Directions

DirectionsVolume 32, Issue 1 Knox High SchoolNovember 13, 2009

INDIANA SETS LAWS FOR NEW DRIVERSby Rachael Winebrenner

Drivers in possession of a probationary license issued on July 1, 2009, or who anticipate requiring one in the future will want to know about the new drivers licensing law that applies to anyone under that age of 18. This new law addresses cell phone use, nighttime driving, passengers, crashes, and moving traffic violations. The laws became effective July 1. A majority of teenagers have cell phones and use them with almost every breath. With that said, many may not be pleased to learn that under the new law all telecommunication devices cannot be used by drivers under the age of 18 while operating a vehicle. Emergency 911 calls are the only exception. Reasoning behind the new law includes research that shows cell phones have, in fact, been proven in a series of tests to be more dangerous than drunk driving. Nightlife provides the pulse for lots of teens, but under the new law, that beat may slow. The first 180 days of driving for new drivers will be restricted to driving between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. After the first 180 days, however, the rules become a little more flexible, but some restrictions will still stand: Sunday through Thursday underage drivers will be allowed to be see Laws, p. 6

on the roads 5 a.m.- 11 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday they can be out from 5-1 a.m. Exemptions for these new restrictions include work, school, or church- related activities or if the driver is accompanied by a licensed driver over the age of 25. The first 180 days of holding a probationary license no passengers will be allowed in the vehicle with the underage driver. One exception, however, is if the driver is

accompanied by a licensed driver 25 years or older. Additionally, in at-fault crash or moving traffic violations, probationary drivers will no longer qualify for court diversion programs. July 1, 2010, other new rules will be effective for drivers with learner permitstionary licenses. One such rule

Knox Welcomes Dr. Ratliff! by Sam Snyder The Knox Community School Corporation has been no stranger to administrative changes in the past few years. The latest addition is Dr. Elizabeth Ratliff, new principal at the high school. Ratliff began her education in New Mexico, where she earned her bachelors in accounting. Shortly after, Ratliff said she had the opportunity to view what she called an amazing, business vocational class, which inspired her to choose a career in the educational field. After seeing

how students were engaged in their learning, Ratliff said she couldn’t think of anything more fun to do. She moved on to obtain her masters degree and then her doctorate in educational leadership. Ratliff’s previous education experience includes working in Arizona and, closer to home, at Plymouth High School, where she was assistant principal. While there, she handled the bulk of the discipline, plus some additional curriculum duties.

Right now, Ratliff is focusing on see Ratliff, p. 6

Jade Draper and Kyle Page demonstrate the dangers of texting while driving in this mock accident.

Ratliff said when

she saw students

engaged in learning,

she couldn’t think of

anything more fun to

do.

OpinionRedskin Talk

by Alexis Sheets

Q: What did you want to be when you were younger?

“I wanted to be a psychiatrist and help people with their minds.”-Abby Marsh, junior

“A farmer. I used to ride around on my “big” tractor in my yard... until I was too big and it broke.”-Ethan Coad, senior

“A professional football player.”-Brandon Beauchamp, junior

“I wanted to be a singer so I could be famous.”

-Kara Aaron, freshman

“A lawyer because my mom told me that they made lots of money.”-Alexis Eby, sophomore

“A police officer.”-Anthony Tomerlin, senior

Welcome to issue 1, volume 32, of the 2009-’10 Knox High School newspaper, Directions! This year brings multiple changes in the way student publications are produced, meaning that today’s newspaper will be brought to readers completely online using the latest available technology.

Students, faculty and staff have been asking, “Are we having a newspaper this year?” and the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” but it’s taken many weeks of hard work reconfiguring and tweaking to get this up-to-date publication off the ground. Also, for the first time, Directions and the Knox yearbook, Sanbur, have been combined into one class under the umbrella of Knox Publications, and our fledgling staff is working double-duty to create two, outstanding publications in a class which in previous years met twice as long.

That aside, the high school community has much to look forward to in this year’s newspapers and yearbook. For instance, with many thanks to the Graphics Department and the Knox technology crew, the publications staff has been developing skills in newspaper layout using the most recent installation of Adobe InDesign and PhotoShop.

What does this mean for reader? As the publications staff hones its journalist skills, we hope to provide more in-depth stories, more features, more pictures, and more entertainment. Additionally, readers will enjoy full-color, cover-to-cover photos and designs in both the newspaper and yearbook.

Knox Publications hopes you enjoy this issue of Directions. We welcome your comments and feedback and hope you will bear with us through our “growing pains” as we develop through the Age of Technology. Go Redskins!

~Mrs. Kubaszyk, Publications adviser

Welcome Knox Publications!

Directions StaffKaitlyn Betz

Stefanie BradleyRashya Davis

Cassandra GloverMonicca GuiseBecca Hardel

Natasha RedlinBrittany Rowe

Samantha SnyderRachael

Winebrenner

Layout Editor: Alexis SheetsAdviser: Mrs. Kubaszyk

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Sports2009 Volleyball Sectional Champs

Brittany

Tetzloff said she loved

Coach Skelly’s jumping jacks.

Kaity Farus said she

loved winning sectionals and the boys’ body

painting at regionals.

by Monicca Guise The Knox girl's volleyball team rocked the court this year with a record of 30 wins for varsity and a 17-8 season for junior varsity. Standouts included senior Kristine Adamiec, juniors Brittany Tetzloff, Caity Farus, Janyl Zachary, Kierstynn Combs, and Kelsey Kajer, sophomores Hannah Folkers, and Emma Manns. The Gary Post-Tribune named Knox

volleyball in the top five area teams.Coached by Jake Skelly, the girls took second in the LaPorte tournament and stomped off the Tippecanoe Valley tournament court as undefeated champs. The team was co-champs (3-0) in the South Bend Adams tournament and won the class 3A sectional at Rensselaer Central by blowing out Andrean 3-0, and later scored a pounding win against

a tough Griffith team, earning Knox volleyball the first sectional title in 20 years. They wrapped up the season with a bittersweet loss to Mishawaka Marian in the Twin Lakes regional competition.

“We had an outstanding season,” said Skelly. “We appreciate the support that we have received throughout this awesome journey! We are already excited for next season to begin!”

Senior Kristine Adamiec ended her high school career with three digs against Mishawaka Marian at regional competition.

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Knox:0 Winamac:20Knox:27 North Judson:23

Knox:7 John Glenn:28Knox:6 John Glenn:20

Knox:0 Jimtown:10Knox:21 LaVille:0Knox:32 LaVille:0Knox:26 Culver:0Knox:13 Bremen:7Knox:27 Triton:0

Knox:14 New Prairie:6Knox:31 John Glenn:15

Knox:6 Andrean:28

SportsRedskins Wrap Up Fall Season

Wins:LaCross

Boone GroveCulver

WestvilleBi-County meet at

West Central3rd at Kouts Invitational

18th at CMA Invite7th at Sectionals

Goshen: 56.5Carol:(2nd place) 57.4

Kokomo:(4th place) 57.9Maconaquah: 56.8

Penn District: (4th place) gold rating 60+

Plymouth: (5th place) 66Chesterton Regionals: gold

rating 64+

Knox: 3 New Prairie:2Knox:5 North Judson:0

Knox:4 Kankakee Valley:1

Knox:0 Triton:5Knox:1 John Glenn:4

Knox:3 Tippy Valley:2

Football

Loses:to West Central

to Bremento Triton

Austin Edwards advanced to Regionals

CROSS

COUNTRY

Boys’ Tennis:

Knox:0 Jimtown:5Knox:0 Bremen:5Knox:4 LaVille:1Knox:0 LaPorte:5

Knox Invitational: 8thKnox:4 North Judson:1

Knox:4 Rensselaer:1

Band

4

Featureby Becca Hardel

The National Guard is the oldest component of the United States armed forces and one of the nation’s longest enduring institutions. The National Guard first participated in The First Munster in 1636, when the force was barely three months old. Organized on Dec. 13, 1636, the National Guard celebrates its 373rd birthday in December.

Historically, the Guard has fought in many conflicts, including the Civil War, especially at Gettysburg,

World War I, World War II, and in numerous engagements in the War on Terror. The National Guard has also provided much needed assistance during national crises, most recently and notably in the wake of hurricane Katrina.

Knox Community High School has many students who have joined the Guard and others who are still considering joining. Seniors Micheal Hoekman, Max Brewer, and Monicca Guise have taken their oaths for the National Guard and attended basic training last summer. Hoekman spent his summer at Fort Benning, Ga., while Brewer attended Fort Sill, Ok. Guise’s basic training was at Fort Leonardwood, Mo. Attending National Guard basic training in summer 2010 are junior (Gordon) Trae Scheib and

The National Guard

by Stefanie BradleyOver the summer, three Redskin

students traveled to Washington, D.C., where they studied government and electric cooperatives in an orientation program for the Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. Seniors Kristine Adam Lee, Heather Pick, and Kassandra Saylor were among 78 students across Indiana to participate in the 50th anniversary year of the program.

The trip kicked off June 11 in Indianapolis when the group toured the Indiana Statehouse, heading for the District of Columbia the next day. Along the way, the group visited several historical sites, including Gettysburg Battlefield

and Baltimore's Inner Harbor.Arrival in D.C. found the attendees on

the go with visits to Arlington National Cemetery, the National Mall

Museum, the Newseum, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Finally, the delegates met with Woodrow Wilson Center director and former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton.

The delegates then went to the “Youth Tour Rally” where they learned about the “Our Energy and Our Future” project. Later, they heard from the Olympic medallist in U.S.A. men’s wheelchair basketball Mike Schlappi, who shared his inspirational story and them to “stand out”

wherever their career paths led them.The trip highlight, delegates agreed,

was the luncheon they shared on Capital Hill with Indiana Congressmen Baron Hill, Dan Burton and Joe Donnelly. After lunch they met with Indiana Congressman Mike Pence for a photo op and to discuss current events.

Redskins Travel to Washington

From left: Corporal James W. Boyd, Jr., Max Brewer, Michael Merriman, Michael Hoekman, Trae Scheib, and Monicca Guise

senior Micheal Merriman.For more information about the

National Guard, contact: Corporal James W. Boyd, Jr., (574) 936-2715, ext. 17, or (574) 309-5779. Or, visit the U.S. National Guard website at: www.1-800-GO-Guard.com

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FeatureSenior Spotlight

permits and probationary licenses. One such rule mandates that drivers who receive their learner permit before July 1, 2010, will have no age restriction for starting the classroom portion of driver education. Also, those who obtain a learner permit after July 1 must be age 15 and have 180 days of driver education before beginning the class behind-the-wheel training. Finally, those who receive a probationary license before July 1, 2010, will need to wait 30 days if they have taken drivers education before obtaining their license... Those haven’t taken driver education will need to wait 180 days and must have held their learner permit for 60 days prior to obtaining a license. Anyone who receives a probationary license on or after July 1, 2010, and who has taken driver education will need to wait 180 days; otherwise, drivers who haven’t taken the class will need to wait 270 days. These applicants must also have held a permit for 180 days and must have 50 hours of supervised practice driving with a licensed driver 25 years or older.

Laws continued from p. 1

Jessica WaltersJoe Rietow

by Cassandra Glover

Q: What occupation are you most interested in pursuing?

A: Physical Education.

Q: What college do you think you would like to attend?

A: Indiana Tech.

Q:What are you looking forward to the most after graduation?

A: Having a summer of freedom!

Q: Of what accomplishment are you most proud?

A: Being a senior!

Q: What occupation are you most interested in pursuing?

A:Dentistry

Q:What are you looking forward to the most after graduation?

A: College baseball and not having to live at home.

Q: What's your school-related most humiliating moment?

A: When I wore women's clothing to school for money.

Q: What are you most proud of? A: Being second in my class.

helping students pass the End of Course Assessment Test, but she said she is also doing her best ensure that Knox High School is a fun and exciting environment in which to learn. She acknowledged her biggest challenge is in keeping the students engaged. Ratliff said she finds that there is so much technology available, from television to cell phones, that it can be difficult to provide an exciting and engaging learning environment for students. Ratliff said most of her family is from Knox, making this career move a good choice for her. Her father even graduated from Knox High School, and Ratliff said she couldn’t think of a better place to be.Ratliff also has a daughter in kindergarten who can often be spotted at games. “She is the loud one,” the principal laughed.It is also interesting to note that Ratliff said she absolutely loves computers and any kind of gadgetry. She added that she also likes to cook, but mostly for the gadgets she gets to use in the kitchen!

Ratliff continued from p. 1

Each year the Knox Community School Corporation provides food baskets to area families in need of assistance during the holidays. Traditionally, a friendly competition between the middle and high schools has developed to see which school can raise the most donations, but it’s all in the name of a good cause. Organizers are asking for donations of new or very clean and gently used toys, canned or packaged foods, baby food and formula and cash donations to purchase specific items. Donations can be dropped off in the high school main office. For an opportunity to win a gift card drawing, food items can be left in the rooms of Miss Terrill Hahn or Mrs. Josette Kubaszyk. Every five pounds of food earns students the opportunity to be placed in the drawing. The Knox Food Drive runs through Dec. 9, and baskets will be distributed Dec. 10 and 11.

Food Drive Kicks Off

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Entertainment

by Rashya Davis Aries ~ You must remember to keep your family close; you can always trust them. Look forward to an interesting social activity on your agenda. Taurus ~ Make friends with new people by stepping out of your comfort zone. Focus on improving the environment and give yourself a feel-good boost! Gemini ~ A surprise is just around the corner for you. Keep your eyes open for it to avoid a shocking setback. Cancer ~ November is your moneymaker month. Plan ahead to invest funds and you’ll earn more than just pocket change for spending. Leo ~ Save, save, save your money this month -- a rainy day is just around the corner. Two things you had lost will be found. Virgo ~ Don't be too hard on yourself this month. Focus on spending time with your family and lighten up a bit. You know money is tight, but your friends will enjoy your alternative, inexpensive ideas for having fun. Libra ~ Happy Birthday! You may feel like working on your own a lot this month, but don't let the important people in your life be left out. Let them know what’s going on to avoid a bad situation. Scorpio ~ Be careful this month! You’re on shaky ground at school. Still, give it time, and you just might find that silver lining. Sagittarius ~ November is a roller coaster ride for you. Sometimes you’ll feel like you can't get things right, then the next minute you'll find yourself doing okay. Someone at home will make you feel good this month. Capricorn~ Heavy studying is on your mind this month. You'll be feeling overwhelmed with homework, but the tests will prove it’s all worth it. That will be the time to take a break from school to spend some time with your friends. Aquarius ~ Watch your behavior the third week of the month. Friends will want to give advice about everything; you must be patient with them. Don't fight fire with fire. Pisces ~ Look out for a frustrating November, so try to keep some perspective. Let friends and family help you out, and you'll be sure to get through this rough spell.

Horoscope Fun

by Brittany RoweIf you’ve read all the books

and have seen the first movie, prepare now for the next film in the sequence, New Moon, coming to theaters Nov. 20.

While Twilight focused on the relationship of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), New Moon reveals the secrets of rival Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) and his love for Bella.

Following Bella's horrible eighteenth birthday, the Cullen family and Edward feel their presence places her too much

at risk and decide to leave town. Broken hearted, depressed, and

dazed, Bella turns to her long-time friend Jacob. As her heart slowly heals, Bella discovers new things to fear and begins to understand the true role Edward plays in her life. And, thinking she will no

longer be a part of the supernatural world, she learns the secret of the Quileute wolves and the real reasons for Edward’s departure.

Find out what happens as Bella risks her life and friendship with Jacob as she races against time to save her beloved Edward.

Fans Sink Teeth Into New Moon

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by Becca Hardel

A Human Body Contains enough...

☼ Sulfur to kill the fleas on an average dog.

☼ Iron to make a 3 inch nail. ☼ Fat to make 7 bars of soap. ☼ Carbon to make 900 pencils. ☼ Phosphorous to make 2,200 matc

heads. ☼ Potassium to fire a toy cannon. ☼ Water to fill a 38 liter/10 gallon tank.

Fishy Laws ☼ Boise, Idaho: Residents may not

fish from a giraffe's back. ☼ State of Idaho: You may not fish

from a camel's back. ☼ State of Indiana: No one may catch

a fish with his/her bare hands. ☼ State of Kentucky: It's illegal to fish

in the Ohio River in Kentucky with out an Indiana fishing license.

☼ State of Montana: It is illegal for married women to go fishing alone on Sundays, and it’s illegal for un- married women to fish alone at all.

Say What? ☼ About 200,000 videos are uploaded

to YouTube every day. ☼ Mel Blanc, who played the voice of

Bugs Bunny, was allergic to carrots. ☼ New Zealand is home to 4 million

people and 70 million sheep. ☼ The world's average school year

is 200 days per year. In the U.S., 180 days; in Sweden, 170 days; in Japan, 243 days.

Source(s): http://www.didyouknow.org/fast-facts.htm http://www.funfacts.com.au/

Fun Facts Important Date Set for Tim Burton’s“Alice in Wonderland”

by Rachael WinebrennerRemember the Disney classic

about the young girl Alice who enters another realm where everything is the opposite of reality? Imagine that same movie, only a little darker and more sinister, and you’ll have a good idea of Tim Burton’s recent adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. Burton has created his own version of the classic children’s tale with a thrilling twist in which a now 19-year-old Alice

returns to the realm of her childhood adventure and finds that she must stop the Red Queen from creating chaos.

The movie is packed with talented and familiar Hollywood faces, including the crowd favorite Johnny Depp, who plays the Mad Hatter. Audiences may remember him from the popular film Pirates of the Caribbean.

Mia Wasikowska stars in the role of Alice, and the part of the Red Queen is occupied by none other than Helena Bonham Carter, who fans will recall from the Harry Potter series, as Bellatrix Lestrange. Anne Hathaway (Ella Enchanted and Bride Wars) is beautiful as the White Queen. The White Rabbit is played by Michael Sheen.

Still under production, the movie is set for release on the big screen March 5, 2010. Tim Burton fans will want to check out this sure-to-please, reality-traveling adventure!

Entertainment

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