Reeds Spring Pulse - Nov/Dec 2015 by Matthew Locke

SPECIAL EDITION w i n t e r s p o r ts p r e v i e w

CONTENTS PULSE | NOV-DEC 2015

24 25

18 06

SONIC DRIVE IN 06 TACO BELL 08 SENIOR 12 STRUGGLES RESTAURANT 16 ETIQUETTE WINTER SPORTS 18

24 DRESS FOR SUCCESS 26 MOCKINGJAY PART 2 25 MR DEVOS 28 CELL PHONE POLICY 31 CROSSWORD

BEHIND THE SCENES LETTER FROM THE EDITORS: The Holiday season is upon us. For some, it brings joy and excitement, and for others it brings anxiety and stress. Family comes to town, and some leave to see family. Days are filled with baking and wrapping and hearing familiar Christmas music everywhere you go. Any time you hear “precipitation” on the weather forecast, you hope the temperature drops below freezing. Your bank account gets smaller and your gift arsenal gets larger. Your pants may fit a little tighter, but you still make room for apple pie. Winter break can be stressful, and can seem to fly by. You leave knowing you have two weeks to not have to worry about school, but before you know it, you wake up on New Year’s and dread having to go back the following week. It is important to use winter break as a time of rest. Sleep in and enjoy the time you have with family and friends. Get refreshed for the spring semester. 2015 has been a great semester. For freshman, they have their first semester of high school under their belt. For seniors, they begin their graduation countdown, with only one semester left. From the first-day jitters to the last day of fall sports, there have been many ups and downs. Remember the memories made at Friday night football games, whether it’s grabbing a bite to eat at Taco Bell after home games or road-tripping to the away games. Winter athletes counted down the days until the first day of practice, greatly anticipating being on the court once again. Remember what your favorite moments were of your fall semester, and hold on to them. Don’t dwell on the negatives, but keep your mind on the positive and look forward to the future with excitement. Make spring 2016 a semester to remember. Until then, enjoy your time off, eat lots of pie, spend time with people you love, and have a great winter break!

GRAPHIC EDITOR: Megan Strayer COEDITOR: Madee Kelley PHOTOGRAPHER: various artists WRITERS: Riley Bailey Aaron Bible Jarred Bush Alley Grant Nichole Hopkins travis kelley Tim Linn Taya Raczak Abby Williams Josh Williams SPONSORS: Mr. Matt Locke Mrs. Kaci Mitchell

CATEGORY

SECRET MENUS: SONIC DRIVE-IN

AARON BIBLE

There are secrets hidden within view, many of which are so close that they are too difficult to find. These are secrets that can be found at many restaurants; they are more commonly known as “secret menus”. Secret menus are a naturally growing urban legend – or so we thought. The legend is real, and I plan to shine more truth about these secrets as this journey continues.

Sonic Drive-In, more commonly known as “Sonic”, is well, a drive-in. A “drive-in” is classified as an establishment where one can go to with their car, and use the facility without ever leaving the car. Sonic Drive-In itself is one of the most popular drive-ins in the modern era. They are popularized for their milkshakes, burgers, tater tots, hot dogs, Sonic Blasts, and much more. There are more than 3,517 Sonic Drive-Ins in service, and of these they all have a secret menu. This is the next step in my journey in the restaurant underworld.

JOURNEYING THE UNDERWORLD

The journey I have been on for the past two and a half months has not been an easy one; it has been dangerous, with difficulties around every corner and in every shadow. Despite this, somebody has to do it in order for the I made my journey to the Sonic Drive-In in Branworld to see what truly is happening. son West in hopes to get more answers. Sadly when I approached their managers, I was not able to get any informa Since my first encounters with people and gather- tion whatsoever, as many of them were uncertain of what I ing information about Starbucks Coffee, I’ve come across was asking. This caused a detour in this quest, but it didn’t another infamous establishment that also has a secret menu impede me. – Sonic: America’s Drive-In. At this time I knew what my next plan of action was: figuring out my next month in this I later made my way to a Sonic Drive-In in Branjourney. son, it now being around 8:00 p.m. I pulled up to one of their stops and pushed their signature red button. This was

The first and second attempts

SPORTS

where I placed a simple order – some mozzarella sticks – and requested if I could ask a manager some questions. They promptly gave me my total and said that the interview could be arranged.

After all of this, I asked if it would great if I ordered something from their secret menu; they were happy to help. With this, I ordered “Purple Sprite,” an interesting drink that tasted pretty good. I decided to not try to get “Pickle-O’s”, as that item is much harder to get ahold of, A bit later, I was given my order of mozzarella along with it not being of my taste preferences. sticks from the manager (which all forms of identity remains hidden for their safety). They then asked how they could help me, in which I replied if they had time to answer a few questions. In the end, another chapter of my journey through the restaurant underworld closed, only meaning that my journey will only be getting deeper and more treacherous The interview was unconventional by normal from here on out. I plan to keep everyone informed of the means. The first thing they requested was to not be quoted, many more details unveiled throughout the events taking thus why this interview is not being written in the manner place, but for now it is best to end here. Until next time, that I wrote the previous issue’s interview. The interview farewell and stay safe.

The verdict

The interview at Sonic

started with me asking them if they knew what a secret menu was; to my surprise, I was given a yes. I then asked if they knew anything about a secret menu being at Sonic, in which I was given a “yes” again. The manager explained to me about some of the popular items that I have researched that are on their secret menu, ranging from Purple Sprite to something called “Pickle-O’s”. 7

(1) the Chessarito:

(4) Double Grilled Quesadilla:

1. Order melted cheese, scallions, and taco sauce wrapped in a soft tortilla.

1. When ordering any quesadilla, ask for it to be grilled twice, or grilled twice as long.

2. Eat the greatness.

2. Experience the Double Grilled Quesadilla.

(2) Cheesy Gordita Crunch:

(5) The Superman:

1. Ask for a “Cheesy Gordita Crunch.” If that does not suffice, order a Hard-Shelled Ground Beef Taco placed inside of a Gordita shell with a layer of melted cheese between.

3. Ask for a Cheesy Double Beef Burrito with the following added: • • • •

2. Have it topped with nacho cheese sauce, lettuce, and shredded cheese. 3. Enjoy.

(3) Chili Cheese Burrito: 1. Either ask for a “Chili Cheese Burrito,” or order a Bean Burrito with extra chili and cheese. 2. You eat it. 8

Additional potatoes Sour cream Guacamole Crispy tortilla strips

LIFESTYLE

SECRET MENUS: TACO BELL AARON BIBLE a faint “that’s him”. I knew I had come to the right place. I proceeded to approach the counter, preparing my order.

A Perilous Journey After the conclusion of my last encounter, I began what is now week thirteen of my journey in the restaurant underworld. As our journey together has become grimmer, we have been able to get closer to the truth. We have uncovered secrets that many have not known before, as well as learning things to protect oneself along the dangerous path. With temperatures outside gradually decreasing with winter soon to come, I needed to find shelter temporarily. This is where I met individuals who spoke of many other secret menus, which quickly caught my attention. After talking with the two, I knew where the next step in my journey would lead: the Americanized Mexican restaurant chain known as “Taco Bell”.

I asked to the two cashiers, “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about the Taco Bell Secret Menu, would you?” They replied with a slight nod, stating that they did, in fact, know about their secret menu. I then asked if they were willing to answer some questions about it, but both said no, sadly. I wasn’t able to press further here, but I was, however, able to order from the secret menu. I was able to jot down many of the items from their secret menu as well, and how to order them. I ordered the “cheesarito”, something that is very hard to explain (but was very good, and very cheap), along with the enchirito (which is now available on the actual menu). Taco Bell has many other items on their infamous secret menu, including the “Cheesy Gordita Crunch,” “Chili Cheese Burrito,” “Double Grilled Quesadilla,” “The Superman,” and “The Incredible Hulk.” Their secret menu also includes side things, such as gaining the ability to “lava anything,” which is using their Lava Sauce, and in some occasions getting ahold of their special Verde Sauce.

Thinking Outside the Bell Now knowing the next part of my journey, I had to gather more information before it was safe to confront any management at the establishment. From our journey together so far, Taco Bell is much different than our last two establishments (Starbucks Coffee and Sonic Drive-In).

The Verdict

Taco Bell is classified as a Tex-Mex fast food chain, serving tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and many other specialty items. They are also known for many promotional offers, most famous for their once a year Volcano Quesarito Big Box special where you have the chance to win a PlayStation 4. With this information, and my fondness for this type of food, this was a great part of the journey.

Taco Bell has many great items, and even more great items on their secret menu. Though this step in the journey was short-lived, it was an important one. It shows that a mark has been made on the restaurant underworld, thus the journey must continue. For now, this is the end of this chapter of our venturesome journey together.

No Interview, Only Orders A few days later, I made my way into Taco Bell in Springfield, MO, around 9 p.m. With my press pass hanging around my neck, I could see a few of the employees whispering to each other as I approached. I was able to make out 9

CATEGORY

SENIOR STRUGGLES TAYA RACZAK Everybody assumes that being a senior is the best time of your life. The most common misconception is that it’s easy! We all came into senior year excited and ready to put on our cap and gowns. Now that we are here, we see that all the past seniors have been lying to us. Seniors face major stress levels, one of the main ones being college acceptance. Senior year is the first step into being an adult. As exciting as it is, it’s also terrifying. You never know what college might accept you and the anticipation is the worst part! I asked some of the seniors about their senior experience so far and this is what was said.

What has been the hardest part of your senior year? “Picking colleges.” -Blake Leggons “The hardest part would be the waiting, like, can I graduate already?” -Anonymous “Rude people.” -Destiny Wright “The hardest part was making it to senior year.” -Anonymous “Doing school work when I know I am so close to being done.” -Aaron Bible “The hardest part is the stress of college and passing your classes with a bang.” -Anonymous

What has been the best part? “I can take practically whatever classes I want.” -Blake Leggons “The best part would be seeing how everyone has changed,

and everyone’s dreams.” -Anonymous “Having good grades and seeing all my friends.” -Destiny Wright “Making it to senior year.” -Anonymous “Being in cross country for my senior year.” -Aaron Bible “The best part is just being a senior. It’s kind of like being top dog.” -Anonymous

How many colleges do you have in mind? “About four.” -Blake Leggons “Zero. None have interested me enough.” -Anonymous “Zero at the moment.” -Destiny Wright “I have about two.” -Anonymous “One. I’m already going there.” -Aaron Bible “I have about five in mind. College is the toughest choice.” -Anonymous

When did you know what you wanted to do? “Earlier this year.” -Blake Leggons “This year sometime.” -Anonymous “I still don’t know what I want to do.” -Destiny Wright “I had an idea around sophomore year.” -Anonymous “Last year.” -Aaron Bible “I didn’t know what I wanted to do until this year.” -Anonymous 12

What is the best advice you can give to the junior class?

Who do you have to give thanks to?

“Take an after school nap.” -Blake Leggons

“I have thanks to give to my teachers, because without them I still wouldn’t know how to spell my name.” -Anonymous

“Never take your eye off the ball.” -Anonymous “No matter how hard the work is or how long the days are, don’t give up.” -Destiny Wright “Eat. Sleep. Learn.” -Anonymous “Turn your work in, and don’t mess your grades up while you are so close.” -Aaron Bible

“My teachers.” -Blake Leggons

“Mr. Paul.” -Destiny Wright “Mainly myself. I’m the one who really made it happen.” -Anonymous “All my teachers, even more thanks especially toward Mr. Walworth, Coach Locke, Mrs. Curtis, Mr.Asbill, Mr.Devos, and Mrs. Mitchell.” -Aaron Bible

“Don’t decide on a college, or your future plans now. Wait, and the right thing will come at the right time.” -Anonymous “I really just need to thank my family and my friends for motivating me through school. My teachers have also been a big help.” -Anonymous What has been your best memory so far? Overall, being a senior is full of emotions. We all dream of being a senior and walking across the stage with “My best memory would be the spirit weeks. They are always our cap and gown, but when you get there…it’s terrifying! Don’t rush it. Most of the graduated seniors say they miss a lot of fun.” -Anonymous high school. Hard to believe, I know! High school seems like “Spending time with my friends.” -Destiny Wright the worst part of our lives, but when you look at it, for 13 years of our lives, school is all we have known. Eventually we “Waking up on the first day of school and thinking, ‘I’m a will have a life without high school. As cool as that may sound senior.’”-Anonymous to most of us, it’s not. We will all miss the little memories that “I won the Best Buy gift card last year for the buckle club we have made in our little community. Soon the freshman will sprit week.” -Aaron Bible be seniors and will wonder why they rushed into things. Se“My best memory is just making it through. A lot of people nior year is something to look forward to, but it is also somedoubted me, and now here I am, a senior in high school.” thing you need to take your time with. All the seniors will go -Anonymous our separate ways and make our own splash in this world and that’s something that we call all look forward to! “Getting cast as Mr. Boddy (in the school play: Clue).” -Blake Leggons

LIFESTYLE

RESTAURANT ETIQUETTE ABBY WILLIAMS I think it’s safe to say we have all been to some sort of restaurant or food service establishment before, and no matter how cheap or expensive it was there were employees there to serve you. When you go out to eat are you respectful to your server? Do you use proper etiquette of eating out in public? Many high school students, including myself, have worked as servers at restaurants and have experienced at a young age just how rude and disrespectful some people can be. Severing at a busy restaurant is a tough job and it’s not something just anyone can do. You can encounter some of the rudest people and your only option is to continue to smile and be polite. Many people are unaware about how to properly act in a restaurant. Next time you go out to eat at a food establishment keep in mind these few reminders about your waitress or waiter.

Don’t choose to eat at a busy restaurant if you are in a rush and have somewhere else to be. The cooks can only cook food so fast and you asking your server repeatedly if it’s almost done won’t cook it any faster. Make sure you get to the restaurant with plenty of time to order, get your food, and eat it. If you’re going to be in a rush, go through a drive-through somewhere or get a to-go order.

They don’t make your food! If your steak if overcooked or there are onions on your burger when you asked for no onions, it’s probably not your server’s fault. The cooks are responsible for the quality of your food and your server is the person responsible for the quality of the service. Don’t be rude or hateful to your server if your food doesn’t come out exactly how you ordered it. It is acceptable to politely let them know that the kitchen made a mistake and the server can easily take it back and get it fixed for you. If you’re nice they may even give you a discount on your ticket for the mess up!

Don’t say you’re ready to order if you’re not. Working as a waitress, I, perosnally, absolutely hate when customers say they are ready to order but then repeatedly say “um” while trying to decide on an entrée while the server stands there awkwardly waiting. Your server is busy and has a ton of things to do so, please don’t waste their time by saying you’re ready to order if you’re not. Just let them know that you need a few more minutes and they will be back shortly.

Never shake your glass for a refill. This is one of the most disrespectful things you can do to your server and most people don’t even realize it. If your glass is empty and your server hasn’t refilled it yet, just ask for a refill. Do not lift your glass and shake it in their direction. If you do, they probably won’t come back to your table until it’s time for you to pay. Don’t complain about the prices. The server doesn’t make the menu and they don’t control the cost. There is literally nothing a server can do about the cost of your cheeseburger. If you have a problem with the prices, don’t eat there.

Put down your phone. One of the most frustrating things for a sever is when you take a call right in the middle of them taking your order. You’re probably not their only table, so your server doesn’t have the time to stand around while you try to order and talk on the phone at the same time. You can call that person right back as soon as you are done ordering.

Tipping is a whole other conversation to be talked about but to make if very basic: it’s not acceptable to not leave a tip. Servers make next to no hourly wage. You should always tip at least 18% of your bill. If your server has done a great job and was friendly, leave a little extra. If you don’t want to tip or don’t have the money to tip, go to a fast food establishment where you don’t have a personal server. Basically, it goes back to the golden rule. Treat your server how you would want to be treated if you were doing their job. The table before you may have been totally disrespectful! Try to give them an easy time and make them smile. It doesn’t cost anything to be nice and respectful.

LIFESTYLE

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

TRAVIS KELLEY

As I said in last month’s article shoes are arguably the most important part of a man’s outfit, especially when it comes to formal wear. Navigating the jungle of formal footwear is very confusing and almost impossible without a guide. This article will take you through the world of men’s formal shoes. Note that we are leaving out boots. Also, keep in mind that the things talked about here need full articles for themselves to do them justice so this will not go into extreme detail. We will start by talking about different kinds of shoes, and then talk about their uses.

would be. Moccasins are defined as a heelless soft leather shoe whereas a loafer has a low heel. A brogue shoe is not actually a shoe of its own, like many believe. A brogue shoe is any shoe with perforations no matter if it’s an oxford or a derby. There are three major types of broguing. There are full brogue, aka wingtips, that have a pointed toe cap with extensions called wingtips that extends along both sided of the shoe and usually end near the ball of the foot, as well as having broguing in the center of the toe cap which is called medallion. Semi or half brogue consist of a toe cap without extensions and feature broguing on the cap’s edge, sides, and medallion. And then there are quarter brogues there are similar to half brogue but ONLY feature broguing on the cap’s edge and not anywhere else.

The most popular shoe is probably the oxford. Here in the United States people seem to think that an oxford is any type of formal shoe, but this is simply not the case. The oxford shoe is the most formal type of dress shoe and can be worn with black or white tie attire if shined properly, a business suit, and even informal suits as well Let’s discuss when to wear what. Oxfords, being the as a sport coat combination. The key to being an oxford most formal, should be worn with business suits and with shoe is having a closed lacing system. black or white tie ensembles if mirror polished but can The derby, or the blucher shoe, is less formal than also work with informal suits and sport coat combos. the oxford. These can be worn with informal suits, sport Derbies or bluchers are less formal than oxfords and can coat combinations, chinos, or jeans--but never with black be worn with sport coat combos, jeans, or chinos. Loafers or white tie ensembles. What defines these shoes is their will depend on the type. Gucci loafers can be combined open lacing system as opposed to the oxford’s closed sys- with all sorts of outfits. Tassel loafers are about as fortem. The only difference between a derby and a blucher mal as a navy blue blazer with grey flannel slacks. Penny is that on a derby you have a single piece of leather that loafers are good for corduroy pants, chinos and flannel starts at the side and wraps around the heel to the other slacks. They rank just below tassel loafers on formality. side versus the blucher which has leather that is sewn on Personally I would not wear loafers with a business suit to both sides. and you would NEVER where any loafer to a black or white tie event. Moccasins can be worn with jeans and As we get more and more casual we have loafers and other casual pants. moccasins. A loafer is a laceless shoe that is not snug around the ankle and the ankle is exposed with a separate As you can see from this article there is a lot to and low heel, and the upper vamp will have a mocca- men’s formal shoes. This article barely scratched the sursin-like construction, as well as a saddle (which is just face of what can be learned about formal footwear but the leather band on top.) Popular loafer styles include, it did go over the basics. Every man should have many but are not limited to: Penny loafers, which have a saddle different shoe styles in his arsenal for it to be complete that has a cut out in it where people would put pennies and well rounded. Whatever shoes you pick out just re(there are many theories as to why but provide no real member the golden rule: they have to match your belt. answer); tassel loafers, which just have tassels where the saddle is located; and Gucci loafers, before he became the name you know today, a style of loafer was named after *photos courtesy http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/ him where there is a golden brass strap where the saddle 18

winter sports preview A Pulse-exclusive sneak peak into the winter 2015-2016 sports seasons of wrestling and boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball. Featuring key players Austin Bradfield, Abby Rudd, and Matt Kahnert Article by Josh Williams

SPORTS Boys basketball has started with a bang already this year! They hope to improve last year’s record of 11 games won and 14 games lost. Jarod Cole, senior, averaged the most points on the team last year and set the record for the best 3 point percentage ever in a season for Reeds. Adam Taylor, senior, averaged the second most rebounds with 7.7 per game and a quantity of 10.8 points per game last year. The Wolves averaged 13 turnovers a game last year compared to their average of just seven assists per game. Coach Yocum says, “We could like to be in the 10 range [for turnovers]. I’m hoping that we could cut that down two or three. Our guys just need to do a better job in making the right play. I don’t want anyone to think that they have to do too much.” Coach Yocum believes that moving the ball would be a key to success and hopefully, take care of that problem. “I think sharing the basketball is always a big key to being successful.” Yocum said, “We need the right guys to share the load. We have many guys that can score. I hope that we can spread the sugar a lot better.” Out of all that, Yocum’s biggest concern is consistency. “We need to be more consistent on and off the court. That’s something that we need to improve on.”

“...taking care of your responsibilities, meeting or exceeding expectations on and off the court, every day, all the time.”

year. The girls played a league in Cassville to get warmed up for the season. The season is starting off slow as the girls played hard during the jamboree at our home court. Coach Davis says the jamboree didn’t go well but they’re still working hard to pull off a great season! The seniors this season are Shianne Strailey, Jamie Booth, Caitlin Gault, and Darian Morris. The Lady Wolves are coached by Scott Spooner, head coach, and assistant coaches Eric Davis and Megan Jenkins. We can’t forget about wrestling! Wrestling is always overlooked in the winter because of basketball mostly but wrestling is a very successful Reeds Spring sport. In the past two years many have made it to the state tournament. Broden Lemaster and Matt Kahnhert are two returning wrestlers, completely different in size but the both have the same goal: to become a state champion. Broden has made it to state every year he has been in high school and every year he has fallen just short. Last year he took 3rd place. “Of course this is the year I win state.” Broden says, “I’m a senior. This is the last chance to do it. I’m going to do whatever I can to win.” He has already signed to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania to wrestle. Coach Teed can only say good words about him. In a recent Ozark Sport Zone article claiming Broden Lemaster as the athlete of the week, Coach Teed says, “He brings an intensity to practice. I can use that as an example; use some of the stuff that he does as an example.” Coach feels that Broden makes the guys around him better, but Broden also sees the other side of things as well. When asked if the guys around him make him better, Broden had an answer. “Yes they do, as long as they work hard. The sport of wrestling thrives on hard work so as long as they work hard, we all get better.” Wrestlers go through some pretty tough conditions as far the practices and workouts go. They have to cut weight, which can be grueling at times. Everyone has to watch what they eat and be very cautious of their weight. Corbin Lemaster, who is one of Reeds Spring’s wrestling coaches, has given the team advice to live by: “Work hard, or don’t work at all.” This advice has really played a role in all of the wrestlers in their day to day lives, not just in practices or tournaments.

Chances are you’ve seen the Wolves wear a red wristband with the words “Everyday guy” on it. This means that they have proven that they could be relied on and looked to for the team. I asked Coach Yocum what it means to him and this was his reply, “We ask our guys to define that. It means taking care of your responsibilities, meeting or exceeding expectations on and off the court, every day, all the time.” The seniors for this season are Jarod Cole, Reno Randle, Dillon Neels, Adam Taylor, and With wrestling being a successful Reeds Spring sport, Eric Rasmussen and they are coached by head coach Bar- everyone who is participating in it would more than love ry Yocum, assistant coach Chris Mettlach, and assistant to continue the success it has given the community. Go coach Damon Asbill. Wolves! The seniors for this year are Matt Kahnert, Adam Lady Wolves basketball is also into motion. They Gasper, and Broden Lemaster. They’re coached by head worked hard during summer and before the season by coach Chris Teed and assistant coach Corbin Lemaster. coming to all the possible open gyms during the school Photos courtesy ozarkssportszone.com 22

CATEGORY

STUDENT LIFE

EDWIN SAMAYOA

MR. DEVOS

We all have that one person we always look up to as our role model. A person who changes us to be the best we can and do everything to the best of our abilities. For me, my role model is the high school band director Mr. John Devos. For any person who knows Mr. Devos, knows that he is always a pleasure to be around, he is a nice and caring guy who listens to problems and listens to your personal life situations when you need help. For those of you who do not know him or just not close to him, I recommend you start. The past 6 years that I have known Mr. Devos have been awesome; he has always pushed me to do everything I tried. He isn’t just a teacher; he’s a mentor and a best friend. He’s a role model. Sometimes people need a role model like him. He has been through a lot these last couple of years and it’s not good, but he decides to make the best of everything that goes on, from the diabetes to the multiple surgeries he’s endured, he has been a great person and is always finding ways to help the students he cares about. He goes out of his way to be with students who do what he loves most and that’s to make music which he does a phenomenal job at. We students can be a pain in the butt and hard to deal with and he finds a way to deal with it calmly. He’s great inspiration and a huge help, sometimes he can talk a lot, but it’s almost always something important. He can go on about a scene in a movie for ten minutes and make it go back to how strongly and boldly you should play a certain part in a song. He’ll go on for an entire class period talking about college or how to handle school shootings or any life problem because he feels as if we students need that advice more than what was on the agenda for that day and any piece of advice that he gives out is because he’s lived a long and hard life. Not saying that the rest of us haven’t, but he’s fifty years old and he’s had a lot, I mean A LOT of stuff happen to him and he’s very wise because of it. He gives us all of these tips so we don’t have to have a hard life like he did or, at least a life as hard as his was growing up. He has to be one of the greatest men alive. So if you ever have a moment when you need inspiration or a person to talk to that will listen and give advice, he is without a the best person to talk to. We really appreciate you Mr. Devos, keep being you and being the absolute best director and role model for us students. 25

CATEGORY

CELL PHONE POLICY JARRED BUSH Have you ever gotten your phone taken away? Or has the cell phone policy been more lenient in the last couple of months?

office for the remainder of the day and the student assigned 2 days of In-School Detention.”

I think the cell phone policy should be changed, beThis is the school’s cell phone policy: “Cellular de- cause what’s the difference between having a laptop and a vices are prohibited from use during the school day. The cell phone? The teachers don’t enforce it like they have in school day will be defined as the time the student enters recent years. the building until 3:15. For the purposes of our policy, any I think the cell phone policy should be changed to celcellular device that is seen or heard is considered a violation. lular devices being prohibited from use during test or quizTherefore, students are required to turn off their cel- zes, and you can have your phone out as long as it’s not lular devices and put them “out of sight” prior to entering distracting or disruptive to the class. If the device becomes the school building each morning. Any student who does a problem then it will get taken away for the class period. If not abide by this policy will have their cellular device taken it continues, then the teacher will give it to the office for the by a staff member, given to the office, and the student will day. I also think the teacher should also have to obey it too. be subject to the following disciplinary consequences: If the student body is going to obey by the cell phone ● First Offense- Cellular devices taken to the office policy its needs to be easier to find in the handbook. It took for the remainder of the day and the student as- me three or four days to find it. Go look for it yourself. signed an In-School Detention the following day Mobile phones are full of nifty gadgets that can aid of school. (Students may pick up their cellular destudents in organizing, taking notes and being prepared in vices at the end of the school day.) class. Calculators are a basic function on cell phones and ● Subsequent Offense- Cellular device taken to the these can be used to help out in class and homework during 26

study hall and down hours. Calendars are great for students to record assignments, test dates and papers due. While those two items are handy the most useful tool on a cell phone is the camera and ability to record. Photos of white boards can be taken and filed for use after class or before being erased and lectures can be recorded for later use also.

Although students are surrounded by school staff, these adults can’t monitor your phone use, like they can the laptops. Student can use their phones to access inappropriate sites and images, send or receive inappropriate messages or even use their phones to cheat on school work. 58% of teens admitted to sending at least one text during class and that’s only at schools where phones are banned. I think not The main reason for cell phones is communication. having phones in classroom will help test scores and grades. While they do perform many other functions, their main purpose is to make and receive calls and texts. They have Has the cell phone policy been more lenient in the last become a priceless tool for safety. No matter what is going couple of months? The cell phone policy needs to change; on or where you are, you can reach help or be reached. This the teachers don’t enforce it like they have in recent years. is one of the sole reasons that parents are so supportive of Phones can aid students in organizing, taking notes, and allowing cell phones in schools. being prepared in class. Of course, phones and laptops can be a distracting in the classroom. Research has shown that multi-tasking reduces focus. Multi-tasking is an unavoidable part of life, but it’s best if teenagers don’t try to do it while studying. Because it means they’re not performing the tasks to the best of their ability. Colleges also have cell phone policy just like high schools do.

MISC

MOCKINGJAY PART 2

ALLEY GRANT

The first part of this movie was pretty good, but the second part was to die for. In this movie there’s plenty of action, but some of it you might need some getting used to. Jennifer Lawrence is the type of actor that you want to come back and see more of her, and this movie puts her good acting skills out to the world. There are tosses and turns throughout the movie and not even for a second will you be able to sit still in your seat. Mockingjay was one of the best finales I have personally ever seen. One of the coolest things is that this series ends where it started.

“Tonight, turn your weapons to the capitol... turn your weapons to snow.”

end up in. Certain people divide into teams and head out to the capital. Katniss, Peeta, Gale, and Finnick are all on a team. The Capitol has their eyes out for anyone who’s coming after them. President Snow has cameras everywhere to be able to detect where the soldiers are. As the movie continues you notice certain little hints about what the big surprise is at the end of the movie. Now, at the Capitol there are other plans that are going on. They’re celebrating and then they decide to call all of the people from Panem to the capitol so they can take care of them. The stakes are high at this point, and many people’s lives are in danger. Snow knows that if Katniss gets across the gate then he’s going to die, but he doesn’t know that Ms. Coin, the president of District 13, has a completely different plan for them!

When the movie comes to an end you find out who the real enemies are and you find out who loses the battle. Some of the events might come as a shock to you and some you probably knew would happen right off the bat. In the end, the movie ends completely different than what you would expect. I mean, unless you’ve read the book before you watched the movie! This series was one of the best seIn the beginning of the movie, you already know who ries that I have watched and I’m not the least disappointed Katniss is going for because of the first part of it. But, she at all. has to go through trials before she can accomplish what So with all of this being said, go see Mockingjay Part she wants to. The movie starts off with her in the hospital 2 in theaters while you still have the chance! Find out all and mad because of what happened between her and Peeta. the drama and see things that you never thought you would Peeta has been rescued from The Capital, but he’s still not have seen! the same Peeta that he was before. He’s rougher, certain things set him off, and he’s 100% against Katniss at this point.

-Katniss everdeen

Moving further along their journey, Katniss tries to unite all of the districts while thinking about her own plan on the side of it all. As they head out to conquer what they came for, there are several dangerous situations that they 29

CATEGORY

MISC

CROSSWORD

across:

down:

2) arguably the most important part of a man’s 1) new assistant coach for the girls’ basketball formal wardrobe team 3) an establishment where one can access all facili- 4) something that your server has no control over, ties without leaving the car and is disrespectful to argue about 6) an often overlooked, but very successful winter 5) a former secret menu item now available on the sport for Reeds Spring Taco Bell regular menu 7) something that is prohibited from use from the point a student enters the school building until 3:15 8) something Coach Yocom hopes to improve on this season for boys’ basketball 9) the most formal and popular kind of men’s dress shoe 31

DECEMBER MONDAY

TUESDAY

WED.

9th Boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball @ branson 6pm

9th/jv Boys Basketball @ logan-rogersville - 5 pm Girls basketball @ forsyth - 6pm Project Grad meeting - 6:30pm

Boys basketball @ crane - 6pm Girls Basketball vs Cassville - 6pm

boys basketball @ Aurora - 5pm Girls basketball vs aurora - 6pm

Half day

boys basketball Blue & gold tourney 7pm

30 no school

no school 32

no school

2015 THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SAT.

9th Boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball vs fair grove - 6pm

girls basketball @ Galena - 6pm Wrestling vs Springfield Catholic - 6 pm 9th Boys Basketball @ bolivar - 6pm Scholar Bowl @ willard - 5pm

Girls basketball vs Marionville - 6pm

wrestling @ bolivar - 9am-3pm

High school play

girls basketball @ Seymour 6pm Band concert - 7pm

Christmas eve

Christmas

31 no school 33

high school play ACT - 8am

boys basketball @ Harrison, Arkansas - 7pm

no school

JANUARY MONDAY

TUESDAY

WED.

Girls basketball vs spokane - 6pm Project grad meeting - 6:30 pm

boys basketball @ Monett - 5pm Wrestling vs Spfd Catholic - 6pm

boys basketball vs spfd catholic 5pm

boys basketball @ spokane tourney wrestling @ ozark - 6pm - 6pm Girls Basketball @ Galena tounrey - 6pm

Girls basketball vs spfd catholic 6pm 9th boys basketball @ hollister 6pm

boys basketball vs cassville - 5pm

2016 THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SAT.

no school

scholar bowl @ webb city - 5pm Girls basketball @ blue Eye - 6pm Wrestling @ hollister - 6pm

scholar bowl @ spfd greenwood 5pm 9th boys basketball vs Marshfield 6pm

scholar bowl @ neosho - 5pm girls basketball @ hollister - 6pm wrestling @ branson - 6pm

boys basketball vs Gainesville - 6pm

boys basketball vs spokane - 5pm

wrestling @ monett - 9am

wrestling @ branson - 9am

wrestling @ spfd catholic - 9am

wrestling @ odessa - 9am