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The Bugle4525 Highway 109 Eureka, MO 63025 • www.ehsbugle.com • volume 76 • issue 5 • January 27, 2012 The student newspaper of Eureka High School
Students and staff reflect on important events in the past and look to the future...pg. 6-7
Hard-knock lifeInjuries hamper star-studded girls basketball squad...pg. 8
Like us on facebook:EHS Bugle
Making waves
Parking the panicLocal economy sees upward trend after extended fiscal woes...pg. 2
Dark days are getting brighter for Eureka’s economy.Ms. Luci Whanger, former small business
owner, experienced difficult times during the recession when she had to close her retail stores, but she is now an employee for SLDF Graphics.
“Our business was affected because we carried more of a quality high-end item, so people were still spending money but instead of purchasing maybe three or four items they were just purchasing one,” Ms. Whanger said. “People were cutting back.”
Harsh times for small business owners meant struggling families in Eureka’s community. Even though the median household income in Eureka is more than $20,000 over the national average, Eureka families felt the impact of a struggling economy.
“I felt like I couldn’t ask for things that I wanted,” Ryan Whanger, Ms. Whanger’s son, said. “I felt that if I wanted something it would be selfish of me. I knew that we were in a tight spot without even asking.”
While surrounded by the evidence of the recession, the sun is setting on those hardships, and local businesses are seeing the dawn of an upward economic trend. Shopping was abundant during the holiday season.
“Usually Hallmark is really slow and we only make a $1,000 a day, if that, but over the holidays we would make $10,000 a day and it would be ridiculously busy,” Maria Hartz, Hallmark employee, said. “It increased our sales by a ton, and a lot of people were out. We had signs showing sales which really attracted people.”
American consumers ended the year strong with retailers reporting sales totaling $400 billion in
December and $4.7 trillion for the fiscal year of 2011, according to the Department of Commerce’s website.
“I work up at the register so I definitely dealt with a ton of people over the holidays,” Kelly Plunkett, Kohl’s employee, said. “It’s surprising because everybody says the economy is so bad, but there’s still so many people going and getting all this stuff. It doesn’t make any sense.”
Hesitance to spend carries major implications since consumer spending is vital to the United States economy.
“Customers have been more hesitant to buy shoes because we sell fairly expensive women’s shoe. So there are a lot more holds and people don’t usually come back to get them,” Mary Montgomery, Baker’s Shoe Store employee, said. “People make sure that the person they’re buying shoes for comes in and picks them out themselves and tries them on several times.”
While the spending may be different there is no shortage of activity for local businesses. With all of the consumer activity spurring economic growth, the real state of the economy is still up for debate.
“I would guess that the local economy is doing okay,” Tiffany Wofford, Kohl’s employee, said. “Our store is usually busy all the time.”
Talk of a recession, in fact, appears to no longer be an accurate description for the U.S. economy.
“By definition we haven’t been in a recession since June of 2009,” Mr. C.J. Herbert, economics teacher, said. “The economy isn’t necessarily good, but it is starting to improve a little bit. Unemployment was in the 9 percent range, and now it’s down to 8.5 percent, so things are starting to look up.”
The unemployment rate for the city of Eureka is 3.9 percent according to the city’s Demographic Snapshot 2011 Report. In comparison, this statistic is considerably lower than both the national and state unemployment rates of 8.5 percent and 8.2 percent, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website.
“The national economy may not be very good right now, but I’m 16 and I have a job that’s paying $.50 over minimum wage,” Joel Sandhu, Best Buy employee, said. “It’s a pretty good amount of money, especially with the hours I’ve been working.”
With such drastic differences between local demographics and nationwide statistics, many residents haven’t felt he effects of the economic downturn as deeply as other places.
“We live in a relatively affluent area, so we may not experience economic struggles in the same way as other areas,” Mr. Herbert said. “I’m sure it has not been as bad here as in some places. It definitely has had an impact.”
The dark days of the recession are receding for local businesses as the economy is slowly but surely working its way out of its gloomy past.
“We still have high unemployment, and there are still going to be mortgage foreclosures,” Mr. Herbert said. “All of those things is why people still try to say that we are in a recession. It has been a little bit deeper of a recession than many so it’s taken a little longer to recover, but we’re in recovery mode.”
Picturing the sunrise in the darkness of night was one approach that spurred growth and maturity in the midst of the recession.
“To me the recession was like a new opportunity,” Ms. Whanger said. “There was renewed energy and new ideas of how to move forward after being in such a predicament. I get frustrated when I hear all the time how poor the economy is because I’m not a believer. I believe that we all have to work a little harder, but on a daily basis most of the people I’m working with—we’re all just fine.”
With dark days looming behind, the economy is working a little harder to continue to move towards a brighter and more promising horizon.
Unemployment may be lower in Eureka compared to the national unemployment rate of 8.9 percent, but the effects of the economic recession haven’t gone unnoticed
as vacancies in shopping centers are evident throughout the Eureka and Wildwood areas, Jan. 11. “I definitely think we felt the recession because I can drive around in my
neighborhood and I can see houses that were foreclosed on and you can drive around in Eureka and Wildwood and see stores that were foreclosed on,” Mr. Herbert said.
Cars pack the Walmart parking lot, Jan. 11. Consumer spending is crucial to the economy and it’s recovery. Ideally, rather than consumers frugally
holding back in tough fiscal times, continuing to spend regularly would help regulate and revitalize the economy, according to Mr. Herbert.
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Parking the panicLocal economy sees upward trend after extended fiscal woes
3new
sOut of sight, out of mind
Alex Powell (11), Vineeth Bhuvanagiri,
Meghan Puett, Sarah Haller,
Nicole Roman and Maddie
Brozka (12) play a review game
before a test in Mr. Justin Morris’ AP Psychology,
Jan. 12. “I don’t want the students
to be affected negatively by
any changes that might be occurring
anywhere,” Mr. Morris said. “If
things don’t seem like what they
should be, it could be distracting. I
want them to feel like it doesn’t affect
them and prevent hard feelings.”
Students and staff focus on academics amidst turmoil
EHS is no stranger to change. In fact, one might go as far to say they’re cordial acquaintances. Construction, budget cuts and new principals and staff members have created an evolving environment.
Some changes are easy to notice, such as changes in bus transportation and the new Welcome Center, but in most cases teachers and staff go out of their way to make sure that the budget cuts do not affect students’ experiences.
“The students motivate themselves, so that makes it a little easier,” Mr. Justin Morris, psychology teacher, said. “No matter what is going on in the school board, or if there’s any other drama, I try to keep a very positive classroom environment.”
At the center of everything is the Board of Education, which is also undergoing multiple changes.
These seven men and women are the determiners of Rockwood’s future and have faced hard decisions, cutting $22,374,160 in the past four years with dwindling future funds.
After Mr. Matthew Fitzpatrick resigned from his seat, Oct. 20, Mr. Geoff Rigabar filled the vacancy, Dec. 1.
“We’re invested in the district,” Mr. Rigabar said, Dec.1. “It’s important that we always have great teachers and a good curriculum. We need to have a tough talk about concepts like bonds, but some things shouldn’t change, regardless of the topic.”
Former Board of Education president Mr. Steve Smith has also stepped down from his position, but will stay until his term is fulfilled as a director. As of Jan. 5, Mrs.Janet Strate, former vice president of the Board, became president and Mr. Matt Doell, former director, became vice president.
Two director positions on the Board of Education will be up for election, April 2012.
“It’s difficult for the Board of Education to make cuts while maintaining the quality of education that Rockwood provides,” Mrs. Deborah Asher, head principal,
said. “There may be different opinions on how to do things. I’m confident that the Board of Education wants to do what’s best for the kids of Rockwood.”
Because of resignations and re-elections, the members currently operating on the Board of Education are not the same people who implicated decisions in the past.
Also changing is the administrative team. In the past four years, three different people have filled the head principal position: Mrs. Asher replaced Dr. Jim Wipke who replaced Dr. Kevin Keltner. This year, four out of seven administrators were new to their positions.
“I think it’s all about maintaining a connection with the students,” Olivia Dames (11) said. “Obviously, if
administration changes so much, it’s hard to establish a normal bond.”
When there’s inconsistency within the administration, teachers can only hide so much.
“All the change is a little annoying,” Rachel Boillat (12) said. “When there are so many new principals and other changes happening, it’s hard to know what’s even happening just because all these new people need to get set up before they do anything, and by the time that’s over, they’re gone.”
Most students have been well sheltered from the changes in leadership and budget cuts.
“I really don’t notice cost-cutting in the classroom,” Boillat said. “Our resources seem to be pretty much the same. Teachers seem to have a similar agenda, and people operate in a similar way.”
Evidence of change is lacking in the classroom.“I haven’t noticed any changes in my classroom,”
Elizabeth Smith (11) said. “But the teachers make a big difference. If the staff and teachers are stable, so is the learning enviroment. It shows how close the teachers are to the students. It really helps them learn.”
Teacher attitudes during this time of change of change have provided the stability for their students.
“The transition between each principal has been really good,” Mrs. Jenni Highfill, World Language department chair, said. “You’re always a little
nervous when your boss changes, no matter what profession you’re in because you’re wondering what this boss wants or how he is different from the others. I’ve learned from each boss because each person brings in a new perspective. There’s always something new to learn.”
The learning environment requires stability and trust.“I haven’t really heard anything about what’s going
on,” Abraham Ward (9) said. “If everything does start to change even more, I think the trust goes away between students and staff because everything is so new.”
Teachers work hard to insulate their their students.“You keep those things separate because it’s not
something students should feel,” Mrs. Janice DeNure, French teacher, said. “When it comes down to what’s necessary, we can find the money for it. All I need is a whiteboard and the students, and I can teach.”
The changes in administration are often out of the public eye. Without the extra glance behind the scenes, it’s difficult for students to be knowledgable of the actions of the administration and Board of Education. School runs as usual.
“It’s very easy to be critical of an organization when you’re not on the inside and can’t get the full picture,” Mrs. Asher said. “When you have a lack of stability, there’s a learning curve for people.”
Students are sheltered from most change, but consistency is still highly valued by all grade levels.
“I think it’s good to keep a consistent staff because some kids create connections with staff members and teachers, and that’s really important when you’re a student,” Justin Nedvin (10) said.
While staff clearly knows how to maintain student interest, students maintain a belief that future constancy would be a nice change of pace.
Mrs. Asher was named head pricipal for the 2012-2013 school year, giving students and staff the chance to appreciate a leader who is familiar with EHS.
Mrs. Asher has been at EHS for nine years serving first as junior class principal and then associate principal.
“Having Mrs. Asher as principal is a very appropriate and comfortable fit,“ Ms. Deb Title, Language Arts teacher, said. “I know she has high standards, and I am excited about that. She is what Eureka wants and deserves.”
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“For students to have a good environment, we need to know what’s going on.”—Rachel Boillat (12)
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Embracing leadershipSpiderman had a radioactive spider. Iron Man had
his armor. The students of National Leadership Academy have something a little less supernatural but just as powerful that accounts for their success as a club.
They have leadership.“In life, you want to be a leader not a follower,”
Gino Green (11) said. “You can be the author of your own future. Being your own leader definitely determines where you end up in the future.”
The National Leadership Academy was started by Ms. Nisha Patel, former assistant principal.
“Ms. Patel sent the kids to the leadership conference in Colorado,” Mrs. Jennifer Strauser, current NLA sponsor said. “Because Ms. Patel went to Lafayette, there was no one here to help the NLA students, so I took them. I kind of fell into it because I was looking for more ways to have connections to our students.”
NLA is a nationwide organization that focuses on developing tangible leadership skills in high-school age students and holds a four-day conference every summer in Denver, Colorado to teach these skills, according to the academy’s website.
Last year was the first year that Eureka sent students to the Academy. Administrators selected 10 students from last year’s sophmore and junior classes to attend the academy based on their leadership potential demonstrated in school.
“I was honored to be selected,” Krishna Neelam (12) said. “Only 10 of us were picked, and the fact that my teachers recognized me for my leadership was very cool.”
The students traveled to Colorado Christian University to be given a crash course in leadership skills in June. Some were unsure of what to expect from the academy.
“Whenever I got there it seemed kind of lame because there were fewer kids than we thought and the activities seemed goofy,” Ben Southards (12) said. “But we all came in there with open minds and wanted to get better as leaders, and I think through that willingness to become better leaders we got a lot out of it. I learned simple things that you can take leadership in and different ways that leadership can come across.”
Whatever doubts presented themselves in the beginning cleared away to make room for new leadership knowledge.
“I learned a lot about business etiquette, strong handshakes, and I learned about not being afraid to voice my opinion,” Neelam said
The students incorporated these skills into their repertoire of leadership.
“I think the Academy made me a more confident leader,” Mallory Weise (12) said. “I feel like I get involved in more activities where I have to take responsibility for other people’s actions, like in Student Council and at Homecoming. ”
Not only did the students notice improved leadership in themselves; others have taken note of the improvements.
“I think Mallory has taken a more proactive approach in being a leader,” Mrs. Andrea Weise, Mallory Weise’s mother, said. “I know she was determined to collect a lot of cans for the canned food drive, and one weekend she took the initiative and went to a neighborhood in the Parkway School District because she knew everyone would be collecting in our area.”
That kind of independence and zeal for community service exemplifies the ideals taught at the Academy.
The time these students spent together at the Academy brought them together despite their different backgrounds and activities.
“With all of us together, you would have thought that we had known each other forever,” Jessica Bloomrosen (11) said. “We all work extremely well together and are comfortable sharing ideas with each
other, and it’s because of our shared experience at the Academy.”
Most importantly, these students have brought their newly-acquired skills back to share leadership with the rest of the student body.
“NLA never started out as a club,” Mrs. Strauser said. “It just started out as a bunch of kids who went to the academy. But when they came back, they wanted to stay together and do some things. So it’s not an official club. It’s just a group of kids who have a common goal of spreading the benefits of leadership.”
The club wants to spread leadership to everyone in the student body.
“Their goal is to show other students how important having leadership skills is to everyone, not just natural-born leaders,” Mrs. Strauser said. “We do little activities that increase awareness about the importance of leadership and community service.”
The newness of the club has presented a challenge, but nothing the members can’t overcome.
“I think the club is out there,” Antonia Carter (12) said. “It’s not really big now, but they know we are helping and that we are there.”
The majority of the service the club does is for Eureka High School. So far, they have done a Free Hugs
Event and spoken to Freshman Seminar classes, once about leadership and once about study skills. Plans for the future include a hat and glove drive and speaking to the faculty about the importance of leadership.
The students have also begun to broaden their focus beyond the high school community.
“A new thing that we did was a community fashion show that my mom’s company introduced us to,” Neelam said. “I thought it would be a great opportunity for NLA to represent the high school.”
The recipients of NLA’s service aren’t the only ones reaping the benefits of leadership; the members are gaining as well.
“It’s rewarding knowing that we are taking what we learned and applying it to our school,” Bloomrosen said. “We are paying forward our leadership knowledge and giving them the same knowledge we gained at the leadership academy through
our activities.”The NLA club meets once a month and is planning
on sending 10 more students to the academy next year. These students will be selected by grade level
principals and teachers based on leadership potential, according to Mrs. Strauser. This will continue the cycle of giving students the greatest superpower of them all: leadership.
National Leadership Academy empowers students to share their voices
brittany kastner
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“I think the academy made me a more confident leader. I feel like I get involved in more activities where I have to take responsibility.” —Mallory Weise (12)
Natonal Leadership Academy members Mallory Weise and Vince
Dotson (12) give out free hugs, one of the activities they learned at
the academy on the first day of the school, Aug. 17.
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Top 10 of 2011
1It is no secret that the St. Louis Cardinals came through to win the World Series. The Cards won 99 out of 180 games total, according to stltoday.com. “I was really happy when the Cardinals won the world series,” Wade Fox (12) said. “I was with all of my friends and we got pretty excited when they won.”
Cards won the World Series
2On October 31st ,Danica May Camacho was the seven billionth person born, making the USA the 3rd most populated country according to cia.gov. “I don’t think overpopulation is good, but it’s a good thing that we’re not like other countries that have to regulate how many kids families can have,” Rachel Dwyer (11) said.
7 billionth person was born
3The new and improved iPhone was released in stores, Oct. 14. In only four days, over 4 billion iPhone 4s were sold according to store.att.com. “I love the iPhone 4S because it’s awesome that you can talk to it,” Madie Gianino (12) said. “I can talk to it when im driving and do my text messaging without actually typing.”
iPhone 4S
4May 22, a tornado hit Joplin, MO, killing at least 116 people and injuring hundreds more, according to nytimes.com. “I have a friend who goes to school down there,” Shane Harris (12) said. “I went down there to help him pick his stuff up and bring it back here when they were rebuilding everything. There were so many upset people down there it made it uncomfortable.”
Joplin Tornado
6An American soldier killed Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the most crucial and devastating attack on America, during a firefight, May 1. “In a way it’s a good thing because it brought peace to a lot of people from 9-11: victims and families,” Cindy Hirsch, secretary to the senior class principal, said.
Osama bin Laden killed
7The Occupy Wall Street movement, an ongoing people’s movement and peace protest, traveled to St. Louis. “I feel that their means are good, but the way they’re going about it is wrong,” Kyle Laubacker (11) said. “Many don’t know what they’re fighting for.”
Occupy STL
8Arab Spring, the movement of countries trying to rid themselves of dictatorships and authoritatrian governements, swept across North Africa and the Middle East late January 25, 2011. “I think for a lot of the countries, this is just the beginning of a very long transition to what they would consider a better government,” Ms. Kimberly Eastlund, social studies teacher, said.
Arab Spring
9Students thought Mrs. Jennifer Sebold, MHS associate principal, would be their head principal at the start of the 2011-2012 year. But the last day of the school year, four weeks after accepting the position, Dr. Sebold announced she would be returning to MHS as an assistant principal. Mrs. Deb Asher agreed to hold the position as interm head principal. So a farmiliar face in a new role greeted students, Aug. 17.
Short-term Principal
10Kim Kardashian filed for divorce 72 days after her wedding from which she made $18 million, according to foxnews.com. “She is really high maintenance and was only getting married as a status kind of thing,” Bayley Bellers (11) said.
Kim Kardashian Wedding
The Eureka Varsity Softball Team gets pumped up before their game against Webster during Sectionals, Oct. 12. “We were so excited to win Districts and Sectionals and beat as many teams as we ended up winning against,” Baleigh Proffer, second basemen said. “It was really exciting and the overall atmosphere of being at State was amazing. We had so much fun together.” The team ended up following through and winning with a final score of 12 to 0. They also won their second and last game in Sectionals against Seckman with a score of 5 to 3. This led them to go on to State in which they placed fourth.
5Pulling through with an impressive record of 21-7, Eureka varsity softball ended up placing fourth in State. “We always tried to stay up and never got down even when things weren’t going our way,” Baleigh Proffer, second baseman, said.
Softball went to State
Making waves
5
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htStudents and staff reflect on important
events in the past and look to the future
Res
olu
tions
Limiting fast foodWhat is your New Year’s resolution?“My new years resolution is to limit my fast food eating.”How long will your resolution last?“My goal is to have it last until May because that’s when school and track is over. If I’m doing really good, I’ll try to not eat fast food for the rest of the year.”
Why is eating healthy good for you?“Fast food is unhealthy and disgusting but delicious. It’s just really not something I should be putting in my body.”Why is this your resolution?“I’m starting track soon, and I think it’s unhealthy. Anything I can do to make myself healthier is going to help me get in shape.”
Quit smokingWhat is your resolution?
“My new years resolution is to quit smoking cigarettes.”
How long will your resolution last?
“I will last at least a good month. Then I will probably relapse then come back. No one can really quit cold
turkey. You have to ease yourself off, especially when you’re addicted.”
How is smoking bad for you?“It constricts your arteries not allowing
the blood flow to continue. It causes lung cancer. It makes it hard to breathe
and do athletics.”Why is this your resolution?
“This is my resolution because smoking is really unhealthy for me and is a big weakness I have in my mindset. I think
everyone needs a goal in life.”
Working outWhat is your New Year’s resolution?“My new years resolution is to be more fit and get a six pack.”How long will your resolution last?“I think it will probably only last a month or two but I’m going to try to keep working out with my friends as long as possible. We really want to try to get six packs.”
Why is working out good for you?“It’s something fun to do with your friends, and it’s something you can easily do if you really work at it.”Why is this your resolution?“Me and my friends decided we wanted to make a New Year’s resolution that we can actually accomplish and something that’s good for us.”
Predictions for 2012
1 23 4
New president...Obama
iPhone 5 will have....projection feature
Superbowlwon by...
Financially we will be...declining
Winner of Mr. EHS...Zack Sutter
An American soldier killed Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the most crucial and devastating attack on America, during a firefight, May 1. “In a way it’s a good thing because it brought peace to a lot of people from 9-11: victims and families,” Cindy Hirsch, secretary to the senior class principal, said.
The Occupy Wall Street movement, an ongoing people’s movement and peace protest, traveled to St. Louis. “I feel that their means are good, but the way they’re going about it is wrong,” Kyle Laubacker (11) said. “Many don’t know what they’re fighting for.”
Arab Spring, the movement of countries trying to rid themselves of dictatorships and authoritatrian governements, swept across North Africa and the Middle East late January 25, 2011. “I think for a lot of the countries, this is just the beginning of a very long transition to what they would consider a better government,” Ms. Kimberly Eastlund, social studies teacher, said.
Students thought Mrs. Jennifer Sebold, MHS associate principal, would be their head principal at the start of the 2011-2012 year. But the last day of the school year, four weeks after accepting the position, Dr. Sebold announced she would be returning to MHS as an assistant principal. Mrs. Deb Asher agreed to hold the position as interm head principal. So a farmiliar face in a new role greeted students, Aug. 17.
Short-term Principal
Kim Kardashian filed for divorce 72 days after her wedding from which she made $18 million, according to foxnews.com. “She is really high maintenance and was only getting married as a status kind of thing,” Bayley Bellers (11) said.
Gabby James (9)
Sarah Quarternik (12)
Andrew McCoy (12)
Ranna Safi (9)
Kellen Weiss (10)
The Eureka Varsity Softball Team gets pumped up before their game against Webster during Sectionals, Oct. 12. “We were so excited to win Districts and Sectionals and beat as many teams as we ended up winning against,” Baleigh Proffer, second basemen said. “It was really exciting and the overall atmosphere of being at State was amazing. We had so much fun together.” The team ended up following through and winning with a final score of 12 to 0. They also won their second and last game in Sectionals against Seckman with a score of 5 to 3. This led them to go on to State in which they placed fourth.
Mr. Art Mueller (science department) Sylvia Weiss (12)Giants
Grant Ducker (12)
blogs.state.gov
sylvia weisswriterMaking waves
8sp
ort
sAs the buzzer sounded and fans
left their seats, the Eureka Girls Varsity Basketball Team left the court heads down after receiving a 56-25 thrashing from the Edwardsville Tigers, Jan. 7.
This team, which at one time was ranked 6th in the area by the Post-Dispatch Large School Rankings, has faced many trials and tribulations throughout the season,
Full of talent and potential, the only thing explaining the team’s recent struggles is injury.
The Wildcats were missing key components in their arsenal of prodigious talent.
They lacked the strength to contain the Tiger’s inside presence and the agility to break the full court pressure. Injuries forced the two players who could have helped the Wildcats the most to watch as their team continued to struggle.
The team has lost Haley Albert, forward, and Torie Allen, guard, for the entire season, a detrimental blow to this team’s dynamic.
Each of these players brings their own essential element to the team, and the average fan can tell the team misses having such effective teammates playing with them.
“I tore my ACL during our game, Dec. 5,” Allen said. “It’s really hard to be sitting on the bench and not go out and play with my teammates. I just have to make the best of my situation and do whatever I can to help support the team.”
The same applies to Albert who is not just missing the entire season but has dealt with injury throughout her life.
“I’ve torn my ACL three separate times while playing soccer,” Albert said. “It gets really frustrating knowing that I can’t be out on the court helping my team win.”
This difficult situation creates a heavy burden on Mr. James Alsup, head coach, who now faces the task of finding who can fill the vital roles that these two outstanding players held.
“It’s a really tough situation losing two phenomenal players like Haley and Torie,” Coach Alsup said. “Even though it’s a burden not having them, expectations remain the same and we expect the team to play hard.”
These expectations have prompted the team to embrace the fact that it’s a do- or-die situation.
“We’re forced to step up and pick up the slack because when we’re tired and frustrated there’s no going to anyone else; it’s all on us,” Lindsey McCoy,
forward, said. For this team to have success, they
need someone who can lead.An obvious fit is Annie Westbury,
guard, who makes it clear to all that watch that she is a verbal leader and has the respect of her teammates.
“I think it’s important to have someone who can be viewed as a leader,” Westbury said.
Her coach appreciates the tenacity that she brings to the team.
“She is a great competitor when she goes out on the court,” Coach Alsup said. “She’s a member of the 500-pound club, which shows her dedication and work ethic.”
The 500-pound club is a group of students who’s total weight lifted in weightlifting reaches or exceeds the 500 pound mark. Westbury’s membership in this elite club shows her excellence and
high standing among Eureka’s athletes.In addition to the leadership and
defensive presence of Westbury, a stellar shooter has emerged this season. Gabby Adams, guard, has connected on a team high of 29 three-point field goals and is the team’s second leading scorer.
While there are players accepting the challenge of stepping into bigger roles, it doesn’t heal the pain that both Allen and Albert face when watching their team struggle.
The Wildcats currently have an 9-10 record overall and are 2-2 in conference play.
One bright spot for the team is Alex Hillyer, forward, who has committed to Missouri State.
Hillyer is averaging 19.7 points per game which is currently 7th in the area. In addition to her insane scoring
ability, Hillyer musters a remarkable 8.6 rebounds and 5.1 blocks per game.
The injuries to the team have increased an already high amount of pressure on Hillyer to put up huge numbers night in and night out.
“I like the feeling that I can control the way the game is going,” Hillyer said. “I love being a senior leader because the responsibility is something that I love to have as a competitor.”
Even with the star-caliber play of someone like Hillyer, the team cannot escape the injury troubles.
Kelsey Tepen, forward, understands that things may not always happen the way the team wishes it would.
“I think what we have to do is just do the best we can and try to make it through the season with a positive attitude,” Tepen said. “Sometimes that’s all you can do.”
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Team Stats # Games played Points per game Rebounds per game Field goal % Free throw %
Alex Hilllyer 14 19 19.7 8.6 50% 81%
Gabby Adams 20 17 7.4 3.2 52% 61%
Annie Westbury 5 19 3.7 1.8 37% 40%
Lindsey McCoy 21 18 4.6 3.4 44% 55%
Ali Wallner 11 18 1.8 1.4 18% 64%
Kelsey Tepen 25 19 4.5 3.9 42% 48%Sta
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The Wildcat bench looks on as the teams line up for free throws in game against the Edwardsville Tigers, Jan. 7. The game proved to be a tough challenge for the wildcats. The Wildcats shot just 22% from the field and were forced into turning the
ball over 28 times, according to stltoday.com. “That game was especially hard because it was such a tough loss,” Haley Albert, forward, said. “It’s extremely difficult to watch my team struggle in such a way.”
Hard knock lifeInjuries hamper star-studded squad
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Working togetherStudents, teachers and counselors deal with the effects of schedule changes
Counselors
Teachers Students
Preparing her class for a formative quiz on Elie Weisel’s “Night,” Brandi Tobias listens closely to Mrs. Eschmann. All students in Mrs. Eschmann’s classes are getting used to a new teacher as she just returned from maternity leave. While the transition is not easy for students or teachers, everyone is able to adapt because of the consistency among classes with Professional Learning Communities and the standards- based grading systems. “I feel like switching teachers is good and bad,” Tobias said. “I miss my old teachers, but I like the new vibe.” Teachers understand the struggle for students because not only do students have adapt to a new teaching style, but they must also get to know the new students that surround them in class. “Students have to be comfortable with the other students in the class,” Mrs. Eschmann said. “Sometimes that can be a hard dynamic to overcome.”
Having a new teacher is inevitable for many students, but it can mean a great chance to start clean.
“Switching teachers can be a good thing because you get a new start,” Harrison Hicks (10) said. “It gives you a chance to work with a new teacher and allows you to set your goals.”
A new teacher may also mean students work with someone who has a style more suited to their learning needs.
“This semester, Mrs. Eschmann takes more time to help the people who need more help,” Adam Culbreath (10) said. “She helps you whenever she feels like you are struggling or falling behind.”
The change in teaching style can be
a welcomed change of pace. “The best part of having a new
teacher is that your routine changes,” Brandi Tobias (10) said. “I like the change because just when I was used to everything, I get a different teacher, and it’s all new.”
The difference in style may be challenging at first, but students learn to adapt when teachers take the time to get to know their class
“Last semester, I had Mrs. Mueller, and she was really energetic,” Tobias said. “Mrs. Eschmann is more chill. It was nice that she didn’t jump in too fast and introduced herself so I could warm up to her, though.”
PLCsIn order to make sure there is consistency for students when they have to switch at semester, teachers participate in Professional Learning Communities. “We meet for every unit deciding what skills to work on,” Mrs. Raeann Eschmann, Language Arts teacher, said. “Students transferring in will have the same set of skills so that when we reference stuff from first semester they know what we are talking about.”
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Teachers appreciate having a new start but have the challenge of getting to know many more students.
“The hardest part for teachers is getting to know their students,” Mrs. Eschmann said. “We have to learn what new students’ strengths and weaknesses are whereas we already know the returning students.”
However, students should keep in mind that even though their teacher changes, the class curriculum is still the same.
“My advice is to remember that the curriculm is the same among teachers,” Mrs. Eschmann said. “Teachers have varying styles so you have to be able to adapt.”
A program creates all student schedules based on which teachers are available during which hour. In order to make all students have all their classes some have to switch teachers or hours.
¼of students will switch teachers in their core classes, according to Mrs. Debbie Grimshaw, guidance counselor.
ApproximatelyCredits are earned as a half point for each class passed each semester. Students then earn a half credit from a particular teacher in the semester they had the teacher.
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Join EHS Publications!Newspaper, Yearbook, and Video ProducationCheck out the bulletin board by room 704 or go to EHS’ website > activities > yearbook or newspaper for more information!
What do these people have in common?
EHS wants you to nominate a worthy teacher for EHS Teach-er of the Year.
Recognize one of your teachers for their outstanding work in the classroom. Nominate them for Teacher of the Year.
Nomination forms can be picked up in the Main Office or Jr./Sr. Office or they can be printed off of the Eureka High School website.
Forms are due in the Main Office by 3 pm, Jan. 31.
Nominate your favorite teacher today!
Answers: All former EHS Teachers of the Year Across: 2- Clar, 3- Lingle, 7- Long, 8- Witt, 9- Schulz, 10- CarlisleDown: 1- Klages, 4- Gensler, 5- Kimball, 6- Wisdom
Scan this QR Code for the nomination form
Scan this QR Code for
a Teacher of the Year
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They were all former teachers of the year. Now we need you to choose this year’s T.O.Y.
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The B
ugle
Sta
ff editor-in-chiefhannah wischmeierproduction editormadison sandenwriters kelsey fairchildjessica meszarosdane roper
mary tomlinsonbrendan vogelcasey walkersylvia weissvideo production editor-in-chieferin mikelvideo production
nick hoeflingerkalin prestonstats managergabby adamsads managermichael mclaughlinadviser elisha strecker
The primary obligation of The Bugle is to create a quality publication to inform its readers about events in the school and community and of issues of national or international importance which directly or indirectly affect the school population.
The Bugle, while serving as a training ground for future journalists as part of the school curriculum, recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment and strives to establish and maintain standards outlined by the Society of Professional Journalists.
The Bugle is a public forum. Student editors apply professional standards and ethics for decision making as they take on the responsibility for content and production of the newspaper. While the student staff encourages constructive criticism of any part
of the newspaper, authority for content rests in the hands of the student members of the newspaper staff.
Students will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, or libel, obscenity, material disruption of the school process, copyright infringement or unwarranted invasion of privacy.
Letters to the editor are encouraged by students, faculty and the community. Letters must be signed but names can be withheld upon request. Letters must not exceed 250 words and The Bugle reserves the right to reject, edit or shorten as necessary.
Opinions expressed on the editorial page do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints or official policies of the school administration. All editorials (unsigned) represent a majority
opinion of the Editorial Board. Members of the Editorial Board include all staff editors. Signed editorials, columns, editorial cartoons and reviews reflect the views of the author and not those of the editorial board.
The Bugle reserves the right to refuse any business which seeks to advertise any product which is illegal or generally considered unhealthy or undesirable for students as determined by the Editorial Board. The Bugle may choose to publish public service ads at the discretion of the Editorial Board. The Bugle will print political ads which comply with federal, state and local campaign laws.
The Bugle is a member of Sponsors of School Publications of Greater St. Louis, the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.
The Wisch List
I am a religious watcher of the “Ellen Degeneres Show.” It’s a guilty pleasure.
At the end of each show, Ellen always says the same five words: “Be kind to one another.”
Until recently, this phrase didn’t really mean much to me. However, my views on being kind changed drastically after I attended the Megan Meier Foundation baquet and celebration.
The Megan Meier Foundation is a Missouri-based organization wit the mission of “bringing awareness, education and promoting positive change” surrounding the issues of bullying and cyber bullying, according to meganmeierfoundation.org.
The namesake of the foundation, Megan Taylor Meier, took her own life on Oct. 15, 2006 at the age of 13 because she was being cyber bullied by a boy on Myspace who turned out to be a neighboring parent impersonating a teenager.
This horrific event prompted Megan’s mother, Tina Meier, to establish the foundation to prevent any incidents from happening in the future by making cyber bullying illegal.
Jan. 18, 2012 marked the first annual Megan Meier Foundation banquet and celebration.
The banquet at first seemed like a normal charity event. There were donated auction items, donation slips and a bounty of organizers with clipboards frantically trying to make sure that the evening went off without a hitch.
However, this event taught a lesson so important to our generation that most of the 250 people in the room were moved to tears.
The president of the Megan Meier Foundation, Dr. Erin Shannon, was one
of the first to speak. She spoke of the dangers of bullying to the development of children. Dr. Shannon’s factual presentation was a wonderful set up for the most moving part of the evening.
Talia Kaplan of News Channel 5 played a news feature video clip. The video told the story of Sydney, a student from Webster Groves who described her life as “a living nightmare” because of the bullies that taunted her in middle school.
Sydney happened to be sitting five feet from me. To see the raw emotion on her and her family’s faces as they watched her story unfold was eye-opening.
Bullying is not a phase of life or a right of passage. Bullying is deadly and cannot be tacitly shrugged off in our lives.
Megan Meier did not need to die. Sydney did not deserve to be taunted.
The hope that I find in this world is the strength of people like Sydney who was strong enough to tell her story in the hopes that it would reach out to others.
Hope can be found in Tina Meier who took the morose cards she was dealt and is now selflessly devoting her life to ensure that there is justice for the bullied in the world.
But most of all, my hope is found in the idea that we all have a chance to break the cycle.
I’ve always been against bullying and tried to accept anyone and everyone.
Each student has power to change the harsh reality of bullying that we are forced to accept as a phase of life, including me.
I am going to end the cycle. Join me. Let’s be kind to each other.
AdmeierableBullying is deadly, not a phase of life
Inconsistency in the school board presents concerns
Change seems to be the norm these days. Eureka has seen the change of principals, building remodels and now a new Board of Education president.
Without a constant force at the forefront, few organizations can stand tall. If the football team had a new coach every game, they would have a rotten season not knowing the expectations or what to do.
In the same way, concerns arise as to whether there is enough consistency in the higher ranks of our school district.
Those serving on the Board of Education have a tough job. They have parents, teachers, and even, at times, the Post Dispatch critiquing and analyzing their every move.
Being a Board of Education member can be thankless: long hours for no pay.
Board member Mr. Matthew Fitzpatrick resigned, Oct. 20, for personal reasons. The Board appointed Mr. Geoff Rigabar to take Mr. Fitzpatrick’s place, Dec. 1.
Mr. Steve Smith—former school board president—stepped down from that position, Dec. 15, and was replaced by Mrs. Janet Strate, Jan. 5.
This turnover presents reasons for concern among Rockwood constituents.
Everyone who walks the halls of a Rockwood school is subject to the actions and decisions of the Board: bell times, teachers, curricula, etc.
There must be trust that the Board will make decisions beneficial to students.
Currently the inconsistencies in leadership are startling.
The people running our school district now are not the same people that decided which building projects or budget cuts were necessary a few years back.
A challenge is then presented to those who are currently serving. They
must be able to implement the projects they feel are most beneficial to the students while also working with the decisions made by previous members.
Furthermore, when those former board members leave, new board members do not know the reasoning for prior decisions.
A former board member could have been thinking one thing, but after they left, their plans could not be fulfilled because new board members are unaware of old intentions.
For teachers and staff, it is hard to respect authority when it is ever- changing.
Adapting to procedures is difficult when employees know that the procedures will be changing again in a year or two.
For students, the major concern should be whether a high-quality education can be maintained if there is not a solid foundation in our Board of Education.
No newspaper could produce quality news if they lacked a constant editor to take charge, and no school district can be successful if their leaders are wobbling. A firm foundation is the key to success, and, right now, the district is not providing the stability we need to maintain a quality education.
Playing on the field, working in the newsroom and serving on the school Board are stressful places, and those who accept positions of leadership must be ready for the pressure that the job brings.
District officials must now work harder to adjust to changing positions.
Confidence in leadership comes from consistency and stability. At this point, our district leaders haven’t given us reason to have confidence in them.
The students and teachers of Rockwood are ready for some stability to support the students and their education.
Change we can believe in
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tIn a world where only one phone software can rule,
there stands two competing forces, Android and the iPhone.
Since the beginning of the smart phone era in 2007 there have been many opposing phone software companies. But now, it seems that the people’s choice has narrowed it down to two super powers.
When deciding which operating system to choose it’s important to evaluate the main features: messaging, calls and apps.
A huge advantage that iPhone holds over Android is the Android Market. Since Apple invented the App Store in 2008 it has been overflowing with innovative apps from cute navigation systems (such as Waze) and silly time consuming games (like Temple Run and Scoops).
As of now, the App Store has about 350,00 apps while the Android Market has about 80,000.
“I have a playlist for school that has all the different Spanish songs, and I have a really cool Spanish-English dictionary.” Mrs. Emily Hause, iPod owner, said. “There’s a lot of different things. There’s a conversion tool for metric units.”
Mrs. Hause takes advantage of the iPhone’s App Store by using different apps to teach lessons in her Spanish classes.
“The iPhone market for the apps is more diverse, and there are a lot more things you can do with the iPhone,” Serene Rashdi, Android My Touch 4g owner, said. “I just like the feel of it more and it’s faster.”
Even though Apple conquers with a solid App Store, Android can support a lot of apps and programs available through third-party app providers for free.
“I use the Android Market and Windows and other apps that aren’t affiliated Android,” Ian Antrim, Samsung Galaxy owner, said.
A plus side of owning an Android phone is that there is not full-time commitment to Apple products.
“I like not being a part of Apple’s system. Once you’re inside you’re stuck,” Antrim, said. “You get the Apple products, and then you have to keep buying apple accessories like docks and chargers and the App Store.”
Apple requires the use of their prorietary software: their App Store, iTunes, etc.
The Bugle surveyed 108 students, 79 percent said that they use their phone most for texting.
With iPhone’s new iMessage, texting is moving a step forward.
iMessage integrates text messaging with chat. Whenever an iPhone texts another iPhone, iTouch or iPad it instantly sends over Wi-Fi so no data is used, whenever possible. The preferences can be configured so that the person on the other line can see when the sender is typing and if the message was read.
Android offers more versatility with keyboards. Each model that is powered by Android has a different keyboard set up whether it be slide out or on screen.
“The EVO is really fast and convenient for texting and communication,” Emily Buatois (11) said.
In this consumer coliseum, winning is about reaching the masses and marketing.
“People are more familiar with the iPhone, and it’s better known,” Gabby Hafner (11), said. “Android
hasn’t had a solid series of phones like how iPhone has had a lot of models and they keep coming out with new models.”
Anyone walking down the street recognizes an iPhone. The design is much more intuitive than the competition.
The iPhone is designed for the digital native, people who have been raised in the digital age.
iPhone’s design is simple. It has planted its seed in the marketing realm.
Meleah Brown (9) owns the Pantex Ease but says that she would choose the iPhone because she’s heard more about it than Android.
But let the consumers not be bewitched by the iPhone. Android phones do have something that iPhones currently lack: personalization.
Android has Widgets, an application you can place anywhere on your screen, whether it be a clock or a talking penguin. Widgets allow for complete personalization of the phone instead of the monotonous rows of square apps.
“I really like that I can pick out how to organize the apps and what my clock looks like,” Vaughn Davis, Android My Touch 4g owner, said.
There’s no saying which ompany will come out with the next best thing in the rapid, gadget-development war.
Depending on which model, Android phones can prove to be a lot cheaper.
“People are willing to sacrifice creativity and innovation for price, and Androids are always going to be cheaper,” Antrim said. “There are more choices for Android and Apple is only high-end, so, if I had to pick one, it would be the one that encompasses more it would be the Android.”
The 108 students surveyed make the choice clear: 51 percent prefer iPhone while 22 percent prefer Android and the other 27 percent identify with other phones.
In this round, iPhone has won. But with the ever- changing software updates, new models and pressing competetion there’s no saying which phone software will rise above next.
Android vs. iPhonecasey walkerwriterThe battle of the smartphones commences
“Simple Song” by The ShinsSince the 2007 release of “Winncing the Night Away,” The Shins haven’t released any new music. But, their new single, “Simple Song,” excites listeners for a new classic Shins album. “Simple Song” sounds like any other Shins song, holding the listener in with a light melody and complex chorus. The lyrics offer a simple love story as they twist with rhyming, witty lines. The full album “Port of Morrow” will be realeased on March 20. When the “Port of Morrow” is preordered off of iTunes, Simple Song can be downloaded for free. Therefore, preordering “Port of Morrow” comes with another amazing The Shins album with one free song.
“Someday this pain will be useful to you“ by Peter Cameron This novel offers a story of an 18-year-old boy, James, struggling through loniness on his journey of figuring out what to do with his life after college. He concludes that he would rather live in a house in Kansas than go to Brown University. Through flashbacks of past events like his parents divorce that brought him to his angst-ridden state. Even though the book seems to have a dark narration, it’s told rather comically and light-heartedly. James struggles through the heart aching journey of finding himself through existential sadness. The narration is the perfect juxtaposition to the angsty subject matter.
Temple RunApple’s App Store’s newest app Temple Run is winning over the masses with it’s fast-paced, high-scoring continuous run. Temple Run has been placed in the top free apps for the past few weeks and continues to keep it’s high standing. The objective of the game is to keep the temple runner away from the monkey demons that are following him without tripping over any obstacles or falling off the edge into the swampy water. The app is free in the App Store and it’s easy too say that it’s addicting. The game offers multiple swiping gestures so that it feels like you’re in game. If you’re looking for a mindless game to pass time, Temple Run is perfect.
Staff picks of the month casey walkerwriter
