1. news

VERNOIS NEWS
Volume 92 - Issue 3
HAPPY THANKSGIVING , MV!
What is your most meaningful
Thanksgiving memory?
Briannah Sandy, ‘17
Last year I just sat around
with my family talking and
playing board games. It was
really a great day!
Molly Rodgers, ‘14
Last year, I had just gotten
my license in October. My 99
year old great-grandma
asked my dad, “She’s already driving and she has a
boyfriend?!”
Dylan Minson, ‘15
My last Thanksgiving my
grandpa was at.
Dakota Mitchem, ‘17
Sitting at the table after
dinner and just talking with
my parents and grandparents
for hours.
Morgan Jones, ‘15
I am usually chosen to give
the Thanksgiving prayer so I
would say that is something
I will always remember and
hold close to heart.
Yolanda Ramirez, ‘15
When I was nine years old,
we wanted to try an American version of Thanksgiving. Needless to say, it was
a disaster!
Kennedy Hausman, ‘16
When I was nine: my last
Thanksgiving with my
brother.
Quentin Loyd, ‘14
My cousins and I were
shooting some pool and the
cue stick somehow left my
hands and broke a window.
Mallory McMahan, ‘15
The moment of prayers my
family has right before we
dig in.
Dominique Robinson, ‘14
My cousin’s boyfriend proposed
to her.
November 2013
“No Shave November” grows
on MV
Page 2
HOSA sponsors
Alzheimer’s
Awareness
Month
Page 4
Ask Verna
Vernois
Page 6
Pipher shares favorite victuals
Page 9
Nair encourages
being bilingual
Page 17
MV anticipates
holiday movies
Page 19
‘Tis the season to
go hunting
Page 22
To Inform,
Educate,
Enlighten
and
Entertain
Page 2, Beats
VERNOIS NEWS is a free monthly
publication produced by students and staff of
Mount Vernon Township High School.
HOW TO REACH THE VERNOIS PUBLICATIONS OFFICE
VERNOIS NEWS is
located in Room
121H/122H on the campus of Mount Vernon
Township High School, 320 South 7th Street,
Mount Vernon, Illinois, 62864.
Inquiries regarding advertising and other
questions may be directed to VERNOIS NEWS
by calling 618.246.5826 or 618.246.5827.
Calls will be taken 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday during the school year.
Newsroom: 618.246.5826
Mr. VanZandt’s Classroom: 618.246.5827
MVTHS Administration
Dr. Michael E. Smith, Superintendent
Mr. Wes Olson, Principal
Mr. Rowdy Fatheree, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Julie Littlefair, Assistant Principal
Mr. Rob Knutson, Assistant Principal
Mr. Doug Creel, Assistant Principal/Athletic
Director
Mr. Rob Pipher, Director of Curriculum
Mrs. Shirilyn Holt, Board Secretary
Mrs. Angela Brentlinger, Business Manager
VERNOIS NEWS Management
Falyn VanDyke, Editor in Chief
Makayla Smith, Managing Editor
Jase Lucas, News Editor
Emily Kniffen, Co-A&E Editor
Trey Riley, Co-A&E Editor
Brendan Hill, Co-Sports Editor
Tyler Knutson, Co-Sports Editor
Kaleb Dorris, Feature Editor
Haydan Fahrenholtz, Opinions Editor
Shannon Docherty, Business Manager
Mr. Jamey VanZandt, Adviser
Mrs. Karen Hamilton, Copy Center
Writing for Publication 1: Period 3
Chris Akers, Charonda Barnes, Joshua Bourland, Savannah Estes, Shyanne Howes, Brett
Hubbard, Shreya Nair, Hannah Pipher, Jimmy
Pool, Casey Powell, Katie Reich, Audrey
Southerd, Mallory Vatter, Erica Williams, Elly
Young
VERNOIS NEWS is a member of Southern
Illinois School Press Assiciation. Blue Banner
Award Winner 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010.
Beats
VERNOIS NEWS
CORRECTION
In the October 2013 issue of the Vernois News, volleyball coaches were incorrectly labeled. Mrs. Angela Higgins serves as Head Coach, Mrs. Cortney Denton is JV
Coach, and Mrs. Cathy Kohnen coaches Freshmen.
The Vernois News regrets these errors.
Students engage in Youth and Government
By Hannah Pipher
VERNOIS NEWS
A set of hard-working upperclassmen, six new freshmen, and two very dedicated sponsors led MV’s
Youth and Government to a strong opening at Pre-LEG 1 on November 1st.
“Youth and Government is a program where students are able to participate in a mock state
government. They serve as legislative assistants, lobbyists, legislatures, presiding officers, and
elective officers. We also have a judicial branch, a newspaper, and a video press. Students get to
do all the real jobs of a normal state government,” sponsor Ms. Jessica Pilson, Social Studies, explained.
According to ilymcayg.org, this is also the first year that Illinois Youth and Government has
decided to let in freshmen.
“It’s a great [opportunity] as a freshman to be asked to join Youth and Government. Although I
have a lot of work to accomplish before Pre-LEG 2, I’m still very excited that I was offered this
chance,” Sydney Morgan, ‘17, shared.
Students and sponsors went to their first session on November 1st.
“Our bill has a lot of revisions to be made before Pre-LEG 2, but I really enjoyed getting to
hear all of the other great bills,” Katie Rodger, ‘15, mentioned.
Youth and Government has two major events coming up.
On December 7th, they will travel to Williamsville, IL for Pre-LEG 2. And on March 14, 15, and
16, they will be in Springfield, IL for the 65th annual General Assembly.
“It’s a really rewarding program for students and allows them to understand the government
at a state level. My favorite part is getting to see our kids on the Senate floor dress[ed] professionally arguing their bill intelligently,” Ms. Pilson added.
“No Shave November” grows on MV
By Savannah Estes
VERNOIS NEWS
As November continues, so does the well-known “No Shave November.”
Many students and teachers around campus are participating in not shaving for the whole
month of November.
“This is the first year I could participate because I can actually grow a beard now,” stated
Connor Storey, ‘15.
Although many students participate in No Shave November, not so many know the meaning of
it.
“I didn't really know the purpose behind it, I just knew that a lot of people participated in it,”
commented Storey.
“I'm participating in No Shave November because I’m curious to see I would look without shaving for a month,” expressed Dalton Beck, ‘15.
The purpose of No Shave November is to raise cancer awareness and to donate all the money
you would use on grooming to cancer research.
“It kind of just ends up being a competition between some of my friends to see who can grow
out the best beard,” added Storey.
So what is the best way to prepare for No Shave November?
“I can start off with a clean shave and I can always shave as soon as November is over,” explained Storey.
“I may keep growing it out after November. It just depends how it looks,” commented Beck.
VERNOIS NEWS
News
Page 3, News
Chess team wins first meet
By Mr. William England
MV MATH, CHESS COACH
The MV Chess team and
Webber High School Chess
team came head to head in
their first meet of the season.
It is a unique situation
because even more than
being
rivals—we
are
friends. Both teams try to
help each other improve.
Both teams want to win
and both teams try their
best to win. But after the
dust settles, we many
times get together and
examine our games to see
how we can both improve.
MV won both the Varsity set and the Jr. Varsity
set. There were some very
good games played on both
ends.
On the number one
board, senior Adam Brazell, MV, and Jake Felty,
WTHS, had a game that
lasted about an hour and
forty-five minutes, with
people from both teams
watching as the game
wound down with Brazell
pulling it out in the end.
On board two, junior
David Wininger, MV, and
Brett Collins, WTHS,
played a very close game
that took two hours to
play.
The game could have
gone either way in the last
moments of the game with
Collins carefully maneuvering Wininger into a trap
which he did not see until
it was too late.
One could feel the tension as people stood
around the players watching and hoping that their
play would pull it off.
People stood quietly,
afraid that any sound
might distract the player
at a critical moment.
In the end, MV won the
varsity match with a score
of 57 to 11.
The Jr. Varsity match
had a final score of 33 for
MVTHS and 9 for Webber.
Their next meet against
each other will be on December 11 at Webber High
School.
Newsie
By Jase Lucas
VERNOIS NEWS
MV STAFF//Submitted Photo NEWS EDITOR
Project UNIFY
begins new
legacy: Soccer
Basketball… Bowling… And
now, soccer!
MV’s Project UNIFY program expanded to include the
newest sport for our team to
dominate: soccer.
The team consisted of four
MV STAFF//Submitted Photo Special Olympics athletes
paired with four volunteer
partners all coached by Mrs.
Megan Clodi, Special Education.
On Saturday, October 12,
the Rams competed at Toyota
Park in Chicago, Illinois.
Toyota Park is a professional field and serves as the home
By Jase Lucas & Casey Powell
“We have to have the money by December 6,”
to the Chicago Fire, a profesVERNOIS NEWS
commented Cralley.
sional soccer team.
He went on to explain that the team will receive
The athletes competed in
Did you see anything strange on November 10th? A
their assignment on what type of robot to build that two games, losing the first 2giant doughnut on Broadway Street?
day, then they will have a six-week time period to
3, but coming back for a victoThat was MV’s RoboRams fundraiser for their upbuild it.
ry of 9-4.
coming competition.
A silent auction and dinner served as the RoIn the end, MV’s team re“[We’ve] been selling doughnuts all day,” stated
boRams’ second fundraiser this year on November
ceived
a silver medal.
team captain, Cole Cralley, ’15.
15.
Hannah Pipher, ‘17, acted
The team sold Krispy Kreme doughnuts as part of
To donate to the team, supporters can see coach- as a peer partner on the team.
their preparation for their closest competition comes Mr. Steve Odle, CTE, and Mr. Jason McFarland,
Pipher beamed, “At first I
ing in 2014.
CTE.
wasn’t sure how it would go…
But we had fun while we were
doing it and grew as a team.”
MV has always been proud
of our Special Olympics teams
and this high honor reassures
our pride.
More information about the
Rams’ victory can be obtained
from
on mvths.org.
RoboRams preps for competition
Happy Thanksgiving
Vernois “Thankful” News
News
Page 4, News
VERNOIS NEWS
HOSA sponsors Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
By Jase Lucas
VERNOIS NEWS
NEWS EDITOR
Noticed a lot of purple across campus lately?
During November, HOSA is hosting Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
“HOSA” is an abbreviation for “Health Occupation Students of
America.”
Ms. Tammy Martin, CTE, explained, “HOSA supports Alzheimer's
Awareness because we are the future healthcare providers and we
will deal with many patients that suffer from this terrible disease.”
Ms. Martin also said that part of HOSA’s support is partially linked
to clinicals and parties the group performs at Countryside manor.
Alzheimer’s Association, the national sponsor of the month and
owner of alz.org, estimates that the United States has over fifteen
million Alzheimer’s and dementia patients; approximately twentythree percent of American citizens.
In support of these workers, HOSA is asking students to wear purple – the color of Alzheimer’s awareness – every Wednesday of the
month.
WebMD.com defines Alzheimer’s as “a common form of dementia,
believed to be caused by changes in the brain, usually beginning in
Trivia night fundraiser
benefits Scholar Bowl
By Makayla Smith
VERNOIS NEWS
MANAGING EDITOR
On November 2, teams formed
in the cafeteria annex for a
night of food, fun, and trivia
to support MV’s Scholar Bowl
team.
“Groups of five or six people came as a team to answer
assorted trivia questions. They
wrote their answers on sheets
that were scored, and the
team with the most points at
the end of ten rounds of questions won,” Erica Williams,
’16, described.
“One group came just from
reading about it in the newspaper, which was pretty cool,”
Molly Rodgers, ‘14, commented.
The trivia tested a wide
range of participants’
knowledge.
“We had fun categories
which kept people interested,”
coach Mr. David Edwards, Foreign Language, stated.
The crowd was tested in
subjects such as “Music and
Television” and “What People
Should Have Learned in High
School.”
“Lots of parents and family
members came to play,” Rodgers recalled.
Williams shared, “The
crowd was really supportive
and very involved.”
The trivia night raised over
$1,500. “We are going to use
that to help pay for Scholar
Bowl camp. It makes people
better Scholar Bowlers,” explained Mr. Edwards.
In addition to ticket sales,
the team also sold baked goods
such as cookies, brownies,
puppy chow, and cupcakes.
All the baked goods were
awesome! They were a part of
the fundraiser and also really
tasty,” Rodgers enthused.
“We got great support from
local businesses,” Mr. Edwards
noted. Various businesses donated gift cards which were
used to award the winners.
The trivia night proved to
be a success.
late middle age, characterized by memory lapses, confusion, emotional instability, and progressive loss of mental ability.”
Ms. Martin called it a “horrible disease.”
There is no cure for symptoms, but she says students are encouraged to visit with victims.
“Sometimes the best thing that these patients need is just someone to spend time with them,” Mrs. Martin explained.
In the Mount Vernon area, facilities such as Lavender Ridge, Countryside Manor’s RLC, and Greentree all have volunteer programs for
such activities.
Senior Jonathan Dorris is a member of HOSA and has family affected by Alzheimer’s.
“I have witnessed [Alzheimer’s] first-hand with my grandma,” he
expressed. “I’ve watched it deteriorate her life and her mind…”
This is common in patients of the disease.
However, Dorris warns that a lack of memory does not void one’s
emotions.
“Never forget, just because someone has Alzheimer’s doesn’t
mean they don’t feel,” he stated.
To further support Alzheimer’s awareness, Ms. Martin says students can join HOSA next semester.
JAVA, Blue Print request
submissions
By Jase Lucas
VERNOIS NEWS
NEWS EDITOR
Art! Photography! Poetry and Prose!
The Vernois Publications Group
needs students to submit their creative works for use in JAVA Magazine, as well as The Blue Print.
A long-standing tradition at MV,
JAVA features literary and arts
pieces from students and staff.
Makayla Smith, ‘15, serves as
Editor-in-Chief of JAVA.
“We need poetry, prose, and
artwork to reflect the diversity of
MV students,” Smith said.
The Blue Print is an insert in the
monthly edition of the Vernois
News.
It is similar to a miniature JAVA,
featuring the same kinds of pieces
and often previewing the work that
will later be published in the magazine.
After several years of sabbatical, The Blue Print returned for the
fourth quarter of the 2012-2013
school year.
Smith, who serves as Managing
Editor of the newspaper, expressed
that the staff wishes to revive the
insert this month.
Smith stated, “The Blue Print is
a great way for students to express
their creativity without having to
wait a year for the next JAVA Magazine.”
Submissions are accepted before
and after school for both publications in Room 122H.
JAVA will also accept submissions by email at java.mvths@gmail.com.
Students are reminded that any
photography, art, or writing must
be school appropriate.
The latest edition of The
Blue Print can be found on page 21,
while JAVA will be printed in May.
Copies of last year’s Blue Print
are available in 122H and JAVA 2013
can be purchased there for $2.
For further information, visit
www.javamagazine.webs.com or
email the editors at java.mvths@gmail.com.
VERNOIS NEWS
News
Page 5, News
Students enjoy four-day weekend
By Shreya Nair
VERNOIS NEWS
The 34th Annual Mount Vernon Teacher’s Conference was held October 24 and 25, 2013.
MV students enjoyed a four-day break and many exciting memories.
“I went to an amazing bonfire and my best friend from Chicago
visited,” Rebecca Bradley, ‘17, revealed.
She added, “My mom wouldn’t take us TPing, so we acted like
undercover spies and TPed my house.”
Teachers and several businesses had opportunities to taste students’ culinary creations at the conference.
Money students raised by selling these treats went to their respective extra-curricular organizations.
“It was really fun selling ‘walking tacos’ for FBLA and it gave me
an opportunity to hang out with my friends,” shared freshman Autumn Badger. “I also had my pet lizard die over the weekend because
it was constipated.”
Badger spent half of her break rubbing the lizard’s stomach and
the rest sleeping and volunteering at a local pet store.
Allison Hedin, ‘17, reminisced, “I went to the Project UNIFY [skit]
which blew me away. I also went to a doctor’s appointment in Saint
Louis and then went shopping with my mom, which was a blast!”
Studies performed by Dr. Barbara Stein, Professor of Sociology at
Stanford University, shows that a school break can help students
study more rewarding an enjoyable.
Skylar Beckley, ‘17, stated, “Even though my social life takes up a
huge chunk of my [time], I still finished the boatload of homework
assigned over the break and even got to study for upcoming tests
which I passed with an A.”
According to CNN.org, schools that periodically have a four-day
weekend saw students with greater success in school, higher grades,
and typical earned a college degree.
“I have an addiction to video games like HALO,” Mackenzie Mcilrath, ‘17, commented. “All I did over break was video games, attend
one party, more video games, three hours of sleep, and more video
games. What can I say? I love video games and they love me.”
“I’m really unorganized, and this break gave me time to compose
myself and give back to my community,” Badger reflected.
Bradley thinks that extended weekends should be implemented
more often to get a break from one’s chaotic life and just relax.
Have an opinion? Like to review movies, books, and
music? Want to be a journalist? Send your
stories to 122H for a chance to be in
Vernois News.
Super heroes swoop into Mount Vernon?
By Elly Young
VERNOIS NEWS
Bands, food, vendors, carnival rides, and super heroes lined the
streets of downtown Mount Vernon on October 18, 19, and 20.
For some, just thinking about being in charge of something that
big could cause severe stress.
But who was the person behind the madness?
This person, who in a way was a superhero himself, fitting along
with this year’s theme, is a man named Mr. Todd Piper.
“The Fall Fest this year had a huge attendance for the parade and
festival. There were over 150 entrees for the parade, with 12 bands
from across Southern Illinois,” said Mr. Piper.
Mr. Piper also stated that the Balloon Glow at the airport was a
huge hit, with thousands upon thousands of spectators coming to
watch.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Mr. Piper’s son, Benjamin Piper, ‘17, helped his father with the
makings of the Fall Fest.
“I helped my dad set up some of the Fall Fest activities. I also sold
drinks at the Pepsi tent for about three and a half hours,” Piper explained.
He commented that he enjoyed listening to Escape: The Journey
Tribute and trying some of the chili.
Mrs. Jean Jones, who was a contestant in the chili cook off, said
that although her chili didn't place this year, she will enter again next
year.
“My chili, which had chicken, white beans, diced tomatoes, and
lots of seasoning, had very good feedback overall,” said Mrs. Jones.
She also said that she loved the Fall Fest this year and that she
wished there were more craft vendors.
Mr. Nick Loafman, Music, said that the parade was great and that
he loved to see bands from neighboring cities.
He recalled, “It was great to see such a great variety of bands and
entries coming together for the parade, although [it] moved a little
slow, which was to be expected.”
Freshman Shawn Upchurch, a trumpeter for the Marching Rams,
marched in the Fall Fest parade.
Upchurch explained that he agreed with Mr. Loafman and thought
seeing other bands was interesting.
“Marching in the parade is my favorite part of the Fall Fest; it is so
fun to see the community come together,” he remarked.
Mr. Piper said that it is his goal to rebrand Mount Vernon—for it to
be considered the Midwest Festival City.
There are several festivals and events that the city will be having,
such as the Summer Fest and the Market Place at the old armory.
For further information about Fall Fest 2013, go to
www.mtvernonfallfest.com.
Page 6, News
HOSA raises awareness,
funds
By Shreya Nair
VERNOIS NEWS
Health Occupation Students of
America is promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness month and you
can help, too!
Just start wearing purple
every Wednesday and if you are
interested in helping promote
this cause or anything medical,
see CTE teacher Ms. Tammy
Martin, HOSA advisor.
“We are promoting individuals to sign their driver’s license
to donate organs,” explained
Ms. Martin.
HOSA will take a field trip to
the Saint Louis Zoo on November 22.
“We will be visiting the Saint
Louis Zoo and will be getting to
News
VERNOIS NEWS
Youth and Government
begins year
go behind the scenes to their
animal hospital and look at their
nutritional area,” added Mrs.
Martin.
HOSA is an organization
helping students who want to be
in the medical field to get a
foundation and a building block
in the healthcare field while
helping them make choices on
future occupations.
Ms. Martin said, “HOSA is
finishing up our candy bar sales
and will be selling suckers next
month.”
The group made a great
profit from the candy bars and
hopes to raise even more money
from sucker sales.
It is never too late to join
HOSA—just see Ms. Martin in
room 221H.
By Erica Williams
VERNOIS NEWS
Youth and Government is a program at MV that allows students
to be part of a model government.
They are starting up their
year with new and returning
members.
There will be approximately
55 members.
“I joined to learn about and
experience some new and exciting things about our government,” stated Michaela Trotter,
‘16.
The group attended their
first session, Pre-Leg I, in Seser,
IL on November 1.
“We learned about our jobs;
it was really fun and exciting,”
explained Trotter.
Some jobs include lobbyist,
senator, and representative.
“I am a legislative assistant,” added Trotter. “I go and
run errands, and I help my bill
group do research.”
Participating in the program
for the first time at MV this year
are freshman students.
Youth and Government is a
program hosted by the YMCA
across the county.
The Illinois Youth and Government session will be held at
the State Capitol in Springfield
in March of 2014.
Any student interested in the
organization can see sponsors
Ms. Jessica Pilson, Social Studies, and Mr. Sean Docherty, Social Studies.
Ask Verna Vernois
Hi! I’m Verna Vernois—the Vernois News advice columnist. I can try to answer any question you send me, s0 send them
in. Place an anonymous note somewhere in room 122H anytime addressed to Verna, and I’ll know it’s for me. Check
here next month to see if I answered your question. Good luck!
-Verna
Dear Verna,
Dear Verna,
How are you doing today?
How can I pass every AP class at MV with an A?
-Freshman
Dear Freshman,
To be honest, you can’t! With the addition of two new AP
classes next year, that will make eight total. That’s just
not possible. But, if you want take to one or two, time
management is key. Always do your homework before anything else every night. Also, I recommend a large fund for
coffee because you’ll be staying up until about 2 am. Good
luck!
-Verna
-Sarcastic
Dear Sarcastic,
I’m not too good. I got fired from my part-time job today
and my dog died. On top of that, I’m laing in bed right now
with a 100 degree fever and my heater is broken. Did I
mention it’s 40 degrees outside? Oh, and I’m failing my first
hour… Just kidding. I’m doing pretty well.
-Verna
For entertainment purposes only!
VERNOIS NEWS … HAVE YOU READ IT?
VERNOIS NEWS
Feature
Marching Rams transition to
pep band
By Erica Williams
VERNOIS NEWS
MV Marching Rams are transitioning from football
field shows and parade mode to pep band mode in
the Khaos Kage.
Marching Rams become the pep band when basketball season starts.
There are about 65 members in band this year.
Some songs we will be playing this year are: “I
Knew You Were Trouble,” “Moves Like Jagger,”
“Thriller,” “Purple Haze,” and “Forget You,”” explained Mr. Nick Loafman, Band Director.
Band is a major commitment that takes much
work and effort.
“It’s the people that make it fun,” stated Molly
Rodgers, ‘14.
When there are changes in the surroundings,
there are changes in the way they practice.
“The practices change from outside to inside,”
commented Robert Blaydes, ‘16, “and we don’t have
to practice marching anymore.”
Changes as drum major happen as well, because
they will be in a gym.
Jase Lucas, ‘16, said that they are not sure what
will happen and that they are waiting to see.
“I prefer pep band because basketball games
happen during pep band,” mentioned William Milt,
‘15.
Enjoying what is being done is important.
“I really like playing my saxophone as loud as I
can, which I get to do in pep band,” added Rodgers.
There is a downside, however.
“Being in the Khaos Kage is awesome, just not
while trying to read music,” commented Lucas.
According to www.mvths.org, the first home
game will be on Friday, December 6, against Altoff.
The pep band will be playing and showing off
their hard work and effort.
Black Friday maddens
By Shyanne Howes
VERNOIS NEWS
Barely after the tranquil glow of Thanksgiving fades,
Black Friday begins. Many shoppers begin that holiday
search for the perfect gift.
Many people love going Black Friday shopping,
particularly due to bargains.
Kylie Marlowe ’16 stated that she enjoys getting
nice clothes cheaper than what she would normally
pay.
Marlowe also stated that she goes out at midnight
on Thanksgiving and doesn’t sleep at all.
“I love the arguments between everyone that goes
on,” stated Christian Stroud ’15. “For the past five
years I have gone Black Friday shopping and I love
it.”
Both students stated that when they go out for
Black Friday they go with friends.
Also, both students stated that they do think it is
worth the rush of people to go because they love
going so they can get the clothes for the sale prices
the stores are advertising.
Stroud routes out a plan for Black Friday. He plans
where he wants to go and then simply follows the
flow of his shopping fancy.
Marlowe said that she does not. “I just go wherever and I watch the commercials on TV to decide,”
stated Marlowe.
Every year on the night of Thanksgiving or on
Black Friday morning all the stores open for their
sales.
Many stores will open on Black Friday, but very
few will be open on Thanksgiving.
This year on Thanksgiving evening, Macy’s is open
at 8:00 pm.
Also, Mt. Vernon J.C. Penney’s is opening at 8 pm
Thursday and will remain open through 8 pm Friday.
Walmart will open at 5 am on Black Friday for
holiday shopping.
Marlowe and Stroud both stated that they have
never used Cyber Monday.
They say that they would suggest
it to other people even though they
have never used it because it may
be easier for some people than others.
Although many people get lost in
the chaos of Black Friday, people
still love shopping and buying bargain items.
Page 7, Feature
Kaleb’s
Korner
Kaleb Dorris
VERNOIS NEWS
FEATURE EDITOR
Expectations
change
When a new school year
starts we attempt to start
over. We put our feelings
towards others to the past
and we strive to meet our
goals we set over our summer
break.
As the first quarter approached us, we felt adequate with our work. Nothing
could stop us from conquering the world and achieving
magnificent proficiency.
And then second quarter
bombards us unexpectedly,
and we begin to slack off or
procrastinate. We start to
feel overwhelmed, and then
we start delaying, and delaying, and delaying until we
find ourselves in a pit.
A bottomless pit, and every thing you try to or attempt
to do seems to have no effect. It feels as if you're trying to acquire something
that’s beyond your grasp.
And just before you give
up, someone lowers a ladder
down. And you begin to
climb, each step significantly
affecting your high school
career. You begin to pick up
the pieces, and you start to
repair.
You reach the top, and
the feeling of something fulfilled engulfs your body.
Every high school student
goes through the process.
Just hold on, its going to
be worth it all.
Page 8, In Memoriam
VERNOIS NEWS
John F. Kennedy
35th President of the United States
“Let us think of education as the
means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of
us there is a private hope and
dream, which, fulfilled, can be
translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our
nation.”
May 29, 1917—November 22, 1963
VERNOIS NEWS
Feature
Page 9, Feature
Pipher shares favorite victuals
By Hannah Pipher
VERNOIS NEWS
Sweet Chocolate Bars or crunchy Banana Nut Bread? Dessert or breakfast? Tender Beef Roast with carrots and potatoes or Beef and Noodles? Dinner or lunch?
Can’t decide?
When it comes to eating, the MV faculty and students have you
covered with a few tasty recipes.
What do you do in your spare time? Some will study for their test
on Monday, some will practice for that upcoming game, while others
will cook and bake their time away.
Allison Hedin, ‘17 does exactly that. “I’ve grown up with my mom
always cooking in the house, so it has just become a family activity
to engage in when I have the spare time,” she expressed.
Sometimes there are disasters and even mistakes, but don't worry; over time they will make for funny stories!
“For my son’s christening, my family and I made around six pans
of lasagna. There were SO many noodles that after we drained them,
they all started sticking together because we couldn't lay them down
fast enough. Most of the noodles tore, not that it mattered much,
because it may not have been the prettiest, but at least it tasted
good,” Science teacher Mrs. Cathy Kohen reflected.
And according to cookinglight.com, not layering noodles fast
enough or letting them stick together is the 57th top mistake most
people make while cooking.
Ah, what’s that smell? I think it’s the smell of Madison Crews, ‘17,
baking a loaf of Banana Nut Bread.
“Twice a year, or when we have extra bananas, I enjoy spending
time in the kitchen making a loaf (or two) of fresh, homemade Banana Nut Bread. It’s super yummy, easy, and pretty quick,” Crews stated.
Parents and family members aren't the only ways you can learn to
cook.
“While my mom and grandma contributed to a lot of my learning,
I also attended quite a few cooking lessons,” Culinary Arts teacher
Mrs. Annette Gullidge explained.
Since there only summer cooking classes in Mt. Vernon,
onlinecookingschool.com is one of the best choices, offering more
than 100 courses.
Sign up now and enjoy a free 14 day trial.
Another way a lot of people learn is visually, and also audibly.
“I actually enjoy watching the cooking shows on the food network. That’s where I get most of my recipes,” Social Studies teacher
Mr. Scott Gamber admitted.
See, even if you don’t have a parent or guardian there to help you
out, don’t let that become a setback.
If these teachers and students can do it, then so can you!
Is your mouth watering yet? I know mine is!
Chocolate Scotcharoos Banana Nut Bread
Recipe by: Meg Hattendorf
Recipe by: Joyce Procise
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies
1 (6-oz.) package (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 (6-oz.) package (1 cup) butter morsels
1/2 cup shortening
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas (2)
1 3/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Measure corn syrup and sugar into large saucepan. Cook over medium
head, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to
boil. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter; mix well. Add Rice
Krispies cereal; stir until well coated. Press mixture into buttered 13
x 9 x 2-inch pan; set aside. Melt chocolate and butterscotch morsels
together In small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Spread evenly over cereal mixture. Let cool until firm. Cut into 1 x 2inch bars to serve.
Press into loaf pans (may require two pans). Bake in the oven at
350* for 10-45 minutes. Test to make sure the bread is done with a
toothpick (may require extra 5 minutes). Seal well and store in
fridge.
The
Buzz
What is your least favorite
Thanksgiving dish?
Haley Sharp,
‘15
Asiah Curry,
‘16
Collin Smith,
‘17
Sarena
Schrum, ‘17
Yams. Those things
are gross.
Stuffing! It just tastes
so bad!
My least favorite dish
Probably mashed
potatoes or pecan pie. is sweet potatoes.
Yuck!
Paetyn Hayes,
‘16
My least favorite dish
is cranberry sauce. It’s
so gross.
Thanksgiving Poems
Oh Thanksgiving
By Erica Williams
Thanksgiving is stressful
from turkey to pie
people line the tables
I must put food out or I’ll die
There are so many people
messes and spills
We all come together
for the family thrills
Thanksgiving
By Shyanne Howes
Gathering together
many being smothered
Turkey on the table
Smiles From Near To Far
By Elly Young
The Feast
By Joshua Bourland
The weather outside is chilly
But in the house, it’s nice and
warm,
The smell of turkey fills the room
And eating it will make me feel
better.
After the feast we party ‘til 10
For most have to work the next
day,
But no one thinks about it
Because no one really cares
Laughter and smiles fill the room,
Laughing at the turkey,
and its impending doom..
The smell of a turkey,
Roasting in the oven,
Family all around me.
The smiles that bring me warmth,
Joy, happiness, and love.
Love for not only those here with us,
But those smiling from above.
Happy Thanksgiving, MV!
What do you love about
Thanksgiving?
Amanda
Scott, ‘14
Emma Merrit,
‘15
Jake Shirk,
‘17
Devin Finley,
‘16
I love being able to
reflect on the blessings
God has given me. I
also love cooking and
baking with my mom.
I like the fact that in
our crazy life we have
a holiday reserved for
parades, family, and
giving thanks.
Seeing family and
spending time with
them, reflecting on
good memories.
Eating food and being I love the “warmth”
that comes with the
with my family.
fall season and from
seeing your family.
Clayton
Johnson, ‘14
Describe the oddest relative
that attends your family’s
Thanksgiving dinner...
Colleen
Skobel, ‘14
Braden Smith, Marissa
Moser, ’15
‘15
My uncle. He wears
My cousin Chase. He's
sweatpants every
completely bald and
Thanksgiving and calls wears earrings.
them his “eatin’
pants.”
I would have to say
my grandma. She is
just really weird, but
that’s why I like her.
Wyatt Beaty,
‘14
I am.
Madalina
Overstreet,
‘15
I’d definitely go with
my uncles… All my
uncles compete to be
the “funniest uncle” in
the family… But I love
them all the same!
Page 12, Editorial
Editorial
VERNOIS NEWS
A VERNOIS PUBLICATIONS GROUP Newspaper
Editorial Board:
Falyn VanDyke, Editor in Chief
Makayla Smith, Managing Editor
Jase Lucas, News Editor
Mr. Jamey VanZandt, Adviser
Vernois Views
Give thanks, MV
Thanksgiving, a national holiday where families gather to
give thanks for the preceding year, has been around since
1621 when the Puritans and Pilgrims sat down at a feast to
celebrate their harvest season.
Many people believe Thanksgiving is a time to spend with
family and to eat food, and although that may be true, the
main point of Thanksgiving is to give thanks for all of the
things one has gained throughout the year.
At MV, we need to be thankful for the teachers that care
so much about seeing us succeed, our administrators for giving us the foundation and curriculum to do well, and our
coaches, leaders, classmates, families, and anyone else challenging us to be better and better.
The biggest support we could get is from our parents.
Parents inspire us daily to be the best people we can be.
Since our parents have taken care of us all of our lives, we
need to be thankful for the sacrifices our parents have made
for us so we can have every option possible.
We need to be thankful for the great education we get
every day when there are other children who are not as fortunate. We are given the opportunity to do what a lot of
children cannot, and we take that for granted even though
we shouldn't.
As a high school student, our top priority should be to
get as well educated as possible, and we are lucky we have
wonderful families that support us in getting that education
and encourage us to go to college after high school.
It is this time of year we need to reflect on everything we
have accomplished to further ourselves in life.
There are so many support systems in our lives encouraging us to do well everyday. When we only put forth half of
the effort, we are not reaching our full potential. We live in
a world where opportunities are everywhere, and we need to
be grateful we have as many options we do, whether that be
in school or jobs.
It is not hard to be grateful for the things we have. Sometimes though we take things for granted, we must remember
that there are many people that are not given the same opportunities as us.
We may think we have all of the options in the world, and
even if we may, opportunities drift away as easily as they
come, and thinking of that, it makes every chance that much
more special.
Remember to always be thankful for what you have, take
every opportunity possible, and don’t take anything for
granted.
VERNOIS NEWS
Vernois Staff
Reflects On
Thanksgiving
“Thanksgiving is always
great because I get to
see all of my family, but
its even more special this
year since my 18th birthday falls on it.”
-Falyn VanDyke
“There is always that
chance that I might
laugh and accidently
shoot a deviled egg at
my dad...memories.”
-Tyler Knutson
“I think Thanksgiving is
an important issue because it’s the time when
family is all together and
we remember what to be
thankful for.”
-Haydan Fahrenholtz
“I like Thanksgiving
because I get to eat all
day and not go to
school!”
-Kaleb Dorris
“Thanksgiving is my favorite
holiday because all of my
family, all 52 of them, come
to my house.”
-Jase Lucas
VERNOIS NEWS
Columns
Page 13, Columns
Senior cherishes time left
Falyn’s Forum
By Falyn VanDyke
EDITOR IN CHIEF
VERNOIS NEWS
As we head toward Thanksgiving I am realizing that I have limited
time left here at MV. After three years of wanting so badly to be
done with high school, that is almost a reality.
While it hasn't exactly sunk in yet that this time next year I will
be a freshman in college, I know that it’s coming, and change is inevitable.
Already this year I’ve experienced my last first day of high school,
I’ve been a part of my final Children’s Theatre production, I’ve
worked my first and last MV Conference as part of Student Council,
I’ve completed by first two issues of the Vernois News as Editor in
Chief, and before I know it, all of my other last high school experiences will have passed, too.
Walking down the hallway day after day, I hear my fellow senior
classmates exclaim how ready they are to be in college and away
from this town.
Although I, too, am eager to move on with my life, high school
has been a huge part of it, and honestly I’m not ready to leave it
quite yet.
It seems like no matter what I do, I’m constantly prompting other
seniors to enjoy the time we have left, because all too soon high
school will be just another memory.
High school is the last place I will be with all of my best friends in
the same place, and it pains me that all of them are ready to leave
this behind.
I don't do anything here at MV without quickly recalling that I
need to treasure these times; second semester is rapidly approaching
and so is graduation.
Every time I fill out a scholarship or college application, I’m reminded just how much time I have left here. It may seem like May is
a while away, but in reality, it’s not.
I must admit, I been one of those people to complain a lot about
how tired of school I am, and how I can’t wait to get out of here, but
truthfully, I wouldn't have given up the “all-nighters” I’ve pulled to
finish homework, the hours upon hours I've stayed after school to
finish an issue of the Vernois News, and the loss of sleep I’ve experienced to attend Operetta rehearsal for anything.
These last three years have been accompanied by remarkable
times and some not so remarkable times, but ultimately they’ve
been a blessing.
How many people can say they went to high school and found
something they love to do?
I never in a million years thought I would be so tied down by
something, yet so afraid to leave it at the same time.
Every word I type, every page I edit, every rehearsal I attend,
every person I put a microphone on, every early morning meeting I go
to, I cherish.
One morning it will finally hit me that I’m about to graduate and
by that time, it will be my graduation day. I will be saying goodbye to
the people I've known for the last four years, and for some, so much
longer.
I’ll be saying goodbye to an amazing high school that has caused
me to grow from a freshman caterpillar to a senior butterfly.
I will be saying goodbye to a high school I’ve attended for four
years, and some amazing experiences I will never get to have again.
Seniors, we must remember that this is our last year and that we
shouldn’t wish away our time together. We may not realize how close
graduation is to us, but it’s closer than we think.
One day we will wake up and wonder where the time has gone.
Ownership inspires greatness,
Lucas says
Jase’s Journal
By Jase Lucas
NEWS EDITOR
VERNOIS NEWS
When I first started my journey as a yearbookie, I despised photography. I was bad at choosing my angles, I always picked clashing colors, and let’s just call the poses I chose “awkward.” I dreaded every
photo shoot I was assigned and each event I was supposed to photograph because I just wasn’t good at it. Because I didn’t want to take
photos, I didn’t want to learn about the cameras. I didn’t know how
to focus my lens, upload my photos, or even use a charger. I was the
definition of an amateur.
But this, year, as editor, I am expected to know everything about
every camera our book has. I have to make sure all of our photos are
properly uploaded onto the computer, I have to charge every camera,
and (worst of all) I’m the expert on them. I have to know how to use
different kinds of lenses, understand the craziest rules about lighting,
perform regular maintenance, and even show others how to take a
great photo. Talk about scary!
But guess what – I’m doing it. Those cameras slowly became a
hobby for me. I would clean them and keep track of them and even
use them for spontaneous photo shoots every now and then. Then, I
noticed an improving quality in my photography and a growing passion for what I was doing. Suddenly, I was hooked. In a matter of
weeks I went from hating everything about photography to loving it. I
now critique photos, take a camera with me to random places, clean
and care for cameras, help others with the quality of their photos,
and even look at others’ photos for the pure pleasure of staring at
them.
Through all of this I realized something. Before, I had disliked photography because I felt I wasn’t very good at it, so I disregarded it as
something I didn’t want to be a part of. But, when I became a leader
in this area, I forced myself to improve and that led to a natural love
of it. So next time you’re down on something – whether it’s sports,
grades, relationships, or anything – don’t forget to take ownership of
it. Because if you know that the final product is yours, you just might
be amazed at how good you’ll want to make it.
Page 14, Columns
Columns
VERNOIS NEWS
Learning what it means to lead
Makayla’s Musings
By Makayla Smith
MANAGING EDITOR
VERNOIS NEWS
Over the summer, I enjoyed the opportunity to represent MV at the
annual HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth) Leadership Conference in Bloomington, Illinois.
This event was packed with various activities that emphasized
leadership strengths and weaknesses, taught me about myself, and
showed me how to lead.
“HOBY was one of the best experiences of my life. It’s such a
great atmosphere that you always feel at home!” shared Lindsey Kelso, ’15, who attends St. Joseph-Ogden High School in St. Joseph, IL.
“You learn a lot about leading and about yourself. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking.”
Upon arrival, I was greeted by eccentric - and often crazily
dressed - workers of the conference. They were attempting to pump
up the attendees for a great and busy weekend.
For the next two and a half days, we were whisked from activity
to activity, learning fun chants along the way. “Ouuuuuutstanding! O
-U-T! S-T-A-N-D! I-N-G! Out-out-OUTSTANDING!”
Chants may sound a bit cheesy, but the atmosphere of HOBY is
remarkably different from a normal atmosphere. By the end of the
weekend, one feels like they’ve known their fellow group members
for a much longer time than a few days (I was a part of group thirteen - the Yellow Space Chimps!).
The atmosphere is very energized. Thoughts of concerns in our
lives were swept away as we focused on and put all our energy into
the HOBY experience.
Darbi Dugan, a junior at Abingdon-Avon High School in Abingdon,
IL, explained, “HOBY is a place that will change you. The kids at
HOBY were the coolest and at the end of the week discussion if was
amazing to see the painfully shy kids get up in front of the other kids
and without hesitation speak of how HOBY changed their lives for the
better. We learn lots of things to make us successful and help the
community, all while having so much fun! In short, HOBY was a whirlwind of fun and education.”
We played games that taught us about teamwork and cooperation; we completed various activities that made us think, such as
forming a pyramid of what we thought were the most important characteristics of a leader; we listened to some great speakers; and we
got to participate in a service project. The service project I worked
with was Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which raises money for childhood
cancer research. We stood on along the street, offering lemonade in
exchange for donations, waving at cars, and getting rained on.
“HOBY was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. It gave
me confidence, pride, and lifelong friends!” enthused Trevor Stout,
an Eisenhower High School (Decatur, IL) junior.
Along with learning how to lead, I also learned it was okay to be
an introvert and a leader. There are many types of leaders - it’s just
up to me to determine what kind I’ll be.
Wilmington High School (Wilmington, IL) junior Alicia Headrick
marveled, “HOBY was the best experience of my life! It made me
better myself and I’m still on a HOBY high!”
Through the weekend, I noted a few quotes that really stood out
to me. “If you don’t have a good idea, it’s because you haven’t had
enough bad ones.” “Don’t fear failure.”
One quote that especially stood out is, “Leadership is action, not
position.”
Being a leader is about so much more than position. Whether one
is president of student council or not involved in any clubs at all,
they still have the potential to be a leader in their school and their
community.
I think that’s something HOBY strives to teach its attendees.
Leaders don’t have to be in charge of something in order to lead.
They just need action.
Hallways fill with confusion, chaos
Erica’s Energy
By Erica Williams
VERNOIS NEWS
If MV hallways could talk, what would they tell us? So much happens in
the hallways of our school in the short amount of time we have to get
from class to class.
In the beginning of the year, many people get lost in the hallways.
There are so many ways to get from one place to another, and if one
isn't familiar with the school it is easy to get turned around. Many
older students give wrong directions purposely to incite more confusion and chaos than necessary.
As a freshman, I was so scared that was going the wrong way. I
rushed through the mass of students in the hallways, and I got lost
easily because I had no idea where I was going.
Fights and major disputes start to break out after a couple weeks
of school starting. I hear students arguing all of the time. They start
over silly things. Most fights start over words that shouldn't be said in
the first place.
This time of the year, when the weather is starting to change and
there is more rain and, soon, snow and ice, it is dangerous while walking from class to class. I’m sure if the hallways could talk about this
time of year, they would have some funny stories of people falling.
Last year, while walking to class, I fell down a few times. It was
icy on the sidewalks and I fell. I got up and was trying to walk up a
flight of stairs and I fell up them. I felt so clumsy; my books were
scattered everywhere from being thrown into the air as I fell.
So many students were falling on the sidewalks. It made me feel
better to know that I wasn’t the only person falling on my way to
class.
Many student couples like to hug and kiss on their way to class. It
is almost impossible to walk to a class without seeing at least one student couple hugging, kissing, or telling each other how much they miss
the other in the 45 minutes they spent apart in class.
At the end of the year, we always have seniors that are graduating
and pulling pranks those last few weeks. Last year, the seniors put
stink bombs in some of the hallways. They also sprayed silly string
everywhere on their last day.
If the hallways could talk to our children and grandchildren in the
future, what would they say about us?
VERNOIS NEWS
Columns
Page 15, Columns
Sanders investigates bullying
Lizzy’s Experiences
By Lizzy Sanders
VERNOIS NEWS
Why do people bully each other, judge one another, and cut each
other down? Do we not realize what words can do?
The most common reason for cutting or suicide is being bullied
and feeling useless.
There are so many ways to prevent teenagers from committing
suicide or cutting themselves.
I’m used the day to day approach to show how suicide rated have
been going up from one to the next.
Let’s take in to consideration the facts on suicide and cutting first
off. Many people think girls are more likely to harm themselves because of their emotions, when in reality, girls are just more likely to
harm themselves while boys are more likely to take more drastic
measures.
The rate of suicide has increased over the past few years.
The reason for this is that most teenagers feel that they can’t
handle the pressure and have more problems with coping.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, over
900,000 teenagers have already planned their suicide. Also, over 60%
of high school students have claimed they have thought about committing suicide.
Girls think about suicide twice as much as boys, but boys are four
times for likely to kill themselves.
Some warning signs that may help people notice if someone is self
-inflicting or thinking about suicide are below.
Sometimes it’s obvious if someone is always talking about wanting
to die or talking about how worthless they feel.
Also, if they’re acting anxious and agitated. Displaying major differences in their moods and wanting nothing to do with anyone.
They might also be thinking about suicide if they are sleeping too
little or too much, or showing a loss of interest in things they used to
care abut.
If you know anyone who is suicidal, you could ask certain questions without over doing it, such as, “Do you feel so badly that you
think about suicide?” or, “Do you have a plan to commit suicide or
take your life?” If you know someone who has been thinking about
suicide, you should seek a trusted adult to have them seek further
help. If someone says they want to die, never keep it as secret.
If you ever contemplate not telling someone just because they ask
you not to, ask yourself a few questions: “Would you rather lose a
friendship or end up having to attend one of your friend’s funerals?
Try to make them feel like they’re worth it.
Tell them life gets better, and that nothing is bad enough to let
death win.
Before you bully someone, realize that one word can lead to that
one cut.
That habit could turn into a suicide attempt or their selfmutilation addiction. One should always think before they speak because words hurt people more than thought possible.
Bullying is unnecessary and should never happy because one has
no idea what the other person is dealing with.
Many things could be happening behind closed door. Before one
thinks about bullying, just think about how it would feel to be bullied. Does it feel good?
Suicide happens because people feel alone and helpless, so let’s
try to be there for people.
Just one word could save someone’s life or end it. We, as fellow
peers, should be out there helping others and maybe, just maybe,
one word could make a difference.
Thanksgiving changes meaning
Savannah’s Stories
By Savannah Estes
VERNOIS NEWS
Thanksgiving is about spending time with family and being thankful for
what we’ve been blessed with. In recent years, Thanksgiving has simply become a day to stuff our faces and nap in preparation for the long
lines and great sales that are Black Friday.
Black Friday has been around for as long as I can remember. It’s
the one day of the year where customers are guaranteed to find exactly what they’re looking for at a price they can’t beat.
Black Friday traditionally started in the morning at 12 am on the
Friday following Thanksgiving and was an all-day sale. However, recently the sales have progressively begun earlier and earlier, starting
as early as 5 pm.
I remember last year on the Thanksgiving all my family leaving
early from Thanksgiving dinner to get the door buster sale at K-Mart.
I thought to myself, “Have we lost the meaning of the holiday?”
We have let a corporate America create a day that had completely
taken over one of our nation’s most revered holidays.
We have become so caught up in the shopping that we forget the
true meaning of Thanksgiving. We’re supposed to be spending time
with people we care about and rejoicing in the fact that we have so
many things to be thankful for.
Instead, we spend most of the holiday planning our shopping trips
and deciding which items are worth the wait in line and which are
not.
I believe that this all stems from the fact that we have lost the
meaning of Christmas as well. Christmas has become a holiday based
solely around what people can get us as gifts. We focus more about
what Santa can get rather than celebrating the true meaning of
Christmas.
We have become a society so caught up in material items that we
let it consume two holidays that should be centered on family and
making memories that will last.
My grandma always used to say, “Once we lose sight of what is
truly important we will lose the things that matter to us the most.” I
think that there is some truth to that.
If we lose sight to what is what the holidays are really about, we
will also lose our sense of family and tradition.
Although Black Friday starting earlier can hardly be held responsible for our nation losing its family values I think that is a prime example of how America is slowly replacing tradition with greed and materialism.
The only way to fix that is to realize that family is the part that
matters the most on the holidays, not the gifts and discounted prices.
Page 16, Opinions
Opinions
VERNOIS NEWS
Bourland shushes library crowd
Bourland’s Weekends
By Joshua Bourland
VERNOIS NEWS
Remember years ago when libraries were always quiet and people
were working, looking up stuff on the internet, or reading a book?
Can’t remember? Can’t think of it? Do you know what would help?
Have everybody quiet down! It’s too loud in there! I don’t need
to hear everything that others are talking about when I’m trying to
work.
Every day during lunch I hear people scream, yell, hoop, holler,
cuss, and tell every “yo mama” joke in the book.
Through all the times I’ve been in the library, I’ve never known a
moment where it was peaceful.
When I don’t feel like going to eat off campus, I usually go upstairs to the library. Walking into the room with my plate filled with
pizza I see people playing games on the computers, groups of people
yelling at tables, or looking up stuff on the internet; sometimes I
feel that this was a bad idea.
I sit by a computer and begin logging in so that I can finish an
essay that was due the day before. Yeah, I know, late homework,
bad grade, and blah blah blah.
There’s a group of people behind me having an argument about
which Halo game was the best.
The group in front of me wasn’t any better. It’s not what they
were looking up, it’s just that after hearing the b word, f bomb, and
every other word in the book, it got very annoying.
These people hang out with each other and yet they insult them
every day.
One thing I hate most is hearing couples fight. It’s nothing but
nagging. Keep that personal stuff to yourself instead of yelling it to
the world so they can put it on Facebook.
The library hasn’t become a nightmare, but it gives me a headache when everybody is yelling and shouting and hurting my eardrums.
I’m starting to think that off campus lunch doesn’t sound so bad
after all. Just as long as it’s quiet.
Family dinners change
lives
Do you want to voice your
opinion on something
Powell’s Possibilities
By Casey Powell
VERNOIS NEWS
happening on campus?
Write a letter to the
editor and bring it to
Mr. VanZandt in
the Publications Office,
Room 122H.
Let your voice be heard.
Many families move around, always
remaining busy. People say families
sharing stories, and laughing while
eating inner strengthens relationships.
When I was younger, my family
always ate dinner together once a
week.
We would always have the same
thing because, well, my mom hasn't
ever been the best at cooking. The
term “burning water” has always
been moved.
We would always tease her saying she invented that term.
Maybe this the case with other
families who don't eat together,
making members self reliant.
However, that may not always
be the case. Parents working late,
extracurricular, socializing, homework, or sometimes just technology
can get in the way of that special
bonding time that parents or children desire.
National Center of Addiction and
Substance Abuse, also known as
CASA, claims that teens who have
dinner with their families are less
likely to smoke, drink, or use drugs.
I never thought much about family dinner being a big deal until a
couple of friends commented on
how they liked the idea of a sit
down mea, considering they had
never done it before.
They were excited to plan future
dinners with families. Not just down
the food, or a break in their busy
schedules, but the long term effect
of strengthening their family’s relationship.
I enjoy eating dinner with my
family because it brings us together
for a good time.
Perhaps if more students ate
dinner with their families, aspects
of their lives would be the slightest
bit different.
VERNOIS NEWS
Opinions
Page 17, Opinions
Nair encourages being bilingual
Shreya’s Spiel
By Shreya Nair
VERNOIS NEWS
你知道多少种语言
Were you able to read that? If your answer was yes, then congratulations on being able to read Mandarin fluently. It promises to be
the most spoken language in the world by 2025 according to nationsonline.org. (It says “how many languages do you know.”)
If the answer was no, you are probably a part of the majority of
Americans that can read and speak only one language. This is a
frightening reality that is facing all generations of Americans today.
One solution exists to America’s crisis: mandating foreign language in high school nationwide.
Soon, English will not be the “universal language,” and Americans
will have to stop relying on other countries to speak English. There
are only benefits in learning a new language.
Being bilingual improves cognitive skills. According to nytimes.com, “Evidence from a number of studies suggests that the
bilingual experience improves the brain’s so-called executive function—a command system that directs the attention processes that we
use for planning, solving problems and preforming various other mentally demanding tasks.”
Maybe you’re like me, and have secretly wanted to be a spy for
the CIA or FBI. Turns out that knowing a second language broadens
our chances at becoming an FBI/CIA agent since they are so desperately needed.
Together, we can unleash our inner James Bond by just being
bilingual!
Considering business as a future occupation? Well, speaking different languages can help make sales and negotiate contracts.
Also, it gives an edge over competition. Understanding the side
conversations in a different language at meetings is a bonus. Future
partners will discuss a situation amongst themselves, and understanding what they are worried about is helpful.
Try convincing them why your idea is flawless in their native
tongue. This gesture will be sure to impress future partners and may
lead to a promotion.
Living in America places us in the middle of an ethnic melting pot,
surrounded by the cultures and races of many countries.
I’ve been lucky enough to learn some Mandarin from my neighbor.
Not only being bilingual improves cognitive skills, chance of getting a
job or into college, but also helps you connect with people around
the world.
In America, everyone is only a couple generations removed from
their ancestral countries.
It behooves us to learn our heritage’s language, which will in turn
help us learn about our own culture or another country’s culture.
Uniforms change perspective
Hannah’s Happenings
By Hannah Pipher
VERNOIS NEWS
Have you ever been picked on because you don’t wear the right brand
of clothing?
Or because the shirt you’re wearing is out of style? What if I said
there was a way to fix all of that? Would you believe me?
Some may read this and think, “Oh no!” or “Hear we go again…”
and the response is correct. Oh yes, here we go again. Uniforms.
And according to educationbug.org approximately 23% of all public
schools have uniforms or are severely considering them.
As I walked through the quad on my way to first period one day
recently, I overheard a snarky comment made by a fellow peer, “What
are you wearing?” The girl I heard these words from may not have
meant anything by it, other than asking a simple question, but the girl
on the receiving end could have taken it as something different.
“I don't think having uniforms would cut down on bullying, but I do
think it might cut down on tardiness and absences. Students and staff
could get ready faster and be more efficient in their morning routines,” Math teacher Mrs. Jessica Gamber, expressed.
I honestly couldn't agree more. Some personally may not agree,
and that’s okay. But think about it. How many times have students
been to students because they couldn't find the right outfit to wear? A
lot? Yeah, me too. None? Well, they’re probably a boy, then.
“I think students should still have options in variety. Students
should still be able to express their own style within the uniform policy,” Mrs. Gamber added.
Students express themselves by dress most of the time. Uniforms
wouldn't take that away.
Mrs. Gamber mentioned that her friend in Georgia was a teacher at
a school with uniforms. They have different options of pants, a skirt, a
dress, or a white polo.
Most girls sometimes wear leggings under the dressed, and school
jackets over the polo's; anything to show their own sense of style and
personality.
Some of the most popular uniform ideas from the students’ perspective in both the state and country include, but are not limited to:
a solid white polo and either beige or navy blue pants; plaid or beige
pants, polo’s or button downs, and bow-ties or long ties for boys; and
beige capris or pants and any solid color polo that the students prefer.
Now, for some major controversy. Should the teachers be required
to wear the uniforms, too? My answer would be yes, but others would
say no.
Although MV is moving to professional dress, almost all schools,
public and private allow teachers to wear whatever they desire on a
regular basis. But is that idea fair if the school is trying to promote
unity? Not, its not. Unity is about everyone not just the student body.
Some people reading this would agree with the fact that if we are
required to wear them, so should teachers.
I’m not necessarily pro wearing uniforms as much as I’m pro uniform idea.
I feel that it would reduce bullying along with suspension and
fights. Students and staff may completely disagree, and most will.
Though looking at the statistics for bullying and fighting decreases,
uniforms would be the best solution for MV.
Page18, Odds & Ends
VERNOIS NEWS
Odds & Ends
Thanksgiving
Jokes
1. If April showers
bring May flowers,
what do May flowers
bring?
2. Where do you find a
turkey with no legs?
3. What is a Pilgrim’s
favorite kind of music?
4. What’s the friendliest vegetable on earth?
5. What’s a turkey’s favorite kind of doll?
6. What does Dracula
call Thanksgiving?
7. What sound does a
turkey’s telephone
make?
1. Pilgrims
2. Exactly where you left
it!
3. Plymouth Rock
4. The sweet potato
5. Gobble-heads
6. Fangs-giving
7. Wing wing!
VERNOIS NEWS
A&E
Page 19, A&E
MV anticipates holiday movies
By Savannah Estes
VERNOIS NEWS
As holidays arrive, the tradition of watching holiday classics causes
students and teachers alike to argue over which movies are the best.
“Elf, all the Home Alone, and A Christmas Story are my favorite
holiday movies,” stated Connor Storey, ‘15.
Others prefer the more classic approach.
“I’ve always liked stop motion movies. That’s why I like Rudolph
the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” commented Daniel Flood, ‘15.
“I love watching The Grinch with my kids,” said Mrs. Tena Elliot,
Math Department, “But only the cartoon version because you can
never mess with a classic.”
However, not all students at MV like holiday cartoons.
“I’ve seen the Charlie Brown Christmas special one time, but I am
not a big fan of cartoon movies,” commented Storey.
“My favorite holiday movies are movies like Santa Clause and Holiday in Handcuffs,” explained Haydan Farenholtz, ‘15.
Some are neutral about both genres.
“I really enjoy the more family oriented movies, but I like many
of the comedy holiday movies too,” expressed Brendan Hill, ‘15.
There’s always one thing that most of MV looks forward to during
the holiday season.
“I always look forward to ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas,”
explained Farenholtz.
Many are excited at the opportunity that the holiday season
brings about the TV set.
“I’m just really excited for holiday movies to start coming on
TV,” commented Hill.
“As soon as holiday movies come on TV, I’ll be watching!” exclaimed Storey.
Students and teachers can also agree that the best part of watching holiday movies is getting to watch them with your family.
“I always watch holiday movies with my kids and my mom,” stated Mrs. Elliot.
“I usually watch holiday movies with my family and occasionally
my friends,” added Hill.
What movie would be awarded “the ultimate holiday classic”?
According to a Yahoo Movies survey, it would be Home Alone. However, MV thinks differently.
“A Christmas Story would definitely be the ultimate holiday classic. Everyone has seen it and it’s such a great movie,” stated Mrs.
Elliot.
Vernois Publications Group conducts lock-in
By Trey Riley
VERNOIS NEWS
A&E CO-EDITOR
On Friday, November 15, both Vernois Yearbook and Vernois News
experienced a late night together. Both groups came together for one
night, but left with new bonds that can last forever.
One would think, “Both of these groups do almost the same thing.
Surely they must know each other,” but that’s not entirely true.
Vernois Yearbook is an actual class that takes place during eighth
period in Mr. VanZandt’s room, H122. Vernois News is a journalistic
organization that meets a few times through out the course of each
month, and is the product of Writing for Publications I and II.
Even though some students are members of both, a majority of
staff have had few actual conversations with one another.
That there underlies the joy of a school organized lock-in. It is not
about having something to do somewhere on a Friday night. It is not
even going because you have to. The joy of a lock-in lies within the
bonds you make with others through the course of one night.
One would be surprised to think they actually know someone until
they have seen them at their drowsiest, during the dead of the night.
Many became silly and carefree as the night progresses.
As fun as that sounds, it has a deeper meaning: We unknowingly
open up to each other through icebreakers, games, or just talking.
As time progresses, one of the trademark items during a VanZandt
lock-in is a deep conversation including the whole group. The group
tosses a beach ball with questions written on it, ranging from funny to
very serious.
It has come to my attention that one has not experienced the true
spirit of MV until you hear what your peers honestly believe about the
school, its faculty, and their peers.
One would be amazed at the amount of meaning a circle in the
lobby of H building can bring. Different sides of people come out in
full force. One learns what the core values of each member of the
group are.
This may sound weird to some. I know that teenagers opening up
and transcending to higher questions with higher answers is not all
that normal. But when one attends a lock-in, I’ve come to believe it
does not matter.
It is a time of reminiscing on some of the best memories shared
during that individual’s life, or with the group.
Take a Look at this Book
Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why is an intense fictional novel that
looks at the causes of suicide of a girl named Hannah Baker. Hannah
has set up a system letting the thirteen people that caused her suicide know exactly what they had done wrong in her life. The book
aims at high school students. The novel goes through many stages of the teenagers life style. Many students know or have known someone that has went through bullying, depression, or thoughts of suicide.
The novel is a fast paced read that leaves readers wanting to know the next reason why until they have
learned the reason why Hannah Baker committed suicide. After reading the whole book, it
By Trey Riley
leaves the question, “What could I do to help that person in need?”
VERNOIS NEWS
A&E CO-EDITOR
A&E
Page 20, A&E
Thor hits theaters
Trey’s Tune
By Trey Riley
The Vans Warped Tour Compilation offers a
wide range of music. The CD offers fifty songs
for only five dollars. On the CD are many big
name artists such as Never Shout Never, Bring
Me The Horizon, and The Used. The surprises
and treasures of this CD come from artists unheard of. The Early November, Motion City
Soundtrack, and Goldhouse have been a major
hit with me. Songs such as Tell Me Why, Timelines, and Nothing To Lose have made a lasting impression on me. The
joy in every mixed CD
comes in finding new songs
by new artists, and this
rings true for me in this
CD.
By Trey Riley
VERNOIS NEWS
A&E CO-EDITOR
On the Big
Screen
Jennifer
Laurence
Josh
Hutcherson
Catching
Fire
VERNOIS NEWS
For all of the fans who
read the books, enjoyed the first film in
2012, and loved the
adventure, this one is
for you. The long anticipated The Hunger
Games: Catching Fire
is here. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Laurence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson)
become targets of the
Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a
rebellion in the Districts of Panem.
The newest installment of the series
comes to theaters on
November 22nd.
By Emily Kniffen
VERNOIS NEWS
A&E CO-EDITOR
VERNOIS NEWS
CO-A&E EDITOR
Thor The Dark World Hits Theaters Thor: The Dark World came to
theaters on November 8, 2013.
and since then, the movie has
g r o s s e d
$147,306,753 since
its release. Are the
fans pleased with
the epic thriller
though?
IMDb
reports
that fans have
given the movie a
solid 7.7 out of 10.
The movie has
aimed to strike at
its audience with
big name actors
such
as
Chris
Hemsworth,
Natalie Portman, and Tom Hiddleston.
Thor: The Dark World has been
number one in the box office for
two weeks in a row. The movie
has almost passed its budget spent
during production within a matter
of two weeks.
Even though the movie seems
to be great, some movie critics
are critical about the generic plot
of the movie.
Peter Rainer, Christian Science
Monitor and a Top Critic on Rotten
Tomatoes, believes, “Like so many
comic book epics these days, Alan
Taylor's 3-D Thor:
The Dark World is
both monumental
and generic.”
One’s views and
beliefs about the
movie can only be
crafted after seeing the movie and
its
predecessor
Thor fully.
Christian Orr,
The Atlantic and
Top Critic on Rotten
Tomatoes,
thinks, “Though hardly a mustsee, Thor: The Dark World is better than the original: a looser,
loopier hybrid of science fiction
and fantasy powered by a pair of
magnetic performances and leavened with a number of truly witty
moments.”
Vine competes with Instagram
By Falyn VanDyke
VERNOIS NEWS
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Everyone has heard of Vine, a mobile service that lets you share six
second videos, and everyone has
heard of Instagram, a simple way
to share photos
with friends.
But recently, Instagram
has been incorporating videos
in with their
photos.
Vine used
to be the place
to go strictly
to share videos, and Instagram was its opposite.
With Instagram using both, its
been giving Vine a run for its money.
“I like Vine so much more because I can watch six second videos
all day, but I feel that Instagram’s
fifteen second videos are too
long,” stated Olivia Bailey, ‘14.
Although Vine seems to continue to be more popular in the video
aspect, Instagram is slowly making
its way up the ranks with videos.
With Instagram on the rise, its
hard to say whether or not Vine
will continue
to be popular.
“Instagram
should only be
used for pictures because
who has the
time to look
through a hundred six second videos?”
commented
Randi McCoy,
‘14.
Only time will tell how long
either of these social networking
sites will last, or how popular they
will become.
With new trends constantly
coming out, Vine and Instagram
may end up being a thing of the
past.
Page 21, The Blue Print
VERNOIS NEWS
November 2013 The Blue Print
A tiny division of VERNOIS NEWS Jase Lucas & Makayla Smith – Editors
Volume 11, Issue 1
Thank You, Pepsi
By Joshua Bourland, ‘15
To the makers of Pepsi, you guys are bright,
Your product is delicious and better than Sprite.
The drink you make is the best,
By Dale Ann Conley, ‘14
You make me like Coca-Cola even less.
I personally give you a thumbs up,
Your product is greater than 7UP.
One taste of your creation made me think,
Pepsi is cooler and Dr. Pepper stinks.
Today I salute you and for the future wish you luck,
But excuse me when I say that Diet Pepsi sucks.
Comedy Corner
You’re Fat!
By Shreya Nair, ‘17
Alphabet Poem
By Diana Williams, ‘14
Zombies yelled x-rays with victory utopia to start revolutions
quickly, probably over nothing. Maybe lingering kids just initiated groups for easy digging access, hiding big cats.
Thanksgiving is a time for growing fat!
When you gather round, and eat so much.
People should be thankful, but rather wait for the food.
My weird uncle sitting by me drools on my hand on the enormous
turkey acting as the centerpiece.
I slap him ‘til his cheek turns red,
Which is hard for a brown person.
Thanksgiving is why America is fat!
Sports
Page 22, Sports
VERNOIS NEWS
‘Tis the season to go hunting
By Joshua Bourland
VERNOIS NEWS
What makes hunters happy during hunting season?
That perfect buck lining up perfectly on their riddle sight, the
hunter ready to pull the trigger and take home his or her prize.
Deer season starts Thanksgiving weekend and many students here
at MV can’t wait for the perfect weekend to come.
In fact, people are taking tine off of work so they can be the first
person to get the gold, or deer, to be exact.
Brett Hubbard, ‘17 explained that hunting is kind of a rush.
Those who have never hunted before, or people who are animal
lovers, may never understand that feeling unless they go out and do
it themselves.
Not all hunters ever get what they expect.
Sometimes they go home empty handed after waiting out in the
cold for so long.
Sometimes they never get the chance and never get a kill whole
season.
All they can really hope for is if they never see that perfect buck
or Bambi, at least they get Bambi’s mother.
When it comes to weather conditions, people can’t expect to get
a clear sunny day with a warm temperature.
“My favorite weather condition is cold and cloudy with no wind,”
explains Christian Oathout, ‘14.
Sophomore, David Adam Tate added a similar thought: cold and
cloudy makes a perfect day.
Not all hunters are excited to sit out in the cold again, especially
when it takes a lot of patience and time.
But when that deer comes, they say it’s all worth the wait.
Unfortunately for those who hunt for the sport of it, the limit per
deer is one a day and for a buck, its one per year.
For those who do it for the food, at least they can say they
brought something home for dinner.
“Lock and load,” everyone.
Rams Basketball 2013-2014
Dec 6
Dec 10
Dec 13
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 28-30
Jan 7
Jan 10
Jan 11
Jan 17
Jan 22-25
Jan 31
Feb 7
Feb 8
Feb 14
Feb 21
Feb 25
Feb 28
Men’s JV/Varsity
Althoff
Mascoutah
Cahokia
Marion
Waterloo
Teutopolis Tour.
Lovejoy
Carbondale
Northwest Acad.
Centralia
Salem Tour.
Althoff
Cahokia
Jerseyville
Marion
Carbondale
Effingham
Centralia
Home
Away
Away
Home
Away
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
Away
Away
Home
Away
Away
Home
Home
Home
6:15pm
6:15pm
6:15pm
6:15pm
6:00pm
TBA
6:15pm
6:15pm
6:00pm
6:15pm
TBA
6:15pm
6:15pm
5:00pm
6:15pm
6:15pm
6:15pm
6:15pm
Dec 4
Dec 5
Dec 9
Dec 12
Dec 16
Dec 18
TBA
Jan 8
Jan 11 -13
Jan 16
Jan 21
Jan 27
Feb 3
Feb 5
Feb 6
Feb 10
Feb 13
Feb 15 & 19
Men’s Frosh
Marion
Cahokia
Centralia
Teutopolis
O’Fallon
Carbondale
Cairo
Effingham/St. Ant.
O’Fallon Tour. Away
Fairfield
Salem
Carbondale
Centralia
Althoff
Away
Effingham
Lovejoy
Marion
South 7 Conf. Away
Away 6:15pm
Home 6:15pm
Away 6:15pm
Home 6:15pm
Away 6:15pm
Away 6:15pm
TBA
TBA
Home 6:15pm
TBA
Away 6:15pm
Away 6:15pm
Home 6:15pm
Home 6:15pm
6:15pm
Home 6:15pm
Home 6:15pm
Home 6:15pm
TBA
Women’s Frosh/JV/Varsity
Dec 2
Dec 5
Dec 10
Dec 12
Dec 17
Dec 26-28
Jan 9
Jan 11
Jan 13
Jan 16
Cahokia
St. Anthony
Centralia
Marion
Carbondale
Mascoutah Tour.
Christ Our Rock
Triad
Althoff
Carbondale
Home
Away
Away
Home
Away
Away
Home
Home
Away
Home
6:15pm
6:15pm
6:15pm
6:15pm
6:15pm
TBA
6:15pm
1:00pm
6:15pm
6:15pm
Jan 20-25
Jan 28
Jan 30
Feb 1
Feb 4
Feb 6
Feb 11
Feb 13
Carbondale Tour.
Highland
Althoff
Home
Mattoon
Centralia
Marion
Cahokia
Herrin
Away TBA
Home 6:15pm
6:15pm
Away 1:00pm
Home 6:15pm
Away 6:15pm
Away 6:15pm
Away 6:15pm
VERNOIS NEWS
Sports
Page 23, Sports
Boston defeats St. Louis in Fall Classic
By Hannah Pipher
VERNOIS NEWS
What do broken bats, stained uniforms, lots of traveling, and 162
games played all have in common?
It all reflects the end of the Major League Baseball season.
For readers who aren’t aware, the
regular MLB season ended on September 30, and postseason began shortly
after October 3 with eight teams playing for the two spots in the 2013
World Series.
The American League winner Boston Red Sox faced the National League
winner St. Louis Cardinals with a
home field advantage.
The Cardinals had the rookies, but
the red Sox had what some called
inspiration.
“Without the rookies I don’t believe the Cardinals would have been in
the Word Series. They WERE the team
this season,” MV Curriculum Director
Mr. Rob Pipher stated.
According to bleacherreport.com rookie Michael Wacha woked
nineteen consecutive scoreless innings between Pittsburg’s Pedro
Alvarez’s homerun in the NLDS and Boston’s David Ortiz’s two-run
homerun in game one of the World Series.
“I believe that after the Boston Marathon bombing a few months
ago, the Red Sox found a ninsiration and started winning,” Fisher
Overstreet, ‘17.
According to rantsports.com the boys no doubt had the image in
mind of making the city cheer when playing.
For those reading who didn’t hear about it, game three created
some major controversy between players, fans, umpires, and managers.
In an attempt to go home on a wild throw, the umpires ruled that
Boston’s third baseman, Will Middlebroks interfered with Cardinal’s Allen
Craig causing him to stumble on the
way home. Umpires then awarded the
Cardinal’s a run, allowing them to win
the game.
“I think they made the right call, I
just hate that Craig go hurt worse
than he already was,” campus supervisor Ms. Nancy Deaton expressed.
While fans could all say it was a
great series, t didn’t have the outcome that St. Louis spectators wanted
it to.
The Red Sox won it all on Wednesday, October 30 in game six.
“They were definitely the better
PHOTO COURTESY OF CBSSPORTS.COM
team I believe; their hitting was spot
on,” social studies teacher Ms. Jessica Pilson admitted.
Speaking of hitting, Red Sox first baseman and designated hitter
David Ortiz had an outstanding .688 batting average in the World
Series leading him to a Most Valuable Player award.
As of now the Cardinal’s manager Mike Mathney has already begun
planning for their next season.
The Cardinals will enter Spring Training in March 2014, in Florida.
Successful season ends Athletic office in full swing
By Elly Young
By Mallory Vatter
VERNOIS NEWS
VERNOIS NEWS
The MV Varsity football team recently finished their season with 7
wins to a 4 loss ratio.
Mr. Jared Shaner, head coach of the Rams football team, said
that the 2012-2014 football season ended on a fairly good note, at
the second level of the playoffs.
“Mount Vernon hasn't gotten to the playoffs for five years, and it
is the firs time in six years that we have made it to the second round
and getting to play at our home field,” said Coach Shaner.
Shaner also commented that MV high school and the city of Mount
Vernon supported the football team so much, especially throughout
the second week of the playoffs.
“Having the school and town behind us during our run in the
playoffs was the most rewarding time. Having the pep assembly at
the school, and seeing all of the banners, posters, and flags around
the time was rewarding,” Shaner explains.
Shanner added that the team they played against on Saturday,
ending their season, was one of the best teams that they have faced
all season long.
Washington High School’s Varsity football team was undefeated,
usually blowing their opponent out of the water with a scoreless
game.
The final score of the game on Saturday, November 9 was 53-14.
Coach Shaner said that the football team is losing 12 very strong,
solid seniors this year, but he hopes to fill the empty hole.
Fall sports at MVTHS have kicked into gear with boys and girls cross
country, footballs, and girl’s tennis. The athletic office has been busy
scheduling games and organizing practices.
Athletic office staff include, Mrs. Emily Timmons, Athletic Secretary, Mr. Doug Creel, Assistant Principal, and Jeff Nociar, and afternoon student worker. They schedule the games and meetings, manage
banquets and awards, and handle the tickets and money that is involved.
“I really don't have a favorite [sport],” stated Mr. Doug Creel, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. “I have coached softball, baseball, and basketball. But I enjoy all of our athletic teams. I am very
proud of our wide range of sports.”
Some upcoming sports students and athletes can look forward to
are the woman’s and men’s basketball, wrestling, and blowing, along
with dance and cheerleading.
One of the big accomplishments in sports this year is the 2013
Boys’ Baseball team. They finished 3rd in the state this year.
The Athletic Office is found on the top floor of E building, or
Changnon Gym.
GO RAMS!
VERNOIS SPORTS
Volume 92 - Issue 3
GO RAMS AND LADY RAMS!
November 2013
Rams Football produces magical season
By Tyler Knutson
VERNOIS NEWS
CO-SPORTS EDITOR
The MV football program has re-emerged as a competitive team in
the South 7 conference and brought enthusiasm for football back to
Mt. Vernon after four seasons without a playoff berth.
After a difficult home loss in overtime to the Marion Wildcats the
Rams rebounded with a homecoming victory against the Carbondale
Terriers in a hard fought battle of a game that ended with MV on top
after a diving score courtesy of
Drew Hester.
The Rams traveled to Cahokia
the following week, and had a
difficult time containing the
speedy Comanches and were
handed their third loss of the
regular season.
At a 4-3 record the Rams
would not win the conference,
but knew that the primary goal
they had set before them was still
within reach.
The Rams would not lose another game in the regular season,
coming away with a blowout win
against rival Centralia and a massive upset against the Mt. Carmel
Golden Aces.
The Rams showed their explosiveness against an 8-0 Mt. Carmel team that arrived at J.D.
Shields in pursuit of an undefeated regular season. The Rams found
themselves down quickly, facing a 15-0 deficit, but were able to
battle back and stun the Aces 35-29.
At 6-3 headed into the playoffs the Rams found themselves back
in the bracket for the first time in a long time, and were excited to
be a part of the IHSA State playoffs once more.
The first round of the playoffs against the Mattoon Green Wave
would prove to be an exciting matchup. Facing a 42-35 deficit with
1:55 left on the clock the Rams were once again in a situation they
had faced all year.
MV would ultimately prevail with a last second touchdown and 2point conversions awarding the Rams their first playoff win since the
2007 season.
The season was exciting, rejuvenating a school and a community
who eagerly rallied around the team to show their support.
Campus was buzzing about football for the first time in a long
time. Community members and students alike were excited for
something other than the upcoming Basketball season.
“This football season was one of the best experiences of my life
so far and I think it will be one of the best I’ll ever have. We made a
lot of big strides forward this year and I believe that we have paved
the way for the teams after us to follow and have successes of their
own. I’ll remember this for my entire life.” enthused Eli Phillips,
’14.
When asked about what this season meant to him, Coach Jared
Shaner feels that this is one he will always remember.
“There’s definitely a feeling of accomplishment for me, and our
kids and program. Personally, it’s the first time I’ve had a team go
to the playoffs and I think this will be a group that I always look back
on and have fond memories of. This season is really at the top of my
personal list of football seasons. I remember early on in my life that
I knew I wanted to be a teacher and a football coach so when I finally got my opportunity my first year it was exciting but this year will
definitely be one that I rank up at the top and one that I cherish and
look back on fondly. Sometimes you don’t think about the impact
that a group of 16-18 year old kids can have on your life.” commented Shaner.
This Senior class had long been
awaiting its chance to bring MV Football back to relevance, and their
opportunity to put their team back
on the map.
“Being a senior, this season was
obviously of higher importance to me
than previous years. Our season was
based on meeting or succeeding
goals, from an individual standpoint
to a team standpoint, and we’ve
definitely come a long way in meeting them. It is definitely a tremendous improvement to go from 0-9 to
7-4 with a home playoff appearance,
and when the goals started shifting
from getting a win, to making the
playoffs, and finally to making it to
the state championship it was a great
change to witness,” stated Jacob
PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIE KNUTSON Williamson, ’14.
“We may have fallen short of the
biggest goal, making a state title game, but looking back on it all
this season was a really big success for the program. I feel like our
class has paved the way with hard work and dedication for future
classes, and shown that persistence
through even the worst of times pays
off.” continued Williamson.
Adversity is a key word for the Rams
this season. The Football program has
faced unbelievable adversity for a long
time, and it has only brought the players
closer.
“This football season has really been
the best team experience I’ve ever been
a part of. This year was filled with some
of the best moments that I will ever
have the privilege of experiencing. The
friendship and brotherhood involved in
football is just unparalleled. I’m honored to have been a part of Ram Nation,”
Tough times do not last, but tough
people do. This is a life lesson embodied
by the MV football program, and this
team has hopefully started a long tradition of success that will continue on far
into the future.