Issue 4 December 2010

the
ECHOES
Scottsbluff High School | December 2010 | Volume 94 | Issue 4

Senior Meghan Pritchard performs
in the One Act play. Pritchard and
six other actors portrayed furies,
demonic figments of Mary Girard’s
imagination. photo by Terry Pitkin

The
I n s a n i tyof
M a ry G ira rd
One Act play captures third at district competition | pg. 12

[also]
Transfer students are having a huge impact
on Bearcats athletics this year | pg. 20

A good cause that’s causing trouble BRIEFLY
s pe akin g
Breast cancer awareness bracelets hit school District DECA
is a more appropriate way to spread The Greater Nebraska
awareness and it seems like the only DECA Conference was held
people wearing them are teenagers. I at Scottsbluff in the Monu-
think it is a way for them to get away
ment Mall on Nov. 1st.
with something normally inappropri-
ate,” family consumer science teacher Over two hundred stu-
Lorna Davis said. dents from Scottsbluff, Hast-
“I find them more humorous than ings, Central City, NE and
offensive. It’s an excellent market- Gillette, Laramie and Chey-
ing scheme to promote awareness. enne, WY competed.
Students wear them to get a rise out The conference was a great
of it and at first it was humorous but success, due in large part to
it’s getting to another level,” science the contributions of 40 local
teacher Heather Haberman said.
business and community
Some students have been wearing
bracelets very similar, but instead of leaders who served as judges
the phrase “I (heart) boobies” it has for the conference.
been replaced with other more inap- Students were required to
Photo from mindschmootz.net propriate phrases. take a written test and par-
story by “I think that they are offensive. ticipate in a judged role play.
SCOUT WILSON | news editor and were suspended from school It is a bad play on words. It’s for a The scores of the two are
“I (heart) boobies,” is the latest until they would come back without good cause but they are distracting added together to determine
bracelet fad, as teens have bought into the armbands. They did not return to and some students wear them for the the top three places in each
the new breast cancer awareness cam- school until after the planned pe- wrong reasons. I think they should
marketing area.
paign. But are teenage boy’s using it riod for wearing the armbands had be allowed to wear them, but inside
expired, which was until New Year’s out,” science teacher Melodie Foos Scottsbluff DECA had 18
as a clever comical way of expression
or are they actually wearing them to Day. said. winners out of the 33 places.
support awareness? The answer may The fathers of the students soon So where does the money raised
just be in the eye of the beholder. filed a complaint with District Court,
which was dismissed but then moved
from the bracelets and shirts sales go?
The Keep A Breast Foundation
UNL Math Day
A recent fad that has hit youth
across America is the bracelets and through the system to find its way to webpage says: The funds raised Students competed in the
shirts being made by the Keep A the Supreme Court resulting in the from donations go to support Keep UNL Math Day on. There
Breast Foundation in support of breast following ruling: the Court found A Breast education and awareness were two competitions: the
cancer awareness. that the actions of the students in programs. These unique programs PROBE 1 competition (Prob-
Though in support of a good cause, wearing the armbands did not cause use art and artistic expression to lems Requiring Outstanding
some schools across the nation have disruption and held that their activity inform young people about meth-
or Brilliant Effort) and the
decided to ban students from wearing represented constitutionally protected ods of prevention, early detection,
symbolic speech. coping and support. Through these
Math Bowl contest.
the bracelets.

“ ”
These new breast cancer aware- programs, Keep A Breast strives to The PROBE 1 is a 25-ques-
This has brought a heap of con-
ness bracelets are stirring up a similar eradicate breast cancer by inspiring tion multiple choice test.
troversy along with it. Students, such
as two middle school students young people to adopt lifestyle Students earn four points
suspended from school in choices that have long-term for each correct response, one
There is a more appropriate way health benefits. point for each question left
Easton, PA say the school’s
dress code violates their First to spread awareness and it seems Principal Rick Porter has the blank, and no points for each
opinion many other principals
Amendment rights and are su- like the only people wearing them are taking towards the brace-
incorrect response.
ing the school district. PROBE 1 team scores
This situation sounds eerily are teenagers. lets.
are computed by taking a
similar to a past case brought -Family consumer science teacher Lorna Davis things certainappropriate. This
“In
aren’t
places certain
school’s top five students on
to the Supreme Court in 1968:
is a learning institution, and the PROBE 1 and averaging
Tinker vs. Des Moines.
In December 1965, a group of controversy today and the issue will students need to show respect. The their scores.
adults and students in Des Moines, have to be settled. bracelets can promote a bad image The Math Bowl contest is
IA, held a meeting and determined The Keep A Breast Foundation for the school because the first thing an oral competition in which
to publicize their objections to the background page states that the shirts visitors are going to see are the stu- teams of three answer fifteen
hostilities in Vietnam and their sup- and bracelets act as an awareness- dents and they will judge the school questions. Teams have 30
port for a truce by wearing black raising tool, allowing young people based on the how the students may be
seconds to respond to each
armbands during the holiday season to engage and start talking about a dressed,” Porter said.
subject that is scary and taboo and In the end, the guideline students
question.
and by fasting on Dec. 16 and New Scottsbluff finished 7th
Year’s Eve. making it positive and upbeat. should follow is to wear the bracelets
Though the campaign has good turned inside out or find another way in the Class A team results
The principals of the Des Moines
schools became aware of the plan intentions, the phrase printed on the of supporting breast cancer. Don’t just and made it to the 8th of 11
for the armbands and quickly held a bracelets may offend those people buy the bracelets to have one, actually rounds whick was the best
meeting in which they passed and ad- who have been through breast cancer donate to the cause. This will help bowl finish in school history.
opted a new policy that any student or know someone who has. keep confrontations with students
wearing an armband would be asked Many of the breast cancer survi-
vors have had to have a breast re-
and staff to a minimum.
“I (heart) boobies does get your at-
Senior photos
to remove it, and if he refused he
would be suspended until he returned moved to combat the cancer and these tention, but in the school environment Seniors must senior
without the armband. bracelets are saying “Keep A Breast,” it is not appropriate. As a staff we will pictures into the Journalsim
Three students wore the armbands which seems like something offensive discourage the wearing of the brace- room by Winter Break. Pic-
to school, aware of the new policy, to someone who had no other choice lets. Some will be taken away and oth-
tures taken by local photog-
but to have their breast removed. ers will be asked to cover them up,”

2 | NEWS “I think it is sort of offensive. There Porter said.
rapher are exempt.

Smoking Statistics
A life turned to ashes -There is enough
nicotine in four or five
story by with their friends or family and feel headaches that can stop me from do-
RYAN MEISTER | news writer pressured into trying “just one” to fit ing my homework,” Keith said. cigarettes to kill an aver-
in. However, teens that have smoking Smoking while in school also has age adult if ingested
Millions of people are affected by relatives are more likely to try smok- an influence on what the student does
smoking each year, hundreds of thou- ing, as in the case of Keith. in the way of school activities. whole. Most smokers
sands of people die and hundreds “Now I am completely addicted “When I was a freshman I had take in only one or two
more become addicted to the nicotine to smoking and do it about 7 times a planned on going out for basketball,
found in the smoke from a cigarette. milligrams of nicotine
day.” Keith said. but with my smoking causing health
When most people think of the The average pack of cigarettes has problems and a back injury earlier in per cigarette however,
seasoned smoker, they have a vision 20 in a pack, which means that Keith the year I just couldn’t,” Keith said. with the remainder be-
of the grandfather smoking a pipe or is smoking about one pack every two A common question for teenage
a big wig in New York City puffing ing burned off.
to three days. smokers is ‘why did you start?’
his imported cigars. Smoking is also an expensive habit “I don’t really know why I start-
But even the high school student on top of an unhealthy, with one pack ed,” Keith said, “I guess I was just so -Kids are still pick-
will take what cigarettes they can, costing as much as 6 dollars. Also pressured to just try it once that I felt
once addicted, in order to get their fix. ing up smoking at the
they are much more expensive for like I had to.”
We see them every day walking teens that have to go around the law Smokers also experience problems alarming rate of 3,000
across Second Avenue to Frank Park in order to get them. that the normal teen might not. a day in the U.S., and
to “light up” and get their fix. “I spend about three to six bucks “I have a lot of health problems
Some don‘t care about possible 80,000 to 100,000 a day
on every pack I buy depending on and if I don’t have one it will just keep
side effects, some try to quit, but the the brand,” Keith said. “And, I have bugging me. It also completely kills worldwide.
withdrawal is so severe that even probably gone through 3 cartons easy me financially.” Keith said.
when trying to quit, the stress over- since I started 2 years ago.” However Keith, a smoker of 2
whelms them and forces them to re- -Worldwide, one in
With each carton having ten packs years, is now trying to take on the
turn to the highly addictive substance in them and each pack containing impossible task of quitting. five teens age 13 to 15
to take the “edge off.” twenty cigarettes this means Keith “It’s my senior year and I have smoke cigarettes.
Most smokers are addicted after has smoked 600 individual cigarettes been regretting the decision of starting
only one use of tobacco, and at least since starting. since I started and now I think it will
half of these people will become long “I regret the decision of starting be a very good thing to quit before -Every eight seconds,
time smokers of 15 to 20 years. and have even tried to quit before, I college,” Keith said. a human life is lost to
Around the world one in five teen- went a whole school week without it Smoking ruins the lives of millions
age people start smoking with up to tobacco use somewhere
and thought that I could make it and and millions of people whether it’s
100,000 teens starting each day. then the weekend came and when I the life of the person who smoking or in the world. That trans-
“I remember that when I started was around my friends it was just so the life of loved ones who lose their lates to approximately 5
smoking, I was 15 and I was with my hard not to have one.” Keith said. parents, siblings, or grandparents
sister and brother in law.” Keith* said. million deaths annually.
This is a common problem for early to one of the hundreds of dis-
Teens, like Keith, often times have smokers who try to quit “cold turkey” eases related to smoking.
a much lower level of tolerance to the
nicotine found in cigarette smoke than
while their friends continue with their Every smoker has the choice and Common Diseases
habits. It becomes incredibly stressful the opportunity to quit whenever they
adults and are much more likely to for the person attempting to quit. get the chance but many don’t and
get hooked faster. Smoking can also have some major many never will, but Keith has seen
• Lung cancer
“I remember we were in a bowl- repercussions on the health of the what mistake he has made and is try- • Cancer of the mouth
ing alley for my 15 birthday and both
my brother in law and my sister were
smoker. ing for a better future. • Cancer of the throat
“When I first started I couldn’t stay *Name changed
doing it. Then they just convinced me in school for more than about 2 weeks Information abtained from: www.fami-
• Stomach cancer
to try it and I was hooked instantly.” at a time because it made me so sick lyfirstaid.org/teen-smoking.html • Kidney cancer
Keith said. www.soundvision.com/Info/teens/
Often times this is what happens
to my stomach. Now I have chronic
stat.asp
• Cancer of the bladder
cough and shortness of breath and it
to teens who try smoking- they are can make me have horrible nicotine
www.teenhelp.com/teen-health/teen- • Liver cancer
smoking-statistics.html
• Prostate cancer
A false alarm, but still to be taken seriously • Heart attack
• Cardiovascular disease
story by freezing rain, watching and waiting • Stroke
RYAN MEISTER | news writer to see if their school would burst into • Leukemia
flame or whether it was just “some
On the 16 of Nov. 3:15 p.m. stu-
kid” playing a prank.
• Emphysema
dents were anxiously standing around
waiting for the final bell. All was Minutes later students were called • Chronic bronchitis
quiet in the hallway until the annoy- into the building to retrieve their • Pneumonia
items and once inside heard another
ing blare of the fire alarm resounded
discouraging warning “students
• Asthma
around the school.
Many teachers hid their initial we have not been cleared by the fire • Diabetes
shock from the students and went on department to be in the school, please • Stomach ulcers
exit the building.” department.
as if it was a normal fire drill, some
Students hurriedly grabbed their Events like this although not • Cataracts
teachers told their students this was common in Scottsbluff happen all
not a drill, but once outside everyone items and left the building with one • Gum disease
question in mind. too often around the nation causing
had one question. unwanted stress on students and • High blood pressure
“What just happened?”
“Is this a real fire or just another
It is obvious now that the school teachers. • Crohn’s disease
drill?” With this stress and the stress of fi-
The question was answered sec- did not burst into flames and burn to • Premature aging of the skin
the ground, instead what happened is nals pressing down upon the students
onds later when the roar of the fire of Scottsbluff high school we would • Loss of smell and taste
someone had pulled the alarm.
engine was heard racing around the
This, although not taking valu- like to remind students to make good •Reduced fertility
corner. decision in regards to what might
3
able class time away this time, caused
NEWS |
Students waited outside in the cause a class room disturbance.
a major disruption to the city’s fire

The future of alternative energy
SHS finds environmentally-friendly ways to produce energy

The AIr
SAmpLe mONITOr
The weather unit isn’t getting much solar data on this fine foggy morning, but no doubt
it is still collecting some information, possibly humidity. Photo by Scout Wilson
they’re testing the ground level ozone,
which is where a lot of respiratory
Alternative energy
problems can be caused and finding One of the more sobering
story by about the air sample monitor needing that in the city the particulate matter
solar power facts is that in one
SCOUT WILSON | news editor a new location.
She called the National Depart-
in the air is pretty high,” Haberman
hour, the
said.
Gaze into the crystal ball of the ment of Environmental Quality The challenge now with the unit is earth re-
future and see all the endless possi- (NDEQ) because they were in charge getting the data program to be more ceives more
bilities the future of alternative energy of the unit and they said they could user friendly. The program that stores
could hold: entire homes completely put one up on the school campus. energy than
all the data is called the Environ-
self-sustaining or cities powered by Next the idea was pitched to the mental Systems Corporation which the entire
the rays of the sun. One day all the school board. It was approved, and planet con-
located on a computer in Haberman’s
power consumed by society could be the unit has been on campus since.
produced solely by alternative means
room and must be running in order to sumes in a
Now what does this unit do, record the data.
and the concepts of self-sustainability. exactly?
full year. The
The data at first glimpse is a screen
The key to this future is the oncoming The unit is equipped with a fair full of numbers and can be very hard
sad part of this statistic is that
generations and their set of skills and sized wind generator, two sets of solar very little of this free energy is
to decipher. Mrs. Haberman wants to
knowledge they will bring into the panels, an air quality sampler, large find a way to present the data graphi- currently being converted for
world. batteries, and other equipment used cally such as in bar graphs or charts use. Even though the tech-
Students in science teacher, Heath- in recording data. The unit collects which would be easier on the eye.
er Haberman’s classes are already meteorological data such as wind nology exists to harvest this
Along with the unit on campus,
being exposed to means of alterna- speed, precipitation, solar radiation, Mrs. Haberman, with the help of power, it is only being used
tive energy as well as the concepts of humidity, temperature, and air qual- by a very small portion of the
students, has been landscaping the
self-sustainability. This opportunity ity- just to name a few.
provides students with knowledge
school’s inner courtyards. The idea world’s
The wind generator and solar pan- behind the landscaping is to cre-
they can apply to their everyday lives els provide important energy data for
popula-
ate a place where students could be
and in-turn form habits that can help this region and as a result also make outdoors and can also be used as a
tion.
save the planet. the unit self-sustaining in conjunction From
learning environment for classes that
All of Haberman’s classes have an with the large batteries that store its want to use it. - http://
environmentally friendly tone which, energy. One idea Haberman has in mind www.
helps students to learn about helping These parts of the unit can give us for the courtyard is to make labels
the planet and even become active in important data about the efficiency bakhuso-
for all the plants and provide a guide
the issue. of wind power and solar power in booklet. Teachers could use the book- lar.com/
One piece of equipment that has comparison to the changing seasons. solar-power-statistics/
let to take students out and have them
led to further exposure of alternative For example, the data can show the learn about the many varieties of na-
energy and also helped students to solar power efficiency in the summer tive plants in the courtyard.
learn hands-on is the air sample moni- versus the winter when the solar rays Today, one-fourth of the
Something Haberman has in the
tor located on the northeast part of are at a more indirect angle.
campus. This unit provides students
works is applying for a grant to have electricity used throughout
The air quality monitor on the unit a certified organic garden in the small
with the opportunity to view data and contains a small filter that opens every
the world is generated with
courtyard north of the counselor’s
apply it to their classes. few days to collect the air. Then the office. This would give Meyer’s foods hydroelectric power. In total,
The chance to get such a unit for filters are sent to Lincoln for analysis hydroelectric power meets
classes the opportunity to work with
the high school came about a few to see if we are meeting the Environ- fresh organic produce. 5% of the
years ago when the Scottsbluff Li- mental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “If the organic garden starts to take global de-
brary started its renovation. There had standards for air quality in regards to off, we are considering starting a gar-
been an air sample monitor on the li- particulate matter. mand for
dening club for students interested,”
brary but after they began renovation, So, how is the quality of our air? Haberman said. energy.
it was determined they would need to Haberman assures that our air http://
Haberman’s classes are helping to
find a new location for the unit. quality is good and the only major
At the same time Haberman was
create environmentally enlightened library.
contributor of emissions in the area is students and these students are the
looking into a school project that the Sugar Beet Factory.
thinkquest.
building blocks to the future, promot-
would bring wind generators to the “When you get into bigger cities ing others to have a healthy green org/26026/
school. Then, someone contacted her like in eastern Nebraska where the Science/
earth.

4 | NEWS NDEQ is doing most of the sampling, hydroelectric_power.html

Confucianism Jainism Wikka

Taoism
Deism

Shinto
Atheism Umbanda

Buddhism
Zurvanism
Islam

Hinduism
Judaism

Students who reject the faiths

Gnosticism Christianity
story by discovered her own beliefs. to have a point, and if it doesn’t, it’s “I’d like to think that when I die I
ASHLEIGH SMITH| feature writer Samantha, along with almost one just based on chance,” Roger said. would come back as another animal.
It’s Sunday morning. Tired eyes billion others in the world, is an athe- “We are here on this particular planet Maybe not my soul itself, but when I
pry themselves open to make out ist. Although atheists are a minority, not because we were placed here by am done my life would still continue
the blurry red numbers on a buzzing she isn’t alone at SHS. *Roger shares God, but because it just so happened on,” Roger explains.
alarm clock - 8:00 a.m. *Samantha Samantha’s atheist beliefs as well. that we evolved here.” At this point, some religious
crawls out of bed and drags her feet Even after debating and explor- Most atheists, including Roger and students may be in an uproar. They
across the floor towards the shower, ing other religious beliefs, both have Samantha, believe in the theory of are probably wondering how these

“
wishing she had one extra day to come to the conclusion that there are evolution rather than the belief that minorities have friends - but they do,
sleep in. no gods, or any other higher powers. a higher power created mankind. and lots of them. While Samantha
After primping and throwing on Samantha was We are here on this particular This scientific and Roger’s friends do not agree with
raised in a family planet not because we were point of view their beliefs, they are still accepting

”
her Sunday’s best, Samantha joins her
with Christian is consistent and look past their differences.
family to head to what seems like the
beliefs, but de- placed here by God, but be- throughout “They don’t dislike me because
inevitable for some teens: church.
Sure, many kids look forward to veloped her own cause it just so hpapened that atheism be- of my thoughts. We are just alike in
those Sunday mornings; they jump thoughts during we evolved here. liefs concern- other ways. We’re still able to get
out of bed with anticipation for the her teenage years ing many along even though we don’t agree.
sermons and ceremony that awaits - her parents weren’t exactly thrilled. other matters as well. I really don’t like when people hate
them. Many others, however, are “It was between seventh or eighth “I don’t really believe that God other people just because of their
merely forced to accompany their grade that I started to have doubts. created the earth either... I agree more religion,” Roger said.
parents and sit while religious words The Bible began to sound sort of with the Big Bang theory,” Samantha While Roger and Samantha have
stream through one ear and out the fictional to me... then I just gradually said. found accepting friends, there is still
other. became an atheist,” Samantha said. Many religious people would ar- a vast majority who strongly and
Samantha used to drag herself Roger, who is unsure of his fam- gue that there are books and scripture blatantly disapprove. The typical
out of bed and attend church with ily’s religious thoughts, has had his to prove the existence of God or gods, response to these students’ atheism is
her parents, but that was before she own atheist beliefs since he was about but atheists tend to question their negative.
twelve. authenticity. “There was a time in class that we
“I was never “I think the Bible is just a docu- were discussing religion. When I said
really defined as any- ment. Parts of it are probably true, I was atheist everyone turned around
thing. I have thought but about God making the earth and and looked at me in shock,”Samantha
about various other doing all those things... I don’t really said. “Most teachers question me to
viewpoints, but the believe that,” Samantha said. death and students usually roll their
point of view from Many Christians, Hindus, Mus- eyes if I tell them I’m atheist.”
the atheist side just lims, and other religious peoples Although many disapprove, it
makes the most aren’t afraid to die; they believe there doesn’t appear that Samantha or
sense to me.” is life of some sort after death. As for Roger will be changing religions
Many might the most atheists, this is ludicrous. anytime soon. Both have thought long
judge and wonder Samantha admits that she fears and hard and weighed their options,
why one would death, but believes nothing will hap- but have agreed that atheism is what
choose to not believe. pen after she dies and that the world suits them best.
To some it may even will just go back to the way it was “If something ever happens that
seem outrageous. before she was born, which coincides can only be explained through reli-
But Roger and with many other atheist beliefs. gion, I might reconsider. But other
Samantha have their Roger, however, strays from the than that, everyone has their right to
reasons: Roger’s rely strict atheist viewpoints and wonders their own beliefs, and I have chosen
on science, Samantha about death and the afterlife. Here, mine,” Roger said.
on other options. his views are similar to those of the *Names have been changed.
www.religioustolerance.org
“Everything has Hindu religion.
FEATURE | 5

Adoption
adopted. Being adopted is a very posi- rysm when he was 10 years old.
tive thing, but can also be negative. He was living with his mother’s
“In grade school kids would actu- dad prior to 2009 until a tragic event
ally try to pick on me for being adopt- happened: Wheeler’s grandpa passed
ed,” Rein said. “I got over it quickly away in a car accident four years ago.
because I know that my parents chose This is when Wheeler went to
For some it’s the best thing that me to be their son and the other kids
parents just got stuck with them.”
live with his stepdad’s mother. Four
years later she legally adopted him.
has ever happened to them However, Rein’s grandparents
treat him and his siblings a little bit
Wheeler was happy that his grand-
mother could take him in.
story by Rein’s biological parents did tons differently because they are adopted. Senior Matt Hall’s type of adoption
RACHEL CLEMENS | feature writer of research to find the right parents “My grandparents act a little more is called Fost-Adopt because he was
for their newborn. Rein sees his careful when we are around,” said adopted by his foster family.
Junior Cody Rein will never forget biological father once a year. He has Rein. Hall was placed with a foster fam-

“
the day he came home from kinder- met his birth mother, but doesn’t have Rein is glad he is adopted and ily when he was six months old and
garten to find a stranger sitting on the contact with her as thinks he is they adopted him at age seven.
couch.
“Who are you?” asked Rein.
“Cody, I am your biological fa-
ther,” the stranger said.
“I’m adopted?!” Rein yelled.
Rein was very surprised, shocked,
often.
“My birth mother
and father are both
really nice people. It
is a privilege to be
able to talk to them,”
...I know that my
parents chose me to
be their son and the
other kids’ parents just
“ better off than
he would have
been if he
wasn’t.
Junior Alex
Wheeler also
Hall’s biological father was a
heavy drinker, his biological mother
was a smoker and the case worker
didn’t like the environment so he was
placed with a foster family.
“When I was younger I didn’t
and excited at the same time. He Rein said. got stuck with them. has an under- really think about the fact that I was
had so many questions that needed Every now and -Cody Rein, 11 standing of adopted. I knew I was in a good home
answered. again Rein wonders what it is like and they took care of me and that’s all
Rein was adopted when he was what it would have been like if his to be adopted. He was adopted by his that mattered,” Hall said.
three days old through a private biological parents would have raised grandmother in 2009. Hall was very glad to be adopted,
adoption, which is different from an him, but he wouldn’t want to change His father is in prison and Wheeler and he was excited to change his last
agency adoption in that agency adop- anything. hasn’t seen him since he was four or name from Judd to Hall.
tions are funded by and go through a Rein has an older sister, a younger five years old, and his mother passed He is proud to be adopted and
state or agency. brother and sister, all of whom are away in her sleep from a brain aneu- wouldn’t want to change anything.

SHS One Act captures Sophomore Derrick Goss assumes major role

third place at districts
three days prior to competition
Goss said. lows the downward spiral of Mary
“We all started clapping for Der- Girard (senior Sara Frederick), the
rick right after he finished his scene 18th-century wife of a well-to-do
that night,” senior Jessica Schluter, a Philadelphia businessman, Stephen
story by Act Class A-4 district competition.
KARIN SHEDD | editor-in-chief “After Tuesday (Nov. 30) night’s fellow cast member, said. “Everyone
was so proud of him and very grate-
Girard (Harvey), into insanity during
her time in the Pennsylvania Hospi-
rehearsal, when (the two seniors
Sophomore Derrick Goss, dressed ful. He really pulled through for all tal for the mentally deranged. While
performers) got kicked out, I got a
in circa-18th century white shirt, of us.” there, Mary is plagued by ‘furies’
text from Ms. Rada at 11:30 saying to
calf-length black pants, and black coat The cast competed against eight (seniors Meghan Pritchard, Taylor
memorize Mr. Philip’s lines,” Goss
with tails, waited for his cue back- other schools at the district competi- Ziegler, Madelin Parsley, Layton
said. “The next morning, I got another
stage at the North Platte High School tion on Saturday, Dec. 4 in North Croft, Jessica Schluter, Paige Steinle,
text from her that said ‘It’s final.’”

“ ”
auditorium. Platte. They beat out fourth and fifth and sophomore Mahalah Booth),
Speech/drama teacher Kara Rada,
Deep breaths. Don’t panic. Re- place Grand Island imaginary creatures who mock and
the director
member your lines.
of the play, Everyone was so proud of North- tease her. The furies allow Mary to
Goss and senior Sam Harvey, who west
was similarly attired, silently sidled to
cited Goss’ him and very grateful. He really High
revisit people and scenes from her
experience past and future, including the warder
their places on the stage.
on the stage
pulled through for all of us. School of the asylum (senior Nick Roussel),
‘Generosity.’ I always forget that
word in one of my lines. ‘Generosity.’
and speech -Jessica Schluter, 12 (Doubt) her mother, Mrs. Lum (junior Karenna
team when and Lex- Booth), one of her husband’s mis-
Seconds later, a spotlight lit up ington High School tresses, Polly Kenton (junior Ashleigh
asked why she
Goss’ and Harvey’s side of the stage. (The Long View), Smith), her unborn baby, the nurse
picked such a young performer to
Game on. respectively, to capture third place who adopts the baby, Mrs. Hatcher
replace a senior.
Goss is no newcomer to theatre. behind runner-up North Platte High (senior Victoria Bravo), and Mr.
“Derrick is a dedicated member of
He has played many roles in numer- School (Snappy’s Happy Half-Hour) Philips (Goss), all of which contrib-
the speech team, so I knew he could
ous theatrical productions since his and champion Kearney High School utes to Mary’s eventual insanity.
pull it off,” Rada said. “He is a team
elementary school days. (Mother Hicks). Along with their third-place
player and I knew he would take it
What was new for Goss regarding Though they had hoped to win dis- title, four members of the cast won
very seriously.”
his role in this year’s One Act play, tricts, members of the cast didn’t lose additional honors: Roussel, Harvey,
Take it seriously he did - Goss,
The Insanity of Mary Girard, was the their own sanity. Senior Allie Brisco, a Frederick, and Smith each received an
with the help of several other cast
amount of preparation time: due to first-time One Act performer, was just Outstanding Actor award.
members, spent all of Wednesday
the last-minute expulsion of two se- glad for the experience. From the long nights and lunches
practicing his lines in order to have
nior performers from the show, Goss “I’m so glad I did it this year. I love of rehearsals to the hours of applying
them memorized by that night’s
was thrust into the role of Mr. Philips, how well the cast mixed together,” and removing eery stage makeup, ask
rehearsal.
the head of the insane asylum where Brisco said. “Everyone was really nice any One Act cast member about their
“I rehearsed during homeroom,
Mary Girard was kept, a mere three and accepting.” experience, and they will sum it up in
6 | FEATURE
classes, lunch, and even stayed after
days before the One The Insanity of Mary Girard fol- one word: insane.
school until rehearsal started at 7,”

A WEST NILE NIGHTMARE
A mosquito bite changed one sophomore’s family forever
story by and tremors in his hands and head. doing so that we
MEGHAN PRITCHARD | feature editor “My pain on a scale from one to can do things as
ten is always a three when someone a family,” Martha
School had drained everything out else’s would be a zero,” Randy said. said.
of sophomore Allison Stricker. She He now has holes in his stomach Randy’s battle
was exhausted, ready to just be home. from taking so much Ibuprofen for with West Nile has
She walked into the kitchen, set the pain. impacted his faith
all of her books by the computer and From what the doctors can deci- in God.
prepared to shovel through a pile pher, the virus attacked Randy’s brain “I am on the
of homework when her dad, Randy and nerves. board at my
Stricker, walked in. “Before we knew it was West Nile church and teach
She greeted him with a smile, there was a big scare that my dad had Awana and Sun-
prepared to hear him ask how her day a brain tumor,” Allison said. “I was day school. I’m a
had gone. so relieved to find out that wasn’t the strong Christian,”
But she knew better than that as case.” Randy said. “But
she watched his hands twitch and his The family tried everything with for a while I was
eyes glare in pain. persistence and hope, from acupunc- angry at God for
As quickly as Bruce Banner turns ture to epilepsy medicine, and then fi- not curing me. It
into the Hulk, her dad became a nally decided to send a letter to Mayo took me a while to
monster. Clinic in Minnesota where some of accept it.”
“Young lady! You didn’t do any of the best doctors researched cases like Randy and
your chores! I come home expecting a Randy’s. Martha know that
nice clean house and all you’re doing “I got a letter back in the mail al- hard times are
is sitting on the computer!” her dad most like a college rejection letter that ahead, but have
screamed. made me lose all hope,” Randy said. promised each
As he stormed out, Allison fought “My wife was very hopeful in all that other that divorce
back tears that threatened to stream we were doing, but it was too expen- will not happen -
down her face. sive, so after this I knew I needed to no matter how bad A KISS Sophomore Allison Stricker is shown
with her dad during happier times,
“I know it’s not his fault. He can’t accept the circumstances.” things get. FROM before he contracted the West Nile virus.
help it,” Allison thought. After battling it out Randy realized “I made a vow to love him in sick- DAD Courtesy Photo

In the fall of 2005, Allison found this is how it’s supposed to be. ness and in health, for good or bad,
out her father had contracted the West Unfortunately, the after-effects of and I will not let that change,” Martha
Nile virus. West Nile have changed the Stricker said. virus so in reality I am lucky,” Randy
The effects of West Nile now over- family’s life forever. Looking at the situation postively said. “It could always be worse.”
take his better judgment and he can’t Randy is now like a ticking time is not easy, but Randy remains accept- The Stricker family has overcome
always control his temper. bomb. He has to pace himself, other- ing. huge obstacles, but their faith, deter-
Randy played softball in the sum- wise his effects get worse. “I know people who are wheel- mination and love have kept them
mers with friends. The family now has to be able to chair bound or lost their life to this strong.
At one of those games a mosquito tell if it’s a good day or bad day for

West Nile
bit him, infecting him with the virus. Randy.
“I just thought it was the flu or a “I have to gauge my dad in the

Breakdown
cold until I got a nasty rash on my mornings to see how he’ll react to
The

arms and chest a few weeks later,” stuff,” Allison said.
Randy said. Because of the headache pain

1
Martha Stricker, Allison’s mother, Randy has a harder time staying calm

2
is a nurse at Regional West Medical and keeping his temper.
Center, so she knew something was “I become an ogre with a club
wrong immediately. when something doesn’t go right
The virus is often People typically develop
“West Nile was very new around when in reality it shouldn’t be a big spread by the bite symptoms between 3
that time so no one knew how to treat deal,” Randy said. of an infected mosquito. and 14 days after being
it or what exactly it was because it At first Allison didn’t realize what
bitten.

3 4
affects patients differently,” Martha was going on with her dad, now she
said. “No case is exactly the same.” understands why he blows up.
After running countless tests and “It’s really difficult because it’s not There is no specific Use insect repellent at
figuring out all the diseases he didn’t normal for him, but I understand that
have, the doctors concluded it was his pain every day is my worst pain
treatment for the dusk and dawn when
West Nile. imaginable,” Allison said. infection. Every case the mosquitoes are
For the Stricker family, each day is
The virus has left him with a host
precious.
has different symptoms. most active.
of medical problems..
He is haunted by constant head- “When I know that Randy is up to

7
aches that can’t be relieved, short- doing things because his pain level is
term memory loss, unsteady balance, low, everyone will drop what they’re FEATURE |

SAME-SEX
With a same-sex marriage lawsuit making its way to the Supreme Court,
June 16, 2008. idea of homosexuals marrying?
Hundreds of couples flood California court houses. I’ve heard some of the more impractical reasons like
Their time together ranges from a few months to 55 homosexuals can’t reproduce and that they’re seeking
gabriellecarlin years, but they all had one thing in common:
They were homosexual couples who had endured
“special rights.” Since when is there a law that declares
that the purpose of marriage is to reproduce? If there
their fair share of discrimination and were at last being is, someone might want to inform all the sterile hetero
given a sliver of acceptance as the California Supreme couples of the world. Also, were the protesting mem-
Court ruled “the right to marry in California extends bers of the African American community of the 1960’s
equally to all, gay and straight alike.” seeking ‘special rights?’ when they asked to have a
Thousands of homosexuals and gay rights advocates choice in where they ride on a public bus? No - they,
came together and cheered on as one same-sex couple like the gays of today, just want the rights enjoyed by
after another left the San Francisco Court House with the rest of the population.
brand new marriage licenses. It was an exciting and However, neither of these arguments against gay
triumphant day for those supporting gay rights. marriage rights seem to be the most popular.
Little did these people know that their days of equal- The “homosexuality is a choice” argument is relent-
ity were numbered. less.
November 2008. First off, this argument is against gays and has noth-
Proposition 8, an amendment which eliminates the ing to do with their right to marry.
right of same-sex couples to marry, is passed in Califor- Secondly, it’s such a huge judgment. If homosexuals
nia. choose their sexual orientation then doesn’t that sug-
52.3% of Californians gest that heterosexuals
voted in favor of the
marriage ban, while those Not allowing homosexuals the do the same? And if this
is true, why should the
wishing to stop the ban
came up short with only same rights as heterosexuals is choice to be heterosex-
ual be favored over that
47.7% of the vote.
It keeps getting harder nothing short of bigotry. of homosexuality?
The second argument
for me to comprehend I hear a lot is Bible-
why people are so against same-sex marriage, and why based: gay marriages need to be banned because of
amendments like Prop 8 are being passed. some of America’s population’s religious beliefs.
Marriage, which, in all legality, is a contract between This is another useless argument. The First Amend-
two people has been twisted into something so much ment of the US Constitution bluntly forbids congress
more than it is. Social and religious connotations have from passing laws “respecting an establishment of reli-
been linked to the institution of marriage, which people gion.” Last time I checked, I didn’t live in a theocracy.
use as tools to fight against same-sex marriage. Look - this column could go on and on, but what it
Marriage is simply another right, and to say that a really comes down to is basic human rights.
person or significant group of people should be denied Putting it bluntly, it shouldn’t matter what your
the same rights that everyone else is given is not only opinion is on homosexuality. Whether you agree with
morally wrong, but intolerant as well. their lifestyles or not, they are people and they deserve
In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jef- the same rights as everyone else. To deny homosexuals
ferson states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, the right to marry is a massive step back for not only
that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by the United States of America, but the world.
their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among According to Webster’s Dictionary, love is a pro-
these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” foundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
Thomas Jefferson wrote “all men,” not “all men, There are so many ways that a person can show their
except for homosexuals.” If the word “all” in that state- love for another, and one very popular way to do so is
ment does not in fact mean everyone, then how can by legally joining in marriage. When two people devote
anyone assume it pertains to them? the rest of their lives to each other it is a very bold and
And, the notion that marriage is not included in the intimate step.
pursuit of happiness is absolutely ridiculous. Heterosex- Now imagine loving someone so much but not
uals and homosexuals alike deserve the right to pursue being allowed to marry them because the govern-
happiness, which includes the right to marry. ment doesn’t view that particular type of love as being
For some reason, some people think they can de- legitimate.
termine what rights homosexuals are allowed and not Homosexuals need to be given the right, as hetero-
allowed to attain. Rights are rights, and it is time people sexuals are, to be legally joined by the institution of
realize that everyone is entitled to them. marriage. Not allowing this is nothing short of bigotry.
While I’ve been sitting here writing this column I
started to think: why are some people so against the

8 | OPINION

MARRIAGE
two reporters debate head-to-head on this explosive social issue
I almost feel trapped being asked to write this riage or not.
column. Among the “politically correct” crowd, any I suspect there may be some other ulterior motives
position that even slightly appears to be anti-homo- here as well. Perhaps those wanting gay marriage are
sexual will have me branded a bigot. truly interested in being able to add their same-sex
Because of my evangelical Christian beliefs, I spouse to their health insurance policy for economic meghanpritchard
agree with the Bible that homosexuality is unnatural reasons. Or maybe to get a family rate at the YMCA.
and wrong. Asking me to believe any differently is Or to save some money on their taxes by filing as a
asking me to deny my God. married couple.
However, people automatically assume that this I believe that marriage is more than just a li-
means I hate homosexuals. On the contrary, I have cense or a contract to give rights and benefits. It is a
many friends that are homosexual and I love and life-long commitment to building a family together,
care for them as much as any of my other friends. which includes having children. Overall, children
Proposition 8 is a statewide ballot in California in a family with two married parents turn out much
that eliminates the right of same-sex marriage. Vot- better than children in households with only one
ers approved Prop 8 on November 4, 2008, but their parent or unmarried parents. So it can be argued that
decision was shortly overturned by a federal judge as an important function of marriage is to raise a strong
unconstitutional and next generation of success-
barred its enforcement.
Before it was ruled Marriage has purpose and ful children. Extending mar-
riage to same-sex couples
null and void, Proposi-
tion 8 created a new meaning. It is not simply a only diminishes this very
important role of marriage.
amendment to the
California Constitution contract to guarantee rights. Until recently, it was
considered taboo to have
which said, “only mar- children outside the
riage between a man covenant of marriage. It
and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” seems to me that the same social liberals that want
Before Prop 8 passed, same-sex marriage was a to diminish marriage by making out-of-wedlock
constitutionally-protected right in California. Now it births mainstream, also want to use the institution of
is making its way back to the courts. marriage when it suits their agenda. They want all
People who take the opposite view of same-sex the benefits of marriage without taking on any of the
marriage might say that I’m intolerant. But isn’t it responsibilities.
interesting how intolerant they are of my views? Proponents of gay marriage will say that ho-
Almost everyday I am persecuted for my faith. mosexuals have just as committed, loving relation-
Since faith in God is not very logical to progressive, ships as a man and a woman. If that is the basis
politically correct people, I only see writing this for defining who should be allowed to marry, then
column as more ammunition against me. The reason logically we would then extend marriage to anyone
I write this is because I stand firm on my beliefs and who claims to be in a committed, loving relationship.
am not afraid to defend my faith. Should we allow a father to marry his eight year old
For thousands of years, it has been understood daughter or son? Or a polygamist to marry the three
that marriage is between a man and a woman. Even Thompson sisters? Or Aunt Matilda to marry her
40 years ago, the idea of saying 2 men or 2 women litter of cats?
could marry would have been ridiculous to most Only 1.5% of Americans identify themselves as
everyone. So how in the world has this even become gay, lesbian, or bisexual (adherents.com). It is not
such an explosive issue in our society? unreasonable for people to want to keep a traditional
Basically, a few activist judges have taken it view of marriage when such a small minority want
upon themselves to try to redefine the traditional to distort what most Americans believe marriage is
view of marriage without any input from voters. all about. The majority of Americans want to keep
Homosexual activists know that they are unlikely to marriage between a man and a woman. It has been
achieve their goals if voters are allowed to have a say that way for thousands of years and it is only very
in the matter, so they have bypassed the will of the recently that a small minority has wanted to force
American people and used liberal judges to redefine their views on everyone else.
marriage. There is a long-held traditional view of marriage
In the end, they hope that this will become an that has purpose and meaning in it. It is not sim-
issue in the federal judiciary, with the hope that ply a contract to guarantee rights, and it certainly
all states will be forced to recognize gay marriage, shouldn’t be the framework for pushing an activist
whether those states have laws allowing gay mar- agenda.

OPINION | 9

Making Life as a work A holic
What could possibly make a teenager want to work all the time?
story by

‘CENT$’ with your
EtHAn HugHES | center section writer
Brandt got his first job when he was just Brandt said.
twelve and has been working ever since. Although the work may be hard and the
With nearly one-third of American teenag- “I started mowing when I twelve and hours long. Brandt sees the benefits in abun-
ers having jobs, it’s no surprise that we may saved up to buy my first truck,” Brandt said. dance.
find one or two of that 30% in our school. But Since his youth, Brandt has had a few posi- “I make $15 an hour moving hay,” Brandt

Money
a workaholic? tive influences that have pushed him to work said.
When we hear the word “workaholic” we hard. With all his jobs and hours, one might
typically envision a middle aged man arguing “My parents got me started working and wonder, “What does an eighteen year old boy

“
“
with his wife because he do with all that money?”
“My money usually ends
My parents gave me a good
worked overtime for the
fourth time this week and up going to cars. I spend a lot
on cars, probably more than
work ethic and that will help
missed his son’s soccer
game. I should, but I work hard for

me in my life.
Rarely do we picture my money, so I spend it on
one of our friends putting things that are important to
in extra hours or getting a me. The most expensive thing
second or even third job. -Tyler Brandt, 12 I bought was my Mitsubishi
That’s because workahol- Outlander,” Brandt said.
ics in our generation are Not only is Brandt unique
few and far between. I’m thankful for that. They gave me a good among his age group for his outstanding
It’s an obvious fact that kids are becoming work ethic and that will help me in my life,” work habits, he also has another trait not too
increasingly lazy, and in most circumstances, Brandt said. common among his peers.
while under the age of eighteen, the parents Brandt doesn’t have a typical high school “I’m really good at saving when I want to,”
are providing for their children. So unless job, he does everything from detailing cars to Brandt said.
to survive, many high school kids, at least physically demanding labor with long hours. Brandt plans on carrying his work ethic
during the school year, do not feel the need to “I presently have two on-and-off jobs. In over to Doane College in Crete, Nebraska,
maintain a steady job. the summer I typically work 70 hours a week where he wants to major in pre-med.
Out Here Senior Tyler Brandt removes excess dirt from the base of a sapling while working for Mark Westphal. Photo by R. Ethan Hughes
But among the few, against the statistics- a and during school I work around 10 hours a
grindin’
working class hero, is senior Tyler Brandt; week. My favorite job is working for Mark

An early lesson in money management, OR
self-proclaimed workaholic. Westphal. The hardest job I’ve had to do was
probably planting and staking trees or mov-

Being money smart
“I would consider myself a workaholic, but
I’m used to it,” Brandt said. ing hay. Both are insanely hard and intense,”

“what my parents taught me about money” 1. Set a goal.

Money management in 4 easy steps

$$$
than she gave me, I have to fork out the extra
Whether it’s money for college, travelling or the newest elec-
personal commentary by
It’s about time high school students take their money seriously.
cash from my personal spending money. tronic device, set a goal! Have something in mind to save up for.
MADDIE HOLSCHER So you see, I have a lot of freedom to do
Once a year I sit down with my mom and
I can remember when
I budget what I will need to buy as far as
whatever I want with my money, but also a
lot of responsibility to not spend more than I 2. Know exactly what you’re story by
I was about five years
clothing-shoes-lunch-gas are concerned in the gAbRIELLE CARLIn | center section editor
old. It was the first time
my mom handed me my
next year.
The total is divided by 12 and that’s how
have.
My mom’s a pretty smart lady when it working with. Spend, Spend, Spend The key is learning at a young age when “It’s important to know that parents are
Advertising plays a huge role in the mar- it’s appropriate to save money and spend not a bank. Your teenage years are short and
allowance. comes to this stuff. Figure out how much money you have. Include the cash in
much money I receive a month to save and
“ keting process. A company needs its products money. adult life is coming quick enough. As one

“
You can imagine my excite- “I wanted to teach my your pocket, piggy bank cash, bank balances, and available and/or services to be sold, but how can they Chris Nelson, Certified financial planner might say, ‘you have the rest of your life to
ment as I held the crisp dol- kids the value of money,
credit from credit cards. do that if the consumer doesn’t know it’s out at Valley Bank, feels that teens must learn work.’ In my opinion, every teenager should
lar bills between my fingers. I and that it’s a tool that there? from example when it comes to making good be involved in some type of social activity.
thought I was rich. I imagined all I get a lot of freedom with my money, but could potentially be Money, Money, Money financial choices. Whether or not teens should have a job is a
good or bad. I reinforced 3. Keep track of your income. Magazines, websites, radio stations, televi- “It all starts at home. Parents should dis- question for each individual family,” Nelson
with this, comes responsibility as well.
the things I was going to buy...
That is until my mom began this at a young age so sion, billboards, newspapers…they are all hot cuss with their children why they save money said.
How much money do you get a week, month or year...no spots for advertisements. and their plan for the future use of their Now it’s time to look at what high school
telling me exactly what I was to I could give up control
do with my money. -Maddie Holscher, 11 but still guide them in idea? Figure out how much money you earn from working, bum Now, Now, Now savings. This teaches children that spending students should be doing to make good eco-
She quickly introduced me wise spending habits. My from your parents or recieve during the holidays. Knowing how Teenagers are not only the consumers dollars is not an instant gratification, but more nomic decisions.
spend how I choose. of today, but the future as well. Teens have importantly a way to have a goal to work “Teenagers should be thinking about
to the “Big Three” of money management:
“Budgeting is about telling your money
goal for them is to go through life debt free,” much money you have is essential to the budgeting process. money to spend and businesses know it and towards,” Nelson said. saving to further their education after high
spending, saving and giving. Sheryl said. want you to Spend Money Now. The major problem concerning money and school, while allowing for a little spending
where it’s going to go, not asking where it
Although I was slightly disappointed that
I couldn’t blow all of my money on bubble-
went,” Sheryl Holscher said.
I get a lot of freedom with my money, but
My mom’s philosophy helps me to pri-
oritize where and what I want to spend my 4. Budget and know where Constantly being marketed to can be cha-
otic and confusing. Advertisers know exactly
teens today is impulse buying, making an
unplanned purchase or buying things on a
along the way. It is time to start using good
money use sense. Saving, at a minimum, 10%
gum, I grasped the concept and followed my
mother’s instructions.
with this comes responsibility as well.
For example, my mom gives me a certain
money on. I feel like having a budget helps
me to practice some self-control when all I your money is going. how to get teens to buy products, and they’re
good at it.
whim.
Again, it isn’t that buying without plan-
of every dollar earned is extremely impor-
tant,” Nelson said.
As I grew older, the same principles ap- want to do is blow my money on a cute outfit. Try to make a list of everything you bought last month. Now, Now it’s time for teens to get smart with ning is a mortal sin- it happens. It’s all What it comes down to is being smart,
amount for lunch each month. If I want, I can their money and make wise purchasing deci- about moderation and knowing not to make not buying on impulse or overspending, and
plied, but instead of being told by my mom to I think my mom taught me important les- cross off everything you could have gone without and try to add
choose to go home every day and pocket a sions. impulse spending a habit that could carry on keeping in mind the importance of saving a
follow them, I gradually started to do them on sons that I hope to carry on throughout my
little extra cash. On the other hand, if I go out
life while managing my money well.
up the value of those things. Figure out what is necessary for Don’t worry, spending money isn’t a bad into adulthood. little for the future.
my own. thing…in fact, it’s a good thing. Spending So, where should high school students be It’s always fun to indulge in wants- just
every day with my friends and spend more you to purchase (while leaving a little extra cash for fun), and
money is what keeps the economy flowing getting their money? don’t get too crazy.
save the rest.
10 | CENTER SECTION CENTER SECTION | 11

Cat Calendar
December
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17th- GSW/BSW @ North Platte-4pm
BBB 10th, JV, VAR vs Sterling- 5:30/7pm
18th- WR VAR @ Sidney Inv- 9am

Psychological & Neuropsychological Anne Talbot, PsyD
BSW @ New Castle- 10am
GBB/BBB 9th vs Laramie-11am/12:30pm
Assessments
Forensic Psychology
Mark Hald, PhD GBB JV, VAR @ Chadron-2:30/5:45pm
BBB JV, VAR @ Chadron-4/7:30pm

All Age Groups Nicole Vidlak, PhD SP-Cozad Inv –TBA

308-632-8547
20th- SHS Musical Auditions
Individual, Marital, Family 25th- Christmas
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January GSW @ Greeley Inv Diving- TBA
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“Being involved
in the career academy
has allowed me to experience
a college setting while still
being in high school. It has also
allowed me to take classes of
interest towards a eld in
Hotel and Conference
medicine. Overall, it has been Center- Scottsbluff
a very rewarding educational
experience.”
Bekah Gorsuch
Aimee Trumbull General Manager
Scottsblu High School Class of 2011
Pre-Medicine
301 West Hwy. 26
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
e place to be... 308-635-5200 * 308-635-5110 fax
empowered!
wncc.edu
308.635.3606 bekahgorsuch@hilton.com

seems that I could never understand
those who live every day without a the
home, a family, food. I admit I can’t
understand what that’s like. But the
point I’m making is that I want to. I
eChoes
staff
want to make a difference in those
places. I don’t want to be a person
that looks the other way when driving editor-in-chief | KarIN shedd
past a homeless person, or I see on the
news that a country has broken out in news editor | sCout wIlsoN
civil war.
It’s so easy for us to change the news writer | rYaN MeIster
channel to a show that entertains us
and keeps us from the bitterness of
reality. That’s no way to live. feature editor | MeghaN PrItChard

It’s a bIg world feature writer | raChel CleMeNs
Why can’t the two political parties
that run this country find a happy
feature writer | ashleIgh sMIth
medium and actually take care of the

out there...
problems we’re facing. This is not a
game with two teams- it’s a country
center section editor | gabrIelle CarlIN
with people.
How come we’re at war for a center section writer | ethaN hughes
...so pay attention and do something worthwhile purpose that I don’t understand?
Shouldn’t peace be a constant goal?
personal commentary by russell MorgaN
Why is there no military action entertainment editor | russell MorgaN
Every human being should be are specific to the current problems. when American citizens are killed by
entertainment writer | VICtorIa braVo
conscious enough to admit ignorance, Parties that want to keep citizens Mexican Drug Cartels? These Cartels
and I do. comfortable by making it seem like are some of the scariest groups on
However, I recently dropped some there are no problems at all-well that’s the planet and they are continuing to
sports editor | KelseY eMPFIeld
forms of selfishness and began to fo- obviously a problem. grow.
cus on the world around me. Though In Darfur, a 190,000 square mile re- Why is poverty in America not a sports writer | MaddIe holsCher
sports writer | MIChael MIller
I am still far from omniscient, I feel gion of Sudan in Africa, , over 400,000 national emergency? Why is the pov-
I have made progress from where I innocent people have been murdered erty all over the world not a global
was. since 2006, and 97% of these were car- emergency?
I started researching the way the ried out by the government. In 2004, I don’t understand, and I feel like ad manager | ChaNdler brIll
United States, as well as the world, is then-Secretary of State Colin Powell my voice will not matter. But I will
operated politically, economically, etc., declared that this area was victimized continue to join those who support ad manager | CaseY sIgrIst
and eventually developed some- by genocide. Since that declaration, the voices that nobody hears. I hope
thing essential to entering society: an it’s only gotten worse. There is not a you will join me.
opinion. distinct action by the United States I hope you all will see what is hap- adviser | terrY PItKIN
When approaching the voting age, government to intervene. There are pening in this world. I hope you will
it is absolutely essential to develop small aide camps in different areas, stand for something, whether or not The Echoes is a monthly pub-
an opinion and to have reasoning but they are overpopulated, filled it is the same opinion as me or others. lication printed by the Business
behind your beliefs. Many will think with disease, and can’t support ev- I hope that my generation and those Farmer. The Echoes is a member of
that their opinion doesn’t matter and eryone. after us will be able to change this the Nebraska High School Press
they could care less about what hap- The United States stands behind world for the better. Association and the International
pens around the world. I used to feel “establishing stability in areas of The ability to change these issues Order of the Quill and Scroll.
just that way, but lately I’ve come to the world that have none”, yet these sets its roots in our generation. We The Echoes encourages readers
realize that every opinion may not be people continue to fall victim to cor- must learn from the mistakes of those to write letters to the editor in re-
heard, but it matters. And it should be rupt and cruel governments every before us and realize that things can’t
sponse to a story, but does reserve
the right to publish said letter.
heard. day. In 2006, The Holocaust Museum stay the same.
The Echoes also encourages
There are a lot of problems facing in Washington D.C. issued the first It shouldn’t be about claiming
all readers to submit their ideas
the United States today, so many ever “genocide alert” for Darfur. That one side or the other on a problem; it
for story coverage, feedback on
that it seems easier to find problems was nearly 5 years ago and the situa- should be about fixing the problem. stories, and any other input.
instead of solutions. The problems are tion has worsened. There are numer- If this country is involved in activi- The Echoes
challenging, I’ll admit, but they are ous activists who do the most they ties that are not beneficial to the entire Scottsbluff High School
problems that could’ve been avoided can to help these people, but from the countries, then steps must be taken to 313 East 27th St.
or can be fixed if everyone was on the numbers- it’s not enough. discontinue that activity. Scottsbluff, NE 69361
same page. When I grew up, I was told that There are too many people just Letters with obscene, slander-
The spaces between political par- the world was a peaceful place, and I pointing fingers these days. They’re ous, libelous, or false information
ties are so vast that when both are lived in the best country. Today I still finding problems- not solutions. will not be fun. The letter must also
governing, they negate each other’s believe I live in the best country in So don’t let these problems happen be signed to be run. Content may
actions and very little progress is the world, but I understand that there and hope that you won’t have to deal be edited due to grammatical or
made. It seems to me that the focus of are still faults. There are so many with them- you will. content needs. A signed copy must
everyone should be on the betterment concepts that are ignored in today’s In 10, 20, and 30 years from now be presented to the Scottsbluff
of the country. Period. society because people either choose these problems will fall in the hands High School journalism depart-
Parties that promote the “old” style to remain ignorant or they just don’t of our generation. ment, room 130. Also, please check
of government and wish to follow the care, both of which are appalling to It’s time to find the answers so out Echoes Facebook.com group
Constitution in its original form firstly me. we’re ready to face those problems.
and MySpace page online!
need to understand what’s in the Con- I grew up in a nice home, I was Alright, I’m off my rant.
stitution, and also understand that the spoiled, and I was unaware of any- Merry Christmas, and enjoy your
times we are in require actions that thing but my own world. From that it break my friends.
OPINION | 13

Attention A lack of education leads to
America:
more teen pregnancies
The time has come to educate American teens about sex -
prevention, consequences, and health issues - in schools

A married couple in their mid-20’s 30-40%. One-third or two-fifths. ported using contraception each time, to slow the rate of easily-preventable
or early 30’s, exhausted from the long Three to four out of ten. and more than a third had had two or teenage pregnancies.
nights of broken sleep punctuated Those are pretty shocking statis- more sexual partners. Teen sex is not a comfortable topic,
every few hours by the piercing cries tics for a country that boasts one of While abstinence is indeed the only and we as a country have a hard time
of a hungry infant, nervously swad- the highest standards of living in the 100% surefire way to prevent preg- discussing it. But teens are having
dles their delicate newborn child and world and prides itself on its cutting- nancy, it’s time for America to stop sex, and we can either face the hefty,
pushes him/her around in a stroller, edge innovation and modernization. holding so desperately to the dream expensive consequences later or deal
proudly displaying their most recent In this respect, the US lags far be- of a chaste teenage population and to with it up front and maybe get the
accomplishment for all the world to hind any other industrialized country start dealing with the reality at hand. word ‘pregnancy’ back to the ideal,
see and admire. in the world. Hungary has the highest A 2001 Guttmacher Institute report adorable version we all know and
A young, couple, most likely teen pregnancy rate in Europe, but that drew on data from 30 countries love.
married. A cute new addition to the even its 60.1 pregnancies per 1000 in Europe concluded that “societal All information from this editorial
family. A happy home. women aged 15-19 is nearly twenty- acceptance of sexual activity among taken from:
That is the image most commonly six pregnancies less than the US’ 85.8, young people, combined with com- “US Teen Sexual Activity.” Your
associated with the word ‘pregnancy.’ and both are a far prehensive and Source For Health Policy Information,
Unfortunately, it is no longer an
accurate depiction of the word in
cry from the Neth-
erlands’ 11.6.
The views expressed balanced infor-
mation about
Research, and Analysis. The Henry J.
Kaiser Family Foundation. Web. http://
American society. More and more Many Ameri- in this editorial were sexuality...are www.kff.org/youthhivstds/upload/U-S-
often, it is teenage girls, unwed and
without any completed education to
cans like to pin
their hopes for
supported 15-0 by hallmarks of
countries with
Teen-Sexual-Activity-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Stepp, Laura S. “Study Casts Doubt
speak of, who bear baby bumps - in
high schools, around towns and cities,
decreasing these
staggering statistics
The Echoes staff low levels of
adolescent preg-
on Abstinence-Only Programs - Wash-
ingtonpost.com.” The Washington Post
and even on TV on the MTV shows 16 on abstinence-only nancy.” - Politics, National, World & D.C. Area
& Pregnant and Teen Mom. sex education - however, many stud- To put it simply: a teenager living News and Headlines. 14 Apr. 2007.
Most sources for information on ies have proven time and again that in Sweden, Germany, France, Norway, Web. http://www.washingtonpost.com/
teen sex report that anywhere from this does nothing to prevent teens Switzerland, and the rest of devel- wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/13/
50-70% of teens will have had sexual from having sex, nor does it increase oped Europe who wants to have sex AR2007041301003.html
intercourse with a person of the op- the likelihood that teens will use a is much more likely to use some sort Agnvall, Elizabeth. “In Western
posite sex by the end of their high form of contraception. of contraception when doing so than a Europe - Washingtonpost.com.” The
school careers - however, only 67% One such study, authorized by teenager living in the United States. Washington Post - Politics, National,
of teens reported using some form Congress in 1997 and orchestrated by Furthermore, the abundance of in- World & D.C. Area News and Head-
of contraception every time they had Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., formation about the nitty-gritty of sex lines. http://www.washingtonpost.com/
sex according to a poll commissioned followed 2000 children from elemen- presented to European teens makes wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/15/
by NBC News and People Magazine tary school through high school. The them no more likely to have sex - it AR2006051500809.html
and conducted by Princeton Survey kids lived in four communities (two merely makes them more conscien- “Nearly 3 in 10 Young Teens ‘sexually
Research Associates International. urban, two rural), and slightly over tious should they decide to do so. Active’ - Msnbc.com.” Breaking News,
As a consequence, 30-40% of half of them received abstinence-only America should take this particular Weather, Business, Health, Entertain-
females in the United States become education. page out of Europe’s book and start ment, Sports, Politics, Travel, Science,
pregnant before the age of 20. By the end of the study, half of teaching youth about the risks, conse- Technology, Local, US & World News-
both groups had engaged in sexual quences, and prevention methods of Msnbc.com. Web. http://www.msnbc.

14 | OPINION intercourse, less than a quarter re- sexual intercourse - if for nothing else, msn.com/id/6839072.

A time of...

C e l e b r a t i o n
Hitting theaters this December...
Tron:Legacy
Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of

Music
the Dawn Treader
Yogi Bear

Food

&
True Grit

Giving
Family
Dec. 17th
Computer pro-
grammer Kevin

Cheer
Flynn’s disappear-
ance causes his
son to search for
him inside and
outside a com-

Love
puter world.
Jeff Bridges, Garret

Movies
Thanks Hedlund and Olivia Wilde
star. Directed by Joseph
Kosinski

Dec. 10th
The four siblings
who came through
the wardrobe years
ago continue their
journey aboard the
Dawn Treader along
story by Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. with Prince Caspian,
VICTORIA BRAVO | entertainment writer This time of the year, movie sales seem to go up Lord Drinian, and
English teacher Peter Johnson always looks as more and more people brave the snow to catch Sir Reepicheep. Based
forward to Christmas, but not necessarily for the the latest blockbuster hit. on the novel by C.S. Lewis.
presents or even the time he gets to spend with his Many of them take aim at the most susceptible Michael Apted directs.
family. target: children.
One of his favorite holiday activities is to take Last year marketers spent over $1.4 billion per
part in the holiday movie release hype. month marketing to children which is twice as
He recommends several of this year’s releases much than the year before.
for everyone to watch such as Tron: Legacy which Some of the movies that has targeted children is
releases on Dec. 17.
Tron follows Sam Flynn, a 27 year old being
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn
Treader which will be released Dec. 10, and Yogi
Dec. 17th
The picnic-basket-
haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his Bear on Dec. 17.
father, Kevin Flynn. The third installment of the Chronicles of Nar- stealing bear
Sam recieves a strange signal and goes to inves- nia, starts out with the two youngest of the siblings, makes his big
tigate the abandoned arcade his father owned. He Edmund and Lucy (Skandar Keynes and Georgie screen debut in
soon finds himself in a digital world that his father Henley) return to Narnia with their cousin, Eustace this animated
has been in for the past 20 years, created by Kevin (Will Poulter) .
film. Dan Akroyd, Justin
himself. The three travel on board a ship called The
In search of his father, he travels in a digital Dawn Treader and meet with the King of Narnia, Timberlake, and Anna
world far more advanced with vehicles, weapons, Caspian X (Ben Barnes). Faris star. Directed by Eric
and landscape. However, CLU 2, a program cre- Their mission, on which rests the fate of Narnia, Brevig
ated by Kevin, will stop at nothing to prevent their takes the voyagers to mysterious islands and a river
escape that turns to gold, to fateful meetings with magi-
“I’ll see it opening weekend and then again cal creatures and sinister enemies, and to a reunion
when I’m in Michigan for the holidays in IMAX,”
Johnson said.
with their friend and protector, the “Great Lion”
Aslan. Dec. 25th
He has high hopes for the upcoming movie. In Yogi Bear, Jellystone Park has been losing In the remake of the
“The original was revolutionary for its time. The business, so greedy Mayor Brown decides to shut it John Wayne classic,
new one does all the same things, but at the speed down and sell the land. Jeff Bridges takes
that computers are at now, it’s going to be amaz- Yogi and Boo Boo will be kicked out of the only the reigns and hunts
ing,” Johnson said. home they’ve ever known. down the killer of a
Johnson enjoys attending the movies with his Faced with s huge challenge, Yogi must prove young girl’s father. Matt
wife and friends. that he is smarter than the average bear as he and Damon and Josh Brolin costar.
“I go to the movies year round but I like to go Boo Boo join with their old nemesis Ranger Smith to Directed by The Coen Brothers
with my wife and friends quite often,” Johnson find a way to save Jellystone Park.
said. One Christmas day movie must-see is True Grit,
He has seen many of the past movie releases a 2010 film adaptation starring Jeff Bridges and
all photos courtesy
| 15
but the best one by far was going to see Lord of the directed by the Coen brothers. It is the second adap-
tation of the novel by Charles Portis. of Google-Images ENTERTAINMENT

All School Year Long
Every 10th
student gets a
free lunch
Student Specials
Available

2201 Broadway
Scottsbluff
632-3644

Support the Echoes by
purchasing an ad in the 2011
school year!!
Contact either the Echoes
Ad Managers:
Casey Sigrist or Chandler Brill
308 635-6248
Mulligans
At the Monument Shadows Golf Course
Great food & atmosphere
Open to the public all year round
2550 Club House Drive Gering, NE 69341
308-635-6868

S this is Chris mas
story by “We have our Christmas on the 24th of Decem- while others celebrate different holidays during that
RUSSELL MORGAN | entertainment editor ber,” said junior Mie Vastedotter, from Sweden. “We time or simply enjoy the various celebrations.
In the dead of winter during WWI, German and have our dinner and open our presents all on that When it comes to the Christmas holiday, things
British troops put a stop to violence for two days one day. I’ve heard that here (United States) they such as music and food are the major differences
and celebrated Christmas together. open the presents on the morning of the 25th.” between countries.
For two days they forgot what they were fighting The tradition of celebrating Christmas on the “We have some Swedish songs that we sing dur-

‘‘
for, and the traditions of their countries brought evening of the 24th is popular in many other areas ing the holiday season,” said Mie Vastedotter. “We
them together. around the world; however some celebrate differ- have songs such as: Stille Natt, Tusen Juleljus, and
It’s a funny thing, the holiday season. Despite ently still. some others.”
the weather, the season warms cold feelings, brings Miriam Castelli says that the holiday songs she

”
families together, and has even stopped a war- even People will just celebrate sings in Germany during the holidays would be
if only for two days. and enjoy the atmosphere recognized in America- save for the lyrical transla-
We are all familiar with December: houses tions of course.
decorated with colors and lights, traditional music -Erin Wang 12 “We sing ‘O Tannebaum’ and ‘Stille Nacht’,”said
in the air, everyone in a “cheery” mood-save for the Castelli. “They are similar to the American versions,
occasional Scrooge. Nile Nuntika from Thailand and Erin Wang from but they are more traditional to Germany.”
December brings out the giving mood in people, Taiwan celebrate their Christmas on the evening of Despite various differences, the holiday season is
gives 31 days of bliss in a chaotic world, and returns the 25th. a time all parts of the world can unite in celebration.
cultures to their tradition- all based around its 25th “Christmas is celebrated mostly by religious No matter what religion, ethnicity, or social status-
day. people,” Wang said. “But other people will just all people celebrate the holiday season together.
But what does December look like outside of our celebrate and enjoy the atmosphere.” It is a time of being thankful for family and
borders? The same type of celebration takes place in Thai- friends as well as remembering the tradition of the
The Christmas season is a global time of celebra- land, according to Nuntika. place we live in, no matter where that may be.
tion, as well as cultural celebration. “Christians are the main people that are celebrat- The days may be different, the stories, the food,
So as a child in Scottsbluff fights anxiously to ing,” said Nuntika. “Which is similar to here and and the songs-but the celebration is global unity.
sleep on the night of the 24th, how does a child on the decorations and the story of Santa Clause is the It is a time to forget our disharmony- forget and
the other side of the world spend that night? same too.” celebrate as billions of people, millions of families,
Of Scottsbluff High School’s numerous students Despite the similarities, Christmas takes on the thousands of countries, and one world.
from different nations around the world, there culture of each of the countries when it is cel- So however it is said, whether it be Feliz Navi-
are significant differences from Christmas in their ebrated. Most countries have particular celebrations dad, Joyeux Noël, Schöni Fäschttäg, or Mele Kaliki-
home country to here, but some things are common based on their tradition and religion. Christians maka- Merry Christmas.
between the places around the world. around the world celebrate the Christmas holiday,

Everyone’s getting
into the holiday
SEASON GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT
(above left) Students needing a reminder about
how many shopping days until Christmas need
only look at the counting Santa in the commons
each day. Photo by Terry Pitkin
(far left) Nike officer, senior Taylor Ziegler,
paints a Christmas tree on the window in the
courtyard near the Counselors’ office. Photo by
Terry Pitkin
(immediate left) Nike members Meghan
Pritchard (12), Ashley Pike (11), Anna Teghtmeyer
(12- back to camera), and Ashleigh Smith (11) load
up cans collected during Nike’s annual canned
food drive in November. The food was donated
to local food pantries. Photos by Terry Pitkin &
Terrence Lake

ENTERTAINMENT | 17

Aerobics becomes
Dig deep or go home...Insanity workout a success in aerobics class
INSANE
story by
KELSEY EMPFIELD | sports editor
Sophomore Mekayla Abts walked packed with plyo-
into the upper deck of the gym think- metric drills on top
ing that aerobics class would be cake. of nonstop intervals
“Okay ladies, this is the first day of strength, power,
of the Insanity workout. We will resistance, and ab and
be keeping track of our progress core training moves.
throughout the semester. So today is The program is a
the first fitness test,” aerobics teacher two month program,
Linda Meininger said as she pushed six days a week. The
play on the DVD machine. first month consists
Well this will be easy. of regular workouts
“Okay, so today we’re going to test in three circuits. The
your fitness by doing eight exercises,” second month consists
the toned man, a prime archetype of of the max workouts
physical fitness, on the TV screen said. which are longer and
“Let’s start by warming up.” more difficult and in
Each exercise played for 60 sec- five circuits.
onds while the class tried to keep up “Insanity combines
with the high standards. cardio and strength
Okay, so maybe this is a little tougher workouts. We do
than I thought… push-ups, suicide
“Excellent, excellent, excellent,” jumps, core body,
the encouraging trainer said after each hit the floor (shuffle), ski abs, floor BREAKING Sophomore Mekayla Abts breaks a sweat doing the Insanity workout during an aerobics class. She is one
completed set. sprints, and push-up jacks,” Mein- A SWEAT of many girls that has seen incredible results by doing the workout regularly. Photo by Kelsey Empfield

At the conclusion of the workout, inger said.
Abts wiped the beads of sweat off her Not only do the moves differ, the The difficulty of the workouts is Although the Insanity workout is
beet-red face as she took deep, slow types of people taking the class are evidenced by the undeniable results challenging for the most part, the stu-
breaths in order to bring her breathing also different, ranging from athlete to of those who commit to it. dents have been very receptive to it.
back to normal. non-athlete. “Since I’ve been doing Insanity “Insanity has gone over great
This is definitely the hardest workout “I took aerobics because I felt I I feel so much better. I’m in a better because it’s a simple, old fashioned
I’ve ever done. needed to do something a little more mood now,” Abts said. “I’ve also lost workout program. The students don’t
This wasn’t boot camp; this was a active and I heard that the class was three inches.” have to worry about looking silly.
workout unlike anything else. fun,” senior Elizabeth Huffman said. “Working out like what we have They can work at their own pace and
This was…utterly insane. “Insanity has pushed me to do exer- gives you a better attitude and makes take breaks when they want,” Mein-
“Take the challenge and dig cising I probably wouldn’t have done you feel better,” Huffman said. inger said.
deeper,” the trainer taunted at the otherwise.” The class has been filled primarily Insanity has been beneficial to
completion of the workout. “I took aerobics because I wanted with females, but boys are invited to everyone who takes part.
Fast. High-energy. Challenging. to get in better shape. It’s shorter than take the class as well. “It’s helping their self-esteem and
Worth-while. Grueling. Rewarding. cross country or track practice, but “It’s not a girl workout. I’d like to teaching them how to push them-
Insanity is a workout DVD with it’s harder than most,” senior Breanna see boys take the class too,” Mein- selves. Hopefully that will carry over
trainer Shaun T. The workouts are Winkler said. inger said. into school and life,” Meininger said.

SPORTS UPDATE Aubree Worden featured in Sports
Illustrated
New boys golf coach announced Senior Aubree Worden was re- included first place, she also broke the
cently recognized in the “Faces in the state record with a time of 14:23.
Brandon Christensen has been Country Club for nearly two years Crowd” section of Sports Illustrated Not to mention her track and field
named the Boys’ Golf Coach for the and is looking forward to the oppor- for her exemplary athletic ability. first place finishes in the 1600 and
upcoming season. tunity to coach at SHS. She was recognized on behalf of 3200 meters.
This decision was made when Bert The team is returning three mem- the cross-country and track teams. Worden was also the Gatorade
Wright, who led the team to a state bers from last year’s championship Worden has won three consecutive Nebraska Runner of the Year for both
championship last year, resigned. team, so the transition he’ll have to individual titles at the State cross- cross-country and track and field.
Christensen has been the assistant make shouldn’t be too rough. country meet. In short, Worden has made a name
golf professional at the Scotts Bluff Christensen looks to do great Her last cross-country title not only for herself for “running” past the

18 | SPORTS
things with the boys’ golf team. competition.

Experienced youth and depth has the boys
basketball team optimistic
story by depth. to be a walk in the
MICHAEL MILLER | sports writer Boys Basketball park either.

PREVIEW
“I think
we’re going to “We play a very
Senior Shane Weyrich remembers be really ath- difficult schedule
the disappointment he felt walking off letic this year. highlighted by
the basketball court last March after We were also really young last year, so trips to Gillette for a tournament,
the Cats’ 49-45 loss to Sidney in the this year we’ll be more experienced,” the GNAC tournament, and games
B-6 district semifinal. sophomore Michael Hadden said. against Cheyenne East and Central,”
It was a fitting, albeit sad ending to “We’re definitely one of the top Siske said.
an 11-16 season. contenders this year in our district,” The team’s depth makes for com-
That disappointment is now a Weyrich said. petitive practices.
distant memory as Weyrich and his These players all share the same “We try to challenge the kids at
teammates embark on a season filled goal: making a run at the state tourna- practice,” Siske said. We want them
with promise which includes seven ment. challenged physically and mentally
players with extensive varsity experi- However, that’s not to say the Cats by placing them in tough situations.
ence. won’t face any adversity this season. Hopefully practices are difficult
“This team returns seven guys who There have been some concerns about enough that they make the games
played a lot of varsity last year and the team’s chemistry. easier.”
we also have guys returning that were “I think that was something The boys opened the season by
part of a 17-2 JV team,” head coach everyone was a little worried about, winning the Western Conference
Tony Siske said. “Depth should be a but since practice has started, we’ve Tournament.
strength for this team.” started bonding as a team and if we Last weekend they played in the
“We could go eight, nine, or ten keep our chemistry strong, we’re Gillette Invite where they lost to Gil-
deep, it just depends on who comes going to be tough this year,” Hadden lette and Rock Springs before defeat-
out to play,” junior Zach Clemens said said. ing Casper Kelly Walsh. The team DRIVING Sophomore Michael Hadden dribbles in
a game at Western Conference. The Cats
of the team’s seemingly impressive The schedule they face isn’t going travels to Chadron Saturday night. DOWN won the tournament beating Torrington
for the championship. Photo by Jeremy
THE LANE Woznick

Actions NOT words Experienced Cats want their play
on the court to define the season
story by “The chemis- to Sidney in the B-6 role just fine,” Burda said.
MICHAEL MILLER | sports writer try seems to be
Girls Basketball district semi-final. “The team is a lot deeper than we

The Lady Bearcat basketball team
is giving new meaning to the old
great right now.
The girls are
working hard.
PREVIEW The seniors
include Hattie
Guzman, Gillian
have been in the past. We have a lot
of returning contributors and some
sophomores that are stepping up
saying that a team should let its play I don’t see anyone fighting with each Harkins, Marcie Sindt, and Makayla that will hopefully contribute to the
speak for itself. other and it seems like everyone’s Westphal; juniors Maddie Holscher varsity level,” Burda said.
The girls have imposed code of si- there to support each other,” head and Morgan Yost; and sophomore Although the district is without
lence upon themselves when it comes coach Mike Burda said. Zoey Rada. the former Alliance super-stater Jor-
to speaking to the press. “Practice is going well, they’ve A promising transfer, senior Abby dan Hooper this year, Burda predicts
Apparently the decision is work- been working hard and we’re ready Zach, will also be a positive addition the district tournament will still be
ing as the Cats have a 4-1 record go- to start playing some games,”Burda to the team and can begin playing in very competitive.
ing into this Saturday’s game against said. mid-January The Bearcats hope the loudest
Chadron on the road. The team boasts seven returning “She (Zach) will be playing some noise they make this year is the cel-
One of the team’s strengths can be members from last year’s varsity JV, but she’ll have a huge impact once ebration following a district champi-
found in its chemistry. squad that finished 14-10 after falling we get her, but she’s handling that onship.

District News
first,” Scottsbluff Athletic Director Lee Although WNCC is obviously
Dick said. the nicest site that it could be held
The NSAA has talked about two at, Scottsbluff and Gering fans may
possible sights in Ogallala and Grant. have to prepare to travel to watch
Nothing will be decided; however, their basketball teams perform at
There has been a lot of contro- has complicated things, as they don’t until the Class A district basketball districts.
versy concerning where the Class want to be on the road that long. sights are decided. “I really think it will be at
B district tournament will be held “McCook does not want to go “Class A has a problem called the WNCC. I have my fingers crossed,
this season. to WNCC for district basketball. serpentine. They have seven schools I’m hoping common sense will
It was held at WNCC last year, They’ve also had trouble with the that get #1 seeds and they have to find prevail and it will be at WNCC,”
but adding McCook to our district Class A districts. They have to figure locations for all of those districts,” Dick said.

19
out where those are going to be held Dick said.
SPORTS |

4
things you
Senior Willie Schwartzkopf should know
Sophomore Chrissy Peters Sophomore Eric Moreno Senior Breanna Winkler

The New Kids on the BLOCK about Dan
Harshbarger
With numerous students transferring to Scottsbluff,
it seems like everyone wants to be a Bearcat 1) Sports
story by this year and are making a big differ- eligible to participate on varsity.
played: Foot-
MADDIE HOLSCHER | sports writer ence on their playing field. “It’s frustrating because there are

Senior Abby Zach looks in the
It’s taken all of them time to adjust.
“My first day of school was really
only 82 days in the first semester and
I can only play on the JV basketball
ball, Swimming,
mirror, tucks in her boyfriend’s red
number 10 jersey into her jeans, and
quiet and different. There are also a
lot more people here at Scottsbluff
squad until mid January,” Zach said.
Both Moreno and Schwartzkopf
and Baseball
heads out the door, grabbing gloves
and a stocking hat.
compared to Mitchell,” senior Willie
Schwartzkopf, a recent Mitchell trans-
live in the district and therefore are
able to play varsity. However, there
2) Biggest
She meets up with her friends in
the parking lot and they all pile into
fer student, said.
Willie participated in football for
are other challenges that come with
transferring.
difference
her Lincoln Navigator feeling the
excitement in the air.
the Cats and is looking to make a big
impact for the wrestling team as he is
“It’s hard knowing that the people
who used to be my best friends now
between
They cruise down main,
windows down, and sing Taio
a returning Class C state champ.
“I look forward to being a part of
hate me and hate that I left,” Moreno
said.
Scottsbluff
Cruz’s“Dynamite” at the top of their
lungs on their way to the much an-
this team and participating in the state
finals,” Schwartzkopf said.
“It was really hard to leave my
friends,” Schwartzkopf said, “but I
and Bridge-
ticipated Scottsbluff/Gering football
game.
Another transfer athlete is sopho-
more Eric Moreno who saw action as
feel like I made the right decision.”
--------------------
port: There’s a
Zach takes the route she knows
so well and pulls into a parking spot.
quarterback during the playoff game
and will also be an asset to the basket-
The final buzzer sounds signal-
ing a convincing 24-6 victory for the
lot more people
The girls walk into the stadium and
take their places on the sideline ready
ball team this season.
“The main reason I transferred was
Bearcats.
Zach storms the field with the rest
here.
to cheer on their Bearcats in the arch-
rival matchup.
to play basketball here and hopefully
have a shot at state this year,” Moreno
of the Bearcat student section and
celebrates with all those around.
3) Favorite
As the game begins, Zach looks
across the field, sees her former class-
said.
Moreno doesn’t feel any remorse
After all the madness, Zach walks
into her house in a quiet Gering
movie: The
mates and friends mixed in the sea of
blue and gold and thinks to herself,
about leaving Gering High School.
“I really don’t have any feelings to-
neighborhood, kicks off her shoes,
and makes her way to her bed.
Hangover
“Did I make the right decision?”
This thought soon passes as the
wards Gering,” Moreno said. “I don’t
regret leaving at all. I have way more
She pauses as she folds the red
jersey she was wearing and the ques-
4) Favorite
Bearcats score their first touchdown
and Zach leads the student section
fun at Scottsbluff and I love how nice
and cool all the teachers are.”
tion popped into her head again, “Did
I make the right decision?”
restaurant:
in celebration pushups followed by
countless high-fives.
Students, teachers, and administra-
tors alike are enthusiastic about the
She smiles to herself as she turns
off the light and crawls under the
Red Lobster
She is elated. Forgetting her old new additions to our school. covers knowing full well what her
ties to Gering and identifying herself “All of these students are outstand- answer is. “Yes, I did. And it sure feels
as a true Bearcat, ing young people and to have them good to be a Bearcat.”
“I don’t even consider myself as at our school is a very positive thing,”
formerly being one of them,” Zach activities director Lee Dick said.
said. “I consider myself a Bearcat Transferring isn’t all that easy
through and through.” though. There are several rules and
-------------------- regulations that come with being
But Zach isn’t the only student eligible to participate in activities.
going through a situation like this. To play in varsity sports, the stu-
Several students have transferred or dent has to reside within the Scotts-
opted into Scottsbluff High School bluff School District. If the student
does not live in the district, they must

20 | SPORTS wait 90 school days before they are Junior Mattea Schmidt Sophomore Taylor Winkler Senior Abby Zach

Issue 4 December 2010

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Issue 4 December 2010