VERNOIS NEWS Volume 91 - Issue 1 WELCOMES BACK STUDENTS AND STAFF August 2012

Beginning of school brings nerves, excitement

To Inform,

Educate,

Enlighten

Paisley Stewart EDITOR IN CHIEF

Freshmen ask for directions, sopho-

mores are excited about getting driv-

ing permits, juniors already stress

over AP work, and seniors are just

happy to finally be on top; it must be

the start of another year at MV.

2012-2013 began with a lengthy

registration process on August 6,7,8,

and 13. For the second year in a row,

registration was held in G-building.

Halls were lined with tables just wait-

ing for students to file paperwork to

enroll as an MV Ram.

Taylor Phillips,’14, had a positive

attitude on the beginning of school.

Phillips commented, “I think this year

is going to be a really great year.

The classes I am taking really inter-

est me. I actually know the people in

them, and I am over the jitters of

being an underclassman. Thus far, it

has the makings of a quality year.”

The official first day of school

was on August 17, a Friday, and to

the joy of students a 2:35 short day.

“I feel like beginning on a Fri-

day is a good way to start since the

teachers set aside the day to intro-

duce themselves and go over how

the class will be. It is also good be-

cause we can jump into the feel of

school on Monday,” said Emily Kniff-

en,’15.

Many students were raring and

ready for school to begin, others

saddened by the idea of summer

being over, and some filled with

mixed feelings toward the whole

process.

Senior Betsy Kueker stated,

“The beginning of senior year is bit-

tersweet. I love the feeling of it be-

ing my last year of school, but it also

means my last year of FFA. Then

again, there is a lot of stress of col-

lege applications and scholarships to

begin. This is definitely going to be a

busy and unforgettable senior year.”

VERNOIS NEWS photo/Paisley Stewart

Human Physiology students take notes in Ms. Shackles’ classroom.

VERNOIS NEWS is a free monthly

publication produced by students and staff of Mount Vernon Township High School.

HOW TO REACH THE VERNOIS

PUBLICATIONS OFFICE

VERNOIS NEWS is located in Room

122H/123H on the campus of Mount Vernon Township High School, 320 South 7th Street, Mount Vernon, Illinois, 62864. Inquiries regarding advertising and other questions may be directed to VERNOIS NEWS by calling 618.246.5826 or 618.246.5827. Calls will be taken 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday during the school year. Newsroom: 618.246.5826 Mr. VanZandt’s Classroom: 618.246.5827

MVTHS Administration Dr. Michael E. Smith, Superintendent Mr. Wes Olson, Principal Ms. Joyce Dalton, Assistant Principal Ms. Julie Littlefair, Assistant Principal Mr. Rob Knutson, Assistant Principal Mr. Doug Creel, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Mr. Rob Pipher, Director of Curriculum Mrs. Shirilyn Holt, Board Secretary Mrs. Angela Brentlinger, Business Manager

VERNOIS NEWS Management Paisley Stewart, Editor in Chief Jessi Clark, News Editor Maggie Aaron, Opinions Editor Collin Young, Sports Editor Shannon Docherty, Staff Brendan Hill, Staff Taylor Roberts, Staff Makayla Smith, Staff Falyn VanDyke, Staff Mr. Jamey VanZandt, Adviser Mrs. Karen Hamilton, Print Shop Director Elysia Piercy, Print Shop Co-Op Technician

Writing for Publication 1: Period 3 Kristen Blacklock, Taylor Buchman, Katherine Caldwell, Emma Caserotti, Erica Collins, Da-Varr Davis, Kaleb Dorris, Haydan Fahrenholtz, Daniel Flood, Dayne Glossner, MaKenzie Goodheart, Whitney Hawkins, Tanner Hol-comb, Haley Johnson, Stormy Johnson, Jessi-ca Jolly, Rachel Kirsh, Knoell Klein, Emily Kniffen, Jase Lucas, Randi McCoy, Bobby McDonald, Alex McKinney, Taylor Phillips, Lexi Richardson, Trey Riley, Nija Rollins, Breanna Williamson

By Shannon Docherty VERNOIS NEWS

Over the summer, students enjoy doing differ-ent things. Some play sports and go to practic-es, while others play video games all day or watch TV. Many students never get jobs, but for some, mission trips played a large role. Faith Harpole, „14, said, “Mt.Vernon took two churches to X-Fuge, Lebanon and Logan Street. I go to Logan Street, but both churches went as one group.” Kirsten McGowen, ‟14, also went with the group to X-Fuge. “X-Fuge was in Ridgecrest, North Carolina and we left on June 14 and came back home on June 21,” stated McGowen. Some people might think that when you go on a church trip that you might get to stay in-side the whole time and not do physical work, but that was not the case for Harpole and McGowen. “We cleaned up a park one day and the

other two days, we cleared out an area along a river with really thick woods all around it. It was difficult, but we were glad we could make a big dent in the project,” explained Harpole. “Once it was all cleared out, they were going to make a beach area for local people to come to,” added McGowen. They also did more than just physical work. “During the rest of our free time at camp, we had youth church services with everyone at the camp. The speaker was awesome. I really liked listening to him,” stated Harpole. While some students stayed in the states, others went outside the country. Megan Jackson, ‟13, said, “Central Christian Church went to Puerto Rico for one week.” Like X-Fuge, Jackson‟s mission trip also went out and worked. “I worked at an orphanage for babies to eight year olds. We painted the building and played with the kids,” explained Jackson.

Students attend mission trips

Page 2, Feature VERNOIS NEWS Feature

By Taylor Roberts VERNOIS NEWS

Starting this September, construction will begin on the new aquatic center in Mt. Vernon. “The current facility has a liner that has problems, and pipes that are cracking and los-ing water,” stated George Bryant, Parks and Recreation Director. Joyce Damron is a firm believer that we need a new facility. “As a manager, I feel we did need a new pool. The old pool has seen a lot of people come to enjoy and cool off, but there are so many repairs every year and we should invest in something like this, where there is more to do and can entertain everyone,” explained Damron. The new facility is expected to be bigger and better than the old one. Some say it is expected to top the Salem pool. “It is going to have a couple of water slides, a lap pool, a leisure pool, a lazy river,

diving boards, and lots of picnic areas.” said Damron. For the new pool, more lifeguards will be hired to run a bigger facility. It is estimated that around 40 guards will be hired next sum-mer. Guarding at this aquatic center will be a lot different than guarding a normal pool. “It is going to be a lot more space, with a lot more people, especially with it being the first summer at this pool. The guards will have to be on their toes,” commented Danielle Al-vis, senior guard at the city pool. Guards for the pool are trained in life-guarding, CPR, and first aid in order to best protect patrons. Along with all the changes the guards will undergo, the managing positions are expected to change as well. “I think my job is going to change due to the hiring of a few more managers for the dif-ferent areas,” said Damron.

City pool set to expand

What was the highlight of your summer? The highlight of my summer was going to Chicago on vacation with my mom and brother. What is your favorite quote? “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” -Oscar Wilde If you could be any book/movie character who would you be? I would be Hermoine Granger from the Harry Potter series. Would you rather bungee jump off a mountain or climb a mountain? I would rather bungee jump off a moun-tain. Message to students: Get involved and try to enjoy school. It goes by fast and it’s a lot more fun whenever you are involved.

Shannon Docherty, Staff

VERNOIS NEWS … HAVE YOU READ IT?

Page 3, News

Student teacher joins MV

VERNOIS NEWS News G-Building receives makeover By Makayla Smith VERNOIS NEWS

While students were enjoying fun in the sun, MV‟s maintenance crew was hard at work improving the school. The maintenance crew began its work on G building the day after students were re-leased into summer. Mr. Brian Rightnowar, plant superinten-dent, stated, “They‟ve (the maintenance crew) all done a good job. We‟ve got[ten] a lot accomplished.” The $400,000 project, mostly state fund-ed, was to be completed in two stages. In stage one, which is finished, all class-room windows were replaced. The former windows caused many prob-lems. They were single paned and allowed lots of water leakage. Mr. Rightnowar explained that the win-dows might not have been replaced since the building was constructed in 1963. Replacing the windows was no easy task. Each opening was a different size, and

none were square, so some windows didn‟t fit correctly. In addition to that, the crew experi-enced lift problems. However, all windows, besides the en-trances, are now replaced and ready for the new school year. The new windows are tinted, two paned, and are energy efficient. They are similar to a house window, and will offer a bigger opening so that students can enjoy fresh air. They will also block leakage, unlike the old windows, which allowed mold to grow. The mold was removed two years ago. “The plan to replace the windows came about shortly after that,” Mr. Carl Miller, School Board President, shared. Once stage one was completed, the crew could begin phase two. Phase two consists of replacing doors and glass in the lobby and side entrances. The main lobby is up first, and should be finished soon after school begins. However, the east and west entrances will be closed off one at a time during

school, so students should plan around that accordingly. “Construction will still go on during the school year,” Mr. Rightnowar mentioned. “Be aware we‟re still working on the facili-ties and be courteous.” Many may wonder why work was done on G if MV is moving to a new campus. “It‟ll help increase property value when it comes time to sell the property and move to the new campus,” Mr. Rightnowar point-ed out. However, the School Board also wishes to keep students as safe as they can be while they are still on this campus. Mr. Miller commented, “The learning environment will be safer than it has been in the past few years.” Other similar work includes puttying win-dows and painting frames in the auditorium and buildings F and E.

By Jessi Clark NEWS EDITOR

July 20, 2012 will be a day in history that will be forever remembered. During the midnight premiere for “The Dark Knight Rises”, a gunman opened fire into the crowd killing 12 people and injuring 59 others. The shooter was 24 year old, James Eagan Holmes. According to Yahoo News, Holmes wore tactical clothing, set off tear gas grenades and shot into the audience with mul-tiple firearms. “I think this is a terrifying act from a coward that resonates throughout America and the world,” commented Nathaniel Groh, „13. Holmes dyed his hair red and identified himself as “The Joker”, the arch enemy from the Batman series. Sixty days before the tragedy, Holmes purchased over 6,000 rounds of ammunition and four guns.

“I don‟t think movie theaters need security and metal detectors just because of this one incident. If anything, they need to protect the side doors because that‟s how he got in,” stated senior Emma Creel. “We do not need to begin to start cowering in fear by the simplest task of going to the movies,” added Groh. Holmes has been charged with 142 criminal charges including 24 counts of first degree murder and 116 counts of criminal murder. If convicted, Holmes could face the death penalty. “I don‟t think he should face the death penalty because that would be too easy,” said Creel. On August 9, Holmes' attorneys claimed their client is mentally ill and that they need more time to assess the nature of his illness, ac-cording to NBC News.

Tragedy strikes in Colorado

What was the highlight of your summer? Either going on stage at the Gavin Degraw concert or going to California! What is your favorite quote? “Every song ends, but is that any reason not to enjoy the music?”-One Tree Hill If you could be any book/movie character who would you be? I would be Rachel McAdams in “The Vow.” She gets to marry Channing Tatum! Would you rather bungee jump off or climb a mountain? Climb a mountain in Colorado Message to students: Get involved! You hear that enough, but seriously, do it. Don’t procrastinate and don’t afraid to be yourself.

Jessi Clark, News Editor

By Falyn VanDyke VERNOIS NEWS

As you walk around H building, chances are you have seen an unfamiliar face. Meet Mr. Tim Jung. For the first semester, Mr. Jung will be student teaching in Mr. VanZandt's classes. But not many people know much about him. "I've had some wonderful and moving experiences with high school students, and for years my parents and friends had been telling me to become a teacher. When I decided to get in-volved in a Masters program in the Art of Teaching pro-gram at SIUC, I'm pretty sure my mom breathed a sigh of relief and exclaimed,

"Finally!"," explained Mr. Jung. Mr. Jung went to Loyola University Chicago for his Bachelor's in English and Philosophy and is training in Language Arts. Before coming to MV, he tutored on weeknights in Chicago and taught a Satur-day morning class on Cathol-icism to junior high and high school students. Philosophy and literature are two subjects that have interested him the most because it allows him to consider many perspectives and to grow as a person. "I am incredibly fortu-nate to have Mr. VanZandt as a mentor--he is a teacher of the highest caliber and has been very welcoming," stated Mr. Jung."

VERNOIS NEWS Editorial, Page 4 Editorial VERNOIS NEWS

A VERNOIS PUBLICATIONS GROUP Newspaper

Editorial Board:

Paisley Stewart, Editor in Chief Jessi Clark, News Editor

Mr. Jamey VanZandt, Adviser

Vernois Views

As the 2012-2013 school year begins, MV students’ focus shifts from that of summer jobs, vacations, and relaxing with friends to an eight period school day, homework, and extracurricular activities. It can be tough readjusting to the hectic happenings at MV after a three month hiatus from school. However, there are ways of making the transition go smoothly and get this school year off on the right foot. A few keys to getting in the flow of high school, whether you are just starting out or a returning Ram; set goals, take pride in your work, and gain an appreciation for the edu-cation you are receiving. Setting goals is beneficial in any phase of life, but can be particularly constructive during high school. Many times students struggle with the goal setting process because they have not taken the time to consider the future. In

order to formulate relevant goals you must first know where you are going. Whether your aim is to receive a college basketball scholarship, to become valedictorian, or first chair in the band; setting goals will help you reach that aspiration. The next important key is to take pride in your school work. At one point or another we have all felt apathy toward our school work. Getting an A on a test no longer seems to matter and who cares about the ACT? This is the worst attitude you can have when in high school. It can be difficult to dispose of this apa-thy. The best way to do so is to think of your school work or performance as a reflection of yourself. Take pride in yourself and your school performance. This will give you never ending motivation to strive to improve and be your best. A final key that can be helpful in start-

ing school is having an appreciation for edu-cation. Take a minute to realize the amazing opportunity MV has given all of us. In the U.S. we have been blessed in many ways, with the education system being a major one. Millions of teenagers around the world would do anything to have the opportunity to learn and further their lives through educa-tion. But for us, school is often times por-trayed as more of a burden than a blessing. On those early mornings, when going to school is the last thing you want to do, re-member the opportunity you have been giv-en and try to greet it with motivation for the day. Vernois News encourages all students to apply these three pieces of advice to being school motivated and continue to succeed during another great year at MV.

What was the highlight of your summer? Going to Europe with my family. It was probably the highlight of my life so far. What is your favorite quote? “You are all geniuses, and you are all beautiful. You don't need anyone to tell you who you are. You are who you are.”-John Lennon If you could be any book/movie character who would you be? The always quirky, Luna Lovegood...ten points to Ravenclaw! Would you like to climb a mountain or bungee jump off? Climb a mountain...who doesn't love a challenge? Message to students: Follow your dreams passionately and be who you want to be!

Paisley Stewart, Editor in Chief

What was the highlight of your summer? Going to Harry Potter World at Universal. What is your favorite quote? 2 Corinthians 5:7 If you could be any book/movie character who would you be? Nala from Lion King for sure, favorite movie ever! Would you rather bungee jump off a mountain or climb a mountain? Climb the mountain, because then you have the satisfaction of knowing you accomplished something, and could still bungee jump afterwards. Message to students: Don’t worry about the little things, they don’t matter when you look at the big picture.

Maggie Aaron, Opinions Editor

What was the highlight of your summer? There wasn’t a highlight, I worked all summer. What is your favorite quote? “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”--Ghandi If you could be any book/movie character who would you be? Katniss from The Hunger Games Would you rather bungee jump off a mountain or climb a mountain? Bungee Jump! Message to students: Get involved!

Taylor Roberts, Staff

Three keys lead to high school success

Paisley Print By Paisley Stewart EDITOR IN CHIEF

MV is composed of many buildings. In these buildings there are two gymnasiums, a cafe-teria, a library, several offices, and count-less classrooms; however what matters most at MV is not all of these spaces, but the peo-ple who fill them. High school is a great time in our lives to meet people and make new friends, but do not limit yourself to forming friendships only in your class and social circle. Branch out and try to develop relationships with older and younger students. During my freshman and sophomore years I got to know several older classmates through publications, orchestra, soccer, and student council. Looking back, I can now see how crucial these people have been in my life and how fortunate I was to meet them.

Some of these older students have become mentors as well as great friends. I hope that I can do the same and I en-courage my fellow upperclassmen to take the lead in getting to know more freshmen and sophomores. Take the time to offer help in classes or extracurricular activities. It could prove to be a fun and beneficial rela-tionship for both of you. The same can go for teachers and ad-ministrators; although it may be hard to be-lieve, teachers are people too. They are not just any people, they are the ones who have dedicated their professional lives to nothing but helping us learn, grow, and become bet-ter individuals. It has been my personal experience that getting to know my teachers has made high school much more enjoyable. You might be amazed at how much you have in common and how responsive they are to help if you just make an effort to show genuine interest and respect.

I have developed relationships with teachers, coaches, and advisors that I hope will last far past my high school years. Make an effort to get to know all of your teachers. But above all, make sure and know your guidance counselor. The staff in the guidance office are the people in the school who can help you the most. They are always friendly and you can go to them with any problem or issue. They will help you or point you in the direction of someone who can. Your counselor helps set up your curriculum for high school, so it can be important to have a positive working rela-tionship. Also they hold the key to vital voca-tional and college information. So, freshmen through seniors: make an effort here at the beginning of the year to form relationships with all groups of people at MV!

Smith impacted by sitcom

Columns VERNOIS NEWS Page 5, Columns

Stewart advises to cultivate relationships during high school

VanDyke urges to “make the most of high school” Guess What I Heard By Falyn VanDyke VERNOIS NEWS

Before I got to high school, I remembered being so eager to get to MVTHS and start the “best years of my life.” I had a picture perfect idea of what it was supposed to be like with the amazing friends, the popularity, and the easy A’s in class. But I couldn't have been more wrong. Coming from a bigger school, I was familiar with changing classes, having more than one teacher, and switching buildings, but I wasn't prepared to walk into MVTHS and realize my picture perfect idea couldn't have been more wrong. Suddenly I was faced with hardcore dress codes, strict teachers, and having more classes than I ever had before. In the beginning I didn't like high school because it was so differ-ent from anything I had experienced. I didn't like freshman academy or having to stay in the cafeteria my entire freshman year. However, as time went on, I came to real-ize it wasn't so bad. Without freshman academy, I never would have been as close to the people I spent all year with. As I got more familiar with my classes and made friends who were older than me, they gave me some amazing advice. They told me not to wish away my high school years. Before getting that advice, I did just that. I wished them away.

I didn't care about the experiences and the memories. I just want-ed to get through high school. Ever since I got that advice, I always tell my friends and anyone I meet not to do the same. I found new friends with the same interests as me, and I got in-volved in newspaper and theater: two things I love. Instead of dwelling on the parts of high school I didn't like, I found reasons to stay focused on the parts I did. Of course there are going to be times that seem unfair, but MV shapes you for what is coming up in life. All of the homework and teachers prepare you for everything they’ll have to deal with in college. In the end, it will help later on in life. I can’t wait to walk across the stage at graduation, but I'm looking forward to what the next two years hold for me. So far, my freshman and sophomore years have been two of the best years of my life. I finally stopped wishing away my experiences, and started appre-ciating everything that happened during the year. Don’t focus too hard on the things you don't like about high school. What you may hate now, may end up being your favorite thing by the time school ends. Take every experience and make the most of it. No matter what class anyone is in, the advice is still the same; don't wish away the time you have at MV. One day we’ll miss the time we once spent here.

What was the highlight of your summer? Going to CIY Move with my youth group. It was an amazing week! What is your favorite quote? “He touched the butt!” -Finding Nemo If you could be any book/movie character who would you be? Mulan. She gets the guy AND saves China. How cool is that? Would you rather bungee jump off a mountain or climb a mountain? Bungee jump. Message to students: Do your best and be kind to each other.

Makayla Smith, Staff

Page 6, A&E VERNOIS NEWS

Yearbook develops during summer months By Maggie Aaron OPINIONS EDITOR

On July 1-2, the editorial staff of the 2012-2013 Vernois Yearbook began planning the upcoming yearbook. After creating a successful book last year staff members were challenged to raise the bar to a whole new level. Careful consideration went into theme and design and after much brainstorming the editorial staff decided on the theme “imprint” with a vintage license plate design. “2012-2013 yearbook will be one the most unique yearbooks that this school has ever seen,” stated business manager Megan Jackson. Vernois 2013 staff is made up of co-editors in chief Maggie Aaron and Avery Barton, business manager Megan Jackson, copy editor Paisley Stewart, groups editor Kali Baum, YORE editor Jessi Clark, and staff members Jenny Rohl, Kaitlyn Boss, Kirsten Minor, Shayln Koch, and Lexi Richardson.

These staff members have committed to the highest quality of creativity, and capturing the best photography possible. The staff is also expected to sell two ads a month to help offset the cost of production. Along with business advertisements are the always important baby face ads. MV seniors’ parents should be expecting baby face ad forms in the mail some time during the month of February, so be sure to pull out the embarrassing photos in preparation. The staff this year is putting the main focus on photo shoots, not only academic but also sports and student life photo shoots as well. At least one photo shoot was already completed early one morning in July with senior Collin Young. Book sales are already underway. Yearbooks for the upcoming year were sold at registration. However if you missed this buying opportunity, books are also being sold in 122H. Until September 7 the $60 price still applies; after this date the price will be raised to $65.

A&E

Paisley Stewart

Steve Miller Band: Fly Like

an Eagle

Maggie Aaron

Grace Potter & the

Nocturnals: The Lion the

Beast the Beat

Jessi Clark

Mumford and Sons

Collin Young

The Harry Potter Series

Mr. VanZandt

Bluegrass

Shannon Docherty

New Girl

Falyn VanDyke

Shark Week

Makayla Smith

Miss Peregrine’s Home For

Peculiar Children by Ransom

Riggs

Brendan Hill

Wilco

Vernois staff shares A&E Picks

One of my favorite books is Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children. I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the book at first, but as the story progressed in an unpredictable way I found myself hooked. It’s definitely a read that I would suggest.

Fly Like an Eagle from Ste-ve Miller Band has every-thing I look for in an album; concept lyrics, a variety of sounds, and amazing musi-cal talent. The album has some well known tracks, but the less popular ones are just as good in my opin-ion. A few of my favorites are “Wild Mountain Honey”, “Dance, Dance, Dance” and “The Window”

The Harry Potter series has everything

someone would look for in a series. It has a great story line, characters, plot and suspense. I mean

who doesn’t love mag-ic? My favorite book in the series is Harry Pot-ter and the Goblet of Fire because the tri-wizard tournament makes it different than

any other book and there are dragons.

constant touring sched-ule, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals have recently releases The Lion The Beast The Beat. The band took a risky step by creating a concept al-bum, but it might easily rank as their best album.

After album releases in 2005, 2007, 2010, and an almost

One of my favorite things to do during the summer is watch Shark Week. It was originally made to raise aware-ness for shark attacks, but now Shark Week is mainly used to show respect for them. This is definitely a mara-thon I recommend watching!

My favorite TV show is New Girl. Zooey Des-chanel is really funny and all her roommates are as well. It comes back on for their se-cond season on Sep-tember 20 at 9 p.m. The show became very popular during its first season and earned 5 Emmy nominations.

Over the summer I have been listening to new music. I have been listen-ing to the band Wilco. They have been around for awhile, but I have just now discovered them. They are a pretty cool band that kind of goes back to music during the 60s.

Over the dry, dusty summer of 2012, I gained a deeper appreciation for the sounds of bluegrass. Listening to bluegrass channel on Sirius XM in my vehicle, I am now quite familiar with the music and lyrics from the likes of Del McCoury, Doyle Lawson, Rhonda Vincent, the Os-borne Brothers and, of course, Ricky Skaggs and Bill Monroe. Banjos, mandolins, fiddles, and honest lyrics are refreshingly pure, simple, and deeply enjoyable. Give it a try...you will love it.

With songs like “Little Lion Man”, “The Cave”, and “White Blank Page”, this London band’s al-bum Sigh No More has everything from lyricism to modern folk sound. The new single, “I Will Wait” is available on iTunes. Their new album Babel comes to stores on September 24th.

My new favorite song is “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz. This song captures the love of two people and the connec-tion and strength to stay together. Jason Mraz in general is one of my fa-vorite artist. He has a cool acoustic sound and amazing lyrics.

Taylor Roberts

Jason Mraz: I won’t give up

VERNOIS NEWS Sports, Page 7

Volleyball gets underway By Shannon Docherty VERNOIS NEWS

Even before MV students thought about school starting, members of the volleyball team were coming in, working every week to get better for the season. And, while students debated what movie to go see, volleyball members were thinking about how to improve their serve. The tryouts for the team occurred August 8 to 10. To have a great season, teams must have good chemistry. “I think the team has really come together this summer. We have been working very hard at practices to start the year off strong,” stated Kirsten McGowen,‟14. Kelby Kujawa,‟13, said,” We‟re coming together great. We‟ve had games this summer so we‟ve been able to learn how to work together and we‟re all one big family which helps with working together.” For the team to get better, practice is a staple.

Women’s Tennis moves forward By Jessi Clark NEWS EDITOR

Mt. Vernon Lady Rams are preparing for another successful season of tennis. “Our main goal is to win games and get to state,” stated Kayla Burk,„13. The Lady Rams played their first match against Carbondale on August 20. They lost the season opener 6-3. “Since it‟s my last year, I want to make this season count. We‟ve been working hard as a team,” added Burk. The Lady Rams play Greenville at home on August 27.

Cross-Country takes off By Collin Young SPORTS EDITOR

The MV Cross Country team has been working hard all summer for their upcoming season. While fellow classmates were sleeping soundly in their bed, the team has been meeting every morning at the city park. Workouts for the team started at the beginning of July at 7 a.m. “Coming up on the start of our season, I definitely think we are ready. We‟ve put in a lot of hard training this summer that will bene-fit us in the long run,” stated David Modert,‟14. The Rams are also pushed by their own expectations. “My goals are to win the South 7 conference meet as a team. I also want to qualify for state and become an all-stater,” mentioned Modert. The MV Cross Country team is set to begin their season on August 29 in Murphysboro.

What was the highlight of your summer? I went to a Big Time Rush concert. Don’t ask me why. What is your favorite quote? “You are more beautiful than Cinderella! You smell pine of needles and have a face like sun-shine!”-Bridesmaids If you could be any book/movie character who would you be? Olive Penderghast from Easy A. She’s spunky and clever. Would you rather bungee jump off a mountain or climb a mountain? Both. At the same time. Not really. I would climb it. Message to students: Make the most of everything you do and every experience you have.

Falyn VanDyke, Staff

What was the highlight of your summer? During the summer I went to Tennessee for a few days with my family. I also was with my friends almost every day. What is your favorite quote? “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best.”-Tim Duncan If you could be any book/movie character who would you be? I would be Peeta from the Hunger Games. Would you rather bungee jump off a mountain or climb a mountain? Bungee jump, because I’m dangerous. Message to students: Have fun with everything you do and enjoy the year while it lasts.

Brendan Hill, Staff

Collin Young, Sports Editor What was the highlight of your summer? Playing baseball at Illinois State. What is your favorite quote? “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.”-Kevin Durant If you could be any book/movie character who would you be? Tom Marvolo Riddle Would you rather bungee jump off a mountain or climb a mountain? Bungee jump, definitely. Message to students: Be yourself and don’t worry what others think.

Men’s Soccer ready for challenge By Maggie Aaron OPINIONS EDITOR

After a long summer of pre-season workouts, the men‟s soccer team is ready to begin the 2012 season. MV ended their season last year with a heart-breaking loss to Marion in the regional game. “That loss [against Marion] was a very hard loss just because of how much we grew through the year and we came that close to our goal,” explained Braydon Riley,„14. The first game is scheduled for Thursday, August 23, and will be played as part of the Metro East Lutheran Tournament. “My expectations for this year are very high. We have a lot of talent. We have taken some hits, but I‟m still very confident in my guys,” concluded Riley. “I expect us to be competitive with every team on our sched-ule and feel like this team has the players to give us an opportuni-ty to contend for our first conference title,” stated head coach

Jeff Harrison.

VERNOIS SPORTS Volume 91 - Issue 1 GO RAMS AND LADY RAMS! August 2012

Ram football starts year two under Coach Shaner

VERNOIS NEWS photo/Megan Jackson MV football teammates huddle together during annual “Meet the Team” scrimmage.

To Inform, Educate, Enlighten and Entertain

By Collin Young SPORTS EDITOR

The MV Rams football team began their season on

August 24th with a game against Rochester.

The Rams have been hard at work throughout the

summer to prepare for a successful season.

“Practices have been very high tempo. Rochester

is a quick moving team so we had been trying to sim-

ulate the situation. We put in a new defense so we

have worked a lot on that. There has also been a lot

of scrimmaging to prepare for game situations,” stat-

ed Clayton Reeves,’13.

The team has set goals for the upcoming season to

help put the program back on the map.

Reeves mentioned, “Our goal this year is to be a

top contender in the South 7 conference. Our biggest

goal however is getting Mount Vernon back into the

playoffs.”

Travis Mitchell,’13 stated, “We want to make the

playoffs because we haven’t been there in awhile and

we want to do it for the town.”

The team knows that mistakes can cost games.

They have focused in on their weaknesses to improve

the team overall and bring success in the upcoming

football season.

“Turnovers hurt us last year. This year we have to

keep the turnovers to a minimum and play great de-

fense along with it,” said Reeves.

The team is not overlooking anyone on their

schedule.

“I view everyone as a threat to our season. I also

feel we have a great group of seniors and everyone

can contribute. It should be a great season,” stated

Mitchell.

The Rams are looking to be real contenders. If

you are looking for some action come out to the grid

iron and support your Rams!