Eagle's Eye News February Issue

[ A s t u d e n t p u b l i c a t i o n o f R u s k i n H i g h S c h o o l ] [ K a n s a s C i t y , M O ]

Vol. IIIssue 3

Feb. 2012

See “Wiggns,” cont. on pg.14 See “Novel,” cont. pn pg. 6

Seniors, Immigrants & the Death Penalty - Opinions.......pp. 4 & 11

Sweethearts unite for a day of love......................pg.8-9

hospital,” Schwartz said.Anyone can publish a book

from the website createspace.com, and that is what Schwartz is working on. He is also pro-

By: Joseph FoxONLINE EDITOR

Insane, unimaginable, and fearful things occur in the novel “The Asylum,” writ-ten by Ruskin High School’s very own sophomore Joseph Schwartz. It took Schwartz six months to write this novel that he is currently trying to get pub-lished. The book is roughly 200 pages divided into 20 exciting and vivid chapters for teenagers and young adults to enjoy.

“This story is basically about the world that I created and about the crazy things that take place in this certain mental

RHS Soph Finishes Novel

By Zach KingSTAFF REPORTER

Hard work, dedication and stamina. Those are the three main components you’ll prob-ably need, to do what senior Aaron Wiggins accomplished this season with the Golden Eagle Wrestling Team.

The senior accomplished his 100th win January 30,

breaking the Ruskin High School record for the most wins in a high school career.

The team started their sea-son in November with condi-tioning and weight lifting and began practice the beginning

100 WINS. 1 GOAL.

By A’nessa WalkerMANAGING EDITOR

The Hickman Mills School District C-1 goal is to reach 12 annual performance report (APR) points for 2012. So far, they have earned nine of 14 possible points. The measure-ments for the national require-ments are based on the No Child Left Behind Act, which is set so that districts are on the right track for 100% of their students to score proficient or advanced by the year of 2014.

RHS Reaching for Academic ExcellenceSetting new goals to reach “12 in 2012”

This is called ade-quate yearly prog-ress (AYP), which is used to deter-mine the mark of accreditation of school districts. Districts have to obtain eight points of 14 APR (An-nual Performance Report) points to be considered ful-ly accredited.

As of right now, HMSD stands right in the middle of oth-

er districts such as the Center, Bel-ton, and Grand-view School Dis-tricts (see sidebar on pg. 3 for full list). Districts are accredited state by state by the Department of Education, which determines the district’s place-ment.

“It’s always a competition between the districts,” Ruskin

Principal Chad Ryerson said.Often school districts aim

to have the top APR points be-cause it’s perceived that those districts are considered the best of the best.

“The nine points are good. We are fully accredited, howev-er we know we can do better,” Dr. Everlyn Williams, Deputy Superintendent of Hickman Mills School District said in a web site presentation.

The District has set goals to achieve this such as increas-

See “12 in 2012,” cont. on pg. 3

[ INSIDE THIS ISSUE... ] Favorite neigbor ..........Pg.3

Coming from-recession ............Pg. 5

Spring play cast ..........Pg. 4

Drake coming to KC ..........Pg. 10

Inside The Classroom........Pg. 13

Valentine cheer ..........Pg. 8

New locks ........Pg. 2

Swimmers win big .......Pg. 15

[ N E W S ] [ P A G E 2 ]

Eagles tend to broken wingBy Deion EdwardsSPORTS EDITOR

Ruskin High School is tending to a lot of things that are holding the school back from improvements. Things that actually need help are get-ting the support they need. The back parking lot of Ruskin needed extreme fixing. It had multiple pot holes, cracks and the concrete was decaying. This really put the cars and buses that drive into the parking lot in danger of damage. The parking lot is in progress of being fixed with many of the holes, now patched.

“We need to make sure that the students are safe driv-ing in and out of the parking lot. We’ve been requesting that change for the longest time,” Vice Principal Robert Lee said.

Another weight that is keeping the Eagles from soar-ing is door security. Doors have been bolted at the top for bet-ter security when locked and new scan systems are being in-stalled. There will be black box-

es placed out-side the doors with scanners to allow access to teachers during certain hours. Doors to the au-ditorium and to the back of the cafeteria have been bolted. Teachers will be issued new ID badges to allow them ac-cess into doors before and after school anytime from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. After that, they have to have special permission for their cards to work. The new locks are for better safety mea-sures so that the doors can stay locked during the school day. Two doors will be locked on both sides and the rest will be locked from the outside. Prin-icipal Chad Ryerson had a posi-tive take on the subject.

“The locks are to keep

New ID scanners outside of RHS doors were recently in-stalled and will keep staff and students safer. Photo by : Deion Edwards

everybody safer. Everybody is safe now but we would like to take that next step to make things better, ” Ryerson said.

Ruskin is one of the few schools that has these new scanning systems. The scan-ners can be automated to give teachers access during different times and allow them entry into school outside of school hours.

blackout petition. The SOPA is to stop piracy here in the United States, like downloading mov-ies and music illegally.

United States Representa-tive Lamar S. Smith introduced

SOPA stopped

By Cristina AlvaradoPHOTO EDITOR

On Jan 20, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was postponed until Jan. 24 due to all the people that signed the

this bill on Jan. 18. When Smith introduced this bill he had only 31 opponents. Then. by Jan. 20, he had over 120 and still count-ing opponents, and over 7,000 websites blacked out, or shut down to protest the bill. Con-gress decided to post-pone this bill because they realized that they needed to re-think how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products, according to bcc.co.uk.

When the SOPA was intro-duced, websites like Wikipedia, Google, and Tumbler, were either shut down for 24 hours, or they had a blackout on there website. On Google, they had

See “SOPA,” cont. on pg. 4

By Markus SneadREPORTER

The brave and bold stu-dents faced the lights, camera, and all the action! Many audi-tioned in the auditorium on Jan. 16, but only nine enthusiastic actors made it as they battled for their spot. Director Kelly Michale cast: Joetay Grayson, Dezerae Ellis, Austin Strassle, Chonte’ Woods, Markus Snead, Akilah Bryan, Rhiannon Hin-kle, Cherie Ramsey and Logan Cristian in the play “Almost Maine.’’

The original play was sup-posed to be “Nosies Off,’’ but due to students’ busy sched-ules, the play was changed so it would be a great production for the school. The play is by John Carianian, an American actor. The original play has nine short plays and in each story the char-acters each experience love and loss in a place called Almost, Maine, a mythical place that doesn't exist. The nine plays are ‘’Her Heart,’’ ‘’Sad and Glad,’’ ‘’This Hurts,’’ ‘’Getting it Back,’’ ‘’They Fell,’’ ‘’Where it Went,’’ ’’ Story of Hope,’’ ‘’Seeing the Thing,’’ including a Prologue, Interlude, Epilogue. The play is designed for 4 to 19 actors.The play is supposed to be only two hours long.

‘’Their will be a few sur-prises,’’ Michale said. “There will be some things done using technology that will make this play very interesting and un-usual.”

The actors and actresses will be practicing from Janu-

Spring play cast

See “Play,” cont. on pg. 6

[ N E W S ] [ P A G E 3 ]

RHS fundraisers are once every quarter including the Food Drive, Toys for Tots, Coat Drive and recently a Christmas collection. Ruskin staff and students have raised $1,280 to donate to needy families and 3,000 cans of food.

Student council member, senior Erica Jackson likes the CAC.

“The thing I like most is that they help people in need out in the Hickman Mills area,” Jackson said. “Last year we donated a lot of foods and clothes, and some of the money from Courtwarming will go to CAC.”

Another StuCo member, senior Terrell Cannon, said he likes this organization a lot.

“What I like most is that it is beneficial to the community, families and students that at-tend here. Everything is anony-mous, so anyone in need can call in for help,” Cannon said.

By Cristina AlvaradoPHOTO EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER

Community Assistance Council (CAC) has been help-ing people for 33 years, accept-ing donations from clothing, food, and money to help people from the Hickman Mills Area. About 10 years ago, Ruskin High School became in con-tact with CAC since they have helped out families and stu-dents in this area.

CAC has been helping people since 1972, with only five full-time staff, and three part-time, but the job isn’t done alone. CAC has over 50 vol-unteers helping every week, to serve food, stuff backpacks for children, and organize and give away clean clothes.

RHS organizations such as Student Council, Leader-ship 2012, and Y4C brainstorm ideas for future fundraisers to help CAC.

CAC - Ruskin’s favorite neighbor

Junior Ramiero Palamores unloads some of the 3000 canned goods donated by students at staff at Ruskin High School.

Hickman Mills School District is one of the many part-ners that offer help to CAC.

“CAC does so much for this community,” RHS princi-pal Chad Ryerson said. “This year we have been very in-volved with CAC, local church-es, Coats for Kids and many other organizations. We’re try-ing to get rid of all our silly ru-

ing the attendance rate and test scores. At RHS, the goal for ACT scores is to average 21, the attendance rate to be at 94%, and graduation rate to be at 85%. The pressure is on Ruskin High School students and staff because they can earn 10 of the needed points all by themselves. To help the District exceed its “12 in 2012” goal, the RHS staff has implemented a variety of strategies with stu-dents.

Ryerson, in collaboration with the school administrators and leadership team, has in-creased the commitment to lit-eracy and data collection as two of the major strategies.

Teachers are focusing on teaching one ACT standard at a time within their individual curriculum. ACT standards are tied to the core classes. They test their students twice on each

standard and track the data to ensure mastery is met.

Staff members are also increasing students’ exposure to literacy by requiring that students to read and write in E V E R Y classroom E V E R Y day.

“I find it important for students to read and write every single day,” R y e r s o n said. “If we can’t read and write, how do we expect to be successful in life?”

Ryerson said that these two initiatives (ACT standards/data and literacy) are directly tied to bringing up End of Course (EOC) scores in the core class-

es. To help meet these goals, teachers are trying to get at least 80% of their students to score advanced or proficient on all tests.

Every student in the high school contributes in some kind of way to this effort. Students

who main-tain a 95% attendance will help bring the school at-t e n d a n c e rate up. S t u d e n t s who take the EOC and ACT exams se-

riously and truly do their best, can help increase overall test scores. By making progress ev-ery year, Ruskin can earn these points needed.

Annual Progress Report is the state report that looks at

specific criteria that Missouri has set forth in measuring the success and accreditation status of school districts in Missouri. It also is referred to as the dis-trict’s “report card” and has 15 subject areas that are graded and APR points are awarded.

The grading system is strictly either you met the re-quirements or you don’t, no in between. To determine these measurements, sub-groups such as students on free and reduced lunch, special educa-tion students, and minorities are looked at within a school building. The way it work is, if all the sub-groups in one building score higher compared to other sub-groups in other districts they can earn more points. However if one of the sub-groups does not make the AYP target the building is con-sidered as not making AYP.

mors and let the people know our school is successful.”

Everyone in this building has helped out with donations. Secretary Lisa Jennings grew up with donating to help the needy and ever since then she and her family donate whenev-er asked. Ryerson and his fam-ily also help sort food for the homeless.

“12 in 2012,” cont. from front cover

Hickman Mills C-1 School District has launched a campaign to reach 12 APR points this year. Below is a list of area school districts and their current APR points:

Center School District -13

Belton School District - 11

Grandview C-4 - 11

Hickman MIlls C-1 School District - 9

Kansas City (Mo.) School District - 5

Raytown School District - 9

[ O P I N I O N ] [ P A G E 4 ]

Do you have a comment on this or another article? We welcome your letters to the editor. See guidelines below.

A. Forum. Eagle’s Eye News is the official student-produced medium of news and information published/produced by Ruskin High School’s Eagle’s Eye News staff members. The Eagle’s Eye News has been established as a designated public forum for student expres-sion used to inform, educate and entertain its readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to its audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. The content of Eagle’s Eye News is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials, the school, the Hickman Mills C-1 School District or any of its affiliates. Advisers may – and should – coach and discuss content – during the writing process. The Eagle’s Eye will print as many letters to the editor as space allows each issue. The Eagle’s Eye reserves the right not to print a letter.

B. Format. All letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, signature and class or or position. Typed, double-space letters are preferred, but legible, hand-written letters are acceptable. All letters must be signed.

C. Limitations. Letters should be limited to approximately 300 words, or about one-and-a-half double-spaced, typewritten pages.

D. Editing. Letters to the editor will not be edited, except in rare cases to prevent legal liability (libel, obscenity, invasion of privacy, etc.), to edit material that is in poor taste, or to fit space requirements.

E. Address. Letters should be addressed to the editor, placed in an envelope and mailed to Eagle’s Eye c/o Ruskin High School; emailed to [email protected], placed in Mrs. Williams’ mail box in the main office or hand-delivered to Room 102.

Eagle’s Eye Editorial Policythis black box that when visitors clicked it, it took them to this petition to sign. Over 4.5 million people signed that petition, ac-cording to dailymail.com.

History teacher at Ruskin High School Kevin Utterback knew from the start, this bill wouldn’t last.

“I’m totally against this. Any censorship of the press is bad. Plus this will effect the economy. We make money off the In-ternet,” Utterback said. “Even if this was to pass, imagine what other little doors they would open too. They start with this, who knows where it will end. It’s like Pandora’s box, once one side opens, you never know the outcome.”

Students at RHS weren’t to happy about this either, includ-ing junior Jonathan Rodriguez.

“If this happens, the Internet will be boring. You can’t download no more music, or movies. I admit I watch pirated movies, but who doesn’t?” Rodriguez said.

The new voting for this bill will be on announced later, when Congress and Smith reconsider the issues on this bill

“SOPA,” cont. from pg. 2

by Tonique BurrellEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

To wish death upon some-one is something I don’t con-done, no matter how hurtful, painful, or sinful the crime may be. The death penalty is so wrong in so many ways and I say so for reasons that I person-ally know.

It was Sept. 26, 2011, when my father, Tony Burrell, took my stepmother’s life in front of her children stabbing her count-less times and letting her know she was going to die that day. With my younger step-sisters trying to save their mother’s life, he turned the knife on them and left one in the hospital with life-threatening stab wounds in both her hands and legs.

The death was all due to domestic violence. My step-mother and father were together for many years but only married for two.

My father had gone to jail when I was a very young child, very fresh out of the womb. But then, he came back into my life when I turned 12, and then, back out again. After he had left again, I found out that I had two older step-sisters and three younger step-sisters. My new siblings and I reunited as one

No Death Penalty Not even for my killing fatherand it was an unbreakable bond.

Me, my sisters, my step-mother and father all moved in together and soon came to the conclusion that things were just not right at all in our home.

In our home, we saw things like drug use, violence, weapons, and things we thought we should never experience. There were many sleepless nights due to arguments, and de-fenseless fights that I felt just couldn’t be won.

The arguments were so hurtful and painful being that they argued all the time and the argument’s turned into helpless, hopeless, winless fights that left us wondering what was going to happen next. But who ever knew that it would lead to him killing God’s own.

It hurts to say that he is my father and that he took the life of my sisters’ mother.

There was much contro-versy about what was suppose to happen to him after he was arrested. Questions were being asked like: “How do we feel about him? What do we feel that needs to happen next?” Then it came to the point that everyone

was like: “We want to go for the death penalty, so how do you feel about that?”

I stopped and listened to everybody talk and I was left with nothing to say. And when

I say nothing, I mean absolute silence. I was left speechless.

I didn’t know what to say nor did I know how to speak on what I was feeling about the situation. All I did was sit there and really think of all the circumstances.

I thought of things from ev-ery perspective that I could and I came up with many of them. I thought about how I felt when I first found out what had hap-pened...that I wanted him ar-rested and put to death.

But now something inside of me was saying that the death penalty was just not the road I wanted to go down.

One thing that ran through my mind was nobody has the full understanding of the mental state of my father and what he was put through to do just what he did.

But then I thought of things like that was my mother, just as well as my sisters’, and be-

cause they we were motherless, I hated him.

Then there was the thought of being a child of God and to wish death and to kill is a right that no one of mankind should have.

Yes, he did take a life of another, but I was always taught two wrongs don’t make a right. People may say that the state-ment doesn’t fit into this situa-tion, but in reality it does.

I look at it as if just because he killed someone doesn’t mean we should take his life. (And, no, I don’t say this because he was my father, but I also look at it as even if he wasn’t my fa-ther.)

I feel that the death penalty is so wrong and should be ille-gal in all fifty states. I say this because who is anyone to sen-tence someone to no longer live their life? My state of mind is set and will always be that no one’s life should be taken if it’s not nature’s course. That means that if God did not take his an-gel with his own hands, then ev-eryone should still be living on God’s green earth. Even a killer, like my father.

For the latest news story about the in-cident, visit http://www.dallasblack.com/communityChannel/stabbing-murder

O p i n i o n

Tonique Burrell

[ F E A T U R E S ] [ P A G E 5 ]

By Tamara DavisNEWS EDITOR

According to the Labor Department, the unemployment rate recently fell to 8.5 percent. The nation added 200,000 jobs in December 2011, in a hiring that drove the unemployment rate to its lowest in almost three years. The figures raised hopes that the economy might finally be healthy enough to power an even stronger job market. This benefit opened up more job op-portunities for many of our own Ruskin students.

“I got hired at JCPenney in Lee’s Summit in September 2011,” senior Pierre Moore said. “I was so happy when I got the job because it took so long for me to find one. I wanted to start work the day I got hired.”

During the 2011 holiday season, retail store hiring in-creased. Walmart, Kohls, Best Buy, and JCPenney, are just a few of the stores who hired be-tween 700 and 92,000 employ-ees nation wide, according to Jusin Griffen in his article “Act now if you want a seasonal hol-iday job.”

According to Moore, eight Ruskin Students got hired at the JCPenney in Lee’s Summit during the holiday season. Senior Laura Vidal counted four students who got hired at JCPenney at the Oak Park location.

“I got hired at JCPenney in Novem-ber 2011,” junior Ezra Hill said. “I promise it felt like I looked high and low for a job. Now, I am making my own money and happy about it.”

McDonald’s also hired many of the Ruskin students.

“I was hired in December at McDon-ald’s,” senior Tevin Johnney said. “I was looking for a job for at least a year, and it was real hard. I couldn’t be more happy now that I am making my own money.”

Senior Forrest Wright agreed.

“I can’t forget that me and my homies Tevin and Zach got hired on the same day,” he said. “Not only that I work with my homies, but I am now able to have the things I want.”

Accord-ing to Wright, seven Ruskin students work at the same McDonald’s location.

Unfortu-

nately, the Great Recession be-gan in December 2007, accord-ing to the National Bureau of Economic Research, and wiped out 8.7 million jobs. People lost jobs and spent less money, so businesses rang up less sales and were forced to lay off more people. They expanded unem-ployment benefits, increased food stamp allowances, and ad-ditional tax credits passed by Congress are estimated to have saved 6 million Americans from falling into poverty, ac-cording to the Research report. These stressful economic times had serious impacts on families and their health and well-being. Impacts which caused further economic stress on the state. Money, work, and the economy are rated by Americans as be-ing by far the greatest sources of stress.

According to Stephanie Pappas in her article, “Soar-ing Teen Unemployment could have Lifetime Effects,” in

From recession to opportunities

Senior Forrest Wright, an employee at McDonald’s, is taking orders in the back window.

Junior Ezra Hill, a emplyee of JCPenney’s, is folding up clothes and putting them in its cor-rect spot. Photo by Tamara Davis.

2010, adults were accepting low-paying, low-skill jobs once filled by teens. This made is very difficult for teens to have summer jobs and jobs for the holiday seasons.

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ary 30 until April 11. During this time they will be using all their skill to make this the best play Ruskin has ever seen. Many could agree that Ruskin students have put on excellent plays in the past like “Fame” and “High School Musical.” They will perform the play three times, April 12-14.

[ F E A T U R E S ] [ P A G E 6 ]

By: Zeinab Ahmed STAFF REPORTER

Dog owners at Ruskin High School - both staff and students - agree that their dogs listen when they speak to them, and now there is a study to con-firm that.

In a report published on-line in Current Biology on Jan. 5, researchers concluded that dogs not only understand “sit” and “down,” but they can also follow people’s eye movements and pick up on nonverbal sig-nals.

“Our findings reveal that dogs are receptive to human communication in a manner that was previously attributed only to humans,” study author Jozsef Topal, a researcher at the Hungarian Academy of Scienc-es, said in a statement. “Dogs, as well as human infants, are sensitive to cues that signal communicative intent.”

For the study, researchers presented 16 pet dogs with two videos featuring an actor turn-ing her head towards one of two identical flower pots on either side of her. In the first video, the woman makes direct eye contact with the dog and says, “Hi dog,” in a high pitched voice. In the second video, the woman avoids eye contact and says, “Hi dog,” in a low pitched

voice. Using eye tracking tech-niques, researchers concluded that the dog was more likely to pick up on the woman’s intent when directly addressed and less likely when she didn’t look at the dog and spoke quietly.

“The [dog’s] gaze was only triggered when preceded by communicating intent. It does seem to be that dogs do look at humans and follow gestures,” said Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal behav-ior Clinic at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

“This is intuitive to anyone who owns a dog, that dogs seem to be more in tune with us than some scientists believe.”

Communication Arts in-

structor Stephanie Melius states that her dog, Pella, understands her when she speaks. She said Pella enjoys conversation and will even place her paws on Melius’s shoulders to demon-strate her attentiveness.

“Dogs are pack animals and like interaction,” Melius said. “They are very social.”

Junior Demarquis Nealy said he talks to his dogs, a rat terrier and rottweiler/pit-bull mix, because they understand. He feels that by communicating with them, he is showing them care and giving them attention.

The dogs in the study picked up on the woman’s tone. Junior Kenneth Mussmann says that his dog, Blue, under-stands tone.

“If I yell at him when he does something, he knows not to do that,” Mussmann said.

Another student, junior D’Anthony Smith, said he will tell his dog Molly, “Stop doing, and she’ll look at me, put her head down, and walk away.”

Smith said that dogs can comprehend redirection and discipline.

“Dogs understand just like children,” senior Ariona Bre-vard said. “Their parents or owner would teach them right from wrong from a young age.”

Dogs Pick Up On Human Intent

Melius’s son cuddles puppy Pella.

“Novel,” cont. from front cover

Senior Chonte Woods was one of many who auditioned for the spring play.

“Play,” cont. from pg 2

ducing a cover and page layout for the novel.

“This is a cheap and awe-some website to publish a book on. Authors are starting to self-publish now because of the high prices, but on this website you can do it at a low rate,” Matt Dampier said.

Schwartz stated he wouldn’t mind being an author professionally when he gets a little older; although, he just wrote this book for the fun of it and for the experience. The problems and obstacles that oc-curred with him in writing this novel were remembering it all and staying on track with the plot throughout the six months.

“I’m just glad I stuck to it and kept writing this book. Whoever likes to write and wants to write a book of some sort, stick to it and don’t quit,” Schwartz said.

This intriguing, fictional story came about by the type of music Schwartz listens to and his knowledge of mental hospi-tals. He favors reading horror, comedy, and some adventure books in his leisure time.

“Whenever I had some free time I would either read or work on writing this book. I’m trying now to get it published and hope everything goes as planned. It’s a really good book, you all should read it!” Schwartz said.

Many stories are still lin-gering in Schwartz’s head that he will soon want to release. Keep a look out for his novel, “The Asylum” and congratulate him on the great accomplish-ment and goal he has achieved for himself and for his peers. Once published, anyone may get a copy from amazon.com.

Catch the latest sports scores and news at the Eagle’s Eye

onlineruskinnews.com

BCPR_4096_SL Kickoff_RHS_Outlines.indd 1 1/26/12 3:18 PM

[ V A L E N T I N E S P E C I A L ] [ P A G E 8 ]

by Tamara DavisNEWS EDITOR

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s the time that gives everyone warm, fuzzy feelings and brings peo-ple closer together. Many stu-dents are planning this special day with their special someone.

Seniors Talisha Shephard and her valentine, Daryan Kirk-endoll, have decided to switch places on Valentine’s Day.

“I am trading places with him, to let him know how I feel,” she said. “Usually, he takes me out, and makes me feel special. Now it’s my turn.”

Shephard hopes that her

plans turn out perfect for Kirk-endoll.

Senior Deandre Oliver also has very special plans for his Valentine.

“Valentine’s Day is my girl’s day,” he said. “I plan to buy her a promise ring, a bear, and some candy. Where we go that day, is all up to her.”

While some of the couples already have their Valentine’s Day planned out, some people are still seeking gifts and spe-cial places to share with their valentine.

Junior Jalynn Turnbo hopes that her valentine, junior Demarquis Nealy, surprises her with a special evening.

“I have no clue what we are doing for Valentine’s Day,” she said. “I’m still deciding on what to get him, to show him how much I care, but I just want him to surprise me.”

Senior Fred Kelley is inde-cisive on where to take his val-entine, Erica Jackson on Valen-tine’s Day.

“I’m not exactly sure what we are doing that day,” he said. “I’m thinking about taking a stroll through a park, and then go out to the movies. We might even go out to eat. I’m just go-

Hot spots for the one you love

“Leonardo DiCaprio because he is cute and makes me cry. If we go on a date we would go to my house.” ~ sophomore Motaz Hanson

’’Kina Grannis because she is so sexy, and when we went on the date I would take her to a restaurant. ’’ ~ sophomore Tyler Owsley

If you

could

spend

Valen-

tine’s Day on a romantic

date with a celebrity, who

would you spend it with

and what would you do?

ing to make sure that she has a good Valentine’s Day.”

For those who have yet to decide where to take their loved ones on Valentine’s Day, there are a few “hot spots,” where many couples plan on sharing this special day and suggests that others could do as well.

According to Kelley, the movie theatre seems to be very popular on Valentine’s Day because most of his friends are planning on attending that day.

Junior Caprice Byers agrees.

“I think the movies is go-ing to crack that day,” she said. “I plan to go with my boo, and I know I’m going to see a lot of people there from school.”

A few other hot spots that students suggest for that special day are restaurants, such as Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Ched-dars, Cheesecake Factory, and Joe’s Crab shack.

“Me and my boo are going to take professional pictures,” senior Brittany Hayes said. “Then, we are going to Ched-dars. I know it’s going to be packed out because their food is so good, and a lot of my peers

have plans to eat there that day.Senior Brittany Hobbs

feels that these restaurants are very romantic.

“I think that couples should choose from one of the hot spots,” she said. “My boyfriend and I plan on going to Red Lobster for Valentine’s Day, but all of those restaurants have good food and are fancy type restaurants that all couples will enjoy.”

Valentine’s Day is the day dedicated to love and there’s no reason why couple’s shouldn’t be celebrating this wonderful day together.

Seniors Daryan Kirkendoll and Talisha Shephard

Junior Jalynn Turnbo and junior Demarquis Nealy

D r e a m D a t e w i t h a C e l e b r i t y ?

[ V A L E N T I N E S P E C I A L ] [ P A G E 9 ]

’’Bow Wow. He is cute and he seems nor-mal and he doesn’t let fame go to his head.’’ ~ senior Latisha Mumphery

’’Rhianna, I just love her swag! We would spend time in Barbados on the beach then we would go to the stu-dio.’’ ~ junior LeAndre Williams

“Trey Songz, he is so sexy and it goes great with his body and his voice. He would pick me up in a jet and we would go every where.” ~ junior Mikayla Chapple

To: Brenda ZenogozaLove you, beautiful!!From: DevinTo: Sharell ColeSome things aren’t meant to be, then again, some are.From: Chris Horne

To: A’nessa WalkerI’ll never know if it’s trulypos-sible for me to stop thinking about you because I’ll never try.From: Cody

To: Mikayla ChappleShout out to my best friend. ILYFrom: Chantai Bull

To: Malik SmithHappy V-day Baby!From: Alexis Johnson

To: Alexus JacksonILY Happy V-Day & many more.From: Jarrett Bell

To: Marcella HudsonHappy V-Day!From: Jefferic Lagrove

To: Justin ChrismanI love you peanut, Happy Valentine’s Day <3!!!From: DeWana Ashley

To: Daryan KirkendollCan’t imagine life without you, 2 Joe from SusieFrom: Talisha Shephard

To: Tianna WilliamsI love you with all my <3From: Malcolm Hamilton

To: Anisha Ray3 years and strong love.From: Damarko Ross

To: Crystal CernaLencha te amo mucho!From: Cristina Alvarado

To: Nichole HortonI’d choose you over the fat lady any day! <3From: Chelsea Fuller

To: Trei BrownI got feelings for you <3From: Markus D. Snead

To: Caleb GreenThanks for being a nightlight to my life. Love ya!From: Anonymous

To: A’nessaI love you bess friend.James Samuels

To: <3 My PoseyYou make me happy.From: A’nessa Walker

To: Brandon YoungYou are my one and only babe!From: Anonymous

To: Tony LoraHappy Valentine’s Day!From: Anonymous

To: Students, faculty, and staffLife is Grand!I am glad to become an Eagle. Fly high and get some!From: Colonel Glasco MCJROTC SMI

To: Destinee BirksI love you best friend.From: Mariah Maddiy

To: Emily StoutFrom the five: We luv you!From: Sean Crawford

Sweetheart Shoutouts!

To: James Samuels (Best Friend)You the best bess LOL!From: A’nessa Walker

To: Shacoya JonesLove u ShortyFrom: Ricardo Herron

To: Kayron CheffenI love hanging out with you!From: Nakiya “Pinky” Williams

To: Rensheal SmithLove you more than life!From: Tiara Jones

To: Rosierra Warren ThomasYou the one, girl.From: Tiara Jones

To: A’nessa WalkerMiss you more than ever.From: Tiara Jones

To: Cristina AlvaradoStinna Binna, I love youFrom: Crystal Cerna

[ A R T S & E N T E R T A I N M E N T ] [ P A G E 1 0 ]

bu Zachary KingSTAFF REPORTER

“OVOXO yo girl at my next show.”

That’s music phenom Drake’s coined phrase for his fans and the theme for his 18-city Club Paradise tour.

The “Take Care” rapper is bringing his highly anticipated concert to Kansas City at the Sprint Center March 1 and he’s tagging along Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky. The tour is the aftermath of the blockbuster album “Take Care” which was a hit and dropped in at No. 1 with sales of 631,000, making it the third-best-selling debut of the year behind Lady Gaga’s Born This Way (1.1 million) and Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV (964,000).

But all this is not new for Drake. In 2010, he released his first debut album as a new upcoming artist titled “Thank Me Later.” It debuted at num-ber one on the USBillboard 100 chart, selling 447,000 copies in the United States in its first week. He also traveled to Kan-sas City for the “Away From Home” Tour which was also at the Sprint Center two years ago. In an interview with MTV.com, Drake expressed why he chose to do the tour and why he picked the cities he did.

“I spent a lot of time out there [in Toronto]; that’s what this album is about. That’s what I’m gonna showcase. It’s

Drake”Takes Care” of Kansas Citythe same thing with the tour: I wanna bring Kendrick, I wan-na bring A$AP, those are guys

that I love. It has nothing to do with people on my label, Tyga’s out, Nicki’s working on an album and everybody else is doing their thing on the road with Wayne or with Wayne (Lil Wayne) in the studio, so I just sort of showcased the music that I happen to love right now, and those are the two guys that I’m bringing out,” Drake said.

But Drake goes on to say that he cares about his fans more than anything and will do

whatever it takes to cater to al-most every single fan of his and his Young Money crew.

“I fought for this tour. I fought really hard for this tour because, of course, they want

me to go get the big bucks, go into the stadiums and cash out. But I was just like, I really made this album for the same people that supported me since day one. I wanna do more inti-mate shows,” Drake said.

There are many great songs on the album that stand out ac-cording to students at Ruskin High.

“I think ‘The Motto’ was the best song because the beat is dope and Lil Wayne’s verse was good,”senior Edwin Stewart said.

Others liked the best of both worlds collaborations on the album.

“I’ll have to say ‘Lord Knows’ because its was noth-ing but bars between Drake and Rick Ross,” senior Xavier Cal-loway said.

The concert will be held on March 1st in the Sprint Center. Tickets go on sale Jan. 12 and they are going fast. So hurry and grab and ticket, gather some friends and head to the Sprint Center on March 1 to see the musical phenom for your-self.

Movie picks

© 2012 MCT

New review

The Artist

Iron Lady

Albert Nobbs

Extremely Loud ...

HaywireThe Grey

Man on a LedgeUnderworld: Awakening

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[ O P I N I O N ] [ P A G E 1 1 ]

By Cristina AlvaradoPHOTO EDITOR

“Beaner!” “Wetback!” “Immigrants!” “Go back to Mexico!” “Get your green card!” “Taco eater!”

All of these have been said to many Hispanics. I’m not try-ing to say that Hispanic is the only race that goes through trouble. African Americans, Asians, and many others have had to endure racial slurs throughout the ages. But when Arizona passed a strict border law, the racism increased in Arizona. Hispanics and immi-grants have settled throughout the U.S. including right here in Missouri. Sooner or later im-migration laws will come to our state, too, and just like in Arizona, neighbors will end up going against each other telling border patrol where, or who is illegal.

A week ago, my cousin found a video on YouTube about Arizona racism. When

I heard about it from friends, I just brushed it off because they told me the girls were just talking about immigrants. I thought, okay Mexicans aren’t the only immigrants so it didn’t mean much. Then when my cousin showed us the video and I saw it, it affected me, my family, and some friends of ours.

In the video there are two girls that talk about the border law that passed in Arizona. But instead of talking about how they feel about it they just talk-ed down on Hispanics.

When the video started, they said flat out, “This video is about the new law that passed the Arizona legislators, for you (explitive) illegals to go back to your homeland. So grab your burritos and get the (expletive) out of our country.” Through-out the video those girls just call Hispanics a whole bunch of names, and just spoke a lot

of ignorance.After I saw it, I e-mailed

the video to my cousin in Ari-zona. She really took it to heart

because she said it is pretty bad down there.

The law in Ari-zona that passed says that a police officer can question any per-son about their illegal status if they suspect they may be illegally

in the country. If a person can-not prove they are citizens, then they will be deported. I feel police could bend the law around. Say they see a Hispanic walking out in the dark....of course, they’re going to ques-tion/harass them, and with that law they could say, “Well the law said we can question you, because you look like an immi-grant.”

That seems very unfair! It evens happen now. Friends right here in Kansas City tell me that the officers mess with

Immigrants, Racism, and Offense

O p i n i o n

Cristina Alvarado

their parents because of the color of their skin. I feel that is true.

Immigration has been a hot topic with Republicans and Democrats. The Republicans seem to want border patrol to toughen up and get rid of im-migrants. Democrats seem to want to actually make it easier for immigrants to get a green card.

I know if Democrats suc-ceed with making a green card easier for immigrants, it will be great for all immigrants. Amer-icans cannot stop immigrants from making a better life for them and their families. Some come here to work, to send money back to their family.

People feel that all “Mexi-cans come here to take their jobs.” My friends joke around with me about that, but deep down people feel that's true. But immigrant don't come to take jobs, they come for a bet-ter life.

By Tamara DavisNEWS EDITOR

Congrats to the seniors who have made it this far in the school year. Now, it is time for us to really buckle down.

The Ruskin Class of 2012 graduates on May 21, and it seems to be approaching very fast. Between now and then, seniors have a lot of goals that they should be focusing on ac-complishing.

First and foremost, the stu-dents’ main goal should be im-proving attendance and grades. According to principal Chad Ryerson, the attendance in first

semester was not exceptional.Students seemed to have

caught the case of “Senioritis.” Just because every-one has gotten this far, does not mean that it is time to stop doing work, and not show up to school. Students must get back on top of their grades, and coming to school every day on time.

Senior fees are getting closer to their due dates. Jos-ten’s will be back on Feb. 23, to receive another payment of $60. The full payment of the packages which students pur-

chased is due by March 19.Senior dues were $35 up

until February 10. Now stu-dents are expected to pay $50. All seniors must pay their dues

in order to participate in the Spring Senior Activities. The activi-ties include the senior picnic, breakfast, and field trip. Students will

also receive a Senior Signature Shirt. Seniors must give their payments to Mrs. Ciafullo in room 212.

It is now time for seniors to get their FASFA (Free Ap-plication for Federal Student

Aid) done. Ruskin parents and their senior students are invited to Senior Enrollment Night that will be held on Feb.15 and 16 in the Media Center. Students will receive assistance with filling out their FASFA. They will also be able to learn more about the types of financial aid, such as grants, work study, and loans.

It is very understandable that seniors have a heavy load in their hands, but it is time that we prepare ourselves to enter into “the Real World.” I encour-age every student to keep their head up and work hard up to graduation day.

Seniors, buckle down as “home stretch” approaches

O p i n i o n

Tamara Davis

[ V A L E N T I N E ’ S S P E C I A L ] [ P A G E 1 2 ][ F E A T U R E S & N E W S ] [ P A G E 1 2 ]

By A’nessa WalkerMANAGING EDITOR

Everyone has a story, and everybody’s story is unique and dif-ferent in its own way. The longest time period that people possibly remember the most is their childhood days.

A few RHS students shared their most significant childhood memories. Everyone’s story is creative. Some of their memories are about changes that they faced, exciting things that happened, and the fears they used to have.

“My favorite childhood memory is family Bar-B-Ques. I always liked Bar-B-Ques. They were pretty cool. This is my favorite childhood memory because it was involving the most important F’s - Family, Food, and Fun - and it was all to-gether at once,” junior Cortez Simmons said.

E v e r y -one’s story is

important and should be shared.

“The best childhood memory I have is when I was five years old and my mom, stepmom, God sister, and I went to Disneyland. I remember this as my favorite childhood memory because it’s not something that a lot of kids get to do,” sophomore Gabrielle Hughes said.

But just like every thing else, there’s a flip side to childhood memo-ries. Some have a bittersweet memory.

“When I was in the fifth grade I met my brothers on my dad’s side, found out that I have another grandma and that my dad is deceased,” senior Ovell Thomas said.

Family traditions are some of the other memories people have.

“When I was little, every Saturday my brother took me to get some ice cream,” sophomore Alaya Jackson said. “This is my favorite childhood memory because my brother and I are really close.”

The slightest things people do for others can be a life long memory that people would never forget. Then you have memories about things that you once faced.

“I will never forget my first Pop Warner football game. I was starting on the field. I had butterflies like a fool. This, by far, is my favorite childhood memory because that’s when it all start-ed for me,” senior James Samuels said.

What’s your memory?

Cortez Simmons

Gabrielle Hughes

Ovell Thomas

James Samuels

Tino Martin“I am glad that I have been recognized in my high school and by the foundation,” he said. “I was surprsied because I didn’t know anything about it.”

Kaleasha Baskin Smith“I had no clue about this foundation,” she said. “I like when my hard work is recognized by others.”

Isla Jones

“I feel honored,” she said. “I am just as sur-prised as the other Elks students, and congrats to them as well.”

James Adewumi

“I applied for the schol-arship,” he said. “I feel honored that I was cho-sen.”

JANUARY NOMINEES

FEBRUARY NOMINEES

Elks Student of the Month

[ F E A T U R E S ] [ P A G E 1 3 ]

Team Building DesignSeniors George Lovings and Logan Ham work on their new skills for computer graphics taught by Annette Mc-Donald. The course of computer graphics is displaying a team-building atmosphere. They learned skills and functions on how to work on computers. McDonald said that the assignment is important for future job oppor-tunities. Their assignment was to design a week one Power point. They learn how to operate on computers which requires them to be on computers often. “I get to work on computers every day,” Ham said. Photo by A’nessa Walker.

INSIDEthe Classroom

Exercising for funSophomore Willie Bowles and the class are exercising by playing badminton in Lisa Cunningham’s Lifetime Sports gym class. As everyone can see, kids are ac-tively participating in the background. They play a lot of fun sports and get in a healthy, powerful, and strong shape.“This is a good class to be in. You learn new sports all the time in a good and edu-cating way,” junior Kevin Davis said.“It’s cool, we play a lot of sports and you get a lot of exercise,” senior Justin Tillard said. Photo by Deion Edwards.

Shakespeare’s LiteratureJunior AP language students are working together to find out the different as-pects of Shakespeare’s literature. Juniors Caprice Byers, Jasmine Lyman, and Jasmin White are working together and are expected to present and teach their classmates the information that they have learned about his works and life. The students will be reading Macbeth, one of his plays, and they do not have the background information needed for the reading, according to AP Language teacher, Carolyn Holmes.“We plan on educating the rest of the class about Shakespeare and his life,” Lyman said. “Personally, I’ve learned that his literature leaves the readers with questions because the ending of his plays are ironic.” Byers also learned some-thing new about Shakespeare during her research. Photo by Deion Edwards.

New MusicSenior Brett Ruth practicing his sight-reading piece. Orchestra teacher Rodrick Young gives his students a sight reading piece to help them meet perform-ing expectations. “I like sight reading, it’s hard at first, but we get to practice new music and we get better at it,” senior Brett Ruth said. Photo by Zeniab Ahmed.

Equate this!Junior Demarquis Neilly is on step three of four series to solve systems of equations in Joe Witherow’s Algebra II class. To do so, they receive a packet each week with detailed in-structions on how to solve the equation. The system of equations is basically adding and graphing, as well as multiplying and subtract-ing. Some students such as junior Cameron Williams think its easy.“I think that the work given isn’t complicated, but it’s hard to pay attention when every one’s on different levels,” Williams said. Everyone may not be on the same level, but everyone has a way with math. Photo by Markus Snead

No math?In room 106, Steve Schlutow’s 5th hour “the leaders of tomorrow” learn about something other than math. Senior Jasmine Simpson learns about the current events. Thanks to principal Chad Ryerson and the new literacy push, the school is increasing reading and writing in all classes. “The current event is important because it keeps us posted,’’ Simp-son said. Photo by Victoria Ojeda.

[ V A L E N T I N E ’ S S P E C I A L ] [ P A G E 1 2 ][ S P O R T S ] [ P A G E 1 4 ]

By: Tamara DavisNEWS EDITOR

The Eagles Varsity Wres-tling Team has had several strong showings. At their Cen-ter tournament on Sat., Jan.14, freshman Tyrin Scott and se-nior Devan Lee both came in second place and senior Daryen Kirkendoll came in first place.

The JV individual results were exceptional when they competed in the Winnetonka tournament.

Freshman Darrick Gilyard came in third place. Senior Chris Abernathy and junior Ca-leb Green both came in second place.

The season began in Nov. 2011, and the team has been having a very successful sea-son for individuals, according to wrestling coach Patrick Tru-man.

While all of the wrestlers have won 20 or more matches, Senior Aaron Wiggins recently reached his 100th match (see

sidebar). This broke the all-time win record in a high school ca-reer at Ruskin High School.

According to the captains of the team, Kenny Watson, Wiggins, and Jaran West, they are pushing the team to con-tinue with their excellent indi-vidual results, and to fight for their place in state.

“We’ve been having a pret-ty good season,” Watson said. “We have lost a lot of players due to ineligibility, but this only means that the team will have to work harder for state.”

Wiggins agrees. “We have some promising people on the team,” he said. “We just have to practice and drill harder to make it to state.”

On Jan.10 and 11, the team fought hard for their seventh place in the North KC Invita-tional tournament. The tourna-ment consisted of Class 2, 3, and 4 teams. The individual scores were very promising for competing at the state tourna-ment according to Truman.

Wiggins, came in first place, which made him one step closer to his 100 wins.

“I didn’t think that this match would’ve been so difficult,” Wiggins said. “The guy that I went against weighed 160, and is in class 4. He was a challenge, but I fought hard for my win.”

West and Watson both came in second place. Their toughest matches were from Wil-liam Chrisman.

“My match was ranked fifth in state and weighed 220, in class 4,” West said.”He was only my toughest match be-cause I lost.”

According to Tru-man and Wiggins, these past competition results are what they want to see at the State Qualifier, and the team is fighting hard and doing very well.

Wrestlers Show Determinationof December. Wiggins has been on the team since his freshman year and has been working on his 100 wins since.

“It was hard to get that many wins, especially trying to hit 100 my senior year,” Wiggins said.

But working hard all year didn’t really matter at the team’s wres-tling meet on Jan. 30. Wiggins had 99 wins and he was up next for his match against his Truman opponent. Minutes passed and Wiggins was informed that his opponent had for-feited the match so Wiggins had won by default.

“It actually made me mad but I was a little happy at the same time. I had my mind set on winning the match but, I guess winning without really competing for it was okay,” Wiggins said.

The team has 10 more matches left and with Wiggins achieving this extraordinary accomplishment. The only goal left is to make 4th in their upcoming tournament so he can make it to states.

“Wiggins breaks record,” cont. from front cover

Senior Malcolm Hamilton has been the top scorer for the Ruskin Eagles since the return from his wrist injury. The Eagles are currently 10-10 and recently beat the team Coach Gerry Marlin considers the toughest in the confer-ence, Lee’s Summit. The District playoffs are taking place at Lee’s Summit High. “I believe our team is getting healthy at the perfect time. We’re ready to make a strong approach to the playoffs,” coach Gerry Marlin said.

The Ruskin Varsity Girls Basketball Team took first place in the Black Division of the Penn Valley Invitational Tour-nament. They had wins over Central and Center; although, they had an amazing come back against Southwest. The girls were down 30-19 and they ended up zooming by and winning 63-48.“We wanted to pressure their scorers and make them make make passes to other players. Also, we wanted to pressure them full court,” coach Gregory Stevens said.

Lady Eagles win tourney Hamilton returns to lineup

[ S P O R T S ] [ P A G E 1 5 ]

Miami Heat sets FLAME to the NBABy Deion EdwardsSPORTS EDITOR

The NBA has been set to flames this season by the best, one and only, Miami Heat.They are the best team in the NBA. The triple threat of Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Lebron James are leading the team this season and they are looking for nothing less than an NBA title.

They’re leading the South-east Region with 16 wins and five loses. They’re on a five-game winning streak. Lebron James is the second-leading scorer in the NBA after Kobe Bryant. The Heat are really playing as a team this season.

Rookie Norris Cole joins the Heat family this season, he’s a electric point guard who plays at a level that the Miami Heat needs this season. Dwayne Wade has also stepped up this

season. He’s averaging 20.1 points per game and 5.4 assist per game. He has been playing with the Heat since 2003, when he was drafted first round, fifth pick overall.

Last year, the Heat made it all the way to the NBA Fi-nals but got knocked off by the Dallas Mavericks. This show-stopping sea-son had been filled with spectacular alley-oops, hard teamwork and force-ful wins. They just came off of a win against the New Orleans Hornets, beating them 109-95. James and Wade each had 22 points toward the win. Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh will lead the Heat to a victorious season. Photo

by: MCT Services

by Marcus SneadSTAFF REPORTER

Congrats to the Eagle la-dies of the water that showed

Swimmers place at conference

up and showed out winning a place in the Conference Swim Meet held Jan. 28.

In the 200-yard Medley Relay with a time of 2:43.80,

Isla Jones (swimming back), Stashi Hampton (swimming breast), Zakiyyah Karriem (swimming butterfly), and Kay-la Dobbs (swimming freestyle)

took third place.The same swimmers

also took a fourth place in the 200-yeard Freestyle Relay with a time of 2:32:99.

Lady Eagles performed well in the 50 yard Freestyle with Isla Jones bringing home a fifth place with a time of 35.39; Sara Black earning tenth place with a time of 40.69; Na-talia Park winning 11th with a time of 41.76; and Maya Purse capturing 14th with a time of 44.74.

In the 100-yard Freestyle race, Kayla Dobbs placed fifth with a time of 1:57.28 .

Jones also captured anoth-er award - a fifth place finish in the 100-yard Backstroke - with a time of 1:57:28.

The Swim Team ended their successful season on Jan. 31.

Senior Zakiyyah Karriem swims Butterflyi n the 200-yard Medley Relay, helping her team take third place at the re-cent Conference meet. Photo by Natalya Parker.

OPINION

The teams that believe they can play to the Miami Heat level are the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles. They can try, but will never live up to the level of

James and Wade. The Heat have come a long way, they deserve nothing less than a champion-ship because they are the best basketball team in the NBA.

The Eagle’s Eye Ruskin High School7000 E. 111th St.Kansas City, MO 64134

By Zeinab Ahmed REPORTER

On Jan. 28, eight Ruskin staff members literally froze their fannies as they partici-pated in the Polar Plunge. This event gives people the chance to “show some bravery,” as they raise money to support lo-cal Special Olympics athletes.

“It was very cold,” Com-munication Arts Teacher Cristin Blunt said. “I was scared, ner-vous, and wanted to back out. But I couldn’t because I didn’t want to be called a chicken.”

The event took place in fourteen different locations around North America and the Longview Lake Beach area

was Kansas City’s location. It started at noon and registration began at 9:00 a.m.

Drama teacher Carla Sole shared her experience,

“A week before the event I was focused on raising all the money we could because it was for a good cause,” Sole said. “Then after the event I felt posi-tive and accomplished it was a great feeling.”

In 2010, instructor Carla Sole and Counselor Shelli Co-pas created the “Frozen Fan-nies.” This year, they were joined by six other Ruskin teachers: Lauren Anderson, Cristin Blunt, Stacy Johnson, Kelly Michale, Carri Moutray, and Nicole Ruiz.

“We are both strong supporters of the Special Olympics and Shelli Copas even volun-teers her time to help coach basketball and s w i m m i n g when she can,” Sole said.

T h e Plunge team

Freezin’ For A Good Reason

encouraged all students and staff to donate to their ef-forts to help Special Olym-pics by visiting www.somo.org/plunge. Here at Ruskin High School, the Fannies had a number of faculty members acting as their “cheerlead-ers.” Art teacher Chris Frye was one of these cheerleaders because it “benefits a good cause.”

Special Olympics helps those with intellectual dis-abilities and provides them an opportunity to “develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Spe-

cial Olympics athletes, and the community.” They are “all about good times” and The Polar Plunge is only one of their exciting ways to encour-age the public to fundraise for them and support them.