photographers Arjuna Capulong

Kate Grumme

Shirley Chen

Nick Johnson

Stephanie Coleman

Pooja Mathur

Lizzy Grubbs

Elizabeth Trancik Owen Williamson

Webmasters Michael Luo Mike Jiang Nishanth Samala

Jimmy Sun Alex Yin

PAGE B8 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2008 • 15 MINUTES OF FAME

Students majoring in alternative subjects face obstacles

BY BENNETT FUSON bfuson@hilite.org Senior Chris Kovey watched his classmate cut a 2x4 piece of wood during the theater technology SRT. Normally he would do the work himself, but after the accumulation of everything else he had done that morning in preparation for last spring’s musical, 42nd Street, he deserved a break.

“I like this class,” Kovey said, twirling a pipe that would undoubtedly soon become yet another prop, “Because it’s not a standard class. The people here have put in more hours than anyone in this school, and it’s all voluntary.”

Kovey represents a unique, under-acknowledged population of the school: those students who devote themselves towards performance or vocation. While it is certainly noted that performing arts students are, indeed, highly acknowledged in this community, the lack of representation stems from the evaluation standards set on both a national and state level.

These evaluations, more commonly known as the ISTEP, PSAT, SAT and Core 40 tests, establish standards that then become the basis of funding, school recognition and school ranking, according to counselor Stephanie Benson. Yet Benson said that the school prides itself for not falling into the trap of solely striving for minimum test-score standards.

“One of the things we pride ourselves on is individual counseling,” Benson said. “We try to talk to everyone and figure out a good course of action from there.”

Kovey said he has spent the past six years working with theater technology and decided to pursue it as a

career by gaining so much work experience here. He said he plans to enroll at either Ball State University or Purdue University, focusing on a double major in theater lighting and electric engineering. Yet, as Kovey notes, when he took the SAT, there was no section on theater lighting, or any aspect of technology at all.

This led Kovey to understand that for himself and people like him, the standardized tests that generally gauge intelligence for ever yone else do not quite accommodate his topics of understanding. And while Kovey still excels in his classes here, qualifying in the 99th percentile in the ISTEP test and for the National Merit Scholarship, he said he finds the whole concept of a “one size fits all” test rather stifling.

“Do tests help? No, not really,” Kovey said. “Except math. Seeing the hours (of work spent with theater technology) is important (on a college transcript), but if they looked at grades, it won’t help. I’m sure that colleges look at my other grades first, but chemistry and statistics? They don’t matter in my line of work.”

Benson said she acknowledges these students’ situations, and that she herself believes that the education system as a whole is increasingly less forceful on the critical thinking aspect of the process.

But, she said, Carmel strives to maintain a higher level of education offered.

“I would like to think that at a school like Carmel, we haven’t lost that level (of higher education) yet,” Benson said. “Testing here is secondary to learning, and learning is the key. It’s been a deliberate plan at Carmel to make thinking and learning key.”

For this reason, Benson said she recommends specialized or vocational post-secondary schooling.

Benson said that in the case of specialized schools, admissions of ficers do not necessarily focus on standardized test scores, choosing instead to base admission on the individual student.

However, although students like Kovey plan to continue their alternative passion into their career, other students devote their time solely as a hobby.

Senior Katherine “Katie” Johnson, who plays clarinet in both the marching band and wind symphony, said she has spent the past four years almost exclusively in the performing arts department. While she said this would be good for a student who plans to study music as a career, this time does not benefit her uncommitted intentions for a major in college that doesn’t involve music.

“It’s been really fun to do, and I’ve made a lot of friends,” Johnson said. “But this close to graduation, I’m starting to wonder if I might have made the wrong decision on where to put my time. It would be really hard to relate marching band lessons to an accounting major, wouldn’t it?”

“I think there are a lot of students who look back and realize they’re in a bind,” Benson said. “They maybe focused on performing arts or work, and now they’re stuck.”

Kovey said he finds himself grateful for the experience that he’s had thus far, but it won’t really be much except a fond memory if it doesn’t help him get into college.

As he finished his break, while other students throughout the building were worrying about their next math test or their history grade, Kovey surveyed the room, concerned not with his grades but with the new curtain that his peers were installing. He sighed, grabbed a wrench, and returned to work.

“ ” The SAT reasoning test is a measure of the critical reading skills you’ll need for academic success in . The SAT assess how well you analyze and solve problems-skills you learned in school that you’ll need in .

college

college

COLLEGEBOARD.ORG / SOURCE

BY THE NUMBERS

ISTEP State Average Pass Rate:

73.3%

Carmel ISTEP Pass Rate:

93.8%

INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION / SOURCE

S H OW T I ME

Sophomore Jessamyn Anderson takes as many choir and drama classes she can in hopes of making it to the Broadway stage By Cassie Dugan What attracted you to the whole choir/ musical scene in the first place?

I’ve been doing choir my whole life. My parents said I could sing before I could talk; music has just been a really big part of my life, even since I was born.

Was there a certain person that attracted you to this or did you pick it up on your own?

My sister does music, and she is actually majoring in voice in college. My parents both are musical, and so I think it’s just kind of been a family thing. Both sides of my family are into music, and music is just a big part of everyone’s life. So I think it was just kind of a family thing that pulled me towards that.

Walk me through a normal day of yours.

I stay after school, and I walk to the library and then I have to come back to the school around 5 p.m. to get hair and makeup done, and rehearsals start at 6 or 6:30 p.m., and I’m at school until 9.

I get my homework done at the library and if I have extra studying to do, I’ll do that when I get home, and I eat dinner at school. I’m normally in bed by 10 or 10:30 p.m.

Do you have a plan set up for how you want to pursue musical theater?

I’m still working on that. I’m doing ever ything I can right now by taking voice and dance classes. I try and get involved in drama and music at school.

Do you just do Dec. 3 - 7:30 p.m.

In terms of college, musicals or other Dec. 4 - 7:30 p.m.

I don’t really know things too? where I want to go; Dec. 5 - 7:30 p.m.

I do plays and I just know that I Dec. 6 - 2:00 p.m. theater too, I want to study voice, Dec. 7 - 2:00 p.m. (was) in the Studio not musical theater.

One Acts (as of I want to focus my CARMELHIGHSCHOOL.NET / SOURCE September). I like talent in one area musical theater and really really more though strengthen that area because I feel like and use that to my there is more than you can do when you advantage. I don’t really want to get a have songs. But I love both theater and musical theater degree; I just really want musical theater because just being on a to get a vocal degree hopefully from a stage and performing in front of people conservatory or smaller, private school. I is what I really love to do. don’t want to go to a huge school like IU or NYU or something like that. I would What other musicals or productions have you love to go to a musical conservatory – that would be my ultimate goal. After been a part of?

Sixth grade was the first major musical college I would hopefully get an agent, I did and then eighth grade was the move to New York, tr y to get some second musical, and those are the two auditions booked there and get myself major musicals I’ve been a part of. But onto a Broadway stage.

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCES

currently (as of September) I (was) in the Studio One Acts, and I really enjoyed that. I have a lot of fun getting to know the cast and anything to do with choir, I’ve probably been a part of.

How does practice affect your homework time and your academics?

This year I’ve had to really work on my time management skills, and I’ve figured out how I study by having to work on that. So being able to know how I study is really helping me, but I don’t think it’s had a negative effect on my grades or anything because I work really hard. Overall, no it hasn’t really affected me very much, it has just help me learn a lot about time management.

KAITLYN LAMPE / PHOTO MATT KANITRA, ARJUNA CAPULONG / GRAPHIC

To submit nominations for 15 Minutes of Fame, email Stephanie Hodgin at shodgin@hilite.org

Have your family and friends supported you?

My family and friends are the best support system I have. My parents always support me in whatever I want to do because I know that they believe in me, and that’s enough to get me through it.

My sister is kind of like who I look to because she is going down a music route, and I would love to, too. I mean walking in her footsteps is not a bad thing; it’s a really really good thing because she’s left such a great path for me to follow.

Just thinking of how many events they all come to like talent shows, Carmel Idol, plays, performances and Holiday Spectacular. They come to everything and that alone shows that they support me, so I think whatever I choose to do. They will always be there for me.

GO ONLINE

You can find more of Jessamyn Anderson’s interview online at hilite.org