The Student Newspaper of Hamilton County Senior High School

The BurroWMcLeansboro, Illinois September 2007Vol. 5, Issue 1

Jeff RobinsonThe Burrow

German experiences America at HCSH

HCJH/SH have spent countless hoursputting barcodes on their books, but, no,they aren’t for sale.

Mr. Kirkpatrick and Mrs. Barrowhave added the books to a database callediPac, which is hosted and controlled bythe Shawnee Library. This database iscomposed of almost 2 million other titlesand includes most of the schools in south-ern Illinois.

What’s the benefit of all this hardwork? Well, sporting your own barcodeand passcode, you can access any ofthose books from school or anywherewith Internet access. The book shipmentscome in every Wednesday, “but we’retrying for Friday, too,” said Mr.Kirkpatrick.The software that the libraryuses is called Dynix. It is controlled anddistributed by Shawnee. It helps organize

Schoollibrary goeshigh tech

Can we now buy these books?

and record books and even helps withmonthly reports.

“I love it! It gives me a lot more timefor buying more books,” said Mr.Kirkpatrick, librarian.

The library is finally able to keep afull inventory of both the junior and se-nior high libraries; even though it took alot of time to glue a barcode on each bookin the library – some 20 thousand ofthem.

Dynix won’t only show Mr.Kirkpatrick which books have beenchecked out, but also what equipment hasbeen loaned to whom and who has usedwhich computers.

“It will make the monthly reports alot easier,” said Mr. Kirkpatrick. Every-one knows that technology is supposedto make life easier. So, for now, iPac andDynix are doing their jobs.

Many have already realized there is astranger among us in the halls this fall.Junior Marleen Sandman is a foreignexchange student from Northern Ger-many.

She is visiting McLeansboro from herhometown of Bielefeld, which is in theterritory of Nord Rhein Westfallen, Ger-many. There, her mother works in an in-surance office and her father sells ma-chinery. She is spending her time herewith her host family, the Wheeler’s, butbefore she made it to Southern Illinois,she was treated to the sites in New YorkCity.

She was shuttled around the city,where she saw The Empire State Build-ing, The Statue of Liberty and the site of

the Twin Towers, among others. Al-though she was only in fifth grade and inNorthern Germany, she remembers whenshe heard about the 9/11 Attacks andwatching it on TV with her mother. Shesaid she can’t imagine the towers beingthere because now it looks like “just abig field.”

According to Sandman, Germany hasa public school system that is much dif-ferent than ours. She said, “In my townthere are three schools to choose from.”Students are sent to different schoolsaccording to their ability level.Sandman’s school is a thirteen year pro-gram, meaning after this year she willhave two more years of high school.

According to her, in Germany, every-one must learn English, even though theydon’t use it conversationally. In additionto German and English, she also speaksFrench and Latin. Her plans for after high

school include going to college in Ger-many to study business, law or medicine.

She likes the school system here be-cause it is “more organized and produc-tive.” The thing she likes most aboutAmerican high school is that we “havemore choices than teenagers in Ger-many” – choices like current events andchildcare. Sandman does not find herclasses here difficult, but is enjoyingthem. She also noted that Germany ismore advanced in math.

She commented on the students atHCHS saying, “They are very open andfriendly.” One big difference she hasfound between her school in Germanyand ours is that “everyone is related orknows everyone else,” and that ourschool has sports and more school spirit.

She is intrigued by teen driving privi-leges here because in her country one isnot allowed to drive until they are 18.

Another quark she has found in our areais that we “eat with plastic forks andplates all the time, because in Germanywe have to have real plates and forks andlearn the manners for dinner,” she saidlaughing.

Marlene Sandman

This year, HCSHS added dual-creditclasses to the course list. “We’re doingit for the opportunity it offers students,but also because it’s turned into sort of afad for schools. Everyone else is doingit, why shouldn’t we?” said Mrs. Lueke,guidance counselor.

Dual-credit classes currently offeredare Desktop Publishing, English IV/CPand English IV/AP, Drafting I, Land TurfManagement/Horticulture ProductionManagement and Computer Program-ming.

This year at HCHS, we have to ad-just to many changes and one of those isnew classes. In recent years, a group ofstudents met with Mrs. Teffertiller andMrs. Thomas to create our yearbook, andthey have done an awesome job. Theywere known as the Pyramid Staff and itwas an after school club dedicated tomaking our yearbooks.

We’ve had excellent yearbooks andthey are enhanced each year from the onebefore. This year, instead of having anafter school Pyramid Staff, we have anInformation Processing class, taught byMrs. Auten.

Students in this class are excited tohave the opportunity to create the 2007-2008 class yearbook, especially sincemost of them are seniors. The staff con-sists of Lucas Adkisson, Aribi Auten,Johnny Barrow, Kristin Birkner,Cameron Frey, Ashley Griesemer, KelliHopper, Jennifer Rodgers and Samantha

Senior high adopts dual-creditcourses

Lucas AdkissonThe Burrow

For countless years, students have fin-ished high school proud of finally beingable to go to college – a place where theywon’t have to take an English or mathclass ever again (unless their major re-quires it). Yet they arrive only to find thatthey have to take general studies oncethey plop themselves into higher educa-tion.

“It stinks,” said former HCSHSgraduate Caleb Adkisson. “If I had beenmore on the ball I would’ve taken nightclasses, or dual-credit classes. Thatwould’ve been convenient.” This seemsto be the attitude of many of our alumni.

“I’m glad we have dual-credit classesthis year. It’s a great opportunity for stu-dents and their parents,” said Principal,

Mr. Fetcho. “We’re working towardshaving more in the future.”

Mrs. Lueke agrees but admits theyaren’t sure which classes will be dual-credit in the years to come. “But we dohope to have more. They’re practicallyfree when compared to the cost of goingto college. You just need $10 for books,”said Lueke.

Many students are taking advantageof the opportunity they’ve been given andmany are enjoying the classes. “It’samazing! I love it!” said senior KristinBirkner, who is now taking English IV/CP.

Junior Sarah Hodge, yet to take adual-credit class, said it best when sheyelled, “It’s AWESOME!”

Samantha RussellThe Burrow

The Pyramid moves toits own period

Russell. They are all eager to be in chargeof something so important to every stu-dent in this high school.

Anyone who knows Mrs. Autenknows that she is extremely nervousabout being in charge of something soimportant, as is everyone else involved.There are a lot of time-consuming ac-tivities involved with creating the year-book. In the past, students had to do ev-erything on their own time to completethe yearbook by deadline, sacrificingtime they would have spent on schoolwork, jobs and social activities. Now,students have class time to do most ofthe work and that is extremely helpful toall of the staff members.

Some argue that the club was betterbecause only the students really eager tobe a part of the yearbook would sign up.Those who didn’t have the time to sparewouldn’t. However, signing up for theclass shows the same amount of commit-ment.

Will this volume of the yearbook bea success? Only time will tell - but theodds are in favor of the change.

Storiesworth

skipping to:

Lucas AdkissonThe Burrow

Dear Libby 2

Foxes say“it’s not over yet.” 7

High school“Nude”-ical 8

Editorial 2

TheGood

TheUgly

Hello everyone! This is junior Libby Cox,and this is my first year writing for TheBurrow. When given the opportunity to writemy own column in the first issue, I decidedto write my own advice column for all youreveryday problems. I asked students tosubmit questions. Here are a couple ofquestions I received and my advice.

As the days start falling off the schoolcalendar, the Hamilton County Senior HighBurrow staff is set to embark on a year ofproviding the student body with, not onlyan informing newspaper, but also one that isentertaining to the eye. Both the AdvancedJournalism and Journalism I classes haveworked hard in putting together a success-ful publishing of the first issue of The Bur-row, but even the professionals need help attimes.

While our fingers are busy typing and ourmouths are busy interviewing, we often missthe most important things about high school.With only two students returning to TheBurrow staff from previous years, the freshjournalists are doing their best to learn theropes of how a newspaper functions.

Whether new or old to the publishingbusiness, we would like to extend anopportunity to you, the student body, to assist

Letter from an editor

It’s once again time for Hamilton CountySenior High’s Student Council to get backinto the swing of things. Mrs. Lueke wasreplaced by Ms. Crain as the StudentCouncil sponsor and the alumni of thecouncil are stepping forward and takingcharge.

One of Student Council’s biggest eventsis Homecoming. This year’s Homecomingtheme is retro 1960s and the song is PinkFloyd’s “Wish You Were Here.”

“I’ve been in Stu Co all four years, andI’ve always liked our decorations. Wealways try to top the Homecomingdecorations from the previous year and Ithink this year we have definitelyaccomplished that,” Senior and StudentCouncil Vice-President, Rachel Wall said.

Student Council’s goal for thisHomecoming is for everyone to have agood time. “We love to have a good timeand with this years’ council, I think we’redefinitely going to do that. This is my firstyear, and I already love it,” Senior andStudent Council Senior Senator, JaylaStephens said.

Student council takescharge

Dear Libby

TheBad

➸ Fall sports beginning➸ School newspaper➸ Golf team record

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Libby CoxThe Burrow

Michaela MorlanThe Burrow

Brian HarlandThe Burrow

Dear Libby,I am being physically and mentally

abused by my boyfriend. What should Ido?

Sincerely,Hurt

Dear Hurt,Any type of abuse is not right. You

deserve better. No one should be treatedlike that. You should get out as soon asyou can. It might seem too hard to leavehim, but you will be better off in the end.Love shouldn’t hurt, physically ormentally. I would advise talking to anadult you trust – maybe a teacher or acounselor. If you don’t feel comfortablewith that, try calling the NationalDomestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also check themout online at www.ndvh.org.

Good Luck,Libby

Dear Libby,This school has bullies and I don’t

like how they talk about my friend. Ithurts me to see them suffer. Do I standup for them and leave my other friendsor do I go with the crowd?

Sincerely,Friend

Dear Friend,Putting people down is a common

practice of our fellow students. I am notsure if it makes them feel better or it isjust to cover up their own deeperproblems. Either way, it is not right tomake someone else feel bad, for anyreason. You should always stand up forwhat you believe in, even if that meansgoing against the crowd. These are yourfriend and you should be there for them.So, what if you lose your popularityfrom your other “friends?” What is moreimportant? Seeing your friend, hurt orbeing liked by people who hurt others?

Good Luck,Libby

Dear Libby,I like this girl but, I don’t know if she

likes me. What should I do?.Sincerely,Confused Heart

Dear Confused Heart,Don’t get stressed out. Love will

always find a way. Put yourself out there,and don’t be scared to take a risk. If itdoesn’t work out, then it wasn’t meant tobe.

Good Luck,

Libby

Student Council also wants the studentbody to get excited about the Homecomingfootball game. During the pep rally, they planto get the four different classes together andget them rallied up for the game. They willdo to the ‘Little Red Wagon’ chant and thecouncil’s biggest event is throwing a pie atthe teacher of your choice. The teachers willbe Ms. Crain, Mr. Welch, Mr. Guzman andMr. Johnson.

“It was all Ms. Crain’s idea, but we alllove it! It’s a way to get the studentsinvolved. We might even have something upour sleeves for the queen candidates andescorts,” Senior and Student CouncilSecretary, Callan Howton added.

Student Council would love for everyoneto attend Homecoming this year and have agreat time.

in the process. If you have a suggestion,request or even just a simple story idea thatyou would like to know more about, we askthat you, please, not be afraid to suggest youridea to one of us.

The purpose of a high school newspaperis to give the audience the enjoyment ofreading something that is personal andfamiliar. There is no better way to find outwhat the student body wants than to simplyask the student body. So we ask you to lendus a helping hand and read what you wantto read.

➸ School starting back up➸ No chicken Monday➸ Saturday detention➸ 1 hour detention

➸ Michael Vick➸ Iraq War

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Libby’s Favorite Bits of Wisdomto a Happy Heart…

- Don’t let heartache keep youdown.

- There are more fish in the sea.- Don’t cry because it’s over, smile

because it happened.- A broken heart continues to beat,

therefore life will go on. ❤

News 3

Wondering why the food is so differentthis year? Students ask, “Where is theSalisbury steak?” And their big question –“Where is Chicken Monday?”

Cook, Marilyn Ragan, offered some an-swers. “We aren’t having Chicken Mondaynow because the weather has been so hotand the kitchen has no air conditioning. Iguess people forget we have ovens too,which make it twice as hot.”

Jacob HarrawoodThe Burrow

New courts in the makingRachel WallThe Burrow

Sharing the feeling with other HCSHSstudents, senior Jamie McGovern said,“Chicken Monday gave us a reason to lookforward to the beginning of the week.”

Ragan said, “Chicken Monday should behere late September or at least early Octo-ber. So there should be no more worrying,we will have it as soon as it cools down.”

After hearing the news of ChickenMonday’s return, senior Kyle Ragan said,“Good Deal, I was getting a little worriedabout our food. I’m pretty pumped that it’scoming back.”

Senior Tanner Spicuzza said, “ChickenMonday is the best thing since Dungeons NDragons.”

Don’t worry everyone … the poultry ison its way to the tray.

Soon there will be a new addition toHamilton County, which will benefit theentire community. Two new tennis courtsand a new basketball court are being builtin the back of the overflow parking lot atHamilton County Senior High.

These new courts were made possiblewith the money donated by the HamiltonCounty Telephone Co-Op, the Jerry SloanHand-in-Hand Foundation and many otherlocal businesses, such as People’s NationalBank.

There has been talk about building thesecourts for quite some time now but the finaldecision was not made until the summer of2006. There were originally supposed to betwo basketball courts and four tennis courtsbut because of cost issues the project wascut in half.

Students are divided on the subject ofthese new courts. “I, myself, don’t playtennis because I haven’t had the opportunitybut I’ll definitely give it a try now that wehave new courts,” said senior VeronicaShelton. “It will give us something else todo in P.E. also.”

Some students, like senior Alicia Schell,have a different opinion about how themoney should have been spent. “I think thatthe tennis courts were a great idea but I alsothink that the money could have been spentin better ways, such as redoing the track,”Schell said.

No matter how you feel about it, thetennis courts (and a basketball court) willsoon be completed.

“We are expecting them to be completedaround mid-October,” said SuperintendentVince Mitchell. Many are excited about the

AUTEN’S PIZZA HOUSE207 Walker

McLEANSBORO, IL 62859Phone: 643-3471

Owners: Dick & Lucille Auten

Forget about pork,where’s the real whitemeat?

Seniors Lacy and Erica get ready to play tennis

opportunity to learn to play and to have yetanother new addition to Hamilton County.

Amber ShriverThe Burrow

This year several new rules have beenenforced. One of those rules is that you musthave a parking permit to drive to school. Theparking permit application process requiresstudents who drive to school to give fullauthority to the school to search theirvehicles.

Earlier this year students complainedabout having to go through the hassle offilling out the paperwork. So why is thatpaper work so important? Well, Mr. Scotthad some answers.

Parking permits arerequired

“We want to know who’s parking on theproperty in case there’s a problem withsomeone’s car,” says Vice Principal, Mr.Scott. “This (paperwork) will make it easierto keep track of everyone’s car.”

Cops are allowed to openly search for anydrugs or weapons that may be present onschool grounds — including the parking lot.

The parking permit restriction is justanother attempt of the school system to keepstudents safer while they are at school.

Don’t be one of those students whowonder around on club meeting days. A lotof students don’t join a club, but they missout on the fun. Students can’t believe orunderstand what they can get out of it untilthey try it. So get involved!

There a many great clubsat HCSH suchas FCA, FFA, FBLA, AUTO Club, BETAClub, Hillbilly 4-H, Humanities, and Pep

Arissa VineyardThe Burrow

Club to name a few. The FCCLA and theSpanish Club are two more students can join.

Sophomore Sierra Dearing, vicepresident of the Spanish Club said, “It is myresponsibility to make this club fun and getas much out of it as we can. For all thosewho have not joined a club, Spanish is foryou.”

Sophomore Yesinia Gilmore said, “A lotof people are scared to join (Spanish Club)because they think they have to learn howto speak Spanish. But you don’t have tospeak a bit of Spanish.”

In the fall Spanish Club members aregoing to help the community by rakingleaves and in the winter they will shovelsnow for the elderly. Also, they are planningto buy toys for children whose families can’tafford to buy gifts for Christmas.

The FCCLA is also going to help thecommunity. If students are interested inhelping locally this club might be for them.They are currently collecting new or gentlyused stuffed animals for Project Hope.

Hurry to find a club before the fun startswithout you!

Clubs offer experiences to last a lifetime

Ask about ourscholarshipopportunities.

611 S. MarshallMcLeansboro, IL

643-2361 Ext. 220

Features 4

Mrs. JordanJonathan CantrellThe Burrow

Mr. Guzman, who is new to theMcleansboro area, is already making him-self right at home. He is the new SpanishI and II teacher. He is also sponsoring theSpanish club, whose fun activities are cre-ating conversation all over the building.

Mrs. Jordan, from Carmi, is teachingEnglish III, English III CP, English IV andJournalism. She has great expectations forher classes and many great ideas for her firstyear at Hamilton County.

Sitting down with Ms. Nottmeyer for ashort interview provides some interestingfacts about the new math teacher, whoteaches foundation math, pre-algebra, al-gebra and intermediate algebra.

Q: Have you always wanted to be ateacher?

A: No, when I was young I thought I’d bea lawyer because my mother said I wasso good at arguing. Actually, in middleschool I said I didn’t want to be ateacher because so many students aremean to them.

Q: Why did you decide to be a teacherthen?

A: Initially, I found that I had a knack forediting. Later I realized it’s an excellentjob when you have a family becauseyou get the same days off as yourchildren.

Q: Have you ever taught before?A: Not my own classroom. I did my

student teaching in Mt. Vernon, Ind.Q: Do you like McLeansboro so far?A: Yes. I really like small towns.Q: What is your favorite part of the job?A: When I’m teaching something that

students are struggling with and theyfinally get it. That “Aha Moment” isthe best!

Mr. Guzman

Ms. Nottmeyer

Q: Do you have any hobbies or hiddentalents?

A: I like to play volleyball and I enjoy art. Iam also musical; I can play the violin,the piano and the clarinet.

Q: Do you have any pets?A: One cat named Daisy May.Q: Do you have any siblings?A: Yes, one sister named Hope. She just

started college. She wants to be anEnglish teacher.

Welcome new teachers to HCSH!Brittni BladesThe Burrow

Mrs. Rapp, a Dahlgren resident, is a newface in our building this year.

Q: What do you teach?A: Success study hallQ: Where did you previously work?A: The Norris City Annex in Norris City,

IL.Q: Do you enjoy your job?A.: Yes, very much. I really enjoy giving

the students the extra help they needto succeed.

Q: Are you married and do you haveany kids?

A: Yes, I’m married and I have two sons.J.D. is 12 and Zachary is 9.

Q: Do you have any pets?A: Yes. Bell is a dog, DC is a cat, and

Winnie and Gigi are gerbils.Q: Do you have any hobbies?A: I like to read, teach religion and listen

to music.

Mrs. RappBrittni BladesThe Burrow

Q: Did you always know you wantedto be a teacher?

A: I knew since I was in high school.During my study hall I helped at theWest Side Elementary School withspecial education students.

Q: Where did you go to college, andwhat did you major in?

A: I went to SIU-Carbondale andmajored in special education.

Priced Right FoodsTom’sTom’sTom’sTom’sTom’s

643-5000

Highway 14 EastMcLeansboro Shopping Center

Open 7 days 7 am - 8 pm

Kayla WellenThe Burrow

Q: Where did you teach before youcame to this school?

A: I was a student teacher at MattoonHigh School.

Q: Where did you attend high school?A: I went to Carlyle High School.Q: Where did you attend college and

what did you major in?A: I attended Eastern Illinois and went

for a mathematics degree.Q: Where do you live?A: I live in Mt. Vernon now.Q: When you were younger, what did

you dream of being?A: I always wanted to be a math teacher.

Mr. Payne is a fresh face at HamiltonCounty. He is teaching electronics, woodshop, drafting and the PSAE class.

Q: Where do you live?A: MacedoniaQ: Do you have any children?A: Yes, a little boy and girl.Q: What are your hobbies?A: Raising horses and cattle.Q: Have you always wanted to be a

teacher?A: No, I wanted to be rich.Q: Why did you decide to teach?A: I think it is important to pass on

knowledge to the next generation.Q: Where did you go to college?A: Murray State

Jeff Robinson

Mr. Payne

Q: Do you enjoy teaching here?A: Love it.Q: Have you ever taught before?A: Yes, at Charleston, Mo. and Johnson

City, IL.Q: What is your favorite class to

teach?A: Electronics.

The Burrow

Q: You live in Carmi now, but wherewere you born?

A: Oakland City, IN.Q: What can you tell me about your

family?A: I’m married. My husband runs an

excavating business. I have a boynamed Seth, who is 8-years-old andhe’s a mess.

Q: What are your hobbies?A: If I’m not at school or grading

papers, I l ike riding my fourwheeler, working in my flowerbeds,and reading the pile of magazinesI’m behind on. I like a good book,too!

Q: Do you have any pets?A: Yes. We actually have a zoo. We

have a black lab named Clifford, acollie mix named Lucy, and a catnamed Gypsy. Seth also has ahamster, a turtle and a fish in hisroom.

A: Jose Enrique Guzman RodriguezQ: Where did you grow up?A: Mexico until age 12 and west

Chicago (suburb) after that.Q: Do you have any siblings?A: 7 sisters and 5 brothersQ: Do you like having so many

siblings?A: Yes I do.Q: Where did you go to college, and

what did you major in?A: MacMurrary College, in

Jacksonville, IL. I majored in physicaleducation and Spanish.

Q: Where do you live?A: In Olney except Monday through

Thursday I stay at the bed andbreakfast.

Q: Where have you previouslytaught?

A: East Richland High School, OlneyIL.

Q: Do you enjoy your job?A: Yes, very much.Q: Do you have any kids?A: San Victor, Audriana and AliciaQ: Do you have any pets?A: NoQ: What are your hobbies?A: Soccer and fishing

Q: What is your full name?

5Features

The McLeansboro Fire Department wasformed in the summer of 1894. In 1895 thefire department won the Silver FiremanTrumpet from the Rowe Engine Company.They received the award for having the bestfire fighting record in Illinois and Indiana.Since then, the fire department has gradu-ally grown and improved.

My dad, Wendell Lowery, and uncle, JimMorris, (freshman Jackie Morris’ father) areboth volunteer firefighters for the countydepartment. As daughters of firefighters, wedon’t like the fact that they risk their livesto save other people. But at the end of theday we understand that they are more thanfathers, they are heroes.

Jackie Morris wrote this poem in honorof our fathers.

“My Dad”

My dad is the best; he saves lives andloves us too…He makes life great…But has to run away to help.As we’re sitting down to eat -another call,He has to leave to saveMy dad is gone to help another familyAnother house.As he rushes out, I say to myself,“Dear God, help him through.”The fire at rage, flames shoot towardsthe sky,Another house to die.My dad comes home,But not for long,Another call.This I cannot help but cry,As I cry through the prayers, I say again“Dear God, help him through.”My dad comes home, this time to stay.And now I’ll tell you,My dad is a firefighter.

All the firefighters have kids; some ofthem are grown, and some are still too littleto understand. No matter the age, we all havelittle prayers we say when our dads run tosave another family’s house.

Veteran firefighter, Leroy Browning,who has been with the department for 37years, said “We are more of a brotherhood(than a second family). You can’t go into afire without someone to back you up. It’sall based on trust. We all want to go andcome back together in one piece.”

As I take a ride in the fire truck, I realizenot only is my dad a hero, but so is everyother single firefighter. From those who havedied in fires, to those who are still fightingfires everyday. So the next time you see orhear their sirens, say a little prayer. Theycould save your house or life one day.

A daughter’soutlook

The former junior and senior English andjournalism teacher, Mrs. Lueke, has takenon an even bigger job this year. She is ournew Guidance Counselor. She took overafter Mr. Lapington retired at the end of lastschool year. Mrs. Lueke said, “There arethings I miss in the classroom, like all thefaces I don’t get to see everyday. But I likemy new job too, because I get to do my workhere at school and don’t have to take anypapers home and grade them. Plus I havemore time for my kids.”

Mr. Winemiller also took on a big jobthis year. He shifted from a full-time special

HCSH staff members areadjusting to new positions

education teacher in the junior high to a part-time special education teacher in the juniorhigh and the athletic director. The athleticdirector schedules all the games athletes getto go and play. It is a very important jobthat affects all the students. “There is nevera dull moment. But I would rather be doingthis than teaching,” Mr. Winemiller said.“Although it doesn’t look like a busy job,there is always something you have to do.”

Mrs. Hart is a new addition to the seniorhigh this year. She is an individual aid forfreshman Christopher Parkhill. She workedwith him in junior high last year, but shefinds her job easier in the senior high“because the classes are a little longer thanin the junior high,” Hart said. “It’s easier onme.”

Luke BowmanThe Burrow

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Student Profiles

By: By:

His favorite part of school would have to be hanging out withhis friends. Over the summer, Dalton began working on hisfirst movie, “The Addition,” starring the BMX crew. In Seals’spare time, you can find him riding his dirt bike or working onhis movie. Academically, his favorite parts of school are Intro-duction to Biology and Chemistry with Ms. Hall.

Junior Caleb Miller was born on May 8, 1990. His favorite

part of high school would have to be seeing all of his friends.This summer Miller went to the Gulf Shores. If he isn’t atschool, Miller is found either working, riding dirt bikes, or atthe golf course practicing his swing. His favorite part of schoolacademically is his BSAA class with Mr. Sloan.

Senior Cameron Frey has been a common face around

Hamilton County Senior High for the past four years. She wasborn on March 13, 1990. Frey’s favorite part about high schoolwould have to be the dances; Homecoming and Prom. She’slooking forward to her last two dances here at HCSH. Thissummer Frey went to Los Angeles, Calif. to see her sister. Shedoesn’t play any sports, so you are most likely to find Frey atthe city pool life-guarding during the summer or hanging outwith friends, family or her boyfriend. Frey’s favorite academicparts of high school this year would have to be food class orclass with Mr. Johnson.

Freshman Tara Hartley was born on October 2, 1992.Just out of junior high, her favorite parts of high school arethe clubs and “just being in high school is pretty cool,”Hartley added. While not at school, you can find Hartleycheering or working at La Palmita. Over the summer, shewent to Myrtle Beach, S.C. Hartley’s favorite academicsthis year are art class and class with Mr. Vallowe. She islooking forward to Homecoming and the rest of the year.

Sophomore Dalton Seals was born on May 10, 1992.

Brittany BrewerThe Burrow

By: Michaela Morlan

News 6

with an adult, to and from work or schooland emergencies.

* Doubles from six to twelve months thetime during which a GDL driver, under theage of 18, may carry only one unrelatedpassenger under the age of 20.

* Allows ticketing for all passengers age15 to 20 for riding in the car driven by thenew driver. (Currently only the driver isticketed)

* Requires student drivers to complete afull 6 hours of actual, on the street, drivingwith a certified instructor. Currently up tofive of the six hours may be substituted forother educational methods such as computersimulation.

* Requires that new drivers have 6months of driving violation free with a GDLby that age of 18 before becoming eligiblefor a full license.

* Establishes tough new sanctions forstreet racing and strengthens sanctions forrepeat violations for any drivers under theage of 21.

Sophomore Kourtney Reyling says, “It’snot fair! Everybody who’s in driver’s ed rightnow doesn’t have to worry about havingtheir permits for nine months, but theyounger teenagers just have to deal withit!”

These laws will come into effect on Jan.1, so enjoy the freedom while you can!

PE goes to co-ed this year

Most students at HCSH, both past andpresent, have had single sex PE classes. Butthis year we have co-education PE,something all will have to adjust to.

There are a lot of different feelings abouthaving both male and female students in PEtogether. Some students like the idea ofhaving co-ed PE, others don’t. Eventeachers have different opinions. Coach

New driving laws put thebrakes on teen driving

MORE LAWS? That’s what everybodyages 17 and younger are asking. Soon, therewill be stricter laws put on new teen drivers.Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed aninitiative to protect teen drivers: these newslaws are now the toughest laws in the nation.

According to the governor’s website,Secretary of State Jesse White said, “Thislaw will not only make Illinois’ teen driverprogram one of the strongest in the nation,but more importantly it will save lives.”

Governor Blagojevich also said, “As thefather of two young girls who will somedaybe getting behind the wheel for the first time,it gives me a lot of comfort to sign this bill.Driving takes practice and concentration andthe consequences of not being fully trainedand prepared can be deadly.”

Changes made with the new laws as notedon the governor’s website include:

* Extended learners permit period fromthree to nine months.

* Extended nighttime curfew to apply todrivers who are 17 and under (currentlyapplies to 16 and under)

* Moves up the weekday curfew to 10p.m. from 11 p.m., and from midnight onweekends. Exceptions are made if driving

Most people have heard about thepossibility of Hamilton County hitting thecoal mine. This industry coming here willmake a change for the better. HamiltonCounty isn’t known for having much andjobs are in short supply. Hopefully a coalmine will help. So, far the news isgood…people are taking the coal minechange greatly and very appreciatively.

Hamilton County doesn’t have a verylarge population and part of it is becausethe shortage of entertainment and lack ofjobs. The coal mine could change that for

the better. Sophomore Kourtney Reylingsaid “Hopefully this town will get somethingnow and we won’t die of boredom.”Sophomore Autumn Schram said “I’mexcited! I’m ready for a change, a change forthe better!”

It’s all just a look forward now to see whatchanges it makes, it may not make much butit’s worth a try! Most people around hereare ready for teenagers to have somethingto do. So, let’s get it rolling!

The BurroWHamilton County Senior

High1 Fox Lane

McLeansboro, Illinois

The Burrow is the student newspaper ofHamilton County Senior High

and is produced by theJournalism & Desktop Publishing classes

under the instruction ofMrs. April Jordan and Mrs. Lisa Auten.

Layout DesignersDavid Tennyson

Amanda HarrawoodTanner SpicuzzaJamie McGovern

Co-EditorsBrian Harland & Michaela Morlan

Staff Writers

Business ManagerJonathan Cantrell

Students weigh-in on Saturday school

How would you feel if you had to go toSaturday school?

Junior Brooke Biggerstaff said she wouldnever be able to wake up and come to schoolon Saturday, especially at 6 a.m.

Senior Jayla Stephens said it is the mostridiculous idea she has ever heard.

For the most part, students thinkSaturday School is a waste of time and thatit isn’t going to change the way they behave.

Saturday school was started as anotheroption in the line of discipline. Vice Principal,

Lauren PotterThe Burrow

Samantha RussellThe Burrow

Keith Welch will openly express his negativeopinion on the idea of co-ed PE. It has nearlydoubled the size of certain classes and themixture of people contributes to immaturebehavior by some of the students.

Not everything about co-ed PE isnegative though. Certain students like beingable to see more of their friends in PE, maleor female. Even some couples at HCSH gotlucky enough to have their significant otherin the same class. PE is about physicaleducation; therefore it’s not easily made intoa social hour. But students have the abilityto turn any hour into a social hour. It’s a

nice chance to be around people a person iscomfortable with.

There’s always the chance that somestudents feel more uncomfortable with theopposite sex in their PE classes, which is thecase for several students. This could be thecause of certain students not dressing outduring class or not performing as well.

Whatever the reason for the change,whatever our personal feelings on thesubject, if they happen to be negative orpositive, co-ed PE is here-for the time beingat least. And the only thing we can do ismake the best out of it.

Jonathan CantrellThe Burrow

to avoid getting into more trouble.” Ifstudents do not attend they get suspended.

Sophomore Marcus Jackson said,“Unless it was something serious that I did,I probably would not go to SaturdaySchool.”

One thing is clear on this issue; thestudents do not like the idea of going toschool on Saturday. The obvious solutionto this dilemma would be for students to notget in trouble to be assigned a Saturdayschool. But, whether they find the idea badenough to not get into trouble is yet to beproven.

Mr. Scott said, “I am just trying to get kidsto understand the way of life, by learningthe consequences when you do thingswrong.”

This isn’t the first time Mr. Scott hasadvocated Saturday school, but it’s not onlyMr. Scott. Several teachers voted in favor ofSaturday school as well.

The primary supervisor of Saturdayschool will be Mr. Lynch; however otherswho are available may supervise. There hasnot been a Saturday school session yet thisyear, but Mr. Scott said, “There is always atleast one.”

Junior Molly Hathaway said, “If I everget assigned Saturday School I will only go

Matt BrysonThe Burrow

Leah MillenbineThe Burrow

PSAE class offers testtraining

This year a new class is preparing juniorsfor the Prairie State Achievement Exam theywill take in the spring. The class is simplycalled PSAE, and it is taught by Mr. Payne,

Mathew BrysonThe Burrow

Ms. Crain and Mrs. Cockrum at differenttimes during the day.

“It is very beneficial for the students. Ithelps prepare them for the ACT and thePrairie State Exam,” said Payne.

Reactions from students were not sopositive. “The class is dumb and is too muchcomputer for one person,” said CalMuehlenbein.

Alec Vineyard said, “It is the most point-less class in the world.”

A set of new faces is preparing for a newyear in the Scholastic Bowl realm. ScholasticBowl sponsor Mrs. Kinder is very excitedabout the new group.

The junior varsity team is made upentirely of freshmen this year. “The JV teamis not hosting any meets this year, yet theyare still very important because they will helpthe players at the Varsity level,” Mrs. Kindersaid.

Varsity Scholastic Bowl is verychallenging. It is so challenging that it is puton television when they go to HI Q. HI Q isa competition between teams from differentschools to be named the best of the best.

This year should be a great year for theScholastic Bowl with having new and freshmembers. At the time of reporting, they werestill accepting new members. Practices areheld on Thursdays at 4 p.m. Interestedstudents are encouraged to speak with Mrs.Kinder or Mr. Johnson.

ScholasticBowl

New mine could signal change

Lucas AdkissonBrittni BladesLewis BowmanBrittney BrewerBreanna BrockMatthew BrysonJonathan CantrellElizabeth CoxJacob Harrawood

Leah MillenbineLauren PotterJeffrey RobinsonSamantha RussellAmber ShriverArissa VineyardRachel WallKayla Wellen

Sports 7

Cheerleading IS a sport

People have their own opinions onwhether cheerleading is a sport or not. Thefact that cheerleaders don’t tackle each otherto the ground trying to get a ball over a linedoesn’t mean that cheerleaders aren’tathletes.

Cheerleaders work just as hard as otherathletes. Cheerleading is not a selfish sport.Part of being on a cheerleading squad isappreciating and cheering for fellow athletes(the same athletes who insult cheerleading).

What is the thing that qualifies an activityas a sport? Is it the ball? No. Wrestling is asport and it doesn’t require a ball.

Is it the sweat? NO cheerleaders sweatjust as much as other athletes.

Is it the practice? No cheerleadingpractices are just as intense as many othersport practices.

So what is it?

Ms. Suchomski

Ms. Suchomski

Foxes say “It’s not over yet”

The Foxes during their first Friday night home game on a no-huddle driveagainst the Red Devils. Photo courtesy of Cox Photography.

Cheerleading takes as much dedicationand skill as any other sport, sometimes evenmore. The problem is that other people haveno clue what it takes to be a cheerleader.Cheerleaders make cheering look easy. Theyfly through the air with grace and withoutfear. They catch their teammates as thoughthey’re light as feathers. People do notunderstand the time and technique it takesto master such skills.

To cheerleaders it is not a game, likefootball or basketball; it is a way of LIFE!

Cheerleading, like any other sport,teaches important skills such as cooperation.If cheerleaders cannot learn to cooperatewith one another their stunts will not workand someone could be severely injured.

What does a “sport” have thatcheerleading doesn’t? They practice. Theyhave rules. They go through training. Theysweat. They fall. They get hurt all the time.They basically dedicate their lives tocheerleading. It appears there is no reasoncheerleading should not be considered a realSPORT!

The new East Side teacher, Ms.Suchomski, was open with sharing someinteresting facts about her and what she’sall about.Q: Where did you attend high school?A: Champaign, IL at Centennial High

SchoolQ: What college did you attend and how

many years did you go?A: SIU at Carbondale for 5 1/2 years. I

received a bachelors and mastersdegree.

Q: Was a teacher what you originallywanted to become?

A: Yes! Completely! And I love doingwhat I do!

Q: We all have dreams of what we want tobe when we grow up. What did youdream of becoming when you were akid?

A: Either a teacher or an architect.Q: What do you do on your free time?A: I catch up with friends, run, swim and

go to Cardinal’s games.

Q: Do you live in Hamilton County?A: Yes, I do.Q: What grade do you teach at East Side

Elementary?A: Fourth grade.Q: Did you teach at a school district

before ours?A: No, I taught at SIUC.Q: Do you enjoy being the volleyball

coach?A: Yes! It is a great sport and a great group

of girls!Q: Did you play volleyball in high school

or college?A: No, I didn’t.Q: What are you looking forward to most

for this season of coaching?A: Helping girls improve their skills, and

winning!!!!

Although the football season started offin the wrong direction, coaches, players andfans still believe the Foxes can make playoffs.The football team wasn’t expecting theseason to begin like it did. They lost theirfirst three out of the four games they played.

“We play hard and do our best. Thoseteams didn’t defeat us; we defeatedourselves by some screw-ups,” seniorNicholas Wiggins said.

After getting the first win under their beltlast week against Christopher, they play thehomecoming game against Eldorado and arehoping for a good game and the secondvictory of the season.

“If we can get our heads up and quitshooting ourselves in the foot like we did

last week, we’ll be fine. Our backs are upagainst a wall right now, but we just have tostep up and play consistent,” DefensiveCoordinator Coach Welch said.

In order to have a chance to makeplayoffs, the Foxes have to win at least fourof their last five games. Last year the Foxeswon only three out of the five, but seniorstarter, Justin Williams said, “Any team with15 seniors can comeback and make playoffsthree times in a row for the first time in schoolhistory. We could be 4-0 as easy as we are 1-3.

It’s just mental mistakes that are hurtingus. The Foxes look to go on a winning streakfrom here on out. Hopefully Christopher hasbeen and Eldorado will be the games thatset off a new outlook for the team.

Another senior starter, Holden Jacksonsaid, “We have all dug ourselves in a hole,but with dedication and hard work, I haveno doubt that we will make the playoffs.”

Jacob HarrawoodThe Burrow

Leah MillenbineThe Burrow

Breanna BrockThe Burrow

A & E8

Concerts are booked, rides are raisinghigh in the air and local stands are being puttogether. Fall Festival has returned.

Food is in abundance at the Fall Festival.The square is filled with stands selling awhole variety of foods, ranging frombarbeque to tacos. Cotton candy, corn dogsand the popular pickle on a stick are part ofthe carnival cuisine.

The biggest event of Fall Festival is theParade. It takes place on Saturday, the lastday of the carnival. Every year the parade

According to foxnews.com, the HighSchool Musical phenomenon has reachedover 7.7 million people and has earned thetitle of the most successful Disney originalmovie ever. The stars of the movie havereached celebrity status and are known allover the world.

Vanessa Anne Hudgens’ career hasblasted off with the premiere of the HighSchool Musical movies. Many youngchildren look up to her. She plays GabriellaMontez in the hit movies. Her characterseems innocent enough, but is Hudgens?

Racy photos of her were recently leakedonto the Internet after she sent them toNickelodeon-star Drake Bell a couple ofyears ago. The photos showed her standingin front of a red curtain with nothing on buta pair of underwear.

Hudgens made the following publicapology at the beginning of September forthe photos. “I am embarrassed over thissituation and regret having ever taken thesephotos. I am thankful for the support of myfamily.”

It seems as if style changes every year.New trends come in and old trends go out.But one thing that will always stay the sameis the way you wear your foundation.Makeup can be a good thing or a bad thing,depending on how you wear it.

One of the most common mistakes inapplying makeup is simply wearing toomuch. “Wearing too much makeup makesyou look cheap,” says freshman CorinthFrench.

Makeup is meant to be natural. It shouldenhance your best features, not cover upwho you really are. If you wipe your mouthoff at lunch and it leaves a streak of

People are talking about the new store intown, Tom’s Priced Right Foods. Thebuilding, which formerly housed Gene-O’sand Chet’s Market, has underwent a lot ofremodeling and the new owners have addednew services.

Senior Sara Veatch is an employee at thenew store. She said, “It feels like a moreprofessional working environment. All of theemployees have a dress code. I think thatlooks very professional and very organized.Plus, the new store has a bigger selectionand is receiving more business.”

Those who have been inside the newstore seem to be impressed. One may besurprised by how much the store haschanged, how organized it is and how manymore products they offer compared toprevious stores in the same building. People,like English teacher, Mr. Johnson, are alsopaying attention to the meat department.

Johnson said, “They offer a variety ofitems that aren’t usually available at smalltown stores.” Most McLeansboro residentswill find this helpful because they won’t haveto travel far to get the items they need.

Annual Fall Fest was funfor all has a different theme. Senior Levi Link

laughed and said, “I really enjoy stealingcandy from little kids!”

The parade consists of political campaignparties, advertising businesses, churchgroups, marching bands, tractors, horsesand more.

“I think of the wonderful smelling aromaof the delicious fattening food,” senior SaraVeatch said about what came to mind whenthinking of Fall Festival. “I think of carniesand cotton candy,” said junior Seth Thomas.

For five decades people have beencoming in crowds to the McLeansboro FallFestival. Maybe it’s the conversation, thefood, the rides or just the atmosphere of theapproaching changing season. Whateverreason it might be, people keep coming backfor more.

High school“Nude”-ical

Rachel WallThe Burrow

“I definitely think that she should havemade better choices because she is a rolemodel for small children,” senior JenniferRodgers said. “She has the talent to make itto the top without the racy photos.”

Orry Taylor feels differently about thesituation. “You can’t fault her now for whatshe did in the past.”

Disney debated whether or not to letHudgens go, but decided to hire her backfor High School Musical 3, after realizingthat firing Hudgens would result in a ratingsdecline. Many believe this will have a hugeimpact on her career – but we will just haveto wait for the movie to find out.

Wearing makeup— a good or a

bad thing?foundation on the napkin, it’s probably timeto lighten up!

According to Ladies Home Journalonline, “You should find a perfect matchfoundation, one that matches your skin toneexactly. This gives a more natural look thanone that’s slightly off, and you’re likely touse less of it.”

You should always apply your makeupin a bright lighted area, or you’ll wind uplooking fake as soon as you step outsidethe door.

One type of makeup that is really popularnow is mineral makeup. “Mineral makeuprocks and it’s better for your skin,” sayssophomore Sierra Dearing. Unlike liquidfoundation, mineral makeup feels light onyour skin. According to Ezine Articles,“Mineral makeup gives you full coveragewithout the thick, unnatural, pore cloggingconsequences of traditional liquidfoundation.”

When it comes to choosing a foundation,less is more.

New grocer is “priced right”for McLeansboro

The first thing Johnson noticed was howclean it was and how it resembled a largersupermarket, such as Kroger’s. “I was verysatisfied with the great selection and thecustomer service.”

Word certainly travels fast in small towns,and so far, the word about Tom’s Priced RightFoods is that they are right forMcLeansboro.

Meets:Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Guests Welcome!

400 Isabelle Place, McLeansboro

Youth Group

Hudgens

Sudoko PuzzleComplete the grid so every row, and column, and 3x3 box contains every digit 1-9 inclusive.

Kayla WellenThe Burrow

Amber ShriverThe Burrow

Libby CoxThe Burrow