the
hastings senior high school 1100 W 14th street hastings, nebraska 68901
tiger cub
volume 102 issue 4 December 21, 2011
www.myhighschooljournalism.org
What’s Happening?
New phone aims to ease Facebook access for fans of social media
January 1st Happy New Year!
January 2nd No School
January 3rd No School
January 5th
Varsity Wrestling @ Lincoln Northeast January 6th Theatre Showcase State Theatre Varsity B&G Swimming vs. LNE/Elkhorn January 7th State Theatre Varsity Wresting @ Mil ard West JV/V B&G Basketball @ Lexington
January 9th
Musical Auditions
January 12th
Musical Audtions Varsity B&G JV/V Basketball
January 14th Varsity Wrestling @ LHS Varsity B&G Swimming @ Lincoln High
January 17th JV/V Boys Baskeball @ Centennial
JV/V B&G Basketball vs. Northwest
that I use to get on Facebook,” junior Taylor Reichert said. Facebook has a large app ecosystem that works really well on the desktop but not so well on mobile devices. Therefore this integration will help them bring Facebook’s apps to the mobile space. This is considered smart, given that users are spending increasing amounts of time using mobile apps compared to the web. But Facebook has worked to take things even a bit further by allowing users to upload photos right from the picture-taking app, or to integrate Facebook contacts with the phone’s address book. “I would get the phone because it’ll be easier to get on Facebook,” freshman Mayra Ramirez-Cruz said. The Buffy project is a significant turn for Facebook, which has focused more on its mobile work. Even though it’s been an ongoing concern, I am looking forward to seeing the finished product. Buffy is probably 12 to 18 months away from hitting the cell phone stores.
It has been speculated that the phone will sync messages, photos, and contacts between the site and the phone.
January 13th
Varsity Swimming @ Lincoln High JV/V B&G Basketball @ McCook
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January 16th Martin Luther King Day
January 19th Varsity Swimming vs. Columbus
January 21st
January 24th
January 26th
Varsity Wrestling vs. York
January 27th
Varsity B&G Swimming @ Westside
on the type of phone one uses. Waiting for photos to load, sending and receiving messages, and simply connecting is sometimes a frustrating wait. So after years of considering the codename phone “Buffy” after the television vampire slayer, Facebook is working with HTC to create a cell phone that has deeper integration with social networking than any other Facebook phone. It has been speculated that the phone will sync messages, photos, and contacts between the site and the phone. However, all around the world many doubt whether they will ever purchase a Facebook-produced phone. Many believe the phone will fail, based off negative sentiment consumers have toward the company. Even though many love Facebook, the company is widely recognized as the most serious non-governmental violator of privacy in the world. And cell phone users aren’t sure they need
Musical Auditions Winter Band Concert
Varsity Wrestling @ Lexington
JV/V B&G Basketball vs. Adams Central
jorgeaguirre Trying to access Facebook from a such a device. reporter phone can be a challenge, depending “I wouldn’t purchase it because I already have a smart phone
January 10th
Varsity Wrestling @ McCook
January 20th
HTC presents: The Buffy
January 28th
8th Grade Vocal Clinic Varsity Wrestling Hastings Invite Varsity Swimming @ Westside
January 30th
Orchestra Concert
January 31st JV/V B&G Basketball vs. Kearney
With a smile on her face, English teacher Jalaene Choquette pies science teacher Rod Tickle in the face. As part of the Make-A-Wish department competition, the science department, having raised the most money, got pied in the face by teachers in the English Department at the pep rally on Friday, December 2. See more about the pep rally and Make-A-Wish success on page 8.
Facebook abuse proves dangerous, annoying Columnist warns users their futures could be affected by their current profiles Facebook was created so users could catch up with old friends and keep in touch with them. Unfortunately our generation has taken advantage of its purpose. Since when was posting inappropriate things free speech? Students, this needs to stop. There is a fine line between normal and insane and as a society we have by far passed the normal. To my fellow girl classmates, I don’t mean to sound like your mom but be classy! As women we are degrading ourselves on facebook by putting risque pictures up that 15 years ago would have been considered pornography. I am not saying that everyone takes advantage of Facebook in this way but we are not doing anything to stop it. If Facebook was not enough to make our society corrupt, now we have created Twitter. Back when our parents were in high school this would have been considered stalking. As a society we have completely thrown our good morals down the drain. We have made ourselves easy targets for online predators. Facebook is not all bad. When used correctly it allows its users to contact others and look at other peoples’ statuses. It can be very beneficial and fun. Facebook has made life simpler for many businesses and it allows us to keep in contact with people from other countries. Facebook is also useful for workplaces and educational institutions. They use it to distribute training materials. But when you post an inappropriate picture or video for all your friends to see then you are just being stupid and mak-
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ing yourself look like an idiot. This is completely defeating the purpose of Facebook. Come on people! We all know that this is wrong! Facebook has caused our world to act in ways that people 50 years ago would frown upon. Once you put something on Facebook, it is on there forever. Colleges and potential employers will google you and find this stuff. So keep your Facebook pages appropriate. Be smart about your futures because putting inappropriate things on there can ruin them. In order to save our world from losing touch of its good morals forever, we need to come together and fix this problem once and for all! It is not going to be easy but we got ourselves into this mess and it is our job to get out. Many of you are probably wondering what we can do to stop this madness and I have a pretty good idea. Stop abusing Facebook! It is really simple. We have the power to turn this generation around, now we just need the drive. We need to come together as a nation and fix this problem. We crossed the line as a culture a while back and now we are seeing the consequences. Teens are acting out in inappropriate ways and we are calling it free speech! To the parents, you know that this behavior is wrong but you do not want to believe that your child could possibly act this way on Facebook. I do not mean to be the bearer of bad news, but even if they are not using Facebook inappropriately they are still seeing it. Is that really what you want for them? It is time to stop ignoring the issue and start dealing with it. Who’s with me?
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December 21, 2011
HO HO HO
Mr. HO-HO Kirk Ortegren
My resume continues to grow. Accomplishments include twelve-time self-nominated teacher of the year, best looking Calculus teacher at HHS and now this: Mr. Ho Ho. It is truly an honor. I got into teaching for fame and fortune. The fame is really coming easy, the fortune not so much. I would like to take this opportunity to thank whoever is responsible for this thing. Come to think of it, I don’t really know who is responsible for this thing or why they picked me. I can tell by the name and funny hat they made me wear that it has something to do with Old St. Nick. Now, my side profile is approaching Santa stature, but that is a look-a-like contest I would rather not win. Although, not all comparisons to Kris Cringle would be bad. He has quite a few good traits when you think about it. For example, he only has two categories for people: naughty or nice. Race, religion, sexual orientation, money: all those things we are so quick to judge others by don’t even factor into the big C-O-A-L sentence. Imagine if we could really see a person’s character like Father Christmas does, if mean people had horns and nice people had wings. A lot of things we judge people by now would be irrelevant. They would become neutral characteristics of a unique person, neither good nor bad. Stereotypes would disappear. It would sure make voting a lot easier. Or look at the fact that he gets to ride on a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. That’s pretty cool. I wonder if he ever gets tired of it. Sure, at first it was a great gig. All the milk and cookies, but it was easier then. There were a lot less people in the world. And think of the toys 50 years ago. Wish lists full of hula-hoops and Frisbees. I am sure the elves were like, “No problem.” Compare that with the lists now: x-boxes, iPods. Santa’s little helpers are spending their vacation time at MIT learning implicit differentiation just to keep up. Yet Saint Nicholas seems to handle the pressure quite well. Some would say he was just born with determination and a good work ethic. I disagree. I think “drive” gets too much credit for success and too much blame for failure. Nobody does it alone. Tiger didn’t buy his first club. Einstein didn’t buy his first book. Not always, but most of the time success can be contributed to somebody else. Who knows, maybe you’re that somebody else. Thanks again for the award. The comparison to Santa is flattering, but I know that I cannot live up to the standard he has set. Some say he is not real, but I know he is. I’ve seen him. It was April, in Florida. You see, every Thursday, all year round, Santa comes to Give Kids the World Village in Orlando. That is where the Make-a-Wish kids stay. My family and I had the opportunity to go and it was there that I had the privilege of seeing a young girl have what very well could have been her last visit with Santa. As we waited in line they wheeled her up next to him and the family gathered around while she carefully stood up and sat on his lap. She just stared at him, playing with his beard with one hand while the other felt the shoulder of his jacket. Once she was satisfied that he was legit, she leaned in close to his ear. As she whispered, his eyes looked upward and a small, tight smile began to form on his lips. When she was finished she pulled her head back. He turned to her with a full smile now, winked and nodded. Her eyes lit up and for one short moment the color of her face that had faded with disease returned in full glow. I don’t know what she wished for and it didn’t really matter. That Santa, the real Santa, told her it would happen and I was sure it would. As you make your list this season (we all know a clock is tops on my list) remember to take some time and think about what you would whisper on your last visit to Santa. That is the wish I hope you get this holiday season.
I am extremely honored to be chosen as Mrs. Ho Ho! Over the years, the Tiger Cub has always chosen my ideal Mr. and Mrs. Ho Ho’s. I find it hard to believe that I am being honored this year. Christmas is always such a busy time of year. What do you buy for this person and what do you give to that person? One year, I was eating lunch in a local establishment and happened to overhear one of the other diners mention that the owner served Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner to several people in the community who had no one and nowhere to go. She served a large meal and those people had camaraderie and something to eat. They were allowed to stay there for several hours, rather than sit in their lonely home or room by themselves. To me, this is what the holidays should be all about and what Hastings High is all about. As I get older, I realize that there are more and more people who do not have someone who cares. I think of our servicemen and women who are fighting for our way of life. I am very fortunate to work in a place that has always had extremely generous and giving people. Hastings High School has the Giving Tree, set up by the counselors. Our faculty at the high school is always trying to give to those who have less. Mr. Sunderman collects hats, gloves, and coats to give away. Mrs. Hedstrom collects money to donate an animal to feed a village in Africa or Asia. Our Student Council gives meals to those who cannot afford food. They donate to Make-a-Wish to help give someone the dream trip or gift of a lifetime. DECA collects Toys for Tots. National Honor Society sponsors the blood mobile in the spring. I know there are more things done and there just isn’t room to list them all. These are the holiday memories that I cherish. We are very fortunate to be here at HHS. God bless you all. I hope you all have a very happy break from school. Just think, this year when you leave all the tests are over. You have ten days to enjoy! No books to study, but do enjoy reading a good book over the break.
Happy Holidays, Coach O
Happy Holidays, Mrs. Long
Mrs. HO-HO Kathy Long
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Less is more Girl’s basketball low on numbers kaitlynnschmidt From big to small the girls’ basketball team has suffered some reporter loses this season in numbers. With only seven freshmen out they have meshed all the team practices into one. “The practices are extremely small compared to past seasons, but we work around that and are continuing to get better,” senior Briton Thomas said. Head coach Greg Mays is actually enjoying the smaller number this year and notices the advantages they have. “With the smaller number it actually gives our younger girls that we do have a big advantage for playing time. And the coach to basketball player ratio is about one coach to every five girls which is perfect,” Coach Mays said. Even after losing their starting point guard and a few others, the team seems to be getting along well and recovering. “Losing so many girls has made us a better team and brought us all closer,” senior Zoe Mays said. Thomas has the same belief in her team. “Well, at first we were upset of course, we really didn’t know what to think, but after playing Doniphan I can see that we are working even harder,” Thomas said. This year there are only two seniors on the team and it has given them a chance to step it up. “I like it, it has really allowed us to lead and some of the juniors to step into leadership roles as well,” Zoe said. Coach Mays also expressed how proud he is of the girls that have stuck with the team and worked hard for it. “Honestly our best five players are the ones who have worked the hardest in the off season,” Coach Mays said. “The girls that we have all the way to the freshman are just the girls we need for the team and have worked hard and been to all of the camps during the summer.” Coach Mays’s confidence in his girls has also made him confident and sure of his goals for the season. “My goals are to win at least ten games in the season, two at conference, and districts. I really think we can do it. These girls work hard and I know we are capable of all of this,” he said. As for the small numbers in the future, Coach Mays is not worried about that at all. “We already have so many youth programs for younger girls that are already successful for future years, and as for next year we have a big group of eighth grade girls who are very talented and already have a great season going this year which makes me really confident,” he said. The Lady Tigers are looking for a great season and the confidence from the girls and the coaches ensures that it will be successful.
December 21, 2011
Freezing football frenzy kevinchristensen reporter
When it’s cold, snowy and miserable outside, everyone tries to stay warm and cozy inside. Football players, however, still have to play in weather meant for the Eskimos. The NFL has playoffs during winter and college football has the last games of their regular season and their bowl games in the snow. One question that is being asked around the football world is, “Are dome teams really affected in the playoffs when playing away in an outdoor stadium?” Football Coach Rick Ripperger thinks they are affected. “Yes, if teams are not used to playing in the conditions they will usually play poorly in bad conditions,” Ripperger said. Comparing two teams, the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts, help the fan to see it. The Colts play at Lucas Oil Stadium, a dome stadium with a retractable roof. The Patriots play at Gillette Stadium, an open stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where in the winter it can get pretty cold. Tom Brady, the Patriots Quarterback, has a 89.8 career passer rating in cold weather games and has a career passer rating of 93.8 in mild weather games. On the other hand, Peyton Manning, the Colts Quarterback before he had neck surgery that took him out for most of the season, has a career average passer rating of 86.9 in cold weather games and has an 83.0 career passer rating in mild weather games. Also, since Manning plays mostly indoors, his career passer rating at indoor stadiums is 100.4. These stats show Manning plays better indoors than outdoors. Even though this is just one example, it shows teams who normally play indoors do not play as well in outdoor stadiums. Another question that is up in the cold air is, “how important is a good running back and a good running game are during winter for both college and NFL?” Senior Austin Gydesen, a cornerback/wide receiver, thinks running is very important. “It’s big, cause the weather doesn’t allow teams to throw,” Gydesen said. Since it’s freezing cold and there will probably be snow on the ground, running backs will probably do better since they know what direction they are going and what moves they are making on defenders. Defenders will have a hard time reacting when they are slipping and sliding. The same thing can be said for the passing game. The wide receivers know their routes and defensive backs can’t get their footing to the quick cuts that skilled wide receivers run. Having a good passing game can be even better than the running game in chilly football. The cold winter weather has always had an affect on the outcome of football games. The coldest game ever played was on December 31, 1967. The Dallas Cowboys played at Lambeau Field against the Packers. It was -13 degrees F with a wind chill of -48 degrees. It was so cold that the Cowboys quarterback ran pass patterns with his hands in his pants and one of the referees had a whistle stuck to his lips. “I haven’t been in or coached a lot of cold weather games but one game there was six inches of snow and they had to keep scooping the yard markers. It really made the offense be conservative and it limits the offense on play calling. Usually it becomes a rugby scrum in these cold weather games,” Ripperger said. From a fan perspective, Freshman Phillip Fisbeck has seen that the hardest part about winter games is quarterbacks holding on to the football.
Finding coaches Swim team starts year with serch for assistant gracekelly reporter
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Former tiger basketball player, Lauren Bliss, begins her walk off the court after an intense play in a game against York high school during the 2010-11 season. Bliss was a starter both her sophomore and junior seasons but chose not to come back for her senior year. “I didn’t want to let the team down if my heart really wasn’t in it. I owe that to them,” Bliss said.
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. Everyone knows this cheery motto sung by Dori (of Finding Nemo). The Hastings High swim team would like to follow this tune, but they seem to have swum into a little problem. In previous years, the team has had a Hastings High teacher as an assistant or head coach and a separate swim coach. When last year’s assistant coach Jared Denton left, it brought up a challenge for swimmers. “Either the team needs to have a coach with a teaching degree or have a coaching certificate,” Activities Director, Gregg Holliday said. Luckily, the Tiger swimmers were prepared for this problem. Their head coach, Alissa Bumgardner, was coaching certified two years ago, so the green light for swimmers is still shining. “Assistant coaches can still help out without the degree or certificate, but head coaches are required to have one or the other,” Holliday said. This makes Bumgardner a bit of a rarity amongst the coaching community of Hastings High. According to Holliday, there are quite a few assistant coaches who aren’t currently Hastings High teachers, but Bumgardner is one of the first to tackle the whole head coaching position without being a teacher. “It’s not a requirement to have a teacher on the coaching staff, but it makes things easier. Less paperwork, it just simplifies the process,” Holliday says. Bumgardner is prepared to take on the job, even though not working in the building is an added challenge. “Mr. Denton did a lot of school related things, like checking grades and attendance, picking up mail, and dropping things off at the office. It was nice to have someone at the school who knew what was going on with practices and meets,” she said. It’s been a bit of an adjustment in planning, and getting information through to the team, but neither Bumgardner or Holliday believe the effect on the season will be detrimental.
Winter “break” for winter sports Practices and games. These are the commitments that athletes and coaches must make during the holiday seasons. They have to work the traveling, holiday, and time with friends and family around their winter sports in order to keep the commitments of practices. Basketball players have to attend their GNAC tournament. “To be a good athlete you have to be committed to your sport, which includes making sure you get to practices during breaks. It all has to do with how much you love the sport,” sophomore wrestler Kiley Maughan said. Staying committed during breaks seems to be the hardest part. “The hardest part is getting up to go to practice when all you really want to do is stay home and be with your family and friends,” junior swimmer Elaine Streff said. Not only do the players have the commitment but coaches’ plans also have to be made around their sport too. “Being a coach doesn’t really allow for a true holiday, and even if I don’t do any work I still get calls and texts from swimmers and their parents. Also, you never really stop planning what you’re going to do the following week or how you’re going to score the most points at the next meet. I do not mind though, because I love what I do,” swimming coach Alyssa Bumgardner said. Wrestling coach Brian Laux doesn’t have a problem with it either.
kaitlynnschmidt reporter
“You know, I don’t think I have planned a holiday vacation yet, but that is alright because when you are a coach that is what is expected of you, it’s your nature,” Laux said. Missing a practice affects not only the team, but also the individual athlete. “When you go to practices [you improve] making the team’s scores as a whole better, and practicing always pays off and shows in the end,” Streff said. Maughan feels it is vital to attend practices. “I think it affects the individual more because he’s missing valuable practice time and an opportunity to make themselves better for upcoming meets,” Maughan said. Coaches agree to the importance of maintaining the commitment. Laux explains the expectation of being an athlete and team member. “When you are out for a sport you definitely have higher expectations and demands from you as a coach and an athlete,” Laux said. Even though it is hard for the athletes to make it to practice during the break, the coaches try to make it as easy as possible on the players. “I try schedule practice times that will be easy for everyone to make. I usually end up scheduling mornings because they tend to be less busy for all of them,” Bumgardner said. All sports take commitment, but the winter ones make it harder with all of the breaks and traveling. Athletes understand they will have to be willing to make the commitment.
feature
4 Earlier semester exams means some might get coal for Christmas
Hastings High is switching up semester tests this year. Instead of normally having students get out on December 20 and taking tests when break gets over, semester tests are before Christmas break. Because of the time change for semester tests many teachers feel rushed with their curriculum. In previous years, there was a week after Christmas to review and refresh the mind of all the things that happened before break. “I have to cut a lot of things out. Especially for my sophomore and senior classes,” social studies teacher Robert Kerr said. Many students prefer having tests before Christmas because most of the student population goes brain dead over break. Between going into food comas, opening gifts, and dealing with half deaf grandparents, studying just doesn’t happen. “I like having them earlier because then we don’t have to worry about studying over Christmas break,” senior Fran Ferrone said. Many students prefer having tests before Christmas because most of the student population goes brain dead over break. Between going into food comas, opening gifts, and dealing with half deaf grandparents, studying just doesn’t happen. Having them earlier can make it harder on teachers even if it is easier on most students. “From my perspective coming back after having a week and a half didn’t seem like good practice. There is a lot of pressure on teachers to meet the new deadlines,” Principal Jay Opperman said. There’s a lot more pressure on teachers to meet these deadlines then students may think. “I don’t really like having semester tests earlier. I’m having to eliminate curriculum,” English teacher Jalaene Choquette said. It may not always be easier on students. If a student’s family is leaving for vacation and leaving early it can be hard on that student. Break is also shorter this year. Getting ready for family to come with the yearly cooking and cleaning takes more than just a few hours. It can be a true process. For the next years to come semester tests will stay in this arrangement. It also helps for students who transfer in the middle of the year. Now their semesters match up with Hastings High’s. “It makes more sense to me to have it earlier,” senior Zacc Hoffart said. Whether semester test date is more convenient or making everything a little bit harder for the moment, they’re a-coming. And regardless of when the semester exams take place, Santa is on his way!
lexyvanboening reporter
Debate at home “court”
jennakulwicki reporter
Not only arguing with others but also being encouraged to do so? That is what the debate team does. For the second time in two years the Tigers have hosted a debate tournament here at HHS. Debate consist of four categories: Policy, Congress, Lincoln Douglas and Public Forum. It also has two divisions. First is varsity, those with one or more years of experience. Second is novice, those with less than one year of experience. Hastings has not had a policy team since 2003 when English teacher Dave Witt was coaching debate. Policy is a type of debate that has one topic per year. This year’s topic is space exploration. “At the tournament that we hosted I got an opportunity to debate because there wasn’t enough kids so I got a chance but since we hosted it usually that wouldn’t happen,” sophomore Rachel Stroebel said. Even though the policy team got to participate in the tournament, the other three teams did not. Public Forum consists of two teams of two, and public forum debaters get a new topic every month. “Debate is really fun and I like public forum because I get a new topic every month,” senior Nick Valle said. Instead of getting a new topic every month Lincoln Douglas gets a new topic every two months. “I like learning about many different subject it makes me feel smart,” senior Britton Thomas said. Congress gets the most topics. “I believe congress debate has the most variety among other kinds of debate. Each week we get a list of new topics to debate on,” sophomore Nick Howard said. HHS offers things at their tournament that makes other teams want to attend. These are things offered here that are not offered anywhere else. Door gifts were made available to every coach and judge. They received a water bottle, which never happens at other tournaments. “Part of doing this was because we wanted to go-green. Other schools offer bottled drinks for everyone. That becomes and issue for wasting drinks, recycling, and for dirtying the building.
Judges and coaches thought this was the coolest idea,” debate team coach Delta Fajardo said. There is also a high level of community involvement. Donations were received from places such as Quizno’s, Subway, Jimmy John’s, Boyd’s/Pepsi Vending, and many other local businesses. “Many schools are actually envious about how much our community is involved with our team,” Fajardo said. Our school also promotes local Hastings businesses. The top winner in each division receives Eileen’s cookies. A big cookie goes to the top three schools. “Believe it or not, schools come just to possibly win this because no other tournament offers an award the whole team can enjoy,” Fajardo said. Fajardo also provides layman judges. Most tournaments only offer judges who are college students and former debaters. “A whole other level of debate is offered. It helps them to adapt and persuade their judges better,” said Fajardo. The tournament also gave Harry Potter hats. The colors of the hats corresponded with the houses (Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Griffindore). “The hats were coveted by the debaters,” Fajardo said. Giving the hats out made the debaters’ day. “One debater from Millard West actually squealed and jumped when she found out she won. She said she had really worked hard just so she could get the hat,” Fajardo said. Not only did the tournament provide awards for top winner of each category, Fajardo also provided ribbons to debaters who won each round. “We give ribbons to debaters when they win each round because there are many debaters who may never be the greatest competitors, and may never receive a single medal or trophy. We want to celebrate and congratulate their success in winning rounds as a way of supporting their efforts. No other tournament do this,” said Fajardo. The HHS tournament is well known for the hospitality, the work put into it, the prizes, and how much the community is involved.
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December 21, 2011
The giving season...
Tigers help those less fortunate It’s approaching that season again- the “most wonderful time of the year” has arrived. This means heading to the mall for that Christmas shopping, searching through ads for the elusive “perfect gift”, and keeping up with all the Christmas spirit. Everyone is ready for the cheer, the food, and the gifts waiting under their trees. But what about those who aren’t lucky enough to have the money to spread the Christmas spirit? With the economy how it is, Santa can’t handle all the rounds. That’s why some of Hastings High’s clubs have decided to stand up and help. The student council, DECA, Listen and even some individual teachers are stepping up to the plate to help those in need. “It’s a good deal,” says student council member, Robert Pankratz. “We go to Walmart and buy a bunch of toys to deliver to kids in the hospital.” DECA does something similar, also geared toward giving Christmas gifts to kids who Santa might not be able to visit this year. “We are collecting unwrapped, new toys for the needy kids of Adams County through Good Fellows. We then put them in boxes with food items and deliver to families in time to have a great Christmas!” said Bre Pendergast, a senior DECA member. Pendergast said that the club has been doing this project for as long as she’s been in high school. It’s an annual thing that helps them to spread a little Christmas cheer throughout the community. “DECA is a marketing club, but we also do community service projects like this, to give back to the community and market our club,“ Pendergast said. Listen, a student group that promotes acceptance and tolerance, is trying a different approach to giving back. They are replicating the “Pay it Forward” project. This encourages kids to step out of their comfort zones and do random acts of kindness. These can be anything, from helping an unfortunate schoolmate pick up dropped belongings amongst hallway chaos, to doing the dishes after dinner. It’s based on the movie with the same title, where a young boy helps out three random people and which stirs up a goodness in their hearts to keep the giving cycle going. Students who participate can put up a link on the “helping chain” (hung in the main stairway landing) after they do their acts of kindness. This way, the whole student body can see the chain grow and hopefully be inspired to follow in the footsteps of these helpful citizens. English teacher Carla Hedstrom does a yearly fundraiser to reach out to those not so close to home. She teams up with Heifer International to give globe-stretching help to those in need. This company is on mission to stop world hunger, one cow at a time. The money donated to them goes towards buying livestock for families living in poverty. These animals are a gift that keeps on giving. With the help of this livestock, families can pull themselves back up by their bootstraps, as the saying goes. “I really enjoy seeing the students get excited about the possibilitiy of helping someone and trying to decide what to buy,” Hedstrom said. Gifts range from a $20 flock of chicks to an $850 camel. HHS students really enjoy giving and this time of year encourages more to participate. “Helping out makes you feel good, because it doesn’t hurt to help out others when you plenty to give.” said sophomore student council member, Pablo Morales. This is the true Christmas spirit, behind all the commercial buzz of Black Friday sales and hectic pace that sometimes embodies this season. Lending the helping hand to others is some thing easily done, and Hastings High provides several opportunities for students to get involved this holiday season.
gracekelly reporter
jordanallen photo editor Junior Courtney Wright and business teacher Gwen Davidson hold toys collected from the DECA toy drive. The toy drive is sponsored by DECA every year and the donations go to the Good Fellow Toy Drive “I am thrilled that so many students have volunteered to help us out,” said Davidson. Tiger Cub online Exclusive: What is in store for us this winter season?Video journalist Shane Samuelson tells us what to expect. www.my.hsj.org/481075
Managing school, a job, and a special suprise. For the fulll video and story go online by scanning this QR code or go to www.my.hsj.org/475554
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December 21, 2011
Chase gets state reconigzation wyattdavis Volunteering is a big part of Hastings and its people. However, freshman Andy Chase reporter has taken it to a whole new level. Chase is a recipient of the Governer’s Point of Light Award. Chase received the award from Governor Dave Heineman in November. His reaction to this glowing honor, however, was humble. “[I was] really happy. I was in shock when I found out I had won the award,” Chase said. He received the Point of Light Award for Nebraska youth during a special ceremony at the Nebraska State Capital. He was nominated by Jennifer Lewis, executive director of YWCA of Adams County. Lewis nominated Andy for his volunteer efforts at The Zone and throughout the community. The Zone provides after school activities for students in grades six through twelve. It gives them something to stay busy with after school. “I volunteer at the Middle School Home Program, done some work at crossroads, and some cleanups at Heartwell and Hastings Lake also,” Chase said. Chase’s FMP advisor teacher Mr. Comron Yazdgerdi thinks he is deserving of the honor. “He really cares about others, and puts others before himself, and he is also a very good kid,” Yazdgerdi says. Chase is understated when he says why he volunteers, saying simply that it is important. “People really like it when you do volunteer work and knowing I love to help out. And that will help me I think in earning a scholarship,” Chase said. Yazdgerdi encourages Chase to keep setting a good example. He thinks Chase should encourage his peers to volunteer and be willing to help out others. Chase has a message for his classmates when it comes to volunteering. “Volunteering is really fun and helps out the community enormously,” Chase said.
Giving back
wyattdavis reporter
jennakulwicki reporter
From ipods to teddy bears, students will receive a wide range of gifts during this Christmas season. But rather than shopping for others, there are students who create their gift to give to other people. “I usually give my friends lots of pictures of us together and write notes on the back. It’s a cheap, fun and creative way to celebrate,” sophomore Emily Karges said. “I always make gifts for other people, I love pottery and I’m good at it and I don’t really use the pots I make so I make them for other people as gifts,” senior Jazmine Lindstrum said. Going to a store and buying small gifts is also a popular way to give gifts. “Usually I get lots of little things for my close friends, inside joke stuff,” sophomore Brenna Crawford said. Not only do students get gifts for friends but also for family members. “I always get my family members something. I’ll get them stuff that I know they want, like a movie or something,” Karges said. Other families pull names from a hat and buy just for one rather than for many. “For my family we all do a secret Santa thing and then you are responsible for buying a gift for the person you have,” Crawford said. Some students have significant others like a boyfriend or girlfriend to shop for. “We will get each other pretty good gifts, he sends me flowers quite a bit so I’m sure he’ll get me something great,” sophomore Bailey Petzoldt said. Some boys go all out for their girlfriends. “I got my girl something she will love. She is defiantly worth it. I would get her anything,” junior Brady Kopecky said. Even teachers get gifts for each other. “In the past I have bought a little pack of mints for the teachers that help with my students,” resource teacher Lacrica Spanel said. Teachers also think about their students during the Christmas season. “Before Christmas break I bring cookies and treats for my students to celebrate winter break,” Spanel Said. “I will bring candy for my students before winter break just kinda to say have a good break,” Mathematics teacher Aubrey Miller said. From giving small gifts to big gifts, ipods to prictures, presents aren’t necessary for the season but always add smiles and happiness to anyone’s day. It isn’t only gifts that matter though, it’s the time spent with friends and the thought that really counts.
Lighting up Hastings
jordanallen photo editor With no semester tests to be studied for, whatever will the students of HHS do will all of their time over Christmas break? The staff members of the Tiger Cub have composed a list of the top pastimes for Christmas break.
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Students were asked whether they preferred colored or white lights and where their favorite display of lights was. Here’s what they had to say!
Mrs. Ruby
Preference: Colored Where: Downtown
Brittney Roman
Mr. Fielder
Grade: 11 Preference: Colored Where: Downtown
Preference: Florescent Blue Where: Individual houses
Mrs. Mau
Preference: White Where: Individual houses
Michael Sadd and Jonah Schulz Preference: Florescent Blue and White Where: Downtown
Kiara Carson
Grade: 10 Preference: colorful Where: individual houses
Paul Frazier
Grade: 9 Preference: Colored Where: Downtown
Taitlyn Farris Grade: 12 Preference: Colored Where: Fisher Fountain
Fran Ferrone
Grade: 12 Preference: Colored Where: Individual houses
entertainment
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November 30 , 2011
One-act underway What’s with all the drama!? No, this isn’t talking about another round of angtsy status updates clogging up the new feeds of the student body; it’s about the drama club. This month, Tiger Theater is starting up rehearsals for their next project. The theater department’s upcoming undertaking is a one act titled “don’t u luv me?”. Not just the average production, this play is a double-edged sword. While it’s exterior is the typical teenage drama, it holds a message no one should ignore. “I believe it is trying to bring up the fact that relationships frequently can turn abusive/controlling whether it is physically or emotionally. It’s about how we can’t stay with someone who would do such a thing to you, and how you need to get out as quickly as possible. If you can’t do it alone, you need to tell someone, whether it is your mother or the cops,” said Hannah Lau, who plays “Jen” in the show. Now, this may seem like things are being taken to the extreme, but domestic violence is something that needs to be taken seriously. “You can find stories of abusive relationships in tons of magazines like seventeen and people... For instance, look at Rihanna’s relationship with Chris Brown. We can’t be blindsided by this issue, and act like it isn’t happeningbecause it is, even to the celebs. Songs like “Mean” by Taylor Swift, “Pearl” by Katy Perry, “Russian Roulette” by Rihanna- they’re examples!” Lau also stated. And, it’s not just a problem for the leading ladies and
gracekelly reporter
actors of Hollywood- relationship violence and abuse happens off the red carpet too. The one act spotlights how one seemingly perfect relationship takes a turn for the worse. The curtains open on “Angela” (portrayed by senior Hailey Hemmingway) a sophomore being courted by the studly senior “CJ” (played by Colin). The future of their blossoming romance looks bright, but soon, the metaphorical clouds of domestic abuse begin to darken the sky. “My character is very much the bad guy- but he hides it under his romantic ways- he’s good at hiding his true colors,” says freshman Colin Spilinek. Even though Spilinek is a freshman, he is a veteran to theater and was excited to land the leading role. He has been involved with the theater since he started to read, doing shows at the community theater and other summer projects with director Margret Marsh. “I wasn’t expecting it because I couldn’t do the first show because of cross country, and Luke and Joe did a really great job with that so I didn’t think I’d make it into this one.” Not only is this the start to his promising journey with HHS theater, but it is a challenging role to slip into. “I’ve played villain’s before- but they’ve always been the classic dark cape, top hat type of guys. This is the first type of guy you could actually run into- it was a challenge, but it’s easier because he starts out as a nice guy and it’s gradual,” says Spilinek. This one act promises to give new faces their spotlight in the drama club, and teaches an important lesson everyone needs to learn.
ProperTheaterEtiquette
jordanallen photo editor Preparing for the one act play, “don’t u luv me?”, junior Adam Heyen and freshman Collin Spilinek rehearse lines with each other. “ I’m excited for the play and I hope everyone comes and see it, because everyone has worked hard on it,” said Spilinek.
By:Ms.Schultz
• Please no hats. • Please POWER OFF (not just silence) all cell phones and pagers • Please silence beeping watches. • Please do not leave the theatre during a performance (except in case of an emergency). • Food and drink are not allowed in the theatre. • Please refrain from talking during the performance. • Please do not put your feet on the chairs. • Personal cameras and recording devises are strictly prohibited during performances by contract with the licensing agency.
Blood lovers unite
jordanallen photo editor
Anticipation ran high in the community of Twi-hards as the first installment of the final chapter of Twilight: Breaking Dawn arrived. I have always been the one to like a book more than the movie. Still, I do enjoy movies and have seen all of the Twilight installments. I went into this movie with an open mind, as I do with everything I have read, but I am honestly indifferent about the outcome of this movie going experience. Undoubtedly, there are those of you out there who would not be caught dead sitting in that theater watching one of these movies, unless it was to mock those of us who do go to them. Then there are those of you who do like the movies and have not yet seen this one. I hope this review does not ruin it for you, although you should not value my opinion above your own. The last time we saw Bella and Edward, Edward had agreed to turn Bella into a vampire once they were married. And at the altar is where we begin our journey. The two get married and go off on their honeymoon and do what grown up married people do. The scenes portraying the two on their honeymoon are comical at some points but indeed prolonged. Bella soon realizes that she is pregnant, which everyone thought was impossible because she married a vampire. Edward becomes quite concerned so they return home. Jacob finds out about the “demon,” as he refers to it and is just as concerned for her health as everyone else because the baby is crushing her from the inside out. The rest of Jacob’s werewolf pack also find out about the baby and are determined to kill it and Bella but Jacob stops them and leaves the pack because he wants to protect Bella. Once again Jacob and the Cullens are teamed up against a common enemy; the only problem is that the enemy is Jacob’s family. Other things happen too, but if I told you these things then you would not have any prompting to get off your couch and go see this movie. Sorry for the inconvenience, but you will manage. The acting was well done and Robert Pattison’s (Edward) makeup was decently done so he didn’t look nearly as gross as he usually does. The werewolves are still cool, although the scene where they are talking to each other in their werewolf form was quite head ache inducing. For the most part I do recommend seeing the movie, I do not regret going. Although I do have to tell you this: some moments are laughable, serious, sad, and then there are the moments where you seriously consider vomiting. All in all I did honestly enjoy the film and it followed the book pretty decently. I will admit that I did not read all of the last book so I was sitting there guessing just as much as the person next to me. This diminishes my opinion of this movie versus the book just slightly, for I can only compare the parts of the book I did read. I am very anxious to see this saga come to an end and hope that the Twilight fanatics were pleased with the outcome of their beloved book.
SENIORS: Important dates to remember!! Senior photos due Dec. 23!! Buy your yearbook before January 31 to save $$$ and ensure you get a book! And order your senior ad space TODAY!!
opinion
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The Tiger Cub staff editorial A study was conducted by the Charity Navigator organization where they polling 565 donors and 101 charities. Charities reported they receive 41 percent of their annual contributions in the last few weeks of the year. That means that charities receive just under half of most their donations between, roughly speaking, the time from Thanksgiving to New Years. The year-end holidays inspire many people to reach out to those who are less fortunate. Another reason for the spike in contributions during this time is because donors need to make their end-of-year-donation decisions by December 31 to qualify for a tax deduction in the calendar year. The Tiger Cub staff wants to bring this trend to your attention. Of course, we believe that any type of charity work and giving is a great thing. We just want to make you aware that it does not have to be just during the holiday season. The food pantry doesn’t only need food around Thanksgiving, and Goodwill doesn’t only need clothes during Christmas time. Cancer patients in hospitals don’t just need visitors and decorations in December and Crossroads doesn’t only need volunteers around the holidays. Let us remind you again. VOLUNTEER, GIVE, DONATE. We just hope that it is not only during the holidays. We encourage you to volunteer all year, especially during the
Hailey’s haileyhemenway co-editor
shanesamuelson online editor
spring. The food pantry would greatly appreciate donations then because they are always in a shortage of food during that time of year. Another good idea for spring is a clothing donation when you do a spring cleaning. It’s also a great idea to give money to foundations in times other than the holidays. The Tiger Cub’s favorite charity is the Make-a-Wish foundation. We believe these wishes should be granted year round, not just during Christmas time! Here is a list of places the Tiger Cub recommends you donate to or volunteer for! 1) Make-a-Wish 2) American Red Cross 3) United States Fund for UNICEF 4) American Cancer Society 5) Catholic Social Services 6) Doctors Without Borders 7) The Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital 8) International AIDS Vaccine Initiative 9) Salvation Army 10) Habitat for Humanity Next time you are thinking about donating or volunteering, try and spread it out over the course of year, not just during this season! Charities around the world would be happy to take your donations, even if it is just because you want a tax reduction. The Tiger Cub is doing its part by making you aware of the situation, so now it’s time for you to take action! Yes, you!
how to
Each year, sports fans at HHS strive to... not get the sportsmanship award. To us, receiving that award means you have failed as a student section. However, it is important to be sure we do not move too far in the other direction. Yes, being a good fan requires cheering, but cheering does not include shouting insults at the other team. The point of cheering is to bring your team up, not tear the other team down. The cheerleaders are doing as much as they can and we need to do our part. After football season, I am confident game attendance and volume will not be a problem. Now, it’s time to work on content and unity. Step one: Stay positive. Cheer about good things! It is more helpful for the team to hear praise for the things they are doing well than anything else. Let them know you’re there to support them because you think they can win. Step two: Leave the other team out of it. Have some faith in your team and know they can beat the opponent without attacking them. It’s more impressive to see a positive crowd than to see a group of kids shouting insults. It makes us look more mature. Focusing on the positive about our team keeps everyone happier.
December 21, 2011
Ho, Ho, Here’s Some Grammar torihalloran co-editor
emilyzysset copy editor
Season’s greetings, grammar fans! As this year comes to a close, we have one final piece of grammar advice for you. As we all know, the English language is a vast collection of thousands of words. It’s nearly impossible to count them all. Multiple rules accompany the usage of these words. The English language has so many irregularities in it that it is almost impossible to know them all. That is what we are here for: to help you step just a little closer to total grammar knowledge, even though we are not quite there ourselves yet. This month, our focus is going to be on irregular verbs in the past tense. Now, we can’t mention them all, but we will do our best to hit a few of the principal ones. First on the list is the verb “eat,” a simple enough verb. The past form of “eat” is “ate.” Why? We have no idea. All we know is that people will scoff at us for saying “eated.” Now the trickier part comes in. The past participle of “eat” is “have eaten.” The common misconception is “have ate.” If you’re telling your mom that you have already finished your vegetables, you would say, “Mom, I have eaten my broccoli.” So, the simple verb “eat” turns into “eat,” “ate,” “have eaten.” Another similar trickster is the verb “swim.” Present tense, obviously, is “swim.” I am a swimmer, so I swim. (Note: This is a lie. Neither of us swim.) The past tense is “swam.” At the swimming meet last weekend, I swam the 200m butterfly. (Note: This is also false. We’re not completely sure what the butterfly stroke actually looks like.) Here comes the confusing part! The past participle of “swim” is “have swum.” If you swam this summer, you have swum before. In conclusion, it goes “swim,” “swam,” “have swum.” We’re pretty sure the grammar lords were cackling as they made up the rules for past participles. They sat down and decided to make things as confusing as possible. Nonetheless, we must abide by their rules in order to sound intelligent. We hope you guys will take this lesson to heart! Enjoy the break!
jordanallen photo editor
Step three: Go with the cheerleaders. What is there to gain by cheering different cheers than the cheerleaders? They are there to lead the cheers: that is their purpose. Let them do that! To oppose them, first of all, is ineffective and is fairly rude. It would be the equivalent of playing the radio over the loudspeaker while the pep band is playing. Doesn’t that seem pretty ridiculous? I think so. If you have a suggestion or request for the cheer, just ask the cheerleaders; they’re pretty nice. Step four: Sit in the student section. This problem has developed in the past few years and frankly is just silly. Students refusing to sit in the student section make it seem as though they are not supporting their team, our team. Sitting in the student section is a privilege you have been given as a student at Hastings High. Be thankful for that. I hope that everyone can keep up the spirit that we had during the fall and fix these few mishaps from previous years. Remember, sportsmanship can be loud, as long as it’s positive. If we sit together and cheer together then we will end the game together. Win or lose, we’ll do it as a school and that’s what’s important.
tim Kisicki Cartoonist valeriefrazier ads manager valeriefrazier ads manager
shanesamuelson online editor
photo essay
8
Who wants pie?
December 21, 2011
jordanallen photo editor
jordanallen photo editor
English teacher Cathy Davis “pies” science teacher Comron Yazgerdi. The science department won the most donations and the honor of being pied by members of the English department who had the fewest donations.
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Above: Physics teacher Jim Fielder reacts to being pied at the pep rally. English teachers were told to throw the pies gently because they were still frozen when the pep rally started.
jordanallen photo editor
Below: The cheerleaders wow the crowd with one of their stunts as the activities get underway.
The Winter Sports Pep Rally featured the senior athletes of winter sports teams. But it also gave Stu-Co a chance to announce the winners of the Make-a-Wish Piein-the-Face competition. Nebraska State Student Council’s state fund rasing project is Make-a-Wish and because of the generous donations, HHS student council is well on their way to their goal of $1,500 to grant a wish for a child in need.
jordanallen photo editor Top: The pep band gets things started playing the school fight song as students enter the gym for the pep rally. Bottom: Seniors Matt Geiger, Chris Williamson, Chas Davis, and Stephen Gnagy invite the fans to their wrestling meet to support the team. It is a tradition for senior athletes to address the crowd at the pep rallies.
jordanallen photo editor
Tiger Cub Policy and Staff The Tiger Cub is the only official student newspaper of Hastings Senior High School. The Tiger Cub publishes a eight page paper monthly printed at the Hastings Tribune. Subscriptions cost $15 annually. The Tiger Cub is advised by Cathy Davis. If you would like to order a subscription to The Tiger Cub, please call 402-4617568, or e-mail us at hhstigercub@gmail. com. Letters to the editor are welcome. They may be e-mailed in, mailed to Hastings Senior High School, or dropped off at room 224. The Tiger Cub- 1100 W. 14th St. Hastings, NE 68901
kelseychristensen co-editor
jorgeaguirre reporter
torihalloran co-editor
kevinchristensen reporter
haileyhemenway co-editor
jennakulwicki reporter
emilyzysset copy editor
lexyvanboening reporter
jordanallen photo editor
matthewkrueger reporter
valeriefrazier ads manager
kaitlynnshmidt reporter
gracekelly reporter
wyattdavis reporter
shanesamuelson online editor
nathanaelsass reporter