Meet the new teachers, p. 4.
See the homecoming spread, pgs. 6 & 7.
Clip the Cruizzers’ coupon!, p. 12.
Bear Facts
The
25¢
A PUBLICATION OF MENA HIGH SCHOOL
Volume 2 Number 1
October 2011
1200 Dallas Ave., Mena, Arkansas 71953
NHS Induction Ceremony By Ayla Powell
The National Honor Society is the epitome of student success. It requires character, leadership, scholarship, and service. Only those who possess such qualities in the right amounts can achieve success in this prestigious and highly regarded organization. To be qualified for NHS, a student must possess a 3.25 GPA, fill out a service-hours application, and write a heartfelt essay about the NHS quality that you feel describes you most and means the most to you. In the application, community service, awards, and basic information are all required to be able to join. Characterized by their leadership, thirst for knowledge, personal character, and drive to serve are new members Cheyenne Anderson, Hannah Bell, April Castro, Andrew Coburn, Heidi Faught, Jeremiah Foster, Yessenia Garcia, Christopher Gordon, Kimberly Hanners, Lucas Head, Heather Ann Madison, Ezekiel McPherson, Ayla Powell,
Dakota Rapp, Kennedy Kay Reeves, Kyle Roberts, Katherine Self, RC Sims, Nathaniel Smallwood, Kayla Stone, Jackson “Chase” VanDeest, and Taylor Ward. New members were respectfully welcomed by standing members Zack Anderle, Katie Bryant, Addie Bush, Manda Ham, Morgen LaCoste, Dani Lindsey, Kristen Manasco, Britian Morris, Adrienne Rose, Kaitlyn Schoeppey, Tiffany Sides, Jamie Thacker, Flannery Wilson, and Sasha Zavala. During the traditional ceremony, four members came forward to give speeches on the four qualities an NHS member must possess. Each member, new and old, lit a candle and recited the NHS creed as they joined together. Excitement was still in the air afterwards, as guests and members enjoyed refreshments in the new MHS cafeteria. New member Kimmi Hanners said, “I’m glad that I was chosen as a member of NHS because I believe that it will help me be better prepared for college and my future.”
SENIOR LUCAS HEAD receives a candle and membership card at the NHS Induction Ceremony held Tues. Oct. 11. (staff photo)
Godfrey named Miss Polk County by Kimmi Hanners
ASHLYN NICOLE GODFREY receives the honor of Miss Polk County Sat. Oct. 1. Adrienne Rose was crowned first runner-up, and Sasha Zavala is second runner-up. (photo courtesy The Mena Star)
Along with all the festivities taking place the weekend of Sat. Oct.1, the Miss Polk County Pageant was held in Mena High’s new Performing Arts Center. Participating in the pageant were nine Miss Polk County and ten Little Miss Polk County contestants. Most, if any, had never competed in a pageant before but were really excited about the great opportunity. Ashlyn Godfrey, Kimberly Hanners, Dani Lindsey, Megann Matejek, Jordan Reuter, Adrienne Rose, Tiffany Sides, Kayla Stone, and Sasha Zavala competed for the title of Miss Polk County Fair Queen. Contestants competed in a five-minute interview earlier in the day, and returned for casual wear, evening wear, and an on-stage question.
Godfrey, the 17 year-old daughter of Mike and Mandy Godfrey, won the coveted title and is now the reigning 2011-2012 Miss Polk County Fair Queen.“I’m really surprised that I got Miss Polk County, but I’m also very honored,” said Godfrey. Rose received first runner-up, and Zavala received second runner-up in the pageant. Little Miss Polk County for 2011-2012 was awarded to 5 year-old Reese Montgomery. Another honorable title is Miss Congeniality, which was awarded to 17 year-old Sides. Overall, the pageant was a huge success with at least 100 attendees. Through the years, the Miss Polk County Pageant has not only been held in high esteem but has been a very successful event. This year proves to show that still holds true.
Page 2
How should dress codes be handled?
Modifications to the state regulation referring to the school dress code mandates, “Students are prohibited from wearing, while on the school grounds during the school day and at schoolsponsored events, clothing that exposes underwear, buttocks, or the breast of the female. This prohibition does not apply, however, to a costume or uniform worn by a student while participating in a school-sponsored activity or event.” In the past, the faculty has been very observant about students minding the dress code. However, it seems this year teachers and office staff are taking extreme measurements to make sure the dress code is followed. Everyone remembers the dreaded announcement, “No visible breast of the female.” It was clear that this was a state law and would be followed; in fact, punishment for breaking the dress code would go as far as in-school suspension or getting sent home to change, although most students receive a verbal warning for the first infraction. I know that being told to change sounds better than getting a punishment, but emotionally, it’s worse. Pulling a student out of a class just to say he or she needs to change is embarrassing, especially if it is an honest mistake or a first time offense. No one wants to be the example for their peers. If something is wrong with what a student is wearing, that should be a personal, quiet matter, not a show in the office. Luckily, one positive plan of action was taken by each teacher receiving one pink and one blue paper doll. These dolls served as the ‘message’ to a student if his or her outfit did not meet dress code criteria. After receiving one of these, the student was to take the doll to his or her counselor who would then deal with whatever problem there might be. In the beginning, this policy seemed effective, as I would hear stories about how peers received dolls, and the counselor was understanding of the problem. However, after a week or so, the strategy wore off. Though I have heard more anecdotes about students getting in trouble over clothes than not, I have recently begun hearing less. Being informed about the school dress code has helped make students more aware about what should be worn. Mena High School Assistant Principal, Shane Torix stated, “Students are doing a lot better job minding the dress code. They are more aware of the rules, knowing this isn’t just high school rules, they are state laws. I’ve been sending more students home, or having parents bring them extra clothes from home.” Overall, I think this is a great way of handling a very awkward situation for teachers and students alike.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Taylor Hale; FEATURE PAGE EDITOR: Kimmi Hanners; EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Ayla Powell; SPORTS EDITOR: Hana Hunter; PHOTO/GRAPHICS EDITOR: Emily O’Rear; ADVERTISING MANAGER: Lake Ashley; LAYOUT MANAGER: Kim Erickson; CLUBS/ ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Taylor Betz; CIRCULATION MANAGER: Viet Nguyen; PAGE DESIGN by Digital Communications students:
October 2011
The Bear Facts - Editorials
Monique Chelius, Carolyn Cobb, Brenden Daniels, Brittney Duvak, Bryan Ernst, Nathaniel Faught, April Ganster, Sydney Hebert, Nathan Hinson, Alyssa Looney, Ryan Lowery, Megan Moon, Gage Runion, Dakota Schaffer, BJ Schuller, Nathan Smallwood, Greg Spalding, Olivia Stafford, Kayla Stone, Jamie Thacker, Trent Vaught, Austin Williams, Mariya Zagulova; ADVISER: Lisa Schuller
The Bear Facts, a publication of Mena High School, is published monthly October through May by MHS journalism students and is printed by the Mena Star. The Bear Facts is a member of the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association, the American Scholastic Press Association, and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. Editorials and letters to the editor reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the staff or school. All letters must be signed, and all published letters will include the author’s name. Advertising rates are $10 per column inch. For advertising or subscription information, address all correspondence to Bear Facts, Mena High School, 1200 Dallas Ave, Mena, Arkansas 71953.
Oh--no! I just want to open a Word document!!!
Here, lemme take a look at it and see what I can do.
HOLY -----!
there was I didn’t even know an error for that!
I’m in over my head here...
!
Thanks
A step in the right direction by Ayla Powell – editorial columnist
I remember, back at the end of last year, there were rumors that we’d be getting laptops to do our schoolwork on. I, for one, was a little excited. I’ve never had my own computer, and I hadn’t had one at home since I was eight years old. So, when I received it and finally knew it wasn’t some rumor the students had started up, I was pretty happy…until I started hearing all the negative comments about them. Yeah, we’re not using them too much right now. And yes, there are not a lot of things we can do with the internet down in some rooms. I think we should all be a little more appreciative. These are provided to us for our own use, and we’re able to do just about whatever we want with them. May I remind some of you that you’re able to play Nintendo Project games like Super Smash Brothers and Kirby64 on your computers. We can listen to music in class, search the web for whatever silly question is bugging us when a connection is available, and play games. That’s pretty much all any of us want to do anyway. Why not focus on the good qualities? New school? New students? New faculty? And hey, don’t forget about that nice little patio outside the lunchroom. Our laptops are just another piece to our district moving ahead, advancing in the never-ending march of technology. They’re attempting to prepare us for the world that most of us will live in. The corporate business world doesn’t have an option when it comes to using computers; we need to be able to work with computers, and I doubt any of you remember everything you learned in keyboarding. The bottom line is, these nice little computers are going to benefit our learning experience. So, learn to type, swallow those insults, and appreciate the endeavors that are being made on behalf of your possible future!
October 2011
The Bear Facts - Feature
Page 3
Our Future . . .
Mena High School considers charter school status by Kimmi Hanners
Many concerned citizens in Mena have been pondering the idea of Mena High School becoming a charter school. Not only that, but a proposal for a New Tech High School has also been considered. There have been several rumors, lies, and unsure answers spread through the school district, and someone needs to get the answers straight. “What is a charter school?” asked junior Alex Atchley. A charter school is a school that follows the same basic rules, has a few changes, and more than anything, promotes learning in a different way. Charter school status is a possible method for funding New Tech High School, which is the new age curriculum. Principal Mark Shumate said, “The New Tech is an avenue, while the charter school is a method of funding to get there.” Dr. Diann Gathright, Superintendent of Mena Public Schools, answered some nailbiting questions the entire student body has been asking for the past two weeks. Gathright said, “It’s New Tech High School. Every school student will have a project-based approach to learning. More group work will be done as well as individually and in pairs. Students will work with real world problems and find out how subjects like science and math are related.” MHS students are so worried that becoming a charter school is going to change everything. There will be no name change to Mena High School, and all Arkansas Athletics Association rules will still apply, because it will still remain a public school. “There will be very few changes when coming to school. The way the students’ classes are connected is the main change. I always want to do what is best for students in Mena schools, and we are looking at this because it will be advantageous for everybody,” said Gathright. “The biggest drawback is the commitment. Once a school has become a charter school and picked the number of students that can be accepted, that number stays. A five-year commitment must be made, and there’s no backing out once a school is chosen and agrees. Currently, an application to become a charter school has not been submitted, but a letter of intent has,” Gathright said, “If we are chosen in the top ten out of twelve schools in Arkansas that seek this status in January, we will receive extra funding.” Gathright noted that this funding could provide more training and professional development for teachers. Not only that, but New Tech High School would be an option as well. The decision has not been made whether or not to make the whole school the possible charter school or just a school-within-a school. If MHS becomes a school-within-a-school, students will have to apply for admission which will be based on the luck of the draw. Gathright stated, “If the charter school proposal passes, it will take place the beginning of next school year. If it is a school-within-a-school, there will be student applications in the spring so that teachers know which students they will have. Teachers who are more interested in a higher technological and a more in-depth approach to learning will apply to be teachers for these students as well. However, if the entire school becomes a charter school, the entire faculty and student body will have this incredible opportunity!” When asked why the idea of becoming a charter school was proposed, Gathright answered, “Mr. Shumate and I wanted to have students to have the best education possible.
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We wanted the laptops to be a vehicle. You have to have a lot of skills when you graduate. For this reason, a charter school was proposed to provide students and teachers with more. Once I found out about Governor Mike Beebe’s initiative to have more tech schools, I jumped at the idea. If we become a charter school, it will enable our teachers to go to even more professional development, give our students the ability to solve problems, and enable responsibility of getting all that accomplished. I would celebrate with the students as they learn how subjects like Trigonometry apply to their lives.” Gathright made it known that “everybody who chooses to come to Mena High School has an opportunity to come to MHS no matter what but may not be in the charter school if there is a random selection.” The charter school will include the same graduation requirements. The main difference is the way that the classes will operate. Technology is growing by the second, and by the time students graduate, businesses will demand certain technological skills. Putting on a resume that one has gone to a charter school is not only positive but can be very essential for the future. With two charter schools in the state of Arkansas opening this year, Gathright and Shumate, along with Federal Programs Director, Kimberly Pymn, MHS teacher, Molly Lindsey, and school board member, Will Robbins, traveled to see Manor New Tech High School in Austin, TX on Wed. Oct.19 for research purposes. A better understanding of charter schools, approximation of funding, and the New Tech High School curriculum is needed so that wise, informed decisions can be made!
KIMMI HANNERS QUESTIONS Dr. Diann Gathright, Superintendent of Mena Public Schools, to get a better understanding of what a charter school and a New Tech High School are all about. (photo by Emily O’Rear)
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Page 4
The Bear Facts - News
October 2011
New faces join Mena High staff by Taylor Hale
NEW MENA HIGH School teacher, Misti Bell, speaks to her second period class. (photo by Emily O’Rear)
Nguyen visits from Vietnam by Kimmi Hanners
Would you have the guts to travel halfway around the world, live with a host family you’ve never met, and surround yourself with a whole new culture of people? Vietnamese foreign exchange student, Viet Nguyen, did just that. Nguyen, a 17 year-old senior said, “I decided to come to America for a better education, to know more about American culture, and to learn fluent English.” Nguyen left his parents, Do Minh Hong and Nguyen Tran Dai, his eleven year-old sister, Ha Phuong, and his home in Hanoi, Vietnam to live with host family, David and Carla Harley, and pursue the American experience. When asked how Nguyen’s lifestyle was different in Vietnam, he quickly responded, “Unlike America, there are many high buildings, eight-hundred thousand people, and not much else where I live.”
However, Nguyen quickly pointed out how interesting his school back in Vietnam is. He said, “It is the oldest school, being built in 1974 and is one of the top five schools in Vietnam. I have five periods a day, study eleven subjects, including even English.” At his school in Vietnam, Nguyen was very involved in dancing, academics, and whatever went on. Now in Mena, he has become very involved in the same things but also participates in Journalism and the Speed Walking Club. During Nguyen’s time here, he has not only been able to experience a new culture but has had the chance to meet so many welcoming people. Being able to experience new things has not only opened Nguyen’s mind to new adventures but has shown him how many great things are out there. Nyugen said, “It’s awesome! The people, the nature, and the school are all great!”
This year, new teachers were introduced to the staff at Mena High School. Three questions were asked of four of the new staff members to help students get to know them better. Misti Bell, Deedra Hooker, Cathy Marshall, and Jessica Munger are great additions to the staff here at Mena High. They are all different in age and experience; however, they are all very qualified. What is your best memory (so far), of Mena High School? Bell: “I’ve never worked in a “new” school before, so the best memory for me would have to be walking in on the first day. The school was quite impressive!” Hooker: “Well, if we’re only including my professional career (not my academic one, many years ago), then it would have to be the cow bell being used as the school bell at the beginning of the year, when the regular bell was out of commission.” Marshall: “Walking into my new room the first time and thinking… WOW!” Munger: “The first day with all the students and some teachers wandering around trying to find everything in this new building.” What do you like to do outside of your school (work) day? Bell: “I am a football fanatic… I look so forward to fall. If it’s a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in the fall, I’m either at a game or watching one.” Hooker: “I enjoy reading; I just started
Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan. I play video games on my Xbox 360. I love SciFi TV shows and movies, especially older classics like Sy and the original Star Wars trilogy. I also collect comic books. Most importantly, I am the youth director at the First United Methodist Church.” Marshall: “I LOVE to cook and sew… that’s my therapy!” Munger: “Read, travel, shop.” What subjects do you teach, and how many years have you been teaching? Bell: “I have taught English for ten years and was a librarian for two.” Hooker: “I’m the teacher’s aide for the Odyssey Lab. This is the first year I have done that, though I have substitute taught.” Marshall: “I now teach Orientation to Teaching. It’s a new start up program under FACS. This will be 26 ½ years in education for me. All of them have been in Family and Consumer Science. I have taught at Gentry, Cove, Mena Middle and now here at MHS. I am loving it here and really enjoying teaching the new program.” Munger: “English, this is my third year.” Another new teacher is Tiffany Jewel. She will be the new head coach for the senior high soccer team. Jewel also works at the middle school. Each one of the new staff members make great additions to our home here at Mena High School, and we’re all looking forward to a wonderful future with them.
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VIET NGUYEN SHOWS off his break dancing moves on the Bearcat in the entranceway of the new Mena High School. (photo by Kimmi Hanners)
October 2011
The Bear Facts - News
Page 5
Welcome to the new Mena High School by Lake Ashley
For the first time since 1976, Mena High School students have moved to a new location. When open house started up, there were questions, comments, and remarks made by several people, one of the most important ones being, “Is this school as good as they make it sound?” This is a thought a lot of people have wondered themselves. The new Mena High School is almost twice as big as the original, has its own perfoming arts center, and is transforming the small town of Mena like never before. In many adults’ opinion this school is a great start to a successful education for students. It has more space, holds great features, and is a lot more functional than the old high school. What about the students? What do they have to say? The supervisors in their lives say this school is great; it comes back to them asking, “Is this school really as good as they make it sound?” On the positive side, freshman Morgan Ashley stated, “It feels like, as soon as you walk in, you’re open to new experiences.” Senior Senia Garcia said, “The words of the entryway are very inspirational to me.” Some students are very optimistic about the way the new school looks and feels, and indeed, the words in the entryway are very moving. It adds to the positive experience at Mena High School. Senior Taylor Betz said, “The bathrooms are pretty cool.” The bathrooms now have automatic toilets and sinks, making it more difficult
Math Club in full swing at MHS by Viet Nguyen
Mena High School’s Math Club was established in Aug, 2009. The first person who came up with the idea about the club is the math teacher Pamela Loyd. She is now the advisor of the club. There are more than 20 students in the club now, and it is still working as well as it was the day it began. The advisor said: “I let my students work on their own about the idea, let them decide who will be the president of the club, and design our club t-shirt.” The purpose of this club is to allow students to research math ideas and to help other students to understand and improve their math skills. Some students think that the math club is all about study and only for the “geek,”
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but there are all kinds of students that have joined. They signed up for the club just because of their love and good attitude for this subject. In fact, those students found out that the math club was a lot fun when they worked with teacher Loyd. Their advisor always comes up with the new ideas and let them play some games about math. They will have a math competition between March and April 2012, and their teacher wants students to join the competition. “It’s not about the prize, but I want my students to have fun and feel more confident about themselves,” Loyd said. The competitors must have a good GPA, class grade, and pass the practice test. The Math Club is working on Friday during the activity period. So what are you waiting for, math lover? Join the club right now.
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for germs to spread. Junior Emily O’Rear said, “It’s great that band and other extracurricular activities have their own rooms now.” Last year the band and choir had to share the same room, and to some it was very hassling. School groups also had to use the CMA facility for their stage, as MHS was without. On the not-so-positive side, junior Ayla Powell said, “This school is grotesquely large.” Many small comments have been made in this same format. Others still think there isn’t enough room in the hallways. Junior Autumn Cunningham said, “There’s not enough of what people actually want to eat at lunch. Why pay lunch money for something you’re not gonna eat?” The school has had a problem with the lunch this year, but the problem is getting fixed. Senior Nicole Bobo stated, “No lockers. That’s a big thing I don’t like about this school.” The need for lockers seems to be unchanged because some students still carry a lot of things with them during the day. Hopefully by the end of the year this school will meet the expectations of the students. The new high school does have a lot of great things that the students can work with. The drawbacks are sure to work themselves out through the progression of the year. A new future awaits the town of Mena with the possibilities that this new high school brings. Chemistry students will be able to use the lab; students participating in the play will be able to use their own stage, and the band students get to use a new band hall. The new school will really benefit students in a positive way. It looks like students and staff are off to the start of a great year.
Student driving
Chris Spurling emphasizes driving laws by Lake Ashley
Officer Chris Spurling visited Mena High School on Friday, Sep. 30 to remind Lunch B high school students about the driving laws in Arkansas. He told them about the laws for what not to do while driving. He basically gave students a last warning for any violation. This includes drinking. Spurling told the students that alcohol is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to have in their car. Failure to follow this law automatically results in a suspended license for one year. Driving while intoxicated, or DUI/DWI, could result in jail time. Another law he reminded them of was the seatbelt law. The police officers in
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Arkansas can pull you over for not having your seatbelt on. Violation of this law could result in a fine. One of the most important laws officer Spurling reminded the students of was the texting while driving law. Not only is texting while driving illegal, but is unsafe. By texting and driving not only are you endangering your life, but the lives of others as well. He told the students about the number of people they are legally allowed to have in their car. Drivers under the age of eighteen are not allowed to have more than one non family member in their car without a licensed adult above the age of 21. It would be in the students’ best interest to follow these laws. They aren’t there to break for fun. They are there for a reason.
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Page 6
The Bear Facts - H October 2011
Homecoming 2011 HOMECOMING COURT LOOKS on as cheerleaders encourage students to show their spirit. (photo by Kimmi Hanners)
SEVERAL STUDENTS SHOW off their nerdy style for nerd day during spirit week. (photo by Emily O’Rear)
HOMECOMING COURT LOOKS upon the football te Kimmi Hanners) SOPHOMORE KEELAN BAUCOM is girlified by Brooke Pearce during the pep rally preceding homecoming. (photo by Kimmi Hanners)
SENIOR SASHA ZAVALA receives the honor of becoming Mena High School homecoming queen at the football game against Dover. (photo by Kimmi Hanners)
FOOTBALL AND VOLLEYBALL captains motivate students for championship and district games. (photo by Kimmi Hanners) MENA HIGH SCHOOL cheerleaders pep students up at the pep rally for the game against Dover. (photo by Kimmi Hanners)
FOOTBALL PLAYERS GET pu Kimmi Hanners)
Homecoming OctoberPhotos 2011
Page 7
MENA HIGH BAND puts on a show for the oversized crowd at the football game Fri. Sept. 23. (photo by Kimmi Hanners)
eam as Mena beats Dover 28-7. (photo by
MENA BEARCAT FOOTBALL team lines up for a play during the homecoming game. (photo by Kimmi Hanners)
FLANNERY WILSON AND Hannah Knittig persuade students to come to volleyball games and show their support. (photo by Kimmi Hanners)
MEGAN MOON, JACEY Holland, Jade Allen, and Kate Self show their spirit on red and black day. (photo by Emily O’Rear)
umped up for the game after a big crowd surrounds their entranceway. (photo by
THE FOOTBALL TEAM celebrates after their win against Dover. (photo by Kimmi Hanners)
STUDENTS DRESS UP as villains and heroes for superhero/villain day at the beginning of homecoming week. (photo by Lisa Schuller)
Page layout by Nathaniel Faught.
AYLA POWELL AND Kimmi Hanners participate in spirit week by dressing up as Alice and Eve. (photo by Emily O’Rear)
The Bear Facts - Sports
Page 8
October 2011
Bearcats climb toward playoffs by Hana Hunter
FOOTBALL PLAYERS GET pumped up for the game after a big crowd surrounds their entranceway. (photo by Kimmi Hanners)
SENIOR BROCK HARVEY qualifies for state after participating in the district golf tournament held Oct. 7 in Pottsville. (photo by Dana Harvey)
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With a score of 3-19, Mena experienced its first loss of the season in the scrimmage against Broken Bow. Senior, Jack Riley, 21 for Mena, kicked a successful field goal in the first quarter, contributing 3 points to the scoreboard. Although a loss, the Bearcats managed to keep their heads up throughout the game. Falling short against De Queen, the Bearcats kept the Leopards nervous with a final score of 26-31. At halftime the score was 17-14 Mena, and the Bearcats did their best to stay ahead for the rest of the game. Late in the fourth quarter, Cameron Robinson, 1, completed his first pass to John Ballentine, 20, resulting in an 18-yard touchdown. With a little over 3 minutes left in the game, Robinson made another great pass to 11, Bradley Crawford, who scored an 85-yard touchdown. After dominating Centerpoint on the Knights’ home field, the Bearcats were able to celebrate their first victory, with a score of 35-10. In the first quarter, Jack Riley scored the first 7 points for Mena, and soon after 19, Hunter Hobson, ran in a 27-yard touchdown. John Ballentine also scored a touchdown for Mena, and Malachi McGee, 3, was credited for an incredible 47-yard return. In addition, senior Ben Graves, 7 for the Bearcats, made a 29-yard touchdown, confirming the win. With Mena’s home field advantage, the Bearcats were victorious over the Mansfield Tigers, with a score of 28-7. Bradley Crawford scored first for Mena, followed up by junior Malachi McGee. In the third quarter, senior Landon Thacker scored a touchdown for Mena and early in the last quarter, captain Ben Graves scored once more for the Bearcats.“We played well as a team, but there is still room for improvement,” Thacker shared after the game.
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Sep. 23 marked the date the Bearcats defeated the Dover Pirates, 28-7, and also the seniors’ third corresponding homecoming win in their careers. Within 5 yards of the end zone, Cameron Robinson completed a pass to Bradley Crawford, resulting in Mena scoring first. Just before halftime, Robinson managed to push through 8 remaining yards to the goal line, making the score 14-0 going into the locker room. With another touchdown for Mena, Ben Graves added another 7 points to Mena’s score. Taking the ball 48 yards down the field, John Ballentine scored the last touchdown for Mena, confirming the seniors’ fourth consecutive homecoming win. The Bearcats’ biggest rival, The Waldron Bulldogs, traveled to Mena Oct. 7, but only to be let down after the Bearcats defeated them, 21-6. Within the first half, Bradley Crawford scored the first touchdown for Mena, forcing the ‘Bullfrogs,’ as Coach Jeff Weaver labeled them, to put forth their best effort, although Waldron had nothing on Mena. The Bearcats sent Waldron on their way home after the 3rd quarter, when both John Ballentine and Malachi McGee scored for the Bearcats, making the final score 21-6. Traveling to Dardanelle Oct. 14, the Bearcats were defeated 14-24. Mena put up a good fight, with Malachi McGee throwing a successful pass to Bradley Crawford, who scored the first touchdown. Crawford also managed to run in another touchdown early in the last quarter, although they still fell short. The Bearcats’ conference record, currently 2-2, will definitely be altered by the last three games of the season in which Mena defends against Pottsville, Subiaco, and Booneville, all of which are conference games. Planning for victories, the Bearcats hope for yet another chance at playoffs and another chance at winning those infamous state rings.
October 2011
The Bear Facts - Sports
Page 9
Vo l l e y b a l l L a d y c a t s v i e f o r s t a t e
by Hana Hunter
Beginning the season with a victory, the Ladycats defeated Ft. Lake in Mena’s benefit game on Aug. 18. Seniors Flannery Wilson and Hannah Knittig both had 2 kills the first game, and Wilson alone had 15 passes. With 31 sets, sophomore Madi Sherrer put her long hours of practice to the test. Within the week of Sep. 22, the Ladycats played Lake Hamilton and Alma/Van Buren. On the ride home from Lake Hamilton, the Ladycats held their heads high although defeated by the Lady Wolves. The Ladycats weren’t going anywhere without putting up a fight, and did their best to intimidate Lake Hamilton. Traveling to Van Buren, the Ladycats made the trip worthwhile by walking away with a victory. Libero Tiffany McElveen had a total of 28 passes throughout the match. Subsequent to the Van Buren game, the Ladycats were defeated by Alma, and although Mena endured another loss, many remained strong.
The next week, Aug. 29-Sep. 2, the Ladycats battled it out against 3 opposing teams: Mansfield, Paris, and Greenwood. Mena put forth their best effort, but they still came up short in the game against Mansfield, winning only 1 of 3 matches. Sophomore Megan Kent was on fire with 9 hits and Kennedy Reeves dished up 2 aces. The Ladycats put up a victorious battle against Paris, winning 3 of 5 matches. The last match resulted in Mena taking the win with a score of 15-6. Although the stat book was filled, the Ladycats endured another loss of the volleyball season to Benton, winning just 1 of 4 matches. Natalie Rose had a grand total of 54 passes, and kept the Ladycat spirit up. The week of Sep.12, the Ladycats brought victories over Shiloh, Ashdown, and Clarksville. Winning all 3 matches against Shiloh Christian, Mena then traveled to Ashdown. The Ladycats didn’t let the impatience due to the bus ride get to them, and won 3 of 4 matches. After defeating Clarksville, Ladycat Kennedy Reeves said, “The bar has been set high for us, but we’re raising the bar higher, and we have big expectations for state.” Overall, the Ladycats completely dominated. The week of Sep.19 marked a week of pure, sweet victories for the Ladycats, who played both Booneville and Ft. Lake. Starting out slowly, the Ladycats went home with yet another victory against Booneville, winning 3 of 4 matches. Having 15 kills and serving up 2 aces, Hannah Knittig was unstoppable. Defeating Ft. Lake 3-1, Mena gets a feel for victory the second time this specific week. Although they lost one match, Mena didn’t let that intimidate them as they marched on their way to another win. Both Hannah Knittig and Lindsey Thacker had 8 blocks each, while Natalie Rose had a total of 11 kills. Considering the agonizing bus ride, Mena played an outstanding game. On Sep. 27, Mena’s rivals, the Waldron Bulldogs, were surprised when the Ladycats fell short in the battle, winning just 2 of 5 matches. Digging 84 passes and serving 3 aces, Rose was definitely something to brag about, along with junior Megan Moon who also played great, having 68 sets. Within the same week, on Sep. 29, and after a crowd-pleasing battle, Mena defeated Ashdown 3-0. Although each game was nerve-wracking, the Ladycats pulled yet another victory. Sophomore Hailey Knittig had a total of 6 kills, along with 2 aces. The Mansfield Tigers traveled to Mena on Oct. 3, and defeated the Ladycats 3-1. Mena saw this as a chance for improvement. Junior Lindsey Thacker had 7 kills within one match. The next day, Oct. 4, Clarksville was in for a surprise when the Ladycats crushed them, 3-0. Serving 4 aces, digging 14 passes, and setting 45 balls, Sherrer’s name dominated the statistics page. The Ladycats are now looking ahead to the district tournament to be held in Booneville.
FLANNERY WILSON GOES in for a kill during the game against Mansfield. (photo by Hana Hunter)
The Mena tennis season comes to a close by Emily O’Rear
The tennis season for the Bearcats and the Ladycats has come to a close but not without its victories. The first game occurred at Fountain Lake, and Mark Roberts played singles and doubles matches with his partner RC Sims. The duo won twice in both. Brandon Fields had a good season winning in singles four times. Garrett Borst played singles and doubles this year also winning 4 matches, and Sims played singles and doubles winning twice. Zane Sherrer played singles three times winning all of them.
Borst, Andrew Ellison, Fields, Maddie Liles, Emily O’Rear, Alyssa Odom, Roberts, Sims, Zane Sherrer, and Kaylee Van Emmerik traveled to Rebsamen Park in Little Rock for the district tennis meet on Oct. 10. Sims and Sherrer played doubles and placed third. “I’m proud of all the players for their hardwork. We will have a good nucleus coming back for next year to build and grow off of,” said Coach Bobby Tedder, “I had a lot of fun playing this year and I will miss all of my teammates,” said Odom.
TENNIS PARTNERS ALYSSA Odom and Kaylee VanEmmerik return a volley during a home tennis match. (photo by Emily O’Rear)
The Bear Facts - Reviews
Page 10
October 2011
Music Review
The Throne reflects its own grandeur by Taylor Betz
“Sunglasses and Advil; last night was mad real,” boasts Kanye West at one point in Watch the Throne: his and Jay-Z’s highly anticipated collaboration. When bringing together two of hip hop’s kings, you’d imagine that much like that line, this album would be nothing but a massive over-produced party, loaded to the brim with guests and an exhaustion of the two’s respective bragging rights they’ve earned over their impressive careers. Some tracks make true on that, and others resemble West’s previous albums, with intense introspection and a diverse range of sonic landscape. What makes the pairing so enjoyable is how, despite being good friends, the men are very different. Kanye is a publicity nightmare, the wild playboy and a self-criticizing “bragger,” Jay-Z is a walking press release, the loyal husband and a disappointed mentor. The chemistry between these two performers is terrific. The guest spots are kept to a minimum here, which is a good thing as it keeps the songs from being cluttered, and we can focus on the big appeal: Jay-Z and Kanye West doing an album together. The opening track, “No Church in the Wild” has a low synth beat that ripples in such a sinister way, a stark contrast
to guest Frank Ocean’s smooth chorus. It’s a very haunting song really, with lots of questions concerning grandeur and the personalities our protagonists have gained. In a wonderful styling change, the next one, “Lift Off,” features Beyoncé and is more or less in tune with her pop-sensibility. “Otis” samples the late Otis Redding, featuring a more soulful type of bragging (“I made Jesus walk so I’m never going to hell”). However, these songs only offer a brief moment of bright lights, as the darker elements begin to flesh out. Pulling off the change places-type track list is quite difficult, and while it’s not jarring it doesn’t flow smoothly. One that sticks out like a sore-thumb, “Murder to the Excellence,” is a very good song about the loss of life but its placing makes it kind of a strange listen. Its squeezed in between “Who Gon’ Stop Me” (a noisy, intentionally hollow chest-beater) and “Made In America,” which is more or less a very sweet look back on how far these men have come. The album’s somewhat odd mix is only further reminded with the glamorous finale, “Why I Love You,” which features a loud, grand, romantic chorus and an incredibly abrupt ending. That rather well describes it really. It’s Kanye pulling out some wonderful beats, Jay-Z returning to the excellence he garnered with albums like The Black Album and The Blueprint, and while it’s all marvelous it seems to end just too soon.
Courageous lacks courage, ironically enough by Taylor Betz
The thing about Courageous isn’t that it’s particularly bad, it’s that it’s bad because it’s not particular. The film essentially can be pointed out with one scene and it doesn’t involve the four lead characters discussing their religious faith, which will surely appeal to the targetaudience, but rather them doing their jobs, being police officers. Early in the flick we see our heroes chasing down a criminal and director Alex Kendrick brings the action sequence together in one of the dullest, most “by the books” numbers imaginable. You get the wide shot where the crook runs across the screen followed swiftly by our guy, and of course it’s through a backyard neighborhood. Ken Bevel’s Officer Hayes declares, “I’m getting too old for this,” one of the easiest, most over-used Lethal Weapon references imaginable. I’m pulling up these examples of the movie’s inability to create something substantial and notable before I note how the acting or the writing isn’t terrible, but the film itself is monumentally un-recommendable. The leads in this film are all volunteer actors, and with that stated one can’t fault them much to begin with but I have to say that they’re amusing. At the least, they’re far better than the Lifetime Network quality film they inhabit. Though come to think of it, the characters might be created to resemble the blue-collar family men that actually play them, but I can get past that this time. The plots they play out range from a dad’s monitoring of
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his daughter’s social life to a poor Mexican father who needs a job to keep the roof over his head. Co-writers Alex and Stephen Kendrick somehow manage to drag these already overplayed stories out to over two hours, placing a kicker (that I won’t spoil you on) at one point to try and liven up the dullness of their own movie. I won’t try to tip-toe around the subject: the film is designed to present a Christian message wrapped around the theme of fatherhood. Kendrick did the same thing with his last film, Fireproof, the Christian drama about firefighters (which makes me wonder which generic, heroic occupation he’ll make his next set of characters be in). So much so does he try to make this blindingly obvious, then the film ends with a virtual sermon of sorts. My dislike of the film has nothing to do with ideological differences; unless desiring to see good films counts, then yes it does. Though the film supports the notion that for children to be raised right they’ll need a father figure (a visceral putting down to single-mothers and lesbian parents). That aside, the thing that really hacks away at the film is because it has a built-in audience. The problem with built-in audiences is that it isn’t necessary to put a lot of quality into your film because its success is nearly guaranteed to occur. That is what happens with Courageous: it doesn’t try. It’s really not a good excuse to make a bad movie. Nothing here in this film is truly worthy of being placed on a “worst films ever list” but nothing here should be placed on a “films that might be okay to watch” list either unless you like watching someone connect the dots.
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October 2011
The Bear Facts - Reviews
Page 11
Book Review
By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead by Lake Ashley
Daelyn Rice is dead. Or, she wishes she were. Daelyn is a suicide survivor. She’s made multiple attempts at killing herself due to a childhood of hate and misery. Daelyn attends a Catholic school for girls, where she is made fun of for not being able to speak because of a neck brace she wears. Many students think she’s mute, but the truth is the neck brace is a daily reminder of her most recent attempt at offing herself. While searching online for a suicide forum, Daelyn finds Through the Light, a “suicide helper” website. She has twenty-three days until her DOD, or Day of Determination, the day on which she plans to kill herself. Daelyn follows the guidelines of Through the Light, reading the Ways to Go page, or writing on the Final Forum, and constantly thinking about her final days. While sitting on the bench outside of her school one day, Daelyn meets Santana, a boy slightly older than she who incessantly tries to talk to her, though she can’t talk back. Daelyn cannot deny that because of Santana, she begins to reconsider her suicidal aspirations. She later learns that
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Santana has a lethal kind of leukemia, with a less than 20% survival rate. It almost seems to her that he’s trying to save her without saving himself. Will Daelyn follow through with her plan? This book will make one think. It requires a certain mindset for comprehension. Daelyn is the victim of a common form of suicide now dubbed “bullycide.” Bullycide is what happens when younger people are bullied so harshly that they end up killing themselves. For those who were bullied as young children into their teenage years, this book really hits home. Peters did a great job researching what goes through the suicidal person’s mind. The entire story is extremely detailed, but not to the point of boredom. By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead, by Julie Ann Peters, is a great read, but it is intended for mature audiences only. It’s a wonderful book for those who enjoy realistic fiction.
Poetry review
Duct Tape Love delivers by Kimmi Hanners
When most think of duct tape and love, confusion occurs. When you think of love, you imagine happy endings, but the thought of duct tape completely throws you off. Most think you can hold about anything together with duct tape, while love’s a neverending story. Duct tape can be the only solution to one’s problems, but in this case, you never really know. Is duct tape enough for one girl’s broken heart? If you want to discover the truth, you’ll just have to find out in the poem, Duct Tape Love, by Skywriter11 available at www.teenink.com.
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STUDENTS TRY OUT for Grease! (photo by Taylor Betz)
MHS’s yearly production
Grease is coming to town! by Taylor Betz
Mena High School’s annual drama production this year will be none other than the classic musical, Grease! The story revolves around a greaser, the rebellious, leather-jacket-wearing Danny Zuko, and the sweet and innocent Sandy Dumbrowski. The two are given a second chance to rekindle their summer romance when they bump into one another at school that fall. The musical premiered in 1971 and is set during the 50s, featuring such recognizable songs like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightin’” and “We Go Together.” The production will be directed by drama instructor Jessica Kropp, who along with choir teacher Tammy Taylor, presided over the auditions which were held on the Sep. 26, 27, and 29. Students learned choreography to a dance number, read scenes that featured the character they desired to play, and performed a portion of a song for the audition process. It was surely an intense, if not fun time for the aspiring young thespians. In the end, Zeke McPherson and Ayla Powell were cast as the leads Danny and Sandy, respectively.
Filling out Danny’s gang, the Burger Palace Boys: Alex Atchley (Kenickie), Tate Oglesby (Doody), Kalen Hastey (Roger), and Trey Metcalf (Sonny). When it comes to the Pink Ladies, who hugely influence Sandy, we’ll see Emily Badgett (Rizzo), Alyssa McCleskey (Frenchy), Ashlyn Godfrey (Marty), and Holly Lewis (Jan). Other actors and actresses featured as principals include Keegan Tatsch, Charlie Williams, Lucas Head, Sasha Zavala, Charles Ford, and Mariya Zagulova. Supporting cast members include Carly Gear, Tiffany Sides, Lauryn Madison, Amber Lane, Brooke Hastey, Kendall Crutchfield, Madison Peppers, Megann Matejek, Tiffany Sides, Chris Penny, John Westfall, Aaron Body, Ashley Ford, Brooke Pearce, Devyn Purcell, Emali Bilderbeck, Hannah Bell, Hannah Lochala, Heather Madison, Jordan Dodds, Jordan Reuter, Katie Mitchell, Kimmi Hanners, Kristen Manasco, Leea Carver, Mariah Smith, McKenna Law, Morgan Ashley, Morgen LaCoste and Taylor Hale. The public will get the see the play Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m. and Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Mena High School Performing Arts Center.
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Page 12
The Bear Facts - Entertainment Starting off with a bang
Seniors’ favorites
What is the best Cruzziers drink? Emily Badgett........... SWAG Slush (strawberry, watermelon, apple, grape) Amber Lane..............Cherry Phosphate Lauren Brewer..........Peach Mountain Dew Slush Mark Roberts............ Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper Devyn Purcell............ Margarita Slush Madison Ralls........... Strawberry Vanilla Mountain Dew Slush Sasha Zavala.............Cherry, Vanilla Mountain Dew Slush Zac Anderle...............Fresh Lime Slush Kyle Woody.............. Lemonade Chance Strother.........Chocolate Shake Mathew Meade.......... Pineapple Powerade Slush Brenden Daniels........Grape Slush Manda Ham............... Lemonade Slush Hannah Knittig..........Cherry, Vanilla Mountain Dew Slush Viet Nguyen.............. Mountain Dew Gina Barker............... Vanilla Dr. Pepper
Ordinary students reach for stardom by Kim Erickson
Students who start with nothing are planning to make it far with a dream to dance, entertain, and be themselves. Could this dream be the starting point of their life long careers, or just another joke? Will they be torn apart because of drama, or will they end the day as a family? They are known as the Kommakazii Khiidz. The name ‘Kommakazii Khiidz’ originated from the saying, ‘They are going to go into the game and explode with greatness.’ The dance style is jerking although they do not jerk as much as in the beginning, but they still support the movement. Kommakazii Khiidz have reached over 6,300 total viewers on YouTube. Even though considered a dance group, their self expression is an important
October 2011
value to the group as well as entertaining the fans. The group consists of five members: Kim Erickson, Trey Mallett, Kobe Chapman, Brady Rosenow, and William Harnsberry, from the states of Arkansas and Texas. The ages range from 12 to 17. Erickson stated, “Anything can be done with just a little belief and the desire. No matter the distance, we have strong hearts and believe in each other. No matter the age you are, if you really want something, you will try your best to reach that goal.” Even though it is a far stretch, all of Kommakazii Khiidz believe they could possibly make it. If they try hard enough, and get their name out there they just might become something. “I want to be more than some teen who just sits at home and to keep young ones away from crime,” Erickson stated.
New Mena High School opens its doors by Emily O’Rear
As the state of Arkansas looked on, the new Mena High School opened its doors on Sep. 24. Visitors from all over the state came to tour the school and watch groups like band, choir and drama club perform. They also heard speakers including Dr. Diann Gathright, superintendent of Mena Public Schools, board members, and a few of those responsible for the construction. They also heard Arkansas State Representative Nate Bell as well. Principal Mark Shumate stated, “I thought the celebration was a great success. It showed the vision of Dr. Gathright and our school board has for our students, and it showed the support and commitment our community has for our schools.” This was the first time many of the new rooms had been seen by the community. An honor was given to Paul Gray when Gathright announced that the new band hall
was to be named the Paul Gray Band Center in honor of his many years of service as band director of the Mena High School Band. After the welcome ceremony, visitors were able to see the various classrooms and admire some of the work that the students had done in the first few weeks of school. They were also served lunch by the Sr. High volleyball team, “We made up new cheers, and to top it off we helped to clean up at the end! We sang random songs, but changed the lyrics. It was the best Saturday [I’ve] ever spent with people,” said team member Megan Moon. Tyson provided the meat for the lunch enjoyed by the guests. Throughout the day visitors were able to watch performances by the jazz band, trumpeter Keith Wood, the Bearcat Chorus, the Spotlight Singers, and the drama club. Even though the gym and a few little things were not quite finished, the opening of the school was a very well received event by the community.
SASHA ZAVALA AND Aussie Stroud play guitar during the Mena High School Celebration. (photo by Kimmi Hanners)
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