October 2014

A BERLIN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OPEN FORUM SINCE 1924

The

Red ‘n’ Green

VOLUME 45, ISSUE 2

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

in This

Issue

-Chromebook debate, pg. 3 - Gay rights movement, pg. 4 -Playoffs coverage, pg. 8

RiseTogether educates, shares with students by

Hannah Trochinski

While there had been weeks of anticipation for the Herion Summit, students knew little about what they would witness on Oct. 15.

Presenters started off by dimming the lights to show a slideshow. All of the speakers had a very different story with a similar thread: addiction.

“Rise Together was started after I saw Doug’s story in a newspaper,” Anthony Alvarado, co-founder of Rise Together, said. “It helped me stay sober. I reached out to thank him and we kept in contact.”

After a little bit about the history of the advocacy group, they brought out their first presenter, Brigette Henschel.

Henschel introduced the woman we saw on the screen as her daughter and informed students that she had brought her along. She then proceeded to put an urn on the table.

“My daughter Amalia died on April 12, 2012,” Henschel said. “She was only 21 when she passed away due to a heroin overdose.”

She then went on to tell students how Amalia was involved in sports, had good grades and how she, in many ways, was just like most teenagers.

“In the summer before her sophomore year, she made new friends and gained new interests, like music and writing,” Henschel said. “She no longer played sports, but she still got good grades.”

In the last three years of Amalia’s

life, she began getting into trouble and lost motivation. Finally, her parents linked it to drug abuse and convinced her to get help. She spent four months in recovery and seemed to be back on track afterwards.

Despite going to rehab, Amalia still died of a heroin overdose. Henschel then left students with a plea.

“Don’t let your story end the same way Amalia’s did,” Henschel said.

The next presenter was the other co-founder, Douglas Darby, who was a former addict.

“Anthony, myself and our team are the lucky ones,” Darby said.

Darby explained how his father was an addict who passed away and how this started his journey.

Darby was arrested on Sept. 9, 2012, then tried to take his own life in jail the next day.

“I thought of my younger siblings and that’s what stopped me,” Darby said. “I didn’t want to do to them what my father did to me.”

Sept. 19 marked the second year of Darby being released. He will be on parole for 10 years and has about 32 extra rules to follow.

The Rise Together team took a little time to give the students a break and asked the audience questions about drugs and alcohol.

Sophomore Tristan Moldenhauer had a strong reaction to one of the questions.

“It left me feeling sad,” Moldenhauer said. “When they asked if you knew someone who died from heroin, it made me think of my mom.

She did heroin before I was born

Photos: H. Trochinski Top: The Rise Together team wraps up their presentation with the students on Oct. 15 in the gymnasium.

Bottom: Rise Together co-founder Anthony Alvarado asks students if they knew of anyone with a drug or alcohol problem and if BHS or the community had a drug and alcohol problem. The majority of students raised their hands. then stopped for a while. When I last saw her in seventh grade she was down to only smoking cigarettes.”

After the questions, Alvarado gave his speech about his story.

“My son became a bigger man at the age of three than I was at 24,” Alvarado said. “I was on our porch smoking my last cigarette and he came up to me and said, ‘Dad, I love you. Don’t die.’ Today, I am his hero,” Alvarado said.

When Alvarado finished, he introduced Emily Plank, a young

FFA travels to World Dairy Expo by

Alyssa Thiel

The Berlin FFA club traveled to Madison last month to take part in the World Dairy Expo.

Students arrived at the expo eager to learn about the new advances in dairy farming technology and put their dairy farming knowledge to the test at judging competitions.

“It was an amazing opportunity to learn about all the new advances in dairy farming around the world,” junior Elizabeth Krueger said.

Vendors from all over the world came to Madison showing products, such as new kinds of feed and machinery.

“My favorite part of the expo was seeing all the new equipment and tractors,” FFA Vice President Brayden Moriarty said.

The expo also included competitions for students.

“I took part in the dairy cattle evaluation competition,” Krueger said, who will be receiving her results in the mail. “I have not dairy judged in over a year, but I am happy about how it went and am optimistic about my results.”

Junior Makaela Thoma competed in the dairy cattle judging competition.

“I placed 68 out of 417 competitors,” Thoma said. “I think that is really good for only my third time judging.”

Together the club members said everyone was able to gain something from the expo.

“Between the vendors and the competitions, I think we all improved our knowledge about dairy farming,” Thoma said.

woman who was diagnosed with an eating disorder and was speaking in public for her first time.

“Halfway through my junior year of high school, I lost 35 lbs,” Plank said. “On my first day of senior year a teacher pulled me aside and told me that I needed to tell my parents.”

When Plank finally did get help, her family found out that the insurance would not pay for her treatment. Plank’s parents took money from their retirement fund to pay for it.

Nadine Machkovech followed Plank and was proud to announce her plans for her 21 birthday.

“I will be spending my 21 birthday at a water park with my best friends,” Machkovech said. “I don’t need to drink to have a good time.”

The Rise Together team wanted to leave the students with a message.

“If you’re struggling with addiction,” former addict and Rise Together team member Ryan Beltz said, “It’s not too late to live a better life.”

Newsbriefs Badger Mining distributes food for district

Badger Mining donated over 500 food and hygiene items on Oct. 14. This was their first year donating to the school district pantry but they have donated elsewhere in the community. “This was part of our wellness challenge,” Badger Mining employee Todd Huggins said. “We tried to get items that were healthy but also what students want to eat.”

Student surveys show alcohol consumption results

Sociology students Anna Falk, Destiny Krebs and Arielle Harmon surveyed over 50 students about alcohol usage. “At first we wanted to know how people act around different people, but that area was too large,” Falk said. “Instead we changed it to how people act around alcohol.” The group agreed that the most interesting result was that overall girls drink more than guys. “We also saw that out of the girls, the junior class girls drink the most,” Krebs said.

Superbowl replica ring stolen from Jostens

Photo: K. Dehn Berlin FFA stops for a picture while checking out all of the different vending tents at the World Dairy Expo in Madison on Sept. 30.

The yearly meeting of class rings usually goes well, but this year a Green Bay Packer Superbowl replica ring was stolen.

Representative Chad Kilton spoke to the sophomore class on Oct. 13 and part of the speech involved showing numerous example rings, including the Packer ring. “I trust that whoever took it will bring it back,” Kilton said. “I don’t care who stole it and I don’t need names, I just want it back.” The school and Jostens is offering an award to whoever returns the ring.

2

Opinion

Friday, October 31, 2014

Editorial Heroin Summit falls short of expectations

Created by Melanie Haedt

Taking the opportunity to educate the next generation, members from the non-profit organization Rise Together gave a presentation to middle and high school students and staff about addiction and drugs in our community, specifically heroin.

While the Summit was an excellent idea for our school to host, the information could have been delivered in a stronger, more powerful way.

The organization was established in September 2013 by two recovering addicts, Douglas Darby and Anthony Alvarado, with hopes that they could build advocacy against drug abuse.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, heroin use has been steadily increasing since 2008 and will continue to do so. It is also the leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States.

During the presentation, personal stories were told about individual struggles with addiction and what is lost when one chooses the addiction over everything else in their life.

In the past few years, Green Lake County and many surrounding areas have had an increase in heroin

and other drug-related crimes, which was the main reason this event was hosted.

Considering the amount of time that was spent organizing and advertising the evening assembly, we believe that more speakers from the community could have talked about the effects and/or consequences of taking drugs on the mind and body at the student presentation.

At the evening presentation, police officers, a doctor from the community and the Rise Together team all spoke at the Summit.

The evening presentation was emotional and filled with personal stories as well, but had more information and facts built in to create a more solid assembly.

The Red ‘n’ Green staff would like to thank the Rise Together team for talking to the student body and staff about how drugs have personally affected their everyday lives and loved ones.

While the presentation was greatly appreciated, possibly next time we could have more information such as was given in the evening assembly.

The Red ‘n’ Green Berlin High School 222 Memorial Drive Berlin, WI 54923 920.361.2000 redandgreen@berlin.k12. wi.us The Red ‘n’ Green is printed monthly by Berlin High School and circulated free to students.

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Editorials are unsigned as they reflect the majority opinion of the staff. Editorial topics will be covered in a fair manner. However, controversial topics will be covered.

Subscriptions are available. Please contact the business manager at the above email address or phone number.

Mel’s Memoir: Family pumpkin carving tradition

Editor-in-Chief: Melanie Haedt

by

Melanie Haedt

Every family has its own unique traditions. Whether it includes family game night, breakfast on Sundays, or movie nights, one of my family traditions is pumpkin carving.

Halloween has been a pretty big deal with my family, but that just might be because my sister’s birthday is the same day. In order to keep the entire house garnished with the Halloween spirit, we carve pumpkins so the outside of the house is just as festive.

This pumpkin carving tradition started before I was born with my older sisters and cousins. My aunts, uncles and grandma all get together in my aunt’s, thankfully heated, garage with the essenitals: food, pumpkins and the pumpkin carving tools.

My Aunt Carol prints off literally 200 pumpkin carving patterns so we have plenty of options. They range from a four year old’s carving ability to a professional pumpkin carver’s, as in let’s-put-super-tiny-thin-lines-and-

almost-break-the pumpkin difficult.

I usually find myself carving a cat pumpkin, but this year, I decided to carve Olaf from the movie “Frozen.”

My carving process usually takes about two to three hours while the rest of the family takes less than an hour. The reason it takes me so long is my many snack breaks. Between every step of cutting off the lid, gutting, tracing the pattern and the actual carving, I find myself loitering by the food table inhaling whatever I can find. I guess it was less of pumpkin carving and more of Thanksgiving.

At the end of the night after we have full stomachs and have finished carving, we light candles in the pumpkins.

We then turn off the lights and Ooo! and Ahh! at our beautiful pieces of art.

Pumpkin carving reminds me that I am never too old to hang out with my family and participate in our family traditions. These are memories that I will cherish forever because these times are filled with lots of laughs and love.

Photo: C. Haedt

Business Manager: Lindsey Vang

Reporters: Photo: S. Klawitter

Confessions of a O R E H geek R SUPE

by

Hannah Trochinski

For those who do not know me, I celebrate a holiday every week that I made up my junior year: Superhero Friday.

On this day, the most Superheroest of Fridays, I will speak not only of my beloved holiday, but also what it is like to be an actual superhero.

Off the record, the only reason I am a reporter is so I can keep my ear to the ground and know what is going on. (This is explained in more detail at the end of “Man of Steel.”)

To be a real superhero, one must gallivant up and down the halls in an outrageous costume while shouting, “I am here to defend the helpless!”

OK, that is not really how it works. While we can play dress up and most likely cause more harm than good (considering none of us was left with a very large amount of money or have a vast amount of knowledge on fighting), our time

would be best spent doing other types of good.

In their own right, Key Club and STAR Club are superheroes. They stand up for the defenseless and do what is right without expecting anything in return. That is what being a superhero is about.

A shout out goes out to my homies in Key Club. They give so much and make such a difference in the community that they really should have a comic book dedicated to them.

Another shout out for STAR Club. They are all for equal rights, which is what this great country is all about (I have to say this in case Obama sees this. Wishful thinking, Hannah, wishful thinking.).

One does not have to possess super powers or be a billionaire to be a superhero.

Any fool can parade around in tights and a cape (I would know, I ran up and down the halls with a bedsheet tied around my neck in preparation for the writing of this column), but it takes an actual hero to help others.

Sierra Klawitter Julia Silloway Natalie Speers Alyssa Thiel Hannah Trochinski

Advisor:

Shannon Kuehmichel

Letter to the

Editor

Dear Editor, Nothing worsens your day more than going to the restroom and not having paper towel to dry your hands. Either we need to be provided more or people should use less.

And come on, people, we are in high school...

FLUSH THE TOLIET. Sincerely, My Hands are Still Wet

Feature

Friday, October 31, 2014

Chromebooks: Staff, faculty consider benefits by

Natalie Speers

Amidst of all the big changes happening in and around BHS in the next year, the subject of whether or not Chromebook computers will become an official part of the educational realm has not yet been determined.

There is controversy over whether Chromebooks are an aide in the classroom or not. Because of its limited features, such as being designed for webonly access, the Chromebook can cause issues for certain classes to use.

“The problem with Chromebooks is that they don’t operate software, they operate apps,” science teacher Tim Cox said. “If you can’t get the software you need onto an app on the Chromebook, it is virtually useless for anything but internet use.”

CESA 6 (Cooperative Educational Services Agency) stated that subjects such as science, tech and other educational areas that require external devices and softwares, are in need of full laptops. This means that for classes that require this specific software, such as Cox’s classes, the Chromebook does little to no good.

“Even if I could take a Chromebook home, there’s nothing I could do on it to help me in my classes that need special programs,” chemistry student Noah Pomplun said.

However, Chromebooks can be a benefit in online classrooms, since these classes only require internet access.

“If they are used correctly, online classrooms can be very beneficial,” Tech Advisor Adam Umbreit said. “Students can learn at their own individual pace in an online classroom and Chromebooks make the whole process a lot easier.”

Before the Chromebooks became a larger part of the high school’s system, they were used at the middle school.

The middle school students were allowed to take the Chromebooks home, which proved to be an issue for several reasons.

“For a student who has little to no wi-fi access at home, a Chromebook is basically useless,” Umbreit said.

Another issue that the middle school experienced was damaged and broken Chromebooks.

“Because the Chromebook is so thin and light-weight, it is easy to break,”

Cop’s Corner:

Cox said. “Students need something more durable, like a laptop, that will last longer than a Chromebook in the long run.”

Because of the addition of the middle school onto the high school, Chromebooks, if used, would have to be available to both schools.

“Letting all students have 24-hour access to a computer and their assignments can be a very beneficial factor,” computer teacher Luke Konrath said.

The issue left standing after considering the pros and cons of Chromebooks is whether or not laptops would be a more useful investment.

“I personally think Chromebooks are great learning tools,” Konrath said.

“With Chromebooks, twice as many students can have a computer, whereas laptops would be too expensive for every student to have their own.”

The use of Chromebooks will continue until a final decision is made whether or not they are worth the trouble, or more trouble than they are worth.

“Only time will tell,” Umbreit said.

“Eventually a consistent set of computers will be in rotation.”

3

Student of the

Month

Facts 19% of all teachers at BHS have Chromebooks for either personal or classroom use June 15, 2011 was the official release date of the Chromebook 22% of U.S. K-12 school districts use Chromebooks Sources: 2014 BHS Staff Technology Equipment survey, www. gigaom.com, www.google.com

October PBIS and KIND winners

Photo Submitted

Emily Draves

What have you enjoyed most about high school?

“I have enjoyed music.”

What subjects are you most interested in?

“I am most interested in English.”

What college do you want to attend, and what will be your major?

“I am currently undecided.”

Tip for high school students: “Get involved and do what you enjoy.”

Cigarettes vs. E-cigs, lesser of two evils

by

Officer Christensen

E-cigs were first developed in China and introduced to the U.S. market in 2007. The main difference between regular tobacco cigarettes is an E-cig is a tobacco-free product. E-cigs are actually vaporizors; instead of burning tobacco, the mechanism heats up a liquid. The liquid turns into vapor, which is then inhaled or “vaped.”

While some argue that vapor offers health advantages over traditional cigarette smoke, regulatory agencies and some health experts are not so sure that is true. A person needs to light a cigarette whereas E-cigs run on a lithium battery. When a person puffs on their E-cig as they would a regular cigarette, the battery powers the device to heat the liquid and vaporize it.

E-cigs are smoke-free and tobaccofree, but are not nicotine-free. They are typically a combination of nicotine flavorings, propylene glycol (a solvent) and other additives. The amount of nicotine depends on the mixture of the particular liquid nicotine cartridge installed in the device.

We all know regular cigarettes are toxic, containing more than 7,000 chemicals. Cigarette smoke emits large amounts of toxins called “sec-

ond hand smoke.” E-cig’s nicotine emissions are 10 times lower than burning tobacco’s.

E-cigs come with health and safety concerns, as well. E-cigs can cause harm when the vapor is inhaled, but it can also be harmful when ingested or absorbed through the skin. E-cig users expose themselves to airway resistance and other signs of inflammation. Researchers say cigarette smokers are 15-30 times more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer. It is the chemicals from the burning tobacco that causes the likelihood of lung cancer, not the nicotine.

With this said, E-cigs are and can be addicting due to the level of liquid nicotine contained in the cartridge.

In 2014, the FDA began to regulate E-cigs by having manufacturers disclose all ingredients in their products and have FDA approval before marketing them.

The state of Wisconsin prohibits anyone under the age of 18 to purchase or be in possession of these devices. The BASD also prohibits the use or possession of E-cigs and tobacco products on school property.

The BASD wants students to stay safe and is here to assist them in finding addiction related programs in the area, if need be.

Photo Photo Submitted Submitted

Joe Bartman

What have you enjoyed most about high school?

“I have enjoyed making new friends.”

Photo: S.S.Klawitter Photo: Klawitter Freshman Erica Naparala was chosen as one of October’s PBIS winners. Naparala won a gift certificate to the Hong Kong King Buffet and was chosen for being kind and respectful to others. Other students selected by various teachers and staff members received prizes such as better parking spots, trips to the front of the lunchline and gift cards to local businesses.

Other PBIS winners include: Haylie Krombos, Dylan Malson, Justin Shruck, Matt Servis, Marik Rielly, Justin Bartol and Garrett Steinbrink. Students chosen by KIND Commitee include: Emma Krueger, Ana Lundquist, Sam Cason, Rachel Disterhaft, Tyler Krohn and Alyssa Trampf.

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Hamilton’s Shoes

Wisconsin’s oldest shoe store Located in Downtown Berlin

What subjects are you most interested in?

“I am most interested in math and science.”

What college do you want to attend, and what will be your major?

“Colorado School of Mines for engineering.”

Tips for high school students: ‘Be confident with yourself.”

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4

In-depth series

Friday, October 31, 2014

Major events in the gay community 1900

1910

1901: First same-sex marriage performed in Spain.

One of the females dressed as a man to trick the priest.

“Glee” has not one, but several gay characters. Most notable being Kurt Hummel, the boy with a high vocal range, played by Chris Colfer, who is also gay.

Colfer describes Hummel as “a tough guy in designer clothes.”

Photo: people.com

While they are not gay, Madonna shared a kiss with both Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera during an onstage performance of “Like a Virgin” at the opening of the MTV Music Awards in 2004. It was in the headlines for days.

1930

1920

1916: U.S. military begins issuing blue discharges which were used by commanders to get rid of homosexuals.

Hollywood Potrayals of Gay Relationships

Photo: wikipedia.org

1924: Henry Gerber forms The Society for Human Rights, the first LGBT rights organization in Illinois.

Ellen DeGeneres made history by becoming the first person to come out as gay on a TV show. “The Puppy Episode” had the highest ratings of the show, but the backlash was tremendous.

The picture to the left is Ellen saying, “Susan. I’m Gay.”

Photo: wikipedia.org

Award winning “Modern Family” had a gay couple from the first episode and possibly one of the most memorable gay weddings depicted on TV. While it was not the first to show a same sex marriage, the plot focuses heavily on their relationship.

Photo: blogspot.com Created by Hannah Trochinski

1938: Nazi directive allows men convicted of “gross indecency” with other men to be sent directly to concentration camps.

1940

1927: The New York Assembly sets a ban on the appearance or discussion of homosexuality on the public stage.

Lindsey Vang in dumb comments,” Hardel

Senior Makayla Pues and junior Jordan Hardel persevere through small town talk and express who they are openly and freely, including their sexual orientation.

“I date someone based on their personality, not by their gender,” Pues said.

Pues is pansexual and came out during sophomore year.

“I never have really cared what people thought of me,” Pues said. “A lot of people were not surprised.”

Hardel came out this year, but only to friends.

“I am bisexual,” Hardel said. “I am happy that I did come out; I can be myself.”

Shayley Ceman was a positive support even though Pues was able to handle the situation by herself.

“She is my rock,” Pues said. “She was by my side without judging me and she accepted me.”

After telling Ceman, Pues was doing better than when she kept everything to herself. Ceman was not phased when she did come out to her.

“She did pretty good by herself and I just tried to stay by her side,” Ceman said. “I accepted it and she is still the same person I know.”

Hardel realized how a small town like Berlin would respond negatively when she did decide to tell certain people.

“I was bullied. People who could not accept it would throw

1950

196

1949: U.S. Department of Defense states “homosexual personnel...should not be permitted to serve in any branch of the Armed Forces...and prompt separation of known homosexuals from the Armed Forces is mandatory.”

Students express who they are freely by

1953: Under President Eisenhower, homosexual becomes a sufficent reaso fire any federal employe

said.

Hardel found two friends that would stay by her side.

“Alyssa Ponto and Jackie Stumpner never have judged me and they are always there for me,” Hardel said.

Pues moved to Menasha for a year and a half and saw a big increase in openly gay students.

“There were more openly gay people there, so it was easier to talk to someone if I needed to,” Pues said.

The decision to come out in high school can be hard, but Pues and Hardel say they do not regret it.

“Honestly, it helped with my depression,” Pues said. “The more I had to act like something I’m not, the more stressed I would get.”

Even though Hardel experienced bullying, she said coming out in high school was the smart decision.

“High school is when you are supposed to find yourself and I wanted to,” Hardel said. “I had friends to back me up and I just felt better.”

Not only is telling people at school a tough transition, but at home it can become a touchy subject with family.

“Some of my family is extremely religious, so I could not talk about my girlfriend,” Pues said.

Although Hardel is not completely open to her family, she has felt a differnce in herself at school.

“I am who I am,” Hardel said.

“I feel better about myself.”

Gayrigh makes

According to Th Wisconsin joined marriage. After the S to rule on the legality Court removed the will go forward wi

Highschoo

183 out of 383 students

28% strongly favor gay 26% fav righ rights

297 out of 383 students do kno who is homosexual, bi, or trans 203 said the person is a friend

70 said the per family mem

In-depth series 1986: The Vatican Congregation for the 1973: The American Psychiatric Association removes homosexual- Doctrine of the Faith issues a letter stating that, ity from its Diagnostic and Statis- while not a sin, homosexuality is a “strong tentical Manual of Mental Disorders. dency ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil.”

nt lity on to ee.

1970

60

1980

1969: The Stonewall Inn incident occurs.

Police raid the New York gay bar several times before the patrons fight back. This results in three days of rioting.

olsurveyongayrights 383 BHS students surveyed

vor gay hts

ow someone sgender

rson is a mber

200 out of 383 students were female

10% oppose gay rights

17% strongly oppose gay rights

19% unsure if they support gay rights or not

85 out of 383 do not know someone who is homosexual, bi, or transgender 8 said that it is them personally

4 said it is their partner

2002: Hearing and ruling of Chamberlain v. Surrey School District occurs in Canada. Chamberlain wished to show his kindergarten and first grade classes books promoting same sex-marriages, but the school board did not allow it.

Ruling in favor of Chamberlain.

2000

2010

2020 2011: “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” law of ‘93 is repealed.

1998: The ex-gay movement gets attention when suggestions of curing homosexuality gain favor with several advertisers.

Created by Hannah Trochinski

Sources: uscatholic.org, wikipedia.com, gvsu.edu

he Badger Herald online on Oct. 9, 30 other states in allowing same-sex Supreme Court denied the opportunity y of such marriages, the Chicago Appeals ban on same-sex marriages. Wisconsin ith same-sex marriages immediately.

s were male

1990

1978: Rainbow flag is first used as a sign of gay pride.

htsmovement s headlines

31 said the relationship is “other”

Created by Melanie Haedt

5

Friday, October 31, 2014

Definitions used in the gay pride community LGBTQ:

Stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender and Questioning.

Homosexual: When a person is sexually attracted to people of their own sex.

Heterosexual: When a person is sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex.

Bisexual: When a person is attract-

ed to both the male and female sex, but may prefer one over the other.

Pansexual: When a person is attracted

Transgender: When one’s gender

identity or expression does not match their assigned sex, sometimes results in a sex change.

Asexual:

Not experiencing a sexual attraction towards any gender.

Questioning: When one is unsure of their sexual preference.

Polysexual:

When a person likes certain characteristics of multiple genders, not to be confused with pansexual.

to another person of any sex, gender or personality. (Sometimes also known as gender-blind.)

Source: Merriam-websterdictionary.com

Created by Sierra Klawitter

Low member count sets back STAR Club by

Sierra Klawitter

Since the 1970’s, the United States and other countries have seen a rise in laws, marches, parades and same sex-marriages in the LGBTQ community.

At BHS, a club was created for students to express who they are individually and/or to support the rights of those who are LGBTQ. This club is known as STAR Club.

“STAR stands for ‘Standing for Tolerance and Respect,’” club advisor Angela Bruenig said. “The club was started about seven years ago and I have been advising it since

the beginning.”

This year, though, things are different in that there is no active club.

“The most members we’ve had in the club at one time was nine and that was last year,” Bruenig said.

“This year, only two past members are still here, so there are no plans to re-activate the club until there is a number of students that show interest in commiting to the club.”

Throughout the school year, STAR hosts events such as Santagrams and Ally Week.

“Doing the events was my favorite part, but I don’t know if we’re going to be doing them if we don’t have a club,” senior Traci Vang said.

Most members from STAR last

year were seniors and filling their shoes has been proven difficult.

“I wish we still did have a club this year,” Vang said. “But, we wouldn’t have enough involved members like we used to. To get more people involved, we will probably try and educate students more about the club.”

Part of having a group such as STAR is to allow students to open up and express themselves freely in a safe environment.

“A lot of people assume STAR is all about LGBT, but it’s honestly about accepting others, yourself and bettering or teaching how everyone is not the same,” Vang said.

“And we should accept that.”

6

Friday, October 31, 2014

Halestorm drums out new hit album

Roving Reporter What is the scariest thing you have done in the spirit of Halloween?

“I worked at the tannery two years ago as a werewolf,” junior Jack Peters said.

Arts & Entertainment

by

Sierra Klawitter

Hailing from Red Lion, Pennsylvania, the iconic alternative metal band Halestorm has recently made it back in the headlines with talk of an upcoming album to be released at the end of this year.

I have only just recently discovered this band and have to say, they are my latest band obsession.

The band’s 2012 album, “A Strange Case of...,” begins with the single “Love Bites (So Do I)” that opens up with a guitar riff and drum combination that sets a quick paced tone to the song.

Halestorm is also known for doing covers of popular bands such as The Beatles, ACDC, Lady Gaga and Daft Punk.

My favorite is a cover of “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You,” which was originally a song by 70s

hit band Heart.

Lead singer Elizabeth (Lzzy) Hale’s vocals can range from anything from husky and seductive, to bitter and angry at the world.

In the song “American Boys,” Hale models her voice after the 80s punk rock music style, accompanied by heavy bass guitar notes and a steady drum beat.

There is not a song that I have not liked by Halestorm. When the new album hits shelves, I will be first in line to buy it.

Rating out of 5:

Also listen to: Evanescence Seether Breaking Benjamin Three Days Grace

Parking lot disasters

Junior Emily Beltran’s bumper has a clean-cut crack on its right side.

Junior Emily Beltran’s Toyota Camry was hit by junior Carter Jodarski’s Dodge Stratus near the west entrance to the student parking lot on Oct. 6.

“I was waiting to leave the parking lot when Carter backed into me,” Beltran said.

Jodarski’s car was not as severely damaged as Beltran’s, but both students regard the incident as a mishap.

“It was just an accident between two friends,” Jodarski said.

Junior Carter Jodarski’s bumper has several white scratches.

“I let people see my face,” senior Sam Olson said.

Photo: popgoesthecharts.com

#rnghoco

“I played hide and seek in a grave yard,” freshman Carter Rhode said.

Text and photos by Natalie Speers

Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest. The winner is junior Alesha Guenther!

“I went to the haunted tannery,” sophomore Ben Hinz said.

Created by Melanie Haedt

Text and photos by Julia Silloway

Coming Soon to the BHS Stage!

Friday, November 7 @ 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 8 @ 2 p.m .& 7 p.m.

Ticket Prices:

$8 in advance or $9 at door Buy tickets at the Berlin High School Office

Mop Shop

LB Hair & Tootsies

re $5. u o c 0 i f fhig 00 .0 ed 5 hlig $ ap hts off 107 S. Wisconsin Street Berlin, WI 1(920)-361-4401

Arts & Entertainment

Friday, October 31, 2014

Trick -orTreating

‘The Man From Nowhere’ movie worth reading Lindsey Vang

Critically acclaimed Korean action and mystery movie, “The Man From Nowhere” stars veteran actor Won Bin and child actress Kim Sae-Ron. “The Man From Nowhere” is often compared to the American movie “Taken” because both movies focus on different controversial worldwide issues.

The movie begins with Cha Tae-Shik (Won Bin), a pawnshop owner with rugged facial features and his neighbor, Hyo-Jeong (Kim Hyo-Seo), a mother that is a heroin addict, and her daughter So-Mi (Kim Sae-Ron).

As the plot moves along, So-Mi’s mother is murdered and So-Mi is kidnapped. Tae-Shik will do anything to find So-Mi, even if it means getting involved in a drug war, or within organ trafficking mafia that kidnaps “unwanted” children. At this point a person could be tad bit disturbed after seeing what these people do. The effects are so realistic!

Predictably, the police are also on the mafia’s trail but begin to take interest in Tae-Shik and see him as the prime suspect. They bring him in for questioning, but only to watch him quickly and quietly escape. Soon after escaping, TaeShik is motivated to avenge those

You said it, We write it

At a cross country meet, junior Hazel Reck showed coach Matt Willett a bee sting on her leg. “Look Willett! My leg is so hot you can cook a hot dog on it!” Reck said.

by Haylie Mirr

by

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who have inflicted harm to So-Mi and her mother. Meanwhile, the police finally discover Tae-Shik’s hidden and tragic past.

Usually finding a movie that stands up to multiple viewings is a task but with “The Man From Nowhere” each scene draws viewers deeper into the mystery, as well as Won Bin’s superb action scenes. He is a black belt in Taekwondo and did all of his action scenes without any stunt doubles. He also showed off his great acting through only motions and facial expressions, as he has very little dialogue.

In the United States, many are unaccustomed to reading subtitles, but this is a phenomenal Korean movie worth reading. Watch it on Netflix, Hulu or a free online website named Dramafever.com.

Food-lover undercover: New Moon offers home-cooked taste by

Natalie Speers

The idea of chili without any meat had never occured to me as a savory dining option until after my visit to New Moon Cafe in Oshkosh.

First of all, the aroma of the chili brought me back to all the cozy winter nights I have ever spent in my mom’s kitchen, surrounded by homecooked food and happy family.

Yes, it smelled that good.

But wait, there is more to this chili than what meets the nose. Moderately spicy, the perfect creamy mixture and packed with bright yellow corn and plump black beans, the organic vegetable chili was the utopia of soups. In fact, meat would have ruined this piece of art.

I also ordered their “Carte” sandwich with their soup of the day (organic chili, in case you forgot), which turned out to be chicken salad served on disappointingly boring bread cut right down the middle with wilty-ish

romaine lettuce. The cook could have at least cut it into triangles, for pete’s sake. Alas, the sandwich was good, dull appearances aside.

New Moon also offers a mouthwatering variety of specialty coffee creations. Staying true to the typical white girl stereotype, I chose the Jack-o-Lantern: foamy pumpkin spice and white chocolate latte with a shot of espresso. The latte was just shy of exceptional, offering a unique flavor and an energy buzz.

There is open-mic night every Tuesday at New Moon, as well as random alternative and punk bands that occasionally grace the atmosphere of the eco-friendly cafe.

New Moon, an alternative, yuppieattracting cafe with heavenly chili, boring bread and unique coffee, is definitely a place I would recommend anyone to check out.

Rating out of 5:

Photo: Asianwiki.com

Rating out of 5:

Photo: N. Speers New Moon’s delicious organic chili, salt and vinegar chips, and “Carte” (chicken salad) sandwich all come as a complete meal.

“Doing homework in jail would be so much easier,” junior Malerie Harmon said during work time in Contemporary American Literature.

“Yeah it would be a lot quieter,” junior Jordan Konrath said.

“What the heck is District of Columbia?” senior Stacie Klika said to American Government teacher Jennifer Leahy.

During Human Spirit, “Ryan, you look dashing today,” senior Roberto Campos said.

“Thanks, I like your kicks,” junior Ryan Wenig said.

“Well...I like you,” Campos said.

(Awkward silence amongst class)

We Want to Hear From

You! Voice your opinion.

Bring letters to the Editor to Melanie Haedt or to Ms. Kuehmichel’s room

8

Sports

Friday, October 31, 2014

Berlin seizes first playoff berth since 2005 by

Julia Silloway

The varsity football team accomplished two goals at once: winning the Homecoming game Oct. 10 and earning a playoff spot that they have not held since 2005.

“It felt good to achieve a goal that has not been done in a long time,” outside linebacker Mitchell Yonke said. “We have gone into each game knowing we can compete with any team and I feel that has showed in the outcomes of the games whether it was a win or a close loss.”

For any team, going to the playoffs is a big deal. But, not being in playoffs for 9 years and still having the support of the community says a lot about Berlin.

“We can’t thank the town of Berlin enough for being behind us and we are proud to be able to reward them with a playoff berth,” quarterback Dakota Ross said. “They have been with us through the down times, which we have encountered over about a decade, but when you suit up each week knowing you are playing for a town that has great pride in football, it is an honor.”

Photo: A. Thiel The varsity Berlin Indians football team huddles up on offense as the referees claim a Berlin first down last Friday night at Plymouth. The game ended in a 21-0 lead for Berlin.

As captain of the team, Ross leads the team and gets them in the right mindset for the playoffs.

“Leading the team is a huge responsibility,” Ross said. “It is not that hard to lead the team when you have such a good group of guys that you get to share the field with.

Everybody contributes and makes each week easier as we all come to-

Sportsbriefs Soccer finishes season, stronger for next season

The boys soccer team finished their season with a final record of 9-8-4.

“It was a pretty tough season and being a young team we have had a lot of ups and downs but I think we have the making of a competitive team for the next two years at least,” senior Kiernan Nos said.

Swimming begins end of season

The girls swim team is entering the preliminary finals at Fond du Lac High School tomorrow.

“We are hoping for a good day, but it is always hard when we have such a small team compared to others,” Captain Megan Werch said.

Cross country runs at sectionals, one on to state

The cross country varsity runners ran at Sectionals in CedargroveBelgium on Oct. 25. Though the team, as a whole, did not make it to state, junior Julia Silloway will run indiviudally at the state meet tomorrow in Wisconsin Rapids.

gether.”

The preparation paid off for the Berlin football team as they pulled off a win at last Friday night’s football game against Plymouth, pushing them to level two in the playoffs.

“Winning gave us the mentality to win and know that we are able to beat any team we face,” running back Mitchell Kramer said.

The game was a clean stride for Berlin after coming out to a 7-0 lead at halftime with a rushing touchdown by Kramer. That lead began to grow during the third and fourth quarters with Ross scoring the second touchdown for a 14-0 lead. Running back Nick Reinsbach had the third and final touchdown of the game giving the Indians the

upperhand with a 21-0 win by the conclusion of the game.

“We went in believing that we could win and that’s how it ended,” Yonke said. “It felt good to be a part of this team, but it doesn’t end there.”

The next football game is tonight at Luxemburg-Casco with kick off at 7 p.m.

Game Changers

Distance increase bearable for girls cross by

Julia Silloway

Running 3.1 miles compared to 2.5 miles is challenging but tolerable. It takes practice but success will come.

This cross country season WIAA changed the rules for the girls to run the same distance as the boys due to a complaint of discrimination against girls.

Now running the same distance as the boys, the girls can compare times to see where they would be ranked and to create more competition with their

teammates.

Making only one course for both guys and girls is easier and helpful for the hosts of the meet to prepare the course, instead of two courses as in previous years.

Longer distance also does not bring any changes to practices.

Practicing longer routes from five to six miles always helps endurance. Speed workouts on the track helps the sprint at the finish. Also, hill routes help on the tougher courses.

Running the longer distance takes time to prepare for, but anyone is able to do it. Practic-

ing hard shows improvement at courses, and achieving a goal is very enjoyable and satisfying to not only the athletes, but to the coaches and parents as well.

As teammates, there is a better understanding between boys and girls of the most difficult places in the route. Being at the tougher spots cheering encourages them all to get through the race.

Most importantly, this game changer is a positive one because with the boys and girls running the same distances it brings the whole team closer.

Volleyball season ends at regional finals by

Photo: EDGE Photography

Captain Megan Sondalle awaits Ripon’s serve during game five of the regional semi-finals on Oct. 21.

Alyssa Thiel

The Lady Indians varsity volleyball team captured their first playoff win against Ripon at home on Oct. 21. The match went into all five sets.

“We started with lots of motivation and energy and won our first two sets,” Captain Megan Sondalle said. “Then we became overconfident and lost the next two.”

Going into the fifth set, the girls were forced to change their attitude.

“We realized we had to pull ourselves back together, this wasn’t going to be as easy as we had hoped,” Sondalle said.

Berlin pulled through the slump and defeated Ripon in the final set 15-9.

“It’s always good to beat your rivals, especially in the playoffs,” Captain Jordyn Putzke said. “This win gave us a huge drive for Thursday’s game.”

Berlin’s second regional game was away against the third seed, Fox Valley Lutheran on Oct. 23. Berlin lost the regional final in four sets.

“We put up a good fight,” Putzke said. “I’m glad we were able to take one set away from them.”

Berlin lost the first two sets 25-22, 25-18, won the third set 25-23 then lost the fourth 25-16.

“I’m thankful for how much we’ve accomplished this season,” Sondalle said. “Everyone on this team helped make this a great last year for me.”

Berlin ended the season with a final record of 17-14.