Green Horn – Vol. 35, Edition 4

The January 20, 2015 edition of the award-winning student publication of Springfield High School.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/253464384/Green-Horn-Volume-35-Edition-4

n r o e G H n e r pg 3  News E very two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, a fact mirrored in the statement that a single car accident victim requires as much as 100 pints of blood. On Tuesday, November 18th, the American Red Cross hosted a blood drive in the Spring- eld High School Gymnasium to assist people in need of transfusions. 23 people donated a total of 19 pints. It is estimated that one donation can save up to three lives. The SHS National Honor Society helped organize the event. “As a part of NHS," said senior Michael Kollman, "we advertised, encouraged people to donate, and set things up on the day of the drive.”  “I donate blood as often as I can, because I think it’s a great cause,” said SHS truancy ofcer and  physical education teacher Todd Aiken. “Many people out there are involved in accidents and they need blood. As a former soldier, I gave blood because I knew it was going to needy, fallen soldiers.” “I think the blood drive was pretty success- ful,” Kollman added. “There were plenty of different  jobs for us to do as volunteers. My job was to help  people that had just given blood and ask them if they needed anything and were feeling alright.”  In a high school setting, it tends to be more challenging to nd donors. Anyone under 18 is required to have their parent or guardian sign a consent form. Donors must weigh 110 pounds. According to Blood Centers of the Pacic, if only one more percent of all Americans would give blood, blood shortages would disappear for the foreseeable future. 19 Pints of Blood Given by Jordan Phelps Patrick Clancy encouraged participation for the blood drive. Frankenstein Gothic Masterpiece Performed At SHS by Alan Clough I n the realm of gothic horror there has been a number of literary classics, such as “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”  by Washington Irving. While each of these stories are groundbreaking and frightful, there is one story that tops their horror. That story is Mary Shelley's  Frankenstein . Choosing to celebrate Shelley’s masterpiece from December 5-7, the Springeld High School Theatre Department performed  Frankentein  onstage.    Frankenstein  was, according to SHS Theatre Director Rebecca Skrypeck, “The best attended fall show in a long time.” Nearly 200 people, throughout the  production’s 3-day run, attended the performances. “I think everything ran smoothly onstage and offstage,” said junior Andy Freeman, who played Henry, Victor Frankenstein’s friend, “which is kind of rare.” In the iconic narrative of  Frankenstein , scientist Victor Frankenstein attempts to create life in the laboratory by re-animating a corpse with electricity. He is horried by his creation and attempts to destroy the Monster (played by SHS senior Jim Mobus) leading to a course of action that could mean the end of him and everything he loves.  As with all theatre performances, the drama on the stage was complemented by the work was com-  pleted behind the scenes. To prepare for the production, the actors and technical crew studied Shelley's original version of  Frankenstein . “The original text gives us perspective when we form opinions about how to act as our characters,” said Mobus.  The idea of staging  Frankenstein  as the Fall Production was rst suggested toward the end of last school year. “I wanted to do a horror play and delve into a classic novel in detail," said Skrypeck, “and after multiple candidates,  Frankenstein  emerged victorious.” Frankenstein was chosen from a list of other horror classics that included  Dracula , by Bram Stoker, and    Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde , by Robert Louis Stephenson.  “It [the December performances of  Fran- kenstein ] was a good experience,”concluded Freeman, “and hopefully I’ll get some Oscars for it.” Dr. Frankenstein (Jake Muther) and his creation, the Monster (James Mobus), have a conversation in the Victorian drawing room in Frankenstein's castle.   pg n r o e G H n e r 4  Features The Empty Bowl Dinner A Community Opposes Poverty by Kyra Peoples P overty is a problem in the United States and throughout the world. In 2013, 45.3 million Americans, or 14.5% of the population, lived in poverty. More than 3 billion people are impoverished around the globe and 1.3 billion  people suffer in extreme poverty. The United Nations International Childrens’ Emergency Fund (UNICEF) states that 22,000 children die each day from poverty. Aware of such gruesome statistics, communities seek ways to reduce hunger. In Springeld, the town and school came together at the 7th Annual Empty Bowl Dinner, held at Springeld High School in November, to see student artwork,  purchase student-made bowls, and eat soups prepared by the River Valley Techni- cal Center (RVTC) Culinary Arts program. The $2,700 raised from this event was donated to the Springeld Family Center. “This dinner was all about raising money for the food shelf, awareness about poverty, and offering a way for students and the community to give back,” said Empty Bowl Dinner coordinator and SHS art teacher Lisa Murray. “I heard nothing but positive reviews.” “I plan this a year in advance,” added Murray. “I meet with the RVTC chefs, the band director [Jim Chlebak], the Family Center, and the local potter Susan Leader to plan a date and give assignments on what needs to be done.We also need to gain publicity so many yers have to be made and passed around." This dinner not only raised money but also involved local citizens in the struggle against poverty. “This information provides the students and community a way to make a difference and give back,” Murray said.  The dinner is an event for people to look forward to and use to support Springeld. According to Murray, she is most joyful “seeing people of all genera- tions sitting together to raise awareness and work towards a goal.” SHS art teacher Anne Katomski also helped with the planning and setting up of the dinner. “I have worked with Mrs. Murray and many others in  preparing for the Empty Bowl Dinner over the years,” said Katomski in an email. Many of Katomski’s contributions are found in the pottery, decorations, and centerpieces. “One of the ways I help out is decorating the pottery with different incised designs and applying various methods of glazing,” Katomski said. “My class participates in the bowl [making] with Susan Leader, the potter.”  In addition to the pottery, Katomski and her students made the poverty- themed centerpieces for each table. “This year we made small poverty ags put into re-purposed vases,” said Katomski.  “I am always happy with the support we receive from the community,” said Katomski. “The amount of pottery we sold in the evening was also a plus." Katomski was very pleased with the money raised for the Family Center. “There is a great need in Springeld, “ said Katomski, “and any amount of money helps.”  The dinner is also meant to display student artwork and pottery. The  poverty-themed artwork was a combination of decoupage and paint to showcase the lack of food and poor living conditions in poverty-ridden countries. This artwork was displayed on racks to be seen rst by people entering the dining area in the SHS Cafeteria. The pottery--hand-made, painted, and glazed by students--was displayed on a table next to the artwork, as well as in the center of the cafeteria.  To set the mood of the dinner and the community gathering, a ddler  played music in the background. Each table was decorated with a poverty-themed centerpiece with a different fact concerning poverty stated on each centerpiece. “I am grateful for the entire group effort and participation of so many  people who put this all together,” Katomski concluded about the 7th Annual Empty Bowl Dinner. Diners enjoyed the food and art at the Empty Bowl Dinner  where they came together to help ght poverty. Drawstring Cosmos Sports Bags  Drawstring sports bags will be sold for $10 each as a  fundraiser for the Class of 2016. They can be bought at home basketball games.   n r o e G H n e r pg 5  Features Death With Dignity Brittany Maynard Takes Her Life by Jordan Phelps L ive like you’re dying. That’s what Brittany May- nard did. On New Year’s Day 2014, the 29-year- old Californian was diagnosed with brain cancer and was told she had ten years to live. Two months later, the diagnosis changed to Grade 4 glioblastoma and she was told she had no more than six months left. Shortly after, Maynard made the decision to move to Oregon with her closest family members and her husband Dan, who she married in 2012. Oregon is one of ve states in America where aid in dying is legal. This law allows mentally competent, terminally- ill adults to voluntarily receive prescription medication that will hasten their death. The other four states that legally offer aid in dying are Washington, Montana,  New Mexico, and Vermont.  On November 1st, Brittany chose to end her life in her Oregon home with prescription drugs. Springeld High School nurse Jenny Anderson has a strong opinion about Maynard. “I admire Brittany for her bravery,” Anderson said. “She wanted control over her destiny and went through many obstacles to obtain that. Personally, due to my faith, it’s just not the path that I would choose for myself.”  “I think it is important for people to be able to choose how they want to die if they have a terminal illness,” SHS health teacher Krystina Fernandez said. “Family involvement is also critical. However, it is ultimately up to the person with the illness.” Maynard had a masters degree in education and was an adventurous traveler. She spent the nal months of her life traveling to Yellowstone National Park, Alaska, and the Grand Canyon. In early October, Maynard shared a video about her decision on the Com-  passion and Choices website, a non-prot organization working to improve patient rights in the U.S. At that  point, she suffered from serious headaches, seizures, and a drastic change in her appearance. “Suffering with an illness for months is not the ideal option for many people,” Fernandez added. “So it’s good that people have the ability to choose not to do that and end their life sooner.”  The idea of death with dignity has stirred controversy. Many Americans believe that death should only be natural. They feel it is unethical because doctors are supposed to prolong their patients’ lives, not end them.  Since 1997 when the death with dignity law was passed in Oregon, 752 people have chosen that option. Since Maynard’s death, the New Jersey State Assembly voted 41-31 to pass the aid in dying act. It’s likely that there will be many more states making that decision in the future. “I am proud to live in a state that has the death with dignity law,” Fernandez concluded. “More states should adopt a similar one. As a whole, we need to  be more focused on suicide  prevention of all ages and less on end of life choices. We should allow those that have a terminal illness to end their life early rather than suffer, while focusing on the prevention of sui- cides by people who do not have a terminal illness.”  Brain Tumor Awareness Month is held in May and is symbolized by the color gray. It doesn’t get as much attention as Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. But Brittany Maynard’s story has helped Americans gain awareness on the issue of dying by choice. To learn more and help the cause, visit www. thebrittanyfund.com. Brittany Maynard on her wedding day in September of 2012; Maynard and her husband Dan on one of many travel  adventures; School nurse Jenny   Anderson has strong views about ending one's life.   pg n r o e G H n e r 6  Features Preparing For Cold Weather Layer, Accessorize by Isabelle Vogell T he temperature has dropped with the onset of winter. For many, the goal is to stay warm despite the bitter temperatures. Once winter arrives, it can be a struggle or annoyance dressing appropriately for the weather, while still looking chic. However, with this season's fashion trends, there are ways of getting through the cold without wearing a suffocating jacket and oversized snow boots. The smallest change in one’s wardrobe, like layering, can make a big difference. Many women’s sweaters are comfortable, yet thin with large stitching. Choosing to wear a sweater, therefore, results in brisk air owing through the fabric. But adding a denim button- up blouse or even a thick dress with tights underneath can bring warmth to an outt and make a statement. Other ways of following the layering trend include pairing a tted long sleeve or thermal and pulling over a chunky cable knit sweater. This combination adds a relaxed, bohemian feel to an outt. Mixing together textures and fabric is a good look if done properly.  Throwing on a winter jacket also offsets winter chill. Owning a standard down jacket can do the trick. This season, however, companies offer other trendy styles of coats, outside the traditional jacket, that can make a statement when worn over any outt. Certain styles that have been popular on the streets this season include the Moto, Bomber, and Military jackets.  The classic Moto jacket, usually made of leather, can include suede and fur detailing on the  pockets and collar which adds warmth. Originally worn mainly by men, the Bomber adds a masculine or sporty dimension to the winter fashion season. Military, also known as utility jackets, offer thick, durable fabrics that are better for cooler weather. They can be layered with other tops or dresses to create a grunge, yet chic, style. What seems like a no-brainer to some but is often forgotten, especially by teenagers, involves adding winter accessories to one’s outt. Wearing hats, scarves, and mittens can help when one deals with brutal winter weather. Target, H&M, and Topshop offer a wide variety of winter essentials to satisfy individuals needs.  Picking out accessories can be fun with vari- ous styles available. From beanies to fuzzy earmuffs, innity to knit scarves, or gloves to mittens, a multitude See Fashion  page 15 G rowing up in a small town usually means living in a place where everyone knows each other. Being on a rst-name basis with community members can be a good thing. Springeld is a town where one can nd people who have spent their entire lives in the community. Often, these people seek to improve the town. Andy Bladyka has lived in Springeld his whole life and now gives back to the town. “My title is Director of Parks and Recreation,” said Bladyka. “To me, my job is to provide the community with recre- ational opportunities.” Bladyka, couldn’t be happier with his choice to stay in Springeld. Each day he goes to work enthused to be with members of the community, whether they’re old friends or new faces. “It’s a dream job and to me it’s a perfect t,” said Bladyka. “I look at my job as a way of supplementing the students and their education. They are also learning a lot about life.” Parks and Rec tries to nd activities to get community members of all ages interacting with each other. The Rec offers adult programs such as weekly team gym games and morning walks for senior citizens. For students, open gym is available at the Recreation Center, on Main Street, Monday-Friday from 2:30-5:00  pm. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are for 5th-8th grades and Tuesdays and Thursdays are for high school students. On Friday mornings, a preschool playgroup is available to the community. “I love talking to the 85-year olds that come into the Rec,” said Bladyka. “And I enjoy meeting the 3-year olds coming into my program.”  In a small town, young people may have trouble nding new things to do. This year Parks and Recreation has around 200 K-6 students playing bas- ketball, which fullls a goal of the program to offer something fun and active for youngsters. Springeld High School sophomore Alex Naccarato found Parks and Rec positive when he moved to Springeld when he was eight. “It’s made me a lot more optimistic about Springeld sports,” said Naccarato. “The kids here show so much potential. The Parks and Rec is a great founda- tion for building future student athletes.” SHS junior Jade Twombly, a varsity soccer and softball player, also appreciates Parks and Rec. Twombly grew up at the Rec and has seen members of the community come together through the program. “Parks and Rec has affected me dramatically,” she said. Parks and Recreation  Making a Dierence in the Community by Ericka Scho  See Parks  page 15  Andy Bladyka, right, directs Parks and Recreation. Layering is practical for winter.   n r o e G H n e r pg 7 Opinion Obama's Immigration Plan Five Million Reasons to Act by Mathew Power  N ovember 20th was an historic day for the  presidency of Barack Obama. On that day, he issued the rst Executive Order of his two-term  presidency. His order had not only legal meaning but also personal meaning.  November 20th was also an historic day for ve million illegal, undocumented immigrants when President Obama declared, in a nationally-televised speech, that these ve million illegals were safe in America and no longer were in danger of being deported. However, Obama emphasized that his order did not ap-  ply to criminals or anyone who had entered the United States in an illegal manner after January 1, 2010.  An Executive Order can only be issued by United States presidents. Such orders automatically go into effect and do not have to be approved by Congress. A president can issue numerous Executive Orders. Since Congress could not agree on this long-standing immi- gration controversy, President Obama felt obligated to issue an Executive Order to deal with the immigrants currently residing in the United States.  The ve million immigrants affected by Obama’s order are put at the very back of the line to obtain citizenship. But they are allowed a social security number and a work permit, and can freely move back and forth to their home country. This also applies to about 850,000 additional individuals under the age of 31 who have entered the United States illegally as of January 1, 2010. It is part of the program Obama cre- ated in 2012 called the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). DACA was originally put together in June of 2007 but the extension has made almost 300,000 more individuals eligible for the DACA program. Obama, through his Executive Order, has taken a great step forward for the United States. Illegal immigrants, contrary to the prejudices and false notions of many Americans, are a huge benet to the United States economy. Illegal immigrants do the jobs Americans don’t want to do. They generate revenue. They buy goods in America, which in turn  benets the U.S. economy. Additionally, they do not apply for a tax return at the end of the scal year because the government could easily nd out that they are in the country illegally and deport them. Also, they don’t have a social security number or a form of government ID or a passport. Because of this, hundreds of millions of dollars in tax returns are unclaimed. This money ows  back into the American economic system. It is a crime to work in the United States and not pay income tax. It makes no difference whether or not it is legal or illegal income. When one les income taxes, there is some withheld tax money in each pay- check that workers have returned to them when they le a tax form. A social security number, or an Individual Taxpayer Identication Number (ITIN), is needed to le taxes. One can apply for both an ITIN or a social security number if they are in the country illegally. But the government will gure out the immigrant is in the country illegally and deport them. However, because illegal immigrants want to avoid being deported, they don’t apply for a social security number or an ITIN and they don’t le their tax return. Their withheld money, therefore, isn’t sent to them.  Obama’s immigration policy also involves keeping high-skilled workers in the United States as well as improving border security by increasing border patrol agents. High-skilled workers can help the economy  by increasing the production of technology and other technological occupations. President Obama's Executive Order stirred controversy with critics and supporters alike speaking out after his news conference on the 20th. But the presi- To frame his changes to immigration policy, President Barack Obama spoke to United States citizens on national television. College students agreed  with Obama's proposals relating to the immigration crisis. dent is moving to make the United States better, stronger, more fair and humane. The United States is a land of opportunity and success. Many individuals, following Obama's Executive Order, will have better lives because they can’t afford to get into America legally and it is very expensive to live in the United States. America is a great country. It is up to the leaders of America to make this the greatest country in the world. Obama has taken strong steps in that direction with his historic speech concerning the immigration crisis that has plagued the nation for too long.   pg n r o e G H n e r 8 Opinion Perseverence Stop Playing in Society's Sandbox by Jonathan Courchesne O vercoming adversity demands a work ethic that seems lacking among Springeld High School students. But pushing through hard challenges is a skill that can be taught and learned. However, such habits of perseverance need to be taken seriously in order for them to work to their full effect.  Taking into consideration the social and academic pressures today’s high school students face,  perseverance usually is not expected to dominate over other priorities. In this respect, teenagers tend to pay more attention to their social status rather than their academic standing. With the exception of a small pool of students, teens in this generation, specically SHS students, pay little attention to overcoming problems. This lack of perseverance must be dealt with. SHS Truancy Ofcer Todd Aiken feels strongly about the importance of perseverance. “It’s going to take a long time,” said Aiken. “It [lack of per- severance] is a part of this generation and it is going to  be hard to x”. Aiken believes that this generation has an Todd Aiken believes in the importance of perseverance. Ericka Scho feels school takes a lot to persevere. The past parental generation (born between 1970 and 1990) was raised differently, and arguably better, than the current generation of youth. Parents were taught at a young age that desirable things in life were earned through dedication and perseverance. Parents for this  parental generation born between 1970-1990 were more strict and demanded more respect and compliance from their children. This is most obvious, perhaps, when children and teens hear their parents say things like “if I did that as a kid, my parents would have killed me.” Such comments prove that parents of this current genera- tion have not taken as disciplined an approach toward raising their children. Who is to say that cutting a kid some slack is necessarily bad? It has its benets. But lack of perseverance is a negative outcome to giving a growing child or teen too much exibility. The possible solution is not for parents to suddenly become more strict with a child or teen. Instead, they must educate children at a young age that the world is full of winners and losers, and that life is not going to be all rainbows and sunshine. Those who work and push through challenges will be successful and those who relax and sit back, dig themselves a hole that will become more detrimental later in life. Teaching this real-life lesson won’t prevent a student from encounter- ing problems they need to overcome. But it will help one become more prepared for the roller coaster of life. SHS Sophomore Ericka Schoff recognizes this issue at SHS. Schoff feels that, as an individual, she perseveres in life. “It takes a lot to persevere,” said Schoff. “It requires a lot of motivation especially if it can bring a change in your life.” She adds that it is harder to create a positive change in one’s life than it is to make negative choices. It is more difcult to strive in academics than it is to give up and not care about how well one does in school. The same goes for everything else in life. This nonchalant attitude toward achievement may result because high school students do not know how important their time and effort in school can be for setting up a successful future. “I feel a lot of students here give up instead of pushing themselves,” said Schoff. “And it will come  back to bite them in the butt if they don’t change their attitude.” It is easier to start at the top and stay there than it is to start from the bottom, a point of departure that requires one to scratch and claw their way up to success. “We are in a generation of unmotivated, lazy  people,” said Schoff. “And, unfortunately, I don’t think there is any way we can change that.”  Coping with harsh situations and working through challenges is something young adults and chil- dren need to learn because it will denitely benet their future. “In the long run, perseverance can change your life,” concluded Schoff. “And what doesn’t challenge you, doesn’t change you.”  SHS Academic Expectation  A graduate of SHS reasons abstractly and quantitatively, thinks critically, and perseveres  to solve problems. Cosmos Code #2 Students will be actively engaged in the learning, ask questions, collaborate with others, and seek solutions. “everybody wins” mentality, a system in which no one loses and no one wins. In the “everybody wins” system, everyone receives a participation medal. But in the real world, accomplishments are worked for and earned. Aiken feels students in high school should be able to face the fact that life isn’t fair. They must real- ize that things will not be handed to them in the world outside of high school. “This is the point in a student’s life where they should learn what the real world has in store for them,” said Aiken. “And if they aren’t being forced to learn this they are going to be at a huge loss when they graduate.” This problem with a lack of perseverance may involve parents and guardians of today’s youth.