Basketball wins second at state, excites fans

The Student Newspaper of O’Fallon Township High School 04.04.07

OTHS Events: April 5-9 Spring Break • April 18 Blizzard • April 30 Honors Night • May 5 Prom

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theProwlerVol. 36 Issue 7

Crowded hallways, multiple teachers, the trusty OTHS map as a guide, and the chance to express yourself through many clubs and classes.

Although high school can be rough, it is a memorable experience; however, for incoming freshmen, the first year can be very stressful and bewildering.

Recently, the Board of Education proposed a way of easing that anxiety by building a ninth grade center.

O’Fallon voters will vote on the referendum on April 17.

If approved, the new school would help with several problems at OTHS.

“I’m very excited about the new school,” said Mrs. Gayle Appel, Director of Instruction.

“It will help us to [provide] service and launch the ninth graders to high school and to better prepare them for college,” she said.

According to Mrs. Appel, the center

will help with the crowded hallways. In addition, the Board hopes the

center will bring a better unification for the freshman, and help the teachers to better attend to all of the students’ needs.

It is estimated the new school will cost about $37.5 million. Most of the money will come from the residents’ taxes.

Junior Alex Loring says, “There’s talk that they [the School Board] are trying to build another middle school for the area and a ninth grade center.

“Why not just build a better and bigger campus for high school [students] and turn [the current] high school into the new middle school?

“I think it’s better to build one new school rather than two,” he said.

Junior Cassie Hamilton shared her thought on the issue by saying, “If I were an incoming freshman I would feel depressed. I still think it’s a good idea and might turn into a high school in the future.”

Over 1000 students, faculty, and family members stood and applauded the basketball team on Saturday, March 17 when they hoisted the 2nd place trophy in the air.

This year, the boys went further than any other team in school history.

They started their seven game winning streak in Collinsville, winning the Regional competition.

Continuing on, the team took on Carbondale (80-71) and Althoff (70-54) in the Sectional hosted at Salem.

From there, the boys were only 32 minutes away from State. The only team standing in their way was Decatur Eisenhower.

The players narrowly beat Eisenhower by only 3 points, 63-60.

Once at the state tournament, the boys didn’t let down one bit.

The team took an early lead over Lockport, which it held onto for most of the game.

However, in the last few minutes of play, Lockport caught up. But in the end, the Panthers stepped up their game with a final score of 48-45.

With one game under their belt, the boys knew what they had to do to make it to the final round and did everything possible to stay focused on

the task ahead. Using senior Brad Copelin to

their full advantage, the team passed up Lincolnshire Stevenson 65-51, allowing them to play in the finals later that night.

Putting up a hard fight for the entire game, the boys could not keep up with Chicago Simeon, the sixth-highest ranked team in the nation.

Although the boys lost 77-54, they still rightfully earned a second-place finish, making all of their adoring fans back home very proud.

BY DAN DUNBAR

Basketball wins second at state, excites fans

Next year, students will have more class options than ever before.

The Board of Education has approved nine new classes which will be offered at OTHS next year.

The courses will add variety and further challenge students.

“Classes will be added to the science, English, business, and music departments,” said Dr. Laura Jacobi, guidance counselor.

These classes will include Integrated Life Science, Physical/Earth Science, Intro to Broadcast Journalism, Video Communication, Freshmen Honors Physics, Economics, Business, Honors Accounting, Music Appreciation, and Music Theory.

Make sure to ask your guidance counselors for more information about these new classes.

BY CATHY GABITAN

Captain Chris Hursey, senior, and his teammates proudly display their well-deserved second place trophy for all their fans to see.

MS. MARY DEMPSEY

BY LIZ CHEPONIS

Voters to decide on 9th grade center

Blizzard Preview

Boys’ B-ball

In with the new: OTHS adds new classes

Guide to Prom14-15

Teens & Driving

• Jan. 13- Althoff: 1st in Dance, 1st in Hip-Hop, 1st in Pom Dance • Jan. 27- Mascoutah: 1st in Dance, 1st in Hip-Hop, 1st in Pom Dance• Feb. 10- Triad: 1st in Dance, 1st in Hip-Hop, 2nd in Pom Dance• Feb. 18- Stevenson: 3rd in Hip-Hop, 3rd in Pom Dance• March 4- UDA finals at Illinois State University: 2nd in Dance• March 10- Super Sectionals: 2nd in Dance, 1st in Hip-Hop• March 17- State at U of I: 5th in Dance, 7th in Hip-Hop

Golden Girls dance their

way to victory

Turn to page 8-9 for more basketball stories

and photos.

Cheerleadersgo national

• Feb. 2. IHSA State com-petition: 2nd • March 17-18: National competition in Orlando, Fla.: 2nd • Head Coach Tami Hud-son• Squad Members: Micaela Taylor, April Freund, Kayla Cleary, Sophia Gonzalez, Noelle Mathis, Ashley Whitten, Brittany Cox, Kelsey Katz, KalynKelsey Katz, Kalyn McMillin, Katelyn Penneba-ker, Amanda Po�ell, EmileeAmanda Po�ell, Emilee Gustafson, Kylie Scimio,Kylie Scimio, Kristen Delia, Allison Simmonds, �ogan Ocshner,�ogan Ocshner, Sara Martinez, Emily Trelo�, Paige Haller, Hillary Cook, Kaitlyn Ne�comb, Candace Thompson

2 04.04.07opinion

Picture yourself lying on a beach, tanning in the bright sun, and making plans to hit the club later that night. Now imagine your parents sitting right next to you, watching every move you make.

How would you rather spend your Spring Break?

According to many parents, high school students are too young to go on trips by themselves.

“I think that students have a ‘MTV’ vision of what Spring Break is like, and they need some kind of an older person they can go to if something happens” said senior Emily Quitmeyer.

Between all the dance clubs and thousands of people, the question seems to be whether or not an individual has the maturity to handle a couple weekends on their own.

“Maybe if the people were in college

and were going in a big group of guys and girls, then it would probably be a lot of fun to go on a Spring Break trip,”

said senior Andrew Sandheinrich.

If a group of friends head to a vacation destination, then what in the world could possibly go wrong?

“The real Spring Break doesn’t have a ton of security like they show on TV,” said Quitmeyer.

Horrifying stories such as Natalie Holloway’s: the Alabama teen who was kidnapped

in Aruba, is just one example of what can easily go wrong.

A road trip to a different state could be fun for those adventurous people who want to spend some bonding time with their closest buds.

However, there seems to be a consensus that high school students should not be able to travel on long or foreign trips with a bunch of friends.

BY MEGAN SCHULTE

I am mad. There’s no reason to try and hide it.

Chief Illiniwek, The University of Illinois’ long honored mascot, is gone.

The image and halftime dance were both retired after the NCAA placed sanctions on the university, deeming the Chief “violent and offensive.”

The original decision was made illegally in an “emergency” board meeting on Feb. 16.

Chairman Lawrence Eppley notified the NCAA that Chief Illiniwek would be retired.

The decision was disputed until Mar. 13 when an official board meeting took place at the Illini Union in Champaign-Urbana, with the public present and news cameras rolling.

An extra room had to be opened and a video screen set up to accommodate all the opponents and supporters who showed up.

After the painfully long debate on getting rid of the Chief, the battle is finally over. The board voted eight-to- one to retire the Chief.

Feeling any emotion yet? Chief Illiniwek has been performing

at the school’s sporting events since 1926.

“Chief Illiniwek dancing is one of the most graceful and beautiful college traditions,” said former basketball coach, Mr. Pat Hasenstab.

In my opinion, the Chief has always been a respected part of the University. He’s not the type of mascot that dances and is the fool on the sidelines. He comes out at halftime and dances while the audience is silent and reverent.

“At most half time shows people leave the stadium [to get some food or go to the bathroom], but at the U of I shows no one leaves. Everyone links arms and sings the school song,” said senior Sarah Sotiropoulos.

After the performance is over, the audience applauds and cheers. The Chief is there as part of a tradition fans know to revere.

“I always thought the Chief stood for the spirit and tradition of the school, but other people have their opinions,” Sotiropoulos said.

“It’s hard for me to see it as offensive because I was brought up to respect it.”

Now that the Chief is gone, the university is different.

It’s a wonderful school in the way of academics, and that won’t change, but the thing that set it apart was the strong school spirit, which was heavily fueled by the image of the Chief.

I don’t believe that the spirit of the school is gone with Chief Illiniwek, but his retirement has been a major blow to morale.

Mr. Matt Lang is an alumnus of the University of Illinois. He describes the recent decision as an “absolute

travesty.”“I keep [newspaper] clippings of all

the major changes in the Chief case,” Lang said.

Chief Illiniwek was a symbol for the student body, alumni, and sports fans to rally around. Even though the Chief is gone, the Chief supporters still hold together.

Everyone who fought for the Chief seems to have the same hope for the future. They want the spirit and respect for Chief Illiniwek to stay with the students. Regardless of whether or not the Chief is the official mascot, the spirit and respect for the Chief will stay in our hearts forever.

I was mad, but maybe now I’m simply inspired. I understand what happened, and I know the Chief won’t be coming back any time soon, but I can still hope.

For now, I’ll just continue to support the Chief, wear his t-shirts proudly, and not let his memory die.

Hail to the ChiefAfter years of performing at half time shows, Chief Illiniwek is forced to retireBY EMILY MURDOCH

SPRING BREAK: Fun in the sun or watching TV with mom? Singing silverware, talking clocks,

and witty henchman; the OTHS production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” proved to be a hit.

Hours of practice and rehearsal time, lead by directors Ms. Beth Dippel and Ms. Becky Merrill, were spent in preparation for the musical. Needless to say, their hard worked paid off, leaving audience members in awe of the exceptional talent displayed by all the performers.

Junior Alexa Kissinger delivered an outstanding performance as Belle, winning the audience over with her dazzling vocals and poised personality.

Opposite Kissinger was senior Jake Young, playing the role of the Beast. Young captured the intimidating, yet gentle side of his character, while still putting his own spin on the part.

Apparently, musical talent runs in the family. The part of Gaston was played by Jake’s younger brother, freshman Joseph Young. Dominating both the devious and comedic sides of the role, Young became a much-loved villain by his audience.

Yet, it was junior Mark Rheaume’s performance as Gaston’s sidekick,

Lefou, that had the audience laughing in their seats. With witty lines, cartoon-like facial and body expressions, and hair that had its own character, Rheaume quickly stole the spotlight and grabbed attention once he entered the stage.

However, credit is also due to the many backup singers and musicians that helped make the show enchanting.

The impressive singing vocals contributed to the show’s alluring appearance and non-stop excitement, while the orchestra pit, conducted by Mr. Matt Lang, served as the backbone of the entire musical.

The set, costume design, and technical aspects of the show were like none other seen at OTHS. Although, at times, certain attire muffled the microphones of some characters, the creative costume and set pieces made the performers stand out and the lively effects and lighting of the show added flair to the storyline.

“Beauty and the Beast” was a perfect musical to bring back childhood memories of the movie. With a gifted cast, brilliant musicians, and devoted stagehands, the performers truly invited everyone to be their guests.

“Beauty and the Beast” bursting with talentBY CASSIE FINK

You get to school one morning anxious to find out if you made the team or landed the role. You’re excited when you see the list on the door and look for your name…but it’s not there, for the 3rd time.

OTHS houses over 2,400 students and with so many kids, it seems impossible for everyone to be involved.

There’s always talk of students being favored over others. Could that

just be disappointment talking, or is it the truth?

“I guess it’s a little bit of both,” said junior Amanda Henry.

Some students might not have the qualities needed to be in Bleachermaniacs or the main character in the spring Musical.

With that setback, it’s easy to point the finger at somebody or even say it is “favoritism.”

“The same groups of people get chosen for solos or parts in the productions over and over again.

There are other people just as good,” sophomore Malorie Peck said.

But many students believe talent is being wasted because they are not given the opportunity.

“So many people are talented, but overlooked,” said junior Brynn Castle.

Yes, the school is overcrowded, but is that an excuse?

Sophomore Nia Hendricks said, “I don’t [think it is an excuse] because I think they’re just trying to get more people to keep trying out.”

It’s so easy for teachers to say “try again next year,” not realizing that trying out all the time and never making anything makes it slightly frustrating.

Maybe the first time not making the cut, it’s okay to hear “great effort,” but hearing that three or four times can be discouraging.

Everyone deserves a chance to be in something. OTHS’ extra-curricular activities should strive not only for excellence, but diversity as well.

OTHS students want more chances to be includedBY JELISSA BUCK

04.04.07 3 ne�s

The O’Fallon To�nship High School ne�spaper, The Pro�ler, is part of the educational curriculum of O’Fallon District 203.

Although the paper is a class activity, OTHS students may submit materials, such as stories, photography, or art, for publica-tion consideration. Students should bring any submissions to Room 608. Submissions may be edited for content, length and grammar.

The Pro�ler is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association and the Illinois High School Press Association. Some material is courtesy of American Society of Ne�spaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Ne�spaper Service. The Pro�ler is printed by Arcade Printing Inc. of St. �ouis, Mo.

Any person �ith an interest in the OTHS community is encouraged to submit letters to the editor. All letters must be signed. All signatures will be verified through a phone call or personal intervie�. �etters may be submitted to Room 608 or mailed to OTHS Publications, 600 S. Smiley St., O’Fallon, I� 62269. �etters should be fe�er than 400 �ords in length. If excessive editing is needed, the letter �ill be re-turned to the author for approval. The Pro�ler re-serves the right to edit any letter for grammatical errors, libelous content, or space limitations.

If �ritten, staff editorials �ill not be signed and will reflect the opinion of the majority of the staff members. Commentaries and columns, on the other hand, �ill be signed and reflect the individual writer’s views.

THE PROWLERStaff & Policies

Kaila SanabriaEditor-in-Chief

Amanda IlerNe�s Editor

Jessi HeggerA&E Editor

Emily MurdochReporter

Sarah ManfucciReporter

Rachel HoltgraveDesign Editor

Megan SchulteFeatures Editor

Ben HomburgPhoto Editor

Jelissa BuckReporter

Cathy GabitanCopy Editor

�iz CheponisBusiness Manager

Dan DunbarSports Editor

Cassie FinkCopy Editor

Caitie MuellerReporter

Ms. Mary DempseyAdviser

Contributors: �ynsey Zahn, Elliott Koehl, Dre� Santen, Megan Alesaski, Audrey Stutsman, Mark Rheaume, Kendra �yons, and Conrad Plyler

Blizzard prepares incoming freshmenThree-million teachers, forty-

bagillion classes, and 25 minutes for lunch.

High school can be a whirlwind comprised of many confusing things.

For incoming freshmen, the new experience of the high school scene can be somewhat intimidating.

That is where the Blizzard program comes into play.

Social worker Mr. Mike Engel is the sponsor of Blizzard.

This program has taken place every year since 1990, when it was started by the SADD club.

Blizzard consists of games, problem solving, activities in small groups, a skit performed by the SADD members, a video presentation, and

as always, “warm fuzzies.”Approximately 600 eighth graders,

140 high school students and 50 faculty members will participate in this annual event on April 18 from 2 to 6:10 p.m. in the Panther Dome.

Not only is this program a way to ease the transition from eighth grade to ninth, but it provides a way for them to make new friends and to adjust to being a high school student.

“The program itself is not mandatory for the incoming freshman; however, it is a great idea to do so before entering high school,” said Mr. Engel. ”Over 96 percent of them do, however, attend the event.”

To be involved in Blizzard, students need to be active members of SADD or Lifesavers.

The rewarding aspect of attending

Blizzard as an incoming freshman is that it gives students the basic criteria of what to expect as a high school student and allows the students to feel a little more comfortable.

They also get to hear first-hand from high school students about some of the situations and decisions they will be faced with next fall.

The preparation for the Blizzard event is very organized and takes a

lot of time to complete. For the incoming freshman,

Blizzard is a helpful way to encourage them to make a positive transition to high school.

“I learned a lot about OTHS and high school life in one day of fun,” said Daniel Hempsted, a freshman who attended Blizzard last year, proving that Blizzard really helps.

BY LYNSEY ZAHN

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BY EMILY MURDOCH“Bling Bling Bot,” “Best Groupies,”

“Driving the Future of Engineering,” “Most Team Spirit.”

The robotics team 1208 won all these awards and more at their competition at the St. Charles Family Arena on March 1-3.

The team had a strong start as the first robot to score during an autonomous round, where the robot operates from a program rather than human control.

The team was noticed early on as having the most team spirit at the competition. High fives, cheering, and

an enthusiastic Panther encouraged every team on the field.

Throughout the rest of the competition, both the robot and team were recognized for their outstanding performance and ingenuity.

Jack, the robot, was picked by the third placed team to be an alliance member for the final rounds.

After tough competition, Jack made it into the quarterfinals, but lost.

“The atmosphere was amazing. It almost doesn’t matter that we lost. We competed well, and cheered hard,” said junior Ozzie Figueroa.

“No one will be forgetting team 1208 any time soon.”

Next up is the national competition on April 12-14.

Several team members will ride a bus down to Atlanta to compete.

After that, the season is over, and it’s back to O’Fallon for brainstorming and fund-raising for next year.

Robotics team wins ‘Bling Bling Bot’ award

The atmosphere was amazing.

“”

4 04.04.07ne�s

National News Pet food had rodent poisonBY JENNIFER MANNMcCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS/MCT

Boost your energy by relaxing with yogaBY IRENE KRAFT THE MORNING CALL/MCT

Autopsy reveals drugs as reason for Anna’s BY ROBERTO SANTIAGOMcCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS/MCT

You don’t have to work at a physically demanding job to come home feeling completely exhausted. The demands and stress encountered by the millions of Americans who don suits to work each day are major energy zappers that send many to the coffee shop or machine by midday for a dose of caffeine for a temporary boost.

Caffeine, however, can leave you drained when its effects wear off. A healthier, more revitalizing way to boost your mood and energy while lowering your blood pressure and heart rate is yoga, says New York City yoga instructor Edward Vilga.

“Nonsense,” you say to the idea of striking a few power poses in your office or cubicle?

It’s anything but nonsense, says Vilga, whose clients are primarily “suits corporate types who have climbed the ladder of success brilliantly,” but are usually in desperate need of the balance that can be obtained through an orchestrated combination of breathing and easy stretches.

“It’s when you’re in the thick of things navigating the corporate jungle, negotiating with clients or stuck in traffic on your way to a major meeting that you need the calming benefits of yoga the most,” says Vilga,

who has assembled a “yogic tool kit” for corporate types in his new book “Yoga for Suits: 30 No-Sweat Poses to Do in Pinstripes” (Running Press, $14.95).

From “Upward Spiral” and “Attitude Elevator” to “Rat Race Release” and “Climbing the Corporate Ladder,” Vilga’s cleverly named poses can be accomplished by just about anyone who’s healthy. The more high-pressured your life, the more you need to weave a little yoga into it, he says.

Yoga in the workplace, Vilga says, improves attitude, reduces stress and allows greater focus.

You don’t need a mat, change of clothes, props or a shower afterward for Vilga’s “Yoga for Suits” poses. All can be accomplished with minimal effort right at your desk. They are designed to bring peace of mind as they release tensions in the body. The end result: revitalization.

The next time you start crumbling to the stress of multitasking, why not give it a try. Here’s an easy pose for starting your day: Interlace your fingers into a soft fist. Stretch the fist above your head. Keep fingers together, but turn wrists up and open the palms to the sky. Lengthen the arms even further skyward, keeping your gaze where there’s no strain, either upward or straight ahead. Lengthen your breath in and out as you stretch.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A poison used to kill rodents has been found in samples of pet food made by Menu Foods, whose products have caused at least 14 cat and dog deaths.

A spokeswoman for Cornell University, which helped identify aminopterin in the food, said tests are continuing, adding that it would be premature to definitively say the toxin caused the deaths.

Food and Drug Administration officials said Friday that the agency was continuing its investigation of the food, all of which was made at Menu Foods’ plant in Emporia, Kan.

“While we’re very interested in the discovery of this compound, we want to continue testing other samples and ingredients,” FDA spokesman Stephen F. Sundlof said in a conference call Friday.

Sundlof said it remains unknown how the aminopterin might have gotten into the food tested by Cornell and the New York state lab. Investigators continued to make wheat gluten a primary focus in the inquiry. The company said reports of illnesses and death started coming in shortly after it changed wheat gluten

suppliers.Sundlof said that the FDA had

traced the wheat gluten suspected to have been used in the tainted products to a broker, but that not all the sources used by that broker had been identified. Thus, unknown was whether the gluten in question was imported or made domestically, or whether any of it could have been used in products for human consumption.

Sundlof added that the FDA did not have a theory of how the toxin got into the food and was not prepared to rule out sabotage.

While the FDA has confirmed 14 animal deaths, it remained unknown how many animals had been sickened or died from the 91 brands of wet-style dog and cat food distributed by Menu Foods. The Ontario, Canada-based company said it had received more than 200,000 calls from consumers since publicizing the recall.

The company issued a voluntary recall late on March 16 covering 60 million cans and pouches of food. Late this week it expanded that recall to include all dates of the previously identified products.

The Emporia plant continued to make pet food products after the recall. But an FDA official said Friday that the plant was now shut down.

DANIA BEACH, Fla. _ Almost seven weeks after her death, the world finally learned how reality TV star and TrimSpa spokeswoman Anna Nicole Smith died: an accidental drug overdose.

Broward County Medical Examiner Joshua Perper and Seminole Police Chief Charlie Tiger announced the autopsy results Monday morning at a news conference.

Smith died from an “accidental overdose with no criminal elements present,” Tiger said.

Perper said that Smith had been taking anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication, weight-loss drugs, methadone, and injected human growth hormone and vitamin B-12 in her thigh.

Prior to her death she had taken antibiotics, over-the-counter flu medication and chloral hydrate, a sleeping medication.

Chloral hydrate, combined with her other medications, caused her death, Perper said.

Perper said that despite Smith’s depression, there was no evidence she had committed suicide. There was also no evidence of homicide.

The February atopsy found that Smith had not taken illegal drugs or alcohol and had not died as a result of blunt trauma. Her liver and her heart were slightly enlarged.

The actress had been suffering from stomach flu days before her death. She was said to have a high fever, diarrhea, and was vomiting.

At the time of Smith’s death, Perper said she likely died of natural causes, from a reaction to prescription medication or a combination of the two.

The amount and variety of prescription medications the actress took prior to her death have been the topic of worldwide speculation. Prescription medications were found in her hotel room, but Perper refused to identify what they were.

Revelations of Smith’s prescription drug use were revealed last month during proceedings in a Broward courtroom about who had the right to bury Smith’s corpse.

04.04.07 5ne�s

�indsey Adrian, Allysa Austin, Brittany Helfrich, Alex No�ak, Kushagra Banerjee, Michael Hilden, Amanda No�ak, Amy �ynn Bassimer, Dannielle Hoebing, Brittany O’Brien, Nathan Beckler, Brian Holshouser, Kelly O’Brien, Destiney Bell, Michelle Horan, Sarah Ott, Beau Benton, Kristin Hrkach, Ed�ard Panico, David Bierbrauer, Stephanie Huller, Connie Park, Sarah Binder, Aleesia Isom, Jason Peck, Nathan Bons, Ariana Isom, Rebecca Pehle, Eric Bossler, Kelsey Katz, Katelyn Pennebaker, Ashley Brickhouse, �indsey Katz, Aaron Perkins, Bailee Bro�n, Michael Kera, Caleb Piatt, Tanisha Bro�n, Amanda Kingery, Mercedes Pineda, Kristin Buch, Caroline Kionka, �auren Ralston, Sarah Buncher, Aaron Kirkman, Emily Rautio, Rachel Burroughs, Alexa Kissinger, Stephen Reichelt, Elizabeth Busekrus, Stephen Klotz, Mark Rheaume, Meredith Campbell, Kara Knox, Kathryn Rivers, Aaron Case, Praveena Kolli, Andrea Roberts, Mary Casey, Courtney Kombrink, Miceal Rooney, Melissa Cheston, Kelsey Krausz, Andre� Santen, Amber Christ, Zachary Kreifels, Martin Schaeuble, Connor Corcoran,

Matthe� �aChance, Ian Schamburg, Timothy Craddick, Katharine �ambaria, Erik Schuyler, Caitlyn Crain, Allie �arimer, Allison Scott, Joshua Crensha�, Courtney �averdure, Brittanie Sha�, Timothy Crook, Kevin �ucas, Jenna Smalley, Amanda Daniels, Alexandra Marchesano, �auren Snyder, Daniel Dito, Generoso Marquez, Ashley Somraty, Ayana Drake, Rachael D�yer, Shayla Matono, Tyler Stier�alt, Oscar Figueroa, Michael Matson, Andre� Stites, William Garlisi, Amelia Mayo, Hadleigh Stone, Bentley Gedris, Melissa McCoy, Michelle S�eeten, Brittany Gerke, Caitlin Melesky, Ryan S�itts, �ee Geyer, Douglas Mennerick, Zenita Thomas, Madeline Gibbs, �auren Mikkelson, Bradley Thompson, Michelle Gilbert, Cassidy Miles, Chelsea Thouvenot, Amy Green�ood, Kristen Moore, Emily Ubbens, Sarah Griggs, Matthe� Morrese, Katherine Waddel, Nipun Gupta, Rachel Mueller, Kristen Whiteside, Kristina Halpin, John Muich, Brigitte Wiegert, Cassiopeia Hamilton, Kaela Ne�som, Alexa Wilcox, Jon Hansen, Nhu Nguyen, �ori Witherspoon, Katherine Hargrove, Ariel Noffke, Alexandra Wojtal

BY EMILY MURDOCHEven as one of the largest

groups in the OTHS scholastic and extracurricular pool, the choir’s competitions and accomplishments are often overlooked.

Most people at OTHS couldn’t even name all the choirs we have, let alone know much about their recent achievements.

There are three choir classes available during the day; Girls Choir, Concert Choir, and Chamber Choir.

For competition, Concert choir and Chamber choir will be combining to sing girls’, boys’, and mixed songs.

The Chamber Choir will also be splitting later in the contest into their jazz groups: Encore and Smooth Dissonance.

The Jazz choirs performed at the Millikin Jazz Festival on Feb. 17.

Although there were no placements given out at the festival, both groups were last to perform - an honor in the music world.

The Jazz 1 group, “Encore,” was later invited back to open for the well- renowned Millikin jazz group, Rebirth of Cool.

Encore will be competing in the Niles North Jazz Festival in Chicago on April 28.

The Show Choir has also been traveling.

On March 3 they went to Capital

City. They received second place and the competition’s spirit award.

Junior Alexa Kissinger received the outstanding performer award for this competition.

Next, they went to Quincy on March 10 where they faced tough competition and did not make it to finals.

The IHSA Solo and Ensemble contest took place at Collinsville High School on March 3.

Although the choir doesn’t compete as a whole, any students are welcome to sign up and compete solo or with a small group.

Several students competed from OTHS with vocal and instrumental entries.

Other elective choir activities are the IMEA District and State Concert and Jazz Choirs. Any student may audition, and then the school is informed who makes it into which choirs.

Last fall, OTHS had many students in both groups. The majority of the students in the District Jazz Choir were from O’Fallon.

A few students also went to the state-level choirs.

Seniors Kendra Lyons and Emily Quitmeyer were chosen for the jazz choir, Nicole Shelpman, senior, for the Concert Choir, and Kristina Whitehair, senior, for her essay on becoming a music teacher.

NHS New Inductees Congratulations!

Choirs do well at competitions

The following students were inducted into the National Honor Society on February 27...

6 04.04.07center6 04.04.07center

Finishing all of your homework, sitting down to a homemade dinner with the family, going to the local diner for a soda pop, and being home and in bed before 9:30 p.m. - the typical Friday evening... when your grandparents where teenagers.

However, on Feb. 28, a Senate panel passed a bill proposed by Secretary of State, Jesse White, which further restricts teen driving laws; making weekend outings for teens come to a screeching halt.

After reviewing the high rate of accidents involving teen drivers each year, Mr. White decided something had to be done to ensure everyone’s safety.

“We must do more to protect our young drivers so they may live a long and productive life,” said Mr. White during an interview for the Chicago Tribune.

Under the bill, teens must hold their learner’s permit for nine months, as opposed to the current three, and they are required to have six hours of behind-the-wheel training.

Also, new drivers will not be allowed to drive past 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends, and they are prohibited from carrying more than one unrelated passenger for a year.

“I think [the new laws] are a hassle and affect what I can do and what I can’t do. [My peers] are going to be upset about [the new laws] because it’s a lot harder to get your license [now],” said sophomore Jordynn Floyd who is currently taking Driver’s Ed.

In addition, Illinois legislation is working on developing a graduated licensing system which enforces heavy restrictions on 16 and 17 year-olds. For those who keep a clean driving record, the restrictions will be eased over time.

New drivers will be required to identify themselves by attaching signs to their vehicles. The signs cost $2 and are magnetic so they can easily be removed by other family members when they drive the vehicle.

The changes will not only affect the students, but their parents as well. Due to the new curfew, teens will have

to get a ride from an adult.“My mom thinks it’s a hassle.”

said sophomore Hillary Marron, “She wants me to have my freedom.”

Despite the laws’ good intentions, a number of students believe that they won’t be effective.

“There are always kids that break the rules anyway,” said Jordan Goetz, sophomore, who has had his license since January, “I think they are doing it for the right reasons, but I don’t think it’s going to work.”

Others claim that the new rules are unfair to future generations. Marron took her driving classes over the summer, yet she has concerns for her younger sister, who hasn’t learned how to drive yet.

“[My sister] is going to be mad because I had it easier than other people did,” she said.

It appears that the Senate legislature and Illniois teens’ views on driving are at a crossroads. Although the new driving laws may not send teenagers back into the Stone Age, students will be significantly impacted by the changes.

New driving laws put brakes on teen drivers

BY CASSIE FINKCAR

What’s in a name?How your car reflects your personalityBY KAILA SANABRIA

Through the ages, man has always strived towards one singular goal. The caveman spent tireless hours chiseling away to form wheels for it. Visionary after visionary attempted to create the correct motor to make it run. Thousands of businessmen strived to create en empire selling them.

From the early 1900s to local semi-celebrities like George Webber, Mike Mason, Lou Fusz, and Don Brown have tried to make fortunes selling them. We know their names, we know which kind they sell, we know their locations and their catchphrases.

Cars.It’s almost comical to think about

the connection that people make with their cars. After all, an inanimate object will never have feelings for you in return. Or maybe that’s what cynics say.

To many people, their car is no less than a branch of themselves. It is much more than a mode of transportation; it is a way of life.

“Her name is Whonda. W-H-O-N-D-A, Whonda,” said Junior Emily Brever, who loves her car.

Whonda is a maroon 2003 Dodge Neon and an integral part of Emily’s life.

“She just had some plastic

surgery done. She’s all set now: new transmition, new tires. She’s looking good,” said Brever.

Many more students that you’d think have this same sort of special relationship with their automobiles.

For example, senior Meredith Clark is also close to Goldie (short for “Golden Oldie”), her metallic gold Station Wagon.

Remorse filled Meredith’s eyes as she talked to me about the long, cruel life Goldie has led. Stained and broken, Goldie is approaching the end of her long, fruitful life.

“She’s on the verge of death,” says Meredith. “It’s going to be a tough day for Mama when she has to go.”

On a lighter note, senior Sam McGinthy jumped at the opportunity to speak at length about Lola, his red 2003 Ford Mustang.

He told me an exciting story about how Lola came into his life. She was a surprise sixteenth birthday present for him. It was truly a matter of destiny.

The Shrimp, however, fell into the naïve hands of the then-sixteen-year old Jolene Pirkle, who is now a senior.

“My dad started calling him ‘The Shrimp’ and it just kind of stuck.” The Shrimp is a dark blue 2000 Dodge

Neon.Now, it is in my personal, ahem,

expert opinion that The Shrimp is involved in relationship with the aforementioned Whonda. This is not confirmed, as I didn’t want to poke my nose into the couple’s personal life, but they have been seen staring at each other at the adjacent parking lots at Dierberg’s and Cold Stone Creamery.

Amongst the sea of color, there is a single, grayish-silver individual that stands out in the parking lot: Elliot.

Junior Amy Bassimer’s 1990 Ford Escort is a lot like her. “I like his color. I think it matches my personality because it’s different and I like to be different sometimes.”

Elliot is also well named. “Everyone calls him Elliot. It really suits him.”

People love their cars. They give them names, personalities and stories.

Some may say it is fanatical, but to those of us who love our cars, it makes perfect sense.

My own baby, Rufus Sebastian (a tan Camry plastered with Black Parade posters and littered with music magazines in the back window shield) might be a landfill on wheels, but he has been good to me.

Even though only one of his windows rolls down and sometimes his windshield wipers turn on on their own, he gets me where I’m going, and I am eternally grateful.

Whatever allegory Roger Taylor was trying to make in the Queen song, “I’m In Love With My Car,” the meaning can also be taken for its face value.

“I’m in love with my car. I gotta feel for my automobile.”

In the 50’s, almost all cars that drove on the road sported big chrome grilles. Some had tail fins for extra flair. In the 70’s, funky paint and flowers dominated the auto market.

All of those styling icons sat on their steel counterparts merely for show; however, now, in the year 2007, functionality is the name of the game. And the auto companies play hard.

The trend of 2006-2007 is a combination of two designs: a car and an SUV. To car junkies, this kind of car has been dubbed a “crossover” – a cross between the two for those who want the ease and gas mileage of a car, but the capability, safety, and space of an SUV.

An example of this is the Mercedes-Benz R-Class. There are two models in this class, the R-350, offering a 3.5 liter V-6 engine, and the R-500, offering a potent 5 liter V-8 – more than enough to propel this family-hauler to soccer practice.

The extra power comes in handy when you might have get out of a tight situation, or outrun the Johnsons to the soccer game. The minivan conjures the image of a mother carting kids around all day, with no time for herself.

BY ELLIOTT KOEHL

“GIT R’ DONE,” “My child is an honor student at …,” “Vote Democrat!”If you think that is a list of overused

conversation topics, then guess again.Surprisingly, these are all bumper stickers found on cars

here at OTHS.Senior Bobby Johnson’s bumper sticker reads, “Give blood, play

hockey.” “I like mine because hockey is my favorite sport, and it adds personality to my

car,” he said.Today, bumper stickers are quite common. Teenagers use them to display their favorite

sayings, parents use them to brag about their children, and people across the country use them to campaign for their favorite politicians and political issues.

According to www.bumprstickrz.com, it is believed that the first bumper stickers came about before World War Two, and were attached with metal wire wrapped around the bumper.

After the war, the stickers were used in political campaigns. This idea spread to industries in which they became a commercial concept, often used to display humorous slogans.

Forest P. Gill is credited as the “King of Bumper Stickers” because it was his original idea to replace the bumper wire attachment method by experimenting with pressure sensitive stock, providing the bumper “sticker” effect. In 1934, he founded “Gill-Line” which has developed into a multi-million dollar corporation for a plethora of unique bumper stickers.

Gill-Line may have even designed the bumper stickers found in the OTHS parking lot. For all we know, that extra personality on our cars wouldn’t be there without Mr. Gill.

Cars across O’Fallon are decorated with their own personal message. Sophomore Tommy Gehrer has a bumper sticker on his car for the band Sleater Kenny.

When he tried to remove it, his older sister wouldn’t let him because she said, “That’s how you’re going to win the chicks little

bro’, the sticker has to stay forever.”Whether you’re trying to show off you’re favorite sport or latch a date for the next school dance,

bumper stickers are a quick way of emphasizing your opinion.

04.04.07 7center6 04.04.07center 04.04.07 7center6 04.04.07center

It’s late. You are driving down a long, winding back-road, singing “Fergalicious” at the top of your lungs. Your eyes drift as the song’s climatic spelling session approaches.

As you go to your happy place, you fail to notice the 12-point, 200 pound white tail deer planted in the center of the street.

You look up just in time to swerve out of the way, and the car gently comes to a stop at the base of a tree trunk. Thankful to be alive, you hesitantly dial your dad’s cell phone number and explain the unfortunate chain of events.

The car is totaled. However, the deer safely walks away with yet another amusing story to tell his buddies at the local salt block the next morning.

For some unexplained reason, some of the most interesting moments of a teenager’s life happens when he or she is behind the wheel. From critters to characters, everyone with a license has experienced strange and awkward situations when driving, especially when they are just learning how to drive.

“When I was taking Behind-the-Wheel in Mascoutah, a bird flew into the windshield,” said senior Katy Dail, recalling one of her driving memories, “The instructor told me to turn on the wipers to get it off, and when I did, the guts spread everywhere.”

For some people, strange things can happen when they aren’t even the one driving. As senior Courtney Hoorman points out, the passenger seat can be a “very frightening [place] to sit in.”

Hoorman took Diver’s Ed. at OTHS with Mr. Dave Stosberg. She explained how her driving partner had a few misconceptions about the rules of the road.

For some reason she [her partner] thought it would be completely safe to take a left turn on red.

“We were driving and she turned [left at a stoplight] like it wasn’t that big of a deal. It was freaky, but pretty funny,” she said.

However, Aiyanna Wade, senior, had an encounter that shows it pays to be attentive while driving.

“When I had my permit, I would drive with my mom. On one particularly boring drive, I started to count how many bugs hit the windshield and splattered.

“All of a sudden, a van veered right in front of me, cutting me off, and I just so happened to notice the driver had both feet out of the window,” she said.

But the girls don’t get to have all the fun. Male drivers also undergo bizarre and embarrassing situations when operating a vehicle.

“About a year and a half ago, I took this mad, fine honey out on a date,” said senior Travis Lintvedt. “After the date, we decided to cruise and just talk for a while before she had to go home.

“As we were [turning] onto her cul de sac, I looked down to change CD’s. Seconds later, we heard a loud crunch,” he said.

Lintvedt had inadvertently run over a mailbox. He ended up having to call his friends to come and lift the car off the ground, while his date climbed underneath to pull it out.

“I decided it would be best to tell the owner of the mailbox [what had happened],” said Lintvedt. “The owner reacted very calmly and it cost me $75 [to have it replaced].

Perhaps everyone hasn’t had the pleasure of dodging birds, slaughtering mailboxes, or falling victim to a homicidal driving partner, but given time, everyone will have their own unique tale to tell.

Hopefully, students can create their own memories with all appendages inside the vehicle.

Horror stories: behind the wheelBY CASSIE FINK

Say it with a sticker

Can you feel it? The power will soon be in your hands! You can go anywhere, anywhere in the world. Well, that’s only if you can make it home in time to meet your parents’ curfew.

Today’s the day! You just received the piece of plastic that every teen longs for, a driver’s license.

Ah yes, the driver’s license. It is the pinnacle moment of our sophomore year and at the time, the highlight of our lives. For those teens that are on the outside looking in, it is one of the most memorable moments to be driving down Smiley Street, going 25 mphs, and jamming to whatever pop song is “hot” at the time.

According to sophomore Ben Trotter, “I have wanted my license ever since I popped out of the womb.”

For many underclassmen, they long for their license so that they no longer have to ride the

rickety, old school bus and have the ability to come and go as they please.

However, for most teen drivers, they have to get a part-time job to pay for the epidemically high gas prices. So, how good is getting a license if you have to pay for car expenses?

“You feel more responsible because you’re in control of the car,” stated senior Allyson Pope.

Students who currently don’t have their license may see changes in the amount of hours they drive behind the wheel as well as how long they have a permit.

With the driving laws subject to change, many underclassmen may have to wait to get that precious piece of plastic that says, “Look out world, here I come!”

Regardless of what laws may come into effect, receiving a driver’s license is one of the milestones that all teens look forward to.

Freedom in a plastic cardBY SARAH MANFUCCI

Getting your licence is a big dealBY C

AITIE

MUELLER

The crossover brings to mind a chic mom -- bringing the kids to soccer and then whisking herself away to conduct business, shop, or do something productive.

When people think of a historic “guy car,”,the Pontiac GTO comes to mind.

In its day, the GTO was one of the meanest cars around, sporting a 6.7-liter V-8 (which is bigger than a Cadillac Escalade’s engine). This beast pulled about 202 horsepower and about 250 ft-pounds of torque.

Today, however, smaller cars seem to be the thing in the male population.

In early 2006, Pontiac unveiled the Solstice, a small two-door, two-seat convertible and surprised the car market when more men than women started to buy the two-seaters up.

Even though it is pint sized, it really packs a punch. This capable coupe reaches 60 from zero in about 7.2 seconds, not too bad for a 2.4-liter, inline-4 turning the wheels.

So, next time you pass a teeny Solstice, glance in the window and chances are you will see a guy driving, just like the people of 50 years past saw in the GTO.

TRENDS

8 04.04.07sports

Team wins Sectional and Super-Sectional championships, second place at State

Super fansspeak out

The third time was the charm.The Panthers boys’ basketball team put their names in the

record book on March 9 by winning the first ever sectional championship in OTHS basketball history.

The Panthers prevailed after getting knocked out the previous two seasons in the sectional semifinals round.

In the first half, the team got off to a fast start by going on a 14-0 run to begin the game.

The Althoff Crusaders fought back with a 15-0 run of their own to take the lead. But an 11-4 run put the Panthers on top, and after that they never looked back.

The icing on the cake was the Panthers going 12 for 17 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter on their way to victory.

Junior Kenny Leverette led the Panthers in scoring with 21 points, while senior Brad Copelin and junior Jared Woolfolk both contributed 11 points.

Coach Mr. Rick Gibson summed up the effect of winning the Sectional championship by saying, “To be able to see it come together and to get to the super-sectional, it feels good for our whole community, for our kids, and for our school.”

The team holds up their Sectional plaque after beating Althoff on March 9.

E��IOTT KOEH�

The team smiles after placing second at the State Tournament on Saturday, March 17. The team lost in the finals to Chicago Simeon 77-54.

MS. MARY DEMPSEY

BY DREW SANTEN

Senior Jeremy Pope recalls his favorite game of the season. “The last game of the season was really special for me because I knew it was going to be the last game we were ever going to have as seniors,” said Pope.

REGIONAL

SECTIONAL

SUPER-SECTIONAL

Putting O’Fallon on the map: Boys’ Basketball Road to State

Senior Jack Tierney remembers his favorite memory from the season. “My favorite memory has to be the playoffs as a whole. It was fun watching the team dominate after sort of losing it mid-season,” said Tierney.

Senior Megan Griffin recalls her favorite game. “My favorite game had to be against Belleville West because it was a really good game and it was really intense between the fans in a positive way,” said Griffin

Junior Caleb Piatt retold his favorite memory from the season. “My best memory is taking 13 fans buses to Peoria and then having that many fans in Peoria cheering on the team,” said Piatt.

Junior Jared Woolfolk looks for a teammate to pass to at the super-sectional game against Decatur Eisenhower.

DAN DUNBAR

OTHS 68, Collinsville 54

OTHS 70, Althoff 54

OTHS 63, Decatur-Eisenhower 60

After upsetting Althoff at the sectional game, the team had only one stop left before they headed to state.

The boys traveled to Carbondale on March 13 to take on Decatur Eisenhower. This game came down to the final few seconds to determine the winner.

The score was close throughout the whole game and was tied with only 20 seconds to go, but junior Jared Woolfolk wrapped up the game as he swooshed two free throws with only 3.8 seconds remaining on the clock.

Junior Kenny Leverette was

the leading scorer for the team, with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Woolfolk contributed 16 points for the Panthers.

The final score, 63-60, led O’Fallon to its first Illinois Class AA Super-Sectional title in school basketball history and helped improve their record to 26-7.

Most importantly, the win advanced O’Fallon to its first trip ever to the state basketball tournament.

BY MEGAN ALESASKI

The Panthers strong fourth quarter against the Collinsville Kahoks on March 2, gave the Panthers their third straight regional championship with a 68-54 win.

The Panthers led by three going into the fourth quarter, and finished the Kahoks off by outscoring them 26-15 to close the game.

Senior Mike Malat drained two 3-pointers and the Panthers went 14 out of 19 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter.

The Panthers were lead by junior Kenny Leverette with 21 points, while seniors Brad Copelin and Mike Malat added 16 points of their own.

“The starters were the starters,” Coach Gibson said after the game. “They all had a big night like they are capable of doing. We didn’t need the bench to score tonight.”

BY DREW SANTEN

04.04.07 9sports

Team wins Sectional and Super-Sectional championships, second place at State

After performing well on Friday, the team was back for round two on Saturday: the Semifinals of the state tournament against Lincolnshire-Stevenson.

In the first half of the game, only three Panthers put points on the board: senior Brad Copelin, junior Kenny Leverette, and junior Keith Burton.

In the second half, senior Mike Malat and junior Jared Woolfolk continued the attack by adding 12 more points to the total.

Copelin was the team’s leading scorer with a total of 24 points, which included two 3-point shots and a dunk with 1:27 remaining in the 4th quarter.

During the game Leverette went down

twice with injuries, including an elbow to the face and a poke in the eye.

“I’m alright; everyone gets war wounds,” said Leverette.

The Panthers showed greater control of the ball in the game than in their previous one against Lockport.

“The difference is that yesterday we had that lead and we were nervous, and today we went in looking to attack and win this game,” said head coach Mr. Rick Gibson.

The final score of 65-51 advanced the Panthers to the championship game at 8:15 that night against Chicago Simeon, the No. 1-ranked team in the nation by Sports Illustrated as of March 20.

The team smiles after placing second at the State Tournament on Saturday, March 17. The team lost in the finals to Chicago Simeon 77-54.

MS. MARY DEMPSEY

Senior Mike Malat makes a break away from Lincolnshire-Stevenson’s guard. The Panthers won 65-51.

MS. MARY DEMPSEY

BY DAN DUNBAR

STATE QUARTERFINAL

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Putting O’Fallon on the map: Boys’ Basketball Road to State

STATE SEMIFINAL

Senior Brad Copelin and Junior Keith Burton hug at the end of the championship game on Saturday, March 17.

MS. MARY DEMPSEY

The varsity basketball team made history when they traveled to Peoria for the State Championship. Along with them came 13 fan buses of students waiting to fill the arena.

The first point of the game was scored by Lockport, but O’Fallon was quick to rebound. Holding near a 10-point lead, the boys played an outstanding first half.

Those who were watching saw a slightly slowed momentum from the team after half time.

During the fourth quarter, Lockport tied the game at 42 points and went on to take the lead.

But, as Coach Mr. Rick Gibson said, “We found ourselves trailing on the scoreboards… They didn’t roll over. They didn’t give up.”

Then, senior Mike Malat drained a 3-pointer, with seconds left on the clock, putting the Panthers back on top.

“I just happened to shoot it and it went in. That’s my little thing that I do. I like to shoot threes. I was open and I shot it,” Malat said.

The team sealed it when junior Jared Woolfolk ended the game with a free throw, giving O’Fallon a 3-point lead.

“We got up here for state, and I said, ‘You know guys, we can enjoy this, or we can really get focused and think we want to play tomorrow,’” Coach Gibson said.

The boys got focused and finished the game with a 48-45 victory and advanced to play Stevenson the following morning.

BY AUDREY STUTSMAN

OTHS 48, Lockport 45

OTHS 65, Lincolnshire-Stevenson 51

Chicago-Simeon 77, OTHS 54

Losing 77-54, the Panthers were outplayed by Chicago Simeon in the State Final on Saturday, March 17.

The boys tried from start to finish, only behind by three points after the first quarter.

It was in the second quarter that the team fell behind, ending the half 41-27.

The boys started off the second half not much better allowing Simeon to score nine unanswered points.

The boys continued to play with every effort; however, it wasn’t good enough. Simeon still moved forward finishing the third quarter, 61-43.

With roughly three minutes left of play, Coach Gibson took out the starters and gave the other 10 members of the team a chance to play for some part of the game.

Although a loss, the boys had nothing to be ashamed of.

The boys ended the season fourth in the Conference, Regional, Sectional, and Super-Sectional champions, and second at State. The team finished their season with a record of 28-8.

“There is only one team that can say they are better than us,” said Coach Gibson.

BY DAN DUNBAR

BY

CO

NR

AD

PLY

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10 04.04.07sports

Girls’ TrackDate Opponent Time Home/AwayFri. April 6 Annie Relays 4:00 p.m. A�ayMon. April 9 Mt. Vernon/Mascoutah 4:00 p.m. A�ayWed. April 11 Ed�ardsville Relays 4:00 p.m. A�ayFri. April 13 Jerseyville Inv. 4:00 p.m. A�ayThus. April 19 Alton Inv. 4:00 p.m. A�ayFri. April 20 Ed�ardsville Relays 4:00 p.m. A�ayWed. April 25 St. Clair County Meet 4:00 p.m. A�ayThus. April 26 Granite City Inv. 4:00 p.m. A�aySat. April 28 Collinsville Inv. 10:00 a.m. A�ay

Boys’ TrackDate Opponent Time Home/AwayTues. April 3 Ed�ardsville 4:00 p.m. A�ayFri. April 6 Belleville West 11:00 a.m. A�ayWed. April 18 Ed�ardsville Relays 4:00 p.m. A�ayTues. April 24 St. Clair County 4:00 p.m. A�ayThurs. April 26 Marion Freeman Meet 3:45 p.m. A�ay Sat. April 28 Marion Freeman Meet 9:00 a.m. A�ayTues. May 1 Mt. Vernon Relays 4:00 p.m. A�aySat. May 5 Colinsville Inv. 10:00 a.m. A�ayThus. May 10 SWC Championship 4:00 p.m. A�ay

Girls’ SoccerDate Opponent Time Home/AwaySat. April 7 Glen�ood 8:30 a.m. A�ayMon. April 9 Marquette 4:30 p.m. HomeTues. April 10 Belleville West 4:30 p.m. HomeThus. April 12 Columbia 4:30 p.m. HomeTues. April 17 Mt. Vernon 4:30 p.m. A�ayThus. April 19 Granite City 4:30 p.m. A�ay

Girls’ Softball Date Opponent Time Home/AwayThurs. April 5 Collinsville 4:15 p.m. HomeFri. April 6 Mascoutah 4:00 p.m. A�ayTues. April 10 East St. �ouis 4:15 p.m. A�ayWed. April 11 Civic Memorial 4:15 p.m. A�ayThurs. April 12 Belleville East 4:15 p.m. HomeFri. April 13 Salem 4:15 p.m. HomeSat. April 14 �imestone-DH 1:00 p.m. A�ayTues. April 17 Granite City 4:15 p.m. A�ayWed. April 18 Mt. Vernon 4:15 p.m. A�aySat. April 21 Centralia 10:00 a.m. A�ayTues. April 24 Ed�ardsville 4:15 p.m. A�ayThurs. April 26 Belleville West 4:15 p.m. HomeFri. April 27 Triad 4:15 p.m. HomeSat. April 28 O’Fallon Trny 9:00 a.m. HomeTues. May 1 Alton 4:15 p.m. A�ayThurs. May 3 Collinsville 4:15 p.m. A�ayFri. May 4 Triad Trny 5:00 p.m. A�ayTues. May 8 East St. �ouis 4:15 p.m. HomeWed. May 9 Althoff 4:15 p.m. A�ayThurs. May 10 Belleville East 4:15 p.m. A�ay

Boys’ BaseballDate Opponent Time Home/AwayThurs. April 5 Collinsville 4:15 p.m. A�ayFri. April 6 Webster Groves 4:15 p.m. HomeTues. April 10 East St. �ouis 4:15 p.m. HomeWed. April 11 Civic Memorial 4:15 p.m. HomeThurs. April 12 Belleville East 4:15 p.m. A�ayFri. April 13 Highland High School 4:15 p.m. A�aySat. April 14 Triad 10:00 a.m. Home Mon. April16 Centralia 4:15 p.m. Home Tues. April 17 Granite City 4:15 p.m. HomeSat. April 21 Mt. Vernon 12:30 p.m. Home Tues. April 24 Ed�ardsville 4:15 p.m. Home Thurs. April 26 Belleville West 4:15 p.m. A�ay Fri. April 27 Normal U. 5:00 p.m. A�ay Sat. April 28 Champaign Centennial 12:00 p.m. A�aySat. April 28 Normal West 2:00 p.m. A�ayTues. May 1 Alton 4:15 p.m. Home Thurs. May 3 Collinsville 4:15 p.m. HomeFri. May 4 Wesclin 6:00 p.m. Home Mon. May 7 Althoff 4;15 p.m. A�ay Tues. May 8 East St. �ouis 4:15 p.m. A�ay Thurs. May 10 Belleville East 4:15 p.m. Home

Boys’ TennisDate Opponent Time Home/AwayWed. April 4 Ed�ardsville 4:00 p.m. HomeSat. April 7 Triad Trny 8:30 a.m. A�ayWed. April 11 Collinsville 4:00 p.m. HomeFri. April 13 Jacksonville 1:00 p.m. A�aySat. April 14 Decatur Doubles 8:00 a.m. A�ayTues. April 17 Belleville East 4:00 p.m. A�ayFri.-Sat. April 20-21 Belleville East Inv. 3:00 p.m. A�ayMon April 23 Belleville West 4:00 p.m. HomeWed. April 25 Centralia 4:00 p.m. A�ayFri.-Sat. April 27-28 Charger Inv. 4:00 p.m. A�ayWed. May 9 Granite City 4:00 p.m. A�ayFri.-Sat. May 11-12 SW Conference Meet 2 p.m./8 a.m. A�ay

Spring Sports Schedule

Most people take every action, every breath, and every talent that they possess for granted.

After having three open heart surgeries, junior Brandon Gass is very grateful for all that he has.

Starting at the age of two, Brandon picked up a Louisville slugger and began swinging! Following in big brother Brian’s footsteps, Brandon wanted to dominate the mound as well.

In 2002, while attending a routine check up with the doctor, Brandon’s pediatrician noticed a heart murmur.

After undergoing more tests, doctors then diagnosed him with a congenital condition of his heart called coarctation of the aorta, which is when the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the body is pinched or constricted.

In June of 2004, Brandon underwent his first open heart surgery. He stayed in the hospital for a week and then began the recovery process.

“It’s definitely hard to deal with, but it makes me better as a person,” said Brandon.

His second surgery was in Nov. 2005, during his sophomore year. He had to go through the same recovery process as his first surgery. Within a few weeks, he was ready for playing baseball.

His most recent surgery was in Dec. 2006.

Fellow baseball player, senior Jeremy Pope, made paper hearts that read “Got Heart” to put on student ID’s to support Brandon during his tough time.

On Jan. 28, 2007, Brandon was honored with the Bo Jackson Courage award by the Pitch and Hit Club of Chicago for his long battle with a heart condition and athletic success during this challenging experience.

Brandon is now more than ever ready to take control of the mound.

“I hope to become an All State Player, and hope to have more wins than last year,” said Brandon.

Finishing third place in the 2006 Illinois High School State Tournament, the O’Fallon baseball team is swinging into action to dominate another season of the great American past time.

The team’s head coach, Mr. Jason Portz, led the team to a record of 35-7 last year.

Tryouts for the 2007 team were held Feb. 26 - March 2. The varsity roster consists of 21 players.

Starting off the season on March 23, the boys traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, for a series vs. Christian Brother’s High School, who were ranked sixth in the country last year. They finished the series 1-2

Every year the team gets the chance to round the bases at Busch Stadium. Last year, they took on the Triad Knights, and won with a 5-4 victory. This year the game is Sunday, May 6, where the hits continue at Busch Stadium vs. Galesburg.

For team bonding, both the JV and Varsity teams recently dyed their hair blonde -- or as some may call it,

“highlighter yellow” -- to show school spirit.

“It is tradition to do something that brings the team together,” said junior shortstop Caleb Piatt.

“It is something they did on their own, taking the extra step shows a lot about their character,” said Coach Portz.

He thinks it is great and shows team unity.

Starting with a difficult schedule, the first conference game was against Edwardsville. They finished the game with a 9-7 victory.

Pitching and defense are definitely the strengths this year. Returning pitchers senior Jeremy Pope and junior Brandon Gass are ready to take the mound, with help from sophomores Andrew Kenyon and John Levin. Returning infielders, seniors Jesse Schmidt, Tim Kline, and junior Caleb Piatt, will take their bases.

“Getting better everyday and playing relaxed, but staying focused are some of the goals for the season,” said Coach Portz.

BY AMANDA ILER BY AMANDA ILER

Pitcher Brandon Gass plays with heart

Baseball hopes for last season’s success

Boys’ Track“This is the best group of seniors that

we have had in my tenure as coach,” said head coach Mr. Ron Koch.

In the distance events, seniors Josh Eickmeier, Dan Dunbar, and Jack Tierney lead the way from a successful Cross Country season.

In sprinting events, seniors Duane Bennett, Chris Dixon, T.J. Hagarty, David Jimenez, Juston Curry, and sophomore Lamont Oakley are going to be a hard group to beat, and hopefully re-qualify the 4 by 200m for state again.

As for hurdles, seniors James Earle and Justin Warren are going to score as well in the 110 High Hurdles and the 300 Intermediate Hurdles.

Finishing up the point-racking crew, seniors Dylan Erb, Ryan Glenn, and Shane Trotter plan to finish very high in the conference for field events. Erb qualified for state last year in the pole vault.

Girls’ TrackWith a returning state qualifying

4 by 800m team consisting of senior Kristen Scolarici, sophomore Kelsey

Van Housen, and sophomore Tialei Waikiki, and 200m runner junior Aleesia Isom the team should finish high in the conference.

Some top returning seniors include Camille Howell, ShaTonya McClain, Amicia Ramsey, and Asia Smith.

Under the direction of head coach Neil James, Assistant Coach Ryan Massey in sprints and hurdles, Pat Hasenstab in throws and hurdles, and Candace Caveny in istance, the team hopes to place as high as possible in the conference.

“Our goal is like always, and that is to qualify as many people as we can for state,” said Coach James.

Boys’ TennisOn March 28 the boys’ tennis team

starts its season off against Alton. With 12 dual matches and six

tournaments/invitationals, the boys hope to finish better than last season, where they finished 11-4 dual meet record.

“Our first big goal is to win the Triad Tournament,” said head coach Mr. Ryan Blaha.

One new thing the team added this year was a tougher schedule. Coach Blaha “buffed up the schedule” to help make the team better.

Returning back to the team is seniors Wes Phillips, Jason Leonard and Fran Ziniti, and juniors Doug Mennerick and Robert Peter.

“We have a lot of young guys and open varsity spots so they should step up,” said Coach Blaha.

Girls’ SoccerStarting off the season winning the

Bi-State Shootout, the girls was 3-1

when sent to press.Junior Megan Riley, junior

Sarah Griggs, and sophomore Maddie Harvey led the way for the girls by being honored on the All – Tournament team.

Head coach Mr. Davis Ames, Coach Mr. Craig Dippel and Mr. Jason Turkington have chosen a team consisting of only two seniors and many younger members.

The girls’ next home game is against Marquette on Monday, April 9.

“Our goal is just to keep building and getting better” said Junior Megan Riley.

SoftballWith a new coaching staff, the girls

were not quite sure what to expect. But with a win (3-2) on their first

game of their season against Waterloo, the girls’ are looking forward to the rest of the season.

At press time, the girls were 1-3.“I love all of our new coaches,” said

junior Rachel Burroughs.Head coach Ms. Kate Walsh, coach

Mr. LD Walters, and coach Ashlee Heady work with the squad to try and make an unstoppable squad.

With five returning seniors and five more returning juniors, the team certainly isn’t inexperienced.

Along with all the classics, a number of freshman and sophomores are stepping up to fill open positions.

“As long as we have only a couple errors per game and good hitting and base running, we should do well,” said Burroughs.

1104.04.07 sports

There’s a new team on the court - boys’ volleyball.

“I’m really excited about the season. I’m kind of nervous because I don’t know how we are going to do,” said senior Andrew Sandheinrich.

The season began on March 22 at North Tech where they won.

On March 27, the Panthers played their first home game against the only other area team, Althoff High School. JV won in three matches, while the varsity team lost in two matches.

For the past couple years, OTHS school has had intramural volleyball; however, it never went beyond that.

After many requests, the school started putting a program together.

Athletic Director Mr. Todd Moeller and Principal Mr. Steve Dirnbeck found Mr. Tim Gagen to take on the

role of putting together and directing a team.

“My experience is eight years as [girls’] coach at Columbia High School, and I assisted Althoff last year with their boys’ program,” said head coach Mr. Gagen.

With the help of assistant coach Ms. Traci Isom, Coach Gagen picked out a squad consisting of 14 varsity and 12 junior varsity players.

The team competes against St. Louis area teams for the most of the season until play-offs in mid-May, where they will play Chicago teams.

The team’s regular season will end May 7 at Normandy High School.

“I feel it is an honor to be the first head coach at O’Fallon High School and I look forward to developing a program which will standout on the local level, and even compete on a state level,” said Coach Gagen.

BY DAN DUNBAR

Junior Bryant Beykirch and senior Jerry Cooper go up for a block against an Althoff player.

MR. JOHN DEMPSEY

Boys’ volleyball begins first season

Four years ago, freshman Keith Surber s t a r t e d w r e s t l i n g , following in his brother’s footsteps.

This season, Surber only lost

three matches. His overall record was 43-3.

He competed in East Alton Woodriver for regionals and gained a first place victory.

Then he traveled to Chatham Glenwood for Sectionals and held the number one spot.

After Sectionals, he traveled to Champaign, Ill., for the state meet.

He placed fifth place and earned a medal, the first medal earned by an OTHS wrestler in school history.

Surber said he was very proud of the outcome, but hopes to place higher next year and maybe win it all.

Surber said good practice partners like sophomore Lee Wise, senior Nick Grahek, and senior Christian Rice were some of the keys to his success.

He said he also learned a lot under the guidance of Coach Exton, and trainers Nick Purler and Jeff Estrada.

“I couldn’t have achieved the spot that I am at today without the experience, such as the tournaments that my dad took me to all over the country,” said Surber.

Wrestling all year round, Keith hopes to continue wrestling in college at Minnesota or Mizzou.

Keith Surber wrestles at state, wins 5thBY AMANDA ILER

Keith Surber, freshman

Faculty vs. Boys’ Volleyball

Come see the faculty take on the boys’ volleyball team on April 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the

Panther Dome!

Boys’ Volleyball ScheduleDate Opponent Time Home/AwayThus. April 5 Ritenour 4:00 p.m. HomeMon. April 16 Normandy 4:00 p.m. HomeThus. April 19 Bayless Sr. 4:00 p.m. A�ayMon. April 23 Althoff 6:00 p.m. A�ayWed. April 25 Zum�alt South 4:00 p.m. HomeThus. May 3 North Tech 5:00 p.m. HomeMon. May 7 Normandy 4:00 p.m. A�ay

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWBY DAN DUNBAR

12 04.04.07features

W h e n someone hears about a biggest loser competition, they may think of a show on NBC filled with emotional drama and extreme dieting. However, that was not the case at OTHS.

Twelve members of the OTHS faculty have been busting their butts since January to lose a few pounds and be named OTHS’ Biggest Loser.

The idea came from head custodian Mr. Paul Hangsleben.

Mr. Hangsleben said that the janitors were all sitting at the table one day discussing their weight.

He said that it was agreed that it was a problem for them, mainly because extra school food or food

from the teachers was given to them. He said, “We [the janitors] are like a zoo. People

just come by and feed us.” This wasn’t a bad thing, but they always ate what

was given to them. While they talked, they decided to have a contest

just like the reality show “Biggest Loser.” The competition went from January 15, Martin

Luther King’s Birthday, until February 28, when the winner was announced.

Mr. Jason Clark, security guard, was the overall winner after losing a total of 30 pounds.

“I lost the weight by simply altering what I eat and cutting back on eating fast food,” he said.

The competition was helpful for some of the staff

and just plain entertaining for others.

When asked if the competition would be held again, all of the janitors shook their heads no, saying that they were depressed and crabby the entire time.

“We like being fat and that’s the way we are going to be,” said janitor Mr. Mike Hepworth

as the others smiled and laughed with agreement.

BY RACHEL HOLTGRAVE

OTHS staff conducts own ‘Biggest Loser’ weight-loss competition

High school pranks always seem to be the talk of the school at the end of the year.

Every senior seems to be coming up with their own prank to make the end of the school year a blast.

There is always talk about senior pranks in school, but not that many major pranks have been pulled at OTHS.

Seniors pull pranks for many reasons.

Some people think about what legacy they can leave behind for people to remember them.

Some seniors see it as a right of passage as they graduate.

“In the past, some students got about a hundred or so crickets and released them in the hallways,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Jeff Yates.

He said that it was “not too upsetting to the learning environment so it was not to severely punished.”

Another prank some seniors pulled two years ago was taking a friends truck and filling the bed of it with water. Then, they all got in their swimming trunks and bikini’s and rode into the front of the school on their last day. After though, they went home and changed, so it was no longer a disruption.

Consequences of senior pranks can range from being expelled from

school, not walking in graduation, or just having to clean the mess up.

Mr. Yates thoughts on senior pranks are “if they can keep it small and from disrupting the learning environment, then it’s okay.”

If the senior prank attracted media attention according to Mr. Yates it would not be too upsetting to the school and he would not really care as long as the attention was positive.

The school does take precautions a week or so before graduation by adding more security to make sure no one goes “TP-ing” or destroys anything on the grounds.

The administration wants everything to be able to be cleaned up

so when students and parents come in for graduation, they don’t become upset with the mess that could have been prevented.

Mr. Yates also said, “Senior pranks are a part of graduation as long as they are minor.”

His advice to students planning a senior prank is to, “not jeopardize your graduation day by pulling any outrageous pranks that could get you expelled or not let you walk in your own graduation ceremony.”

Senior Ashley White agrees with Mr. Yates by saying senior pranks “are a part of graduation.”

She continued on by saying, “They should definitely be done.”

You’ve Been Punk’d !!! Most senior pranks pulled at OTHS are minor occurrences BY JESSI HEGGER

Bowman, Szwedo named students of the monthBY CATHY GABITAN

Mr. Jason Clark

Wouldn’t it be killer to have two of the school’s most coveted parking spots reserved for you one whole month out of the school year?

Out of the 537 seniors, only 18 hardworking students ever get the chance to receive such a sweet reward.

Of course they have to earn it, which is exactly what Adrienne Bowman and Nick Szwedo have done.

After four years of unrelenting hard work, partaking in numerous extracurricular activities, and still maintaining their grades at an above average level, these two outstanding scholars have once again proven… you can do it all!

Adrienne is a part of Student Council, SADD, the Robotics Team, Lifesavers, Spanish Club and Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Madrigal brass, the WYSE Team, Saturday Scholars, and Blizzard.

She was also in February Frolics and Prom Committee her junior year. But if you think that’s all, you’re way off!

Outside of school she takes ballet, jazz, and modern dance classes at Dance Station, where she also works as

a receptionist. In addition, she works as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the O’Fallon Memorial Pool. She’s also a peer tutor and teaches private trumpet lessons.

Adrienne has already been accepted into the University of Illinois’ chemical engineering program, but remains a Northwestern University and Vanderbilt University hopeful.

Her dream occupation would be to become a chemist or chemical engineer, but after her future children are older, she’d enjoy being a high school chemistry teacher.

One of Adrienne’s favorite teachers, Mr.Pat Herrington, Honors Calculus and Pre-Calculus instructor, says, “Adrienne is a very hardworking, fun person who exhibits a high level of energy in Honors Calculus.”

On the other hand, Nick Szwedo, who’s been part of the boys’ varsity soccer team for three years, the Chamber choir, SADD, PWP, Blizzard, the Spanish Honor Society, Broadcast Club, National Honor Society, Lifesavers, and the Encore Jazz Choir.

He was part of Frolics for three years, an emcee this year, and he was awarded Mr. Charming in the school’s first Mr. Irresistible pageant.

He’s been an All Area Belleville News Democrat honorable mention, on the Chicago Fire All State All Academic 2nd team, and an Illinois Stride Scholar.

Nick has received the Youth Salute Leadership Award for soccer and placed third in the IMEA songwriting contest.

Besides all of his school duties, he still finds the time to coach soccer camp during the summer, be a Luke: 18 youth retreat leader and a church usher, play the guitar and piano, perform band gigs with his dad, and teach private guitar lessons.

Nick plans to attend the University of Illinois this upcoming fall. He’s not quite sure what he wants to do, but knows he wants to keep music a large part of his life.

Nick’s advice to his fellow OTHS Panthers is, “to get involved in the things that interest you because what you participate in can help prepare you for your future.”

Adrienne’s parting words of wisdom are, “the bad times make all the good memories that much more fabulous.

“High school is just one of many adventures we will experience in our

lives, so make the best of it, do not worry about being ‘cool’, do what you want to do, and most of all just have fun, because when we are old and wrinkly sitting in a rocking chair at Cracker Barrell, these will have been four of the best years of our lives.”

Students of the month Adrienne Bowman and Nick Szwedo show off their musical skills.

E��IOTT KOEH�

04.04.07 13

Junior Mark Rheaume and freshman Joseph Young sing about Belle, Gaston’s dream girl. Their characters, Lefou and Gaston concocted an ingenious plan that didn’t help Gaston get the girl.

PHOTOGRAPHIQUE/MR. JOHN B�OYER

Juniors Alexa Kissinger and Cory Chapman have a heartfelt father-daughter moment as Belle and Maurice.

PHOTOGRAPHIQUE/MR. JOHN B�OYERSenior Jake Young, as the Beast, and junior Alexa Kissinger, as Belle, dance during the theme song ‘Beauty and the Beast’. After hours of practice, the two delivered the dance with flawless grace.

PHOTOGRAPHIQUE/MR. JOHN B�OYER

Junior Angelika Sullivan proves she has school spirit during the spring pep rally. The pep rally was dedicated to our spring sports and doubled as a way to announce the Prom Court candidates.

E��IOTT KOEH�

Bleacher maniacs get into position to fire up the crowd. They entertained the crowd and gave a funny and energetic performance.

E��IOTT KOEH�

Top: ROTC dives into Carlyle Lake. This freezing act of kindness helped raise money for the Special Olympics. Left: Mr. Cory Patton shows his good sportsmanship by giving Nathan Range a congratulatory low-five at the annual PWP wheelchair basketball game. The Rolling Jr. Rams defeated the faculty team, 33-20.

CO�ONE� ABBOTT

E��IOTT KOEH�

OTHS springs into the season...

photos

The phrase “Bond, James Bond” isn’t exactly a toss-away pop culture quote.

In lieu of this year’s prom theme, 007: Tonight Never Dies, we are offering you our collective genius gathered from countless hours of research (a.k.a. renting every Bond flick at Blockbuster and taking furious fashion notes).

So, without further adieu, here are some ways to make your prom a little less bland and a little more Bond arranged, conveniently, by era.

The ‘70s Bond girl is characterized by simple beauty. Less makeup and more accessories with your dress are going to make you look like you just walked off the early Bond screen.

The dresses opened up a new fashion frontier: the plunging neckline. It drew attention to the glamorous necklaces that were showcased throughout the early Bond films.

The colors were intense: lots of dark, crimson reds and chocolate browns.

As we are all aware, a broke teenager cannot afford a diamond choker, but going to the mall and picking out something cheaper that’s made of cubic zirconium or Australian crystal. It will still look shimmery and diamond-esque.

Transitioning into the eighties brings just what you’d expect: hair, hair, hair.

In the late 70’s, the hair color of Bond girls transitioned into a dark brown.

Barbara Bach and Lois Chiles set the Brunette trend that would run for four Bond films straight.

You can’t go wrong with ‘80s Bond girl hair. If you’re ready for something drastic, dye it brown and curl it, leave it straight, or chop it all off. Whichever way you choose to go, make it big. It is the 80’s after all. It will be very Bond and will look great with the dress colors that were in at the time.

Wed advise anyone to stay away from the Muumuu that was in style in the ‘80s, but the rich oranges and pinks that were featured throughout this Bond era are sleek and sexy.

The ‘90s and up feature the Bond girls we are most familiar with. The gowns are typically of a silky satin make and are low cut in the front and the back.

As the Bond girls started moving into the 2000s, the hair is more free and down or short and choppy. With superstars like Halle Berry signing onto Bond projects, naturally, the companies they endorse get their hands in on it.

The makeup in the last couple of movies has been stunning. Go for a really natural look with lightly rosy cheeks and a soft lip. The eyes are where it’s at. An intense eye draws the attention to the lines of your face and brilliantly accents the aforementioned pink cheeks and neutral lip.

The girls are a lot more complicated that the guys. Other than your standard Bond tux, there are a few easy finishing touches that will make your ensemble stand out.

Men’s flair magazine outlines a few pieces that will turn your Bond outfit into a masterpiece.

First and foremost: a blazer. Don’t go too crazy and get a lilac suit if you’re attempting to keep with the theme of Prom. Bond always wore basic colors like black and white, so anything stark will make you stick out like a sore thumb.

Next is the crisp shirt. This is the essential piece. A good dress shirt will distinguish you from every other guy dressed like Bond at Prom.

Don’t be afraid to get a little creative. Men’s Flair suggests to even try a cool patterned shirt in muted tones like in Casino Royale.

Next up: the tux, complete with cummerbund. This is a James Bond essential. It is that extra line that draws the eye to the crisp look of the tux.

As for accessories, it’s the little things that count. Part of James Bond’s mystery is in the subtleness of his outfits.

Get a nice pair of sterling silver cufflinks and wear a sophisticated watch. These will make you look all-the-more authentic when the jacket comes off on the dance floor.

See, that was painless. But on one final note, the Prowler does not, I repeat, does not condone accessorizing with guns, rounds of ammunition, throwing knives, or cyanide pills, all of which Mr. Bond has been known to carry.

So, we wish you all a good time at Prom. Remember, Bond is all about the attitude, so have fun and be confident and Prom really will be a night that will never die.

BY KAILA SANABRIA AND JELISSA BUCK

Bond through the agesEasy ways to make Bond fashions of yesterday the Prom of today

SUSPECTS FOR 2007 OTHS PROM

COURT

From senior Matt Tobler’s public request at Frolics to a simple question in the hallways, how do you want to be asked to prom? Here are a few ideas that if used, will guarantee a “yes” from whoever you ask…hopefully!

Inflate Your Date’s EgoWrite your date information on small slips of paper (time, place, date, type of dress, etc.) then slip

each one into a different balloon. Inflate the balloons and tie them together with ribbon or make a bouquet out of them. Deliver to your date’s house, classroom, or �ork.

Goldfish in the SeaGive your date a goldfish in a bowl or bag or give them some goldfish crackers. Leave a note saying,

“Of all the fish in the sea, I want you to go to prom with me.”Don’t be coldPut the invitation and short message in an ice cube. The message could say, “Please don’t leave me out

in the cold. Say that you’ll go out with me,” or “It would be really cool if you’d go to prom with me.”Adoring KissingPut Hershey’s kisses in the front door�ay of their house. “No� that I’ve kissed the ground you �alk

on, will you go to prom with me?”Mission ImpossibleDeliver a tape �ith this message, “Your date, should you choose to accept it, �ill be �ith ________

at _________ time on ________ (day). You �ill be picked up by a person �earing ________. Your date will feel like s/he may self-destruct if you do not reply by ________.”

- source: http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/dating/creative_ways_dance.html compiled by Rachel Holtgrave

04.04.07 15prom14 04.04.07prom

NAME: Ashton Douglas

HANDLE: “Beautiful Bandit”

SEX: FemaleCRIME:

Convicted Heart Breaker

DETAILS: Her voice makes guys melt when she comes near them and her beauty causes them to change into robots and they do her bidding. Her drones have been known to rob banks and steal jewels.

NAME: Ellen Atterberry

HANDLE: “Atter-Action”

SEX: FemaleCRIME: Stole

cow from the PET Dairy building DETAILS: 5’4 and has blue eyes and brown hair. Other details are unknown at this time.

NAME: Megan Murray

HANDLE: “Baby Face Murr”

SEX: FemaleCRIME: Stole

spirit stick and engraved “‘07 DYNASTY” on it

DETAILS: She began her life of crime when she was sentenced to six hours for an OTHS cell phone offense. She was released after serving five hours of her sentence due to good behavior.

NAME: Caitlin Moulton

HANDLE: “Moulton Lava”

SEX: FemaleCRIME: Stealing

the spotlight on the dance floor

DETAILS: Suspect is armed and fabulous. May be in posession of seriously hot dance moves. Witnesses claim to have seen her talking up a storm with any victim she comes into contact with. Officials warn all prom attendees to be aware of suspect’s dangerously show-stopping dancing.

NAME: Noelle Mathis

HANDLE: “Noe*Wezzy”

SEX: FemaleCRIME: Her

flow is so fast, it makes victims dizzy and they fall into a deep sleep, when she procedes to steal their money and other valuables.

DETAILS: Noe*Wezzy is a rapper and spends her free time going to Jamarcus’ house and eating chicken wings with Shooter McShooterson.

NAME: Audrey Schaulat

HANDLE: “Audrenaline”

SEX: FemaleCRIME:

Vandalism: gave bronze panther complete makeover, including pedicure

DETAILS: Audrenaline is notorious for pilfering anything pink -- she’s even been caught eyeing Barney the skeleton’s hot pink boa in Mrs. Shook’s classroom. The suspect has been frequently spotted lurking around the tennis courts.

PROM

Easy ways to make Bond fashions of yesterday the Prom of todayOh, James!How to lay on the Bond charm

Dresses, tuxes, limos, and dancing. Prom has every aspect of a glamorous night.

People always remember their prom as a wonderful night that they spent with that special someone, however, how are you and your date supposed to act around each other if you’re not the typical boyfriend and girlfriend couple, or if you just want to impress your date by getting everything just right?

To start off, when you go to pick up your date, guys: try actually going up to the door for a change. Prom is not your typical date, so the normal honk from your car is not what should happen.

Girls, if you’re nervous about your date meeting the parents for the first time, don’t freak. Simply do what you have to to make your parents happy, and then quickly make a B-line for the door.

For all those long-time couples who are on just another one of those school dance adventures, try to make this a little different by joining a group of friends to take pictures.

When you do get out of the house, guys, maybe open a door for your date; most times it’s really unexpected and she’ll appreciate the extra effort you’re taking.

The tradition of the corsage and the boutonniere is a really “flowery” tradition that for some unknown reason, never works out.

One of the most challenging things of the night is the battle of pinning that flower on your dates tux.

The best thing to do, if you don’t want to stab your guy in the chest, is pretend to pin it on while some pictures are taken and then get some help from someone who really

knows what they’re doing. And here’s a little extra note for

you guys about ordering your dates corsage; if you don’t know what color her dress is, simply go with white flowers and white ribbon.

Once you finally arrive at the fabulous Adam’s Mark Hotel and find your table, most students walk around and talk to everyone. Don’t be afraid to separate from your date while you say “hi” to your friends.

Remember, you aren’t glued together.

Once it’s time for the dancing to begin, you don’t need to ask your date to dance, but not stepping on each others toes would be a nice touch. Don’t stress if your date wants a little room to dance with friends, keep in mind, we’re going “back to the basics.”

When the night comes to an end, and you and your date are dancing to the infamous “Don’t want to miss a thing” last dance theme song, maybe tell that special someone how much fun you had and that it was really great.

Guys, you don’t need to be Prince Charming, just put a little extra effort into your night and your date will appreciate all the great things you did.

Girls, be sure to tell your guy how great everything was and especially how happy you are that you went with them.

A note about picking a prom date: if you are just going as friends then make sure both of you are clear on that and your night will be a lot of fun.

However, if you are hoping for something more, my advice is to make sure you’re the only one on your date’s candidate list before you get too into it.

The biggest piece of advice I could give is to have fun and make an effort to have a memorable night. Most students only get two proms, and for the seniors, it is the last dance all of us will have together.

BY MEGAN SCHULTE

COMIC BY MARK RHEAUME

Prom is Saturday, May 5 at the fabulous

Adam’s Mark Hotel in St. Louis.

Before and after Prom is always a big deal to OTHS students, it seems. Taking pictures and being with your friends on one of the biggest nights of your high school life is what many people view as the main focuses of Prom. Yet, too many people there is much more to do before prom.

Girls are busy making appointments for hair, make-up, and nails, while the guys are busy getting corsages and making reservations at restaurants. Keeping track of all of those appointments can get so hectic, that you have no time to really think about the whole aspect of After-prom.

Remember, even though there is so much going on beforehand, it is supposed to be fun, not mind-numbing pain.

A lot of students are planning on going to Prom with a significant other, some with a group of close friends, and some will be arriving stag.

No matter whom students go with they always wonder... “What are we doing before and after Prom?”

Students here at OTHS have some great before and after prom ideas.

One interesting idea from senior, Samson Tama-Alil’i Tauili’ili Waikiki is, “my group of friends and I are preparing for Prom by watching some episodes of “Sponge Bob,” and then, after going to my house to finish the night off with a cartoon marathon.”

Like Waikiki, there are many students with some fun, exciting ideas, while other students with plan romantic evenings.

Some other basic ideas for After-prom include going home and finishing the night with a dip in a hot tub, or going to the infamous school sponsored After-prom at the St. Clair Bowling Alley.

Senior, Jessica Kammerzell said for her After-prom she is, “Going to After-prom for a little while, but then going to another party with some of my friends.”

With all of the events going on the day of Prom, there are many ways to mess up a perfect night.

There are those who will still want to go make destructive decisions to ruin their perfect night. With all of temptations in the world, don’t let them become the most important thing.

04.04.07 15prom14 04.04.07prom

Prom doesn’t end when the music stopsBY JESSI HEGGER

Remember to stay safe on prom night

NAME: Logan ShortHANDLE: “Shooter

McShooterson”SEX: MaleCRIME:Stealing the

hearts of women... literally.

DETAILS: Shooter is Mr. Rogers’ worst nightmare whose life of crime began the

second he found out that Santa was not real. When he is not comittimg crimes, he likes to go to Jamarcus’ house and eat chicken wings with Noe*Wezzy.

NAME: Nick SzwedoHANDLE: “Mr.

Magic”SEX: MaleCRIME: Copyright

infringment, inproper usage of television rights

DETAILS: Not the most organized criminal. He has

illegally downloaded over 2,000 songs and has exploited the Panther Beat to promote his personal life and own music. Mr. Magic was last seen writing a song for his Bond girl.

NAME: Dann HaegeleHANDLE: “DAnny

BeauTye”SEX: MaleCRIME: Stealing

girls’ hearts, girls from their men

DETAILS: BeauTye is a devilish character who is naturally wanted... by girls at least. He

influences them with his thief-like ways and causes girls to steal glances of him and kisses from him. Many vie for his attention, but few are successful.

NAME: Duane BennettHANDLE: “Curious

Cupid”SEX: MaleCRIME: Stole the

hearts of 3 womenDETAILS: Convicted

before of a broken heart in the first degree. Recieved 10 tickets of riding on Cloud Nine in a Love

Lane Zone. He was also sent to love rehab five times in one year.

NAME: Brad CopelinHANDLE: “Bradley

James Copelin”SEX: MaleCRIME: Distubing

the peace, throwing water balloons at the elderly

DETAILS: Bradley and “his boys” were driving around in a black Durango. They

decided they were gonna “bust some peeps with water balloons.” Then they saw some “rival seniors” (senior citizens) and drove by, pelting them with water balloons. The police department was called and Bradley and his gang were arrested on the spot.

NAME: Josh EikmeierHANDLE:“White

Lightning”SEX: MaleCRIME:Public

Indecency DETAILS: Witnesses

claim to have seen him running shirtless throughout the streets of O’Fallon, but due

to his lightning speed, no concrete evidence has been obtained. Officials decline to comment on failure to match his record-breaking velocity.

PROMSUSPECTS FOR 2007 OTHS PROM

COURT

04.04.07 16a&e

Imagine a murder investigation so intense that four police departments, the FBI, and numerous detectives couldn’t even crack the case.

On March 2, “Zodiac,” David Fincher’s most recent film, hit the theaters with nearly three hours of plot twists, crazed detectives, and authentic ‘60s and ‘70s style.

Based on a true story, the movie tells the tales of seven San Francisco Bay Area murders that lasted from 1966 until 1969. In real life, the murderer titled himself “Zodiac,” though it is still unclear why.

Adding to the fear across California, he wrote 18 letters and four cryptograms to detectives, police stations, and newspapers, demanding that they be published, or he would attack again and yet he still attacked on three different occasions.

Only one of the four cryptograms was solved, and Zodiac’s identity was never revealed as he claimed it would be. The Zodiac killer continued to taunt detectives until 1974, then again in 1978.

Despite the fingerprints, phone

calls, and letters from Zodiac himself, the killer was never captured. In 1991, however, the case was reopened to reinvestigate the prime suspect, Arthur Leigh Allen. Significant evidence found in his home singled him out as the murderer. Unfortunately, Allen died of natural causes in 1992 while awaiting trial.

Unlike the typical remake, the movie closely parallels the actual events. From the sudden shooting of the first couple, to the violent stabbings of the other victims, the film was as graphic as it could be. Not only did the murder scenes make you jump, but the drab colors and dark lighting made the viewer feel as if they lived in the ‘70s.

Even if you are already familiar with the murder mystery, “Zodiac” is worth all two hours and 38 minutes. Fincher took a surprising twist to the story by focusing on Robert Graysmith, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, and his obsession with the murder case.

Though I didn’t find that the length deterred the film in anyway, sophomore Anisa Hammond thought differently.

“The graphics and murder scenes were really cool, but the storyline took

too long to get to the climax,” she said. The numerous characters in

the movie and all of the special affects may have made it so lengthy.

Supporting actors in the film included Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, and Anthony Edwards. All four of them did exceptionally well by playing more serious roles, different from their usual comical character.

Senior Derek Jones was particularly impressed with Anthony Edward’s impressive acting skills.

“It wasn’t exactly a ‘top gun’ performance, but he did an awesome job in his detective role,” said Jones.

As a whole, the film was rather impressive. If you’ve got some time to kill, and you’re a murder mystery buff, “Zodiac” is the movie for you.

Zodiac movie an impressive mystery murderBY CAITIE MUELLER

“Welcome to the Jungle.”Thirteen new girls fight for

the chance of a lifetime on the eighth cycle of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) hosted by former supermodel Tyra Banks.

Only one can claim the grand prize of being represented by Elite Model Management, a contract worth $100,000 with CoverGirl

cosmetics, a cover and six-page spread in Seventeen magazine, and above all else, the title of being named “America’s Next Top Model.”

Each week, the girls’ skills are put to the test to master runway and fashion photo shoots, and learn the business aspects of becoming a supermodel- all under 24/7 surveillance. The girls will be judged, tested, and eliminated until only one is standing.

The new season premiered on February 28, and is the second cycle to air on the new CW network. ANTM 8 is also the first cycle to feature two plus-sized women as finalists.

As usual, you can expect hilarious drama, because who doesn’t laugh at 13 girls fighting over petty problems and cry when their hair gets chopped off at makeover time?

Top model loses points in my book

this season for its less glamorous and generic-themed photo shoots. Since its run on the CW, the photos just haven’t been the same compared to the previous seasons on the UPN network. But never the less, the show is still fun to watch.

Catch season 8 on the CW network every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Eight girls remain, but who will become “America’s Next Top Model?”

BY BEN HOMBURG

America’s Next Top Model starts eighth season

Jake Gyllenhaal, left, as “Robert Graysmith” and Chloe Sevigny as “Melanie” star in Paramount Pictures and Warner

THE PRODUCT THE GOOD THE BAD BOTTOM �INE RATING OUT OF 5

Movie: Premonition

As you follow Bullock’s character through the nightmare and reality, you really do sympathize for her. Is she sane or insane?

Not only is the movie repetitious, but it also leaves the audience with many unanswered questions.

You can wait for it on DVD. It’s a good movie, but not the best. However, your eyes are glued to the screen until you piece together the puzzle

Book: “Godless”

By Pat Hautman

The plot is great. It is written in a flawlessly satirical and humorous style and is easily relatable to an average guy in a boring town who is looking to make a difference.

The climax comes really fast and the book seems to wrap up really quickly. However, I like to think of this as a plot twist rather than a downside.

It is a refreshing book and a must read, be you a bleeding-heart Atheist or a devout Catholic.

Available in the OTHS library.

Chill Spot: Laser Rock at

the EDGE

For starters, it’s really fun, addicting even. It’s active, but not strenuous to the point where you have to take a break every 10 minutes.

Sometimes, you get stuck with the munchkin seven year old birthday party group. Oh yes, those of you who have experienced this in the past know that the swarm of those little buggers play for blood.

Despite the routine cretins that sometimes lurk around every corner, once you are left alone you are free to explore the recently remodeled world’s largest laser tag arena, you’ll get hooked.

Make-up:CoverGirl Trublend Products

All CoverGirl TruBlend products are guaranteed to match 97% of skin tones, or your money back.

The only thing not so great with this product is it doesn’t last as long as professional make-up.

The lightweight whipped foundation gives flawless coverage. If you want to buy good makeup without spending a lot of money, CoverGirl products are the best way to go.

PROWLER PICKS

MCT WIRE SERVICE

BY BEN HOMBURG AND KAILA SANABRIA