Ugly Christmas Sweaters
We Prepare For The Ugliest Day Of The Year
Hoops Seeks Elusive Title Noffsinger may get team over the hump
Adoption
East Has Its Own Adopters and Adoptees December 2012 Volume 3, Issue 2
From the desk of the editor-in-chief With the first semester of the Foster Administration drawing to a close, reflection seems like the ideal topic. What an amazing difference a year makes both personally and professionally. I knew this year would be different. After all, weknew that we would have not only a new principal, but with the exception of Mr. Wood, an entire new leadership team. That would be a tall order for any front office. Add to that the prospect of a new schedule and the potential for calamity lie waiting to unleash itself on those innocent souls that were unsuspecting of what was to come. Everything needed to run smoothly, and, of course, it didn’t. Nothing that involves 1500 people ever does. Turns out, little by little, some unanticipated nuances of the new schedule crept in, forcing the new team to handle them. To add to that, some details that could have been anticipated stepped into the fray. To say the least, the new team had to prove itself without the normal breaking-in period. Mr. Marshall had that luxury when he took the helm. He basically observed for an entire year before making any significant changes. Mrs. Atherton had the same both times. Mr. Foster did not. Instead, he was thrown into a scheduling debate with a staff divided between those who didn’t want to change, and those that did, but didn’t know how the change should look. In the meantime, he was forced to iron out the A/B schedule to adjust for things like half credits and athletic eligibility. Foster and his staff met the challenges head on and performed admirably, keeping order throughout. I certainly wouldn’t have wished the environment for the first few months on anyone who would be new to any job, but it’s safe to say that Foster, Mr. Wood, Mr. Barger, and Mrs. Burke gained respect in their handling of the situation and grew closer in the process. The byproduct looks like one of the top leadership teams in the state that should be together for years to come. The next great challenge facing the team, teachers, counselors and students is the great push to college and career readiness. We have already added a family and consumer science teacher to provide two additional pathways for career readiness. Other changes will come from within individual departments. Again, scheduling will inevitably be pushed to the forefront as we try to balance getting kids the college ready scores they need and offering a plan for success to those who seek career readiness through a series of classes ending in certification. In moving forward, the one virtue that the situation will demand is openness. I overheard a group of students a few weeks ago dicussing how their teacher was bashing the current schedule. That’s a recipie for disaster in any endeavor. Imagine a staff seargent looking to a private and saying, “Yeah, I think it’s stupid that the general is making you guys get up early and do this.” That’s the word that was used: stupid. The only certainty in this whole scenario is talk like that will lead to fracture when unity is needed more than any time since the school was founded. We can’t do that in our classrooms. Like religion or politics, our job is not to force our kids to mirror our thoughts, but instead, to challenge them to find their own. Or perhaps instead, we should allow our attitudes, which are sometimes set in their ways, to be influenced by our kids. Just last week, after the culture shock of getting to high school and adapting to the new schedule, a freshman said to me, “I’m starting to like this A/B schedule.” It caught me off guard, because it was not something that I dicussed with my daughter. I let her decide. Just as my personal views as a SBDM member, English Department Chair, journalism teacher, and parent shape my overall view, her views as a high school freshman are all that matter in her life. Besides my thoughts would shock her and, in turn, many people who make assumptions as to my intentions. The only thing I know is it is essential to push kids to college readiness across the board and provide ample opportunites to pursue career paths, while allowing students the leeway that self discovery must be afforded in a normal high school teenager’s life. If we keep that as our common mission, I can be on board with whatever. With the requirements placed on us for additional classes that other schools don’t teach, it is going to be a daunting task. It’s one that will define our school for the next generation. But we will never realize greatness if we spend our time as detractors. Larry Steinmetz
APRIL 20112012 December
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Charger Children editor-in-chief Larry Steinmetz managing editor Emily Nalley executive editor Keenan Cischke copy editor copy editor copy editor copy editor copy editor creative editor advertising editor business manager staff writers Blake Allen Zachary Allen Ashley Anderson Bree Beichler Collin Britt Ashley Browning Leah Byars Jennifer Cischke Keenan Cischke Taylor Collins Tori Collins Nicholas Crawhorn Jacob Davis Jessica Despain Breanna Devine Allison Drake Samantha Ewing Kim Flaherty Cameron Frank Samantha Gentry Kody Giltner Cassidy Grom Jessica Hanna
Emily Priddy Kendall Mayfield Kody Giltner Leah Byars Penny Schmitz Katie Warner Bree Beichler Ashley Anderson Bri Hare Jasmine Hester Reilee Hobbs Elsa Holmgren Austin Jewell Zach Mattingly Kendall Mayfield Kelley McCann Whitney Messer Taylor Miller Elynn Mullaney Emily Nalley Hannah Perdew Mackenzie Perdue Emily Priddy Alex Richardson Morgan Saylor Penny Schmitz Haley Simpson Logan Stone Lauryn Waldridge Katie Warner Jared Woodruff
Livewire was re-founded in 2001 by journalism teacher, Larry Steinmetz. In the past, the Livewire has been a weekly newspaper, but moved to a newsmagazine published five times a year in 2011. The staff remains comitted to bringing the Bullitt East community the most up to date news in a quality format and timely manner. To get breaking news, sports updates, and more go online to ww2.bullittschools.org/ behslivewire. The staff appreciates your patronage and, as a public forum, encourages any feedback you care to offer. Letters to the editor must be typed and submitted via e-mail, to Mr. Steinmetz’s mailbox, or directly to room 324 within one week of the publication to which you are responding. Letters will not be censored, but must be deemed appropriate by the editor and advisor in order to be published. In order to be eligible to appear in the paper, all letters must be signed and verifiable. Names can be witheld upon request, but must be submitted with the original letter. Livewire is published by the students and for the students of Bullitt East High School, Emailing Mr. Steinmetz directly is the best way to reach the staff. His address is larry.steinmetz@ bullitt.kyschools.us. The Livewire is printed by Publishers Printing Company. Bullitt East High School 11450 Highway 44 East, Mount Washington, Kentucky, 40047. (502) 869-6400.
Livewire
Adoption At East Adoption plays a big role in the lives of many people at East. Cassidy Grom and Collin Britt get into the lives of students and teachers who have been affected.
10
Starting Early
12
It’s Time To Duel
15
It’s easier to start early with getting scholarships when you plan ahead. Elynn gives some tips on how to plan ahead to make bank for college.
There’s a new outbreak at East... a Yu-Gi-Oh outbreak that is. Kendall gets to the bottom line of the new phenomenon and finds out about the players behind the game.
Stand Tall Through It All 20 Charger’s expectations are high just like their jump shot. They’re changing things up to make it to state for the third year in a row.
Finding Balance 24 Balancing school, work, and sports is a struggle that many students at Bullitt East face. Writers, Ashley Anderson and Leah Byars, educated where homework fits into the equation.
HUMAN Volume INTEREST 3, Issue 2
Setting the Stage for Success articles Emily Priddy and tribe members l photos yearbook l layout Bree Beichler
Cole Green
Cross country takes center stage for the season.
came in second place while the girls also improved on their ranking by taking fourth.
The boys and girls cross country teams reached their goal despite the injuries and setbacks this season by crossing the stage to collect their trophy.
“The season started off rough with injuries but we overcame and accomplished our goal to place in the top four at state,” said senior, Scotty McIntyre. The team competed at the Footlocker Regional Championship after their state performance. This championship meet was held in Charlotte, North Carolina and allowed East to compete against other top students from ten different states. In the Footlocker meet, the times were ranked by individual runners instead of by team, and most of the team had times reaching their personal bests.
At this year’s state tournament, both teams accomplished goals that had been set during previous seasons. Their performance earned them a reputation as a top program in the state. The team has already set high expectations for next year to maintain their ranking at the state meet.
Prior to running in the state meet, the girls team was ranked fifth in the state while the boys were ranked ninth. “It’s been our ultimate goal the past couple years to get on stage at state,” said senior Kourtney Burkhead. To “get on stage” means placing in the top four at the state meet which results in earning a place on the podium. The boys December 2012
Both cross country teams will be affected by the lost of their graduating seniors. “With the boys team, we lose our number one runner, Brandon, and our number two runner, Scotty. They are tough kids to replace,” said Raley. While the boys team will lose two of their best runners, the girls team is still very young. The team’s number one runner was freshman, Sierra Poppell. The second place runner of the team was Caroline Collins who was only an eighth grader. “I feel accomplished because I got my time in 19 minutes and I hope to get a higher place on stage next season,” said Poppell. “We worked hard all season, and both teams achieved this at the state meet,” stated Raley.
5K School Record: 17:10
5K School Record: 19:41
Brandon Wiseheart
To prepare for the upcoming season, the Chargers endured a rigorous training schedule. “We had a stronger dedication to running all year and the team handled harder practices in order to succeed,” stated head coach Lenny Raley. Despite the setback of losing five of their thirteen runners, the varsity girls worked through it and achieved their ultimate goal. The boys team suffered a loss early in the season when their number two runner, Scotty McIntyre, injured his ankle during the rocketball game.
Kourtney Burkhead
Sierra Poppell
Abby Shelton
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Ins and Outs
of Senior Year
articles Bree Beichler l layout Bree Beichler
Make Your Senior Year Worth Something Senior year is feeling with huge moments in your life. It’s what most future graduates will be telling their kids about in years to come. With prom, senior projects, scholarship applications, and college all approaching, upperclassmen may feel the pressure and stress piling up on their shoulders.
Buckle Down and Get To Work By this point, upperclassmen should be cracking down on their senior projects. Works cited, job shadowing, and rough drafts of the paper should already be completed. Visual Aid/Presentations should be close to finished. The presentations should be presented at panel sometime before February 28. Pascal Bailey, senior English teacher, shines some light on ways to succeed with senior projects. “Students need to plan ahead and pace themselves,” Bailey expressed. Katie Connelly, 2012 graduate, gives some advice to get through the project. “Honestly senior projects aren’t that bad. Take it seriously though. Use it as an opportunity to research a career that interests you, and practice public speaking because that’s a required class in college,” the graduate explained. Another 2012 graduate, McKenzie Perdew, shares her experience on the project. “They’re certainly not the most fun to do in the world but they’re not the hardest either.” Make Every Dollar Count With college around the corner, it would be wise to start applying for scholarships. Many alumni regret not applying for more financial aid opportunities. “Even if you’re not sure if you meet the requirements, still apply. You never know what you might get and every dollar matters,” Zackary Drake, 2012 graduate, stated. Connelly and Perdew agreed with the statement saying that seniors should take as many financial aid opportunities as possible. “Apply for everything. It’s time consuming, but every bit of money helps,” Connelly explained. Drake wrapped up by talking about how scholarships truly do shape your college experience. “Going to college for free makes it much more fun than having to pay to stay in college and create a huge debt.” See Page 12 for more information about how to make bank for college.
Define Yourself
Road To College Livewire
There are still seniors left undecided about which college they are planning to attend. For those still deciding, 2011 graduate and student ambassador at Western Kentucky University, Sidney Blanford, offers some advice. “College is the one huge opportunity to move away and create yourself; so, make the decisions for you and not for other people.” She also included, “As far as what to look for, people know what they want, you just have to research and ask questions, and if you find yourself questioning a school, then it is probably not right for you.”
FEATURES 4
our
articles Haley Simpson l photos Haley Simpson l layout Haley Simpson
Camo and country, what more could a girl want?
The “Country Girls” of the school cafeteria wear camo as their everyday uniform and are proud of it. In third lunch on A days, if you look along the perimeter of the cafeteria you’ll find a group of girls most likely dressed in camo attire. The girls have a strong belief that they are the best lunch group out there. Outside of school the girls like to fish, eat, and just hang out. In high school groups are a lot of time distinguished by how they dress and act. This is group is no exception to that. “Camo is kind of what brought us together,” says table member Christy Summitt, “some of us are related but camo is what binds us. You don’t see a whole lot of other girls wearing it.” Above: Jenna Bryant (left) and Christy Summitt maintain a country lifestyle even outside of school. Below: Jenna Bryant, Christin Comstock, Mikayla Norris, Christy Summitt, and Devan Strong enjoy their lunch.
“We’re just plain awesome. We don’t care what other people say and thats pretty much what makes us the best group ever,” said junior, Devan Strong. However, Christin Comstock has a different opinion. “We are the best because we’re not afraid to be who we are. Some people are afraid to be themselves, but we’re not,” stated Comstock. Outside of the cafeteria walls, the girls enjoy a wide array of things.ranging from fishing to shopping. They also spend almost every weekend together. Summitt says, “We’re constantly together. If we don’t spend a weekend together something’s wrong.”
October APRIL December 2011 2011 2012
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Story
Kickin’ it at the lunch table
Every A day in third lunch you can find a group of boy soccer players who have a bond created on and off the soccer field. “The Soccer Players” consist of several of the boys’ soccer teams sophomores along with a freshman and a junior. Meeting each other on the soccer field, the boys have come close since the beginning of their freshman year and created a bond they feel will live on past their high school days. According to the self-appointed “president” of the table, Trent Smith, their camaraderie is what makes them as a group work. If you sit in the teams lunch, you’ll see a massive group of sophomore guys sitting at one of the many round tables in the cafeteria. “We’re all soccer players, its how we met, and it’s what we do,” said Trent Smith, “I really love our group and how we’re interested in all the same things.It’s part of what makes our group work.” All of the boys at the table unanimously agreed that their friendship will continue past high school. Matthew Adkins, another member of the group, stated “I definitely think we’ll be friends for a while. I hang out with them every day, and I don’t know what I would without them.”
Above (left to right): Table members Michael O’Neil, Brandon Hottois, Josh Braun, Trent Smith, Hunter Highdon, and Eric Sanchez all give their serious poses one day after finishing their lunches. Below: Friends, Trent Smith (right) and Michael O’Neal (left), spend time together before soccer practice.
Josh Braun, another member, said “I really love our group. I don’t exactly love my A days, but they give me something to look forward to. Our group is a lot more than just soccer, we understand each other, and we’re definitely going to be friends for a while.” There are a lot of tables in the cafeteria containing a lot of different groups, however, on any given day this group is probably the loudest one in the cafeteria. But, according to Smith that’s the biggest component to what makes the group work. “We laugh, we make fun of each other, and that’s how we help each other get through things. If we didn’t, our whole group would probably fall apart.” Livewire
HUMAN FEATURES FEATURES INTEREST 6
2.
“Hold the door open. Be respectful,” said Ethan Steilberg, owner of 21 Charger Bucks.
3.
“If the teacher drops some papers, pick em’ up,” stated Bailey Adkins, with a total of five Charger Bucks.
4. 5.
With nine Charger Bucks, Alex Elkins said, “Be nice and do your work.” “Help out around class,” said Paul Miles, with 11 Charger Bucks, “Always be friendly!”
Through the promotion of positive behavior and the encouragement of solid individuals, discipline issues have been reduced without punishment. One of the more active members of the PBIS committee, Nate Fulghum, described PBIS, “It is used to eliminate and minimize discipline issues and focuses on rewarding positive behavior.” Another member of the PBIS Committee, Jami Willis, described PBIS as a “Positive system to impact the climate of the school.” Overall, PBIS intends to focus on the positives of the school to reduce the negatives. Members of the PBIS committee are finding creative ways to reward positive behavior at Bullitt East. The main reward for students are Charger Bucks. Through positive behavior, students can earn Charger Bucks which can be put in a drawing to win cool prizes. Students are excited to receive them and work hard to do the right things to do so. Students know what behavior is rewarded because they hear it every morning, “BE safe, BE responsible, and BE respectful.” The committee is also using a unique new system, the SWISS data system, to track the success of this program. It is helping to reduce minor discipline issues so the faculty and staff can focus on learning. Multiple goals have been set for the committee and the PBIS program. Fulghum highlighted a unique issue, tardies. “One month we had 300 tardies; that is way too many. We hope to utilize this system to make tardies a nearly non-existent issue so we can focus on the main reason we’re here, education.” The school has seen some positive changes even though PBIS was started this year. Fulghum also added, “We want to reduce minor everyday discipline issues so we can focus on doing awesome things and create a positive school culture.”
October APRIL December 2011 2011 2012
Rewards: Ice- cream Party
1.
With a total of 15 Charger Bucks, Paul Eldrige said, “Always be friendly!”
PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Bullitt East prepared last year to implement this program through the use of the SWISS data input system. They were able to record when and where tardies, fights, and other discipline issues occurred most frequently. After analyzing data, the PBIS committee put their plan in action. The committee is led by counseler, Dana Steinmetz. Other members include Mr. Wood, Mr. Fulghum, Mr. Torres, Mrs. Willis, and Ms. McCroskey.
& Support
Mr. Foster’s Parking Pass
ways to get a Charger Buck:
Bullitt East has implemented PBIS, a plan that encourages positive behavior.
Interventions
Dress-down Pass
TOP 5
Be safe, Be responsible, Be respectful.
Behavioral
Gift Cards
article by Zach Mattingly l layout Hannah Perdew and Samantha Gentry
PBIS
Positive
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The
Perfect
WINTER Athlete
With winter at our fingertips, getting and staying in shape is becoming yet another thing added to our to-do list. Although some may say it’s impossible, everyone is capable of becoming the perfect winter athlete with leadership, dedication, and a love for the game. Whether it’s changing your diet or practicing alone every day, striving to be your best is key in becoming a “perfect” athlete. Although experience may not always be there, it does play an important role in playing a sport or becoming an athlete. Article by Jessica Despain l Pictures Submitted by Jessica Despain l Layout by Katie War-
ner and Elynn Mullaney
Head
Mckenzie Bass Basketball Mckenzie is a smart, court savvy player. Her teammates depend on her to make good decisions.
Arm
Chris Embry Basketball Chris lends the toughness and strength that the team needs. He can always be found tipping a ball or diving on the floor.
Legs
Evan Reister Swimming Evan set the school record for the 100m breaststroke (1:15)
Livewire
Arm
Mackenzie Terry Cheerleading Mackenzie carries the team with her senior leadership. She always lends a hand to make the squad better
Torso
Daniel Acosta Wrestling Daniel is the most skilled wrestler on the team. His strong core also helps him as a cage fighter
FEATURES 8
Loved&
It doesn’t take a village to raise a child; it just takes one.
Adopted
Adoption is changing the composition of American families, and changing lives in the Charger Nation.
Article by Cassidy Grom l Pictures submitted by Cassidy Grom and Collin Britt l Layout by Elynn Mullaney
“I’m not really that much different than anyone else, we are all pretty much the same, just different in little ways.” - Rebekah Wingrove
Chargers young and old are opening up and sharing their adoption experiences. Bullitt East teachers are building families by adopting children.
Two members of the Charger Nation can say they are adopted. Rebekah Wingrove, a sophomore, can be found spiking volleyballs with Lady Chargers or jamming out on her trumpet in the band room. “I really do not think adopted children face any additional barriers from society. I think our society really views adoption in a positive light; I really have not observed any stigmas associated with adoption,” perceives AP Psychology teacher, Sarah Akridge. Even with being adopted into a racially diverse family,
Wingrove completely agreed, “I’m not really that much different than anyone else. We are all pretty much the same, just different in little ways,” shrugged Wingrove.
Taken in by her adopted parents only a few weeks after she was born, Wingrove only knows what her birth mother is like based on stories told to her by her adoptive parents. Fifteen years ago, Jim and Sherry Wingrove heard from their friends in Michigan that there was a mother giving a child up for adoption, and they met the need. Although Wingrove expresses nothing but gratitude towards her adoptive parents, she desires to know her birth mom. “My parents and I talked about it and we are going to hire a detective, but only after I finish college,” she said. For now, Wingrove is busy hitting the books and avoiding hitting the net. Another member of the Charger Nation was only six weeks old when he was adopted. Larry Steinmetz was made a part of Greg and Sharon Steinmetz's family which later included his sister Nicki, whom was also adopted. Steinmetz, the enthusiastic head of BE’s English department, stated that his parents had “tried and tried to have kids,” but received the blessing in an alternative way when they adopted baby Larry. Steinmetz's Grandfather often stopped by and volunteered at Catholic Charities rocking babies to sleep on his way home from Ford Motors. Steinmetz states that he always was aware that he was adopted. He can remember reading books entitled Why Was I Adopted. “They [my parents] were always upfront with me and I appreciate that,” reflected Steinmetz. The only specific facts Steinmetz is aware of is that his birth mother and father were sixteen and seventeen years of age respectively. “I’ve thought about it [searching for my birth parents], but it doesn’t really hold any bearing in my life. I would be okay with meeting them, but after that I am unsure. You never know what you are getting yourself into. I don’t know about expectations of a relationship after that. How involved would this person be in my life?” pondered Steinmetz. Besides a few small instances involving snide comments by his peers in his late elementary years, Steinmetz hasn’t had any problems socially related to his adoption. “They never haunted me,” he affirmed. Although Steinmetz himself never struggled with coming to terms with his adoption, his sister Nicki certainly did. She was often heard using the line, “You’re not my mother anyway,” during fights with his mother.
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I didn’t know I was adopted Yet sometimes it is the adoption process itself rather than the child that parents are fighting with. “The process is not easy,” says Michael Brangers, a freshman social studies teacher and boys soccer coach. “It was very worth it,” Brangers exclaimed, “He is no longer an orphan and we have a wonderful new son.” Mr. and Mrs. Brangers, completed the adoption of their son, Gabe, from Ethiopia this summer. His wife and his two sons continue to work with the newest member to their household, learning to function as a unit of five. They started off on the right foot, “He came out with a huge smile on his face, he hugged us and called us mom and dad right away,” remembers Brangers. However, Gabe is not the only Ethiopian boy finding a place in the Charger community. Track and Cross Country coach, Lenny Raley and his Wife, Beth, were required to make two trips to Ethiopia in 2010 before completing the adoption process. Raley described it as “very long” and “a lot of paperwork”. Adopting can be expensive as well; still, it was all worth it in the end. Meet Yared Leonard Raley (originally dubbed Yared Sisay Zeleke), an active 9 year old boy. On Raley’s desk one can find Yared’s crayon drawing proclaiming, “I heart Dad!” The love is mutual, Raley is obviously proud of his son. “Yared is very talented athletically. He taught himself how to play soccer...Yared knows no stranger. He loves to be around people, especially other kids,” smiled Raley. Looking further into this father- son relationship shows not only the mutual affection but the needed discipline to raise a child. “Coming from having almost nothing to living here, where everyone seems rich to him, he has done well. He wants everything, but we do not give him everything. He is learning daily to be thankful for everything he has,” informed Raley. These days one of Yared’s favorite sayings is, “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.”
When he was a high school student, Mr. David Debold had an interesting experience when one of his classmates found out she was adopted during a science class. He tells his story: “We were studying punnett squares in my high school science class, and there was this girl that had brown eyes. We talked about how if you have blue eyes, your parents most likely had blue eyes. She said “Well, I have brown eyes and my parents both have blue eyes.” The teacher replied, “That is biologically impossible.” So, the next day the girl was not in class, and we were all joking that, “Oh you know, you probably broke her heart, and she found out she was adopted and that they weren’t her real parents.” So, like 3 days later, finally, she comes to school. We asked her where she had been. She said, “I found out. My parents finally told me that I wasn’t their biological child, I was adopted!”
Whether adopted or not, we would all benefit from listening to young Yared. The link between family members is not one of blood but rather one of love and the simple joy of having someone to live life with. For that, we should all be thankful.
Livewire
HUMAN ADOPTION INTEREST 12
Money, Money, Money Wasted Every Year Article by Elynn Mullaney l Pictures Submitted by Elynn Mullaney l Layout by Elynn Mullaney
Mo’ money, no problems. There are thousands of available scholarships that can take away all the financial stress that comes with college. Applying for college can be a very overwhelming time, but adding scholarships into the mix can make the process miserable. The best thing to do to relieve some of the stress is to start early and stay focused in school. Two of the biggest factors in scholarships are your GPA and ACT scores. Although scholarships can be tricky, Mrs. Terry knows the process from beginning to end. “Scholarships can be very boring but you have to do your homework and stay on top of things,” said Terry. Although that might be simple for some people, finding scholarships to apply for might be your problem; there is an organized way to go about it though. “The best way to apply for scholarships is to first be accepted to the college or colleges you wish to attend, and then find out what kind of scholarship that particular school offers,” explained Terry. There are two types of scholarships: renewable scholarships and a one-time scholarship. A renewable scholarship is a scholarship that provides funding over many years- for example, KEES APRIL 20112012 December
money. Renewable scholarships can be tricky though; they often have stipulations and guidelines that if you don’t read closely, can deny you financial aid or even take it away from you due to how large the scholarship might be. They might make the decision for you that financial aid should not be available. An early start on scholarships can assure you a better chance for the renewable scholarships. Starting early is a great idea when it comes to scholarships, but how do you know how early is early enough? “The counselors are pushing for seniors to apply for college by November 20th and start to apply for scholarships around January and February,” Terry informed. One person who dealt with all the stress of scholarships is 2012 alumni, Maggie Smith. Smith received three scholarships, one which covered her tuition for the University of Kentucky. Even though Smith’s scholarships have helped her financially for college, she wishes she would have applied for smaller scholarships. “Even $500 would help tremendously,” said Smith. Scholarships don’t always just focus on your GPA and ACT score, most of them ask for a list of your activities, clubs, community service, and some even ask for one or more essays. Although ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/
they are not always required, if they are it is vital you do your best. Recommendations are a huge part of scholarships as well. Smith suggested writing down all the scholarships you want to apply for that require recommendations and having just one teacher write one letter of recommendation that can be sent off for numerous scholarships. This will reduce stress, and you will gain more time to focus on other important pieces. “Be proactive when it comes to applying for scholarships,” advised Smith. Senior, Kelsey Hill is currently going through the process of applying for scholarships. Hill started applying for scholarships early in October when she was accepted to Murray State. She began finding her scholarship opportunities from the senior newsletters
provided from the counselors. Even with an early start, Hill still finds scholarships stressful, “You have no clue if you’re going to get it [scholarship] or not. Also you might be rejected just because of a low ACT score or GPA,” said Hill. Staying organized is a huge factor when it comes to scholarships; Hill suggested keeping a folder and notebook strictly for scholarships and writing down scholarships you are interested in. “You have to take a chance and try,” said Hill. A website worth checking out for more scholarship opportunities is www.fastweb.com. Make sure you pay attention to the senior newsletters for more information about scholarships and where to find them.
Local Scholarships
Flagship Scholarship
Incoming freshmen whose highest ACT score is 26-27 or SAT (Math + Reading) is 1170-1240, and achieve a 3.30 unweighted high school GPA on a 4.0 scale, will automatically be offered a Flagship Scholarship.
Provost Scholarship
Incoming freshmen whose minimum ACT score is 28 or SAT (Math + Reading) is 1250, and achieve a 3.30 unweighted high school GPA on a 4.0 scale, will automatically be offered a Provost Scholarship.
The Otis A. Singletary Scholarship
Four-year awards provide tuition, basic room and board allowance, a yearly stipend of $1,500, an iPad®, and $2,000 for a Summer Education Abroad program.
The Presidential Scholarship
Grawemeyer Scholarship:
full tuition, plus a stipend for room, board, and books ($7,000). Recipients will also receive an opportunity for undergraduate research. - 31 ACT or 1360 SAT and 3.75 GPA.
Brown Fellows:
full tuition, room and board, plus a stipend for room, board, and books. Students are also afforded international travel and academic enrichment opportunities. - 31 ACT or 1360 SAT (CR + M) and 3.35 GPA.
McConnell Scholars:
Recipients participate in programming designed to develop leaders. Amount of award determined by committee, and may include tuition and books.- 3.35 GPA
Hallmark Scholarship:
Four-year awards that cover the cost of tuition.
full in-state tuition, plus a partial stipend for room and board ($3,500) - 30 ACT or 1330 SAT (CR + M) and 3.75 GPA
The Commonwealth Scholarship
Trustee’s Scholarship:
The National Excellence Scholarship
Eagle/Gold Scout Scholarship:
Four-year awards for $2,500 per year; Kentucky applicants only.
Four-year awards for $4,500 per year; non-resident applicants only.
$2,500 - full in-state tuition - 25 ACT or 1130 SAT (CR + M) and 3.35 GPA
$2,500 - full in-state tuition - 25 ACT or 1130 SAT (CR + M) and 3.35 GPA
Cherry Presidential Scholarship
Competitively awarded. Applicants with a minimum 3.80 unweighted GPA and ACT composite of 31 (1360 SAT) who wish to be considered for this level of award will be required to submit additional information.
Hallmark
National Merit or Achievement Semi-Finalist and a minimum 3.00 unweighted GPA. Covers in-state tuition, standard semi-private room on campus, and $500 book allowance.
Alumni Leadership
Applicants with a minimum 3.00 unweighted GPA and ACT composite of 21 (980 SAT), exceptional leadership.
Red Towel
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Yu-Gi-Oh and Yu
article by Kendall Mayfield l layout by Katie Warner
Battling has become a serious problem at East this year. Yu-Gi-Oh card battling has become a recent activity and topic circulating around the school this year. The group isn’t new to the school but has recently caught the eye of many. The students use this game as a hobby, much like basketball or Anime, even though it may be considered different. Mixed emotions have arose from peers, but many think it’s unique and respect the strive for diversity within the school. Although many are just recently starting to acknowledge the presence of gamers around East, the group has been going strong since the 2009-2010 school year. It was introduced by Hunter Caudill, senior, and was played during Sci-Fi club meetings. “I really just started playing the game with other members of the club to pass time,” stated Caudill. Even though it started out as a minority, it has vastly increased in players over the past two years. “What started out with just 10 people has risen to 45,” Caudill added. “I’ve been playing the game since 2000, but I just joined the club in this past year. It’s recently been gaining more popularity,” claimed Darren Drury, junior. Not only do you see members taking part in a match during Sci-fi meetings, but also during anime club, spare class time, after school in the library, and during lunches too.
“It’s kind of random. Just whenever we feel like playing,” Brandon Diersen, sophomore, added. Although many hours are dedicated to the game, it has not officially struck a spot as a club yet. “I don’t really intend on making it a club. It’s kind of just to kill time in a fun way,” Caudill explained. Curiosity has been frolicking through the student body, raising eyebrows of what the alliance does exactly. The group not only plays one-on-one, but also in teams of two or more. They also exchange cards to build-up their deck and have dueling matches. “I’m hooked on it. It’s really a fun game,” Drury expressed. It’s not only the game that is affecting members, but also the opportunity of meeting new people. “We’re just a bunch of friends sticking together doing what we enjoy doing,” Diersen explained. “It makes school a more enjoyable and interesting place for me,” he continued. East is having varied opinions about the group as a whole. Many members feel like they’re being discouraged to do what they enjoy doing. “Honestly our school is split. A lot of people really judge us for playing it. Others even mock us. Some think it’s really cool and some think it’s weird. It doesn’t feel right. We should be able to do what we enjoy doing without the criticism,” Caudill stated.
Other members of the group claimed that peers are criticizing them for being different. “Many think we’re nerdy and weird, but I don’t care what people think. It’s a fun game,” Diersen stated. Tammi Terry, counselor, loves the club and what they bring to the school. “Whatever is going to connect people at school so that they will have safe, fun after-school hours, I am all for,” she expressed. A lot of peers are intrigued by the fact that the game is still being played. “It’s really unusual for high schoolers to play Yu-Gi-Oh,” junior, Camron Creager, claimed. Others such as basketball player, Ezra Troutman, implied that he would join the club if it weren’t for his busy schedule. Teachers are also promoting the urge for diversity throughout the school. “I think it’s great seeing people come together and form a common bond. It’s also great that these students have a social group of like-minded individuals to socialize with,” Doug Osborne, social studies teacher, concluded. Although the group has no plans of becoming an official club, they appreciate the friendships made throughout the experience. With the outbreak of students standing up for what they enjoy doing, who knows what new coalitions could arise in the future?
Meet The Players Tyranno Infinity
“It can become the most powerful thing on the field” -
Hunter Caudill
Livewire
VS.
Crystal Beasts “There is a connection to Julius Ceasar and I was born on March 15th, which was Julius Ceasar’s death date.” Brandon Diersen
HUMAN FEATURES INTEREST 14
Thriving
APRIL 2011 March December 20122012
d r i Th Year
for a
Boys Basketball Looks to Return to Lexington Charger Nation is trying to sail their ships and plunder their way to Lexington for a three-peat. The charger basketball team is starting their year with the main goal being to return to the state tournament in Lexington, for a third straight year. The team has a solid foundation of returning seniors in, Derek Willis, Trey Rakes, and Rusty Troutman, who they feel can lead them to their ultimate goal of a state title. The chargers are also full of younger talent as well as new additions like transfer Hunter Noffsinger and players returning from injuries like Elliott Young. A revamped and boosted schedule this year has the team facing tough tests throughout the year which they feel will best prepare them for the state tournament. Coming into the year ranked as the number two team in the state, and also having the number one ranked player in the state, Derek Willis, the boys are poised for a run at the state championship. Having high expectations are nothing new for the team, and these preseason rankings are well deserved to be sure. The chargers are returning a total of 86% of the teams scoring from last year, including 17 point per game averages by Willis and Rusty Troutman. Returning all this firepower and having people from around the state telling them how good they are could go to the team’s ego, but head Coach, Troy Barr, is doing his best to make sure that doesn’t happen. “We always hear stuff outside of basketball and it might distract us, but Coach Barr does a great job of keeping us humble and reminding us that this year won’t be easy,” stated senior point guard Trey Rakes. Troutman added, “We are going to be good but we have to keep our heads, I don’t think it will affect us as long as we play together.” Although the team isn’t letting all the hype go to their heads, they still acknowledge their own talents and that a state title is the primary goal of the season. They are also trying to keep focus on this season, and not let making the state tournament the past two years evoke a sense of entitlement. “It (making the tournament the past two seasons) affects our outlook by making us want to get there, and if we don’t it’s a disappointment in my eyes,” said Troutman. Despite being a team full of big names, like Willis, Troutman, and Rakes, who have been talked about since their sophomore year, the team has a few new faces that look to have a big impact on the team. One such player is transfer from Muhlenberg County, guard Hunter Noffsinger. Rakes cited that Noffsinger as well as Rhett and Ezra Troutman, have all “…played extremely well in practice so far…” and “All three will have big impact this year.” A not so new face, but one that will be returning to the court this year after having a season ending back injury last year, will be senior forward Elliott Young. Young in 11 games for the team last year averaged 10.8 points a game, and 3.8 rebounds. He also shot an astounding 59.6% from the field and 56.5% from behind the three point line. On Young, Rakes said, “He had a big summer and he has improved tremendously.” Troutman added, “Elliot is a beast, and I hope that he stays healthy”. Getting back to the state tournament might be the least of the chargers struggles this year. The team is traveling and playing tougher competition than ever. Mix that in with only eight home games, and the boys have quite the daunting schedule. Included in the “road warrior” schedule are trips to Springfield, Missouri and Dallas, Texas. The schedule though, fits the teams goal oriented state of mind this year as they feel it will best prepare them for a run deep into the state tournament. When asked why the team was traveling so much this year, Barr replied bluntly with “We want to test ourselves against the best teams in the U.S.A.” Competition of that caliber is sure to test the Chargers, and the players believe so too. “…Our schedule is by far the hardest schedule we’ve ever had. Coach Barr is preparing us well.” Said Rakes. The pitfall to the rigorous schedule the chargers face though is the lack of home games. Although understanding the reasoning behind it, both Rakes and Troutman do wish that there were more home games on the schedule. “The lack of home games upsets me.” Troutman put plainly. “…Definitely wish we had more home games this year, because we are great at home and love playing in front of our home crowd.” Added Rakes. The team has a hard year ahead of them but they are prepared for it to all be worth it in the end by concluding their searson in Lexington. ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/
Article by Alex Richardson | Photos compiled by Emily Nalley | Layout by Emily Nalley
Bullitt East High School Charger Basketball 2012 -2013 Boys Varsity Schedule
Date Opponent Site Time Nov. 26th Lafayette H 7:00 Nov. 29th Henry Clay TCHS TBA Dec. 1ST Dec. 4th Dec. 7th Dec. 11th Dec. 15th Dec. 18-23 Dec. 26-29
Marshall Co Hoopfest Butler Spencer County Oldham County Madison Central King of the Bluegrass Whataburger
A H H A Valley A Dallas
TBA 7:30 7:30 7:30 TBA TBA TBA
Jan. 4th Bullitt Central A 7:30 Jan. 5th Pulaski Southwest Lex Cath TBA Jan. 11th Jeffersontown A 7:30 Jan. 14th South Oldham A 7:30 Jan. 17-20 Bass Pro Tourney Springfield MO TBA Jan. 25th Collins H 7:30 Jan.26th Pulaski County Mont. Co. TBA Jan 29th Fern Creek A 7:30 Feb. 2nd Iroquois H 7:30 Feb. 5th Fairdale H 7:30 Feb. 8th North Bullitt A 7:30 Feb. 12th Bullitt Central H 7:30 Feb. 14th Elizabethtown A 7:30 Feb. 20th 24th District Tourney Fern Creek TBA Feb. 27th
6th Region Tourney
A
TBA
Noffsinger may complete puzzle The final piece to the Chargers’ state championship puzzle may have finally been found. Sophomore transfer guard, Hunter Noffsinger, looks to be the missing piece to finally get the Chargers a state title. Noffsinger transferred to Bullitt East this year from Muhlenberg County. Noffsinger will be playing guard this year for the team and is already being boasted by his teammates and coach. The team, according to Noffsinger, has already made him feel welcome, as he tries to help them attain the goal of a state title.
Livewire
From his former school in Muhlenberg, East is approximately 124 miles worth of driving away. The move wouldn’t be easy for anyone but Noffsinger’s new teammates have already welcomed him and started bragging on him to other around school. “He will be a huge help this year,” said senior, Rusty Troutman. Coach Troy Barr has also stated that Noffsinger will “play a role in our success this year.” Noffsinger himself is as impressed with his teammates as they are with him. “Whether its Trey Rakes helping me with plays and impressing his leadership on me, or Rusty Troutman showing me what it means to play hard every play, or Derek Willis showing me every day why he is the top
player in the state.” Although he has figured out where he fits in socially with the team, Noffsinger is still trying to find his exact role on the court. “As far as contributing I am still trying to figure out what the team needs most from me,” said Noffsinger. “I’m going to work hard every day to be that final piece to the puzzle that brings a state championship to Bullitt East.” Noffsinger clearly has a team first attitude, and one that will help the team stay focused and working hard throughout the season.
CHARGER BASKETBALL 16
Christmas Around the Globe Article by Jasmine Hester l Pictures submitted by Penny Schmitz l Layout by Elynn Mullaney
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Students are jumping into the Christmas spirit by listening to jolly music and watching the classic movies on Hallmark. Those students who don’t celebrate Christmas because of personal beliefs are just rolling through their everyday routines; however, the foreign exchange students are getting to celebrate Christmas for the first time this year and are buying presents and making sure they’re on their best behavior. Senior, Mason Hellyer, will not be seen in red and green during this Christmas season. “I will be dressed in my normal clothes, it’s just another day.” Due to Hellyer being a Jehovah Witness, he doesn’t celebrate any holidays, including Christmas. “I don’t feel left out, because I’ve never celebrated it. I don’t really know what I should be missing.” Though Hellyer isn’t getting jolly for Christmas, a couple other students who’ve never celebrated “American” Christmas are. Known as Julafton in Sweden, senior foreign exchange student Johanna Nilsson celebrates Christmas on the twenty fourth rather than the 25th. Instead of Santa scurrying his way down the chimney , he (or a family member of choice imitating him ) knocks on the front door and enters with a bag full of goodies asking, “Knock, knock, have you been good this year?” However, Nilsson said, “I’m excited to celebrate Christmas here and see how you all do it, but I also think it will be one of the toughest times I’ve had so far, because I’m used to being with my family. It will be thrilling but also very emotional.” Nilsson will not be the only one away from their family this year around the holiday season. Senior Joost Stekelenburg, is also celebrating his first ‘American’ Christmas. In his home country, the Netherlands, the entire month of December is used for celebrating themes of love, family and yuletide “The entire month is like one big party, it becomes very expensive,” commented Stekelenburg. On December fifth, the celebration begins with St. Nicholas Day. This is a day devoted to the Saint who dropped money into a poor woman’s shoe celebrated by eating Turkey and the presentation of gifts. On December 25th, no more presents are given instead, a feast that the entire families partake in. No matter what you do this holiday season, the Livewire wants to extend and wish that you have a joyous Christmas break.
“I’m excited to celebrate Christmas here and see how you all do it, but I also think it will be one of the toughest times I’ve had so far because I’m used to being with my family. It will be thrilling but also very emotional.” -Johanna Nilsson
APRIL 20112012 December
ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/
Ugly Christmas Sweater Day December 21st
article by Emily Priddy l picture submitted by Emily Priddy l layout by Larry Steinmetz
To show their spontaneous Christmas spirit, students have been sporting ugly Christmas sweaters. After the Thanksgiving holidays, the sweaters begin to creep out of the closets. A go-to place to find Christmas sweaters is the Goodwill. Some even pull their ugliness together to have ugly Christmas sweater parties.
Tevin Smith
Livewire
Brad Orkies
Be sure to wear your sweater on December 21 to join the rest of East on Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.
“I like wearing
ugly Christmas sweaters because it’s something not a lot of people wear, so it makes me unique,” - Evan Reister
HUMAN HUMAN INTEREST INTEREST 18
1983
NOW
MR. BEHS 1983
Tim Warner
Article by Katie Warner l Pictures submitted by Katie Warner l Layout by Elynn Mullaney
From B.E. to B&B. Tim Warner left high school with little impact from being Mr. BEHS in 1983 to working at B&B Fire Protection. Friendliness and involvement can impact people in and out of high school. Responsibility and independence influenced his life more than the title of Mr. BEHS. Jobs near and far don’t stop him from staying involved with his family. Basketball and track kept him physically involved almost all year long, but FCA and various home ec. activities kept him involved academically. He could get along with almost anybody and strived to keep good grades in all of his classes. Outside of school he worked on a dairy farm to make some extra money but that never stopped him from hanging
December 2012
out with his friends. “He was an all around good student and was friendly to everyone,” stated friend, Tim Suffridge. Growing up he had a lot of responsibility and independence. He had to work hard for what he wanted and take care of himself. Because of this, he never complains about working every day, and he does a lot for his kids, but he wants to teach them how he had to grow up and how good they have it. “He’s taught me to do things for myself and not rely on someone to do them for me,” stated his son, Alex Warner. He encourages people not to be lazy and work for what you want because it will all be worth it in the end.
work for a family member at B&B Fire Protection. That gave him day jobs all over Kentucky installing fire sprinklers and, with that, he got more family time. With his basketball history and love of baseball, he almost always coaches his kids little league teams. He stays involved with his family as much as possible and works hard to provide for them.
Leaving high school, Warner turned to UPS overnight transportation, which is now UPS freight. Fourteen years on third shift was not a problem for him, but the way they changed the company was. He decided he wanted a change and went to ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/
100% reason to remember the name. Jennifer Mayer left high school with the title of Ms. BEHS 1993 which gave her the motivation to continue her success. Hard work and dedication exceeded her goal of being one of the best seniors in the school and continuing her success. The title has more of an impact than just a popularity contest. Family keeps her close to home and far away from her degree. When faculty choose who would be the graduating Mr./Ms. BEHS of 1993, they consider who does good in the classroom and who is involved in several extra curriculars. Mayer stayed involved not just academically but in extracurriculars as
well. Her extracurriculars ranged from National Honors Society, Beta Club, and Charger Bank to Lady Charger Basketball. She studied daily so that she could maintain A’s and B’s and graduate top of her class. Being involved and so well rounded landed her in the position of Ms. BEHS. From the classroom to the court the discipline gave her the con fidence to succeed and to continue to reach for success today. When the faculty named her Ms. BEHSm which she held in such high respect, she felt honored. “Work hard and never give up,” advises Mayer, “If the road you travel down gets bumpy, keep moving forward.” She stood by this in high school and she loves where she’s at today.
decision to transfer to Western Kentucky University. She graduated there with a degree in animal science. Her job, still today, is accounting and reception at the family fire protection business. She didn’t want to miss out on family time and school activities her kids were involved in, so she settled into a job that was less demanding of her time.
After graduating, she went on to study at Brescia University. One year there, and she made the
MS. BEHS 1983
Jennifer Mayer
1993
Livewire
NOW
THEN AND NOW 20
TRUE
Rhett Troutman: Red Ribbon Week Essay Winner article Emily Nalley/ photos / layout Larry Steinmetz Big name, big story. Rhett, the youngest of the Troutman brothers shares his personal story on how drugs and alcohol have affected him in his recent Red Ribbon Week essay. Rhett Troutman’s Red Ribbon Week essay, “The Best Me is Drug Free,” focused on the strain alcohol has put on his relationship with his mother. He was recently awarded at the district level for his writing piece. Many people have been touched and inspired by Troutman’s personal essay. Troutman’s essay discussed bullying, but his main purpose was to share his experience with alcohol and the effects it can have on a relationship. He shared personal details on the relationship he has with his mother because of her addiction to alcohol.
LIFE
“When I was little I didn’t truly understand my mom’s addiction, but when I got older I started to realize what was happening to my mom. Mom was great through out the day. Then when the night time would come around she would become a whole different person. “I couldn’t call her mom when she was taken over by the alcohol. I would literally be scared of my mother sometimes; then she would wake up in the mornings and not remember what happened the night before.” His English teacher, Deshia Harris, commented, “I think it was hard for him to write this, he definitely had to step back and contemplate putting himself out there. I’m the most proud of him because he didn’t care what others thought of him, he genuinely wanted to share his story to help others.” When Troutman submitted his essay, he never intended to win an award for his writing piece, “Initially I turned it in for extra credit in my English class, but it turned out to be much more than that. I’ve never really written anything good, or been awarded for my writing pieces. I was really surprised, shocked even, when I found out I had won,” said Troutman. His essay was selected by a committee at the school level, and then advanced to the district level where it was chosen by the safe schools committee as the district winner. Roby Elementary School held the district ceremony on November 1st, where his essay was read aloud to over 300 people. “I was nervous when I found out that many people would hear my essay, but at the same time it was a great opportunity to share my experiences and inspire people even though I didn’t get to personally read it at the ceremony.” Tammy Terry, a counselor at East, read Troutman’s essay for him. “She was really emotional when she read his essay. You could tell she was touched by it,” said freshman UFE member Haley Steinmetz who attended the ceremony with other fellow UFE members. Although his essay shared some of his unpleasant personal experiences, Troutman isn’t concerned with how his peers will view him now that they know some of the struggles he has been dealing with, “How people view me isn’t really a factor. It was my mom’s decision to do what she did, and it was a chance for me to grow up and mature.” “For anybody to judge anything on the planet, who are you? I have never been drunk. I don’t want to be out of control. I see people who drink and I don’t want to act like that, but does that mean I don’t like you if you drink? No. Do I have other things in my life that are bad that my family has to deal with? Certainly! Judgment on anyone for any issue that is beyond them is pointless,” said Terry. “I think it’s great that Rhett chose to share his story. It’s not easy for kids to share family stories like that. There are a lot of people with similar problems, who are dealing with the same things.” Terry isn’t the only East staffer impressed by Troutman’s essay. Harris added, “I was blown away. Rhett’s humility is amazing; he is selfless with sharing that essay.” Harris would like to see Rhett continue to share his story, “Rhett has a lot of respect from his peers, because he is an upperclassman, because he plays basketball, because he is a Troutman. A lot of people would listen and take note of his story because they respect him.”
APRIL 20112012 December
ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/
Hair Care Affair article Allison Drake / photos / layout Jennifer CIschke
Getting to the root of a hairy situation. Conversations of the way BEHS students have been styling their hair have been combing their way through the hallways and straight to the point of possible dress code violations. Hair has become a fairly popular subject in the Charger Nation. As hairstyles start to be more colorful and out of the box, students and staff are beginning to wonder when and if certain hairstyles are considered out of dress code. There is an ongoing battle to determine when hair stops being a form of self-expression and crosses the line into being a distraction. A wide variety of hairstyles have weaved their way into BEHS. A trending style lately has been dying a certain section of hair bright neon colors, such as pink or purple. Lathering one’s hair in gel in order to spike the hair into a mohawk has also been seen bobbing through the hallways. Alli Tedesco and Andrew Wagner, both juniors, are notorious for their unique choice in hair design. When asked if his hair has ever been called out of dress code, Wagner answered, “No, they [teachers] like my hair.” Tedesco’s experience is the exact opposite, replying, “People have told me that I’m out of dress code because my hair is distracting.” So far, hair has never been addressed in Bullitt East’s dress code. “It’s not mentioned in our dress code,” confirmed Principle Foster. He later added, “I feel that it would be considered out of dress code if it’s a major distraction to others.” Certain students don’t agree with hair not being included in the dress code. Jared Guillaume, sophomore, Livewire
believes it needs to be, stating, “There should be a rule that mohawks can’t be over two inches high.” Others are not a fan of this idea. Senior, Tyler Mattingly and Dani Burns, a sophomore, are strong “freedom of hair” supporters. “It’s like any other outlet, like sports or art, that we can use to express how we feel or our individuality,” stated Mattingly. Burns agreed, “There shouldn’t be any
“People have told me that I’m out of dress code because my hair is distracting.” -Tyler Mattingly restrictions on how people do their hair.” When it comes to distracting or excessive hairstyles, it’s all a matter of opinion. “It’s extreme if you can’t see around their hair,” Guillaume stated. Burns also felt that certain styles can be categorized as out-there. “To me, it’s girls getting buzz cuts,” Burns admitted, following up with, “I’ll never do it, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t.” On the contrary, Laura Pierce, English II teacher, believes there is no extreme hair. “Some people are bald, and others have really long hair. You really can’t say one style is more extreme than the other,” explained Pierce. Mattingly furthers this idea, emphasizing that an extreme to one person can be normal to another. His thought on the matter is, “It could be anything that turns your head
and makes you say ‘Oh!’.” With this being said, hairstyles ranging from a foot-high mohawk to a head full of curls spiraling down a girl’s back could both be considered distracting. A majority of the judgment resides in the viewers’ own ideas and opinions, not in a rule book. The most simplistic way of defining when an attention-absorbing hairstyle has crossed the line was untangled in Foster’s translation of extreme; “It has to make sense. Ask [yourself], ‘will this burden someone’s learning?’” Another dilemma that has been brought up in this school-wide hair care affair was deciding whether or not outrageous hair could be considered a form of self-expression. Many people enjoy presenting their emotions to the public through different mediums, such as art or music. For the less creatively inclined students, the way they dress and style their hair is a daily form of expression. “[Hair] is a part of your appearance, and appearances help us show how we feel,” stated Mattingly. Guillaume agrees, but also stated, “Sometimes it’s not appropriate for school.” Burns decided to shed some personal light on the topic, “Obviously my hair is different, but it’s like that by design. I do it to stand out and be different.” Pierce summed it all up it one quirky statement. “Hair is hair, it’s just there.”
HUMAN FEATURES INTEREST 22
Letter to the Editor In Response to Rebel Flag Editorial
Extension
Leah Byars Article by
What’s the point of homework when you’re never at home to do it?
lley
y Emily Na
| Picture b
cause of time constraints and poorly done as a result, what was the point in doing it in the first place? Andrea Isaacs, a junior and senior English teacher who allows some of her students to turn their work in at a later date, said, “I’m concerned about the quality of the work and not always a deadline.”
For some working stuTo Whom It May Concern: dents, a short deadline extension could be the I think that the article that Cameron Love wrote about the Confederdifference between getting the assignment wanted to emphasize that this does not ate Flag is a one-sided, biased article. Other thanIsaacs the quote that I gave, done and failing it all mean she would do it for all of her students, nor would she tolerate if they made a habit of not there’s not much to the other sidetogether. of the story that Love gave. I have turning work in. According to her, each student Students who work needs a case-by-case examination of their situasome key facts and ideas I would like toandmake about some of the“Youpoints long hours have tion and track record. However, can usually trouble getting work tell when a student is needing the extra time.” Love made in his article. completed should be able to have extensions to make sure they are able to do their best job possible. While teachers believe that work shouldn’t interfere with school, other options of employment or quitting aren’t always an option. Either way, some sort of change needs to be made in order to offer students more time to get school work finished.
Some teachers or students would suggest merely quitting or co-oping if working after school began to get out of hand. Sure, that’d be nice, but the majority of students that are working can’t just simply quit, nor would they want to. “I already had a job when we were choosing classes last year,” stated Jessica Wise, a senior working at the Mt. Washington Library, about signing up to co-op with UPS.
When the dress code says “derogatory symbols”, how is the Confederate Flag considered a derogatory symbol? What’s bad about it? All that it stands for is the secession of the Confederate States from the Union and southern heritage. The meaning has NOTHING toit’s do racism. For others, about with the atmosphere and avail-If ability. “I want to work close to home. UPS is pretty you’re going to call the Confederate Flag racist,faryou as well call said away; Imight work five minutes from my house,” Jessica Hall, a senior working at Walgreens. the American Flag racist too, because the North had slaves just like the Some teachers just won’t allow students to have When it comesfl down it, what extended betweensymbol them and their South. If someone wore a British ag,to would you calldeadlines. that That’s a hate does it matter if the work is individual students. The fact is, though, most stu‘done’? The whole during dents are having trouble keeping upRevoluwith the larger against Americans because wesimply fought them the American purpose of a school aswork load of eight classes, and it isn’t helping their signment is to make stress levels or thethe qualityCivil of their work. If not an tion? Just like the Union fought the Confederacy during War? sure the concept is grasped and understood. If the work is rushed be-
extended deadline, then there needs to be another solution to this obvious problem.
Whether for or against extensions for student The only reason you hear about the “bad” treatment about slaves in the workers, students agreed on the alternative solution for having a study hall. It would provide both South was because of the propaganda against thestudents South to get people and and teachers an opportunity to catch up on work and stay organized with the new schedextra states to join the Union. Also, what was a BIG was France ule. As factor a student worker at Walmart, Santana Arnold said, “As a school, we should be trying and Britain. Because of the major imports of cotton sugar from the to helpand each other out, not making things more complicated.” South, Britain and France were on the side of the South because all of December 2012 ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/ their raw materials were coming from there. Abraham Lincoln knew that
r
shley
Aricle by A
| Picture Anderson
alley
by Emily N
Should working students catch a break at school? Yes or No?
Prioritize Student workers or worker students?
the time, and put the grades back in. Just be responsible and get your work in on time.” emphasized Mrs. Comstock, computer teacher “You are taking on the role of an adult by working, so you also have to take the responsibility of one. College professors won’t let you slack off.”
American. That’s how labels are put on people and offend them. No one in this country is African, Indian, Asian, Mexican, or any other label. Students with after-school jobs have chosen to take They are Americans. on the responsibility of employment, so there is no Student workers are students before they are work-
Students with after-school jobs are students before they are workers; therefore, they should not get a break in school because they work outside of school.
need for an extension. Some student workers think an extension would be helpful, but it wouldn’t be fair considering there are other students who are just as involved in extracurriculars. Overall, it is agreed that a change is needed.
ers. School is mandatory, while an after-school job is optional. “Having an after-school job is no excuse,” Kaci Ash, sophomore, informed, “Everyone has things that they are dealing with, but in the end school is a priority.” School ultimately should come first before anything else. Even in sports, school is important. Some students are using their athletic abilities to help them get into college. After all, it is called an AFTER-SCHOOL activity.
All in all, slavery was a bad mark in American history. That is something we can all agree on. But when you’re relating the Confederate flag you sign up for a sport, you have to fill asWhen racistArguably andtheamost hate symbol; don’t, because it’s not. As I and most outbeing loads of paperwork. important piece of paper you will sign is a rule people refer to it ofas, sheet. It justdo, lays out what is expected you “heritage, not hate”. as a student athlete. If you read the contract, it states that school policy for all athletes is to maintain a C average. If an athlete struggles to keep their GPA up, they go on probation until they raise their grade. Senior Jessica Bright manages to juggle an after-school job, a sport, and a rigorous class schedule. “I work about 20 to 25 hours on a normal week, and practice 6 and ½. I also cheer games.” She is a senior cheerleader, currently enrolled in Calculus I and II as well as physics, has above a C average, and works at Kroger. “Student workers shouldn’t get a break in school because a job is a choice and it teaches you to handle different responsibilities at once. I have learned how not to be lazy and how to manage my time well.” She is glad she got a part-time job because it helped her realize how hard it is to be responsible, and it made her the disciplined person she is today.
Sincerly, Shane Denton
The new schedule is confusing for everyone, including teachers. If student workers were to turn in late work, it would add unwarranted stress to our faculty. “I have to go back and see what the student is missing, try and remember what I was teaching at Livewire
If quitting isn’t an option, our school already offers a program to help student workers out. Being involved with Co-Op, students take only required classes and leave after second block. They report immediately to work and get off significantly earlier than they would have with an after-school job. Senior, Courtney Lambdin, co-ops for UPS and enjoys leaving school early. “It’s less school and more money!” she exclaimed. Since she gets off at four every day, she has plenty of time to do her school work. “As a school, we should be trying to help each other out; not making things more complicated” student worker at Wal-mart, said Santana Arnold. .
Kim Flaherty
Out Of The Way, You Have To Pay
Contact Kim- kimberlee.flaherty@stu.bullitt.kyschools.us Need a ride? Show me the money! The debate on whether or not students should have to pay drivers for rides is an issue for most but not as big of a deal to others. Gas is expensive, and students are feeling the stress of trying to pay for it while driving themselves and others to and from school. The problem, however, is the issue of how much money to charge and who should have to pay. There are also some alternatives rather than having to pay a certain amount regularly. In the past year or so, gas prices have increased significantly. Those with high-paid jobs and a steady income still struggle with the outrageous price to fill the tank. Students in high school however, struggle even more. Most high school teenagers who are able to drive take on the responsibility of driving others to and from school and elsewhere. Whether it be siblings, friends, or neighbors it can still sometimes be an overwhelming task and money can become an issue. Students who are lucky enough to obtain a job in today’s economy are likely paid minimum-wage with a limited amount of hours. If the driver is generous enough to drive anyone, those who are looking for a ride could be expected to pay for their way if the driver has to make an effort to get them.
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“People should definitely offer it anyways,” explained senior, Amanda Webb, “I feel rude asking, but it’s a serious matter.” If you can’t pay on a weekly or monthly base, there are alternatives. Such as buying the driver lunch, a movie ticket, or even a polar pop just to say thanks. “I think that buying food and drink is a good alternative,” said Fife. In reality there are always circumstances. If your neighbor who lives three houses down needs a ride to school, don’t charge them. How much gas are you really using to drive two feet down the road? Be reasonable. If your friend’s house is on the way to school and you only have to turn down a street or two, don’t charge or at least don’t charge much. Now, if you’re truly going out of your way to pick someone up for school and take them home, maybe charge a couple bucks a week but don’t get crazy with it. Five to ten dollars is a reasonable price depending on how far out of your way you’re going. If it isn’t that far, then only charge a small amount. Don’t be greedy. A small amount can go a long way when filling up your tank.
If they were out of my way and I had to take them everyday, I would ask them for gas money.
Shea Jones, driving senior, believes that proximity is a factor. “I mostly take home people who live closer to me so I don’t make them pay, but if they were out of my way and I had to take them every day, I would ask them for gas money,” explained Jones. If it’s in the Mt. Washington area then you might pay less than someone who needs a ride out of area. “Distance does make a difference,” stated Jones, “Especially if I wasn’t going that way in the first place. I ask about five dollars if it’s out of the area but only two or three dollars if it’s in town.” While some drive students for free out of the kindness of their heart, others may need the money, they just don’t know how to ask. “It is a struggle paying for gas,” explained junior, Sarah Fife, “I think if they want a ride, they should offer to pay. If I’m driving them out of town and they have the money for it, they should, but if not, they’ll pay me back some way or form. I just feel bad asking.” Are you a driver that isn’t getting gas money? Tell us your story. Send all letters to larry.steinmetz@bullitt. kyschools.us APRIL2012 April December 20112012 2011
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Keenan Cischke Straight For The Wrong Reasons
contact Keenan - keenan.cischke@stu.bullitt.kyschools.us The Scarlet Letter for some East students isn’t an A, but a B. That’s because many consider any grade under 92 to be a mark of social disgrace and work relentlessly to prevent it. The pressure to get all A’s in high school is omnipresent, unreasonable, and is felt in a few different ways. Parents, teachers, colleges, and peers are a few major stressors, but none is more evident than the pressure students put on themselves. Students may be working hard in high school for the wrong reasons or for little to no reward based on unreasonable expectations, unfair pressures, and false pretences. Pressure. You know it, you feel it, and for some, you live it. Juniors like Emily Fryman have felt the stress of grades throughout high school. “I grew up in a family where failure is not an option. However, I have my own goals as well that push me to get straight A’s such as GSP and scholarships.” Abby Shelton knows how it feels to have a family with high expectations, “If I did come home with a B my parents would probably flip out and think I’ve become a terrible child.” The drive to succeed for Shelton has turned into three A.M. study sessions, frequent freak outs, and high expectations for perfection.
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goals and self expectations, “I challenge myself to be better because I know I’m capable of achieving great things.” So a new questions arises from these students, most of which have proudly stated to never have gotten a B, on the focus. Should students put their efforts into getting good grades or taking on difficult course loads? Seniors Kourtney Burkhead and Mackenzie Terry, have families that would focus on effort over excellence. Burkhead said, “I didn’t get grounded for my B’s because they were in AP classes, and my mom knows I put enough pressure on myself,” and Terry felt that, “Harder classes prepare you better for college than an easy class to get an A.” One particularly qualified senior to weigh in on the role of straight A’s in high school is National Merit Scholar, Kelly Farner, who had a unique stance considering her personal achievements. “That’s [working to obtain a 4.0 or higher] not a healthy mindset. Getting a C is perfectly good and they’re telling you that it’s not good enough.” But who’s telling you, and what are “they” saying? Mrs. Robinson, math teacher and college professor, has a friend who worked in admissions at Western. While she doesn’t dismiss the importance of grades, Robinson commented, “[getting straight A’s] is not nearly as important as people stress.” She goes on to explain that grades aren’t a valid criteria based on cheating, differing grade scales, effort grades, etc. That’s why colleges use standardized test scores. According to Robinson, one of the only reasons grades become a major factor is if there are discrepancies between ACT and GPA. “It’s not the student’s fault that they believe it [that getting all A’s is everything], I think it’s whoever put the pressure on them.”
I come from a family where failure is not an option.
While junior year is typically a difficult time academically, few have felt the heat that Katlyn Scott has. Not only has she always had parental pressure to do well in school, but recently fell behind after a surgery put her out of school for a week. “I went crazy when I saw that I had three F’s in my classes. The whole next week I worked my butt off to get in all my work. I had to stay after school and make up tests and quizzes, and I had so much homework. It was insane. But now the classes I have F’s in I brought up to B’s, and I’m sure by the end of the semester they will be A’s again.” Connor Brown, senior, feels the stress from a combination of himself and peers, “I have an extremely competitive nature so getting all A’s shows that I do my best, try my best, and want to be the best. Truthfully, I want other people to think highly of me. I strive to impress other people.” A low grade for Brown is anything under a 90. On the flip side, many students like senior, Andrew Okruch and junior, Alison Pulliam, find inherent motivation for achievement. Okruch commented, “I want to better myself because better education = better opportunities; and I’m extremely competitive.” While Pulliam still had parents that care about her report card, she excels because of her
Maggie Smith, 2012 top ten graduate, would know better than anyone as she saw firsthand how her high GPA has affected her success in college. This current student at the University of Kentucky said, “What matters is learning the material and challenging yourself. If A’s come along with that then great, if that results in a couple of B’s, it’s not the end of the world.” This is the way to do well in high school without having daily, nervous mental breakdowns. Keep a solid GPA but DON’T STRESS. Taking harder classes is better than getting an easy A any day. Focus more on your ACT score and level of involvement in clubs and activities. Scholarships are important they aren’t the end all, be all of education. Don’t do anything that doesn’t make you happy. Are you feeling the pressure of perfection? Let us know. Send all letters to larry.steinmetz@bullitt. kyschools.us
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