Volume 1, issue 2
PAGE 3
Suicide During the Holidays?
By: Alisa Warren
The holidays quickly approach, as do the feelings of warmth and comfort that define the season. But for many that suffer from loneliness and depression, the holidays also serve as a dark time, reminding them of their solitude during a supposedly cheerful time. Pressure to fulfill holiday duties can also lead one into depressive behavior and thoughts. It's a problem that isn't always discussed, as most would rather keep the season free of negativity. But at the same time, conventional wisdom leads many to believe that suicide rates climb drastically during the holidays, especially in December, due to the “holiday blues”. Dreary weather and lack of sunshine also point to possible suicide increase; however, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates do not go up during the holidays. The CDC states that: “[The] National Center for Health Statistics reports that the suicide rate is, in fact, the lowest in December. The rate peaks in the spring and the fall.” This might be news for most, as it is often assumed that the “holiday blues” lead people into deep depression. If one really thinks about it, the idea itself is contradicting common logic. The holidays are thought to be a time of joy and celebration, full of picturesque scenes of family gatherings and generosity. Why is it normal to assume the opposite? The answer quite simply is that it comes from media exaggerations and false information. According to the CDC, “The Annenberg Public Policy Center has been tracking media reports on suicide since 2000. A recent analysis found that 50% of articles written during the 2009–2010 holiday season perpetuated the myth.” Despite the gloomy weather and an over-flow of celebration, lonely people can often seek help during the holidays. Studies have shown that the decline of suicides during this season can often be attributed to the increase of available emotional support. Dr. John McIntosh of WebMD states, “Being around our families actually lifts our mood during those seasons. It may, in fact, magnify our loneliness after the season is over.” Although the holiday suicide rate increase is a myth, this again points to the fact that the suicide rates do go up during other seasons. It's important to be generous during the holidays, but it is even more crucial to keep this generosity up and going year-round. Be there for a friend, a co-worker...anyone that needs to be cared about. If you see someone who you think is suffering from depression, it's good to brighten their holiday, but more importantly, take the appropriate measures to care about them when if counts: and that's always. This could quite literally be a matter of life or death. If one talks about suicide, or even entertains the idea, don't hesitate to help. Take the warning seriously, and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available to take your call at: 1-800-273-8255.
Holiday Dos and Don’ts
Do • • • • • • •
Relax Spend time with family and friends Recognize how fortunate you are Give back Eat everything Breathe while eating; suffocation is not a good time Make sure the food is dead
Definite Do’s
Invite the in-laws Drop the turkey on the cat Accidentally try to eat stray limbs in the rush Fall asleep in your potatoes Wear tight pants to dinner Eat too quickly Take the time spent with loved ones for granted
SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS Malynn Eaton By Sarah Benson Malynn Eaton is a star on the stage as a four-year singer-dancer of the award-winning show choir, The Association. She has lit up the stage with her presence and has filled the auditorium with her voice since her freshman year. Her hard work and dedication has been recognized by her position as a dance captain. Malynn is also involved in student council and National Honor Society. She plans to attend a college and study Dental Hygiene and wants to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. Learn more about Malynn from her question and answer session below.
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• My only fault is that I’m too sexy. • She killed a cat with a shovel… • You can kick me next time. • Student #1: We had no yogurt or anything! Student #2: NO YOGURT!? • It took me until the second grade to learn how to spell my last name. (Courtesy of Jacob Szaczublewski.) • That was the first time I dealt with a dead body…
Sour Cream Cut-out Cookies 35 minutes
Spending time with family is wonderful. There aren’t many ways things can get better, unless you’re like me and love to eat good food. Frankly, everyone is happier with a well-cooked meal in front of them, especially if the meal is topped with desserts. However, the holidays are very busy. There isn’t always time to make that gourmet meal, but here is a family recipe for the cookies we make yearly.
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• Student #1: I think I left my unicorn at your house. Student #2: Okay, I’ll bring him to school tomorrow. (Unicorn was not seen the following day in the parking lot.)
By: Jacob Szczublewski
Don’t: • • • • • • •
Heard in the Halls
What originally sparked your interest in joining The Association? I’ve always loved to sing and dance and while sitting in the audience I would always dream of being able to do exactly that on stage. What is your all-time favorite show choir number? My all-time favorite show choir number would be One Wild Night. It was the closer for my freshmen year. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be a teacher as a child. Favorite school subject: Biology If you could have lunch with 3 people (alive or dead) who would they be? Channing Tatum, Jesus, and Kristen Tropf Favorite Holiday: Christmas How do you like to spend your free time? I like to work out and spend time with my family and friends. What is something unique about you? My hair, nails, and eating abilities Do you have any advice about high school? My Advice would be to always make time to study. Grades matter, and as high school starts to come to an end, having good grades is a very important part.
Ingredients • 1 cup butter, softened • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 cup white sugar • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 2 eggs
• ½ teaspoon salt • 1 cup sour cream • 6 ½ cups cake flour • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Stir in baking soda, baking powder and salt; gradually mix in flour to form a dough that is stiff enough to roll out. More or less flour may be necessary. • Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. • Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven or until firm and the center appears dry. Cookies will stay white, so be careful not to overbake.
Nathan Keck By Laura Endicott The talents of Nathan Keck can be seen in a variety of places throughout Van Buren. From strumming the strings on his guitar in the high school Essentials, to preforming on a lighted stage in show choir, and even kicking a muddy soccer ball down the field; it’s safe to say his list of capabilities isn’t narrow. Van Buren’s Association show choir representative not only has the moves fitted for the stage but also has the skills acquired to be a starter on the boys’ soccer team. His musical talents are not limited to singing and dancing, but could have also been seen, or rather heard, in the high school essentials for the past two years as he played his LTD guitar. We recognize this senior’s talents in his musical background along with his impressive sports career. Learn more about Nathan Keck from his question and answer session below. • • • • • • • • • • • •
Who is your favorite music artist or band? Lincoln Park Describe the first time you performed your music live? I first played guitar at my church. I still do today. I was so nervous! My hands shook the entire time. How do you calm your nerves when you’re about to perform? I listen and concentrate to the music that I’m playing. The music itself calms me. Favorite part of soccer? Slide tackling Biggest accomplishment in soccer? Making it to the district final game three years in a row. What advice would you give to future Van Buren Black Knight soccer players? Take it seriously and always try and push yourself so you have no regrets when it’s over. What are you thankful for? My family, friends, and food. Do you participate in any volunteer work during the holidays? Last year I helped my church fill almost 1,500 shoe boxes with toys and other necessities that were later given to children. Favorite high school memory? Sweet and sour chicken at lunch-- just kidding. Prom and the laser tag at Post Prom. What is your dream job? To be the lead guitarist in a band. What is your favorite chick flick? Tangled. Build me your ultimate ice cream sundae. Cookies and cream ice cream with sour gummy worms, hot fudge, caramel, and a lot of whip cream. I also want a cherry on top.