Messenger Vol. 117 issue 2

MESSENGERWICHITA HIGH SCHOOL EAST

2301 E. DOUGLAS AVE., WICHITA, KS 67211 // EHSMESSENGER.COM

September 25, 2009VOLUME 117, ISSUE 2

TIAHRT AN EMBARRASSMENT TO KANSAS - 4“GAMER” REVIEW - 5TEACHERS TRAVEL ACROSS GLOBE - 6-7TENNIS TEAM DEFEATS BISHOP CARROLL - 9

NEWS

www.ehsmessenger.com

2September 25, 2009

Instead of concentrating on their own well-being, students aspire

to help Chinese orphans have a better life.

With the tagline of “Brawl for your life...save theirs...”, an East organization, Bring Them Hope, hopes to better the lives of Chinese orphans through fundraising at a Super Smash Brothers Brawl tournament held Sept. 26, 9 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church gymnasium, 300 N. Ohio Ave.

Qiao Yi Chen, sr., president of Bring Them Hope, volunteered at a Chinese orphan camp called “Bring Me Hope.” This inspired her to start Bring Them Hope at East.

“All of us at the camp ate together, slept together, played together, and cried together,” Chen said. “They told me stories of their lives in the orphanage,

and how their parents left them. I was touched by their stories, and I knew I had to do something to help them.”

Bring Them Hope takes the two separate concepts of helping Chinese orphans and video games by putting them together into one seamless entity called, “Brawl for Hope.”

While Brawl, short for Super Smash Brothers Brawl developed for Wii by Nintendo, revolves around a competitive gaming atmosphere, the tournament concentrates solely on raising money for Chinese orphans.

Huy Dao, sr., and Daniel Nguyen, jr., collaborated with Chen when developing the idea for the tournament. While also inspired by helping Chinese orphans, Dao explained the inspiration

for mixing the two seemingly unrelated topics.

“We’re inspired by the love of the game,” Dao said. “Daniel and I, along with others, simply love to play the game.”

Dao set the specifics of the tournament. The tournament will include a registration fee and will sell various items to raise money.

Currently, 20 players have confirmed registration. Players from WSU and other schools have expressed an interest in the tournament. Dao hopes for a turnout of at least 40.

While there are no cash prizes, other incentives include bragging rights, trophies, satisfaction in helping orphans and the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the state and nation.

Bring Them Hope to raise funds with Brawl tournamentJENICE DUONG, WEBMASTER

National Merit semi-finalists announcedJENICE DUONG, WEBMASTER

East claimed 11 of the 12 National Merit semi-finalists

in USD 259. Only seniors scoring 212 or higher on the PSAT, taken during their junior year, qualified as National Merit semi-finalists.

“When I first saw my score, I was really excited because it was a significant increase from the year before,” Katherine LaVoie, sr., said. “I’m glad to see that all the extra practice tests paid off.”

About 90 percent of semi-finalists will become finalists. While finalists only receive $2,500 in scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, several colleges and universities offer as much as a full ride scholarship for National Merit finalist recognition.

“While I’m honored about receiving semi-finalist recognition, I see it more as an opportunity than an achievement,” Jack Welch, sr., said.

MESSENGERWICHITA HIGH SCHOOL EAST

STAFFEditors-in-ChiefJohn CamenzindJeremy Koehler

WebmasterJenice Duong

Advertising ManagerSavana Cross

ReportersIan BaileyEmma GillespieLauren GraberEvan GottstineAaron HeilSalman HusainVioletta LopezAshley MatthewsKierstin McMichaelBrae MinerDonald PepoonSuhayla SibaaiJessica ThomasColin White

Head PhotographerAshley Matthews

VideographerMonique Levy

EDITORIAL POLICY“The Messenger” is published in print every two to three weeks, except during vacations, by the Journalism staff of Wichita High School East, 2301 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67211. The Journalism department can be reached at (316) 973-7275 or by fax at (316) 973-7224.

“The Messenger” staff will publish news, enter-tainment, features and sports in an unbiased and professional manner and serve as a public forum for the students of Wichita High School East.

Letters to the Editor may be submitted to room W301 or by fax, and must be signed, legible and concise. The staff reserves the right to edit letters to conform to “Messenger” style. Base-less accusations, insults, libelous statements, obscenity, and letters which call for a disruption of the school day will not be considered for publication.

“The Messenger” is the official student newspaper of Wichita High School East and it is distributed free to students. The opinions expressed in this publication reflect those of the student writers and not the Board of Education or Wichita High School East administration, faculty, or adviser.

ON THE COVERCompetitors from East and West High shake hands in a show of sportsmanship after a game. EMMA GILLESPIE, PHOTOGRAPHER

National Merit semi-finalists pose on the front steps. Front row: Divya Chivvukula, Sarah Yun, Nivanthika Wilmalasena. Second row: Ruth Ebersole, Kim Truong, Kath-erine LaVoie. Third row: Laura Combs, Jonathan Lewallen, Antonia Davidson. Fourth row: John Camenzind, Jack Welch. MARIAH MILES, PHOTOGRAPHER

Oct. 14, MorningThe PSAT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) will begin at 8 a.m. • Freshmen will take PLAN test.• Juniors will take ACT practice test, attend career fair and other activities.• Seniors will take class panoramnic photo, order cap and gown photos, attend a career fair and other activities.•

Oct. 14, AfternoonDue to the PSAT, first and seventh hour will be held in the afternoon and will be 78 minutes long.• Parent teacher conferences start at 4 p.m. and last until 7 p.m.•

Oct. 15Due to the PSAT the previous day, second through sixth hours will be 71 minutes long.• Fall portrait retakes and cap and gown photos take place in the west auditorium. Cap and gown pictures will take • place all day and retakes will take place only in the afternoon. (Please note the date change.)

SAVE THE DATE

3September 25, 2009NEWS


Law change increases age for unrestricted license Teenagers will have to wait until

the age of 17 to receive their unrestricted license because of the new driving law taking effect Janu-ary 2010.

The primary goal of raising the driving age is to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities among teenagers.

“The new driving law was de-signed overall to increase safety,” Officer J.A. Biagini, School Re-source Officer, said.

With more time to practice driv-ing, students are less likely to be

involved in an accident.Biagini said no setbacks to the

new law are forthcoming and that the law is similar to laws already in place on the East Coast. Parents and officers alike hope the new re-quirements will allow young people to be more proficient when they eventually get behind the wheel to drive.

Other changes include no cell phone usage until obtaining an unrestricted license. A “lesser re-stricted license” was also added for teens at the age of 16. The lesser

restricted license must be kept for at least six months and is valid anytime from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. It also allows no more than one non-family member under 18.

Drivers can still receive their instruction permit at 14 and a restricted permit at 15. Restrictions include possessing the license for one year, using no cell phones while driving, and with the instruction permit the other driver must be 21.

Young drivers may not appreci-ate the new driving law, but it is for the safety of all who drive.

“It is a positive step and it is

important that positive steps are being made,” Biagini said.

The new seat belt laws allow authorities to pull over anyone not wearing a seat belt, which will hopefully decrease the number of deaths.

“Lawmakers see that there is a problem and they are going that extra mile to take the steps to take care of the problem,” Biagini said.

Some teenagers may be happy that having an instruction permit before the new law takes effect January 2010 means they will still be subjected to the old driving law.

Instruction PermitAge 14• Licensed adult 21 years of age • or older must be in passenger seat at all timesNo cell phone usage except to • report illegal activity or to call for medical or emergency help

Restricted LicenseAge 15• Must hold instruction permit for • one yearNo cell phone usage except to •

report illegal activity or to call for emergency helpCan obtain “lesser restricted” • license if 50 hours affidavit has been turned in

Lesser Restricted LicenseBetween age 16 and 17• Only one passenger younger • than 18 years of age (unless im-mediate family)No use of wireless communica-• tion devices except to report illegal activity or to call for emer-

gency helpCan drive anywhere from 5 a.m. • to 9 p.mCan drive anytime going to and • from workCan drive anytime going to and • from school authorized activitiesCan drive anytime with a • licensed adultMust have a vision and driving • testParent approval is not neces-• sary for obtaining licenseDriver’s education is not • necessary

Must have 50 driving hours• Restrictions lifted after six • months

Unrestricted LicenseMinimum of 17 years of age•

NEW DRIVING LAWS

SUHAYLA SIBAAI, REPORTERASHLEY MATTHEWS, REPORTER

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4September 25, 2009 EDITORIAL


Most people would think that by the time teenagers are in

high school, they should be able to address a letter.

It is a simple, yet necessary skill that many high school students are not able to do because they were never taught at the elementary level.

The reason it is not being taught; it is not tested by the state.

By teaching students only material that will be covered in tests, students are being denied the teaching of necessary life skills. However, many of the tested concepts will never be used by

students.Cursive, for instance, has no

value to the average adult today unless they are signing their name. Many teenagers cannot even write out the entire alphabet in cursive.

Three years ago in an honors English class, a teacher made every student write out the alphabet in cursive. None of the students were able to.

Having a test dictate what will be taught in school takes away much of the teachers’ discretion. Teachers can no longer pass over material they find less important and teach valuable lessons.

Basic skills that all students will have to utilize throughout their lives should be taught and tested. But teachers should have the ability to choose what non-mandatory material is most valuable to their students.

The state should either cut back on testing or cover just enough material to leave time for teachers to time teach their own lessons of their own design.

The mandatory curriculum should contain only truly practical lessons that are necessary to succeed at the next level of education.

Teaching should not be preparing students for a test that has information they will likely forget soon after. It should be giving students tangible information that they will use for the rest of their lives.

Electing representatives like Tiahrt reflects poorly on state

Teaching to the test a flawed strategy, teachers need more flexibility to give life skills

In the whirlwind of Washington politics, it is easy for even well

informed citizens to overlook the actions of our representatives. Kansans cannot afford to overlook Todd Tiahrt much longer.

Tiahrt is the Representative for the Fifth District, which includes Wichita and all of south-central Kansas. He is notorious in the House for his far right-wing views and, after his most recent transgression, his outrageous suggestions.

In an argument against publicly funded abortions on the House floor, Tiahrt suggested that if such a policy had been in place when President Obama was born, his mother might have chosen to abort him.

“If you take that scenario and apply it to many of the great minds we have today, who would we have been deprived of? Our President grew up in those similar circumstances. If that financial incentive was in place, is it possible that his mother might have taken advantage of it?” Tiahrt said.

While this is enough to raise some eyebrows, he followed by suggesting (over a growing chorus of boos) that the same could have happened to the late Thurgood Marshall, the first black Justice of the Supreme Court.

In modern America, “racist” is a word thrown around far too easily. Pundits bend over backward to condemn public figures for the simplest of missteps. Yet you cannot convince me it was coincidence Tiahrt mentioned two black men. These are not the kind of statements we want our state to be known for.

Tiahrt strongly opposes Obama’s public option proposal for health care reform. While there

are valid reasons to oppose the bill, including its astronomical price tag, the justifications Tiahrt gives are erroneous. He proposed an amendment requiring Representatives who vote for the bill to accept the government health insurance Tiahrt claims Congress is “imposing on the American people.” He seems to have missed the key word: option. The bill clearly spells out that Americans satisfied with their private health insurance will be able to keep it.

While decreasing taxes by lowering government spending is a noble cause, the Republicans use it as an excuse to block any and all attempts at progress. The reality is that progress often costs money on

the front end, a sacrifice that smart leaders are willing to make for the betterment of the country and the well-being of its citizens.

Yet when given the opportunity to actually limit spending, Tiahrt and his fellow House Republicans voted against a “pay-as-you-go” proposal to require new legislation to specify the source of its funds, rather than tacking it on to the $11.8 trillion federal deficit.

If Tiahrt is the type of person Kansans are sending to Washington to represent us, it is no wonder people think of two things when they think of our state: “The Wizard of Oz” and ignorant country bumpkins.

Kansas is a prototypical “red state,” a Republican stronghold

that has not voted Democrat in a presidential election since 1964. Ours is one of the few states an elected official can get away with this combination of ignorance and blundering, and still stand a chance of being reelected.

It is time Kansans take a hard second look at the politicians we elect, starting with moving Tiahrt out of office.

JOHN CAMENZIND

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DONNIE PEPOON

FOR THE STAFF

5September 25, 2009ENTERTAINMENT


Gerard Butler acts as John Tillman in the movie “Gamer,”

which focuses on a man’s journey to try and win his freedom by surviv-ing 30 death matches.

It starts with a called “Society,” a mind-control system that allows people to control avatars to represent themselves, except in this case, the avatars are actual people with a mind-control in their brains. Naturally, this evolves into a war game called “Slayers,” a game that has pris-oners fight each other, controlled by their player through the mind-control. If they can survive 30 Slayer matches, they can go home free.

The very beginning of the movie shows famous places all around the world, all portraying ads of “Slayers” and showcasing Kable and the creator, in a way nostalgic of the wall ads in “Blade Runner.” This shows the immense popularity of “Slayers,” and it provides a way to delve straight into the intense and gory action of “Slayers.”

Here is where the character Kable is introduced, showing him as a ruthless killer. On the train ride back to prison, the audience catches a brief glimpse of both his quiet nature and his heroic status among the common people and other prisoners.

During a post-match inter-view with the creator, Ken Castle

(Michael C. Hall), the television channel is hacked by a rebel group called “Humanz,” led by a name-less man (Ludacris), which warns citizens around the world of the evil of Ken Castle and his mind-control.

During his 30th and final match, Kable has complete control of himself, after Humanz convinces his player, Silverton, a typical surly teenager, to allow Kable complete freedom. Kable uses this freedom to escape, where he joins up with “Hu-

manz” to try to destroy the Ken Castle empire,

while trying to reunite with his wife and daughter.

The

movie tries to do too many things at once; the world ruled by media, a man’s journey to reconnect with his family and redeem his sins, a woman trying to end her self-destructive life-style, and a rebel group trying to destroy a major power.

Themes seem hackneyed, and the most original part of the movie, mind-control, was underdeveloped, since Kable was not under its con-trol for a large part of the movie. The title “Gamer” is misleading, because the movie focuses on the seedier side of “Society,”which por-trays the sexual desires that people may never be able to fulfill in their own lives.

“Gamer” is not the goriest movie out there, but it is close, in the same caliber of Saving Private Ryan and other war movies. Also, this movie brings to life how grue-some games, such as “Call of Duty 4,” would actually look like if real people were implemented in the game.

The camera work was exception-al, making the audience feel part of the action, shaking in fear with the fighters.

Besides some cheesy voice-overs during fighting, the acting was ac-ceptable, especially with Michael C. Halls. Other than that, the acting was acceptable.

The movie did what I believe it was designed to do: create an over-the-top action movie, that still slightly critiques the behavior of people if they are not the ones be-ing watched.

In the end, “Gamer,” was a decent movie with a great concept that just did not quite reach it full potential.

‘Gamer’ provides entertainment, fails to deliver messageEVAN GOTTSTINE, REPORTER

19 50

19 60

19 70

19 80

19 90

20 00

History of Gaming

1958Tennis for Two William Higgen-botham creates the interactive computer game

1962Spacewar!Created by

Steven Russel of MIT

1968Ralph H. Baer patents the idea that leads to the first consoles.

1971Computer

SpaceFirst

coin-operated arcade

machine

1976Atari 2600 First multi-gameconsole

1981Donkey Kong

the first Nin-tendo game with Mario, Peach, and

Donkey Kong.(Pictured right)

1986Nintendo

Entertainment System (NES)

Achieves record sales.

1994PlayStation

First game con-sole to reach

100 million units sold

1996Nintendo 64Features 3D graphics and a 64-bit processor.

2000PlayStation 2 First console

with DVD tech-nology.2006

PlayStation 3 Features Blu-Ray

capabilities.(below)

2005Xbox 360(below)

2001Xbox

2006Nintendo WiiInnovative mo-tion controls al-low it to out-sell the PS3 and Xbox 360

2009Project Natal

announced.

1952Noughts and

Crosses First computer game, made by

A. S. Douglas

“Gamer” features an online game called “Slayers,” in which Kable (But-ler), pictured, nears his 30th and final death match. PHOTO FROM PHOTOFILIA.COM

7September 25, 2009feature6 featureSeptember 25, 2009

Faculty travels, teaches students about culture

Where he’s been:“I’ve visited most of the coun-tries of the Western Hemisphere and Europe, and several in Africa, Asia, and Australia.”

How it all started: “My first trip was to Canada with my family when I was eight. We also went as a family to Mexico when I was in high school; then as a graduation present, my parents paid for me to go Colombia for a summer, doing odd jobs for a friend at a retreat center there. I later studied abroad in Colombia for a semester during college.”

Inspiration to travel:“I’ve always been interested in learning about different cultures. I think it’s very easy to focus on a particular way of life and assume that’s the (only) way it’s done. By visiting other places a person appreciates best how other people think and do things. There was a quote in the library that if you don’t travel it’s like reading just one page of a book over and over again.”

Favorite place to visit:“Guatemala is always interesting. It has

fascinating indigenous cultures, beautiful colors, and a spectacular landscape. I first went there after a tragic earthquake to help in a housing reconstruction program, so I had the chance to live in an indig-enous village and get to know people.”

Lessons for the class:“I often include pictures and other items from travels in class lessons, as well as other cultural topics. I hope it helps make

the topics come alive for students. I’ve [also] taken students (on trips) over the years to places like Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Peru, Venezuela, Spain, and Morocco.”

What you think:“He has taught me that you should take the chance to experience other cultures be-cause it will help you grow as a student,”Claire Pickus, soph., said.

HardenGary

To most people, travel is just something they do solely for leisure, but for these teachers it’s more

than that; it is a significant part of their lives.Kelly Raines, Spanish instructor, David Shelly,

Spanish instructor, and Gary Harden, History instructor, are among the faculty who take great

opportunity and pleasure in their ventures across the globe. Each has his or her own specific reasons as to why this is such an important part of their lives and why it is such an influence in what they share with students.

Where he’s been:“To keep this easy, let’s just say every inhabited continent. [Not Antarctica though,] I decided not to bother the penguins.”

How it all started:“(I first started traveling) when I was about 20 years old… (I decided to travel to) escape a bad girl-friend.”

Inspiration to travel:“Most people do enjoy traveling. There’s something about pitting your wits against the locals and surviving outside your normal environment that’s just appeal-ing to us. It’s a challenge and it’s stimulating.”

Cultural lessons:“Traveling abroad can teach you a lot about yourself. On my travels, I’ve discovered that I’m hopelessly American. There’s always some-thing to learn when you get out of your native environment.”

Interesting experiences:“Where do I even start? I was al-most killed by a drunken driver in a car wreck in Germany (German emergency rooms at 2 a.m. are in-teresting), mugged in Portugal (by the way, it never happens the way you expect it to), almost died in Afghanistan of amoebic dysentery , and was threatened to be killed in Morocco when mistaken for a Jew.”

Lessons for the class:“It’s a big complicated world. There’s always something more to see or learn and just when you think you’ve seen it all, you see something else. The world is end-lessly fascinating, and through traveling you can learn a lot about the world and yourself.”

What you think:“It’s cool that (Harden) has trav-eled so much because it gives us another perspective of the locations we are studying. Its something different than just reading the textbook,” Lynn Rich, sr., said.

worldallaroundthe

LAUREN GRABER, REPORTERKIERSTIN McMICHAEL, REPORTER

ShellyDavid

Where she’s been:“India, UAE (United Arab Emirates), England, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Germany, Panama, Brazil, Venezuela, and Canada.”

How it all started:“When I was 14 my father sent me to live with my aunt in the US. After that I was hooked. At 15 I went to Venezuela for mission trips. At 16 I moved to Canada for college, and at 17 I toured Europe with a friend.”

Inspiration to travel: “I have a home in India for children rescued from sexual slavery. I went to Panama to help teach the teachers. My husband and I are on the board for a non-profit organization that helps children all over the world. And presently, we are working to raise money for water wells in Africa.”

Favorite places to visit:“India has been my favorite project because it’s amazing what we can do there with just a little

bit of money. I am also fond of projects in Brazil. With $50, we provide medical care in a whole village.”

Interesting experience:“Last summer I was detained in India as a possible terrorist because I had so many country entries on my passport. It took me four days to be able to leave with my daughter.”

Cultural lessons:“People are people no matter where they live. People always open up and welcome you when you show interest and respect for their culture. We’re all the same – just different colors, habits, and beliefs—but at the core, everyone feels. I also learned that one person can make a big difference. As part of my job here, I teach (students) to be citizens of a global neighborhood.”

What you think:“She has taught me that each culture has different ideals. Her teaching helps you get a better understanding of the countries we are learning about,” Tai Lam, soph., said.

David Shelly, Spanish instructor, poses for a picture in Australia. DAVID SHELLY, PHOTO COURTESY

Gary Harden, History instructor, points to the top of the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Giza, Egypt. GARY HARDEN, PHOTO COURTESY

Kelly Raines, Spanish instructor, visits an orphanage in India. KELLY RAINES, PHOTO COURTESY

RainesKelly

7September 25, 2009feature6 featureSeptember 25, 2009

Faculty travels, teaches students about culture

Where he’s been:“I’ve visited most of the coun-tries of the Western Hemisphere and Europe, and several in Africa, Asia, and Australia.”

How it all started: “My first trip was to Canada with my family when I was eight. We also went as a family to Mexico when I was in high school; then as a graduation present, my parents paid for me to go Colombia for a summer, doing odd jobs for a friend at a retreat center there. I later studied abroad in Colombia for a semester during college.”

Inspiration to travel:“I’ve always been interested in learning about different cultures. I think it’s very easy to focus on a particular way of life and assume that’s the (only) way it’s done. By visiting other places a person appreciates best how other people think and do things. There was a quote in the library that if you don’t travel it’s like reading just one page of a book over and over again.”

Favorite place to visit:“Guatemala is always interesting. It has

fascinating indigenous cultures, beautiful colors, and a spectacular landscape. I first went there after a tragic earthquake to help in a housing reconstruction program, so I had the chance to live in an indig-enous village and get to know people.”

Lessons for the class:“I often include pictures and other items from travels in class lessons, as well as other cultural topics. I hope it helps make

the topics come alive for students. I’ve [also] taken students (on trips) over the years to places like Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Peru, Venezuela, Spain, and Morocco.”

What you think:“He has taught me that you should take the chance to experience other cultures be-cause it will help you grow as a student,”Claire Pickus, soph., said.

HardenGary

To most people, travel is just something they do solely for leisure, but for these teachers it’s more

than that; it is a significant part of their lives.Kelly Raines, Spanish instructor, David Shelly,

Spanish instructor, and Gary Harden, History instructor, are among the faculty who take great

opportunity and pleasure in their ventures across the globe. Each has his or her own specific reasons as to why this is such an important part of their lives and why it is such an influence in what they share with students.

Where he’s been:“To keep this easy, let’s just say every inhabited continent. [Not Antarctica though,] I decided not to bother the penguins.”

How it all started:“(I first started traveling) when I was about 20 years old… (I decided to travel to) escape a bad girl-friend.”

Inspiration to travel:“Most people do enjoy traveling. There’s something about pitting your wits against the locals and surviving outside your normal environment that’s just appeal-ing to us. It’s a challenge and it’s stimulating.”

Cultural lessons:“Traveling abroad can teach you a lot about yourself. On my travels, I’ve discovered that I’m hopelessly American. There’s always some-thing to learn when you get out of your native environment.”

Interesting experiences:“Where do I even start? I was al-most killed by a drunken driver in a car wreck in Germany (German emergency rooms at 2 a.m. are in-teresting), mugged in Portugal (by the way, it never happens the way you expect it to), almost died in Afghanistan of amoebic dysentery , and was threatened to be killed in Morocco when mistaken for a Jew.”

Lessons for the class:“It’s a big complicated world. There’s always something more to see or learn and just when you think you’ve seen it all, you see something else. The world is end-lessly fascinating, and through traveling you can learn a lot about the world and yourself.”

What you think:“It’s cool that (Harden) has trav-eled so much because it gives us another perspective of the locations we are studying. Its something different than just reading the textbook,” Lynn Rich, sr., said.

worldallaroundthe

LAUREN GRABER, REPORTERKIERSTIN McMICHAEL, REPORTER

ShellyDavid

Where she’s been:“India, UAE (United Arab Emirates), England, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Germany, Panama, Brazil, Venezuela, and Canada.”

How it all started:“When I was 14 my father sent me to live with my aunt in the US. After that I was hooked. At 15 I went to Venezuela for mission trips. At 16 I moved to Canada for college, and at 17 I toured Europe with a friend.”

Inspiration to travel: “I have a home in India for children rescued from sexual slavery. I went to Panama to help teach the teachers. My husband and I are on the board for a non-profit organization that helps children all over the world. And presently, we are working to raise money for water wells in Africa.”

Favorite places to visit:“India has been my favorite project because it’s amazing what we can do there with just a little

bit of money. I am also fond of projects in Brazil. With $50, we provide medical care in a whole village.”

Interesting experience:“Last summer I was detained in India as a possible terrorist because I had so many country entries on my passport. It took me four days to be able to leave with my daughter.”

Cultural lessons:“People are people no matter where they live. People always open up and welcome you when you show interest and respect for their culture. We’re all the same – just different colors, habits, and beliefs—but at the core, everyone feels. I also learned that one person can make a big difference. As part of my job here, I teach (students) to be citizens of a global neighborhood.”

What you think:“She has taught me that each culture has different ideals. Her teaching helps you get a better understanding of the countries we are learning about,” Tai Lam, soph., said.

David Shelly, Spanish instructor, poses for a picture in Australia. DAVID SHELLY, PHOTO COURTESY

Gary Harden, History instructor, points to the top of the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Giza, Egypt. GARY HARDEN, PHOTO COURTESY

Kelly Raines, Spanish instructor, visits an orphanage in India. KELLY RAINES, PHOTO COURTESY

RainesKelly

8September 25, 2009 SPORTS


Prom Homecoming Quinceañera Bridal

1005 W. Douglas 264.6688 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

Dress Like a Million Bucks Without Spending It!

After a 2-5 campaign last fall with a fifth place finish in

GWAL, the girls golf team was ready for a fresh start.

“We all wanted to improve a lot more this year,” Kayla Steelsmith, soph., said.

Steelsmith developed her golf game over the summer.

“I improved over the summer,” Steelsmith said. “I did junior golf with my friend (Haley Shelton, soph.,) and I think that helped me.”

Head coach Hans Widener knows that golfing during the off-season is vital if the team wants to compete at a higher level.

“The major advances are made when a golfer will spend her own time working on the parts of her game that need the most work,” Widener said. “Team practice is where athletes can get good, but in-dividual practice is where athletes can become great.”

The team’s hard work during the summer has paid off.

“We have started out better than I thought and have taken fourth in the last two tournaments we played in,” Widener said. “Last year, it seemed like we couldn’t move beyond fifth. So I am pleased with our start so far, although I know we

can do better.”The fourth place finishes came at

the Bishop Carroll tournament and the Wichita Heights Tournament. The fields at these tournaments were made up of City League teams, giving the team a good idea of where they stand for league competition.

If the team wants to reach the top of the City League, they will also need to depend on leaders like Andrea Sanders, jr.

“(Sanders) is a really good golf-er,” Steelsmith said. “She makes us better as we try to keep up with her good scores.”

Widener sees Hope Clayton, sr., as the leader of the team. Widener has high expectations of Clayton, and all of the upperclassmen on the team.

“I expect them to be an example of proper golf etiquette, the right attitude, focus, and determination,” Widener said.

To continue to improve their play, Widener expects the girls to follow leaders like Clayton.

“Being a senior, Clayton is one of my main leaders,” Widener said. “She consistently has a good at-titude and is a good example for the girls to follow.”

Golfers improve performance through off-season practice

Remy LeCompte, jr., hits out of a bunker during the Wichita Heights Tournament at MacDonald Golf Course, Sept. 14. East took fourth place in the tournament.JEREMY KOEHLER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JEREMY KOEHLER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Football team defeated by Dodge City, Kapaun Mount Carmel, falls to 1-2Head football coach Brian Byers patrols the sidelines during a game against North, Sept. 4. East defeated, North 18-12, but has since lost games against Dodge City, 59-0, and Kapaun Mount Carmel, 14-12. The schedule will not be any easier in up-coming weeks, East faces undefeated Bishop Carroll, Oct. 2. Bishop Carroll is led by All-American Blake Bell who has committed to play football at Oklahoma University. DARYAN COLLING, PHOTOGRAPHER

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9September 25, 2009SPORTS


New tennis coach brings military values to the tennis court

Drea Shaver, jr., returns a serve during a match against Heights Sept. 1. Shaver won both the singles and doubles matches she participated in. East won the match 9-0. JEREMY KOEHLER, EDITOR-IN-CHEIF

AARON HEIL, REPORTER

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A former Marine now serves as a new coach to the tennis

program and she delivers new aspects to practice.

Laurel Scott brings values learned from her five years in the U.S. Marine Corps to the playing field. These include strong emphases on the athletes working together as a team, and as well as having the will to work.

Scott has never coached high school tennis before, though she was a state tennis champion as a high school athlete in Anchorage, Alaska. Scott went on to play at Palomar College in San Diego, Calif. She has also competed on the Marine Corps volleyball team and has coached club volleyball.

“As athletes, I expect them to behave as athletes,” Scott said. “There should be a strong sense of camaraderie as a team.”

“She’s putting more of a focus on conditioning,” Kelly Redler, jr., said.

Redler and the other tennis players have been working out more in practice than they did last

year.“(It) prepares us for matches,”

Drea Shaver, jr., said. In addition to her new practice

routines, Scott herself has generated a positive response.

“She’s doing really (well),” Shaver said. “She exceeded my expectations as a new coach.”

The team shut out Heights and Southeast in its first two matches. They defeated Bishop Carroll in a 5-4 upset.

A challenger this year will be Kapaun Mount Carmel, the other team in the league with a 5-0 record overall this season. Last season, the girls placed third in the City League, a feat they hope to accomplish again this year.

“We’ve worked really hard on training basic skills, and on teamwork,” Scott said. “That alone will help us.”

“We hope to do better,” Shaver said. “We’ve all improved since last year. We’re hoping for a good season.”

10 September 25, 2009 FEATURE


what you need to know:

Homecoming game date: Oct. 9 time: 7 p.m. location: South High opponent: West High

Homecoming dance date: Oct. 10 time: 8-11 p.m. location: Beech Activity Center tickets: $7 in advance, $8 at the door

speakout

“No. I’m not tryin’ to wear the pants in the relation-ship.” Vanessa Dimmen, soph.

“A boy should have the heart to step up and ask the girl to the dance.” Chris Reed, soph.

“If a girl likes a guy and the guy doesn’t say anything, what’s a girl gonna do?” Asia Moore, sr.

“It’s totally ac-ceptable. Saying she can’t is sexism.” Harper Bottorff, sr.

Is it acceptable for girls to ask guys to the dance?

Night under the Stars

dating: do’s & don’ts

•be punctual. Being fashionably late isn’t so fashionable. Besides, he would rather see your not-yet-perfect make-up than wait with your parents.•give compliments. On a night you may be a little nervous, a little compliment can go a long way. • ignore distractions. Turn off the cell phone if necessary. After all, you have one date, not four.

Homecoming 101: saving money, getting a date, buying what’s in style

Top 5dress trends

Spending loads of money on a terrible night isn’t a whole lot of fun. Luckily, there are a number of small measures that can be taken in order to prevent this from happening.

So from the tips provided here, take what you like and leave the big-night blunders to someone else.

The bottom hem folds up into the underside of the dress, slightly reminiscent of a mushroom.

In gray, not so hot. But turquoise? Standing out won’t be a problem.

Sequins, beads, anything that glimmers under the light of a disco ball is in.

Plaids, animal prints, retro throwback, doesn’t matter. This season, design dominates.

Gathered just above the belly button, the cinched waist flatters every body type.

Olivia Voorhis, soph., saved $100 by buy-ing this dress at TJ Max ($30) instead of Dillard’s ($130).

Bubble hem Vibrant color Adornments Cinched waist Bold print

BRAE MINER, REPORTER EMMA GILLESPIE, PHOTOGRAPHER

Documents

Messenger Vol. 117 issue 2