PHS students with meaningful tattos
Sophomore Caitlyn Cornwell
What made you decide on the design of your tattoo?
Well, I always wanted a Christian fish on my foot with the date I was baptized on. Once John passed away, I immediately knew I wanted his name tattooed on me. So, I figured I could put his name, the fish and the date he passed away instead.
Are you happy with the overall look of your tattoo?
At first I was really happy with the way my tattoo turned out, now, I can’t wait to have more added to my tattoo.
Do you plan on getting anymore tattoos in the future?
Yes, the pain of getting a tattoo is honestly addicting. I have so many ideas of new tattoos I want to get. My next tattoo will be my papaw, Doyle Cornwell’s police badge on my heart.
Senior Clay Burnette
What made you decide to get this tattoo?
At the time, a lot of things were going wrong in my life. These struggles left me in a state of desperation. I found myself searching for hope. That is when I became a follower of Christ. It provided me with hope and led me and my family into better days. I got the tattoo about a year later to remember how he helped me.
What does this tattoo symbolize to you personally?
It symbolizes the grace and mercy of God and how no matter who you are or what is going on in your life, the days can always become brighter.
Overall, are you satisfied with the turn out of your tattoo?
Yes, I really enjoy and appreciate the art.
Senior Tasha Tedrow
What does your tattoo symbolize to you?
It actually has two. One, my brother did it and it was his first “work” on me (only right now). Second, it symbolizes my “sister” Meli. She was my exchange student from Belgium and we were extremely close. She is actually getting one similar in English when she comes. Look for her at graduation, she will be here!
What language is your tattoo written in, also, what does it actually mean?
It’s in French and it’s translated in English to mean “sisters forever.”
How long did it take for your tattoo to be completed?
It took about 20 minutes to complete.
Are you happy with the outcome of your tattoo?
I absolutely love it.
Feature by Brianna Phillips
Minton leads with a scream
Photo by Breanna Daugherty
Senior Blake Minton is an average, every day teen. Most people however, do not know that he is part of a band. Minton, graduate Teavin Ewin, junior Kirk Blevins, junior Jonathan Cook, graduate Billy Watson and graduate Max Larkin are all part of the band named As Burdens Fade.
In the band, Ewin and Minton perform vocals, Watson plays the bass guitar, Cook and Blevins play the guitar, and Larkin plays the drums.
“There is no actual leader because if there was, no one would get along. There are however, two front men which are Teavin and I,” said Minton.
Minton’s band has been together off and on for the past year, but as an official band, they have been together for about three months. Minton’s band plays post-hardcore, metal core and a little techno music.
Being a part of a band is not all fun and games. With a band there are certain responsibilities that a person has. As Burdens Fade has to do things like pay for gas, the PA system, fix guitar strings that break and all of the equipment that they need to put on a successful show.
“Bass guitar player Billy Watson is like the father of our band and he won’t let us pay for anything,” said Minton.
The band will be recording a couple of demo tracks soon. Although they have not actually preformed anywhere yet, they do have a show coming up this summer at a music concert venue called The Gear in Franklin, Indiana. After their show at The Gear, the band plans to continue performing at different places. People can stay updated on where they will be playing and how the band is doing by liking them through Facebook. Minton said that after he graduated high school this year he plans to continue being a part of As Burdens Fade.
“It is so much fun hanging out with a group of great friends and making music,” said Minton.
Story by Bailey Rankin
Starting a New Tradition…Science Camp!
Back Row- Josh Roberts, Aidan Knight, Krista Tedrow, Addison Wells, Mr. Bone Jangles, Audrie Hardin, Jordyn Gonzalez, Noah McSpadden, Zachary Giles, Noah Ford
Middle- Brandon Moon, Shae Lewellyn, Karson Nance, Emmie Hardin, Carter Elliott, Dillion Dickey, Alex Apple
Front- Abyela Cruz, Kyle Johnson, Koby Durbin, Shawna Phegley, Marcus Stroud, Jaden Kameda, Elijah Smetzer
This past week, on March 12, 13 and 15, Laurie Jo Andry’s Biology 2 class participated in Science Camp. Science Camp was an after-school event that lasted two hours each day so fourth, fifth and sixth graders could do some hand-on lessons about science.
“In Science Camp, the Biology students are the camp leaders, and the elementary students are the “campers,” said Andry. “Science Camp was designed to show the kids how much fun science can be.”
It was also to help the elementary and high school students learn something beneficial.
“It was designed so that the elementary students could learn some cool concepts of science,” said Andry, “It was also to benefit to high-school kids. As any teacher will tell you, you really learn something new when you talk to someone else about it.”
Science Camp was a big success for the students. Hopefully Andry and her students will continue their Camp next year so that even more kids can have fun with science.
Info by Emma Walker, Photo and names by Brooklyn Dotts and Ethan Wells
PALS helping special needs children
Everyone has a calling, or something he or she are destined to do and become. While it can sometimes feel hopeless and out of reach, it is important to keep searching for that one special niche that you have in the world. For some, the challenge of finding your place in society can be a long process. I, on the other hand, was one of the lucky ones who knew what she wanted to do from a very young age.
My dream of becoming a special needs child therapist combines my two greatest loves; psychology, and special needs children. I first knew I wanted to do this in the fourth grade, when I participated in a school-sponsored program called TOTS (Teachers of Tomorrow), at my old elementary school in Florida.
My job as a “TOT” was to assist the teachers in whatever classroom I was assigned to by cleaning up, running errands and other small jobs. By chance, I was placed in a classroom full of special needs kindergarteners. Seeing the way these kids interacted with each other, and how innocent and loving they were, I couldn’t help falling in love with them instantly.
What people often times don’t realize is that with the disabilities that these people have, also comes a heart bigger than most of us can ever claim to have. They don’t judge, or see people in the way that many of us do. To them, everyone is equal.
Being so eager to do what I can for the special needs community, I am constantly looking for organizations and volunteer programs to get in touch with. One day, I came across a website for an organization that sounded perfect for me; PALS.
PALS, located in Bloomington, stands for People and Animal Learning Services. Their main objective is to teach special needs children and adults by the utilization of horse therapy. This means that, by pairing a special needs person with a horse, they can learn to communicate more effectively, and go on to carry out this knowledge into their everyday life. Horses like to feel safe, and if they are paired with someone who is noisy, loud, and aggressive, they will become frightened. However, if a child can learn to communicate with the horse in an effective way, they can control them.
Another reason why horses work so well with these people is that horses are much simpler than humans are, and therefore require much more simple direction. A simple, “Stop. Go. Turn Right,” is much easier for a special needs child to manage, rather than communication a full sentence to another person. For children with mental or emotional disorders, they often feel insecure. If they are able to control a horse, it can give them a sense of empowerment and confidence.
Horse therapy can also help to treat a person with ADD. They will learn to focus on grooming and leading the horse, even though they are usually not able to focus on anything for long periods of time.
No matter what the disability that the person has, horse therapy has helped to make special needs people’s lives much more manageable. While it may sound a little far-fetched and silly to the average person, it is a highly utilized therapeutic exercise.
There is a lot to be said for the people at PALS. Not only are they dedicating their lives to the good of others, but they are recruiting many other your people interested in special needs therapy, and giving them an inside view into the field at a very early age. I hope to be able to work with them and learn from them for many years to come. If you would like to get involved, or simply learn more about this organization, feel free to browse their website at www.palstherapy.org.
Blog/ info by Alyson Graham
Supporting the Henryville tragedy
Let’s play a little game. Think of all of the things that are important to you in your life: your house, your school, your job, your friends and even your family. Essentially, these are the things that make up a person’s life, and without them, what do you really have left?
This is a question that residents of Henryville, Indiana are asking themselves constantly.
On March 2, residents of this town were struck by disaster when a tornado came their way. The victims of the tornado have lost everything; clothes, food, hygiene products, their homes and worst of all, their loved ones. While the most important things are irreplaceable, there is always something that all of us can do to help. Whether it be purchasing items to send to these people, or travelling to Henryville to help clean up the mess, every little bit counts.
Spanish teacher, Mrs. Wyatt, has already collected donations for Henryville, but it is never too late to do your part. There are several ways that people can help. According to the people of the WLKY news channel, rather than buying specific supplies to send to Henryville, it is often more effective to just send cash. This way, the people in need can purchase whatever it is that they need the most, rather than having a surplus of whatever it is that is sent to them the most. Legitimate relief agencies, such as the American Red Cross, are always taking donations.
There are several organizations that are helping out in Henryville, and are always looking for a few extra helping hands. The Metro United Way Volunteer Service Center is located at 723 Spring Street in Jeffersonville.
In times of tragedy, it is important that everyone does their part. What if it was Paoli that had experienced such a tragedy? It easily could have been. What would that mean for you and your family?
If you do not do anything and everything you can do to help our fellow Hoosiers, then how can you expect them to do the same for you? It is part of everyone’s duty to society and humanity as a whole to look after each other, and there is no better time than the present.
Info by Alyson Graham
The 2012 prom changes are sparking conversation
Prom is a big deal for many reasons. For underclassmen, it is their first real opportunity to take part in an event of this magnitude with their fellow high school students.
For seniors, it is a night they will remember for the rest of their lives; the night that wraps up their high school career with a bang, giving them the chance to spend and incredible evening with the friends they have grown up with since kindergarten. With so much pressure riding on this one night of the entire school year, it is a pretty big risk to make changes, not knowing exactly how they will work out.
“Prom changes every year. Mrs. Tucker has a different vision for each Prom that she designs, and she’s designed a lot of Proms.
“This year we will be changing around things like the entrance for students, where the food will be served, and the seating arrangements will be different given the change of venue,” said Prom co-sponsor, Chris Jones.
One of the major changes being made to this year’s Prom is the location. Rather than being held in the main gym, it will be in the relatively new lower gym.
“This year the Prom is moving to the auxiliary gymnasium for the first time simply to explore different venues that our school and its most recent projects have to offer. We will try it out this year and if it works out better than we may do it there again. If we decide we like the main gymnasium and cafeteria better we can always move it back next year,” said Jones.
While many students are having doubts about the changes being made to Prom this year, all there is to do is hope for the best and remember that Prom is in the capable hands of staff that have been doing this for many years.
Info by Alyson Graham
Howard happily engaged
People feel love no matter what age they are. Love does not matter whether you are eight or 18. This is true for many teenagers including senior Rachel Howard.
For those who do not know Howard, might not know the fact that as a senior, she is engaged to be married.
“It is the happiest feeling in the world because it is one step closer to us spending the rest our lives with each other,” said Howard.
Howard and Jacob Bean, 22, have been together since July of 2011. The two have been engaged for almost a month as of February 4.
So how did he ask the big question?
“He got all quiet and shy, which he never does, and said I had the most beautifulist eyes. Then he pulled out a candy heart that said ‘marry me’ on it,” said Howard.
As for her fiancée, Bean had a few words of his own about Howard and their engagement.
“Rachel is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. When I asked her to marry me it was because I know I will love her until the end of time and even then may our two souls endure whatever that may bring together. I love you Rachel Howard,” said Bean.
Considering Howard is still in high school, a person might not take her love or relationship seriously. But this possible discouragement does not bother Howard or Bean.
“Even if people discourage me, it wouldn’t bother me because people’s opinions will not change the love I have for him,” said Howard.
As mature and smart as Howard is, she might still need help or support from the two families.
“My family doesn’t really care. His family is very happy and supportive,” said Howard.
Howard and Bean are still currently dating and are still currently engaged and the couple is expected to be married in the following spring of 2013.
Story by Brooklyn Dotts
Breedlove’s successful move to Paoli
Paoli has always been a small community. At the beginning of second semester the eighth graders realized there was a new kid in their classes.
Eighth grader Darrian Breedlove was new at Paoli and had no idea where anything was.
“It was scary [moving to Paoli], I was nervous and a bit excited when I first came here, then when people started talking to me and inviting me to sit with them, I felt a bit comforted,” said Breedlove.
Moving to a different town is always hard.
“I felt very nervous. I was happy to have a new, nice house and to see my family happy, but I thought that making friends would be hard.”
Breedlove thought making friends would be super hard, but when she got here she realized she was totally wrong.
“I thought it would be hard [making friends], but even on my first day I had nice people to talk to and to sit with at lunch. Now, it’s my third week here, and I’m happy to talk to such nice and funny students,” said Breedlove.
One of those students is eighth grader McKinley Haley.
“I think that she has a great personality and that she is very brave. It had to have been hard to change schools,” said Haley.
Breedlove and Haley have multiple classes together.
“I have many classes with her. I have health, mass media, science and English. I’m glad to have her in most of my classes,” said Haley
Well, it seems Breedlove has made a few new friends and she may even have more coming her way.
“I like Paoli. There are many nice people here,” said Breedlove.
Hopefully, Breedlove has made many friends and is finding here way around better. The eighth graders wish you a great year in Paoli.
Feature and Photos by Janis Gehl
Thomas earns spot in top Purdue program
The first acceptance letter from college for a high school senior can be the greatest thing in the world. For senior Jaclyn Thomas, her acceptance was a memory she will never forget.
Thomas was recently named one of 30 people accepted to the Purdue University Veterinary Technology Program for the fall of 2012.
“Thirty out of 120 students get accepted every year, and I was one of them,” said Thomas.
Thomas went a through a long process before learning the news.
“One hundred and twenty people apply by November 15, and through the month of January 60 people are offered an interview,” said Thomas. “Out of those 60 people, 30 are accepted.”
Thomas went through the same process, but she was always prepared for the news.
“I had to apply by November 15, but I had already turned in my application on October 10,” said Thomas. “I did not hear about getting an interview until January, and did not find out I was accepted until February 22.”
Thomas’s excitement could not be contained the day her letter came in.
“I was completely surprised and overjoyed,” said Thomas. “I’d been waiting so long, so it was a huge relief and I couldn’t stop smiling.”
This program is not very different; it is just like any other college degree.
“I will be enrolled in this program for four years,” said Thomas.
After Thomas is finished with her schooling, she plans on coming back home to help at local veterinary clinics.
“I hope to come back and find a job at a local or surrounding county vet clinic,” said Thomas. “I plan on shadowing Dr. Bradley Cooper this summer to see what my job will be like.”
Thomas’s achievement is one that anyone can be proud of. Striving for excellence is always a great goal, but achieving it makes the goal so much better.
Story and Photo by Ian Bostock
Rogers shreds with the best
“I snowboard every day I can at Paoli Peaks, but I also plan to snowboard in Wyoming soon,” said seventh grader Avery Rogers.
Rogers started snowboarding about five years ago. Her older sister Destany taught her how to board. Roger’s little brother, Tucker, also snowboards. He started boarding when he was about three.
“I would say I am good, not the best but good. I can go down every hill and feel very good about my ability when I compare to some other people I see,” said Rogers.
This year Rogers got season passes for the Peaks. Rogers brings her personal board, bindings and boots. She is really involved with snowboarding. She checks the Paoli Peaks website a lot to see how much snow there is and how many lifts are open. She enjoys watching the webcams. Rogers loves just about everything about snowboarding.
“I like getting better and trying new things all the time. It is also fun to do with friends,” said Rogers.
Rogers does not snowboard in competitions, she just likes to have fun.
“I only have competitions with friends or people I meet, but no ‘real things’,” said Rogers.
Even if it is just for an hour, Rogers will beg her parents to go to the Peaks. She just likes the feeling of having her feet on the board. She would love to go around the world to snowboard. She wants to be the best she can be and tries really hard. For Rogers, snowboarding is a part of life. She grew up with family who boarded and ever since she learned she liked it.
“I love snowboarding and would like to travel various places to board whenever I get older,” said Rogers.
Now that her sister, Destany, is in college Rogers has to go by herself a lot, but she takes what she can get. She will go out there, and get better because it is important to her.
“I wish more people would try snowboarding because it is a lot of fun and I could use some more boardin’ buddies,” said Rogers.
Story and Photo by Jessica Fullington
Dooley inspires Paoli girl’s golf team
“It is more of a personal sport, you do not depend on others ability to help you out in this sport, it is all on you,” said sophomore Hannah Dooley.
Dooley kicked off her freshman year by playing golf after having a little experience that summer. For the first year, as a golfer, she found out that Paoli did not have a girl’s golf team. Dooley had not paid attention to this before, since she had never really been into this sport anytime previously. This lead to Dooley having to play on the boy’s golf team that year. Although she did not get to attend the meets, Dooley was satisfied at the time to just be able to practice.
“I loved playing golf with the boys. They taught me a lot, and understood that I was new to the whole golf situation,” said Dooley.
Not being able to play in the meets made Dooley desperate to have their own girl’s golf team; the first year was tough. She had to find teammates, coaches and someone to drive her to meets for there to be a chance for a Paoli girl’s golf team.
Dooley found finding a coach was difficult, so she turned to her dad. Dooley’s dad became the temporary Paoli girl’s golf coach. Dooley’s mother supplied transportation and food. This came easy to Dooley’s parents because there was only one player on the team.
“It was not that no one wanted to join, we just did not have enough time to notify everyone by the time the season started,” said Dooley.
Because no one else had time to join, Dooley was her own team that year. Dooley spoke up saying that if she had to choose, between being bad at golf but have a team, or be good at golf and be an individual. Dooley was anxious to attend her first few meets as an individual. Fortunately, many other girls from other schools took Dooley in.
“Going alone was scary at times,” said Dooley, “But the other girls took me in. The Valley team was very considerate and treated me like one of their teammates.”
Although Dooley now has golf, she believes if things were different for Dooley she most likely would not be playing this sport. Dooley would be playing softball if she had never been introduced to golf.
“Golf runs in the family. It would have been hard not to pick up a club my whole life. But I definitely do not regret getting started,” said Dooley.
For Dooley the first year was tough. Last golf season Dooley went to sectional along with Caitlin Henderson and Katelyn Noah. Dooley advanced to regionals as an individual, and there she broke records. She did not want to do golf because she was not the best at playing. As the year went on, golf did not just become any sport, it became her sport.
Story and Photo by Meagan Dooley
Burton starts high school career off strong
Photo by Bre Daugherty
The weekend of January 28 was the IHSAA Wrestling Sectional for numerous Indiana high schools.
Many individual athletes from schools across the state made it past the tournament. To make it out of Sectional, a wrestler must place in the top four spots of his weight class.
One wrestler in particular placed first in his weight class at the Southridge Sectional by only winning one match. That wrestler is Paoli’s freshman Nate Burton.
Burton is the starting 106 pound wrestler for Paoli. At the start of the tournament he got a bye, which is the same as not having anybody to wrestle in the first round.
His next match was a forfeit by one of the many teams who did not have a 106 pound wrestler.
Burton’s next match was against a wrestler from Jasper who Burton beat by points. During the final round of Sectional, Burton’s opponent from Vincennes Lincoln had to forfeit. Why? The young man from that school had wrestled all day up until the final round because it was required to have a physical. The young man from Vincennes Lincoln had to leave and forfeit his final match so he could get a checkup.
At the end of the day, Burton had claimed a Sectional title as a 106 pound freshman by only winning one match.
The next week was Regional at Jeffersonville. While there, Nate went undefeated until his very last match which was the championship.
Burton’s opponent was a very strong one from Floyd Central. It was a very good match, but in the end Nate was beaten by points. Finishing second at Regional allowed him to move on to Semi-State.
Nate wrestled decently at Semi-State, but his competition was better. He lost his first round match which was his last round of the season.
All in all Burton had a very good season for a freshman. He broke thirty wins which is a very big accomplishment in wrestling. He also won Sectional and qualified for both Regional and Semi-State. Burton continues to get better every day and plans to work hard in the offseason.
“I think that I had a pretty good year,” said Burton, “but next year I hope to do even better.”
Story by Ethan Wells
Kamedas Add Another Future PHS Star
Many people involved in Rams sports know the athletic family of the Kamedas.
Throughout the past thirty years, Scott, Kiaya, Channing and Tanner have made history and broke multiple records in Paoli’s Track and Field. The father, Scott, holds two records here at Paoli, which consists of the long jump record of 21’ 9 ½” and the 800 meter relay record. He was a sectional champion in the long jump and made it to state during his senior year at Paoli High School during 1984.
Scott and Lisa are the parents of five children that have went, are currently enrolled in, or plan to go to PHS. The oldest is Kiaya, who graduated in 2008. Next is Channing, who is a senior at PHS. Then there is Tanner, who is a sophomore at PHS. Jaden is in the fourth grade and used to be the youngest of the four.
The three oldest also have their own records at the high school.
Kiaya was a sectional champion in the long jump and qualified for state during 2008. She still holds the girls long jump record of 17’ 3” here at Paoli.
Channing was a sectional champion in the long jump as well in 2010. He placed in state the same year.
Tanner was PLAC All Conference in the 400 meter relay during his freshman year.
Until last Friday, Jaden was the youngest child of the Kamedas. But on February 10, 2012 at 4:55 p.m. Scott and Lisa had a baby girl. It was their fifth child together. Her name is Teya Elizabeth Kameda.
Tanner, the 16 year old son, talks about his new addition to the family.
Tanner says that he has to help take care of the new baby as well as his younger brother while his parents are busy. Since she was born, Tanner has helped feed and held his new sister multiple times. He is proud of Teya and says that he smiles every time he holds her.
“I think she is very cute,” said Tanner.
Tanner is surprised that the baby girl resembles him so much.
“I think it looks exactly like I did,” said Tanner.
Tanner says that the rest of his siblings have been very excited about the new baby. Although neither Channing nor Tanner have changed any diapers yet.
Tanner says, “We’re all excited because it’s a new baby sister…. DUH!”
Tanner’s older brother Channing seems to be the most excited, and takes care of Teya like it was his own daughter.
“Channing is always around her and acts differently towards her,” said Tanner.
“It is very exciting and a good experience for me as well as the rest of my family,” said Channing.
When the baby was born, the youngest brother Jaden almost passed out with shock. He, as well as the rest of the family, was in the room during the birth.
“His face turned as white as a ghost,” said Tanner about his little brother.
“I don’t think Jaden really realized he was going to be a big brother until he saw the baby himself,” said Channing.
The older siblings in high school are surprised because of the age difference. When Teya graduates from PHS, Tanner will be 34, Channing will be 36, and Kiaya will be 40. The age difference between the children of Scott and Lisa Kameda is tremendous.
Even though this is the fifth Kameda, the family is still stronger than ever. Tanner and the rest of his family are excited to raise her and cannot wait to see what type of future she has.
Story By Ethan Wells
Kerley strives to help students make futures for themselves
Kerley strives to help students make futures for themselves
When you are little you dream about your future. As you get older and closer to those dreams you start thinking about your dream job. Thoughts about castles and kingdoms turn into collage and money. Making your dreams come true takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Guidance counselor Brandi Kerley made her dreams come true.
Kerley attended St. Mary of the Woods collage for one semester then finished off her degree at Indiana State University. She went to college for six years, but took some time off while earning her degrees. Kerley counsels about ten to fifteen kids a day.
“I enjoy helping students work through issues and help to motivate them academically and help them make career or college goals,” said Kerley.
It is easy to have mixed thoughts on which career you want. When Kerley was ten years old she wanted to be an attorney. Then throughout high school she realized the career she really wanted was a counselor.
“In high school I was bullied, I even had soup dumped on my head in the lunch room and then I knew I wanted to make a difference as a school counselor,” Kerley said.
Before Paoli, Kerley worked at a school for autistic children in Boston, Massachusetts and did internships at three other schools.
Kerley has a son of her own. His name is Gage and he is three and a half.
“He is the most fun little guy and can’t wait to be a Paoli ram someday too,” said Kerley .
High school is a place to find yourself and discover who you want to become.
“Paoli is an amazing school. The staff is wonderful and warm. They care about their students so much. The school spirit in the building is unlike any I have ever seen and I enjoy being apart of that pride. The students here are a joy to work with. I am proud to be a ram,” Kerley.
For some people, their work can change their life. Being a counselor, it is easy to get into other peoples lives and see a difference in yours. Sometimes, it can seem stressful.
Teens who struggle with suicide often seek help to a friend. Talking to a counselor or an adult is the best thing to do. Kerley thrives to help those who struggle with the thoughts of suicide. Dealing with a student or staff who has those thoughts are very delicate people to work with.
“It scares me because; I want students to see how much they are worth and how much they are loved. I want to see all my students live full, wonderful, healthy lives. I can’t handle losing any of them and I hope I can provide the right support to prevent it,” said Kerley.
Kerley encourages others to be a counselor as well. She also encourages others to follow their dreams. You never know where they may take you.
Story by Taylor McGuire
Photos by Kelsey Stouse
Ramsey stands out as winterguard leader
“We Are All Citizens of the Planet” is the name of the 2012 Pride of Paoli winterguard show.
Junior Heaven Ramsey has been in winterguard for five consistent years. She has also participated in colorguard along with the Pride of Paoli marching band also five years. Ramsey, along with junior Lakyn Rutherford, are the captains of the winterguard team this season.
Winterguard is just like regular colorguard but with some slight differences.
For one, the band does not take part with the winterguard. There is also a drum major. The team just has to listen to the music and follow the counts. The performances contain dance and different routines with various pieces of equipment, such as colored flags and rifles.
Ramsey says she is trained to use both flags and rifles and considers herself most talented with the rifle.
The Paoli winterguard so far has traveled to Terra Haute, Owen Valley and Greenfield North for competitions. The girls have received a Silver rating at every competition they have had this season. As long as they receive a Gold or Silver rating every competition, they get to move onto the next performance.
Considering Ramsey is a captain and one of the oldest members, she is pushed to work harder.
“Lakyn and I work a lot harder. We have to be the role model and do what is expected of us,” said Ramsey.
The 2012 winterguard show is themed around different countries coming together at the end.
“My friends and the guard are more pushed with equipment work and dance,” said Ramsey on her reasoning for liking guard.
The girls practice every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. As much as they practice, Ramsey plans to be in winterguard and colorguard until she is a senior in high school.
Story and Photo by Brooklyn Dotts
Tellez overcomes obstacles cancer stigma brings
Freshman Juan Tellez speaks with a teacher during class.
Photo by Morgan Babcock
Tellez overcomes obstacles cancer stigma brings
Juan Tellez was an average, everyday kid. He woke up, went to school and then came home.
But soon, Juan and his family would receive very terrible and upsetting news. In May of 2008, Juan was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia or AML.
“I thought I was going to die when I first found out that I had cancer,” said Juan.
Like all people, being told that you had a life threatening disease would be very hard and scary.
“I was devastated. You realized that your whole life is about to change,” said Juan’s mom, Shae Mahan.
Juan began taking different treatments at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. While at Riley’s, Juan had to go through treatments such as chemotherapy: both the pills and the drip, and arsenic. Arsenic is usually used in rat poison but it is also for treatment in the type of leukemia that Juan had. Juan was stuck taking multiple different pills all the way up until September 11, 2010.
“I didn’t miss school a lot because of appointments. I mainly missed because I was sick and vomiting,” said Juan.
Juan did not miss much of his second semester of sixth grade, but he missed almost all of the first semester. Since Juan was gone so much, Juan had a hard time doing his work but unbelievably passed his classes. Juan and his family were gone from home a lot during his time with cancer. His family lived at the hospital for 41 days and they lived at the Ronald McDonald House for over 80 days.
When they were finally able to come home from the hospital, they were forced to move houses because over the summer, mold had grown in their house.
“We worried about the sick kids at school. Even something as simple as the common cold could have killed him,” said Shae. “All of his friends and the staff at Throop were great! We could not have done it without them.”
Every few months, Juan goes back to Riley Children’s Hospital for blood work and checkups. Juan did not want any of his teachers to know that he had cancer because he was scared they would treat him different because he had cancer. Even though he had cancer, he does not like to be treated differently than others.
Like all moms, Shae is worried that Juan’s cancer will come back.
“I worry about Juan’s cancer coming back every day, every checkup, every headache, body ache or nose bleed, I worry,” said Shae.
On October 15, 2010, Juan had officially won in his battle against cancer. Today, Juan is a ninth grader at PHS and has been in remission every since.
Story by Bailey Rankin
Lewellyn stays strong
Taylor McGuire High school can be so tough, so is just growing up. For some people, it can be much harder. There are people that everyone loves, and then there are those people that everyone looks down on.
Then, there is Meika Lewellyn. She is so easy to talk to. It is hard to find a bad thing about her. She has a great personality and always lights up the room.
But there are a lot of things that people do not know about her. Most people think nothing bad ever happens to a girl like her. But, what they do not know is girls like her do not let the bad things knock her down.
Lewellyn grew up knowing her grandparents as mom and dad. Her mother was never around. With health problems and work, her mother was always away. Lewellyn also had a younger sister she had to watch out for.
“Not having a mom was hard enough, but I also had to help raise Meira,” said Lewellyn.
When Meika was six years old her mother made an effort to get back into her life.
Meika and Meira are not like normal sisters. Most girls argue, especially sisters. But, Meika and Meira are best friends.
“We laugh at all the messed up things to cope,” said Meika
Like an average teen, Meika worries. She mostly worries about her childhood.
“Just trying to be a kid, growing up fast meant that I didn’t have a child hood,” said Meika
Letting their mother back into their lives was a major adjustment to the family. Now Meika and her mother are more like sisters than mother and daughter.
Growing up without a mother was difficult. But, Meika has another situation to deal with. When she was only nine, her grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. Life without him would change her life in many ways.
“I wouldn’t be me. He helps me to express myself,” Meika said
Even with everything she goes through, she still finds time to help her friends through everything. She always gives others advice to help them with whatever it is they are going through..
“Just keep your head up! God is there and everything will get better,” Meika said
Now, think about it. Could you go through that and still smile everyday. Meika would walk with you every step of the way whether she knew you or not because, she was just that kind of person.
Story by Taylor McGuire
Wininger family welcomes Riddle siblings into their home
As of April 4, 2011, junior Cherokee Wininger and her family officially adopted eighth grader Tyson Riddle and his younger sister, Latisha, out of foster care and into their home. Riddle was 13, and Latisha was 11 when they were first put into foster care. Tyson claims they were in foster care for two months before the Wininger family adopted them in.
“We have known each other since we were babies because we are actually cousins,” said Tyson.
The people at the foster care had contacted Wininger and let her know of Tyson and Latisha’s situation. Wininger, Tyson, and Latisha are related so the foster care assumed they’d be the best family for Tyson and Latisha. It was then that the Wininger family came to the decision of accepting Tyson and Latisha into their home.
“I was really happy when [my parents] made the decision because I know I don’t have to worry about if they are okay or if they have a warm place to live,” said Wininger on the decision.
Sometimes foster care if the best place for a child to live based on home conditions. But then again sometimes, kids do not want to be anywhere but in an actual home.
“No there was nothing enjoyable [about foster care]. It was upsetting,” said Tyson on his thought of foster care.
Wininger and Tyson both agree life is much better now, now that Tyson and Latisha are out of foster care.
“It’s a lot better. It feels like it’s my own house instead of a strangers,” said Tyson on moving into the Wininger house.
Bringing in two new children is sure to bring changes and conflicts.
“We have had to make a lot of changes. Because instead of me and my sister Donna – Jo sharing things now we have to share with them including our parents which I was willing to do,” said Wininger.
Now that Tyson and Latisha have settled into their new home, it’s pretty clear that the family has grown closer.
“I have always been close to them but I have grown closer to them now that they are living with us,” said Wininger.
The act of bringing kids out of foster care and into a real home can inspire kids to adopt children themselves when they get older.
“Now that we have been adopted, I would say yes I may consider adopting when I grow up because you never know what some kids are going through and how they are living. I hate to see kids without a house and food to eat,” said Wininger on her opinion on adopting in the future.
Tyson says he does occasionally see his biological parents. But as of April 4, 2011, Tyson and Latisha Riddle were officially adopted into a loving, warm house.
Story by Brooklyn Dotts
Milner’s quiet demeanor hides near black belt skills
Freshman Kensie Milner may look like your every day student. She goes to class and does her work just like every other student. However, there is one thing that makes her stand out. She has almost mastered Tae-Kwan-Do.
By mastered, I mean she almost has her black belt. Tae-Kwan-Do is a type of martial arts. Milner has been doing it for over three years now.
“I enjoy this sport very much,” said Milner, when asked why she does Tae-Kwan-Do. “I also want to be able to defend myself in a situation where I needed to fight back.”
Unlike most people, no one really inspired Milner to do this sport.
“I’m the first one in my family to be remotely interested in martial arts, and it was my interest that inspired me to join Tae-Kwan-Do,” said Milner.
Milner does not just do Tae-Kwan-Do; she is also very good at it.
“I have advanced faster than most people, and I skipped my yellow and green belt,” said Milner.
But Milner just does not do this alone.
“My mom and my instructor, Dave Atchison, help me the most,” said Milner. “If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be able to get my gear, do tournaments, or get to the tournaments. They both help me practice, too.”
When kids do football, or any other sport, they would want to do it professionally, but will never get to. Milner actually will, though.
“I plan on going into the Marines and doing their martial arts program, Mcmap. I already do Tae-Kwan-Do, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The knowledge I have from them will help me a lot,” said Milner.
Do not be fooled by Milner’s ease at the sport, though. She has had to overcome obstacles.
“The hardest part for me is when I feel like I have disappointed my instructor,” Milner said. “But my biggest obstacle has been belt testing. The tests get harder as you advanced and take days to complete.”
When asked why Milner enjoys this sport, you could tell it was an easy question. “Because some of best friends are in there, and I feel like I can do anything.”
Milner also has some advice to give to beginners on Tae-Kwan-Do.
“It will take a lot of time and practice to be good at it. You may feel that you are not learning anything, but you can’t give up. You have to overcome you obstacles. You also can’t except to be the best fighter and kick everyone’s but, because there will be someone better out there.”
She does have her Deputy belt, the one just before a black belt. Milner is also planning to continue her Tae-Kwan-Do career.
“I plan on going into the Marines and doing their martial arts program, Mcmap. I already do Tae-Kwan-Do, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The knowledge I have from them will help me a lot,” said Milner.
She also says she does not see herself ever quitting Tae-Kwan-Do. Most people cannot comprehend how she can do such a sport, but she does. She has truly accomplished a major thing in her life.
Story by Emma Walker
Kemple and Triplett to Travel Abroad
Sophomores Anna Kemple and Skyler Triplett have exciting plans this summer.
Kemple and Triplett will be representing Paoli through the Indiana Ambassadors of Music.
The best part of being chosen? The two musicians get to travel to Europe.
This trip is a unique opportunity to see very famous and beautiful European cities and perform with a widely talented group of teenage musicians from around the state.
As any teenager would be, Kemple and Triplett are very excited to be a part of this. But despite the excitement, raising the money to travel such a distant might be a challenge.
“We are currently selling Chicago’s Pizzas. This fundraiser will end on February 17. We will also be having a garage sale and a bean dinner in the upcoming months. Skyler and I are looking into being able to perform at local establishments for donations. Continual fundraising consists of doing hired work and collecting any donations we can get. We are getting the word out as much as we can by doing interviews for newspapers and keeping people updated with our Facebook page: Fundraiser for Skyler Triplett and Anna Kemple,” said Kemple.
Kemple and Triplett are the only students representing Paoli that are going to Europe. And as far as they are acknowledged, the only ones representing Orange County.
But how does such a young musician get chosen to be a part of such an exciting opportunity? Both Kemple and Triplett had their opinions.
“I’m awesome,” said Triplett.
Apart from his humor, Triplett was nominated because he showed the displays that pleased band director, Bill Laughlin.
“Mr. Laughlin nominated students for the program based on displays of musicianship, leadership, and character. We then attended an informational meeting at Bedford North Lawrence High School, where students and parents decided if they wanted to go. Finally, we sent in applications and were lucky enough to be accepted into the program,” said Kemple on her explanation on how the two were accepted.
Along with performing at the concert with various musicians, Kemple and Triplett will also be visiting seven different countries, which explain the crazy amount of fundraising. England, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy and Germany will all be visited while they are in Europe for a total of 16 days. The two are scheduled to have a practice at Ball State on June 15 and are expected to leave for Europe on June 18. They are the only ones out of their families who are going along to Europe.
“I’m extremely excited and honored to be going on this trip,” said Kemple on her feelings.
Anyone who knows either musician knows they will do a wonderful job in Europe and they always do a great job at showing leadership, musicianship and character at Paoli High School.
Sophomore Anna Kemple
Sophomore Skyler Triplett
Ellis’s journey to becoming a soldier
Ellis’s journey to becoming a soldier
Jonathan Ellis is a senior with life changing plans.
“My grandpa always told me you can’t live a life without saving someone else’s. To be honest I was brainwashed. But the idea of sticking beside my friends, of being in a unit, it struck me like gold,” said Ellis.
Ellis wants to graduate and join the military, a more specific branch, The Army. Most students graduate from school and want to grow up and become doctors, lawyers, and teachers. But Ellis wants to become a soldier.
“I wanted to show everybody that I was going to make it. I wanted to have a better life than my own. For that reason, I wanted to join one of the Armed Forces. It wasn’t until I met a good friend that I wanted to fight for what I loved. My own sense of duty and respect – I didn’t have that yet,” said Ellis.
Ellis says he wants to be part of the Army Reserves so he can still go to college, but take part in fighting for his country. The thought of being shipped off does scare Ellis a little.
“If I must do so, I will fulfill the goal,” said Ellis, on the topic of possibly being shipped off.
Becoming part of such a challenging, yet rewarding job is going to take some time and effort for Ellis. Anyone who wants to become a soldier has to go through Basic Training. This training usually takes up to three months and will get the individual into good physical and mental shape. Ellis says he will be sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for his training. Ellis also admits to being a little nervous about the training, but says he is taking the time to prepare himself.
“Running, cardio exercises- many things,” said Ellis.
J.D is sure to run into a few obstacles along his journey. He says fear is the only challenge holding him back at the moment, stepping up and following in his relatives footsteps is another challenge for him.
“I believe I was sent out to do so as they have,” said Ellis.
Ellis says he would like to be in the Army anywhere between six and twenty years. He also wants to become a Police Officer and a father someday. He wants to leave the Army with a sense of respect, knowledge and the feeling of accomplishment.
Ellis has the thoughts that his parents know what is best for him. He claims they support his decisions of joining the military.
“My parents know it will be the best for me. Some of my friends do too, and then some doubt me and I’m currently dealing with the doubt of myself,” said Ellis.
Ellis has the hope that the United States will get a better, more mature President and a better community for the civilians. His journey of becoming a U.S. soldier is going to be difficult but rewarding for him and his future family.
Story by Brooklyn Dotts
King awaits transplant that will change her life
Senior Mackenzie King (left) talks with fellow senior friend Jennifer Lundergan.
Photo by Breanna Daugherty
King awaits transplant that will change her life
Being told that you have something wrong can be a tough thing to grasp. For senior Mackenzie King, she has taken on the challenge. King was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that changed her life forever.
“I have an autoimmune disorder called Wegner’s Disease,” said King.
King did not realize that she had the disease until she was in elementary school, but it still came as a shock to her.
“When I was nine, we thought I had the flu. We went to the doctor to get labs ran, and the doctor said that I had 5% kidney function,” said King, “The doctor said I was born with it, but we didn’t know I had it until age 9.”
Wegner’s is not a symptom free disorder; it comes with a few different types of warning signs.
“Some of the symptoms include: being very tired all the time, weakness, low blood counts, my skin tone changes according to how sick I feel, and there are many lung problems,” said King.
Along with the symptoms, King also has to keep track of what her daily routine looks like.
“Every day I have to take about 12 medications, have a strict diet, and limit my activities,” said King.
Recently though, King has received some great news. She is on a list for a kidney transplant, and she may be able to get a transplant very soon.
“My transplant will hopefully be scheduled sometime in February,” said King.
The donor for the operation is actually someone close to King in her own life.
“My mom is planning to give me her kidney for my operation,” said King, “Before she can give me her kidney though, she must go through several, intensive test to get ready for the transplant.”
“She is almost done with her testing,” King said.
She has mixed emotions about the operation, but in the end she knows it is for the best.
“I am nervous about having the operation done, but I know I will feel much better afterwards,” said King.
Life changing experiences can either make life bad, or can be grabbed by the horns. King has chosen to make the best out of life, and live life to the fullest. There is a lesson to be learned from this; no matter what life throws at you, always fight back.
Story by Ian Bostock
Historic stage to host Just Another High School Musical
Have you ever seen a play gone wrong? If not, here’s your chance.
The drama club will be presenting Just Another High School Musical. Frustrated at a lack of attendance at rehearsal, the director has headed south for Mexico to become a professional salsa dancer and leaves the Assistant Director and Stage Manager to fend for themselves to come up with a show on their own.
When the Assistant Director forgets what show they are supposed to be putting on, the Stage Manager steps in and has the cast of the show pick certain parts of different plays to go through.
Just Another High School Musical is a comedy with compiled snips of different famous plays with their own little twist. Some of the well known musicals that are featured in the play are, Little Women, and A Christmas Carol.
“We are the first group to put on a play at the old high school since it opened and with this play having very minimal sets, this was the best show for us to put on,” said director Maria Standiford.
Just Another High School Musical will not be shown at the PHS auditorium. The play will, however, will be shown at the Hillcrest Apartments on the old PHS stage. Admission to the show will be $3 for the show only and $8 for dinner and the show. Tickets will be available only at the night of the performance and you can buy them at the Hillcrest auditorium. There will be a diner served during the show and the main course will be spaghetti and garlic bread, with a desert of brownie Sunday served during intermission prepared by the drama club.
Just Another High School Musical will be starring many wonderful actors from Paoli High School and the show will include The Paoli High School Drama Department’s first ever live student piano accompanist, Ashley Allen. Most of the dances that will be in the show were choreographed by PHS sophomore, Hannah Thill.
Cast
Director (Both in and out of the show):
Maria Standiford
Stage Manager: Bailey Rankin
Assistant Director: Kelsey Stouse
Announcer: Ashley Lindley
Narrator: Lindsay Begley
Romeo: Aaron Atchison
Othello: John Hutcheson
Oedipus: Skylar Hodges
Scrooge: Kay-Anna Hodges
Tiny Tim: Skylar Hodges
Ghost: Ashley Lindley
Stage Hand: Melody Pinnick
Male: Blake Minton
Female: Marissa Spradlin
Tom: Blake Minton
Male Meg: Blake Minton
Male Beth: Steven South
Male Jo: John Hutcheson
Male Amy: Skylar Hodges
Meg: Melody Pinnick
Beth: Jennifer Spaid
Jo: Anna Kemple
Amy: Jaima Myers
George: John Hutcheson
Logan: Steven South
Craig: Aaron Atchison
Carrie: Lauren Rang
Emily: Allison Hedge
Noel: Jessica South
Teena: Lindsay Harkness
Story by Bailey Rankin
Pep Band Invitational Re-cap
Saturday, January 14 was an exciting day for the Pride of Paoli Pep Band. Starting recently, The Orleans Pep Band has hosted a Pep Band Invitational for pep bands around Indiana. The invitational consists of bands playing popular music, mascots showing school spirit and a chance to meet kids from other schools.
The Pride of Paoli Pep Band performed songs including: Come on Feel the Noise, Birdland, Iron Man, Smoke on the Water, Holiday, Paoli’s School Song, Hey and the famous Zombie Nation.
Sophomore Arturo Oceguera, eighth graders Charlie Chapman and Judah Gehl, all three took turns being the Pride’s mascot, Rocky the Ram. The mascots also took part in activities. Such as making a basket and racing while in costume.
“The mascots are hilarious especially when they switch out. It was a lot of fun and excitement,” said freshman Nikki Ramsey.
While waiting to perform, the Pride of Paoli Pep Band had a chance to mingle and watch other bands perform.
“I thought the boy from Borden who was dancing was pretty funny,” said eighth grader Morgan Dotts.
The time had finally arrived. It was time for awards. The Pride of Paoli Pep Band received “Best Percussion” and 1st in their class.
“When I heard we got first place I was really happy and excited but I wasn’t surprised at all. I knew we’d kick butt and get first,” said freshman Jody Clements on her feelings about the awarding.
It appears as if The Orleans Pep Band Invitational has become a favorite event for the Pride of Paoli Pep Band.
“How I feel about going back to Orleans next year for the Orleans Bulldog Regiment Pep Band Invitational is how a toddler feels when it gets its first hot wheel. Excited, and I feel the need to show it,” said junior Kay Anna Hodges on her excitement about returning next year.
Even if the event is just for kicks, most kids cannot wait to go back.
Story By Brooklyn Dotts
