Volume 43 Issue 1 - October 4, 2007

Meet the staff

Halo 3

Halloween

centerspread

page 7

backpage

the Talisman a student newspaper

shstalisman@gmail.com myspace.com/shstalisman 2455 willakenzie Road, Eugene, Oregon 97401 volume 43 Issue 1 October 4, 2007 Sheldon High School

Vandalism damages concession stand Brand new food booth suffers roof damage over Labor Day weekend

by Olivia Davis staff writer The first day of school is supposed to be about excitement, meeting new people, and hearing Sheldon’s announcements at the beginning of the day. But this year, second period received an announcement that troubled some of the students. It didn’t take long for everyone to find out that the school had been vandalized.

“We’ve done everything we can to make this building a nice place,” stated vice principle Mike Johnson. The school has had to pay thousands of dollars to repair what vandalism has ruined over this summer, and also over the Labor Day

weekend. The vandals damaged the new concession stand, leaving behind evidence of attempts to break in. The ticket booth was vandalized as well. Sheldon High has even offered a reward of three-hundred dollars for anyone who comes forward with information on the individuals who vandalized our school. But the money for the school’s budget for repairs doesn’t grow on trees. Campus supervisor Darin Henry said, “Tax payers will pay for [the damages].”

The concession stand and ticket booth are not the only things damaged these past few months. In July, broken beer bottles were found on the sports stadium. Along with the bottles, a pipe was found shoved under the turf. Damage was done to the new concession stand’s roof, and costs for repairs for all these acts amounted to more than three-thousand dollars. The 4J facilities department offered a five-hundred dollar reward for individuals with knowledge of this event.

In September, there were quite a few times when the school was vandalized, besides the vandalism mentioned on the announcements. Individuals broke into the school, took fire extinguishers, and used them to ruin the vents in Sheldon High. If the individuals are caught who did this, they will be charged for breaking and entering, burglary, and attempted burglary.

This vandalism has been taken quite seriously. No one from Sheldon has come forward with any information, though.

Because of this, officer John Savage commented, “It makes me believe that the students here aren’t involved anymore.”

While students wait for repairs to be done on whatever was vandalized, Sheldon’s budget cannot be used for things such as new equipment to benefit the school, since it is being used on repairs instead.

It’s just like Mr. Johnson stated: “It’s just not fair.”

Career center college visits inform Sheldon students A wide variety of post high school opportunities are presented to those currently considering their futures

by Caroline Hanson opinions editor High schools offer numerous resources for college and career-bound students. Sheldon has an excellent career center, and helpful, attentive counselors who are available by appointment. Many students, most commonly seniors, schedule to meet with an advisor alongside their parents for advice, and to hear a professional opinion about college. Some students, such as senior Nikki Minihan,

Upcoming college visits: 10/11/07 10/18/07 10/18/07 10/22/07 10/22/07 10/23/07 10/23/07 10/24/07 10/26/07 10/31/07

12:45 p.m.

9-11 a.m.

1:25 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:45 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

Linfield College OUS Visititation Whitman College Middlebury College Sterling College U. of Puget Sound U. of Washington NW Christian College Pomona College Naropa University

started early. “I’ve known what I wanted to do since freshman year, I’ve always planned to be a veterinarian and attend OSU,” stated Minihan. Some students, however, aren’t as organized as Minihan, such as senior Brad Coffee. “I wish I had started planning for college earlier, instead of waiting until my senior year,” Coffee said.

College visitations are one of the most helpful resources that high schools offer to current students. The goal of most colleges is to provide potential students with enough information about what they offer, in order to diversify and fill their campus with interested, wellinformed students. It is normal to feel completely overwhelmed while trying to decide what to do after high school. College visits try to decrease the stress by providing some of the information that one needs to make a decision. These visitations are held at Sheldon every year. The colleges that visit are mainly universities from surrounding areas and states. However, every year different colleges decide to take part in the visits. Senior Ashley Pinkham said, “College visits are informative and they are good to get a feel of what the college is offering.”

College visits here at Sheldon run from September 17 through October 23. The visits include a wide variety of colleges and military post-high school options. The colleges that participate in the visits range from LCC, on October 18, to Pomona College on October 26.

All college visits times and dates are posted in a glass case located in the career center, which is in the main office. If you have any questions and have a hard time scheduling an appointment with your assigned counselor, there are always parent volunteers in the career center.

Planning for college may be one of the biggest decisions of your life but you aren’t alone in the process. There are a lot of resources and trained professionals willing

to guide you through the decision-making process. The important thing to remember is to apply to all the colleges that interest you, not just the safe ones. You never know exactly who a college is looking for and it could be you.

Ashley Admire photo

A representative from Scripps College explains opportunities available at her school.

Excitement builds for October 20 homecoming dance Homecoming may not have a theme yet, but students still anxiously await the traditional fall dance and game

by Larry Simmons features editor Homecoming is on its way! This event comes only once a year. It’s time to go out and get a new dress or suit, and a dancing partner. Come join the rest of the student body for a magical, musical night at Sheldon High School.

Homecoming is important to a variety of people, such as the cheerleaders, the freshmen, and football players like number fourteen, Jordon Johnson. He is a sophomore on the

varsity football team. Johnson explained, “Homecoming is just another dance.” Some may think football players are expected to go to homecoming, but Johnson said, “I’m going on my own will, and I’m not expected to go.” Homecoming week is not only about the dance, there is also the big game which takes a lot of team work and practice. Johnson said, “Sheldon is playing against North Medford, who Sheldon has defeated in the past.”

It also takes a great deal of work putting the dance together. Elyse Myers is in charge of dances and various school activities. Myers has been in charge of these events for six years, which may sound like a long time, but Myers thinks otherwise. “I enjoy it and working with kids is my ultimate.” Leadership hasn’t come up with a theme for the dance yet, but since it is taking place eleven days before Halloween, maybe a costume theme would be the perfect scenario? Myers elaborated, “The theme is still in the

works but will be revealed to the students and staff soon.”

A freshman’s opinion of homecoming is a good thing, since they are new to high school. Sometimes freshmen feel like the upper classmen don’t really like them, and don’t want them at the homecoming dance. Freshman Ashley Eid doesn’t care what the upper classmen think, “I don’t think as a freshman I’m unliked by the upper classmen, but sometimes [upperclassmen] feel as if they’re better in some ways.” Eid continued, “I m going to homecoming regardless because I want to get my dance on.”

The homecoming game is on Friday, October 19, 2007.

The home game starts at 7:00 p.m. The homecoming dance is on Saturday, October 20, 2007 and runs from 8:30 to 11:00 p.m. The event will take place in the cafeteria. For more information on ticket pricing, dress code policy, and any other homecoming questions please contact Elyse Myers in the scheduling office.

2 October 4, 2007

News

the Talisman

Freshmen adjusting to high school Freshmen take the plunge from middle school to high school

by Ryan Pederson staff writer Adjustment between being in middle school and being in high school is different for every freshman. For some it’s easy. The ninth graders enjoy the ability of being able to drop classes and choose what they want to learn and when.

Some of these freshmen, however, are very nervous because there are a lot of people around them who they do not know.

They do, however, start to get to know new people through common classes, clubs or sports, or through other friends.

Most freshmen enjoy the freedom of high school, and some of

Genocide continues in Darfur The genocide in Darfur is continuing, yet little is being done to stop it

by Brad Morse staff writer

In Darfur, there is currently a large war being fought.

The causes are a mixture of an environmental emergency in the area, fast population growth, desertification, political opportunism, and religious politics. On one side, there is the Sudanese military and a militia force called the Janjaweed.

Opposing them are numerous resistance groups, the largest of which are the Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudan Liberation Movement. Much confusion exists about these varied groups. Junior Cody Holman said, “I think the situation is way too complicated to be easily explained.”

The Sudanese government has hidden much of what is going on from the world by killing journalists in the area, and tampering with evidence, such as mass graves. However, enough is known to confirm that it is both genocide and an ethnic cleansing. It has been reported that the Janjaweed uses rape as a weapon against civilians; in the region, raped women are considered unclean and often exiled.

On August 24, 2006, the International Rescue Committee released a report that in the last several weeks hundreds of women were raped near the Kalma refugee camp. The figure is likely much larger than that, as many of the raped women would understandably be hesitant to step forward.

Sophomore Joey Arosine said “It’s terrible what’s going on.”

On August 31, 2006, the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) decided to send a peacekeeping unit of 17,300 soldiers to the region. The unit was originally only supposed to be there until September 31, but it was extended to December 31, and later to April 31, 2007 (it is still there).

Junior Satchel Kornfeld said, “There will definitely be more violence before this is over.” If you wish to help end the conflict you can write your senator/congressmen or donate money to one of the many organizations that is trying to help. You can also go to Peace Club meetings to learn more.

the teachers are much more lenient than middle school teachers. Other teachers are much stricter than middle school teachers, and certain freshmen believe this helps them because it forces them to make sure they get all their work in on time and pay attention in class. Freshman Nick Beudert said, “The teachers are more strict; I like that better because it makes us want to do our work.”

Ninth graders also like the ability to leave campus during lunch, and choose what they want to eat. Free periods are also popular with most freshmen; they give them the ability to finish homework, ask teachers for help, or just spend time with their friends. When asked which he liked better, high school or middle school, freshman Epesavora Elder said, “High school, because you have more choices and options.”

Most teenagers today prefer freedom to structure, and this statement is probably true for most students,

freshmen to seniors. They even get freedom to choose what program they want to be in. They can choose comprehensive, IHS, or Honors classes. This choice, however, is another way that friends can get separated into different classes and may not see each other often.

Some students new to high school are nervous about learning foreign languages, and last year (according to the yearbook) the least popular class among all students was a foreign language. Others have no fear of learning a new language. For some, however, it is math classes that they are nervous about. Some ninth graders aren’t worried about any of their classes, but most freshmen are nervous about something. After a while they realize that most people around them are worried too. Overall, most freshmen who were asked about how they felt now that they had been in high school for a few weeks, said that almost all of their fears and nervous feelings were gone.

Use of drugs on campus rising

Drugs at Sheldon are becoming more common as more students give into peer pressure

By Andrew Moss staff writer

As you’re walking down the hall at Sheldon H.S. you see people socializing; laughing and gossiping you’re thinking about childish things, but just a couple hundred yards out to the fields and there is this very adult world, one filled with drugs! For many at Sheldon this is a common routine. The presence of drugs is undeniable.

Whether it is cigarettes, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine or any of the other numerous reality changers, drugs are seen on one hand as a positive escape and on the other as a youth-corrupter. It is hard to judge where and when drugs are justifiable or if they’re justifiable at all. One Sheldon junior said, “I think drugs aren’t really good to have in schools, but for some people like that I know that have arthritis problems with a lot of pain, I guess it’s sorta okay.” He laughed.

Over the years the amount of underage illicit drug use has increased. There are many reasons why students are accepting these invitations to a warped state of mind.

One of the largest reasons is peer pressure. Drugs have been increasing in a snowball effect. One person gets some pot and smokes it, then another, and another, and it becomes a huge fad. Another huge factor that causes someone to start drug use is curiosity. People are curious about the effects of drugs and therefore they experiment. Feeling the active ingredients go through them heightens or dulls their senses.

There is a lot of negativity towards drugs but people are actually not that well-informed when it comes to rejecting drugs as if they were the devil himself. According to one Stanford journalist, “Students and administrators agree that while alcohol and marijuana are widespread at Stanford, overall drug use is not a problem.” Officials say hard drugs are the most dangerous, but they are not very common.

Sheldon campus supervisor Derek Chin said, “I never really see drugs on campus, but often I have to take kids that are high or drunk out of class.” It is debatable whether drug use really affects a large population at Sheldon. Some statistics are very hard to determine but, here are some cold, true facts: 1) The average age for trying a cigarette is between 11 and 13. 2) If you do not smoke when you have reach age 18, there is a 99% chance that you won’t smoke.

In high school every student has to make smart, life-changing decisions. Drugs can affect these choices and ultimately where they end up.

Sheldon theater: working to entertain Sheldon’s drama department works very hard to make sure everything goes according to plan

by Jenessa Howery staff writer Sheldon’s theatre program isn’t as popular as our football team, but they should get the same credit.

Having to memorize lines, come in for set-con, and the long hours of running through script wear you out.

Not to mention sacrificing precious homework time to stay after school to make costumes and props. In result of not being well funded like other activities, they have to put on fundraisers to raise money, the drama department has to sell their former props and costumes. For instance, they will sell the man-eating plant from “Little Shop of Horrors” for extra money.

Senior Jessica Elder explained, “Another way we get money is the costs come out of the drama budget and out of our own pocket, and then we are reimbursed.”

Some of the theatre’s money comes from ticket sales obviously, so the members of the Sheldon Theatre promote their latest production by displaying posters around Eugene. They go to their sponsor’s businesses at put up posters, and put posters around the school too. The members of the crew for that particular show designate one day, a few weeks before the show, to distribute posters. They pile

into the upperclassmen’s cars and drive around town in groups displaying the posters in hope of a good turn out.

The last few shows that our theatre program has put on, have been well done and have seemed organized. It takes many people, and grueling hours of work and preparation to make a show run smoothly. About seven to eight weeks are spent before opening night to prepare for the show. Twentyfive to thirty people are needed for the different tasks that take place through out the weeks before a show, and more are needed for a musical. There is a hair crew, costume

Ashley Admire photo

crew, and props crew, that deal with the characters in the play. There are also the people who deal with the electrical parts of the stage. The theatre has their entire electrical crew for lights, microphones, and sound.

Last year the drama program lost quite a few very talented seniors. Senior Trevor Eichorn said, “People always say, ‘Oh what are we going to do without so and so,’ but I believe the underclassmen and juniors always step up and fill the shoes well.” Eichorn played a lead role in “Little Shop of Horrors”, last year’s spring musical. He will also play a character in Sheldon’s up coming show, “Simon Says”.

“Simon Says” is about a struggling local theatre that needs to put on a play to raise money. The play they put on is much like last year’s performance, “The Odd Couple”.

Sophomore Hollis Gehrett was quoted saying, “It’s crazy!” David Beck, who directed “The Odd Couple”, is the writer of “Simon Says” and is also directing it.

Features

the Talisman

October 4, 2007

3

Student community service is Animals are important to the environment approaching Each Sheldon program has different requirements for community service

by Ashley Admire photo editor Sheldon students are constantly searching for ways to look appealing to the college of their choice.

Colleges are looking for more than just passing grades. They look at course load, test scores, and entrance essays, but they’re also hoping to find well-rounded students who are involved in their community.

Members of the IHS and Honors programs not only get to impress colleges with their advanced classes, but each program requires a number of community service hours. The 4J honors diploma requires 120 hours and the IHS program requires 130 hours. IHS not only has a few more hours, but also has stricter rules

about when they can be completed.

Thirty hours are completed during junior year for projects class, and students can’t work on the rest until the summer before their senior year.

Other programs require forms of community service as well. Members of NHS must perform 20 hours, completed by participating in the variety of activities offered by the program. Leadership students are required to do one activity put together by the group, but usually do many more. And IHS students going for the full IB diploma have to complete 50 extra hours of creativity and action.

Counselor Tia Dubé explained, “Community service is very important to private colleges and some more prestigious universities.”

Dubé also suggested that students do their best not to procrastinate.

“What they do not want to see is that you all of a sudden tried to beef up your resume your senior year just for the college application, but that you truly wanted to help others and you have been helping your community

since you were old enough to do so.”

When trying to decide where to volunteer, Dubé suggests visiting the United Way website or simply walking to the career center to get started. The counselors are always available by appointment to help students with brainstorming.

Some students actively search for an organization that they want to help or that they find interesting, but others simply do what they can.

Junior Chen-Yun Yang said, “I pretty much went to the first place I could find, and was able to enjoy it. I think that volunteering yourself is a good choice, and if it makes others feel happy, it’ll make you feel happy.”

The extra work adds a certain amount of stress to the lives of already busy students, but many feel that it’s worth it. This is not only because of how it makes them look, but also because of how it makes them feel.

Senior Whitney Simpson said, “It makes some days crazy and busy, but I like what I do and I feel I’m making a difference to at least some people.”

A new year brings a new Talisman This year the Talisman is going to be different from previous years

by Gracie Beaver editor-in-chief The Talisman is more than a coaster for your daily cup of Dutch Bros or carpeting for your parrot cage.

It is also a source of news, a voice for your opinions, and (hopefully) a place for you to find entertainment.

However, the Talisman is far from perfect. We have the occasional typo, blurry photograph, and/ or article about the antics of one Britney Spears.

This year, the Talisman is going to be different. Of course, we’ll still probably have that one obligatory “Myspace v.

Facebook” debate, but on the whole, our most important goal is to cover events that have a relevance to Sheldon students. In addition to relevance, we are going to interview more students (i.e. we won’t quote the same people in every issue), and not have repeat articles throughout the year. Our objective is to take the stories more seriously, ourselves

less seriously, and provide a quality newspaper to Sheldon.

Another important change this year is the addition of the Internet. The Talisman now has its very own email: shstalisman@gmail.com. Why do we have an email? Well, for one, a high school publication should probably keep up with that whole “Internet” trend. But more importantly, we are looking for input from you.

Part of being relevant to the student body is actually knowing what the student body is up to. If you are doing something cool or know someone who’s doing something cool or have some…er…constructive criticism of the paper, don’t hesitate to contact us. Really. (It will give us an excuse to get on e-mail during class time.)

In addition to our fancy new e-mail, we now have a Myspace. You can find us at myspace.com/shstalisman. (We were too lazy to come with a username different than our e-mail.) Please be our friend. Please? Not only is it another way for you to have an influence on your school newspaper, but it would make us feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

A school paper is the voice of the student body.

This year, the goal of the Talisman is to be a strong voice. You know, the voice of the Irish. Your voice.

Resources available for underclassmen Tutors and advisors are available for the underclassmen who need extra help in math,language arts, etc.

by Leslie Lundy staff writer

on time or early. The advisors work together with the counselors and the teachers to help high schoolers succeed.

The administrators are held responsible for setting up a system for the students to reach their requirements. The effect on the teachers is making sure their own classes address the standards. Principle Dr. Bob said, “If the older students have skills, and are available to assist as tutors or advocates, that it would be a help for the freshmen.” Dr. Bob predicts that the students won’t like the changes, but hopes that the students will see that it will help with their future.

The upper classmen can help through NHS (National Honors Society). NHS is made up of 11th and 12th graders at Sheldon, who tutor students at Sheldon and at some middle schools. If a parent of a student asks the office for help in school, he or she can receive a list of NHS tutors.

This list includes the tutor’s grade, what he or she can tutor in, and whether he or she is in IHS, S.I., or honors.

The new graduation requirements for the classes 2011 and 2010 are pretty much the same as they were before, but with a total of 24 credits to graduate. Students now need four English/language arts credits instead of three and a half, and three math credits instead of two. The students affected these changes might need extra help; one resource for help would be the upper classmen. Freshman Kilee Walker doesn’t predict the changes having a great effect on her classmates. Walker said, “I don’t think that the requirements are changing too A message from much. Walker sees the older students as role the Talisman models who can help the freshmen find their The Talisman is run by students for students. The views classes or other places on campus. Sophomore expressed in the Talisman are not necessarily those of Colette Jardine said, “The older students can the Talisman staff, those of Sheldon High School, or help the younger students through tutoring.” those of the Sheldon community. If you have any letThe advisors can explain and suggest classes ters to the editor, please drop them off in the Talisman to students through brief descriptions of the box located in the front office. We also kindly reserve the right to edit all stories we print. curriculum. Advisors also push students to do their best and help them focus on graduating

extinction

The community, working together, will help minimize the extinction of endangered animals worldwide

by Justin Miljan staff writer Poaching, deforestation, pollution, and predators are contributing to the extinction of animals. Many animals, including the leopard, okapi, elephant, cheetah, and saiga, are facing extinction because of world-wide problems which people are trying to resolve and so can you. Unless we work to protect these animals, we are likely to cause the extension of a quarter of all known species in the next twenty years. It is Calculated that in the animal kingdom there are 700 species in danger of disappearance and 2300 threatened which Junior Vince Musi said is, “messed up.” In 1973 the first international treaty that put limits on illegal hunting and fishing commerce was signed. One hundred twenty-six countries have adhered to that treaty, but the damage continues. People still ignore these laws and butcher animals for their hides, tusks, and pretty much everything they can use. There are many poachers that kill these animals for money, but there are parks and reserves that protect endangered animals. Sophomore Alex Huynh said, “People should be more aware of this problem.”

Not enough people or students are working to solve this problem. To combat this problem, you can donate money to help fund protection of animals and distribution of medical supplies. Meet up with the peace club and talk to them about what you can do. Sheldon students could make flyers to make people aware of this problem, or help by making a fundraiser for these animals in need and send it to a corporation that will help. Get together and form a club, make money, or just refuse to buy fur coats.

Sophomore Clarissa Kay said, “Just stop killing Them!”

Hopefully in the near future, the extinction of animals will stop and you could make a difference to help.

To help, visit the following website: http://www. barrameda.com.ar/ecology/threatened-animals.htm

Talisman Staff Gracie Beaver

Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor Ads Manager Features Editor Opinion Editor News Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Centerspread Publicity Staff Writers Robert Anglim Alyssa Bierce Olivia Davis Megan Keough Justin Miljan Andrew Mross Andrew Sexton

Kaylee Wolf Nicole Callihan Larry Simmons Caroline Hanson Tia Kerrigan Nick van Eekeren Ashley Admire Jaime Fazio Jon Schoonhoven Taya Alami Jake Babcock Kathy Bowen Jenness Howery Leslie Lundy Bradley Morse Ryan Pedersen Cameron Wray

You’ll find me to be a pretty quiet person, unless you happen to find me at a concert. I feel happy when I’m in the WOW Hall.

I have enough concert t-shirts to wear one every other day for a month. I’m shooting for every day. KNRQ annoys me.

KDUK makes me want to cause physical harm to little animals. My favorite books are collections of humorous essays. My two favorite TV shows are about a fake right-wing pundit and a group of workers with a socially inept boss. My favorite Spanish word is one that means crowd: muchedumbre.

Robert Anglim I first wish to congratulate myself on making it to senior year. I’ve seen a lot of things the past three years at Sheldon: some good, some bad, some gross, but fun. Certain shows that influence me include: Fallen, Who Wants to be a Superhero?, and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Most of my childhood was spent emulating Tommy the Green/ White Ranger by making loud “KIYAHHH!!” noises with flippin’ sweet karate moves and poses. I spend my free time hanging out with friends and making movies for YouTube, among other things.

Anyone else who enjoys superheroes and good times, look me up.

Alyssa Bierce I am pretty much the whitest person you will ever meet.

This is my sophomore year at Sheldon, and my first year on the Talisman staff. Along with participating in the Talisman, I also joined the Sheldon Dance Team. It has been a great way to be a part of my school and perform at the same time. In the summer I work as a camp counselor at Camp Harlow, my favorite place in the world. Someday I hope to open a dance studio and teach children to dance, and maybe write a few books along the way

Taya Alami I play football and it’s a big part of who I am. I’ve been playing since I was about eight and I really enjoy it.

I travel a lot and spent a lot of last summer in Morocco visiting family.

In my spare time I hang out with my friends. Buffets are a big part of my life and I don’t know what I would do without them. My favorite class is English because I really enjoy writing and I think reading is okay. Someday I’d like to be a florist, but until then I’m right here at Sheldon.

Caroline Hanson I work at ShopKo and I love my job. Don’t be “jel,” but I regularly meet up with Stephen Colletti in Laguna after school. If you want to see really cute designer bags just ask me because I’m really good at bragging about my closet. Lauren Conrad has my dream job. I don’t own tennis shoes and I have a huge cowlick that I hide with trendy side-swept bangs. The whole point of being a celebrity is to be noticed; that is why I love Paris Hilton, because she doesn’t waste any time. Hang out with me; it’s so worth it.

Meet the Talisman staff!

Ashley Admire

Justin Miljan

Café Yumm should have a frequent buyer card. Bugs with squiggly legs freak me out. The money I make at Gottschalks is spent on Urban Outfitters, Yumm bowls, and books on existentialism. I consume about seven chai tea lattes a day while flipping through ads in my high-end fashion magazines.

My dog (who has no voice box) and Stephen Colletti are two of my B.F.F.Ls, but Gemma Ward is my idol. The color light yellow is splendid. Stephen thinks it looks really good on me when we hang out in Laguna and drive around in my Protégé.

Ryan Pedersen

Tia Kerrigan

The first thing anyone should know about me is that I think penguins are amazing. I am in my junior year and am in IHS. I am also in drama club.

I spend what little spare time I have with my friends or playing video games. In the past years, I have formed a plan to conquer Antarctica. There are two reasons why I want to conquer it. The first reason is because that’s where all of the penguins live, and the second reason is because if I am to conquer a continent, Antarctica will be the easiest to conquer.

I love hippos; they are pretty much the most awesome animal in the world.

I am on the Sheldon Dance Team, and it is just swell. I love lilies, Converse, the environment, the Red Sox, burnt cookies, and hippies.

I really want a puppy, and a pink scooter. I like to go to the park and feed the ducks.

I would really like to own a duck one day. I have tried to take one from Alton Baker, but they are just too fast. My warning to you: if you want to steal a gosling, beware of the momma geese, they hiss

Hello there fellow peers at Sheldon. My name is Justin Miljan and here’s the down low on me. I am a sophomore and it’s my first time on the Talisman. Before I die, I would like to see most of the world and touch a cloud. I’m hopefully getting the bike of my dreams which will take me everywhere. I like random things and randomly driving around with friends.

Road trips are the best. I love to skateboard. From time to time you will see me with a skateboard, and if you are lucky you will see me tap dance. I enjoy all music besides country. I love Indian food

Olivia Davis

Jenness Howery

Brad Morse

Nick van Eekeren

Kaylee Wolf

I compose music! I even have a CD of over twenty songs that I’ve created. On some songs, I sing, on others, I play my violin. I love music, yet I love art too! I love to draw color, and buy coloring books meant for five-year-olds, but I color them myself. I can even color inside the lines! I am in IHS, and absolutely enjoy it! My class is like one big family, and when one person laughs, it grows, others join in, and the room is filled with contagious laughter. Along with enjoying IHS, I also enjoy working on my many websites!

Jaime Fazio

I’m a girl, of course, who loves to shop, text, listen to music and hang out with friends. But besides my exhilarating and enthusiastic girly life, I somehow manage to balance my chaotic and busy school life with my mellow and lolling family life.

I’ve never in my life liked coffee. I think it is one of the grossest things ever! Spiders are the scariest thing alive. Anything that makes a web to trap other living things in is grotesque. I love Jamba Juice more than you know.

My goal in life is to try everything at least once on their menu.

Larry Simmons

I am editor of the Talisman features page and this overwhelms me. I just moved to Eugene last month from Florida, and my transition from Florida to Oregon was great. I would have to say that Sheldon High School is better than the school I came from in so many ways. The people here are super friendly and I absolutely love the term to term routine. It’s so different, but I like different. My hobbies consist of catching the new releases at the local movie theater, or grabbing lunch with a friend downtown. My ethnicity is Italian, German, and African American. Acting and modeling are my passions.

Leslie Lundy

I am terrified of spiders. This is my sophomore year at Sheldon. I love to play the violin and the guitar. I have two dogs, Mouse and Honor, and a cat, Nimo. I have a job at the Art of Glass, which is owned by my mom.

I also baby sit three kids. I have serious stage fright and can’t perform alone.

I love Sheldon football games! I go with my friends, and we all love to scream and cheer. This is my first year writing for the Talisman. I have been buddies with my best friend, Julia, since third grade. I want to be a lawyer, and travel.

Hello, this is my sophomore year at Sheldon and my first time writing for the Talisman. I had an amazing time swimming for Sheldon last year, and I’m doing it again this coming season. I’m going to try lacrosse this year as well. It should be fun since it’s like hockey. It’s aggressive and brutal, and sports like that are the best. I love to play hockey and go to hockey games whenever I can. I’m not easily embarrassed, and I laugh at everything. I also have a weird desire to marry Will Ferrell someday. I like strawberries!

Megan Keough

In life, the experiences we have, the activities we do, and the people we meet can shape us and define us. They also have a huge impact on who we are. In my case, the activities I enjoy doing are track, reading, listening to music, and hanging with my friends.

My two favorite places to go are California and Hawaii.

When I get older I would love to move and go to college in California. I don’t know what I would like to do when I’m older, but I do know that I want to make a difference in people’s lives.

Andrew Mross

My life has been a hard one.

Between the wonderful love of my family and the awesome places that I’ve traveled to, it has been really hard.

Ever since I was a young strapping lad of three, I was a hyper miscreant. Fortunately for my parents I have mellowed out considerably.

Born in the year 1991, 17 days past a fool, I have developed from boy to man in the wonderful, pollen-infested town of Eugene. I enjoy mushroom hunting, snowboarding, camping, swimming and almost anything in the wild outdoors. World of Warcraft and Halo are the best.

Jake Babcock

I work at ShopKo and love my job. I can beat Cameron Wray and Andrew Sexton at Gears of War any day. I love driving to Taco Bell. Xbox Live is the greatest invention ever created. School is really fun. I laugh all the time at ridiculous things.

Making people laugh is a passion of mine. I love movies; and watch them a lot. I wear checkered vans. I want to go to college someday. I’m not really into sports since I know nothing about them. I love energy drinks, and drink them almost every day.

My passion in life is illegal kangaroo-fighting championships, more commonly known as “the thinking man’s sport,” and betting on them. There are few things as awesome as watching kangaroos with boxing gloves punch each other in an awesome marsupial fight, and they do it simply because it’s awesome.

They also do it because they hate all living things (they are widely regarded by zoologists as “huge jerks,” and hated by almost all Australians, excluding crotchety old people, who love them). They were also trained to kill each other using Krav Maga, the lethal martial art of the Israeli military. But that’s neither here nor there.

I am pumped up and ready to rock my freshman year! I can’t wait to blow away the band program on saxophone.

Your next Charlie Parker, at least in my opinion of course, is right here. I enjoy video games (no surprise there), so whether it’s Wii, Playstation, or any other system, I’m there! I have been around the United States, and overseas a little bit to Europe to explore my Dutch background, and learn the smallest amount of French you’ve ever heard! So get set Ms. Ross, because I’m going to be in marching band next year! Go, Irish, Go!

Nicole Callihan

Hello Sheldon. My name is Jonathan Schoonhoven, and I’m here to give you the 411. As the publicity editor of the Talisman news, I have to be hip to your lingo, but did you know I’m hip to other things as well? Those who know me could tell you that I’m no stranger to the “rocking roll.” Indeed, I do know my way around the proverbial six strings – if you dig my meaning. But there’s more to this package, baby.

I also sing with the Dublinaires. I don’t know if you’ve heard of us, but we’re kind of a big deal around here. Especially me.

My name is Nicole Callihan.

For those of you who know me, yes, I am amazing. For those of you, who don’t, shame on you. Clearly it isn’t enough time to fully explain my excellence, but I will give it a shot. I am spunky, fasicious, and full of energy.

Things I find fascinating include human behavior, history, and Mrs. Alderman. I define happiness as a warm doughnut. I love to laugh and sleep, though I haven’t had much of the second lately. I aspire to be a great many things, but for today I am just Sleepless in Eugene.

Kathy Bowen

My name is Kathy Bowen and I am 14 years old and I am in the 9th grade. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia. I have two sisters, Ashley and Sarah.

My favorite food is teriyaki chicken with shrimp. I like to draw, sing and write fantasy and horror stories. My favorite movies are1408 and The Descent. My favorite bands are Evanescence and Nickelback. My favorite holidays are Halloween and Christmas. I either want to work with big cats or be an animal journalist. I would like to live in Texas or Australia. I’d like to travel to Mexico, Japan, Spain, France and Asia.

Gracie Beaver The best feeling is putting my foot for the first time into a shoe that fits absolutely perfectly. I don’t care how shallow that makes me sound. Falling in love with a pair of shoes is bliss.

This is probably why I own over forty pairs. What can I say? I fall in love way too easily. Oh yes, sometimes I get my heart/feet blistered, but the satisfaction of having a beloved pair of Chuck Taylors accompany me to the WOW Hall, or the confidence provided by a pair of boots worn throughout the day is worth the risk.

Jon Schoonhoven

Andrew Sexton My dream is to be on the show My Super Sweet Sixteen and ride an antelope into my party. You probably wouldn’t be invited to come to my party unless your name is Barry Peiskee. I love jogging and working out. A lot of people ask me what a ten pack feels like on your stomach. After working out for about twenty hours a day, you can find me putting back on the calories I burned off by eating delicious food that I make. People ask me if my muscles get in my way when I’m cooking. Of course they get in my way, but if they do too much I beat my muscles senseless.

Cameron Wray I work at ShopKo and love my job. Slow eaters can go eat slow elsewhere; I hate wasting time. Video games are more fun than being in shape. I can do more push ups than an elephant. I’m obsessed with a man named Barry Peiskee. I am a car racer with my mini van and I don’t lose. Ever. I spend a lot of time on Xbox Live playing Gears of War with my team.

I’m pretty much the biggest fan of things like Star Wars, Mountain Dew, Super Heroes, and things that I think are better than you.

6 October 4, 2007

Sports

the Talisman

Pètanque team ready for another year at Sheldon The much appreciated French game is back at Sheldon

by Jamie Fazio centerpage editor The exciting and thrilling French game of Pètanque is back here at Sheldon. Pètanque is a form of bowls or English lawn bowling, and the Italian game of bocce. The goal of Pètanque (and also bowls and bocce) is to get the metal balls, also known as boules, as close as possible to the small rubber or wooden ball called a cochonnet.

This game is not as easy as it looks, and players don’t just throw balls; it takes skill to make the ball go exactly

where you want it to go. Sophomore Chiara Macchi said, “Pètanque is a game that involves great concentration and expertise to be able to throw metal balls and get them closest to the small colorful ball. Also, you need to have good aim to be able to ‘hit’ or ‘bump’ the other team’s balls so that they won’t get the points.” This game is traditionally played on a dirt surface, but now is played on grass fields. One certainly does not have to be French to play this game; anyone can join just for the experience of learning a new game. French teacher and advisor of the Sheldon Pètanque team, Ms. Barley said, “You don’t have to be athletic physically to play, but mentally.

You have to be able to be both a sensitive team player to both sides, and also have good aim when throwing the balls.” Pètanque is a game of skill, but also luck.

Besides the competition to be the best Pètanque team, many people just play for fun, and to get to know new people.

Dance team prepares to compete Batch of seventeen new dancers could make or break the team

by Alyssa Bierce staff writer The Sheldon Dance Team has been growing both in size and skill since Hillary McClintick took the reigns four years ago. It is one of the larger teams around, especially this year when the number of dancers grew to thirty-five.

The team said goodbye to ten seniors last year, significantly reducing the number of experienced dancers on the team.

Having lost so many girls, McClintick accepted a total of seventeen new girls at tryouts last spring. The team then had thirty-seven dancers, but was later reduced to thirty-five.

The majority of the girls were inexperienced in being on a dance team, and many were inexperienced in dance all together. One would imagine this could hurt the team’s season and future varsity squad. However, McClintick and her assistant coaches, Jacquie Dodds and Nicole Frey, have turned a team that was doubted by many other schools into an impressive set of performers. According to freshman Kenny Quillan, the dance team’s looking pretty good this year. “An 8.67,” said Quillan, on a scale of 1-10.

So far this season, the dance team has performed three

different dances, one at each home football game. “I liked the one with the Shania Twain in it,” said freshman Rebeca Haro, referring to the team’s kick routine set to Shania Twain’s “Man, I Feel Like a Woman,” which seems to be a crowd favorite. However, some preferred some of the teams’ other performances, such as their novelty dance to “Hard Knock Life” from the classic musical Annie, and Jay-Z’s version, “Hard Dawg Life.”

Coach Hillary McClintick certainly sees good things in the team’s future. “They have definitely had to work harder,” McClintock said about the new team, “The [competing schools] who know [about the teams’ drawbacks] expect us to be lacking in all areas, and not to be competitors.” Will the Sheldon dance team let that stop them? “There is nothing holding them back from being the best in their division,” McClintick said.

As you can see, this team of hard-working girls is determined to reach the top, and not let a few drawbacks hold them down. They’ve got more awesome routines coming your way including a hip hop routine, and a guy/girl partner routine where the girls will be dancing with a male Sheldon student. You can check the team’s website for dates of their upcoming competitions, where they will be performing even more amazing routines that will not be performed at football games. Come out and support your school’s dance team! They would love to see you cheering them on at games, competitions, and events!

New England Patriots lose respect The once incredible dynasty is in jeopardy because of one huge mistake by their coach

by Cameron Wray staff writer Perhaps the best teams of the decade, the NFL powerhouse the New England Patriots were caught in an inferno of lies. They pillaged the other team’s defense and ravaged the sportsmanship of the game by filming opposing team’s defenses and studying their signals. They have disgraced the entire history of the NFL and its name, and it will take years to get over. The dynasty we all knew as the New England Patriots, the dynasty that won three

super bowls in four years, will never be looked at in the same way. To some people loyalty is everything and this incident is just a little stepping stone to a fan of the New England Patriots. To others who aren’t fans of the Patriots, all they see is the burning eyes of Satan in the lowest depths of hell. Anti-Patriots fan Sophomore Lupe Phillips said, “They don’t deserve those three Super Bowl wins; cheaters are always cheaters.”

The NFL has raged like a caged beast against the scandals and has taken several steps to prevent this catastrophe from ever happening again. They have fined head coach of the New England Patriots, Bill Bellicheck $500,000. They also fined the team $250,000. Also, if the Patriots make it to the playoffs they have to give up their first round draft pick. If they don’t make it to the playoffs, they have to give up their second and third round draft pick. Sophomore Jackson Hoyt said, “I was stunned when I heard how much money they were being fined; I didn’t know that amount existed.”

Oh, behold how the mighty have fallen.

The team has taken a dramatic trip to accusation city with a pit stop at the gas station of despair. Even after all they have gone through, the team still manages to be as dominant as a fiery phoenix. They beat the New York Jets 38-14, and then a week later they beat the San Diego Chargers in a game that was expected to be one of the most competitive games of the year 38-14.

These triumphant wins make Odysseus’s victorious march into Troy look like Mr. Rogers stroll into the land of make believe.

Sophomore Greg Wolfer said, “There isn’t any way they needed to cheat if they still manage to beat down teams like the Chargers.” The fate of the rest of the 2007 NFL football season remains to be seen.

However, there are some people who take the game way too seriously and that makes the game not as fun. Ms. Barley said, “Pètanque can get very intense, especially when we play specific schools, but for the most part, the game is for fun.”

Sophomore Jamie Burns said, “This is a team sport in a way, but also an individual sport. You play with a small group, either with three people, two people, or you may be by yourself, but the points that you get are then added up at the end of the game which decides whether your whole team wins or not.” When playing Pètanque, the scoring system is different depending how many people one has in a group. When in a group of three people, called a triple, and just a single vs. single match (one player verses one player) the match score goes to eleven. When in a group of two people, called a double, the match score goes to thirteen.

To join the Sheldon Pètanque team, go talk to Ms. Barley in B-9 for more information.

Wrestling is a sport for everyone Wrestling isn’t just for the big guys

by Taya Alami staff writer Senior Parker Strom hates South Eugene. Parker Strom also plans to go to state. Parker Strom goes to the bathroom and doesn’t wash his hands before matches. Parker is a Sheldon wrestler.

The wrestling team had what they refer to as disappointing season last year. They went 1-11, but things are really looking up for them with a new coach in his second year and a large group of underclassmen.

Those who take part in wrestling say it’s strictly a sport for competitors. In this sport, you get to compete no matter how big or small you are. Sophomore Jeff Toreson said, “I really like wrestling because unlike other sports like basketball, smaller people like me get to show what we really can do.”

Thinking about coming out? The season starts in mid November and goes until February. Strom said, “The skills you learn help you in all the other sports you may play, and I feel like the work ethic I’ve learned wrestling the last few years helped me grow as a person, too.”

New soccer coach looks promising A newly recruited coach is ready to lead the girls soccer teams

by Megan Keough staff writer Today, people everywhere know who Mia Hamm is, but twenty years ago womens soccer was rarely ever heard about or taken seriously. At Sheldon, we have a girls junior varsity 2, junior varsity, and varsity soccer team. This year, the girl’s varsity team welcomed their new head coach, Jose da Silva, to the squad after the loss of their previous coach, Phil Larson. Taylor Housley, a sophomore on the varsity team, said, “The transition hasn’t really made much of a difference. Jose is a good coach and I think that it was really easy for everyone to warm up to him and his coaching methods.” Coach da Silva has over twelve years of experience with soccer and coached at Marist for eleven of those years. He also has an impressive background in track and field and brings a number of unique qualities to the team. Carlee Houser, a sophomore on the varsity team, said, “Jose has brought a lot of Brazilian characteristics to the team. We now do Brazilian warm ups and have a Brazilian line-up.” So far the girls varsity team is second in their league and with the help of their new coach continues to thrive. Housley stated, “The more we play together, the more we are improving.”

The girls agreed that it is very difficult to manage your school work and your studies when you have to travel to different cities to play soccer. There are some pros to traveling, but not very many. Housley said, “The pros to traveling are team bonding and being able to get out of class early.” Traveling has its down side too. Kendyl Alie, a sophomore on the junior varsity team said, “It is hard get all of your homework done when you get home at twelve o’clock at night.”

Today, there are plenty of opportunities for girls to play soccer and here at Sheldon. They really encourage it, so come and see what the girls soccer team is all about.

Opinion

the Talisman

October 4, 2007

7

Soundoff: Freshmen only day

An anxious freshman explains how important old friends are in order to survive in a new school full of upperclassmen

An accomplished senior describes her experience as a peer mentor and gives constructive criticism

by Nick van Eekeren sports editor

by Kaylee Wolf assistant ediitor

On freshmen only day, I was up early and ready to learn about high school. I was feeling pumped for a new grade, yet scared about not getting my questions answered and having to wander aimlessly around school in an attempt to find my classes. When I saw all my friends who seemed to have moved away for the summer, something in my mind snapped. We talked so much about our summer experiences and nearly missed the announcement to move into the gym.

As we filed into the gym I saw my Cal Young friend, freshmen Justin Carpenter. “I am so excited to be at Sheldon,” he said, “but a little nervous as well.” Knowing that one of my closest friends had the same feelings I did made me feel like the whole ninth grade student body was feeling like me. Of course, this wasn’t true in the least.

Sitting down on the uncomfortable seats was torture, however, the opening assembly made up for some of the pain. As our upperclassmen came out to tell us about Sheldon they gave off an impression which Justin merely described as: “weird-os.” Whether they were aiming to freak us out with weirdness or not is completely beyond me. The assembly made me feel ready to get involved in what Sheldon has to offer.

After the assembly we met our peer mentors. We then took a tour of the school and got all our questions answered. Since my group’s peer mentors were amazing seniors in IHS, they gave me, and the rest of my group, guidance. Once the tour ended we went on a quick run-through of a regular school day.

Transitioning to the final activity of the day, I met up with my friends. My other friend, Alayna Becker, had a different impression of her peer mentors. “They were horrible,” Alayna said, “they just talked to each other.”

The last part of the day featured a portable version of the Spencer Butte Challenge Course.

We went out to the football field and were broken up into smaller groups. In these groups we attempted to complete a challenge which was designed to have us work as a team. Most of us were tired after having a long day and weren’t thrilled while participating in some corny activity for another two hours.

We survived though. Walking back to campus, I overheard Monroe student Kelsey Spellman comment on the challenge course. “Man that was stupid, those challenges were so easy.”

Freshman only day was definitely helpful, but was a little too long.

As I walked in to the school as a peer mentor on freshmen only day, I felt the kind of fright that anyone feels when they are completely surrounded by a bunch of strangers. They say that people are only afraid of sharks because they don’t know much about them. Well, I was afraid of freshman for the same reason. I knew that I was going to have to take a group of these new students, separate them from their friends for a couple hours, and try to take them to all the required stations, all without losing any of them to the mass of people that surrounded me.

However, things ran way more smoothly then I thought they would. In our groups, we had to get through pictures, student body cards, a tour of the school, and our team building activities, which I could tell was the new underclassmen’s least favorite activity. Senior Grace Patterson said, “I always thought they were pointless, and they made me feel uncomfortable.”

A couple areas that we could work on for freshman only day next year, would be the pictures, and the team building activities. Instead of activities that embarrass the students, and leave the community center employees in control, the peer mentors should get into their groups and do activities that help the students get to know each other. For example, the students could get in a circle and stand up if they skateboard, lived in a different state etc. Freshman Trevor Carpenter said, “It would be better if the team building activities were shorter, and more time was put toward finding classes.” Also, pictures were very stressful because some students had to wait in line, only to be sent away because we were out of time, and had to move on the next activity. Freshman Chris Correll said, “It was kind of hard to get everything done, but I managed to do it all.” If we could create a better rotation system, so that every group had a chance to have everything done, I think that it would really put less stress on the peer mentors and the freshman.

Even though the day was a little hectic, it was really cool to get to meet new people and be a part of introducing new students to Sheldon.

Prepare to be entertained by Shoot ‘Em Up Taking a trip to the theatre has always been a way to escape boredom; Shoot ‘Em Up is well worth money

by Andrew Sexton staff writer Shoot Em ‘Up, have you heard of it or not? I was one of the people who hadn’t heard much about this movie. It left me questioning if this was one of those action movies that head into the theater and then head right back out. After much contemplation, I decided I would give this action movie a shot.

I imagine choosing the lead actor for this movie was not much of a difficult task. Clive Owen was born to play this part, this role screams his name. Near the beginning of the movie you see Clive Owen sitting at the bus stop waiting for the bus. You start to hear screaming and across the screen comes an innocent girl running while being chased by

an angry man. As she runs down an alley Owen gets a glimpse of the man. He pulls out a gun and slowly starts walking down the alley following the man. Owen knows he has to do something about it. He finds her in a warehouse, lying behind a crate. He quickly runs over to her and notices that she is pregnant. Slowly he arises from behind the crate and pulls out two pistols, and from there is a complete massacre. When I say “from there,” I mean throughout the whole entire movie. Gun shot after gun shot, Owen is taking out these mysterious men. The reason behind the killing isn’t clear until the end of the movie.

Talking more about the movie would probably give the rest away so I’ll stop there.

I’ll just say the rest of the movie will impress many die hard fans of action movies with a little bit of comedy. Though the movie only made around ten million dollars the whole time it was in theaters, I’m sure it would have made a lot more money if it was better advertised throughout theaters across the country. If you were lucky enough to see this movie, though, I’m sure you enjoyed the ridiculous action and would want to see the movie over and over again.

The extremely popular Halo 3 is impossible to avoid Last month, gamers lined up, camped out, pre-ordered, and awaited the release of Halo 3

by Jake Babcock staff writer Halo 3 was the most highly anticipated game since Bungie announced they were making a third Halo. All the polls on IGN.com [a game site] read the same. Halo 3 was what everyone wanted. Everyone was stoked to see Spartan 117’s face. Junior John Weiser said, “I would have [had] a problem if he didn’t take off his helmet.”

Halo 3 sold over a million copies before it even came out. Sony and Nintendo have no games coming out that will compete with Halo 3, since Microsoft lowered the price of the Xbox 360, Microsoft made 175 million dollars the very first day it came out due to. I think a lot of fans looked forward to Halo 3 for Xbox 360 because of the fact that there are unlockable achievements. There are some pretty die-hard fans out there who will get every single achievement within a week.

Junior Josh Hyson is convinced he will be really good at this game. “I’m going to pown nubs [beat all the other players],” he said. Halo 3 is very interesting in more than one way. Halo 3 offers four-way online co-

op, the same thing that Rainbow Six Vegas did. Just the said freshman Cameron Ollivant. I beat Halo 3 within fact that players will be able to play the storyline with the first six hours of playing. It was a great campaign, friends online makes Halo 3 better than the first two. although it’s better online. The co-op is a blast when Halo 3 is also bringing back the pistol. This was a very you’re playing with your friends. I think that everyone good weapon in the first Halo. There was also talk of should play this game. flashback levels in Halo 3 for a deeper story. Players were supposedly able to grab enemies and use them as shields. Unfortunately when I played the game I realized that this was only a rumor. The online pregame lobbies for Halo 2 were not very good. Halo 3 online lobbies are much better, and much easier to work with. There are three versions of Halo 3: Standard edition, Limited edition, and Legendary edition. Legendary edition offers a mini-sized Spartan helmet, which die-hard fans are going to want.

“I’m going to camp out Jake Babcock screenshot for this game and wear Halo 3 recently hit the stores and has proven very popular among teens. my Covenate Elite outfit!”

B A C K P A G E

Halloween: Tricks and Treats Costume and trick-or-treating tips that will help score major candy

by Tia Kerrigan news editor Has this ever happened to you? You’re Trick-orTreating, and you walk up to the door and excitedly yell, “Trick-or-Treat!” and the adult just looks at you, and says “Aren’t you a little too old to be trick or treating?” and then only give you two Tootsie Rolls? Sophomore Carly Schoonhoven has had problems in the past with adults giving her candy. “They made comments about my age last year, and didn’t give me nearly as much candy as the little kids,” Schoonhoven said. So obviously adults’ not

wanting to give teenagers candy is a growing problem.

So, here are my tips for high school students who really want to fill their pillowcase this Halloween.

First of all, just because it’s Halloween ladies doesn’t mean you have to dress like a prostitute. There are plenty other costumes you can wear. The best way to go is by wearing a mask, so adults can’t tell how old you are, and I don’t mean those rubber ones that make you feel like you’re going to suffocate. Dressing up as a super hero who has a cloth mask is the way to go. Slouching or bending your knees won’t hurt either. Just because they can’t see your face doesn’t mean your height won’t give it away It seems that all the stores that sell costumes only have them in kids’ sizes, though. Spirit in Valley River Center is a good store to go to for adult sized costumes. Junior Hannah Horn was really upset when she was unable to find a sheep costume in her size last year. She ended

up having to wear a little kids pumpkin costume. She said, “Halloween is great because you get to dress up as something that you’re not, like a sheep.”

The Internet is also a good way to get any costume in whatever size you want. Some useful sites are: www.costumezone.com, www.halloweenmart.com, and www.costumepage.org.

Junior Amber Schultz has never gone trick or treating before, so this year I will be taking her to have the time of her life. Schultz said, “I have never really been into Halloween for reasons that I don’t even know. When trick or treaters come to my door I just ignore them. I keep the porch light on though so they will think that I am home. I am looking forward to spending my first trick or treating extravaganza with Tia.” Here are a few costume ideas that I have come up with for you this Halloween:Spiderman, Teenage Mutan Ninja Turtle, Darth Vader, and a Pez Dispenser.

Remembering summer vacation of 2007 Students reminisce upon some interesting summer experiences

by Robert Anglim staff writer Are you happy to be back in school? Come on, you’re a part of the mega-spectacular phenomenon of Sheldon High School. Every student, from elementary to college level, enjoys breaks no matter how long they may be. Allow this article to remind you of how awesome summer was. Allow it to say, “Carry on my wayward son. They’ll be peace when you are done. Lay your weary head to rest, don’t you cry no more…” Okay, maybe it won’t speak lyrics of a classic rock song, but let this remind you of when fun and a “whatever” attitude were all that mattered. For those who

didn’t enjoy their summer, “Carry on my wayward son…”

After a long and tiring past school year, it was time to take a break and relax. There were good times, bad times, but mostly fun times. Adventures could be found just around the corner where you least expected it (like in Middle Earth or Narnia) or in your very home by having Halo parties and Star Wars/Lord of the Rings marathons. For example, Senior Ashley Garber, witnessed four weddings this summer, one without a bride (who slept in and was late that morning). Junior Tyrell Phillips went on a tour of Alcatraz and on the way back saw someone fall out of the passing boat and almost sucked into the propellers. Senior Jessica Elder nearly faced death this summer with her little brother while passing by a big, tattooed, scary biker in an Idaho airport. Her little brother looked square into his eyes, then turned to his sister and shouted, “Jessica, that’s the ugliest tattoo I’ve ever seen!” Thankfully, nothing escalated.

With the fun, there came work. “I was a cashier at Target.

It was cool because I received a 10% discount on stuff from Target,” Garber said. However, she did encounter a few “trolls” in Target, “People were very hostile at retail. It was scary. These people were not happy.” Apparently a cute face and personality is no match for an impatient, angry customer.

What’s a summer without great summer movies? Phillips’ favorite was, “Shoot ‘Em Up, because it’s a non-stop action thriller with bullets and carrots.” Elder’s least favorite was “Talladega Nights. It was strange, but not a good strange.”

When asked what celebrity they would’ve spent their summer with, Garber said, “Bono. We would travel to Africa and work fare trade.” Phillips said, “Adam Sandler. We would have ‘Eight Crazy Nights’ and twelve crazy court dates.”

Through all of the parties, movies, or whatever your heart desired, summer has always been a fun time. Are you ready to come back to school? I believe Ashley Garber speaks for us all when she says, “NO, are we ever?!”

Jon’s spook-tacular Halloween student insta-polls

by Jon Schoonhoven publicity editor If you’re anything like me, then you’re looking forward to a spook-tastic Halloween full of safety, abstinence, and good nutrition. Well your friendly Talisman News Team is here to help! We have all the buzz on the scariest season of the year. But don’t take our word for it – what does Sheldon High School have to say? Read on!

Favorite festive pie flavors

Pumpkin: 66%

Apple: 33%

Top five worst How old is too old to trick or treat?

Halloween treats

1. Pickles 2. Onions 3. Dental Floss 4. Toothbrushes 5. Bananas

People Polled: 9

Has anybody seen the new freshmen yet?

Fall fashion trends of 2007

by Olivia Davis staff writer

It’s time to bundle up with new styles

by Kathy Bowen staff writer • Metallic colors • Layers • Wide-leg trousers • Shirt dresses • Ankle boots • Flats • Neutral colors • Knit caps • Baby doll dresses • Knit tights • New wave blazers • Feminine silhouettes • Skinny jeans