Log
The Northmen’s
Friday, September 24, 2010
Renaissance Festival pg. 7
Oak Park High School
Issue 2, Volume 46
Teachers share spotlight By: Kayla Smith Lifestyles Editor There are many fall traditions students look forward to when beginning a new school year, from Friday night football games to the homecoming dance. Along with these commodities comes the fall musical. Every year, a mass of students audition for a part in the school musical. This year, however, students weren’t the only ones facing the pressure of an audition. For this year’s musical “Hairspray,” two roles will be played by members of the teaching staff, science teacher Bill Dennis and debate and forensics teacher Arianne Fortune. When the names were posted for the roles in the musical, several students were angry with the decisions. “We didn’t have stu-
dents to play those roles,” said choir director Chris Droegemueller. “Those two roles were a little more controversial than some of the students can handle.” Students understood. “Upon hearing the explanation as to why there are teachers in the show, I think it’s the safest and most viable option for us to perform this show in a high school setting,” said senior Derek Byrne. Byrne, as a cast member, understands why it’s happening and favors the concept. He aslo said he believes it will make the show more interesting. “Their parts are hilarious,” Byrne said, “and having them played by teachers will only add to the comic affect.” Some students were not so thrilled. Giving
Senior Sterling Robbins and debate and forensics teacher Arianne Fortune read lines during musical rehearsal on Thursday, Sept. 16. “I am enjoying working with the students.” Fortune said. Fortune was cast as Velma Von Tussle, the mean, rude mother of Amber Von Tussle, played by Rachel Perkins. Photo By: Kim Green, Photographer
these roles to teachers led many to say it takes away parts that could be given to students who really want them. “I understand the student concern and the fact that there was one less student part,” Dennis said, “but at the same time it’s something I wanted to do.” Dennis knows the
entire situation can be a touchy subject, but he said the cast has been supportive and everything about the musical is great. “It gets a little weird, because I’m just not wearing my teacher hat when I’m there.” Dennis said. Despite the weird feelings and the teachers
Classes help students ace the test By: Kayla Smith Lifestyles Editor No. 2 pencil in hand, brain stuffed full of information and forehead sweating, student after student will sit down at a desk and proceed to take many tests in their high school career. Among these important tests was the ACT. To prepare for such a crucial test, many students take part in ACT preparation classes. This can be a semester-long class or weekly night courses. “It’s really helpful to be able to study with others to help motivate yourself,” said senior Stephanie Mora, “instead of not studying at all.”
Studying hard during class, students in communication arts Callie Smothers ACT prep class prepare for the up-coming Saturday, Dec. 11 test. Photo By: Dylan Kinder, Photographer
see where our starting point is,” said junior Rachel Stewart. This class teaches all the same things the night courses do but does not require the same amount of personal time. In this class, Smothers teaches a lot of test preparation, and helps students learn strategies and apply them. “A lot of the strategies I have found useful I didn’t even know about when I took the test,” Smothers said. Smothers said her goal was every kid that comes into her class room learns strategies
and increases their ACT score. “We just set a goal on how many points we want to improve our score by and we are learning different test strategies for the different sections of the ACT,” Stewart said. This class isn’t offered at many schools in the district. Schools offer after- or beforeschool help. “We have the opportunity to impact kids during [the] school [day] that some of the other schools don’t have and I hope we take advantage of it,” Smothers said.
In the west parking lot by the soccer field, three bald cypress trees blow in the breeze. One donated by the soccer team, the other two in memory of past team members killed in a car accident. The class of 2010 and the 2010 Booster Club purchased a tree recently. On the other side of the school along the drive, an autumn blaze maple grows. Trees like these are planted all around the 62 acres of school campus. “I think it’s cool that [the tree plan is] turning out to be a living history of the school,” said science teacher Connie Beeck, who is in charge of the tree plan. “When I
look at it, all that history is there.” The tree plan started three years ago under the direction of Beeck. “When we split from Staley, we started doing improvements to the inside of the school, but no one really looked outside,” she said. Beeck teamed up with Paradise Nursery and the Missouri Conservation Department to get the project going. “It’s basically just a campus beautification plan to aesthetically and environmentally improve campus,” Beeck said. With the tree plan, students and staff can purchase a variety of trees for $225 with a fiveyear warranty. The tree can be donated for organizations, or in honor or
memory of someone. “It’s a wide variety of groups that have participated,” Beeck said. “I think we’re around 50-60 and another 40 or so in the plan.” Students were supportive. “It’s good to plant trees,” said freshman Teona Daviscannon. “I guess it’ll make it look better ‘cause it’s good to see new plants grow.” Freshman Fletcher Hoke also likes the idea of planting trees around campus. “They’ll look good,” Hoke said. The 13 different types of trees available are spread out around campus. “Certain trees have certain spots. That’s because you don’t want too many of one type because
By: James Coleman Writer Three students and an alumnus recently experienced their house burning, including Oliver, Kelsey and Dylan Drambour, and Ashlee Wells.
Wells
Sunday, June 6, at 7:02 a.m, Wells was in her bedroom when her mom woke her up. As she was running in the hallway all she could see was black smoke. “I didn’t really have one first thought. I had a million things going through my head,” Wells said. “I was scared, worried and nervous.” Once she had a chance to finally stop, and think, she really just cared about her mom, dad, two sisters, sister’s friends and brother. They all got out safe. “I still have flashbacks of my house literally being eaten by flames, but I know everything if there’s a virus it could happens for a reason,” wipe out all of our trees,” Wells said. Beeck said. The worst part for Those who purchase her was everything she trees as part of the tree plan get to choose the location of the new tree. Information regarding placement was provided by the Missouri Conservation Department. All of the trees used are from Paradise Nursery. Some organizations choose their locations to be meaningful for their members; for example, the Marching Northmen and its parents association purchased trees near the football field. “We try to plant in the fall, they tend to do best then,” Beeck said. If interested in donating a tree, see Beeck for a form and brochure.
Tree plan provides ‘living history’ By: Aggie Rieger Editorial Editor
With dedicated teachers and accepting students like cast member Stompoly, high hopes were forming for this year’s fall musical. “I think it has the potential to make the show better,” Stompoly said, “I just hope the problems get worked out, so we can come together as a cast.”
Fire destroys possessions
Preparation for the ACT Mora was among many students taking part in night courses to gear up for this test. These night courses meet twice a week during the month of the test date at Faubion Methodist Church at N. Troost and Vivion. They cover every section of the ACT: math, science, reading, English and writing. “I really think that the class is important.” Mora said. “If you’re really serious about getting score on the ACT.” Another option is to enroll in the semester-long class. This class takes place only in fourth block on B days and was taught by communication arts teacher Callie Smothers. “So far all we have done is take a practice ACT to see what subjects we need to improve in more and to
interacting with students in a different setting, both Fortune and Dennis were stepping up to the plate. “At first I was very upset, but as time’s gone on, those teachers are very dedicated and determined to the show and the rehearsal process,” said junior Alex Stompoly.
and her family lost. They lived in their home for eight years and all the memories they have, were unforgettable. “This was one of the most horrible things that have ever happened to my family and I,” Wells said. “Never would I ever wish this upon anyone.”
Drambour
The Drambours returned to their regular routine, getting ready for sleep on a Monday night. “I was ready to be in a deep sleep,” Kelsey said. They were woken at about 2 a.m. by their older brother, Oliver. Kelsey woke up to flames in her window and had no reaction. “Didn’t even grab glasses, two to three minutes would’ve grabbed more,” Kelsey said. The fire started in the back porch and was right by Kelsey’s room. “First dramatic thing, Dad had cancer but nothing like this,” Kelsey said. The family and two dogs escaped safely.
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Softball bonds Oakies Junior Abbey Robinson steps up to the plate on Monday, Sept. 20. Robinson said her favorite part of being on the softball team was, “just interacting with all new people, having new friends, and people to look up to.” Photo By: Kaylan Ballard, Cartoonist