Green Horn

March 15, 2011 Volume 31, Edition 4

The Award-Winning Student Publication of Springfield High School and the Tech Center

Online Classes
Dedication Meets Procrastination
By Maria Stern
complete reading assignments and reinforcing activities,
and engage in discussions.
Virtual High School offers an accredited
curriculum. 35 U.S. states and 42 countries participate
in the program with 12,893 students enrolled in the 399
course sections offered.
SHS has offered online classes for about five
years. Seven students enrolled in VHS classes during
the first semester this year, while 13 students enrolled
in VTVLC. Dues--paid by the school-- are required for
access to VHS, while VTVLC is free.
Springfield High School Students who elect
to take online classes have had mixed results. Across the
board, students feel that online classes pose a challenge,
either due to the curriculum or program.
SHS senior Alexis Esposito enrolled in Art
History on Virtual High School. “I couldn’t fit art, which
is the only credit I need to graduate, in my school day, so
I was forced to take it online,” she said. Esposito is given
paintings to study, then creates work on her own that is
influenced by the piece. She was mailed a sketchbook
Online students Laurel Porter, Maria Stern, Olivia Thayer, and Alexis Esposito. and pencils to work with. When finished with her work
she scans it and e-mails it to her instructor.

C
ollege-bound students want to carry a rigorous To compensate for this, SHS students enroll in Virtual “I feel like I’m learning more about art,” she
course load in high school to prepare for col- High School (VHS) and the Vermont Virtual Learning
lege. However, some courses, such as Advanced Cooperative (VTVLC). These programs require that See Online page 21
Placement (AP) classes, may not be offered at SHS. students log on to their accounts on a regular basis,

What’s Inside: Winter Carnival

Spanish for the
future,
p. 4
Community & Friendship
By Sarah Gray

W
Armstrong's hile Springfield High School students were
wonderful filled with anticipation concerning an excit-
ing February break, their fun actually began
world, before the last school bell rang. On Friday, February
p. 13 18th, SHS students attended classes through lunch time
and then spent the rest of their school day participating
in activities as part of the Winter Carnival.
The Winter Carnival is a festival that features
Girls basketball activities such as board games, wiffle ball, and sledding.
beats Milton This array of fun was organized by the SHS Student
63-52, Council, with help from SHS faculty. By promoting
p. 17 the Winter Carnival, student council members hoped
to bring students together for friendly competition and A winter carnival favorite: tug of war.
See Carnival page 22
.
Green Horn Interview By Laurel Porter

Kiely Shuck on Reading,

Writing, Drama, Math
K
iely Shuck, a freshman at Springfield High I love being on stage. Also, I’ve been watching the
School, wants to supplant Meredith Vieira, TODAY Show since I was really little. I want to be an
graduate high school as valedictorian, and visit anchor on the TODAY Show.
France, though not necessarily in that order. A native of
Edison, New Jersey, Schuck moved to Springfield during What are your favorite extracurricular activities?
seventh grade when her father changed jobs. Schuck is I enjoy drama club and mathletes.
an only child. She lives with her parents and the family’s
two cats, Sugar and Twix. The Green Horn interviewed Can you talk about mathletes a bit?
Schuck and asked her about her involvement in drama I love mathletes. In the beginning of the year, I was
and other extracurriculars, her career plans, and her the only person on the junior team. It was a lot of fun.
interest in writing. I got to hang out with the older team, but it was kind
of lonely because I was the only one. My coach is Mrs.
What do you do for fun? [Marlene] Allen. I sometimes go over the practice sheets
I absolutely love to read and write. The Outsiders, by [problems] at home, but I do most of my training at
S.E. Hinton, is one of my favorite books. And I also our practices.
like A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle.
What’s your favorite part about mathlete meets?
What are your favorite genres of writing? The food. I also really enjoy just sitting down and doing
I like realistic fiction. A Wrinkle in Time [is different the math problems during the competition.
from that], but the protagonist is still just an ordinary three weeks. It’s really stressful, but it’s a lot of fun. I
girl, and then stuff happens and she has to go on an What are you doing right now in the SHS Drama really like it. I’ve been doing that camp for about three
adventure across the universe. I like Madeline L’Engle’s Club? years. I also did a different summer program called
Austin series, too. Those are more realistic. I’m playing Queen Aggravain in our spring musical, “Kids in the Park” for four years. We had two weeks to
Once Upon a Mattress. prepare a show, and it actually took place outdoors in an
What do you want to be when you grow up? amphitheatre. It was less professional than the Theatre
I would like to be either an author or a broadcast How do you feel about playing a lead role as a Workshop, but it was still a lot of fun to do.
journalist. freshman?
I’m really proud, and I hope that I do a good job. I’m What are your favorite parts of these camps?
Do you write now? really happy that I got the part, though. Both of the camps were great. My favorite part is at
I do write right now. I write stories and poems. My the very end, when we put on the show. Everyone
stories are realistic fiction. What are some of the challenges involved in playing comes to watch us. I also really like to hang out with
the queen? my friends there.
Have you written anything that you’re proud of? Well, she’s really mean, and I’m not. It’s out of char-
I wrote a poem that I really liked. It was called “Buried acter for me. What was the most recent show you performed?
Beneath,” and I was really proud of it. It’s about how The most recent show I did was the musical Fiddler on
people have many layers to them, and you don’t know Do you pursue drama outside of school? the Roof. I was Grandma Tzietel, and I really enjoyed
everything about them. [I do a summer day camp in New Jersey] called “A playing her. My character was a little old lady who was
Children’s Theatre Workshop.” We put on a semi- a ghost, and I had a song to sing. I also liked the story,
Why are you interested in broadcast journalism professional show, with costumes, props, and sets, in and the music is really great in that show.
specifically?

GREEN HORN STAFF

S am Benton......................... Layout Editor/C0-Editor
K elsey Christensen............... C0-Editor
M aria Stern.......................... Co-Editor
L aurel Porter....................... Photo Editor/Co-Editor
C ourtney Downing.............. Sports Editor
----------------REPORTERS---------------
Nikka Bactad, Andrew Bladyka, Tabitha Celani, Justin Derosier,
Alexis Esposito, Liza Fontaine, Lauren Fountain, Sarah Gray, Jessie Haskell,
Chelsea Howland, Holly Hooke, Alexandra Johnstone, Vicki Kopidakis,
Alexis L0cke, Angelina Mei, Cooper Naess, Jill Rushton,
A Change Is Gonna Come
Jennifer Stein, Olivia Thayer, Sarah Vredenburgh, and Jeanice Garfield registers SHS seniors in early February.
Michael Whittemore The school budget squeaked by in early March.

pg  G r e e n H o r n
 News
The Dropout Rate
A Serious Problem at SHS
By Vicki Kopidakis

S
tudents have heard it at least once in their high do great things,” said Thibault. “We hope it’ll show
school career from one of their peers: “I can’t students that a diploma from SHS means something.”
take this anymore. I’m just going to drop out.” The block schedule, which wil be used
However, what they don’t realize is that while some next year at Springfield High School, is another way
students may toss this statement around nonchalantly the administration is trying to reduce the dropout rate.
thinking it’s an empty claim, dropping out is a serious This schedule should help students who fall behind in,
issue at Springfield High School. or fail, a class. Rather than repeat the class the next
A reduced graduation rate led the Vermont year, a student would be able to retake the course the
Department of Education to place SHS on a list of following semester, ensuring they won’t fall behind their
schools needing corrective action. According to the classmates.
Vermont Public School Dropout and High School “If students are doing well,” said Thibault,
Completion Report For the 2004-2005 school year, “they won’t want to drop out.”
SHS had the fourth highest drop out rate in the state of Despite administration efforts to encourage
Vermont at 6.04%. In 2010, with only a little more that students to remain in school, however, dropping out
a quarter of the year completed, 13 students withdrew occurs too often. “Students aren’t thinking long-term,”
from a high school population of 490. said Thibault. “They get bored or they have a part-time
“I don’t like it,” said guidance counselor job they enjoy. They don’t realize the salary isn’t enough
Kelly Ryan. “It’s a no-win situation. The kids don’t to live on.” Kelly Ryan says dropping out is a
win and the school doesn’t win. It gives a bad image In other cases, students may be required to no-win situation. Bob Thibault will
of our school to the community.” work. “A family may be in immediate crisis and need initiate an exit interview to figure out
The process a student follows to drop out is their son or daughter to get a job,” said Ryan.
simple. Once a student turns 16, he or she simply needs
how to reduce the drop out rate.
Because it’s impossible for school officials
a parent to sign a form to withdraw their child from to force a teen to remain a student at SHS for these
school. At 18, students can sign these forms themselves. reasons, they further offer three other options for stu- School Completion program. Students who opt for this
SHS Principal Bob Thibault intends to institute an exit dents. choice must meet with the coordinator of the program
interview in the drop-out process to give school officials “We work hard to provide options for stu- and then pass an assessment test. In the High School
insight into what they can improve to make the school dents,” said Ryan. “The best is to stay in school, but Completion program, a student works directly with
a better place for students. we need to provide other options.” a Vermont Adult Learning coordinator to develop a
Administrators and counselors plan to reduce The first of these options involves the Preci- graduation plan. This program allows students to take
or eliminate dropping out completely by developing sion Valley Program, a program for students who are classes at SHS and graduate with an SHS diploma.
strategies and making options available for students unsuccessful in a traditional classroom setting. PVP is While these programs benefit students, they
who consider dropping out. largely project-based with learning enhanced by field may contribute to a greater dropout rate at Springfield
“Our rate is high,” said Ryan. “But there are trips. Students who complete this program receive an High School. “The programs count against the dropout
a lot of things we’re doing behind the scenes to lower SHS diploma. rate,” said Ryan. “But the students receive a Vermont
it.” Job Corps is another option to ensure greater diploma so they’re not really dropouts.”
For example, parent/teacher conferences student success. In this government program, students Despite these options, the Springfield High
were instituted in November to improve communica- live at one of the location sites, receive technical job School dropout rate remains high. Yet school officials
tion between the school and parents. Also, to motivate training, and conclude the program with a high school continue to help students prioritize their education and
students to do well in school, SHS Assistant Principal diploma from the state in which they live. According to contribute to the SHS School Board’s mission of a 100%
Zach Mclaughlin hopes to create a Hall of Fame with ehow.com, any student 16-24 can enroll in the program graduation rate.
recently-donated funds. The Hall of Fame would feature once they have met income requirements. If accepted, Once this goal of 100% graduation is
photos of successful SHS graduates. These photos may a student is assigned an admission counselor with whom reached, school officials are hoping to see students use
be posted throughout the school or displayed in a trophy they will develop their Personal Career Development their SHS diploma to go on to great things. “Educa-
case. Plan. tion is the only key to success after school,” concluded
“We want the pictures to inspire students to Additionally, SHS officials offer the High Thibault.

The Low Down on Drop-Outs

1.2 million students drop out in the United States every year.
12% of the nation’s schools, or approximately 2000 schools, produce half of the nation’s dropouts.
40% of students in these schools drop out between freshman and senior year.
Children from low-income families are 7 times more likely to drop out than children from prosperous families.
Most students who drop out of high school have low grades and low attendance in middle school.

G r e e n H o r n pg 
News
Block Schedule Next Year
Switch From 8 Periods
By Cooper Naess

F
or the past two years, Springfield High School has the eight-period day.” Murray also hopes teachers will
operated with an eight-period schedule consisting be more inventive with the block schedule. “I’m hoping
of 45-minute classes each day. From the mid-90s teachers will be more creative in an 90 minute class,”
to 2009, SHS used a trimester schedule that included a she said.
6-period day with six 55-minute periods. English teacher Kevin Coen has mixed
Many students are unhappy with the feelings about the options of eight periods or block
8-period schedule, because too much homework is scheduling. “ I don’t like how frazzled I get from a 45-
assigned in classes like math and science and students minute eight period day,” said Coen. “I think there are
don’t have enough time to learn, though some prefer challenges at longer periods, like keeping kids occupied
the eight-period to the six-period schedule. However, for 75 minutes.”
students who don’t like the eight-period schedule can Junior Derrick Grailich is unhappy with
look forward to next year’s switch from eight periods the block schedule. “Not a good idea,” Grailich said,
to block scheduling. “There is too much time in class and kids probably
SHS has always used six and eight-period won’t focus.”
schedules, though a modified block schedule was used Sophomore Kiana Blair agrees with Grailich.
before the six-period day was instituted in the mid- “I think that we should be able to have every class on a
90s. Though still being finalized by school officials, daily basis,” Blair said. “ Also if you hate a class then it
next year’s block schedule will consist of three or four would be boring to sit in it for an hour and a half rather
Lisa Murray chaired the schedule 90-minute classes running for a semester. Second se- than just being in it for 45 minutes.”
committee that studied new models mester students will switch their first three periods or Green Mountain Union High School student
four periods with the other classes they have elected to Melanie Thompson has been going to school with a
for teaching and learning. Kevin Coen
take. block schedule since her freshman year. Thompson
worries that students might have Art teacher Lisa Murray is pleased with the agrees with block scheduling. “I like block scheduling,”
trouble focusing for long classes. block schedule. “We are hoping that [the block schedul- Thompson said, “I found that on average my grades
ing] increased class time will help the problems from dropped when we had shorter classes.”

No Hables Español?
A Minority View
By Vicki Kopidakis

S
panish is the third most spoken language in the language.
world and the second most prevalent language in “Spanish
the United States. Hispanics account for more is the most important
than half of Miami, Florida’s, population. For the past language, especially in
20 years, it’s been mandatory for Los Angeles police of- America,” said Barreda.
ficers to possess basic Spanish skills. These facts show “The Spanish popula-
the growing importance of Spanish education. tion is growing and the
The ability to speak Spanish, as it continues benefits for bilinguals
to spread throughout America, gives an individual an are big.” These benefits Native speaker Rina Barreda teaches Spanish classes at SHS.
edge: an advantage in business, a greater understanding include greater job op-
of various cultures, and the ability to break free from portunities and advantages in fields such as politics “Being able to learn it a younger age and in school gives
communication barriers. And what better a place to gain and business. “The ability to speak Spanish makes me a bigger opportunity to know it when I get older.”
this competitive edge than Springfield High School? politicians able to reach Hispanic voters and allows Bactad is not alone in her enthusiasm for the
“All students should learn a second lan- businesses to communicate with Spanish populations,” language. 92 students take Spanish at SHS.
guage,” said SHS French and Spanish III teacher Diane continued Barreda. “It’s important once we get out of our tiny
Root. “The common perception is that Spanish is what Many students at SHS are aware of the ben- high school with little diversity,” said senior Ben Sidler
they should learn because there are so many people who efits of learning Spanish and understand its significance in regard to learning the language. “In college, there
speak it.” in the United States and around the globe. are going to be people who speak other languages.”
SHS Spanish teacher Rina Barreda encour- “All over the world, Spanish is a language Barreda also credits the great interest in the
ages students to enroll in the Spanish classes offered at that is very common,” said senior Nikka Bactad, who
the high school because of the great importance of the has enrolled in Spanish classes throughout high school. See Spanish page 20
pg  G r e e n H o r n
 Features
Four-Day School Week Sexual
Savings and Preparation Activity at
Spur School Change SHS
By Andrew Bladyka
By Jessie Haskell

I S
f you are an American high school student, chances
are you have dreamed of a four-day school week. pringfield High School math teacher John Dean’s
Only four days of the one-of-a-kind education given third period Advanced Placement Statistics class
by the government. Since such a possibility is being split up into groups in late November to do their
experimented with in various school districts, opinions own independent studies on any topic of their choos-
about the length of the school week have become more ing. Two of the three groups studied students’ tasting
noticeable. abilities. But one group decided to dig deeper into the
“We should have a seven day week and a personal lives--the sex lives--of SHS students.
longer summer break," said Springfield High School This group focused on sexual activity be-
senior Forest Jade. "It would never happen, though, tween freshmen and seniors. Twenty students, ten boys
because everyone wants satisfaction now." and ten girls, represented the study group for this AP
A four-day week has its advantages and Stats activity.
disadvantages. The two greatest advantages involve an The question under study was a simple one:
increase in productivity and a reduction in the cost of "Are more seniors sexually active than freshmen?” The
maintaining facilities. question students answered was equally simple: “Have
Springfield School District Superintendent you participated in sexual activity in the past year?”
Frank Perotti keeps an open mind when he considers 30% of seniors surveyed responded no and
changes to the school week. In response to a question seventy percent responded yes to this question. 70% of
about the 4-day school week, he mentioned challenges freshmen responded no, and 22% percent said yes. One
related to budget and staff. “We have had staff reductions percent (two students) were absent and did not respond
for the last two years and the resulting staff has had to do to the survey. Overall, 47% of students surveyed claimed
more with less,” Perotti said. “If we lose more people, they had not had sex and 53% claimed they had sexual
it will be doing less with less. Everyone is pretty much relationships. To most students, these statistics may be
maxed out.” reasonable and acceptable. However, some students and
Perotti has other reasons for looking at a staff are frightened by these results.
four-day school week. Senior Laurel Porter is revolted by this rate
“Challenge for Change was going to ask of sexual activity. “Too many people have sex all the
Springfield to reduce our budget by over $2.5 million," time, everywhere," said Porter. “It [sex] hurts people
he said. "Savings [with a 4-day school week] come both physically and mentally.”
through shutting down utilities for 20 percent of the In national studies, the Center for Disease
time, less transportation, less fuel, some savings in Control (CDC) found that almost three quarters of teens
support and maintenance, staff time, cafeteria savings, have had sex by age 20. And, according to the American
and things of that sort.” Public Health Association (APHA), the reason most
National studies show that the 4-day school teens give for having sex is that their peers do it. Most
week has enormous benefits for students. Students have of their friends and other people around them are not
an extra day to themselves. This improves the overall
mental health of students and motivates them to do more
See Sex page 21
in classes.
“I would have no problem rolling with it [the Frank Perotti sees savings with the
4-day school week]," social studies teacher Jeff Lavin
said. "There would be some things to solve. Athletics
4-day school week. Jeff Lavin and Ed
are a big deal. People care about them and they are Wilkins wonder about students
important." acclimating to this new system.
Lavin added, "The other side to this is that it
would substantially extend the school day. I’m not sure about the hours spent in classes. It’s about the skills to
where parents would be on this. What would kids do on prepare students for life after high school.
Friday while the parents are at work?” he asked. “This However, Wilkins has doubts about the
is like any issue with its pros and cons. There’s also the workability of the 4-day school week. “It would be
law of unintended consequences.” too difficult for students to live their lives, to do things
“There are lots of advantages to a four day in and out of school, being sports, drama, and music,
school week,” said English teacher Ed Wilkins. “There and be successful," he said. "It would be more pressure Health teacher Ruth Haskell
are reduced costs on heat and transportation. There are on everyone to get stuff done with extended days and worries students ignore risks when
lots of savings. However, from an educational side, classes. Everyone would have to focus more on condens-
there are the same general problems with other varia- ing classes and it would make everyone’s life harder. they become sexually active.
tions in the school day. School is not about seat time or Personally, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

G r e e n H o r n pg 
Feature
Waking Up is Hard To Do
Sleep Deprivation and Students
By Tabitha Celani

W
e all know how much of a drag it is to crawl
out of a warm, comfortable bed at six in the
morning. We all know how irritating it is
to be nagged and scolded about going to bed earlier.
Finally, thanks to recent studies, there may, in fact, be
some scientific validation behind the age-old plea of
teenagers: “Mom, just five more minutes, please?”
Parade magazine reports that adolescents
need from 8.4 to 9.2 hours of sleep on average a night,
compared with 7.5 to 8 hours for adults. However, be-
cause many teens end up going to sleep around eleven
o’clock and waking up at six, they’re only getting about
seven hours of sleep.
Why not go to bed earlier then? Well, it turns
out it isn’t that simple. The sleep-promoting hormone
called melatonin sets in and rises later in teenagers than
in children and adults. This boils down to one cold, Isaiah Handly and Alaina Orth
hard fact: teenagers are physically programmed to stay
up later and sleep later. demonstrate their need for sleep in
Additionally, research done in previous years school. Handly and Orth get to sleep
has shown that about 20% of teenagers fall asleep during around 11:00 pm each night. School
the first two hours of school. According to a study done nurse Wendy Reeves sees many
by University of Minnesota Ph.D Kyla Wahlstrom, high
schools that start later were more beneficial for students. students who suffer from lack of sleep.
Wahlstrom collected data from two districts in Minne-
sota that moved the start time for high school about an
hour later. Wahlstrom noted a significant reduction in
dropout rates and teen depression.
Doctor Judith A. Owen of the Hasbro “Lack of sleep can actually make you sick,” around the country start so early. “I don’t know the
Children's Hospital, conducted a similar study and says Reeves. exact history of it," he said, "but nowadays it revolves
wrote the following: “Beginning at the onset of puberty, “Many students who come in with small primarily around work schedules for parents.”
adolescents develop as much as a two-hour sleep-wake colds are lacking in sleep. Lack of sleep can even cause McLaughlin said he has read multiple studies
phase delay (later sleep onset and wake times) relative things like headaches and nausea,” Reeves concludes. about teenagers and their sleep habits. “I’m convinced
to sleep-wake cycles in middle childhood." If stunning results like those from the previ- by what I’ve read,” said McLaughlin.
In Owens’ study, students were required to ously-mentioned studies occur from simply moving the “There is no doubt that later start times
complete the online retrospective Sleep Habits Survey school’s start time back a bit, why aren’t more schools have an impact on students," he added. "In fact, there
before and after the change in school start time. The moving in this direction? Well, the answer to that isn’t have been discussions with the superintendent [Frank
results of the study revealed students were experiencing as straightforward as it seems. Perotti] about flipping the elementary and high school
improved motivation in school, and daytime sleepiness, Ph.D Kyla Wahlstrom wrote, “Longitudinal start times.” McLaughlin also stated that Brattleboro
fatigue, and depression levels were all reduced. The research has since found several significant academic High School might enact this time-swap next year.
percentage of depressed or unhappy students prior to this effects, such as decreasing the dropout rate, but a di- Start times for the school day may serve
study was about 65.8 percent, but had dropped to 45.1 rect correlation between later start time and academic to accomodate the high school sports schedule. Since
percent after the study concluded. Also, the number of achievement on normed tests has not been substanti- students leave school early for games, they would miss
students visiting the school’s health office for fatigue- ated." even more class time if school began and ended later.
related symptoms had dropped from 15.3 percent to 4.3 Essentially, this means that although both Junior Alaina Orth, who started in goal for
percent. of these studies displayed compelling results, there has the school's girls soccer team, believes that high schools
Springfield High School sophomore Isaiah been no clear-cut scientific proof that later start times should start later. She thinks that a reasonable start time
Handly believes schools should start later, around 8:30 are the reason for higher academic efficiency. would be around 9:15 am.
am. Springfield High School Assistant Principal Like Handly, Orth said, “I usually hit the
“That’s the time I usually wake up on my Zach McLaughlin believes that school start times have sack around 11:00 pm," then added, “not once this year
own,” said Handly. “Even if I oversleep [on school days] a great impact on students, especially those who attend have I felt fully rested on a school day. I would sleep
8:30 is the time I usually wake up and get to school high school. SHS will start fifteen minutes later next in class if I could, but there is too much light.”
anyway.” year at 8:00 am, something McLaughlin views as a Despite these suggestions from hopeful
Although Handly falls asleep at about 11 positive change. students, SHS officials will only move school forward
pm or midnight, he feels that, on average, he gets an “Honestly, I think that if we wanted to see a by a quarter of an hour in the 2011-2012 school year.
adequate amount of sleep every night. bigger change in student motivation," McLaughlin said, Although the bit of extra sleep should be wonderful (and
Springfield High School nurse Wendy "we would have to start schools around 9:30 or 10:00 beneficial), the bright-and-early arrival of students to the
Reeves encounters about two or three sleepy students am.” ever-waiting lobby will continue to rule the mornings
on a daily basis. McLaughlin is not sure why high schools of Springfield’s teenaged citizens.

pg  G r e e n H o r n
 Features
Homework
To Grade or Not to Grade
By Lauren Fountain

F
or United States students, homework is an es- After Sputnik, American leaders believed
sential part of their grade. However, this may be that by giving children homework, they would be able
changing. In some southern school districts in to learn more in short periods of time. Today, in school
the U.S., homework is not making the grade. Instead, districts where the importance of homework has been
homework is now used to prepare students for a formal diminished, a student’s grade may consist of tests, French student Coral-Mae
final assessment, which is used to determine grades. This final essays, projects, and presentations, anything that
change has come about because students who previously demonstrates that a student has mastered the material LaMontagne holds a sign advertising
received A's in classes with a grade based largely on presented. Homework is viewed as practice, therefore, the carnation sale.

Students
homework are scoring poorly on major standardized not as an important element in grading.
tests, according to a recent New York Times article. Some parents in the Irving School District
According to the Times, in the Irving School are angry about this change. "I am closely monitoring
District in Irving, Texas, educators are no longer count- my children to make sure that they are completing their

Share the
ing homework as a part of students' final grades."The homework assignments," said Gabrielle Velasquez, a
grade should depict whether the student has mastered parent of a student attending the Irving School District,
the material," Irving superintendent Dana Bedden said in who was quoted in the Times article.
a recently-published news article at Texas Cable News. Parents say that previously the consequence

Love
com. for children not doing their homework was that their
Homework assignments in American pub- grade would drop. However, now that homework is not
lic schools increased in 1957, the year that the first being used to compute grades, parents feel that students
man-made satellite, Sputnik, was launched by the So- are not as obligated to do the work.
viet Union. At that time, United States educators were
pushed to advance students' knowledge in mathemat-
Springfield School District educators have
their own views on the importance of homework. “A
By Vicki Kopidakis

S
ics and science. American schools were criticized for school's homework protocol should include guidelines torefronts filled with heart-shaped chocolates
presenting a weak curriculum and were encouraged to on student feedback," said Springfield School District and giant stuffed bears, shades of pink and
improve teaching to raise students’ performance as the Curriculum Coordinator and Assistant Superintendent red everywhere in sight, and the look of love
United States competed with the Soviet Union in the Vin Hawkins, in an email. in people’s eyes. These events signal the arrival of
Cold War. "In the case of voluminous homework, ran- Valentine’s Day.
domized or strategic feedback and grading suggestions The holiday began when a priest, Valentine,
should be included along with assignment make-up refused to obey Emperor Claudius II’s law against
timelines, alternative assignments and so on.," Hawkins marriage. Valentine continued to marry couples and,
added. "Communication regarding homework should be once discovered, the priest was executed. This act of
clear and consistent including its (formulaic) inclusion love inspired the holiday celebrated on February 14th.
when calculating a course grade.” As time passed, cards, candy, chocolate, and flowers
Other administrators view homework as became signature marks of the holiday.
an embellishment of teaching. "Homework is used to Yet not only was the spirit of love found in
practice what you are doing in class and plays a role in the Hallmark stores this February 14th, but also in the
student' grades," SHS Principal Bob Thibault said. halls of Springfield High School. “It’s exciting,” said
In most classes at SHS, homework is senior Desmond Dana. “Everyone’s happy and friendly
included in students' final grades. The importance of because it’s a holiday about love.”
homework varies from class to class, however. In some True enough. As the 14th approached,
classes, homework is worth 10% and in other classes couples were happier and students were excited about
homework is counted the same as a test. the prospects of this holiday of love. Highlighted by
This concept is debated. “ I don’t have an the SHS French Club, young people enthusiastically
issue if teachers don’t count homework," said English spread the love. French Club members sold carnations,
teacher Edward Wilkins, "but if it is counted, it should at $1.00 each, during the week before Valentine’s Day.
count equally with tests and quizzes.” Purchasers filled out a card and had their carnation
Students are sensitive about a change in delivered to those they love.
homework policy. Some feel that though the homework These carnations were a popular buy for
is practice, they should get a grade to provide incentive students. “I would buy one because it’s a great way to
to do the work that teachers have assigned to them. show the people I care about that I’m thinking about
Junior Taylor Fontaine said, "If I take time out of my them,” said senior Alexis Esposito.
night to do the homework that my teachers assign to me, Other popular tokens of affection include
I expect that in return they will take time to give me a flowers, chocolate, and stuffed bears.“It’s old fashioned
English teacher Edward Wilkins grade for my effort." but I would love flowers and chocolate,” said junior
believes homework should be counted "I believe, along with many others, that Cameron Freitas.
teachers should take the time to grade the homework For others, like senior Max Blake, a mix
as much as tests and quizes. Senior they assigned us, especially if we took the time to do tape of classic love songs represented the perfect way
Ryan Gottshalk thinks it is wrong not it,” concluded senior Ryan Gottschalk. “It's not fair
to grade homework. otherwise." See Valentine's page 22

G r e e n H o r n pg 
News

Travelin' Band
Springfield High School hosted the Annual District Music Festival on February
5th at 3:00 pm in the high school auditorium. This festival
included high school choir, high school jazz band, and middle school regular
band. Each participant had successfully passed an audition and paid a small fee
to cover the cost of outside conductors. Musicians and singers rehearsed for
the festival on February 4th and 5th. In the large photo, the middle school band
rehearses “Five Minutes a Day,” one of four pieces they performed. SHS Music
Director Jim Chlebek (left) and Riverside Middle School Director Cindy Hughes
acted as hosts for the festival. This festival represented Dictrict VI,
which included 27 schools. Eight students from SHS participated in the event.

pg  G r e e n H o r n
 Features
Snuggies
The sdrawkcaB Robe
By Andrew Bladyka

Y
ou are a sorcerer. You do magic and create awe- The design-
some things. So that’s cool and now you need er patterns are for the
the garb. How about an awesome robe for $15 more outgoing compadre.
that can double as a blanket? It’s called a Snuggie. Camel is for the local
With over 20 million units sold, there is no desert rat, zebra is for
denying the fact that the Snuggie has invaded America. the adventurous cabin-
That would mean that 15.5% of Americans own a Snug- fever-ridden friend who
gie. Wouldn’t it be ridiculous if 20 million people were you don’t know too well
just sitting at home in a backwards fleece robe right at but you are forced to go
this moment? That may be the reality. to their party anyway,
Coming in a multitude of colors, Snuggies and leopard for the king
have invaded the houses of people who fancy burgundy, of your jungle. Tie-dye A trip to the zoo. Liza Fontaine and Alexandra
royal blue and sage green, and other “designer patterns” will become your local Johnstone relax in their leopard and zebra print Snuggies.
including leopard print, peace signs, camouflage, mon- hippie’s favorite thing to
keys, zebra stripes, spirals, clouds, skull and crossbones, wear as he tries to catch a
sweatshirt style, tie-dye, princess, camel, and zebra. You ride down to New York. And, it’s truly an epitome of volume levels and make them more tolerable. We all
can get one of each color for a variety of purposes. manliness to tote any style of Snuggie around on your remember watching that C.S.I. episode and Grissom is
The burgundy Snuggie is for that party with front side while you’re at the market purchasing milk saying his horribly punny line and all of a sudden here’s
the red punch. If you spill your precious nourishment, with your dark sunglasses on. At night. a Snuggie commercial trying to blow viewers' ears out
you still look totally radical. Royal blue is for that person Snuggies, for all of their pleasures, have by selling them fleece blankets with sleeves. In this
who loves to fly but doesn’t want anyone to see because accounted for more litigation and lawmaking: the Com- respect, Snuggies have been good for something else
they’ll just blend into the sky. Sage green is for the mercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act, or other than looking awesome and being warm.
creepier variety people of your community, specifically CALM Act. The bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Whether Snuggies are a plague on suburban
designed for the person who hides in the trees. The sage Representatives in June of 2008. The act said that televi- communities or just a neighborhood-friendly fleece
green Snuggie will allow you to blend perfectly. sion broadcast stations must regulate their commercial
See Snuggies page 22

Fast Food
Unhealthy Yet Pleasing
By Liza Fontaine & Holly Hooke

N
o time to make dinner? Have nothing to eat? animals into tight spaces, cutting their heads off, and
Running late? Just in the mood for it? Most giving them steroids to gain weight for the fast food
people take the easy way out and cruise through industry.
the drive-through at McDonald's. But the question “It’s revolting,“ said senior Alexis Locke.
remains, “Is it worth it?” “No one should be eating meat that can't even walk
“When I’m busy and my family doesn’t feel and the quality of meat is terrible. People don’t gain
like making a real dinner," said junior Eric White, "it’s any nutritional value.”
so much easier to go out." Dating back to 1916 when sodas and
Despite White’s easy fix, some view fast food hamburgers were five cents apiece, the first fast food
as fattening, addicting, and unhealthy. Considering the hamburger chain in America, White Castle, opened its
400 calories in one large container of French fries found doors to this eternal industry and offered a way to satisfy
at a typical fast food restaurant, in terms of weight gain Americans' craving for a greasy burger and salty fries.
and added bulk to one's body, this is one ghastly meal. Although the number of calories and fat in the food may
“It’s not good for me to eat because of all the be high, the taste of this meal cannot be resisted.
grease and fat” said freshman Meghan Thomas, “and it “I eat fast food all the time because it’s just
The ubiquitous cheeseburger at a just slows me down.” so good,” said junior Frank Gould, “and I especially
billion plus one. Holly Hooke knocks Unknown to most people, eight billion ani- like McDonalds.”
down another one. mals are slaughtered each year for food, according to According to nationmaster.com, out of 195
tchnews.com. With this in mind, controversy has grown countries America holds the number one spot for high-
And loves it. about the inhumane way meat is produced for fast-food
restaurants. Critics accuse slaughterhouses of forcing See Fast Food page 23

G r e e n H o r n pg 
Feature
Sanitized Huck Finn
The Horror, the Horror
By Kelsey Christensen

T
hough the racial slur nigger appeared endlessly with word replacement as a means of censorship. “When
in the South as depicted realistically in Mark students use f-ing [for example], it replaces the nasty
Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which word,” she said. “But it doesn’t replace what the student
chronicles the picaresque descent of Huckleberry and means to say.” To Dodge, censorship doesn’t amount to
slave, Jim, down the Mississippi River in the 1830s, the very much because everyone knows the word that was
word remains entirely uncomfortable to say, discuss, or meant to be in another word’s place.
teach in 2011 English classrooms. Some SHS students are also offended by
For the uneasy teacher or student, however, the change. “Great American novels should remain
help is on the way. A sanitized copy of Huckleberry unchanged,” said American Studies student Austin
Finn has been produced by Auburn University professor Smith.
Alan Gribben. The sanitized copy replaces the some 200 “I can’t believe they would do that,” agreed
niggers with the word slave, a comfortable euphemism Forest Jade, who is enrolled in AP Literature and Com-
for some. position.
Naturally, controversy surrounds this To some, the bowdlerization of Huck Finn
cleansed Huck Finn. Most English teachers around the may represent a disintegration of literature. “Good art
country were horrified that the American vernacular, must stand for humane values, not conventional moral- Unruly stacks of unsanitized Huck
which Twain famously used to criticize, not glorify, the ity,” said AP Literature and Composition and American Finn can be found at SHS. Below, a
backwards South, would be compromised. Though none Studies teacher Mike Janiszyn. Janiszyn feels that the smoking mad Twain and the
predict the edition will make its way to Springfield High elimination of the offensive word nigger represents the bowdlerized edition.
School bookshelves or classrooms anytime soon, SHS dystopian fate of literature in Ray Bradbury’s Fahen-
English teachers and students have some words of their heit 451, another literary classic, in which people lose
own about the censored copy. interest in books when literature is cleaned up to make
At least a few SHS teachers find the word it more acceptable.
nigger to be instrumental to students’ understanding the There is less controversy, however, about
realities of the 19th Century Missouri River region. challenging books in general.
“It’s a loaded word, and it’s an uncomfortable “Sometimes censorship is appropriate,” said
word,” said American Literature teacher Kevin Coen. Wilkins. “There are some books we should not teach.”
“But if you sanitize the book, it denies the existence of Some books, for example, may use the word nigger
the word. We [teachers] try to be sensitive and explain without providing the constructive social commentary
why it’s a loaded word.” of Twain’s.
Coen feels that the word provides evidence Freshman English teacher Rebecca Skrypeck
of linguistic racism as opposed to the physical racism agrees with Wilkins. “There are a ton of other things,
of slavery, which had been abolished. Even though the books, television, music, movies that are written today
country made strides in racial acceptance with the abol- that should be censored,” she said. “Censoring Twain
ishment of slavery, the word nigger has not disappeared is like censoring history.”
in our culture, which negates the idea that racism has Coen feels that challenging books can be
disappeared. positive. “We need to constantly revisit why we teach
Ed Wilkins, AP Language and Composition the books we teach,” he said. Recently, a Springfield
and American Literature teacher, also finds the bowdler- parent challenged the educational merits of If I Die in a
ized copies of Huck Finn a poor idea. “Is the language Combat Zone, a Vietnam War memoir by Tim O’Brien.
racist? Absolutely. But the language is within the context The challenge was brought before the Springfield School
of the characters and the time,” he said. Board in a formal procedure.
To introduce books in her curriculum with However, not all teachers were alarmed by
nigger, such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Of Mice and the news about Huck Finn. Freshman English teacher
Men Joanna Coleman, sophomore and senior English Susan Hunt, who teaches Twain’s The Adventures of Tom
teacher, uses the articles “Who can say “Nigger”?... And Sawyer, has been replacing the word nigger with slave
Other Considerations” by Randall Kennedy and “Black for years. “I was a little vindicated when the edition
Mischief Minority Report” by Christopher Hitchens came out,” she said. “I understand censorship is a slip-
along with Huck Finn. The articles explain the his- pery slope, but I think this [the change] is a good idea.”
tory of the word to fully illustrate its offensiveness to Hunt feels that 127 years after the cultural prominence
students. of the word, it is too difficult to explain away.
Jennifer Dodge, language team leader, feels However, as long as new copies of Twain's
that omitting the word is detrimental because of its classic are not on order, most SHS English teachers will
importance in the story of Huck Finn. “Huck uses the embrace the merits of Huck Finn as it is. “We have a lot
word in the beginning,” she said. “His use shows how of white kids who have limited experiences with other
Huck was raised and how society used the word.” cultures,” said Coen. “We try to teach respect of other
Dodge has her own spin on the problems cultures, since it’s an issue we don’t interact with.”

pg 10 G r e e n H o r n
 Features
Chinese New Year What to
Lunar Movement Celebrated
By Angelina Mei
Bring to
College?
I
n the United States, people celebrate holidays like
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. But my most
cherished time of the year is Chinese New Year.
Unlike traditional New Years, which is By Alexis Esposito
celebrated on the same day every year, Chinese New

S
Year is celebrated on a different day each year because
eniors ask many questions: What do I bring to
Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese calendar,
college? Should I pack up my closet? Should I
which is a combination of lunar and solar movements.
bring those plastic drawers from Wal-Mart?
The New Year starts with the new moon on the first
“Bring comforts from home,” said 2008
day of the new year and ends on the full moon, 15 days
Springfield High School graduate Heather Rinder, a
later. This year, Chinese New Year was celebrated on
junior at Syracuse University, in an email. “Pictures of
February 3rd.
friends, favorite knick-knacks for your desk.” Rinder
Unlike the traditional New Year's celebra-
brought a My Little Pony.
tion, the Chinese use a different animal to designate each
“Bring money,” 2008 SHS graduate Kristen
year, based on the Chinese zodiac, twelve animals in
Fuller added in an email. “College is an amazing time
all: the rat, ox, tiger, rab-
where you're constantly meeting new people and, of
bit, dragon, snake, horse,
course, wanting to do new things. Everything costs
monkey, ram, rooster, dog
money. Or bring a pen and be ready to fill out part time
and the pig
job applications.”
My mother
Collegeboard.com’s Off-To College Check-
told me a myth that ex-
list suggests bringing under-bed storage trays. Rinder
plained these animals.
and Fuller agree that under-bed storage can save one's
Buddha invited animals to
life in a cramped dorm room.
participate in a race across
“Under-bed storers will become your best
a river. The prize was a
friend,” said Fuller. “I have a bunch. One for jeans, one
position on the Chinese
for shoes, one for food, and one for laundry.”
zodiac calendar. The first The author's uncle, former owner of
“Under-bed storage is the best way to keep
twelve animals to cross Chef Mei in Ludlow. things out of sight,” said Rinder. “Extra notebooks,
the river would appear in
For dessert: food/snacks, bins of out-of-season clothes, unless you
the zodiac calendar in the The snake, which hid in the horse’s hoof until the last send them home, shoes, anything. I throw everything
Sponge cakes. order in which they won minute when it scared the horse, finished seventh. The under my bed.”
the race. First was the rat, monkey, ram and rooster (the next finishers) all helped Shower shoes may be another crucial item.
then the ox, then the tiger. After the tiger came the rab- each other across. The dog decided to take a bath in the “Dorm showers are gnarly,” said 2008 SHS grad Ben
bit that jumped its way across along the dragon's back. river before crossing. He finished eleventh. The pig, the Bolaski, attending Plymouth University, in an email.
laziest animal, finished Showers are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria
last. and fungus. Showers are never fully dry. If you are liv-
Because the ing in a suite, or have cluster mates (two dorm rooms
Chinese New Year be- with a bathroom in between) you may not need shower
gins a new season, one shoes. Suite and cluster showers will not be cleaned by
must start off fresh as
part of the celebration. See College page 20
Everything is cleaned,
from head to toe. My
parents go so far as to
clean our whole house, as
well as our restaurant, the
day before Chinese New
Year. Food is prepared
in the afternoon. By the
time one is done cooking
everything, the dinner
table should be filled to
the edges with food.
Food has
special meaning in the
Chinese New Year. Ev- The author tries to decide what to
The author's uncle and her mother, Rose Feng, watch erything, whether it’s fish, meat
or vegetables, is prepared whole.
bring to college.
as the author's father, George Mei, dips into a hot pot.
See Chinese page 20
G r e e n H o r n pg 11
Editorials
Bathroom Disrepairs
Sinks, Toilets, and Graffiti
By Justin Derosier

A
t Springfield High School, one particular loca- and I are fundraising,” said sophomore Saiana Pianka,
tion is vandalized, misused, and consistently who wants to improve SHS bathrooms. “Because we
ignored. What place could be the source of all think it’s a good way for Springfield High School
this abuse? The bathrooms. 10 bathrooms are found at students to show that we think some things need to
SHS, including one set of boys’ and girls’ bathrooms and change.”
a handicap bathroom on the second floor, one bathroom Pianka and Bone have been fundraising to
located in the Precision Valley Program wing, one set improve the bathrooms by creating the Student Renewal
of bathrooms on the first floor, one bathroom in each Project club. They first decided to do something about
of the locker rooms, and one set of bathrooms located the bathrooms when they heard complaints from both
on the art and music department floor. male and female students. Right now, Pianka and Bone
In these bathrooms, one contends with empty are most interested in fixing the faucets and replacing
soap containers, low-pressure sinks, and faucets which the mirrors in the boys’ and girls’ bathrooms. Fixing the
demand that one hand be used to hold down the handle faucets will cost $6,000 and replacing the mirrors has
while the other maintains a process of cleaning and a $945 price tag. To raise this money, Pianka and Bone
washing. are hoping to hold a concert for local bands, promote
The worst bathroom problems are usually car washes, and host a movie night.
reported to the main office. “I hear about three or four School officials are also concerned about Immodest portraits of an indelicate
problems a month,” said main office secretary Jean SHS bathrooms. SHS Assistant Principal Zack situation. An abundance of mess and
Stocker. “And it’s usually deliberate vandalism in the McLaughlin said, “I worry that things like bathrooms
are sending a bad message to students that the commu-
disagreeable stains tarnish Springfield
bathrooms, including graffiti and toilet overflows.”
High School bathrooms.
See Bathrooms page 21
However, some SHS students are fed up with
the constant disrepair of the bathrooms. “Ashleigh Bone

Marijuana Crime
Marijuana Legalization
in Vermont The Highs and Lows
----Possession of 2 oz. 6 month
incarceration, $500 fine. By Kelsey Christensen, Tabitha Celani, & Andrew Bladyka

Y
---Possession of 1 lb. 3 year ou know the tragic story. They’ve smoked one 16 states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, DC,
incarceration, $10,000 fine. too many at a party, but they think they’re fine Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New
to drive. They start driving home in the dark. Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont,
They’re going a little too fast. They’re being a little Washington.)
---Possession of 10 lb. 15 year too careless. Suddenly, before they know it, they’ve To continue the alcohol-marijuana compari-
incarceration, $500,000 fine. launched themselves into a ditch, or collided with a son, alcohol is often a contributor to violence. The Marin
freight truck, causing their all-too-early death. And Institute, an alcohol industry watchdog, reported that
it’s all because of marijuana, the illegal hallucinogenic communities with more liquor outlets and bars per capita
---Cultivation of 3-10 plants. 3 year
depressant. have more cases of violence. Women whose partners
incarceration, $10,000 fine. Hold on, though. Wait a minute. This cata- abused alcohol were over three times more likely to be
strophic scenario usually happens because individuals assaulted by their partner. In 1997, a study showed that
---Cultivation of over 25 plants. 15 year drank one too many. Alcohol, that is, the legal depressant 40% of rape and sexual assault offenders were drinking
for anyone over 21 years of age. during the time of their crimes. Also, approximately
incarceration, $500,000 fine.
According to the Center for Disease Control 480,000 children each year are mistreated by alcoholic
and myaddiction.com, alcohol caused 35,919 in 2010. caretakers.
---Sale of under 1/2 oz. 2 year 22,000 of these deaths were not traffic-related. The The sale of marijuana, however, contrib-
incarceration, $10,000 fine. number of marijuana-related deaths during 2010 was 0. utes to violence between gangs responsible for selling
In fact, no one has ever died from a marijuana overdose, marijuana. But gangs trafficking marijuana only exist
which would require a person to consume more cannabis because possession and the use of marijuana, for the
---Sale of over 1 lb. 15 year than Bill Gates could afford. However, according to most part, is a criminal offense. As prohibition created
incarceration, $500,000 fine. citydata.com, marijuana is decriminalized in only 12 speakeasies, crime syndicates, bootlegging, and gang-
states (California, Oregon, Alaska, Colorado, Nebraska, sters like Al Capone in the 1920s, marijuana’s criminal
Minnesota, Ohio, Mississippi, Maine, New York, North
Carolina, Nevada) and used for medicinal purposes in See Marijuana page 23

pg 12 G r e e n H o r n
 Features
What a Wonderful World
Smile for Louis Armstrong
By Jenn Stein
voice and the melodic sound of Armstrong’s trumpet and practice.
solos. Artists like Louis Armstrong worked for their Armstrong knew how to put on a show. His
performance. They were good. But they practiced. The showmanship made him popular. He sang about food a
product they presented to the world was memorable. lot, because he was a very passionate eater. The laughter
They did not rely on technology to make them stars. and lighthearted vocals were fun, making Pops (as he
Blow, Satchmo, blow. They made their sound by practicing. was called by friends) a lovable performer. Listening to
In the current era of electronic recording, it songs titled “Struttin’ with a side of Barbecue Sauce,”
seems that anyone can become a pop sensation. With and others similar food-named songs, is odd. No words

T
rumpets, pianos and sweet melodic voices are auto-tuning, layering of voice recordings, and an elec- are found in these compositions. Instead, a mixture of
scarce in this day and age. One must go back tronic background beat, almost anyone can become a trumpet and clarinet solos and piano romps create the
in time to leave electronic beats behind. Frank singer, whether they have talent or not. As shown by the musical magic.
Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Dinah Gregory brothers, a little auto-tuning can go a long way, Armstrong's passion for food reminds me
Washington create a wonderful world of music. This is a technique utilized in TV news broadcasts, YouTube of my sister’s hunger. I don’t think she likes barbecue
jazz at its finest. Most of all, my new leading man in this videos and during political meetings. Check them out at sauce, though. Maybe one day she could write a song
jazz music ensemble is the late, great Louis Armstrong. thegregorybrothers.com. However, Louis Armstrong set “Hollandaise Sauce.” Armstrong, like all great artists,
I’ve let their rhythmic swing penetrate my heart. And a different goal to aspire to: work hard to make beautiful offers ways for all people to think about his expression.
now I think I’m in love. melodies and love what you sing about. He was not a star that set himself a level higher than
While out driving one day, my dad put Armstrong introduced scat singing into his people.
in Louis Armstrong in Concert: What A Wonderful songs and was the first artist to record the new sensation. Louis Armstrong: jazz king, lovable per-
World Live. I wasn’t very impressed by the sound of Scat singing involves using the human voice as a musical former, inspirational human being. Pops just goes to
Armstrong’s gravelly voice. But I soon grew familiar instrument. For example, instead of playing his trumpet show what a wonderful world this really is, and urges
with his singing. Then I recognized the beauty of for a few notes, he’d barrel out a short rhythm depending one that when you're smiling to remember to “Dream
Armstrong's music. His duets with Ella Fitzgerald were entirely on his voice that added character to many of a little Dream of Me” and think of all that Louis Arm-
funny, especially when accompanied by Armstrong’s his songs. Unfortunately, scat singing isn’t incorporated strong stood for. Use his achievements to make everyone
bubbly, laughing voice. much into 21st century music. It may the result of genius around you a little bit happier.

Television
I’m in love with the richness of Fitzgerald’s or it may be another example of Armstrong's hard work

Pretty Little Liars

An Alternative to Twilight
By Olivia Thayer

F
orget Twilight and Justin Bieber. A new, better, As the show continues and the plot deepens,
teenage obsession is sweeping the nation. What viewers learn more about each of the girls, including
is this trend that can overcome the abs of Jake and their dark past. Much is revealed in the following about
Edward? What could take the attention of the nation each one in the following manner.
away from a teenager with perfect hair? ABC Family’s Aria: After witnessing her father cheating
newest series Pretty Little Liars. on her mother with his teaching assistant, Aria goes
Based on a series of books by Sara Shepard, abroad with her family to Iceland. When Aria returns,
Pretty Little Liars premiered last year as a series on she meets her English teacher Ezra Fitz, with whom she
television. With Pretty Little Liars, American viewers develops a dangerous and flirtatious relationship. Ali
were introduced to five teenage girls: Aria Montgomery, is the only girl who knew about Aria’s father’s affair. A
Emily Fields, Hannah Marin, Spencer Hastings, and knows about the secret relationship between Aria and
the infamous Ali DiLaurentis. The series opens at Ali's Mr. Fitz and threatens to share her knowledge.
funeral. Spencer: Athletic, smart, and wealthy, Spen-
The five girls used to be best friends. But cer seems perfect. But Spencer has been living in the
Ali disappeared after a sleepover and a fight ensued shadow of her sister, Melissa, and seems unusually close
among the five girls. At the funeral, the girls receive a to Melissa's boyfriends. Ali knew about these friend-
text message from an unknown sender, A. A says she ships. A threatens to share this information. Spencer nah used to be unpopular and overweight, until Ali
is alive and threatens to reveal their secrets. was next for the Queen Bee spot in the circle of friends, encouraged Hannah to join the group of friends. Hannah
A, who mysteriously and inexplicably knows and Spencer and Ali had a fight just minutes before Ali was so close to Ali, in fact, that Hannah was suspected
all about the girls, becomes the main character of Pretty disappeared.
Little Liars. Hannah: Hannah appears to be sweet. Han- See Liars page 23

G r e e n H o r n pg 13
Columns
Colloquial Critique
Arrant Pedantry
By Kelsey Christensen
host, also addressed the issue of pedants in a recent truly needed to understand the difference between can
podcast. “The only people who seem to bother with and may. But if you’re a teacher in high school and
language in public seem to go about it in quite the wrong you’ve ever uttered the response I don’t know, can you?
way,” Fry stated in his podcast. Among others, he cited you should be aware that you are abusing sarcasm. The
pedants who write to publishers about mistakes and meaning of the sentence is not lost when someone asks
people who fret about grocery store signs that say 10 “Can I go to the bathroom?” One’s intention of going
items or less rather than 10 items or fewer. to the bathroom is fairly clear. It’s pretty apparent that
Fry and Churchill make an important point. the speaker has the capacity to go to the bathroom.
Lovers of language should embrace, not criticize, its Maybe the biggest annoyance about this
varied applications and uses. This author also suffers usage mess is this: people who are generally ungram-
from pedantry, which is an unfortunate side effect of matical elsewhere still know enough to point out the
my love of language. But, no matter how heavy-handed can versus may mistake. I can only assume that to
my criticism of other speakers and writers become, cover up their grammatical ignorance elsewhere, they
there is one situation of grammatical re-alignment I find employ pedantry in these scenarios. The same people
completely uncalled for. And, any student who has ever who jump at an opportunity to admonish people who
needed to use the bathroom has experienced it: say can rather than may are often the same people who
Student: Can I go to the bathroom? say things like “The game went awesome!” and “The
Teacher: I don’t know. Can you? Cosmos are a excellent team!” And, yet, I don’t feign
Student: MAY I go to the bathroom? utter confusion when I hear these things and urge the

T
his is the kind of arrant pedantry up with which Teacher: Yes. speaker to correct their error. In this context, I say judge
I will not put!” Generally, my grammar is pretty good: not lest you be judged, partial-pedants. Your Grammar
When confronted about his tendency to end sentences aren’t things I put prepositions at the end of. Police badge is going to be confiscated.
sentences in prepositions, this is how Winston Churchill I describe actions with adverbs good. And passive voice I’m not glorifying the not-so-gradual dis-
responded. Churchill addressed an unfortunate issue of can be avoided by me. But, I usually step directly into integration of language. Shall versus will, who versus
priggish, pedantic, and overly-stringent perspectives the I don’t know, can you? trap. whom, and less versus fewer are becoming archaic facets
about language. Maybe this snarky and passive admonition
Stephen Fry, British writer and television worked for teachers in 2nd grade when students still See Colloquial page 22

It's A Fact...
I've Learned A Lot
By Alexis Esposito

1
. In the end, you only have yourself. No matter a lot, that helps too.
how much you think your best friend would never 3. The power of intention
tell one of your secrets, or that you’re destined works. At least it does
to be with your boyfriend forever, things happen and for me. Power of inten-
people leave. You need to love yourself without hav- tion goes like this: throw
ing to have someone else loving you. You’re your own an idea into the universe
best friend. You would never turn against yourself, and wait for the universe to answer. If you intend for understand something, I ask a question. If someone is
stop talking to you for no reason at all, or give yourself something to happen, it will. This has worked for me giving me attitude, I let them know it’s not allowed. I
attitude. When everything boils down, you’re not go- in several instances. I applied to Suffolk, and spoke stand up for my friends, I point out when people are
ing to go to college with your best friend, you’ll forget like I was already going there. I would talk about my incorrect about things they think are facts. I’m not shy
your boyfriend’s name in ten years, but you will be acceptance letter coming (never referring to it as a deci- about voicing my opinion. I think speaking up is part of
the same person, pushing to do your best, because you sion letter), I’ve planned out my housing arrangement not being fake. I mean, you don’t have to say the constant
stood by your side. for sophomore year, and I’m entirely positive about the truth. For example, if you see someone on the street
2. Be confident in every single thing you do. Confi- whole thing. I’ve been accepted to Suffolk, and no mat- whose shirt is ugly, you wouldn’t call them over just to
dence shines. People can tell when you feel good about ter what, I will be going there in the fall. I fully intend say it. But if some one you don’t like asks you to drive
yourself. Even if you know you’re doing something to flourish in Boston. Power of intention is a great thing an hour to pick them up, you say no. I would never agree
wrong, do it wrong well. I get in arguments all the time, and has gotten me things I never thought I’d have. Try with someone I thought was wrong, because that’s not
and I get proven wrong, but I defend my position and it. It’s as simple as wanting something. being truthful to myself or anyone else.
make it seem like I was right. I go into situations thinking 4. Speak up. Too many people are silent about things.
about the best. I walk in confident, and it shows. Smile I speak up about anything and everything. If I don’t See Fact page 20

pg 14 G r e e n H o r n
 Music
The Promise
(Bruce Springsteen; 2010)
By Samuel L. Benton

O
riginally conceived for the 30th anniversary of duced, lacking the raw, live sound that Springsteen had
Bruce Springsteen's fourth album, Darkness on sought while recording Darkness on the Edge of Town.
the Edge of Town (1978), numerous setbacks The most clear representation of this over-production
pushed The Promise (and a new box set devoted to is in the form of added horn tracks. These horns add
Darkness) back two years. The Promise finally saw the nothing to the songs, and at times can be distracting
light of day on November 16, 2010. (except on "Spanish Eyes," where they fit well).
During the recording sessions for Darkness Fortunately the lyrics and the original
on the Edge of Town hundreds of songs were recorded, music are good, and they serve as a great portrait of
though only ten made the final cut. After the release Springsteen's mindset at the time. They are an equal
of Darkness, many of the other songs recorded began blend of the upbeat Darkness-era cuts, like the ones
showing up in bootleg form and spread throughout the found on Tracks, and the kind of bleak, downcast songs dark spot in the song, rather than the optimistic symbol
music underground. They remained bootlegs for years, that were found on Darkness. that broke open the album Born to Run. “The Promise”
until five cuts were released on Springsteen's 1998 col- In fact, many of the songs on The Promise is as good as anything Springsteen has ever released.
lection of B-sides and rarities, Tracks. would evolve into the songs found on Darkness on the While that might be the case with “The
The Promise was the next serving of Dark- Edge of Town. Upbeat love song "Candy's Boy," evolved Promise,” it isn’t so with the album that champions its
ness-era tracks, two discs and 21 songs' worth. into night rocker "Candy's Boy;" "It's a Shame" features name. The Promise is a great album, no mistake about
Unlike the untouched Darkness songs found a guitar track that would become the main riff for "Prove that, but it doesn’t match up to Darkness on the Edge of
on Tracks, most of the cuts on The Promise have been It All Night;" and "Come On (Let's Go Tonight)" is al- Town or any of the other albums Springsteen released
touched up and edited by Springsteen in one way or most a carbon copy of "Factory," with different lyrics. during his 70s and 80s heyday. Re-worked and new as
another. Additional guitars, drums, bass, and other The best cut on the album is easily "The they might sound, it’s still pretty clear why Springsteen
instruments have been added. Promise." The song is the ultimate portrayal of heart- left these songs off the final product (with the exception
These edits come at a cost: many of the songs ache. In it Springsteen sings about all his dreams being of “The Promise” and “Racing in the Street ‘78”).
sound more like something you would find on a new broken, and you can hear the desolation in the despera- Still, The Promise is a wonderful exploration
Springsteen record, as opposed to something the Boss tion of his voice. At one point, he even croons out two into Springsteen’s creative process. The album bursts
would have created in the late seventies. Like modern words that any Springsteen fan knows by heart: "Thun- with its own kind of greatness. And that makes it a must
Springsteen albums, many of the songs are over pro- der Road." This famous phrase, however, becomes a for any fans of the Boss.

Column
Dreaming By the Panorama
Imaginations
By Tabitha Celani
how great life is for me right now"? When you’re a school.”
young child, all you want to do is eat candy, play, and “I really like to paint,” said Dedrick when
of course, express yourself. he was asked about his favored medium. “My favorite
Everyone has a different way of expressing thing to paint is my imaginations.”
themselves. But when it comes to children, drawing Many artists prefer to create when they’re in
or painting or coloring is most often a way of letting a certain mood, so they can release all of their innermost
go and having complete control of one’s feelings. As
a youngster, it’s sort of a comfort to know that you can See Panorama page 22
draw anything and everything you want, and nobody
can tell you you’re wrong. Many children don’t even
really think about this. It’s a subconscious notion.
Getting into the creative mind of a child is
an idea that stymies and bewilders many people, but I
thought I’d try my hand at it.
Elm Hill first grader Thomas Dedrick is a
budding little artist, and he was the child I chose to talk

C
hildhood innocence is something we all take for to.
granted. It isn’t exactly a conscious decision, but Dedrick announced that, in his opinion, the
a six-year old brain isn’t quite capable of deep best thing about art is that you get to draw. Dedrick
reflection. For example, what six-year old thinks along prefers making art at home rather than in a structured
these lines: “Wow. I should really stop and think about art class, “because I don’t get to draw what I want at

G r e e n H o r n pg 15
Basketball
Determination, Sweat, and Nets
Girls Start Off on the Right Foot
By Jill Rushton

A
fter last year’s record of 4-17, and with only five Due to a new rule by the VPA (Vermont “We lost a lot of good players from last year,”
returning varsity players, second year Spring- Principals Association) the regular season didn't start said junior forward Morgan Johnson, before the season
field High School girls varsity basketball coach until after Thanksgiving break. This left the Cosmos got underway. “But I think that we’ll have a good season.
Brodie Ladue knew this season wasn't going to be easy. with only three weeks of conditioning and practicing I think we will have a better record than last year.”
But after topping Bellows Falls 52-24, and turning in before their season opener. Unfortunately, the team had a significant injury list
close games with Oxbow and Fair Haven the Cosmos “It [the new VPA regulation] was tough in the person of last year's co-captain, senior Chelsea
proved early that this year would be different. because we didn’t get as many practices in before our Howland. Howland was unable to play due to a knee
“I think this season will be good,” said senior first game,” said sophomore guard Abi Cox. injury, which she had operated on in early winter.
co-captain and point guard Desmond Dana in December. On November 29th, the girls hit the gym and On December 22nd, the girls lost to Oxbow,
“I hope that we beat the teams we had close games with the season began. During pre-season, the girls scrim- 37-46 in Dressel Gym. In the first minutes of the game
last year, and that we all improve as a team.” maged Arlington and Green Mountain to get back into the Cosmos took control by scoring five quick points.
Since last spring, Ladue prepared her team the feel of the game. Although the Cosmos did not win But after the first quarter the Cosmos shots could not
for the regular season by holding weekly open gyms against Arlington, the girls dominated most of the Green fall in basket, leaving the Cosmos with their first loss.
and fundraising for new uniforms and shooting shirts. Mountain scrimmage. Johnson led the team with 11 points, while Dana put in
Players also dedicated every Tuesday and Thursday of Last year, the Cosmos graduated five se- 6.
their summer break to a summer league, held at Stevens niors, including three starters. Six previous JV players, “I think [the season] so far is going well.
High School in Claremont. including juniors Emma Esty, Kristin Cook, Larissa It looks like it’s going to be more successful than last
“In the summer we did a league where we Bargefredge and sophomores Abi Cox and Jill Rushton season,” said Esty. “I hope we win more games than
scrimmaged different teams. We played Claremont, were added to the roster. Senior captains Dana and last year, and that we advance past the quarterfinals in
Newport, and Green Mountain,” junior guard Emma Brittany Grant-Paul would lead the squad while juniors playoffs.” Esty's optimism and spirit was shared by her
Esty said. “We also did open gyms and a car wash in Liza Fountaine and Jenna Paul would be depended on teammates as they played through their schedule.
the spring to raise money for new uniforms.” for their shooting ability.

Senior captain Desmond Dana defends

against Oxbow. Junior Sarah Gray
rotates on defense to close down a
scoring lane. Dana hits the deck in an
all-out style of play that has become
well-known to fans of the team.

pg 16 G r e e n H o r n
 Brittany Grant-Paul lines up during a foul shot. Free throws spelled victory for the Cosmos against Milton.

Girls Beat Milton 63-52

Win Home Playoff Game
By Maria Stern

A
fter finishing their regular season at 6-14, one Abi Cox added 18.
of their best records in years, the Cosmos girls’ “At the beginning of the game coach talked
basketball team earned a number 8 seed in the to us about it maybe being our last game, so we should
Vermont Division II playoffs and a home game for the play every minute like it was the last minute, and that’s
first round of the tournament. This was the first time the what we did,” said Dana.
Lady Cosmos have hosted their opponents since 1998. Despite a 10-point halftime lead the game
The Cosmos, under direction of second-year was close. However, the Cosmos were clutch with their
head coach Brodie LaDue, claimed a hard-fought game free throws, which was the deciding factor. “We did
against the number 9 Milton Yellow Jackets 63-52. really well with our free throws,” said Dana. “Abi did
“It was definitely an advantage [to play at especially well at the end with her free throws.”
home],” said senior captain Desmond Dana. “We had a After their first-round win the Cosmos trav-
lot of fans cheering us on.” eled to take on number 1 seed Lamoille on the Lancer’s
The Cosmos were energetic from the start, home court. The Cosmos put up a good fight but fell
playing their best game of the season. Scoring was 59-29. Sophomore Jill Rushton was the leading scorer
well-distributed for the Cosmos. Junior forward Morgan for the Cosmos with 6 points. Abi Cox scored 18 against Milton.
Johnson led the Cosmos with 19 points while sophomore

G r e e n H o r n pg 17
Sports
The UConn Record and Gender Bias
When Will the Harassment End For Girls?
By Jill Rushton
wise in sports,” said sophomore Kirby Goodrich as she record. If you think about it, even though the teams
considers comparing girls and boys sports. “But they they’re playing aren’t as good they’re not as good,” said
both have the same competitions, so they should be an SHS junior, who prefers to remain anonymous. “It’s
given the same attention.” just as hard as them [UConn] to win that many games
“Honestly, guy sports have a higher advan- than men’s teams. They still work just as hard I bet. Was
tage than girls sports,” added junior Taylor Fountaine. it 88 games? That’s hard for anyone to do.”
“The competition between girls just isn’t as tough as But even after the record was broken, the
guys. Guys just make better plays, like dunking and UConn achievement barely made any appearance on
stuff.” ESPN and the news fizzled out in less than a week.
After beating Florida State for their 89th Even though television ratings for women’s
straight win, the UConn women’s basketball team broke sports do not match ratings for men’s sports, Title IX
the UCLA men’s college record of 88 straight wins. But boosted women’s sports decades ago. Title IX, which
after losing to Stanford 59-71, nine days later the game was became law in 1972, required federally-funded
arguments concerning whether the record should be institutions to give equal support to men’s and women’s
separated into two separate records, since the competi- sports.
tion is not the same. One example of Title IX’s influence could
“I think that the UConn [womens] team be seen during the 1999 Women’s World Cup, which
earned it and that they deserve to be awarded with the brought 650,000 fans to stadiums across the United
Megan Courchesne kicks aside the streak,” said sophomore Jacob Therrien. “But I would States during the tournament’s 32 matches, with 40
stereotype about girls in sports. really like to see them play against a boys championship million fans watching at home during the final. Ironi-
team, just to show people that it’s not the same.”

T See Harassment page 22

he classic Gatorade commercial from the 90s “Yeah, of course they should keep their
features women’s soccer sensation Mia Hamm

Dance Factory Avoids

challenging basketball legend Michael Jordan
to a series of sports contests which include tennis, bas-
ketball, soccer, track, and fencing. In the commercial,
Hamm sings Irving Berlin’s famous lyrics “Anything

Industry Standards
you can do, I can do better.” In response, Jordan sings
back “No, you can’t.”
Although this was just a commercial, Hamm
and Jordan dramatized an issue in real life: girls mea-
suring up to boys’ athletic abilities. At the end of the By Kelsey Christensen
commercial, Hamm surprises everyone and flips over

J
Jordan, symbolizing that women can be athletic, just enifer Ringer, as the Sugar Plum Fairy, looked as
like men. Maybe with a chug of Gatorade to help. if she’d eaten one sugar plum too many,” wrote
It’s a simple myth we have all grown up with: New York Times dance critic Alistair Macalaulay
girls play dress-up with ribbons and with dolls, while this winter about the New York City Ballet star Jen-
boys play sports. This myth highlights the dilemma of nifer Ringer.
the female athlete, who is often ridiculed for being too “As a dancer, I do put myself out there to be
slow, too clumsy, too delicate. And as the years go on, criticized, and my body is part of my art form,” Ringer,
the put-downs seem to get worse. Now, with male sports who has struggled with eating disorders, responded in a
fans complaining that the UConn women’s basketball statement. “At the same time, I am not overweight.”
team’s winning streak for college basketball deserves No amount of criticism caused Macalaulay
a different inferior category, the problem of equity to retract his statement, however. In a response of his
between girls and boys sports is out in the open again. own, his criticism continued. “If you want to make your
“It’s a problem because more people go to appearance irrelevant to criticism,” he shot back. “Do
guys competitions than girls,” said junior Taylor Foun- not choose ballet as a career.”
taine. “Guys games are faster and there’s more excite- Macaulay’s criticism represented poor tim-
ment. I think that’s why girls sports get ridiculed.” ing. The film Black Swan, a sensation in the media,
The major difference between male sports chronicles, among other things, dancer Nina Sayers’
and female sports may be based on the supposition (Natalie Portman) struggle with the body standards
that men can do more than women. Men have more
Ballerinas at the Dance Factory, in-
among ballerinas. For this role, Portman dropped 20
muscular strength and endurance, perhaps making them pounds. structed by Ashley Hensel-Browning,
more athletic. For example, according to statistics from Local dance teachers have their own view represent a variety of body types.
www.faqs.org, “Men tend to have a lower percentage of this collision between dancer and critic. “Pure clas-
body fat than women with similar training and athletic sical dance has the most stringent requirements for a arms and legs, long neck and a fairly small head. The
capabilities; an extremely elite fit male 100-m sprinter professional career,” said Springfield Dance Factory slender physique is often a standard from company to
may have a percentage body fat as low as 5% to 7%; owner and instructor Susan Hagan. “Much is made of
an elite female will rarely achieve a 7% level.” the fact that ballerinas have slender bodies with long See Dance page 23
“I don’t think they can be compared record

pg 18 G r e e n H o r n
 Health
Granola Girls
Ben Does Life
By Alexis Locke & Maria Stern

T
elevision and Internet are filled with scams His secret? He did life and he ran.
claiming extreme weight loss simply by eating Ben’s journey is chronicled through his You-
“perfectly portioned meals” or by taking a pill. Tube video and blog, BenDoesLife.tumblr.com. Ben’s
Before and after pictures are shown with claims of im- first step to weight loss was the decision to change his
mediate results that will help you get that trophy body lifestyle. He achieved his goal through running. Initially
that you have always dreamed of. Most of these appeals he started small by running short distances, then built
are scams. What you don’t see is the fine print at the up to a 5K. In 2010, he ran the Boston Marathon. He
bottom of the ad, and what they don’t tell you is that has also competed in an Ironman, which combines a 1.2
if the diet is successful your new weight is difficult to mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run.
maintain once off the plan. The Jenny Craig Diet, South After his decision on December 25, 2008,
Beach Diet, Weight Watchers, and Atkins Diet all offer to lose weight Ben weighed in on January 1, 2009 at
success to members who must purchase meals and meal 358 pounds. He worked to improve his running times,
plans from the company. These plans suggest that creat- which in turn led to more efficient miles and a happier
ing one's own meals may be efficient and cost effective, lifestyle. He documents these statistics on his blog to
yet may lead a dieter astray from the diet. exemplify his progress.
Recently, Ben Davis, son of Springfield High We find inspiration in Ben’s story and hope
School teacher John Davis, brought his story of diet suc- that you do too. Even if you’re not looking to lose
cess to SHS. Ben’s story started with depression, and weight, Ben's work ethic should be admired. Stories Jenny Craig. Another testimonial for
a decision to change his life. Over two years later, Ben like his reflect true success, unlike weight-loss ads you weight loss. Another fake?
is 127 pounds lighter, and most important, happier. see on television.

A 130-lb Journey
Ben Does Life Comes
to SHS
By Jenn Stein

and health fans, Davis in- If people had the right knowledge and made the right
tends to spread the word choices [food wise] he insisted Americans could be a
about living healthier. lot healthier and feel better about themselves.
After training With his brother and father at his side, Davis
with brother Jed Davis said, “I was not in it alone. You can cancel on yourself,
Ben Davis lost 130 pounds in just over two years. and his father, Spring- but not [the friends and family] around you.”
field PVP teacher John Davis sought to inspire listeners with a

D
epressed and obese, Ben Davis lost a girlfriend Davis, this family team competed in 5Ks, half mara- single, stark message. “If you want to do something,
and was pressed by his grandmother to lead a thons, marathons, and an Ironman (a triathlon held in do it,” he said. “Don’t worry about the image or the
healthier life in December 2008. He decided it Kentucky). Davis started his blog, Ben Does Life on consequences, just do it well and better yourself.”
was time for him to feel good again, inside and out. So Tumblr to assure that he would stay on track, since other Father John Davis echoed his son Ben.
he ran. He ran to feel happier, get healthy, and to please people, including his grandmother, would be reading “People think it’s about eating right, or exercising,
as he fondly called her, Meemaw. about his weight loss journey. Davis couldn’t disappoint which is all a part of what we do," he said. "But the
On Friday, February 4th, Ben Davis dis- these people in his life. Thus he stayed accountable. most important part is community.”
cussed his weight loss with Precision Valley Program It’s been two years and two months since the A proud father, John Davis was happy to be a
students and Springfield High School gym students in 358-pound, 5’ 11” Davis started shedding the weight. part of Ben’s transformation and delighted they can train
the SHS Library. His weight in early February 2011 was about 230 together. As both insisted in February, it’s important to
“It’s not about me now," Davis said. "At pounds. Davis is comfortable with his weight now. have someone there to help with changes. This fact of
first it was losing the weight. But now it’s about helping During his talk, Davis suggested that people self-improvement compelled the Davis family to share
others.” By talking to high school and college students may gain weight because of a lack of health education. their story with SHS and PVP students and the world.

G r e e n H o r n pg 19
Chinese from page 11 peaches, plum blossoms, Buddhas and sayings that are dessert. Traditional Chinese New Year desserts consist
good luck to the Chinese. These little red envelopes are of almond cookies and pink and yellow sponge cake,
The use of knives before Chinese New Year is consid- filled with money and given to the children in the family which are supposed to bring good luck. They are called
ered to be bad luck. In many homes, a platter with either so they will be rich and prosperous during the coming Nián gāo, which in Chinese means “higher year.”
five meats or vegetables is served. This dish is called year. Of course, you must be humble and not take the The celebration goes into the early hours of
“the five blessings of the new year.” It is supposed to money at first. Once one’s relatives have pestered you the morning, with family talking little nibbles of left-
bring longevity, peace, riches, wisdom and virtue. enough to take the money, you finally accept the offer- over food here and there. After you can barely walk from
After greetings, one is seated and begin to ing. all the food you’ve eaten and you are in a slight coma,
enjoy the food. Then the little red envelopes start coming After dinner has been consumed and enve- it’s time to go home, hop in your bed, and rest up for
out. The envelopes are decorated with various things, lopes have been passed out, my favorite event occurs: next year’s celebration.

Fact from page 14 me, you are one of very few. Cherish it, because it may it’s so important.
5. Not everything has to be nice. Sometimes the only not come around again. 9. People change. Things happen, people move. Friends
way to get people to listen to you is to be mean. People 7. Do what you feel. If you want to go to California, become enemies, couples break up. People will come
won’t listen to you if you’re not stern. I admit I’m then hop on a plane and head over. Don’t get pressured in and out of your life more than planes at an airport.
mean. Not like a bully, but if people need to be doing into something you don’t want to do. If you can’t do You’ll meet so many people, and each will have their
something, they need to do it. The only way to really something with passion and perseverance, then don’t own impact on your life. I’ve learned so much from
hammer that in is to be forceful. I guess it’s more of do it. Do what makes you happy and is important to my friends, and people I’ve been close to. I don’t speak
being bossy than mean. you. Live your life for yourself. You shouldn’t be liv- with some of those people anymore, but I am who I am
6. Don’t apologize. I apologize very seldom, and when ing for someone else. You should be yourself all the today because of them.
I do it’s sincere. I only apologize for things I truly feel time, doing what you feel is right. Your style should 10. Love will come. It just takes time. It will happen
bad about. I will not apologize to someone if they took be your own. Your voice should be your own. Do you when you’re ready. Not everyone has a relationship in
what I said the wrong way. I can’t even give an example what you feel. high school, others marry their high school sweethearts.
of when I would apologize about, because I do it so spar- 8. Don’t lie to your mom. I can’t lie to my mom. I feel Just let fate take hold. Take each day by itself not think-
ingly. It’s not that I always think I’m right, but when I extreme guilt, I get sick to my stomach, and I just can’t ing about the past or the future. The past is the past, and
say something I mean it. Why would you apologize for do it. She gave me life, and I appreciate her for it. She you can’t change it. Go with the flow. You’ll get there
something you mean? If you ever get an apology from doesn’t deserve to be lied to. Just appreciate your mom, eventually. Stay fly.

Spanish from page 4

influence of Hispanic culture in America, teachers and high school without any basis in Spanish and that makes
language to students’ understanding of the importance administrators feel that Spanish education should begin learning more difficult.”
of Spanish in their academic career. In addition, Barreda at a younger age, a belief that has many advantages for Presently in Springfield, Spanish education
emphasizes how easy learning Spanish is due to the high learners. begins in sixth grade with an introductory course. In
number of cognates (words that are similar in English) “Research has been clear for many years that later years, students have the choice to continue learning
in the language. For example, can you guess what the language acquisition and automaticity is much easier the language.
word importante means? when students are younger due to language development Though this is the only option currently of-
The popularity of the language will even in the brain,” said Springfield School District Assistant fered, administrators are hoping to expand the language
continue to grow in the 2011-2012 school year as fewer Superintendent and Curriculum Coordinator Vincent program. “The superintendent and I have advocated for
language classes are offered. Beginning in the fall of Hawkins, a strong advocate for language education, in years starting an elementary program," said Hawkins in
2011, students will no longer be able to take French I an email. Therefore, a student beginning their educa- an email. "Budget considerations at this time, however,
as a result of small classes in the subject. A part-time tion in foreign languages at a younger age has a better cannot entertain that."
instructor will teach the upper level French classes. chance of fluency in that language than one beginning Though it may be some time before Spanish
“The French program is under-populated,” in high school. becomes a staple in the elementary curriculum, Barreda
explained SHS Principal Bob Thibault. “French num- Barreda feels the spread of Spanish education hopes that students available to Spanish classes are en-
bers have been declining.” into younger grades is not only advantageous but also couraged to study the language. From there, the beauty
“School districts are encouraged to only offer necessary. and ease of the language will speak for itself.
classes with high enrollment as a cost-cutting mission,” “The best way to start is in kindergarten as “If it’s mandatory for 1-2 years, students will
added Root. in Europe where kids are required to learn English from continue,” Barreda concluded.
Because of these reasons, and the growing elementary school,” said Barreda. “Some students go to

College from page 11 and suck out the air. This forces clothes into a thin layer suggests a flash drive as a mobile storage device.
that fits into a drawer. Other, more strange necessities exist for
a janitorial service like the residence hall bathrooms To make sure you get the most space out of college, such as a fish bowl. Fish may be the perfect pet
will be, so bring shower shoes if you don’t think you’ll your tiny room, plan with your roommate. Some schools for dorm life. An extra table. Your college will provide
clean regularly. Most people use flip-flops as shower rent out mini-refrigerators to students so you don’t have you with a desk, bed, and a dresser. You don’t get much
shoes. Old Navy has flip-flops that cost $1.00-$2.00. to bring one with you. Plan on who will bring what. If else. Clorox wipes. College dorms get dirty quick. Give
“Prepare yourself for the showers,” said you and your roommate decide to do any decorating in your laptop and door handles a quick swipe to get rid of
Rinder. “Bring shower shoes, a shower caddy, a bathrobe your room, wait until you move in. You won’t know if germs. Bed risers. Dorm beds can be low to the ground,
or extra big towel for walking to and from the shower you have cinder block or sheetrock walls, and if you so you might want to invest in a few bed risers to make
down the halls.” Remember you will be walking down do have sheetrock walls you may not be allowed to use yourself more comfortable.
the hall after you shower to get back to your dorm and tacks. Once you both are settled in, shop--Target might Remember, you’re not at home. You can’t
your hall may be co-ed. Cover up. be great for this--for decorations and supplies. just grab a bowl and spoon out of the cupboard for a
Consider weather when packing for col- “Another storage item I would suggest is quick midnight cereal run. Bring inexpensive plastic
lege. It will get chilly before your first visit home in some kind of mini bin, or box to stash all your chargers, dishware such as plates, knives, spoons, forks, and
mid-October. Pack up summer clothes, dresses, shorts, and cords,” said Rinder. “Keep all of them in one place bowls. Tissues will not be on your bathroom counter,
tee-shirts, a few pairs of jeans, and a couple sweaters. so you don't misplace them. When your laptop is down and when you run out of shampoo it’s not going to be
Depending on your major, bring a nice outfit. You never to 10% battery life while typing a paper, you'll want to magically replaced. When you go to college, you have
know when you may interview for an internship. Rinder know exactly where the charger is.” to take care of yourself. Things you take for granted
opposes packing one's entire closet. But for those who Most college students purchase laptops to --like tissues--won’t be bought for you.
need many options, put your clothes in a few Space Bags bring to school. A printer may also be useful. Bolaski

pg 20 G r e e n H o r n
Online from page 1 Both she and Sheldon disliked online learn- preparation for the AP test in May. At first she thought
said, since she has to do her own research without an ing because of the absence of a physical teacher. This the class was ideal, “but then it got immensely hard,”
instructor available to help. led to her decision to drop the course. she said. She found it difficult to ask questions, group
Freshman Chelsey Harmer also persevered in “I like having a teacher,” said Sheldon. discussions were redundant, and she had no previous
her VHS class despite being three weeks behind at the “I’d rather have a teacher,” said Bargfrede. experience with DBQs. In addition, all work was due
start of the year. She took Spanish I online in addition “It’s more stable and a steady program.” on Tuesday before 11:59 pm.
taking Spanish II at SHS. Harmer doubled up, as she Jardina has found teaching online challeng- “It was just too easy to put it off until the
said, “so I get the language down and can use it later in ing. “It’s like being a first-year teacher all over again,” last day because there was only one due date a week,”
life.” he said. Jardina is responsible for assigning and grad- Christensen said.
The procedure used to participate in an ing lessons. He uses Skype, email, and phone calls to SHS junior Olivia Thayer uses Virtual High
online language is a little more complex than in the motivate his students, because “it’s so easy to put that School to get ahead for college. She plans to major in
classroom. “We have to record our voices saying certain virtual world away.” secondary education with a double major in history
assignments and send [them] and she grades them on Jardina’s AP US History class is taught and English. To be best prepared, she is doubling up
pronunciation,” Harmer said. She uses Garage Band, through VTVLC. All his students come from Vermont, on these courses at SHS. Thayer is enrolled in both
which all the computers at school are equipped with, and some are SHS students. “I do have some Springfield American Studies at SHS and AP US History on VHS
to perform this task. students,” he said. “They don’t take advantage of seeing since the course is not offered at SHS. VHS’s scheduling
Harmer appreciates the dedication of her me. I hope they start to.” flexibility allowed it to fit into her schedule.
instructor. “Sometimes she calls the house to talk to SHS senior Kelsey Christensen also dropped “In a way, I like it more because you are
us,” she said. “She’s really nice.” Harmer can also have her online class, after giving it a few months. “I just responsible for your own learning and can work at your
discussions by listening to her classmates’ recordings. really examined how happy I would be without AP own pace,” she said.
“I like it because I’m learning a lot,” she Euro on VHS in my life,” she said. She dropped the “We move really fast, and I wonder if I’ll re-
said. “I think I would do it again next year.” class, despite how it may appear to college admissions tain a lot, but I’m a visual learner, not an audio learner,”
Juniors Larissa Bargfrede and Lucas Sheldon officers. she said of the learning techniques utilized by online
had a brief stint with VTVLC’s Advanced Placement Christensen opted to take AP European His- classes. Her studies are reinforced by her experience in
United States History class, a class previously offered at tory since it is not offered at SHS. “There isn’t really the American Studies classroom.
SHS. The online course is taught by SHS social studies a European History class that lasts a full year that is a “Students are able to take classes beyond
teacher Angelo Jardina. survey class,” she said. what we are able to offer here,” said SHS guidance
“I don’t think the program was set up well Her course required about 50 pages of counselor Heather Toth of the benefits of online classes.
enough,” Bargfrede said. “I’m not sure if it would have reading each week, discussions with classmates, docu- “For the school, that’s an advantage because students
been different if we were taught how to use it.” ment based questions (DBQs) and other activities in are able to take classes that are interesting to them.”

Sex from page 5

even having sex, but the mindset of teens make them Haskell finds that kids have a hard time getting access to control as well as have condoms handy for kids who
feel as though they should be or they aren’t cool. different types of birth control since Planned Parenthood need them.”
Many students find that being sexually active closed in Springfield. However, Physical Education teacher Joe
in high school is something that should be illegal. And Planned Parenthood closed in Springfield Brown believes that giving out condoms will encourage
some adults remember a time where sex only happened because of the economy, which troubles most non-profit teens to have sex. “Sex should be sacred and special,”
when two people were married. Lately, there’s a disturb- organizations. This organization can still be found in he said,” not just a physical activity.”
ing trend of younger and younger people having sex. nearby towns, such as Brattleboro and Claremont, with Teens may have sex because they convince
“Babies having babies” is what seems to be the term for 10 locations throughout Vermont. Haskell believes there themselves that their friends are having sex, though
it. Senior Courtney Downing thinks that based on the could be alternatives to Planned Parenthood, perhaps the nothing may be going on. Communication needs to
population of students at SHS, the pregnancy rate is too nurses being supplied with condoms that students could happen in order to fix this problem. If more teens spoke
high. The SHS nurses only see the students who have pick up when needed. to each other about whether or not they actually have
problems or need questions answered. They don’t see In fact, SHS nurse Wendy Reeves would be sex, less sex might happen.
the people who are practicing safe sex. Although they willing to dispense condoms. “ Whether or not birth “The physical and emotional risks of having
don’t see an overwhelming amount of people who don’t control is provided, kids are going to have sex,” she sex are never a consideration for teens,” Haskell said.
know how to be safe, they know there are more people said. “They think they won’t get a disease, and don’t foresee
who are safe or just aren’t asking for help. Next year a health clinic should be in opera- emotional damage it [having sex] has.”
Teens having sex is one thing. Unprotected tion at the high school. “The health clinic is supposed to “Teenagers need to worry about other things
sex is another. Everywhere you look, it seems, young have doctors come in a couple days during the week,” than sex,” concluded Brown.” Like their relationships
girls are having more babies. SHS health teacher Ruth Reeves said. “The doctors will be able to prescribe birth with their friends and family.”

Bathrooms from page 12 their funding request was taken out before the budget
was finalized in January. Additionally, the maintenance
ism] took place.”
Graffiti is commonly found in both the boys’
nity doesn’t care about them, when we do care about staff intends to paint the bathrooms over the summer. and girls’ bathrooms. In the girls’ bathroom, vulgar
them.” “I think the bathrooms are bad partly because of the language pertaining to sexual activities is often found in
However, the biggest obstacle to repairing students writing on the walls,” said one custodian who the stalls. Graffiti convinces some SHS students to avoid
the bathrooms appears to be a lack of money. “What preferred to remain anonymous. “And also because they the bathrooms altogether. “I don’t use the bathrooms
you are witnessing is what a lack of funds can do to are old and need replacing.” here because they are disgusting,” said senior Cody
a building,” said social studies teacher Dave Slivka, Whether or not they have adversely affected Kimball.
whose classroom is located near the student bathrooms the bathrooms, a few acts of vandalism have managed With bathroom repairs out of the budget
in the C200s wing of the school. “The bathrooms are to catch the attention of some students using the facili- picture, it’s up to students to make the best of the bath-
well maintained during the day, cleaned every night, ties. One act of vandalism involved a swastika that was rooms that they can. Educators suggest that students can
and let’s just hope they repair the roof. If they don't, drawn in the boys' bathroom on the second floor in early help stop vandalism in the bathrooms by reporting such
the bathrooms will be the least of our problems.” January. Underneath this act of graffiti was the statement incidents to staff members. “ The bathrooms need to be
The high school maintenance staff had bud- “Hitler Rulez.” better monitored by the teaching staff and students,”
geted for sinks and partition walls for the bathrooms on “We, as administrators, are worried about said social studies teacher Angelo Jardina. “If students
the second floor and the bathrooms in the basement. But this [graffiti],” said McLaughlin. “But are not sure how start to report the problems when they begin, teachers
to pursue this without knowing what time this [vandal- can intervene sooner and stop the vandalism.”

G r e e n H o r n pg 21
Carnival from page 1
help students bond as a class.” organization, and student attendance. The SHS Student
that it would create a sense of community throughout “Everyone is more into it and involved [in Council looked at feedback collected from students
Springfield High School. the activities] when there is something to gain, and we about last year’s Winter Carnival, and used that infor-
“I think a lot of students complain about think friendly competition adds a little twist to it [the mation to create a more organized and exciting Winter
school not being fun and there not being a lot to do in Winter Carnival],” Vredenburgh said previous to the Carnival for the 2010-11 school year.
school,” SHS Student Council member and senior Sarah Winter Carnival. “Our goal this year was to improve organiza-
Vredenburgh said. “By having the Winter Carnival, we The Winter Carnival was an annual tradition tion,” Goddard said before the Winter Carnival. “Last
are trying to change the school’s atmosphere to a more at Springfield High School about twenty to thirty years year was our first year [organizing the Winter Carnival]
positive one.” ago, and it appeared to be a popular event at SHS. and we weren’t very organized. So hopefully we will
“We are trying to encourage school spirit,” “Winter Carnival used to be a big feature of be more prepared this year.”
SHS Student Council member and senior Chelsea the SHS school year. Talking to some veteran teachers Overall, the SHS Student Council and faculty
Howland said. and looking through the yearbooks from 20 and 30 years hoped that by having the Winter Carnival, it would give
Students were encouraged to wear their class ago, it looks like teachers and students were having tons students a chance to bond with their classmates, and see
colors on the day of the carnival, and the activities were of fun,” Springfield High School English teacher and that school can be fun.
organized as competitions between classes to give the SHS Student Council advisor Kevin Coen stated via “By having the Winter Carnival, we are
activities a fun, competitive edge. email. “Where'd that tradition go? We're not sure, but building community in our school, we want to balance
“Kids get into competition,” Springfield we hope to bring that back to SHS.” academic and social learning, and we want to rebuild
High School Student Council Advisor Liz Goddard said The Springfield High School Winter Carnival some traditions that have been lost at SHS,” Coen
before the Winter Carnival. “And we hope that it will returned to SHS last school year, but it lacked strong said.

Harassment from page 18 harassed on a daily basis. With this attitude so apparent, men’s sports.”
girls sports at SHS, which include field hockey, basket- No matter the negative opinions about the
cally most of the players that comprised these teams, ball, soccer, tennis and softball, receive less attention UConn record or girls sports, girls are still strongly
including Mia Hamm, were born at the same time the than boys sports. supported. “I think sports for girls are extremely impor-
law was passed. “I’ve heard a lot of jokes being said about tant no matter what sport they enjoy," concluded SHS
“Girls sports aren’t treated the same as guys, girls sports by different boys sport teams,” said Haskell. Athletic Director Nicole Therrien. "They are going to
but they should be,” said senior SHS athlete Jessie “Every team has bad years. It has nothing to do with get many benefits from playing. Through sports, girls
Haskell, who plays field hockey and softball. “We play gender.” can learn many life lessons that are very helpful to
different teams, but just at a different level.” “In all seriousness, I have made fun of girl's them--teamwork, responsibility, organization, time man-
More vulgar sexist harassment not only oc- sports many times because they just aren’t as intense,” agement, goal setting, decision making, socialization
curs among adults who watch professional and college said an anonymous Cosmos fan. “Like you kid around and comminication skills--not to mention the healthy
sports on television. Many harsh comments are heard with your friends and stuff, it’s kind of like discrimina- benefits and friendships.”
among teenagers, some of whom have been verbally tion. Women’s sports just aren’t as fast or aggressive as

Colloquial from page 14 Valentine's from page 7 Snuggies from page 9

of composition. Linguists are declaring that it’s often to express love. “It’s hard to tell someone how you feel blanket, one thing cannot be denied. They are more
okay to end a sentence in a preposition. And that’s all without it being awkward,” said Blake. “Lyrics in songs comfy than that annoying blanket that won’t ever let
very frightening. But, The Elements of Style is not going are an easy way to express how you feel.” your hands free unless your pry it off completely. Snug-
to shatter if you spare the next student who, urgently “It’s a time of caring,” said Freitas. “It brings gies are a very practical and intuitive device but as the
dancing about and distracted by their need for bladder out the passionate side of people.” Whether students saying goes, “Keep your friends close but keep your
relief, asks Can I go to the bathroom? had a special someone or not, many let their passionate enemies closer” and your Snuggie will be very close to
clearly show during the French Club carnation sale. you. Stay safe, these murderous blankets are just looking
Green Horn online: www.ssdvt.org They seemed ready to stand with the Valentine against for some sap to come along and embrace their deadly
Emperor Claudius on this day celebrating the magic of warmth.
Panorama from page 15
When asked if he had a favorite color that he versatile and carefree art out there. Kids don’t worry
feelings and let their heart spill into their work. I asked liked to use in his work, he happily answered, “Every about criticism, or who does or does not like what
Dedrick if he preferred to draw or paint most when he color!” they’ve produced. Essentially, to a child, if it goes on
was happy, sad, mad, or if his mood even really made This conversation started turning the gears the fridge--and it will--they’re happy.
a difference at all. in my mind. Even if they don’t know it, kids put a great Life would be easier if people could be satis-
“It doesn’t matter,” Dedrick replied. “I think deal of themselves into everything they make. Their fied that easily. Unfortunately, the household refrigerator
I draw better when I’m happy, though.” unbiased and curious minds flow from their hands to the is no longer an acceptable showcase for mature artists.
Dedrick mentioned that although he enjoys paper to the world, and what they’re thinking or feeling They strive and persevere and sweat to have their work
creating pictures for family and friends, he usually likes can sometimes easily be observed in their art. hanging on the walls of prestigious museums. To me,
to draw for himself most of the time. I feel as though children’s art is the most though, fridge? Museum? What’s the difference?

Footprints from page 24

Weezy. She came home and thought that she had made it Snook had eventually separated and Gram began life
My Great Grandpa Andy passed away in March 1995. back undetected. There was no way she could be caught, as a single mom, working hard and caring for her kids.
Grandma Weezy and Grandpa Andy certainly had their or so she thought. Her feelings soon changed when she Gram certainly did an amazing job with both of her kids.
hands full with Grandma Weezy and Grandma Linda got to the top of the stairs to see Grandma Weezy waiting She has three grandkids(me being her favorite, naturally)
and her siblings. for her in Grandpa Andy’s bathrobe in order to blend and one more on the way. My Auntie Jen and Uncle Lou
The Hanson children were clearly associated in with the dark of night. Needless to say, Gram almost are in the middle of adopting a child from Korea, which
with trouble, or mischief. Whether it was, pulling fire had a heart attack. Once again she had been caught on will make her a gram once again.
alarms, setting the forest on fire or dropping one another Weezy radar. Living with my gram is amazing. I couldn’t
down the heating vent, more often than not, trouble was At the age of 20 Grandma Linda had my ask for a better role model. Her wisdom and caring
being made and the wrongdoers were usually being Auntie Jen and four years later she had my dad, Matt, is something I hope to obtain someday. My gram is,
caught in their crimes. One night as a teenager Gram had and the tradition continued. Gram had her hands full without a doubt, not only the person I admire the most,
ventured out with a lack of permission from Grandma with both of them. Grandma Linda and my Grandpa she’s my best friend.

pg 22 G r e e n H o r n
 dance, I've been accustomed to working with all kind eating habits or your appearance. We’re there to have
Dance from page 18 of bodies.” However, both Hagan and Hensel-Browning fun.”
assert that attitude about weight has remained strict in “They’re very open all body types,” Lynch
company.” Often, the demands of body type depend on the professional ballet world. added. She feels Dance Factory instructors want pupils
the choreographer. Springfield’s dance studio, The Dance Fac- to feel beautiful because they are so passionate about
Codi Lynch, a member of the Springfield tory, avoids this reality of professional dance. “I like the craft. Mariama Roldan, a student of jazz, ballet, and
High School dance team, thinks the standards surround- to believe that the Dance Factory creates a safe space modern dance at the Dance Factory, echoes this perspec-
ing body type is too high. “Professionally, dance isn’t for people of all body types,” said Hensel-Browning, tive. “At the dance factory there’s not one perfect body
about feeling good about yourself,” she said. “It’s about who teaches Modern Dance and Jazz/Hop-hop, as well type,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what you look like.
making the company look good.” as ballet at the studio. She believes that dance creates It matters how you perform.”
“Dance is hard,” said Lauren Fountain, who a healthy relationship with one’s body, not a disorderly Hagan was worked to enforce this attitude at
studies tap, jazz, ballet, and modern dance at the Dance one. “Believing and seeing your body as capable and her studio. “Often in dance these students have bodies
Factory. “You see all these prima ballerinas who are stick strong will naturally encourage healthy habits and a that make it easier to study the art,” said Hagan. “But
figures and it’s hard to compare yourself to that.” positive body image,” she said. body type should never stop an individual from experi-
Before this Times debate about body type in Lynch has benefited from this effect of dance. encing and studying dance.” Hagan never rewards roles
ballet, one would have figured that American society had “When you dance, you push your body to the limit,” she in performances based on body type.
been growing more enlightened about body image. “I said. “I respect my body more.” “We celebrate the differences in movement
think the dance world has grown to include bodies of all Fountain feels comfortable dancing at the qualities, and personalities of all our performers,” con-
kinds and is more inclusive than ever,” said local dance Dance Factory. “The Dance Factory handles body image cluded Hagan.
instructor Ashley Hensel-Browning. “As a modern really well,” she said. “They don’t critique you on your
Marijuana from page 12 ers. According to data with the Vermont Department of sentence and a $10,000 fine for selling less than half
status worsens the fabric of American society. Corrections, the annual cost of incarceration for one an ounce.
Marijuana is not without health benefits, person is $149 per day, as of 2010. In Vermont prison Purchasing marijuana illegally can be dan-
exemplified with its medicinal availability in a grow- facilities, there are 367 inmates incarcerated for drug gerous; if you buy some from an unprofessional dealer,
ing number of states. www.drugpolicy.org, along with misdemeanors and 610 inmates incarcerated for drug there is a chance you could be receiving other drugs as
numerous other sources, states that marijuana prescribed felonies. If only the misdemeanor inmates - marijuana well. This is one of the many concerns that has been
by a licensed caregiver relieves nausea, appetite loss, offenders – were not incarcerated, the state could save repeated over and over by parents and health teachers.
pain and anxiety. Additionally, those being treated for over $10 million annually. Smoking marijuana, of course, has draw-
some serious illnesses such as AIDS, glaucoma, cancer, The penalties for marijuana possession and backs. Inhaling smoke can cause emphysema and lung
multiple sclerosis, epilepsy can find relief from their sale are excessive. The minimum punishment for mari- and throat cancers. Like any drug, marijuana – used
maladies. juana possession in Vermont is a 6-month incarceration to excess - can be abused. It can become addictive.
There are potential financial benefits as well. period and a $500 fine. And that’s of you’re carrying As health officials insist, it is ill-advised to use the
CNN has estimated that based on average consumption 2 ounces or less. If you’re carrying 10 lbs or more, it’s substance to excess. But these negative effects are far
of marijuana in Vermont, Vermont could bring in $2.8 a felony with a 15-year sentence and a $500,000 fine. outweighed by the financial and health benefits of the
million of tax revenue a year from authorized sale of Cultivators would serve a 3 – 15 year sentence with a drug marijuana. An examination of marijuana’s poten-
marijuana. Even more pressing of a financial issue $10,000 - $500,000 fine (depending on the number of tial benefits also causes one to question the American
involves the cost of incarceration for marijuana offend- plants they are growing), while sellers face a 2 year double-standard associated with alcohol.

Fast Food from page 9

sells the grease filled products. Some Springfield High schools and athletic coaches acknowledge the ease and
est obesity rate in the world. Some believe fast food School students offer advice and true facts about the accessibility of the food. After sporting events, such
contributes to America’s obesity rate. Others cannot fast food industry since they work at the restaurants. as games and scrimmages, typically the team will be
resist traveling to the restaurants due to low prices of “I don’t think it’s healthy at all,” said senior brought to a fast food restaurant for a late meal. How-
every day food. fast food employee Brittany Grant-Paul. “It’s all pre- ever, some feel that consumption of fast food sends a
“It’s very accessible,” said White, “especially cooked. And we fry it or put it on the grill then we put negative message towards athletes and teenagers.
because it’s cheap.” it in the cabinet which holds food until someone orders “I know it’s a time crunch,” said field hockey
Part of the strategy for changing the outlook it.” coach Bindy Hathorn, “but I think we should find a
on fast food may involve working at a restaurant hat Although the food is projected as unhealthy, healthier place to eat.”

Liars from page 13 Emily leaves Toby. He is arrested for Ali’s murder, but
cleared. And Emily reveals that she is gay.
The girls also find a videotape of Ali and Ian together
on the night Ali vanished.
In Pretty Little Liars, minor characters deep- Most viewers have no idea about A's identity.
of having a hand in Ali’s disappearance so she could en the plot and add twists in the story. Jenna becomes a Some who have read the Pretty Little Liars series, of
take her spot. After the group fell apart, Hannah became leading suspect in the effort to identify A: she seems to course, know the answers.
more popular and befriended Mona. Hannah’s drama know everything about the girls. Toby Cavinar makes What is it about this twisted and overly
involves shoplifting, her mother’s relationship with the viewers think he possesses a big secret. Could he be dramatized teenage series that has attracted so many
lead detective on Ali’s case, the friendship with bad- boy A? Hannah claims to have seen a boy named Noel at viewers? The Pretty Little Liars Facebook page has al-
Caleb, the loss of her mother’s money and her lifestyle. the scene of her accident. Noel, a friend of Aria’s, saw most four million fans. One cannot check this Facebook
Hannah’s largest contribution to this story came at the Aria and Mr. Fitz in the car together. The girls wonder if news feed on a Monday night without being bombarded
end of the first season when she thought she saw who he could be A, especially when he is at another location by fans' exclamations about Pretty Little Liars. Have
A was, but was hit by a car. Hannah’s drama continues where A has led Hannah. However, could Noel, who we gotten so used to sex, lies, and love that we need
this season. She is A’s puppet to earn money to help was seemingly unimportant in the past year, really be death, crime, and illegal affairs to entertain us? Do we
her mother. A? want a good mystery that leaves us questioning after
Emily: Emily's role in this mystery is based Ian is a final suspect. Ian was Melissa's each episode? Or have producers of Pretty Little Liars
on her relationship with Toby Cavinor, Jenna’s brother. (Spencer’s sister's) boyfriend, but was had an overly simply learned that nothing better is on Monday nights
Jenna was the victim of a prank gone wrong:Ali and flirtatious relationship with Spencer. The girls discover to occupy viewers' time?
the girls ended up setting their garage on fire. Jenna that Ali and Ian knew each other, and had been at the Whatever the explanations for the popular-
was blinded by the accident, and Toby--blamed for the same hotel the weekend before Ali disappeared. Ian had ity of Pretty Little Liars or whoever A turns out to be,
incident--was sent away for a year. When he returned, been best friends with Ali’s brother and had been at their viewers are hooked. Monday night by Monday night,
Toby and Emily become friends, a friendship which hor- house almost all summer. The fight that Spencer and Ali this drama-filled thriller is overtaking the television for
rified the rest of the girls. At the end of the first season, had the night before her disappearance concerned Ian. many teens and adults.

G r e e n H o r n pg 23
 By Laurel Porter
SHS Speaks Out
W
ith the proliferation of snow days this winter, SHS students and staff have been lost in a sea of effervescent white. However, the volume of snow has garnered
mixed reactions: it is enchanting to some and disenheartening to others.With this variety of reactions in mind, the Green Horn asked students and staff: How
does snow make you feel, and what do you do during snow days?

Junior Chelsea Carlton Freshman Alex Hall Sophomore Erika Christman

“I love the snow; it makes me feel happy. I love “It’s cold, so I like staying inside to be warm. I watch “It makes me feel yucky and not happy. On snow
skiing. Snow days, I go sledding and go out and play movies or go on the computer.” days, I watch movies.”
with my little cousins.”

Junior Hali Bailey School Nurse Sierra Kent Network Technician Matt Hanson
“Cold, but I like to explore when I see snow. On snow “It makes me feel happy. It’s very pretty, but then “If I told you, they’d put me in a little padded room.
days I go snowboarding and spend time with family.” I have to shovel. I sleep in, sled, read, and go on Slippers are nice, though. On snow days, I turn my
Facebook.” room into a cave and sleep as long as possible.”

Column Footprints in the Sand

Yo Homes. It's Dubby.
By Courtney Downing
I am currently living with my gram and I love mat for three months. My aunt and uncle were visiting
it. I mean, who wouldn’t? There’s wonderful cooking, one day and my uncle (mister fix-it) decided to take
a great laundry service, and there’s always someone to a look at the dryer and see what he could do to fix it.
talk to. My gram has always been my biggest support After inspecting the dryer, he asked my gram to come
system, through the little decisions I once had to make stand beside him and asked if she had, at any point,
as a child, to the life-changing decisions I have to make considered pushing the start button in order to get
now. the machine to commence. She, in turn, said, “No, I
Due to the decisions I’m forced to make and guess I forgot that minor detail.” Her sense of irony,
my current situation, I have, in fact, grown apart from as always, created humor in this situation.

Y
ou know those friends you’ve had for what my parents. However, my gram has been pushing us Grandma Linda grew up with her mother,
seems like all your life? The ones who are there to stay in contact with one another in order to keep the father, and four siblings in Montpelier, Vermont. Gram
through it all, the good days and the bad. The communication flowing. While this course of behavior was the middle child out of her six siblings, two of
days that fly by and those that seem to drag on for an isn’t my first choice, I’m glad my gram is pushing us whom died in infancy. Today, years later, Grandma
eternity. Those are the best friends. Everyone deserves at to stay in touch. Linda and all her siblings still stay in touch and talk
least one best friend in their lifetime. I’ve had this friend, I find my gram to be a rather humorous on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis. Her younger
who I like to think of as a best friend, who I’ve known woman, and I have a story to illustrate her sense of brother, my Uncle Peter lives in Northfield with
for 18 years. To some she’s known as Linda. Others call humor. About four years ago my gram’s dryer broke. my Aunt Theresa, near my Great Grandma Weezy.
her Grandma D. To me, it’s just gram. Grandma Linda After she did all she could to fix the problem, she finally
is my grandmother and my best friend. threw in the towel and did the laundry at the laundry See Footprints page 22

pg 24 G r e e n H o r n