November 2009 Colony High School Volume 8 Issue 2November 2009 Colony High School Volume 8 Issue 2

The Knightly News

What’s Happening? . . . . 2

Opinions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Photo Spread . . . . . . . . . 10

Activivties. . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Opinions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

What’s Happening? . . . . 2

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Photo Spread . . . . . . . . . 10

Activivties. . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Opinions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

INSIDE

Local Businesses Leave Palmer

Straight to SafetyBy Eva Colberg

Twists and turns and dangerous shoulders are abundant along the expanse of Trunk Road that many Colony High students and staff drive along, but the re-construction project currently underway will provide a safer route for all.

The project, which offi cially started in 1997 with surveying and paperwork, fi nally broke ground this spring. The new Trunk Road will connect Parks Highway to Palmer-Wasilla Highway, and eventually to Fish Hook Road with a straighter and larger roadway.

One of the factors that infl uenced the decision to build a new Trunk Road was the fact that the current one has so many dangerous curves. One in particular, a nearly ninety-degree corner with a steep drop off, located near the Experimental Station, was a source of concern in the community. S o p h o m o r e Chantele Jones is just grateful that the road is scheduled to be completed in 2011, when she plans on getting her driver’s license. “That is how I get to school every day. I think it will be a lot safer since it won’t be as winding.” If everything goes as scheduled, she will be spared from those dangerous, winding curves when it comes time for her to drive.

Another reason for the change was the lack of any pathways for pedestrians or bicyclists. The new road is therefore planned to have a paved bike path on its west side. The old road only has a faint four-wheeler track, so an actual bike path will certainly be welcomed by residents. As sophomore Garret Gates says, “I live close to Trunk, so it will be awesome to have a bike path now.”

The new road is designed to hold the increased traffi c volumes that have been projected for the route, which exceed the current road’s carrying capacity. The new road will have four lanes, and lighted intersections, as well as increased space at the park-and-ride lot by Parks Highway. Parts of the old road will still be maintained in order to access neighborhoods and Pioneer Peak Elementary School.

The new Trunk Road will improve the safety of everyone who uses it. It is already frequented by many new teenage drivers on their way to school, so the safety of this road is critical to the community. The construction will provide that safety, for not only motorists, but pedestrians and bicyclists.

Censorship Blocks Knightly News

By Casey Branch

The Downtown Palmer Plaza contains only six small retailers, fi ve of which are leaving. Non Essentials, Cups, Cones, and Candy are both shutting down completely, while Gladheart Aces, and Avenue Seven are planning to relocate, and The Valley Winery has already made the move to Wasilla. Due to factors such as infrastructure repairs, road work, and the cancellation of the annual Colony Christmas Train, Palmer is losing the local business attraction.

One feature that these businesses took into consideration is the Palmer couplet, a project that will transform the road system. Intending to alleviate traffi c into and out of town, this plan will bring three lanes of one way traffi c into Palmer down the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. It will then go back down Dogwood Avenue to Hemmer Road which will take traffi c the opposite direction, towards Wasilla.

To businesses that are located along Colony Way this new system will funnel traffi c away from their stores. Denise Statz, owner of Non Essentials explained that businesses had to put up their own money to fi ght the city council when the couplet was still a proposal; unfortunately their efforts had no effect.

While the economy has been harsh and unforgiving this year, road construction did nothing but continue to deter customers. This previous summer Palmer’s aging water lines experienced an outbreak of leaks, sending geysers out of the pavement. This serious situation caused construction to take place right in the middle of downtown Palmer which lasted nearly a month in certain areas. “I remember the construction being so ridiculous in Palmer that I avoided going there completely,” stated sophomore Rachel Huffman.See Buisness on Back Page

By Casey Branch

On October 6, 2009, Governor Sean Parnell announced his idea for giving Alaskan high school students a generous fi nancial break which, in itself, would be an educational incentive. Governor Parnell’s recent proposal of a merit based scholarship is called the Governor’s Performance Plan which rewards students based on their grade point average.

A high school student with a 4.0 GPA would receive a 100% tuition scholarship. A 3.0 GPA student would have a 75% tuition scholarship, and even a 2.5 GPA student could receive a 50% tuition

Rewarding Academic Excellence scholarship. These incredible endowments would be a huge aid for many Alaskan students looking to go to college or any job training vocational type of school in Alaska. Jeff Bowker, of Colony High Schools’ math department said, “I’m all in favor of this plan, I think it’s a good step in the right direction, but it limits students by keeping them in state.” While inspiring to go to extra schooling by being a fi nancial aid is ideal it also holds back students from venturing to other states because this is too great of an opportunity to pass up. See Rewards on Back Page

Trunk Road construction is still in phase one.

Mrs. Brunner, the journalism advisor, reads The Knightly News and is surprised to fi nd that the schools newspaper has been blocked by the district.

By Tommy Class

The Knightly News has hit a speed bump. Just before October’ Knightly News was about to be printed, the Mat-Su School District shut down a version of the Knightly News website. After all the hard work the students in Mrs. Brunner’s Journalism class devoted to the paper, the district removed the webpage due to inappropriate internet advertisements.

CHS principal, Cyd Duffi n does not feel this is censorship. ” According to www.dictionary.com, the defi nition of censorship is ‘repressing ideas, impulses, feelings’ or ‘deleting words or passages of a text.’ The Mat-Su School District did not shut down the paper, only the inappropriate webpage. There is still a version of the Knightly News on the CHS homepage.” Duffi n also added, “My feeling is that CHS’s Knightly News was not changed in any way by the administration. The ideas in it, the words written by the students, and the content of the paper have remained the same.” Duffi n also has great respect for the paper and the students who write it. “My personal feeling is that CHS’s Knightly News is VERY well-written, and deserves national exposure.”

Journalism is not the only class affected by the School District’s strict policies. Some other teachers feel like they could use more freedom on the internet to better teach their classes. Science teacher Mr. Lussow is no exception. “I was teaching a unit on carbohydrates. When I tried to fi nd a picture of a potato, it was blocked for pornography.”

US Government teacher, Ms. Miller said. “I can’t look up anything about the right to bear arms or other useful ideas to teach my class.” Miller also added, “It is hard to teach both points of view when I can only show my classes CNN. Sometimes I must do research at my house.” Miller also mentioned the legal case Hazelwood School District vs. Kuhllmeier. Which states that “school offi cials must show a “legitimate pedagogical purpose” when they make decisions on banning or selecting materials.”

Mrs. Duffi n wants education to be the

number one priority of the faculty, as well as safety for her students. “I think the reason that the Instructional Technology Department at MSBSD limits teachers’ access to the internet is because they cannot guarantee that students will not be on teacher computer stations. And indeed, I see students using teachers’ computers pretty regularly. So if we opened up access to employee computers to all the sites we would like to get to, we’d also expose kids potentially to sites that are not reasonable for students to be viewing here at school.”

The School District has strict policies because it is their number one priority to make sure that school is used for education. If anything is inappropriate or invalid, it is the responsibility of the school district to block or remove said items. The Knightly News was no exception.

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3The Knightly News

November 2009

Features

Trends come and go, but at the moment leggings just keep on coming. Popular two decades ago, and revived four years ago, leggings are yet again being re-invented by fashionistas and common citizens everywhere.

As with most fashion, of course, nothing new is truly “new”, just revived from a former period. The rule holds true for leggings, which were first trendy in the 1980’s as athletic/street-wear styles. Films like Flashdance and Grease both featured characters sporting the trend, particularly Sandy in Grease after her makeover. In the mid-1990’s, the trend faded for teenagers and adults, but I remember more childlike leggings being my standard daily uniform in my elementary school days. Then, around 2005, they started to make a comeback in the fashion world, replacing tights underneath skirts and dresses.

Indeed, leggings have evolved into a wardrobe staple. “They are everywhere!” exclaims sophomore Ema Reuter.

The trend has expanded to include embellished and patterned leggings, with varying textures and

Let There Be LeggingsBy: Eva Colberg

prints. Prestigious designers like Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, and sent them down the Fall ’09 runways, and magazines are constantly featuring them, but it was celebrities like Lindsay Lohan who popularized the leggings-as-pants look.

Leggings are favored by many because of their comfort levels. Sophomore Rachel Pomerenke says, “I love how versatile they are.” They go just as well with a long chunky-knit sweater as with a short pencil skirt. Flowing tunic tops and blazers also work well with them. Looser layers on top can help to balance out the tighter bottoms.

Others feel that the look is more like that of someone who forgot their pants. A too-short top can often be the culprit in ruining a legging outfit, but to truly pull off the look a certain level of confidence is also required.

It may be some time yet before the general public and often fashion-wary let the “just legs” look go beyond loungewear, but even the unadventurous can wear leggings to stay modest and dress-code-abiding with a dress or skirt.

Alaskan drivers are aware that the winters are very cold and harsh and impair driving. The ice, snow, wind, rain, fog and dark environment all contribute to hazardous road conditions. The combination of all the above factors leads to many winter road accidents every year. One of the major r e a s o n s for winter acc iden ts is a mixture of darkness and ice f o rma t i on that forms on roads that block traffic and leads to dangerous s l i p p e r y conditions. M o s t authorities try to keep main roads and highways plowed and salted to try and prevent ice as much as possible. Senior Chelsea Chapman states her opinion on winter driving, “It sucks, I have to to go twice as slow and I won’t honk my horn because I don’t want to get myself caught in an avalanche.” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did studies showing that it is 36% more likely to get in a car accident in January than in July. Senior Corbeck says “Driving in the winter would be a lot easier if there was not a lot of dumb people on the road.” Four wheel drive is better to have for harsh conditions, but that doesn’t help for when sliding or stopping. It helps to get going. Many people who drive SUV’s feel they are invincible to accidents in these conditions. But the matter of the fact is that SUV’s have a high center of gravity

Road ConditionsBy: Ryan Melander

with a short and narrow wheel base, so when sliding, if an imperfection in the snow or ice is hit there is a chance of rolling over. Most skids on the road in winters are caused by turning too hard. It is said that when sliding the driver should steer in the direction of

the skid, but that is only h e l p f u l for rear-w h e e l d r i v e . M a n y cars are now front-w h e e l drive and is said to look in the d e s i r e d d i rec t ion and steer that way.

Unfortunately, some cars may break down while driving. Many cars stop in motion due to freezing fuel or the accumulation of snow in the engine. Cars following behind may not be able to stop in time rear ending the broken down car. If the vehicle breaks down while driving a common belief is to get out and seek help. It is recommended to stay in the vehicle, but in some cases like when stuck in the middle of a traffic lane to get out because there is a chance of being hit from behind. If a cell phone is not available a good tool to have is triangular reflectors, preferably three to try and get the attention from other drivers or the police. To avoid getting in an accident be very cautious and go slow. Just because the speed limit is 55 does not mean it is safe. That just says the maximum safe speed assuming there are no hazards.

Colony High happily greets exchange students from all around the world every year. Individual families then volunteer to act as hosts for the new students allowing them to stay in their homes. This year the Knights welcome four s t u d e n t s ; Bram ten B r o e k e from the Netherlands, Samuli Harju from Finland, J o n a s Madsen from D e n m a r k , and Juliette Taupin from France. The list of changes for these foreign exchange students is infinite, everything from salutations to methods of transportation to schooling. “There are many differences, for example in France to say ‘Hello’ you give a kiss, but you don’t do that here. Also the schools in France finish very late at five or six o’clock,” claimed Juliette Taupin. “We also have no prom. I am really excited to go this year.”

A more specific change for these students is the transportation. “I don’t like the distance; you have to have a car to go everywhere. In Denmark we have public transportation or you can ride a bike,” stated Jonas Madsen. A fellow exchange student from Finland agreed. “Distances are very long I wonder why people don’t live closer,” claims Sam Harju. “We have a smaller public transportation of buses and trains in Finland. We don’t drive.” For most, this is also their first time in the United States or even their first times out of their home countries. Among the latter, Juliette Taupin says, “I like the United States. This is my first

time out of France and I love it here. Alaska is so big.” Among the cultural adjustments the kids

have made, American food has been one of the most difficult to get used to. “The food in America”s very different. I’m not used to eating so much junk food,” claimed Bram ten Broeke. The eating styles are also very diverse from those of France. “Food is different because here you eat during all the day, but in France we have three meals and that’s it,” exclaimed Juliette. “There aren’t a lot of snacks in between like there is here.” The last main difficulty the students have faced is adjusting to only speaking in English. “Sometimes when I am talking really fast it comes out in Dutch,” laughed Bram ten Broeke. His foreign friend Jonas Madsen conquered, “It’s weird talking in English all the time, so I still think and count in Danish.” Now being a quarter of the way through the school year, these students are enjoying their stay and making the adjustments necessary for living in America. With new friends, sports, and clubs, Bram, Sam, Jonas, and Juliette are making the most of their time in Alaska.

Foreign FriendsBy: Kayla Anderson

Foreign exchange students left to right: Jonas Madsen, Juliette Taupin, Brom ten Broeke, and Samuli Harju.

Roads are far less dangerous to drive on when they are ice free.

4 EntertainmentThe Knightly News

November 2009

Merlin’s horoscope for November 2009!

See horoscope continued on page 5

By Elena Gorovaya

Scorpio (October 23rd – November 21st); “Veni, Vidi, Vici” – this is your slogan for November! If you’ll be energetic and put more effort in making and achieving your goals it might put you on the higher level in your career and make your public and work reputation better. The first half of November is the best time for you to improve your education. The other half is a good time to take care of your looks, have a new haircut or change your image. And Scorpios better not to indulge their weaknesses.

Sagittarius (November 22nd – December 20th ); If you still have some reckless acts and things that you want to do – you better hurry, because it’s going to work out during the first part of November only! But you better think if you really do need to do it. Sagittarians – you better spend this time to make some smooth changes in your lifestyle. The energy that has no chance to come out now might be used in your romantic relationships. The second half of November is going to be good time for traveling with your friends. Probably because of your curiosity you would like to travel to places and countries where you’ve never been before. This time is good for education too.

Capricorn (December 21st – January 19th); Your relationships with friends will become more confidential and warm because the first half of November

you’ll spend much time together making plans. It will make you closer to each other and will spread your good mood to the other part of the month too. But if talking about relationships with opposite sex – you’ll be easily confused. Right now the border between friendships and romantic relationships can be easily erased.

Aquarius (January 20th – February 17th); Most of your energy will go to solve the problems in your private life and with your relationships at work. And these problems should be solved right away if you don’t want to deal with consequences. You better keep you temper and don’t be aggressive towards your family, friends and important people at your job and school. Aquarius – remember, that your unnecessary forcefulness might be perceived as an aggression. If you want to achieve your goals you better use your charisma. It will help you to communicate with important people.

Pieces (February 18th – March 19th); Pay more attention to sports and physical exercises! This kind of activity will help to keep your vitality in good shape and help to avoid diseases. Be careful at your work and school, especially if you’re around some mechanisms or fire. For Pieces this is good time for traveling as well. First part of the most likely is going to be spend in many excursions and good for education in general. The rest of month is good

for vacation. There is even a possibility to have romantic relationships with a foreigner!

Aries (March 20th – April 19th); Aries most likely will be energetic and busy with things going on around. You are in a good mood, have a lot of energy and power. It be good for you to have some activities or be involved in some sport. All your planned trips and travels will have successful ends. Your leadership, initiative, and enterprise will lead you to success. You’ll have a chance to show yourself and your abilities to others. During the second half of November you might meet with new people. You will need your oratory skills and intelligence. Aries can count on the second half of the month for best time to do important things. But always be careful and don’t risk too much.

Taurus (April 20th – May 20th);

Taurus will spend their November solving problems and fixing relationships with their partner. On top of that during the first half of the month you’ll be struggling to cope with your family and your friends and public in general. This might cause many conflicts with you. The second half of November is going to be lucky and successful for Taurus. You might have a lot of pleasant surprises and even get famous. But at the end of month you’ll be determined. Taurus will initiate changes started a long time ago and probably transform relationships that are not satisfying them. It might be painful but eventually you and people

around you will understand that this was what al of you needed at that certain period of time.

Gemini (May 21st – June 20th); Gemini – only you are responsible for your acts and decisions so you should think two steps ahead and predict the reaction of your co-workers or partners before you say or do something. Besides you should be careful in your private relationships with a beloved one. Your wish of excelling everyone annoys. If you’ll keep doing it to everybody and don’t listen to your beloved’s opinion and advice – you’ll loose his/her trust. Your health will be good though. You’re full of energy and everything seems to be fine forever.

Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd ); Cancer – suddenly many opportunities that are beneficial for you will appear. Don’t panic and don’t be afraid of changes – only this way you can reach some progress and make your dreams come true. But pay attention to your health – November might bring you illness or chronic disease. Cancers will finally discover those buttons in their relationships which will help to live with their partner in harmony.

Leo (July 23rd – August 22nd ); Leo will notice that they have more initiative and pushing, but at the same time easily irritated. November is good timing to be involved in some

5The Knightly News

November 2009

Entertainment

Horoscope continued from page 4

sport or your favorite activity which needs physical skills and initiative. Relationship in family will get better and become harmonious. Besides it’s the best time to remodel or make any some changes in your house. On top of that – all important questions that you were solving with you family members during the first part of November will have a compromising solution.

Virgo (August 23rd – September 22nd ); November will be full of pleasant communications for you. And if the first half of the month has a friendly kind of communication the second half will be flirtier. It might be possible for Virgos to have some romantic relationships. November is not good for work for Virgos. You better have a rest. If you have a chance to go outside camping or traveling you better do it! It’s a perfect time to have it!

Libra (September 23rd – October 22nd ); New plans, new ideas and their realization – that’s what November is about for Libras. Your relationships with friends and like-minded people will become more open and deeper, but there is a chance of competition between you. It will be good for you though. Besides, November is going to be a lucky month from a financial point of view too. You better make a plan for spending your income during first half of the month that you wouldn’t have any problems during the other half.

6 EntertainmentThe Knightly News

November 2009

7The Knightly News

November 2009

Student Showcase

The Case of Mr. Sherlock Holmes

By: Jennifer Rider…there he sat upon a stone outside, his grey eyes dancing with amusement as they fell upon my astonished features. He was thin and

worn, but clear and alert, his keen face bronzed by the sun and roughened by the wind. In his tweed suit and cloth cap he looked like any other tourist upon the moor, and he had contrived, with that cat-like love of personal cleanliness which was one of his

characteristics, that his chin should be as smooth and his linen as perfect as if he were in Baker Street… It was a chilly and cloudless evening. I looked to the west to find that the sun had almost entirely disappeared behind the surrounding hills. With more urgency than before, I scrambled over the uneven land of the moor to reach my destination before darkness completely engulfed the setting. I was not exactly sure where it was I was going, but my women’s intuition told me I was close. After picking myself up from the seventh stumble that evening, I saw what I had been searching for. It was a small stone hut that looked very similar to the others scattered throughout the moor, but a faint light shone from within which told me all of my effort had not been in vain. I crept up to the stone hut, attempting to get a clue to its inhabitants. Two different voices came from inside. At first I was frightened, for I had only been expecting one, but I forced myself to stay and find out whether Sherlock Holmes was really there or not. Both of the voices were that of men, and they changed from soft conversation volumes to louder and more excited volumes. I took note of the increased darkness and cold and finally decided to intrude on this interesting party. As I entered the hut, I received my first impression of the two men. The first to catch my eye was an averaged sized, healthy looking man. His dress was of that of one intending on a long evening stroll. His features had taken a form of a man betrayed. The second man was tall and skinny. He dressed to look like an average tourist visiting the moor. His face was clean-shaven and his eyes were pleading for forgiveness. I gasped when I recognized the second man, and my gasp alarmed both men of my presence. Their eyes watched me with astonishment as I rushed into a series of apologies for my sudden intrusion. The taller of the two men looked me over as it was his nature to do so when a stranger was in his presence. The other still could not grasp the fact that they had such an unexpected visitor. “Please, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said I, “accept my apology for arriving unpronounced at such a ridiculous hour of the day, but it is most important that I speak to you.” “You certainly surprised us,” the man who I knew to be Sherlock Holmes announced. “I forgive you for your intrusion; however it has to be the worst of times to present your case. I do not doubt its importance, but with it being so late and with my mind already occupied, there is nothing I can do about it at the moment.” The other man turned to Sherlock Holmes with a different opinion. “Oh, but my dear Holmes, this young lady must have excellent reasons for her coming here. Besides, if this case proves to be a simple one, it will take your mind off the current one so that you may have a fresh start and a new look on it afterwards.” Holmes thought about it for a few seconds, and then he nodded his head in agreement. “In that case, miss, please state your facts besides the obvious ones that you have recently moved to a small farm here on the moor, you are an only child, you have taken to writing, and that your father has left you and your mother on your own for a while.” I took a step backwards from Holmes after he had stated his conclusions. The expression on my face must have caused him to laugh. I have heard that Holmes was an observant fellow, but this was by far too much. “How, Mr. Holmes, have you reached such specific conclusions?” “I assure you that I have found evidence to support my every conclusion. First of all, it seems unrealistic that you have spent a long while on the moor, and then struggle so hard when wandering about it. From your basic dress, I can deduct that your house is a farm on the moor, and it is a small farm because you have time everyday to work in the mornings and afternoons, and then write in the evenings. Your hands are that of a writer, that much is obvious. You do not have siblings, for you work in the fields and in the house, and by the roughness of your skin and how worn your clothes appear, you do the amount of work there is to be done on a small farm if the workloads were split between three people. Since your mother and father are required to work…” “Wait just a minute Mr. Holmes, but how is it that I do not have any younger siblings that are incapable of working on the farm?” “I was just getting to that. Your mother must share the work that needs to be done; therefore she does not spend her time with younger children. The dark purple that surrounds your eyes, the state of your shoes, and many other clues tell that you have recently been doing more work than you are used to, which means a family member has left. It must be your father, for your family needs to survive on more than agriculture to afford dresses such as yours.” “So, you are suggesting that my father is away on a business trip?” “I am.” “Well you could not be more right.” “Pray, give us a story then. I am prepared to give my fullest attention to this case like I do any other.” To satisfy this business like man, I went on with my story. “Well, before my father left, we had a great fight, him and I. I had still not apologized for my ridiculous behavior when he was well on his way. With such guilt in my heart, I decided to write to him.

8The Knightly News

November 2009

Student Showcase

I wrote with loving words. I admit, it could have been mistaken as a letter to a lover. Once I was sure that he had had enough time to reach his destination, I sent the letter. The very next day, which was in fact a Tuesday, There was a note attached to the front door of our small abode. On this note read the exact words of kindness I used in my own letter to my father, only it was addressed to me at the bottom. This note, I know, was not made by my father, but by someone who was here locally. I contacted my father about this, and he claims that my letter was never opened until he had opened it. This fact puzzled me much, Mr. Holmes. I continued to write letters of the same kind to my father, and with each letter a note appeared on my door containing my words addressed to me. I pressed this issue with my father, but he assures me that each letter is sealed in an envelope with my handwriting on it.” “How do you go about sending your letters?” “I bring them to the town post office to have it sent to my father. This post office is very short staffed, and they have the same people carrying out the same duties every day.” “That means, if I am correct, that the same people carry your letters to the means of transportation for the mail to arrive at their destination.” “Yes, and it is only the one boy who does this job.” “That means that this case has proved to be the simplest one.” “I am not quite sure I follow you, Mr. Holmes.” All of the sudden, a low moan filled the moor. It grew in volume until it ceased to exist. I watched fear spread across the shorter man’s face, but Holmes’s was filled with determination. “Excuse me a moment,” he said, and then he dashed away into the darkness of the night. I was left alone with this other man whose name I could guess, but I could not swear upon it. For the first time, I noticed the state of the room I was in. Everything was a mess. There were stacks of papers in various places. Used dishes and clothes were thrown in corners. “I had never thought Holmes to be an untidy man.” “Yes,” Holmes’s companion conformed. “Holmes has the most organized mind and methods of any man, but he has a habit of leaving items where the lay. I am Dr. Watson, by the way.” “I had thought so, but was not sure of it. Tell me, Dr. Watson, I would like to know more about Mr. Sherlock Holmes.” “I have been a good friend of Holmes for quite some time. He is the most intelligent and logical mind I have ever come across. It is fortunate that he puts his intelligence and logical reasoning to use in helping the law instead of against it. I have also known him to be quite unpredictable. For example, I had thought for many long weeks that Holmes had been working a case back in Baker Street in London, but he was really, as I just discovered, hiding in this small hut, making a few observations of his own. My dear friend expresses much creativity in all of his cases. Without creativity, he claims, the case is already lost to you. Also, he is humble. Holmes rarely takes credit for his successful cases. Usually, he lets those of the police force consume all the credit there is to be given. Now tell me, how was it that you came to know of our whereabouts?” “I have heard of Holmes’s name before, and I was in desperate need of such a mind to help me in my case. I saw this lad walking on the moor while I was out on the field of my farm, and was curious to his business. I questioned him, and he explained that he had just given supplies to a Mr. Sherlock Holmes who was camping out on the moor. Not knowing my next opportunity to see Holmes, I followed the boy’s vague instructions to the stone hut Holmes was settled in.” Before Dr. Watson could comment on this explanation, Holmes was suddenly in the room with us again. “My dear Holmes,” Watson exclaimed, “we did not hear you enter!” “I would be surprised if you did. Part of my career requires me to be so stealthy. Now, we must get back to our small case. The obvious explanation for your case, miss, would be that the boy who carries your mail to the deliverer has his heart set on you. He sees you come and drop off your letters; he sneaks them out of the envelope, replies to you with your romantic words, puts the message back into a new envelope, copies the address on to it (it is not hard to copy ones handwriting), adds new stamps, and sends it on its way. In the middle of the night, he goes to your door, which he has watched you come in and out of, and posts his notes on the door where you may read them in the morning. He wants to be known as a secret admirer, so he leaves you to puzzle over them.” “But why would it be the mail boy?” “That is simply because he has easy access to fresh envelopes, new stamps, and most importantly to your letters.” “That does sound so simple, does it not?” “Indeed it does. Now I think that you shall miss dinner if you do not hurry.” “Excuse me, Mr. Holmes, but what do you mean by that?” “Wake up, silly, or you’ll miss dinner. Dad cooked fried rice this time. I know it’s your favorite.”I looked behind me and saw that it was my sister who said this, one of them anyway. She was standing in the doorway of my bedroom, and I looked back down to see that The Hound of Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was being used as my pillow. Everything I had just witnessed was a dream. The book was opened to page one hundred eighty-one where the last sentence I read before I passed out was written. It was right when Dr. Watson had discovered that it was his good friend Holmes who had been hiding making his own examinations to the case of the Hound of Baskervilles on the moor. “I’m coming,” I mumbled to my sister who was still waiting at the doorway. I now understand Sherlock Holmes much better. Sherlock Holmes is an intelligent logical thinker. He is always very observant. He takes each and every case serious and in a business-like fashion. Holmes can be unpredictable and sneaky when the time to be so presents itself. He expresses creativity well in his cases and his hobbies. All of his conclusions, no matter how surprising, are always very realistic. Apart from what most know about Sherlock Holmes, he is also untidy with his belongings and he does not see any reason to be publically acknowledged for his successes. This is the end of the case of Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

9The Knightly News

November 2009

Student Showcase

This beautifully dark and mezmerizing picture was drawn by Colony’s ownStephanie Michaels!

“Moon Mask”If you have a work of art or story you wish to submit to theStudent Showcase, Email it to Mrs. Brunner at Susan.Brunner@matsuk12.us

Please inculde your name, the name of the piece, and “Student Showcase” in the title.

Your work might appear here!

Chanel Khoury

Cache Summers

James Meaney

Chanel Khoury

Alina Mantha

12The Knightly News

November 2009

Activities

Four PillarsBy: Ema Reuter Every spring at Colony High students hand in an application to a faculty committee to review and to see which students will qualify as National Honor Society material. The final selections are high academically achieving students, who the staff thinks could make the community better. “Mrs. Plunkett and I are co-advisors for NHS. We love our jobs. We also love how everyone in NHS has good grades in school even though they have so much work,” says Mrs. Boyd, French teacher. Ms. Plunkett and Mrs. Boyd are the official advisors of NHS; they oversee everything and

they provide the connections to the community for service. Although the advisors do a lot the officers are the ones that do most of the work. The current officers are Brianna Murphy, president, Britney Striker, vice president, Katelyn Martel, secretary, and Kaitlin Miller the historian. Each student in National Honor Society is required to do 30 hours of community service each semester. These hours are split into CHS hours, where members work within the school and for the school, and NHS, hours that are done with NHS, and community service, hours directly within the community. There are many ways NHS

c o m p l e t e s c o m m u n i t y service such as: at the fair members did r e c y c l i n g , become an usher for a play, in the stadium they picked up trash, raised money for cancer p a t i e n t s , O p e r a t i o n Glow, which is where m e m b e r s collect glow sticks from

police and d i s t r i b u t e

them to trick-or-treaters, members will be tutoring students who need help with geometry or French, and St. Baldricks day, which is where members get sponsors all over the community to sponsor someone volunteering to shave their head. All proceeds would go to cancer patients, NHS will also invite a speaker, and afterwards there will be ribbons for those who have lost friends and family to cancer and those who are going through it at that time.

November 9-13 will be NHS week, a week set aside to celebrate being a member of NHS and to let people know about the society. Members plan to put honor roll students’ names on cut out stars, wear their NHS t-shirts and create teacher care packages.

“We live to give,” says Brianna Murphy. Although members are required to do at least 30 hours of community service in a semester, the members enjoy giving back. When the faculty committee judges who will become an inductee, they look to the 4 pillars which are service, leadership, charity, and scholarship. The act of

having scholarship for NHS means one must maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher for three semesters. There are 35 total inductees of juniors and seniors. When admitted one must learn what bi laws are, rules, and have fun. At the first meeting for the new inductees the members played an ice breaker game, which helped many new members become comfortable in their new shoes. National Honor Society is known for doing many things for the community. Many of those things encourage others to do the same.

Senior Sara Reed and junior Rachael Blurton at a meeting for NHS, ready to serve.

Senior Brianna Murphy is this year’s president of National Honor Society.

13

By Tommy Class

Get pumped up for basketball, because the Colony High boys and girls will start the basketball season in less than a month at CHS. Tryouts are November 30th.

Colony is known for many things. Enthusiasm in extra curricular activities is one, Colony pride, high academics, and our sportsmanship. One sport that gets a high number of supporters is basketball. Athletics Director, Mr. Boyd said, “Basketball is one of the most popular sports. About 50 boys try out for 36 spots, and about

Ballin’ Knights 40 girls do the same.” Mr. Boyd also added, “Students and families go to watch the many games during the season.” Just as the team needs players, it also needs a coach. Newly hired Girl’s Varsity basketball coach, Mr. Tom Lincoln loves what he does. “I love competition, but I hate to lose,” replied Coach Lincoln. Coach Lincoln has been coaching basketball for about 10 years. “My favorite year was two years ago when we took state,” finished Lincoln. The basketball teems

are training for a huge amount of time. Boy’s assistant coach, Mr. Berg said. “The season starts November 30th, and goes to the weekend of March 17th.” Burg also added, “Admission is about $2.00 for students, and $5.00 for adults.” It seemed important to get information from one of the boys. Junior, Blake Niver said. “I have been playing basketball since early elementary

school. When I first started playing I was really fast. However, as I got older the competition increased, so my skills had to improve.” This athlete has someone to look up to and model himself after. “My role model is my older brother Grant Niver.” Grant, a former starter for the Knights, has gone on to play for UAA Seawolves.

C o a c h Lincoln mentioned the annual basketball prime rib feed. “It’s a great time with good food. It will happen December fifth.” The Super Fans are a huge part in any sport. They are always out there cheering on the Knights. Teacher Mrs. Johnston is in charge of the Super Fans. Johnston wants to spread the spirit to all. “The Super Fans are in their sector; among the spectators at almost every game.” The basketball team needs

support from all the students. Even for those who don’t like basketball, games are a way to get connected with the school and other people.Coach Lincoln is prepared to start the season, be-

ing appointed the new head coach for the varsity girls basketball team.

Blake Niver shows pride while standing in front of the basketball window of fame.

Out of the Penalty Box and onto the IceBy Casey Branch

Hockey season is back and Colony High School is ready to break the ice. With the first practice having started October 19, the team has much room to improve in preparation for the first game on November 6. Giving Colony a fresh start included a new head coach. Fred McKenney, of Colony High School’s history department and former wrestling coach is now leading the Knights in the right direction, towards state. “We’re going to play some old school hockey,” stated McKenney. With practice every day after school, rotating from the Brett Ice Arena, to the Wasilla S p o r t s Complex, to the P a l m e r Ice Arena, this new h o c k e y team will be in shape for the season. It can be expec ted that this year will be more w o r t h y than last. “We have m o r e

discipline and structure. This year I think players are more motivated to stay out of the penalty box and win.” explained junior Daryl Belanger. Only winning eight games last year and suffering over 60 penalties, 28 of which were during a single game in Juneau, there is hardly anywhere to go but up. With 60 scheduled events, of which 20 are games, super fans will have many opportunities to cheer Colony on. The first game was November 6, at the Wasilla Sports Center against Houston. Losing to the Hawks last season brought great anticipation for this game in order for the Knights

to redeem themselves which they accomplished with a victory. “It was awesome to start off with a win, I’m most excited to play Wasilla, they are going to be good competition,” said junior Heather Gray. The Knights will be playing their rivals, Wasilla Warriors on December 10 at the Brett Memorial Ice Arena, and the Palmer Moose November 20 at the Palmer Ice Arena. Both games are perfect events for the community to paint on the green and bring their cow bells. Unlike previous seasons, the Knights have now found what was needed, authority. With a new coach applying the necessary regulations and the players’ recent switch in motivation Colony’s 2009-2010 hockey team will be a threat to look out for.

The Colony High School Hockey team alternates practice locations between the Palmer Ice Arena (above), the Brett Memorial Arena, and the Wasilla Sports Complex.

The Palmer Ice Arena is the hockey home of the knights.

SportsThe Knightly News

November 2009

14 Sports

Short-Handed Ravens Hold Their OwnBy Casey Branch It’s that time again. Hockey season has returned, and the Mat-Su Ravens High School girls team kicked off its season with a three-game trip to Fairbanks. The Mat-Su Ravens are the varsity high school girls hockey team of the Valley. Due to the lack of female hockey players interested in playing girls league, the Ravens are a combination from all over the Valley. “I really enjoy it because it brings together girls all the way from Houston to Palmer, with homeschooled kids in between,” said senior goaltender Dominique Sheutter. While this concept of pooling players from all over the Valley presents the opportunity of the Ravens having an o u t s t a n d i n g team, this is unfortunately not the case. This season the Ravens have a scarce roster of only 13 players, two of which are g o a l t e n d e r s , and four of which

combines all schools like the Ravens. Although there are only five opposing teams, the Ravens have 22 scheduled games, so they play every team at least four times. The Mat-Su Ravens played their first game in

Fairbanks on Nov. 5. Playing against a team twice their size the Ravens held their own fairly well, but took a 4-0 loss. On Nov. 6, however, the team was back for vengeance and succeeded with a 2-1 victory. With a loss and a win the Ravens came into Saturday’s game feeling confident and equal with their opponents. In fact, the teams were so equal that even after going into a seven-minute sudden-death overtime they still came out with a tie. “It was rewarding to win

the second game after losing the first, but it would have been even better to win the last game as well. We’ll beat them when they come to us next time,” senior Kaitlin Berberich said. Although the Ravens have a lack of players they still persevered and pulled out a win in their first series of games. With the final game being Feb. 6 against the returning Fairbanks team, the Mat-Su varsity high school girls team has three months to improve and beat this team again.

just began skating. Many people are still unaware that there is a high school girls team, even though this program has been running for four years. As a result of being the only Valley team, the Ravens have a limited number of opponents to play. Anchorage, having more people, combines two high schools to create one girls hockey team, making three teams. There is Diamond/West, South/Bartlett and Service/East. In between the Valley and Anchorage there is Chugiak/Eagle River, and up north there is Fairbanks, which

Photo courtesy ROBERT DeBERRY/frontiersman. The Ravens are the varsity high school girls team in the Mat-Su Valley, head coach being Dudley Boehm.

The Ravens focus and prepare to beat Fairbanks in the game they won 2-1 on November 7.

Congratulations State Champs

Colony High School Varsity Cheerleaders took the state championship for the fifth consecutive year.

The Knightly NewsNovember 2009

15 SportsThe Knightly News

November 2009

By: Garrett Pace

With the leaves gone, Colony’s Cross Country Ski team has started practicing and they’re looking promising. With the nation’s current economy it’s becoming harder to participate in sports; more so than others is Nordic Skiing. With no programs to help students rent or buy equipment for students it becomes much harder to participate in the Nordic Skiing. Skis alone range in prices from $150-$600, not to mention boots, bindings, and poles; this can average around $1000. Senior Clare Murray says,”it’s not

Tough To Be a Skier

really hard to find skis because the sales people help you out, but they’re expensive.”

In Nordic skiing there are two types of techniques, Skate and Classic. Classic skis are longer and has a larger curve on the tip of the ski, the technique uses kick wax to grip the snow so you can propel yourself forward; it looks similar to running. Skate ski’s are shorter with a smaller curve in the tip, the technique looks similar to roller skating

w h i c h requires a stiffer boot for support. As a result high school Nordic skiing requires two sets of skis, boots, poles, and bindings making the end price for Nordic skiing over $2000.

J u n i o r James Meaney said, “It wasn’t hard to get skis because the ski swap helped me out a lot.” There are local ski swaps that sell many types of ski equipment for a good deal near the beginning on the season. The ski swaps are helpful for beginner skiers

who are not entirely sure what they need. It’s also possible to rent skis for a season instead of buying new equipment.

Regardless of the price Colony has a relatively large team. Ski Coach Mrs. Skvorc says,” There are usually about twenty teams at state, and we’re usually in the middle of the pack.” Skvorc believes the team will do better than last year even with the loss of five of the team’s talented seniors. Although it’s too early tell for sure the Girls and Boys varsity should consist of: Gunner Williams, Abraham Meyerhofer, Schyler Knopp,

Jake Buck, Nathan Gumminger, Garrett Pace, Caitlin Skvorc, Abby Jahn, Taylor Stewart, Lindsey Drease, Shannon Van Bavel, and Brittney Anderson.

Colony actually has a room full of classic skis collecting dust. When asked if it was possible to rent out the skis to make the sport more affordable and to earn the school some money, school administration said no, because the skis were bought by the school it must be used for school reasons. Just like Colony doesn’t buy footballs for the football team; they can’t buy skis for the ski team.

Due to lack of class sign up, these skis have not been used for years.

By: Kayla Anderson

On the weekend of November 6th and 7th, Colony High sent three Swim and Dive members to State Championships at Bartlett High School. The students each competed for the first time of the weekend on Friday to determine their placing for the final races on Saturday.

At preliminaries, Colony’s first appearance was senior diver Alexander Deedy, who placed 5th in the competition allowing him to compete for a third and final time Saturday. For finals, Deedy maintained his spot scoring a 342.45 and stealing 5th place with it.

For the swimming portion of the weekend senior Katelyn Payne started the Knights off. Although Payne is one of only four Colony swimmers to have finaled at State Championships all four years of high school, she was shocked to discover she had qualified for the 200 freestyle. “I was really surprised when I found out

Splashing Through State

I was swimming the 200 free at state, I was too focused on my 100 back,” said Payne. However this Colony girl found herself in that very first event of the meet, where she made a season best time.

The next two races were for senior Nick Brunger who swam the 50 and 100 freestyle. “State is exhilarating, there’s lots of energy,” said Brunger who made great time in both events.

Next was the most anticipated race of the day, Katelyn Payne’s 100 backstroke. A race she had placed second at only a week before for Region Championships, as

the eighth fastest going into State Championships, it was essential that she maintain her place. Payne did not fall short, for preliminaries she came in seventh, stealing herself a spot in the final competition on Saturday. “100 back has always been my best high school event

and even after surgery I was able to pull through and place well at state and regions,” said a happy Payne after her seventh place swim.

Coach Brettrager was proud of her swimmers. “I had hoped for medals, but thinking positively, this was a good meet, both Katelyn and Alexander went to finals and Katelyn became the fourth ever Colony swimmer to make finals at State all four years,” said Coach Brettrager, “with all three of them being seniors it is nice that they were able to top off their seasons at State

Championships.”Although only the three

made it to State Championships, many faithful teammates made the drive to Anchorage to support their classmates. “State is a very exciting meet. There is so much adrenaline and excitement in the air, it’s just amazing to be there,” described senior swimmer Melody Milleur. Now with their only State Champions graduating in the spring, the Colony Swim and Dive team is hoping to see some new faces sticking out next year.

Fifth in state, Senior Alexander Deedy demonstrates a half twist at Soldotna High School.

Katelyn Payne streamlines of the wall during the one hundred meter backstroke event.

Thirty or more pair of classic skis and equipment are currently going un-used at Colony High School.

16 Sports

By: Ema Reuter Although the ability to cut weight for any teenager should be less then difficult with healthy eating and exercise, many wrestlers, not only at Colony High School, think that it is normal to cut weight in ways that can be very harmful to ones’ body. “I thought it was okay to cut weight by running in lots of layers, since everyone does it,” said an astonished Alex Jones. There are many wrestlers that assume that no one can die from participating in illegal exercise routines, so they can continue burning fat through ways that may cause great pain in later years.

On December 9, 1997 Jeff Reese, a wrestler from Michigan, put on a rubber suit and began working out in a room of 92 degrees Fahrenheit. Later that day his family found him dead from kidney failure and over heating. On November 21, 1997 Joseph LaRose died from heat stroke after dressing in a rubber suit and riding a stationary bike. Joseph was 22 years old, and trying to lose four and half pounds to try and make weight as a wrestler. On November 9, 1997 Bill Saylor refused to eat or drink to lose six pounds and started working out on his exercise bike, Bill was 19 years old. After these wrestling incidents took place the NCAA declared new rules to be in affect for those who choose to cut weight. Although one would think that the issues are just in wrestling they are not. Three years later, on the week of July 16, 2000 a rower died from dehydration while trying to make weight. Even though many of the warnings are there, people have died, fainted in class, over heated, lost energy, the NCAA and coaches say to stop all harshness, and yet, there are those who still chose to take the risk. “I have slept with saran wrap on and sweats over top. The next day

I was sick, I don’t recommend doing that,” explained senior J.D Mayo. Many wrestlers cut weight by losing water weight. Wrestlers lose their water weight by deciding not to drink anything to make their weight and wrestling the easier opponent. Some even wear garbage bags under clothes so that they sweat off all their water weight. When 65% of the human body is made up of water, cutting water weight is unhealthy when one loses more then 5% at any time. Wearing a garbage bag is also very unhealthy because it could lead to overheating, and the weight that one burns while doing this routine would not include fat, but all water weight; which can be gained back by drinking any amount of water. Garbage bagging is also very harmful for ones skin. By wearing a garbage bag the skin has no air to breathe. Despite risks, either known or not, some prefer to do this routine. The skin having no air makes it let out more sweat than it usually would. This could also cause immense amounts of damage to the cells within the skin. “Yeah, I layered

up like crazy and didn’t eat as much, but I have never heard a coach tell someone to stop eating,” says, senior, Dan Pruski. Although Pruski might not have heard a coach at Colony tell a wrestler to stop eating, there are coaches all over America secretly telling their wrestlers to not eat for at least a one day. There are also sites such as The MMA Boards explaining how to cut weight drastically, in ways that can be very harmful. For example a teenage female averages 2200 calories a day, and a teenage male averages 2500-3000 calories a day. Just by one eating a soft pretzel they will consume around 483

calories. By one only eating 0-500 calories in a day, their body will go into starvation mode which causes the body to savor its entire water intake. When the body does this it gains water weight to contain energy, which if used by exercise may end in over eating or consequences such as death. Although there are many ways one can cut weight illegally, ‘garbage bagging’, ‘layering up’ and such, there are also some ways to do it legally, such as, exercise, dieting, and eating less fatty foods. With so many successful and healthy ways to cut weight, drastic measures should not be an option.

Ipods/Mp3’s officially banned from ColonyBy: Ryan Melander

Ipods have been a problem at Colony High School since they became popular, so CHS administrators made a rule banning ipods after 7am, and during passing periods and classes. In some classes, many students feel they need to listen to music to concentrate, such as classes where it is student paced. Like in art, tech apps, or even while working out or running. Some classes may have extra time toward the end of class to work on homework or work for another class where it could be possible to listen to music and block out surrounding distractions. Senior Bram Ten Broeke disagrees with the banning of ipods saying, “In some assignments it’s easier to work alone and listen to your iPod.” Even though some students say that listening to music while doing homework for them better , the University of California in Los Angeles has done studies proving otherwise. They claim that kids can’t multi-task while doing homework including listening to music. Their study says that it can make them learn less and use the wrong parts of the brain. Many students at Colony High attempt to do in class work but get distracted by their friend, or the whole class in general, and turning

their ipod on could be a helpful way to eliminate other distractions. Although ipods have been banned during class, some students rebel the rule and listen to them in class and between classes anyway. “On average, about three ipods are taken away every day,” states discipline secretary Mrs. Mielke. ”But it also depends on what’s going on that day whether there’s an assembly or not, in which even more are taken away”. On average, every day, there are about two cases where an electronic device is stolen. In which most cases it’s an iPod, and that doesn’t even count the amount of iPods stolen that are not reported. The consequence for using an ipod is that it will be confiscated. The first time offence it’s taken and you can get it after school with a phone call home. The second offense is that your parents/guardian have to come get it for you. Even though ipods are almost completely banned from Colony, many kids make the choice to listen to their music everyday, and until they get caught they won’t stop. Colony High administrators should consider making the use of ipods up to the teacher or tighten up the rule to where it makes the students not want to use them while school is in session.

In the struggle to make weight, wrestlers can cost themselvesvaluable strength and personal health.

Layered Up

The Knightly NewsNovember 2009

17The Knightly News

November 2009

Opinions

Dramatic DelightsBy: Eva Colberg

As the Thanksgiving holiday draws near, it is accompanied by a feeling of gratitude for life’s many gifts. Out of all the many things to be thankful for this year, community theater is one of the blessings savored by the theatrically-minded, but entertaining for all.

This weekend is the final showing of the Valley Performing Arts production of Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Web. This is the Valley Performing Arts’ 34th season now, and after Spider’s Web the lineup includes family-friendly picks such as Babes in Toyland and The Secret Garden. Also scheduled are I Hate Hamlet, Inherit the Wind, and Barry Manilow’s The Drunkard, intended for more mature audiences. Anyone can audition to be in a play, providing those who yearn to perform with a small taste of acting. Many long hours of commitment, hard

work, and practice accompany the fifteen minutes of fame garnered from even a small role, but for the actors and actresses who do it, all the hard work is worth it.

Colony High School sophomore Emily Stout experienced the stress of an actor’s life through her sister, who plays the role of Pippa in Spider’s Web. Emily says that starting in August, her sister had practices almost daily. “It takes so much time, with rehearsals and performances, but she enjoyed being in the play,” observes Emily of her younger sibling.

Local stages welcome not only budding actors and actresses, but also those with a knack for the myriad behind-the-scenes activities that accompany any production. In Colony High School’s recent production of The Crucible, the music

played during scene changes was written by one of the school’s music students. Sophomore Haley Wangberg not only composed, but also performed and recorded the background music used during the play.

Haley’s time with The Crucible was her first time as sound producer, but she enjoyed doing it. “I would definitely do it again. I love how the music and sound effects draw in the audience.”

Colony High School only puts on three shows a year but for students who are already busy, the small number is perfectly fine. It allows students the time to practice and perfect the production, with enough time for normal schoolwork and activities to be completed. The other high schools also have drama clubs, and between the schools and the VPA, live entertainment in the Valley is never

Policy FlawedBy: Kayla Anderson

Many Colony students believe the school’s dress code to be flawed. To some the dress policy appears to be unfair while others perceive it to be inconsistently enforced. However administration views the rule as just one more way the knights have set the standards for their students higher than their fellow high schools. Colony has been known to have higher expectations for students than other valley schools. For example, until this year the school did not grade with D’s. Instead students were asked to pass classes with C’s and higher teaching students to expect more of themselves and to work harder. Now Colony has raised the bar for their students’ apparel, expecting knights not to wear clothes that are too revealing such as; shirts showing cleavage or midriff, skirts shorter than three inches above the knee, and jeans with holes above the knees. Yet with jeans like the destroyed look in style and low cut tops, the school is finding many students are not heeding the rule. One reason for this is there are still students and parents who think the entire policy is flawed. At the last school board meeting multiple Colony High parents spoke out about their feelings for the rules, claiming their students did not deserve punishment for clothing they had worn and that at any other valley school their attire would have been acceptable. “In no way shape or form is having holes in your jeans provocative, contrary to the administrations beliefs,” claimed sophomore Alley Cummins, “and scarves are not gang related.” Yet everyday students are asked to remove scarves, headbands, and to tape over holes above their knees, something many believe to be a

problem. “The dress code is faulty, we’re not trying to be revealing when we wear pants with holes or scarves, it’s just the style,” stated sophomore Chris Zeigler. Another reason the students believe the code is flawed and do not take it seriously is due to the lack of consistent enforcement. “I think the fact that they only bust certain people for holes in jeans and not all the rest is not right, they should be more consistent,” stated freshman Candice Elrod. For this reason, it is quite possible students are not meaning to rebel when they violate the code, instead they just do not believe they will get caught. Due to the policy’s lack of consistency, students are able to work around the system, wearing what they like and not being punished. Creating a definite defect within the policy. “If there’s a dress code, not only should it be fair, but also enforced,” said sophomore Derek Evans, “it is no good if they don’t put it into action.”

hard to come by. As an added bonus over larger venues, local theaters are often smaller, and provide the viewer with a more personal interaction with the play that a larger auditorium fails to deliver. Smaller theaters mean the seats are closer to the performance, making every seat a good seat.

The world may be a stage, and there are plenty of stages around the Valley that allow those who will never get to Broadway, as well as some who might, to become involved in the wonderful world of drama. For those who would rather be on the audience’s side of the curtain, community performances are a nearby yet satisfactory culture event that anyone can attend. After all, the experience of live, local theater can make for a sensational evening.

Although Colony’s policy is clearly explained in every student’s Student Handbook, for the dress code to truly be put in place, it needs to be put into action. Without facing the proper consequences for their attire, students will not take the policy seriously. In order to maintain the high

expectations Colony is after, the dress policy needs to be fair, consistent, and most importantly enforced.

Jeans with holes above the knees are forbidden, but distressed denim is a trend that many are reluctant to give up for the sake of a dress code.

The Knightly NewsNovember 2009

When the traditional Colony Christmas Train became officially cancelled that was what pushed Rick Shields, owner of Gladheart Aces, a small shop that sells homemade honeys and soaps, to pack up and prepare to move. For many local businesses this will make a huge dent on holiday sales. The Colony Christmas train is a yearly event, sponsored by MTA that transports Anchorage visitors to Palmer for a traditional Colony Christmas experience. However, due to old tracks that had to be removed and the city not paying for them to be re built, this tradition is over.

“Although the tracks are taken out right by the depot they still run to the fair grounds. People could be brought that far and then shuttled to Palmer,” proposed Toni Bloemer, employee for the City of Palmer.

There may be an alternative instead of abandoning the Christmas Train entirely but with the current situation, holiday business is not looking to be prosperous for local shops. With so many impacting factors effecting local stores it is no surprise that owners are either dissolving their business or moving locations. While Palmer has the potential to be a memorable and thriving town, there is little hope with the local stores slowly fading away.

Governor Parnell’s standards do motivate kids to take classes beyond what a GED requires to earn what could be a free ride to college. It also truly exposes the students that excel in academics and deserve the tuition because they challenge themselves with more difficult classes. It may seem too good to be true that students would be able to earn a 100% scholarship, but the governor already knows how he intends to afford this. While the state of Alaska has over $8 billion in the Constitutional Budget Reserve savings account, Governor

According to an article written in May 2008 by the Institute of Social and Economic Research for the University of Anchorage Alaska, one third of high school students fail to receive their GED, another third graduate but do not enroll in college, and the remaining third enroll in college but only about one fifth of them go to schools in Alaska. These amounts will increase no doubt by increasing enrollment and achievement. For students looking to participate in this upcoming program there will be requirements.

To be eligible students must take four years of math, science, and language arts classes, plus three years of social studies. “Anybody that wants to go to college should be taking them already,” stated Colony junior Miki Anderson. While students are only required to take two years of a math, history, and four years of language arts many kids do continue to earn these extra credits to further their education and get them into college. Colony High School counselor Kim Howell said, “These requirements will limit choices for career pathways but they are very doable.”

Success...Continued from front page

Business ...Continued from front page

Non- essentials, one of the business’s shuting down

DownTown plaza, were many of the business’s are shuting down

Parnell proposed to the legislature that $400 million should be withdrawn and it is estimated that about $20 million will be used each year. With only 20% of Alaskan high school students attending an in state college Governor Sean Parnell’s new scholarship offer will surely attract more students to stay in Alaska. With hopes commencing by 2011 this stimulus package for Alaskan universities will encourage more kids to go to college in state.