Directions Volume 32, Issue 1
November 13, 2009
Knox High School
INDIANA SETS LAWS FOR NEW DRIVERS by Rachael Winebrenner
Drivers in possession of a probationary license issued on July 1, 2009, or who anticipate requiring one in the future will want to know about the new drivers licensing law that applies to anyone under that age of 18. This new law addresses cell phone use, nighttime driving, passengers, crashes, and moving traffic violations. The laws became effective July 1. A majority of teenagers have cell phones and use them with almost every breath. With that said, many may not be pleased to learn that under the new law all telecommunication devices cannot be used by drivers under the age of 18 while operating a vehicle. Emergency 911 calls are the only exception. Reasoning behind the new law includes research that shows cell phones have, in fact, been proven in a series of tests to be more dangerous than drunk driving. Nightlife provides the pulse for lots of teens, but under the new law, that beat may slow. The first 180 days of driving for new drivers will be restricted to driving between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. After the first 180 days, however, the rules become a little more flexible, but some restrictions will still stand: Sunday through Thursday underage drivers will be allowed to be
Ratliff said when she saw students engaged in learning, she couldn’t think of anything more fun to do.
Jade Draper and Kyle Page demonstrate the dangers of texting while driving in this mock accident. on the roads 5 a.m.- 11 p.m., and Saturday accompanied by a licensed driver 25 years through Sunday they can be out from 5-1 or older. Additionally, in at-fault crash or a.m. Exemptions for these new restrictions moving traffic violations, probationary include work, school, or church- related drivers will no longer qualify for court activities or if the driver is accompanied by a diversion programs. licensed driver over the age of 25. July 1, 2010, other new rules will The first 180 days of holding a probationary be effective for drivers with learner license no passengers will be allowed in permitstionary licenses. One such rule the vehicle with the underage driver. One see Laws, p. 6 exception, however, is if the driver is
Knox Welcomes Dr. Ratliff!
by Sam Snyder The Knox Community School Corporation has been no stranger to administrative changes in the past few years. The latest addition is Dr. Elizabeth Ratliff, new principal at the high school. Ratliff began her education in New Mexico, where she earned her bachelors in accounting. Shortly after, Ratliff said she had the opportunity to view what she called an amazing, business vocational class, which inspired her to choose a career in the educational field. After seeing
how students were engaged in their learning, Ratliff said she couldn’t think of anything more fun to do. She moved on to obtain her masters degree and then her doctorate in educational leadership. Ratliff’s previous education experience includes working in Arizona and, closer to home, at Plymouth High School, where she was assistant principal. While there, she handled the bulk of the discipline, plus some additional curriculum duties. Right now, Ratliff is focusing on
see Ratliff, p. 6
Opinion Redskin Talk by Alexis Sheets
Q: What did you want to be when you were younger? “A farmer. I used to ride around on my “big” tractor in my yard... until I was too big and it broke.”
“I wanted to be a psychiatrist and help people with their minds.” -Abby Marsh, junior
-Ethan Coad, senior
“I wanted to be a singer so I could be famous.”
“A professional football player.” -Brandon Beauchamp, junior
-Kara Aaron, freshman
“A lawyer because my mom told me that they made lots of money.”
“A police officer.”
-Anthony Tomerlin, senior
-Alexis Eby, sophomore
Welcome Knox Publications!
Directions Staff
Kaitlyn Betz Natasha Redlin Stefanie Bradley Brittany Rowe Rashya Davis Samantha Snyder Cassandra Glover Rachael Monicca Guise Winebrenner Becca Hardel Layout Editor: Alexis Sheets Adviser: Mrs. Kubaszyk
Welcome to issue 1, volume 32, of the 2009-’10 Knox High School newspaper, Directions! This year brings multiple changes in the way student publications are produced, meaning that today’s newspaper will be brought to readers completely online using the latest available technology. Students, faculty and staff have been asking, “Are we having a newspaper this year?” and the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” but it’s taken many weeks of hard work reconfiguring and tweaking to get this up-to-date publication off the ground. Also, for the first time, Directions and the Knox yearbook, Sanbur, have been combined into one class under the umbrella of Knox Publications, and our fledgling staff is working double-duty to create two, outstanding publications in a class which in previous years met twice as long. That aside, the high school community has much to look forward to in this year’s newspapers and yearbook. For instance, with many thanks to the Graphics Department and the Knox technology crew, the publications staff has been developing skills in newspaper layout using the most recent installation of Adobe InDesign and PhotoShop. What does this mean for reader? As the publications staff hones its journalist skills, we hope to provide more in-depth stories, more features, more pictures, and more entertainment. Additionally, readers will enjoy fullcolor, cover-to-cover photos and designs in both the newspaper and yearbook. Knox Publications hopes you enjoy this issue of Directions. We welcome your comments and feedback and hope you will bear with us through our “growing pains” as we develop through the Age of Technology. Go Redskins! ~Mrs. Kubaszyk, Publications adviser
2
Sports 2009 Volleyball Sectional Champs “We had an outstanding season,” said Skelly. “We appreciate the support that we have received throughout this awesome journey! We are already excited for next season to begin!” by Monicca Guise
The Knox girl's volleyball team rocked the court this year with a record of 30 wins for varsity and a 17-8 season for junior varsity. Standouts included senior Kristine Adamiec, juniors Brittany Tetzloff, Caity Farus, Janyl Zachary, Kierstynn Combs, and Kelsey Kajer, sophomores Hannah Folkers, and Emma Manns. The Gary Post-Tribune named Knox Brittany Tetzloff said she loved Coach Skelly’s jumping jacks.
Kaity Farus said she loved winning sectionals and the boys’ body painting at regionals. volleyball in the top five area teams. Coached by Jake Skelly, the girls took second in the LaPorte tournament and stomped off the Tippecanoe Valley tournament court as undefeated champs. The team was co-champs (3-0) in the South Bend Adams tournament and won the class 3A sectional at Rensselaer Central by blowing out Andrean 3-0, and later scored a pounding win against
3
a tough Griffith team, earning Knox volleyball the first sectional title in 20 years. They wrapped up the season with a bittersweet loss to Mishawaka Marian in the Twin Lakes regional competition. Senior Kristine Adamiec ended her high school career with three digs against Mishawaka Marian at regional competition.
Sports Redskins Wrap Up Fall Season
Football
Knox:0 Winamac:20 Knox:27 North Judson:23 Knox:7 John Glenn:28 Knox:6 John Glenn:20 Knox:0 Jimtown:10 Knox:21 LaVille:0 Knox:32 LaVille:0 Knox:26 Culver:0 Knox:13 Bremen:7 Knox:27 Triton:0 Knox:14 New Prairie:6 Knox:31 John Glenn:15 Knox:6 Andrean:28
Band
Goshen: 56.5 Carol:(2nd place) 57.4 Kokomo:(4th place) 57.9 Maconaquah: 56.8 Penn District: (4th place) gold rating 60+ Plymouth: (5th place) 66 Chesterton Regionals: gold rating 64+ Wins: LaCross Boone Grove Culver Westville Bi-County meet at West Central 3rd at Kouts Invitational 18th at CMA Invite 7th at Sectionals
C R O S S C O U N T R Y
Loses: to West Central to Bremen to Triton Austin Edwards advanced to Regionals
4
Knox: 3 New Prairie:2 Knox:5 North Judson:0 Knox:4 Kankakee Valley:1 Knox:0 Triton:5 Knox:1 John Glenn:4 Knox:3 Tippy Valley:2
Knox:0 Jimtown:5 Knox:0 Bremen:5 Knox:4 LaVille:1 Knox:0 LaPorte:5 Knox Invitational: 8th Knox:4 North Judson:1 Knox:4 Rensselaer:1
Boys’ Tennis:
Feature The National Guard by Becca Hardel
The National Guard is the oldest component of the United States armed forces and one of the nation’s longest enduring institutions. The National Guard first participated in The First Munster in 1636, when the force was barely three months old. Organized on Dec. 13, 1636, the National Guard celebrates its 373rd birthday in December. Historically, the Guard has fought in many conflicts, including the Civil War, especially at Gettysburg,
World War I, World War II, and in numerous engagements in the War on Terror. The National Guard has also provided much needed assistance during national crises, most recently and notably in the wake of hurricane Katrina. Knox Community High School has many students who have joined the Guard and others who are still considering joining. Seniors Micheal Hoekman, Max Brewer, and Monicca Guise have taken their oaths for the National Guard and attended basic training last summer. Hoekman spent his summer at Fort Benning, Ga., while Brewer attended Fort Sill, Ok. Guise’s basic training was at Fort Leonardwood, Mo. Attending National Guard basic training in summer 2010 are junior (Gordon) Trae Scheib and
senior Micheal Merriman. For more information about the National Guard, contact: Corporal James W. Boyd, Jr., (574) 936-2715, ext. 17, or (574) 309-5779. Or, visit the U.S. National Guard website at: www.1-800-GO-Guard.com
From left: Corporal James W. Boyd, Jr., Max Brewer, Michael Merriman, Michael Hoekman, Trae Scheib, and Monicca Guise
Redskins Travel to Washington by Stefanie Bradley
Over the summer, three Redskin students traveled to Washington, D.C., where they studied government and electric cooperatives in an orientation program for the Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. Seniors Kristine Adam Lee, Heather Pick, and Kassandra Saylor were among 78 students across Indiana to participate in the 50th anniversary year of the program. The trip kicked off June 11 in Indianapolis when the group toured the Indiana Statehouse, heading for the District of Columbia the next day. Along the way, the group visited several historical sites, including Gettysburg Battlefield
and Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Arrival in D.C. found the attendees on the go with visits to Arlington National Cemetery, the National Mall Museum, the Newseum, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Finally, the delegates met with Woodrow Wilson Center director and former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton. The delegates then went to the “Youth Tour Rally” where they learned about the “Our Energy and Our Future” project. Later, they heard from the Olympic medallist in U.S.A. men’s wheelchair basketball Mike Schlappi, who shared his inspirational story and them to “stand out”
5
wherever their career paths led them. The trip highlight, delegates agreed, was the luncheon they shared on Capital Hill with Indiana Congressmen Baron Hill, Dan Burton and Joe Donnelly. After lunch they met with Indiana Congressman Mike Pence for a photo op and to discuss current events.
Feature Senior Spotlight by Cassandra Glover
Joe Rietow
Jessica Walters
Q: What occupation are you most interested in pursuing?
Q: What occupation are you most interested in pursuing?
A:Dentistry
A: Physical Education.
Q:What are you looking forward to the most after graduation?
Q: What college do you think you would like to attend?
A: College baseball and not having to live at home.
A: Indiana Tech.
Q: What's your school-related most humiliating moment? A: When I wore women's clothing to school for money. Q: What are you most proud of? A: Being second in my class.
Q:What are you looking forward to the most after graduation? A: Having a summer of freedom! Q: Of what accomplishment are you most proud? A: Being a senior!
Laws continued from p. 1 permits and probationary licenses. One such rule mandates that drivers who receive their learner permit before July 1, 2010, will have no age restriction for starting the classroom portion of driver education. Also, those who obtain a learner permit after July 1 must be age 15 and have 180 days of driver education before beginning the class behind-the-wheel training. Finally, those who receive a probationary license before July 1, 2010, will need to wait 30 days if they have taken drivers education before obtaining their license... Those haven’t taken driver education will need to wait 180 days and must have held their learner permit for 60 days prior to obtaining a license. Anyone who receives a probationary license on or after July 1, 2010, and who has taken driver education will need to wait 180 days; otherwise, drivers who haven’t taken the class will need to wait 270 days. These applicants must also have held a permit for 180 days and must have 50 hours of supervised practice driving with a licensed driver 25 years or older.
6
Food Drive Kicks Off
Each year the Knox Community School Corporation provides food baskets to area families in need of assistance during the holidays. Traditionally, a friendly competition between the middle and high schools has developed to see which school can raise the most donations, but it’s all in the name of a good cause. Organizers are asking for donations of new or very clean and gently used toys, canned or packaged foods, baby food and formula and cash donations to purchase specific items. Donations can be dropped off in the high school main office. For an opportunity to win a gift card drawing, food items can be left in the rooms of Miss Terrill Hahn or Mrs. Josette Kubaszyk. Every five pounds of food earns students the opportunity to be placed in the drawing. The Knox Food Drive runs through Dec. 9, and baskets will be distributed Dec. 10 and 11. Ratliff continued from p. 1 helping students pass the End of Course Assessment Test, but she said she is also doing her best ensure that Knox High School is a fun and exciting environment in which to learn. She acknowledged her biggest challenge is in keeping the students engaged. Ratliff said she finds that there is so much technology available, from television to cell phones, that it can be difficult to provide an exciting and engaging learning environment for students. Ratliff said most of her family is from Knox, making this career move a good choice for her. Her father even graduated from Knox High School, and Ratliff said she couldn’t think of a better place to be. Ratliff also has a daughter in kindergarten who can often be spotted at games. “She is the loud one,” the principal laughed. It is also interesting to note that Ratliff said she absolutely loves computers and any kind of gadgetry. She added that she also likes to cook, but mostly for the gadgets she gets to use in the kitchen!
Entertainment Horoscope Fun
Fans Sink Teeth Into New Moon
by Brittany Rowe If you’ve read all the books and have seen the first movie, prepare now for the next film in the sequence, New Moon, coming to theaters Nov. 20. While Twilight focused on the relationship of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), New Moon reveals the secrets of rival Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) and his love for Bella. Following Bella's horrible eighteenth birthday, the Cullen family and Edward feel their presence places her too much
at risk and decide to leave town. Broken hearted, depressed, and dazed, Bella turns to her long-time friend Jacob. As her heart slowly heals, Bella discovers new things to fear and begins to understand the true role Edward plays in her life. And, thinking she will no
longer be a part of the supernatural world, she learns the secret of the Quileute wolves and the real reasons for Edward’s departure. Find out what happens as Bella risks her life and friendship with Jacob as she races against time to save her beloved Edward.
7
by Rashya Davis Aries ~ You must remember to keep your family close; you can always trust them. Look forward to an interesting social activity on your agenda. Taurus ~ Make friends with new people by stepping out of your comfort zone. Focus on improving the environment and give yourself a feel-good boost! Gemini ~ A surprise is just around the corner for you. Keep your eyes open for it to avoid a shocking setback. Cancer ~ November is your moneymaker month. Plan ahead to invest funds and you’ll earn more than just pocket change for spending. Leo ~ Save, save, save your money this month -- a rainy day is just around the corner. Two things you had lost will be found. Virgo ~ Don't be too hard on yourself this month. Focus on spending time with your family and lighten up a bit. You know money is tight, but your friends will enjoy your alternative, inexpensive ideas for having fun. Libra ~ Happy Birthday! You may feel like working on your own a lot this month, but don't let the important people in your life be left out. Let them know what’s going on to avoid a bad situation. Scorpio ~ Be careful this month! You’re on shaky ground at school. Still, give it time, and you just might find that silver lining. Sagittarius ~ November is a roller coaster ride for you. Sometimes you’ll feel like you can't get things right, then the next minute you'll find yourself doing okay. Someone at home will make you feel good this month. Capricorn~ Heavy studying is on your mind this month. You'll be feeling overwhelmed with homework, but the tests will prove it’s all worth it. That will be the time to take a break from school to spend some time with your friends. Aquarius ~ Watch your behavior the third week of the month. Friends will want to give advice about everything; you must be patient with them. Don't fight fire with fire. Pisces ~ Look out for a frustrating November, so try to keep some perspective. Let friends and family help you out, and you'll be sure to get through this rough spell.
Entertainment Fun Facts by Becca Hardel
Important Date Set for Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland”
A Human Body Contains enough...
☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼
Sulfur to kill the fleas on an average dog. Iron to make a 3 inch nail. Fat to make 7 bars of soap. Carbon to make 900 pencils. Phosphorous to make 2,200 matc heads. Potassium to fire a toy cannon. Water to fill a 38 liter/10 gallon tank.
Fishy Laws ☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼
Say ☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼
Boise, Idaho: Residents may not fish from a giraffe's back. State of Idaho: You may not fish from a camel's back. State of Indiana: No one may catch a fish with his/her bare hands. State of Kentucky: It's illegal to fish in the Ohio River in Kentucky with out an Indiana fishing license. State of Montana: It is illegal for married women to go fishing alone on Sundays, and it’s illegal for un- married women to fish alone at all.
by Rachael Winebrenner
Remember the Disney classic about the young girl Alice who enters another realm where everything is the opposite of reality? Imagine that same movie, only a little darker and more sinister, and you’ll have a good idea of Tim Burton’s recent adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. Burton has created his own version of the classic children’s tale with a thrilling twist What? About 200,000 videos are uploaded in which a now 19-year-old Alice to YouTube every day. Mel Blanc, who played the voice of Bugs Bunny, was allergic to carrots. New Zealand is home to 4 million people and 70 million sheep. The world's average school year is 200 days per year. In the U.S., 180 days; in Sweden, 170 days; in Japan, 243 days.
Source(s): http://www.didyouknow.org/fastfacts.htm http://www.funfacts.com.au/
8
returns to the realm of her childhood adventure and finds that she must stop the Red Queen from creating chaos. The movie is packed with talented and familiar Hollywood faces, including the crowd favorite Johnny Depp, who plays the Mad Hatter. Audiences may remember him from the popular film Pirates of the Caribbean. Mia Wasikowska stars in the role of Alice, and the part of the Red Queen is occupied by none other than Helena Bonham Carter, who fans will recall from the Harry Potter series, as Bellatrix Lestrange. Anne Hathaway (Ella Enchanted and Bride Wars) is beautiful as the White Queen. The White Rabbit is played by Michael Sheen. Still under production, the movie is set for release on the big screen March 5, 2010. Tim Burton fans will want to check out this sure-toplease, reality-traveling adventure!