900 BULLDOG RUNRUN, ROLLA, MO 65401 ROLLA,www.rhsecho.com MO 65401 VOL.VOL. 6364 NO.NO. 62 September FEBRUARY 28, 20122012 Local olympian Chantae McMillan shares her triumph with Rolla b y L a c e y R a p e r she performed well in London. C o p y e d i t o r “At the Olympics, I know that I gave my best in every attempt that Chantae McMillan, a 2006 I made,” McMillan said. “That’s what alumnus made Rolla history as she made me the most happy with my per- competed in the seven-event hep- formance, even though my score didn’t tathlon at the London Olympics this show it.” summer. At the Olympic Trials, she While competing in the hep- placed high enough to move on, land- tathlon, McMillan made many new ing a spot in the competition among friends that all supported each other the world’s top competitors. throughout their Olympic journey. When she was in high school, These friends all came together to McMillan went to state competition, cheer each other on, even when com- placing second in the long jump her peting against one another. freshman year and placing first herso- “Heptathletes are friends,” phomore and junior year. After high McMillan said. “When you line up for school, she moved on to the University a hurdle race, you automatically be- of Nebraska as a member of their track come enemies, but in the hep[tathlon], team. After competing and placing you’re cheering for each other to make third in the heptathlon at Nationals, the next bar in high jump or jump far.” the Olympics started to become a real- McMillan also had the chance ity for her. to compete alongside of her idols. “My last year [in college], we “My idols recently have been had Nationals, but it was for world, so one of my teammates Hyleas Fountain he [University of Nebraksa combined and I was so grateful that I competed events coach Kris Grimes] went to that with her in the heptathlon. That was McMillan and team mates at Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon this summer. with me and it was brought up that I crazy,” McMillan said. Photo courtesy of Public Domain. could still keep training if I could com- Track and Cross Country pete at that level,” McMillan said. Coach Don Knapp and his wife came After Nationals, she trained to support McMillan at the Olympics and in June, went to the Olympic Tri- Trials in Oregon and flew out to see als in Eugene, Oregon, placing third her compete in London. overall, which made her eligible to “That was special,” McMil- move on to the Olympics themselves. lan said. “I’m glad he could go; it was Even though McMillan had a amazing. I didn’t get to actually see knee injury, she still fought through him in London, but just knowing he and competed, despite the pain it was there was really great.” caused her. McMillan also got to be a part “I went to see a doctor back in of the Olympic Opening Ceremony, April, took X-rays and he said, ‘There’s something only a few people ever get no way you should be competing right to experience. now,’” McMillan said. “ You need a “All of the athletes were wait- scope A.S.A.P. But the doctor was like, ing for two hours outside in the village ‘We don’t have time for that.’” . and we were all dressed and taking The doctor gave McMillan pictures together, every athlete from medicine for the pain, gave her some every sport taking tons of pic[ture]s,” jelly shots and gave her the all clear to McMillan said. Finally, they’re like, compete. ‘It’s your turn to go,’ so we all start “It was a pain that I could heading that way and it still takes for- McMillan being interviewed by Gage Scurlock and Katie Williams at tolerate,” McMillan said. ever to get to the actual stadium and the RHS football field. Photo by Morgan Westover. McMillan thought that overall, once we got there…” See Chantae pg.3 Homecoming Queen to be crowned tonight This year’s homecom- ing candidates are as followed from left to right; Shakira Gonzalez escorted by Alex Mc- Cormack, Megan Fuller escorted by Michael Steelman, Jacee Wood escorted by Thomas Ceja, Eliza Burdett escorted by Michael Janke, Andrea Zalis escorted by Tim Hogan and Boh Rafter escort- ed by Jacob Siehr.

The homecoming game is tonight against the Camdenton Lakers.

The dance will be held at Rolla Middle School tomorrow night

All photos courtesy of Kris Wood 2 NEWS FEATURE OPINION SPORTS A&E iPads, Netbooks roll into classes Media Center to host author talk

b y i q r a c h o u d h r y sound system and wireless micro- b y a a r i k a f r o e h l i c h that person and they come out with a m a n a g i n g e d i t o r = phones. This will allow them to create r e p o r t e r new book; usually I try to get that too,” Shields said. Many technological advance- video lessons for students who were absent or chose to review the mate- The library may not seem Shields is planning to make ments are still being made through- like a very interesting place to most use of modern technology for the out the school. The old equipment is rial,” Spurgeon said. The new technological ad- students, but the library hosts many library, by making the library more being renovated and new equipment fascinating events every year, includ- technologically friendly. is being added to the building. vancements include testing technol- ogy by the hands of students. ing an author Elizabeth Scott coming “I would love to be able to “Fifteen classrooms now have to visit and speak about her books. have, not necessarily a smart board, an interactive projection. This turns “There is an iPad cart and netbook cart that will be shared “We have the Poetry Jam and but a projector so I can be showing a white regular marker board into a I’m trying to get the Shakespeare Fes- the book trailers that I have on My smart board like surface, so that only among the five classrooms brought over within the next week. Teachers tival, but we’ll see about that,” Library Big Campus. Just like advertising the projector is needed rather than Media Specialist Jessie Shields said. for books, like commercials. I would a smart board device. It operates will be using district provided apps for note taking, research and fact Also, Shields is the mind be- love to be able to have IPads in here. with usage of a special marker pen,” hind Bulldog Toilet Talk. She spends I do have Kindles right now, but I’m Instructional Technical Facilitator memorization,” Spurgeon said. Administrators are also some time reading most of the books limited on the number of those we can Brenda Spurgeon said. for this popular read. have, so not a lot of people can check New types of equipment incorporating technology in their regular schedule. “Usually I do. I put a list of them out at one time. I would actually are being introduced to the IT Tech the new arrivals and people watch that like to have more computers,” Shields Classrooms to see what benefits stu- “Five of our teachers plus administrators have iPads. The ad- for books that are in a series, and are said. dents in a learning environment. coming back out,” Shields said. The Kindle checkout process “The five teachers in the IT ministrators are using their iPads for walk through evaluations. For teacher The library has changed a is actually quite simple. Tech Classrooms are: Lueck, Rose, lot since it was first established. A lot “You have to have something Hammond, Warnke and Day. They evaluations, they can keep notes on iPads rather than writing them down of work goes into the upkeep of this signed by a parent, because they are are a part of the IT mobile device library. pretty costly, saying that you realize academy pilot project evaluating on pen and paper,” Spurgeon said. Technological advancements are still “I try to run it like a book that if something is damaged that you effectiveness of technology in class- store. I try to have stuff that kids are are going to have to pay for it, or buy rooms. All of their classrooms have in the works throughout the school. “One new computer lab, in going to want to read, it’s going to a new one, and then you just check it the Lumen Ladibug 190 document keep you coming back, with or without out. You can’t download anything to it, cameras that allow teachers to direct room 231, will open by the end of the month,” Spurgeon said. A.R. requirements. I just want every- I download everything onto it. But yes, project images directly from an object one to love to read. That’s my goal,” you just check it out,” Shields said. or document. They can record videos The building will still continue going through technology changes for a Shields said. Also, the library offers many through their document cameras and To keep up on which books snack and beverage selections all capture images too,” Spurgeon said. few months until all the new ad- vancements are added and working. are currently popular, Shields does her throughout the day like muffins, The IT Tech Classrooms also fair share of research. crackers, and tea. This money goes are testing new methods of teach- Overall, the goal is to have technology incorporated into the learning system “There are several blogs that straight back to the library. ing with the availability of recording I follow like Teen Read, websites that “A lot of people want to know video lessons. while maintaining a balanced envi- ronment for students to learn. teens actually post stuff on there, like like where the money goes, from the “They also have a built in this is a good book. I trust them. They snacks. Really, it goes right back to are your age and if they like it there you guys in movies, books, magazines, are going to be at least a few people couches, you know stuff like that,” here that will too. I watch Amazon for Shields said. the new releases. Series books are very The library is full of things to popular right now. And I follow popu- do, and hopefully many more things to lar authors, if you like something by come.

photo by Morgan Westover Tri-Rivers Family Planning, Inc. Birth Control & Sexual Healthcare

1032 B Kingshighway, PO Box 359 Rolla, MO 65402 St. James Distribution Center 1100 Matlock Drive Saint James, MO 65559-9026 573-265-4800 573.364.1509 NEWS FEATURE OPINION SPORTS A&E 3

Petition for decriminalization of marijuana may bring changes to Springfield,MO City Code

b y m o r g a n w e s t o v e r for marijuana in Springfield is $1000. On August 13, the Springfield Councilwoman Rushefky a r t s & entertainment e d i t o r Chapter 78, Article VI would make City Council held a meeting to discuss believes that illegal initiative processes A citizen initiative petition for the maximum fine $150 and require the petition. are costing the city too much money. the decriminalization of marijuana in the expungement of a person’s record City Manager Greg Burris The estimated cost for the election to the city of Springfield, Mo. was sub- after two years. Instead of someone informed the council they can approve approve or deny the ordinance is set at mitted to the Springfield City Council being arrested and imprisoned, the the petition or send it to the Novem- $183,000. on June 30 of this year. imposition of a sentence would be ber election. He said the petition was Dr. Gil Mobley, along with The petition would change suspend and/or require community proposed by a citizens group and is seven other Springfield citizens were Chapter 78 of Springfield City Code, service and drug counseling educa- identical to the Columbia ordinance. present at the council meeting in sup- restricting the powers of Springfield tion. This ordinance also requests However, there are significant differ- port of the proposed ordinance. Police Department, City Prosecutor, a Citizen’s Oversight Committee to ences between the two. The maximum All medical concerns in rela- and City Municipal court in the pro- review how the ordinance is being fine in Columba is $250 and there is tion to marijuana were directed at cessing and adjudication of marijua- implemented. no requirement for a citizen’s over- Dr. Mobley. He said, “When a person na-related offenses. Section F of the petition sight committee. Burris also accused ingests marijuana orally or by smok- The petition adds provisions states, “The message of this ordinance the petition of being facially invalid. ing it, there is an inactive THC that to Chapter 78, Article VI, making is not that people should use marijua- The city has no authority under Mis- remains in the urine for weeks and a marijuana case with less than 35 na, but should not lose opportunities souri law to expunge records and a there is active THC that gives “buzz” grams “the lowest law enforcement for education or employment because citizen’s oversight committee is not effect, which lasts no longer than three priority”. People over the age of of such use. The limited resources of permitted in initiative ordinances. He to four hours. All THC is out of the eighteen in possession of less than law enforcement should be directed also said the petition removes discre- system and undetectable within three 35 grams would not be arrested but primarily towards crimes of violence tion from city police, prosecutors and weeks, and the long-term chronic ef- instead receive a summons for mu- and property loss. The enforcement municipal court in how a crime is fects are still being studied. There has nicipal court. This would only allow of laws against marijuana should be punished. been correlation between marijuana marijuana violations to be prosecuted the lowest law enforcement priority. Burris stated the highest and cancer. You cannot overdose on through cities municipal court as a Citizens of Springfield should not suf- numbers of marijuana arrests are marijuana.” city ordinance violation – the same as fer arrest nor be detained for the pos- made at traffic stops. He also said The decision on the initiative it would be for a person to be caught session of a misdemeanor amount of there would be virtually no changes to petition is still pending, and Spring- smoking in a public building in Rolla. marijuana or possession of marijuana city policy, as it is currently a book and field city council is hoping to send it to Currently, the maximum fine paraphernalia.” release system. the polls to let the people decide. Summer drought brings long term Chantae consequences to local farmers continued from page 1

b y l e s l i e d e w a steady system for hauling hay in the r e p o r t e r summer to provide for his cattle. But this year, the drought has taken a toll Everyone has seen and heard on that as well. about the terrible drought we endured “My production of hay this this summer. The crunch of grass un- year was about 50 percent less than der your shoes like potato chips, those what I usually harvest. This would be never-ending blistering hot days went the first year ever that I felt the need on the entire summer. Talk about the to buy any outside hay and I have pur- drought has been on the news every- chased 50 tons of hay from the state where across the nation. But a more of Mississippi. I have also planted 50 important smaller thing to focus on acres of other forage plants such as rye is the impact this drought has had on and radishes to take the place of the local farmers. hay this fall,” Strain said. This is the worst drought the Strain has his pastures on the United States has had in half a cen- farm set up so the cattle move from tury. With that comes lots of long term paddock to paddock to graze fescue. damage to our crops, which leave our This is called a rotational graze sys- local farmers that do more livestock tem. farming instead of crops in a sticky “This year is a flagship year McMillan showing off her new tattoo, the Olympic rings. Photo by Morgan situation. The livestock need fescue to for rotational grazing. Believe it or not, Westover. graze, and with a large percentage of it is serious weather conditions that the grass dying, it has become quite a prove its importance. Even though The closer we got the more “They had this place called challenge to make sure the livestock we have a lack of moisture, and we exciting it was. When we actually got the Globe; it’s like a big game room,” have the resources they need to sur- have serious growing considerations, in, and seeing so many lights, there are McMillan said. “They had these two vive. the rotational system really shows so many lights than I had thought and by fours, it was like a Jenga game with Tom Strain is the Agriculture its power in these severe situations. I I couldn’t see how many people were two by fours. They had huge chess Instructor at RTI and the Advisor of have still been able to rotate my cattle around me. I lost my friends. Then, I games. I don’t know how to play chess, the Rolla FFA Chapter. Strain raises using no hay on my 11 paddocks,” turned around and I saw Kobe Bryant but I watched because it was pretty cattle, hogs, and chickens on his farm Strain said. and I was like, ‘Yes! I’m bound to get cool. You could go in there and design five miles out of Rolla. Strain also Strain also had some extra TV time!’ Just seeing U.S. people in your own Powerade bottle and they maintains many quail habitats. helpful information to share about the the crowd and being able to connect had a Coke lab where you could go in “My quail habitats have suf- impact this drought has had on his with them was amazing.” and put down a track.” fered a little bit from the lack of mois- farm. When she wasn’t compet- McMillan does not plan on ture, but since we have had recent rain “I believe very strongly in my ing, McMillan had the chance to meet stopping after this summer. She’s aim- they have perked up,” Strain said. heart it is my job to take care of the many knew people and see a variety of ing for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de With all his livestock, Strain land, and in return the land will take cultures, including the variety of food Janiero in Brazil. goes through quite a deal of feed for care of my family and me. It makes me options from each country. his animals. Just like regular food, the very sad to see it this dry, however it “I love experiencing other cul- “[Rio’s] all that’s on my mind prices of feed are in jeopardy of going amazing how we can start the recovery tures,” McMillan said. “I made sure in right now,” McMillan said. “I want up as well. process. Within the past few weeks we the cafeteria that I was eating different to go run so bad right now but I can’t “It is difficult to predict, and have got a couple inches of rain and foods from what other cultures love to and my therapist is just like, ‘Patience, we are always concerned about feed the temperatures have been lowering, eat.” Chantae. Patience.’ But I’m so stoked prices going up from a livestock point allowing things to grow again. I believe Along with meeting other about just starting fall conditioning of view. From what I read through the long term effects of this drought competitors, Olympians also had the and just for the next three and a half news reports, feed prices are going to will be minimal since we have taken chance to take part in certain recre- years training for that.” escalate,” Strain said. such good care of the soil,” Strain said. ations. On a normal year, Strain has 4 NEWS FEATURE OPINION SPORTS A&E 2012 “The first provision of the First “Small business employs half of “The Democratic Party strongly “A serious threat to our country’s consti- Amendment concerns freedom tutional order is court-ordered redefini- all working Americans... We and unequivocally supports Roe of religion. That assurance has tion of marriage in several States. That recognize the importance of v. Wade and a woman’s right to Electionmake decisions regarding her neverWa been more needed than istch why Congressional Republicans took small buisiness to women, pregnancy, inculuding a safe and it is today, as liberal elites try the lead in enacting the Defense of people of color, tribes, and rural legal abortion, regardless of to drive religious beliefs--and Marriage Act, affirming the right of America and will work to help ability to pay. We oppose any religious believers-- out of the States and the federal government not nurture entreprenuership.” and all efforts to weaken or public square.” to recognize same-sex relationships undermine that right.” licensed in other jurisdictions.”

“We support the right of all familes to “We recognize that individual right “The best jobs program is economic “America’s small businesses are have equal respect, responsibilities, to bear arms is an important part growth. We do not offer yet another the backbone of the U.S. economy, and protections under the law. We of the American tradition, and we made-in-Washington package of employing tens of millions of work- support marraige equality and support will preserve Americans’ Second subsidies and spending to create ers. Small businesses create the vast the movement to secure equal treat- Amendment right to own and use temporary or articifical jobs. We majority of jobs, patents, and U.S. ment under law for same-sex couples... want much more than that we want a exporters. Under the current Admin- firearms. We believe that the right roaring job market to match a roaring We oppose discriminatory federal and to own firearms is subject to rea- istration, we have the lowest rate of state constitutional amendments and economy. Instead, what this sonable regulation. We understand Administration has given us is 42 business startups in thirty years. We other attempts to deny equal protec- will reform the tax code to allow busi- tion of the laws to committed same-sex the terrible consequences of gun consecutive months of unemploy- nesses to generate enough capital to couples... We support the full repeal of violence; it serves as a reminder ment above 8%, the longest period of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act that life is fragile, and our time high unemployment since the Great grow and create jobs for our fami- and the passage of the Respect for here is limited and precious.” Depression.” lies, friends and neighbors all across Marriage Act.” America.” http://www.democrats.org/democratic-national-platform http://www.gop.com/2012-republican-platform_home/

2012 graduates who want to vote in November the last day to register to vote is October 10, 2012 Here is how:

Check that you meet Complete the voter the qualifications: registration application That You can do that at the Phelps County 17 ½ years of age to register, Courthouse, Department of Motor Ve- 18 years of age to vote is hicles, or online US Citizen http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/go- Missouri Resident all VoteMissouri/media_voter_reg.aspx NEWS FEATURE OPINION SPORTS A&E 5 Letter from the Chalk talk with Kansas Lea (from that one girl who Editor likes Kansas) b y l e a a h r e n s do was act like a little clown car on a swer. I honestly don’t think I would’ve f e a t u r e e d i t o r road full of Hummers and other large gotten to know me well enough for SUVs that I am not automobile-savvy me to know that I’m a perfectly pleas- I remember back when I was a sopho- enough to name. I did my best to not ant person. Yeah, figure that one out. more. I’m not going to get all cheesy on get into anything head-on because I The moral of the story: Seniors are you guys, and I definitely won’t tell you would get crushed. Still to this day I’m not that bad. But sophomores should that I miss those days. My sophomore totally not sure what the seniors would respect those who have survived thus year was pretty dreadful. Therefore, I have done had I actually had any major far and are still willing to not punch have respect for all of you coming into collision. It was more of the fact that faces when you walk super slow in the this new school, despite some of you those seniors were much more expe- hallway. Especially if it’s for something being rude and seeming to have trou- rienced in the school and the ways of dumb like holding everyone up with ble carrying your large heads up and life and should have been mentoring your public displays of grossness with down the stairs. You know who you are. me and teaching me to smash cinder the one person you’re obviously going On the other hand, so far blocks with my face or something. to be with forever and ever and ever. I’ve only seen sophomores who think Of course, now that I’m P.S.: If you’re wondering they own this school. Coming into high a senior, I’m looking back and think- about the title of this column… the Editor-in-Chief school for me was a big day, daunt- ing, “If the present version of me were University of Kansas has an old saying. Katie Williams ing and intimidating. The seniors had walking down the hall, would the Rock Chalk Jayhawk. I am a die-hard the right-of-way when navigating the sophomore version of me be as intimi- Kansas fan, and you may deal with it. Let me just sum this entire article halls, no matter what. The best I could dated?”, and I don’t even know the an- up for you in three words: Fall is here! It is now boot season, sweater season, football season and bonfire season. How exciting. Staff Editorial: Bullying no longer bullying The dog days are now over, and the cool breezes of fall are now coming Bullying has been painted How do we define bul- once again. And the victims will in. I’m so excited to get rid of the awful as a rampant problem that is lying? Should a kid that torments just live a sheltered and safe life, summer heat and humidity we had and prevalent in every school in the others every day be defined the but that isn’t how things are going replace it with the slightly chilly weather country. Our legislators claim it is same as a kid who just casu- to work in the real world. of fall. I’m ready for long hikes up hills one of the biggest problems with ally teases others? Bullying is We should instead work just to see the beautiful trees changing today’s schools. But, to be honest, still bullying, but we feel like not to stop bullying before it hap- color, to feel the cool breeze in my long, it’s not the epidemic it has been everything needs to be classified pens (which we think has already straight hair (With no humidity I can actually do that.) and to go hiking, just presented to be. as despicable actions. With the started) and work to make kids because hiking is fantastic. We’re sure bullying has, current situation, someone who more educated as to what is or I’m also thrilled for all of the is and probably will happen at our has no intention of “bullying” can isn’t bullying and learn to handle events in the fall. Like going to pumpkin school. However, it isn’t as fre- be portrayed as and punished as a dangerous situations on their own. patches, going to concerts at Jesse Hall, quent or as severe as it has been serious. What we want is for people and drinking hot cider with friends at shown to be. Maybe other schools There’s also the issue of to come to Rolla High School bonfires. If only there were more fall have serious problems, but from how bullying should be handled. school and feel safe from bully- weekends...life would be great. So go out what can be seen, people just seem The bully can easily just be given ing but we also want high school and enjoy the few, nice fall weekends we to get along here. But since bul- suspension or even expelled but students to say and do what they have. Do something adventurous and cel- lying is still “present everywhere” is that really benefiting anyone? want without feeling like every- ebratory of the fall season, because before you know it, we’ll be seeing snowflakes people have started to view harm- When the bully returns from being thing they do could be interpreted and 30 degree weather around here. less things as bullying to compen- suspended, no one is going to stop as bullying. sate. him/her from tormenting people Body art is self expression for some, unprofessional to others

B y K a t i e W i ll i a m s their shoulder, back, or wrist. Just e d i t o r I n C h e i f like those Renaissance men, however, someday tattoos might be recognized as artwork. Think of a work of art. Michel- Today, tattoos are deemed angelo’s David, da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, unprofessional in the work place, or Botticelli’s Mars and Venus might which is simply not fair. Tattoos come to mind. What might not come should be regarded the same way a to mind is your local tattoo artist’s ink. Dolce and Gabbana handbag is. When All of said painters were from you carry around a designer bag, you the Renaissance time period, when are displaying the designer’s piece of Europe was changing and evolving art on your shoulder. Why can’t you religiously, politically, and artistically. do that with a tattoo artist’s ink on During that time, these men were your shoulder? It’s the same thing. It’s ridiculed and judged for their work, self-expression except it’s a different but now their paintings and sculptures type of self-expression, which, isn’t are some of the most famous of this that what self-expression is anyway? day and age. Tattoos will one day be more Tattoo artists are some- accepted as art rather than what they what like these Renaissance men, are accepted for today. But for now, in the way that they are sometimes just be tolerant to the person with the Sleeve tattoos are a common style in 2012. Many employers find them as scorned for their artwork. And yes, it tattoo’s self-expression, the same way a distraction in the workplace and would require that employees cover is artwork. This artwork is ridiculed that they are tolerant of your own self- them or even not hire someone at all because of their sleeve tattoos. as are the people who display it on expression. Echo Newspaper Staff ECHO is an open forum for student expression. All letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, signature and class or position. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should be no more than 300 words and are subject to editing. ECHO reserves the right to reject any letters. Letters in response to articles need to be to the staff no later than one week after the paper came out. Letters should be sent to ECHO, Rolla High School, 900 Bulldog Run, Rolla, MO 65401. ECHO is a member of Journalism Education Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Sponsors of School Publications - Greater St. Louis, Missouri Interscholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll Honor Society, and the Student Rolla High School ECHO is Sophie Hollenbeck, Lea Ahrens, Katie Wil- liams, Wil Bryan, Iqra Choudhry, Nicholas Wilsdorf, Lacey Raper, Gage Press Law Center. Scurlock, and Morgan Westover. Adviser (can you find her shoe?), Mary Gillis 6 NEWS FEATURE OPINION SPORTS A&E It’s all around us, but do we actually see 15 percent of the United State’s population is concidered impoverish by the federal government. That’s 46,311,831 people. In Missouri, 15.5 percent of people are impoverish. Poverty? b y G a g e S c u rl o c k always so simple. Gillis lived most of in the household, the cost really starts Students at this school are O p i n i o n e d i t o r her life in poverty. She grew up in east to add up. lucky in that they have been provided Los Angeles (or rather 30 miles east of When someone is living in with new technology, including iPads, It was the first day of school; downtown -- as she likes to point out). his truck in a parking lot or in a home WiFi access points that are soon to be Jonathon came home and handed “In the 1960s, the income making $385 a month, then buying a in every room, laptops, and new inter- his supply needs over to mom. He wasn’t as high as it is today. I made $20 calculator is not really much of a active white boards in the new wing. was expected to buy a calculator, an $385 a month. We lived on that. We possibility – and forget about getting However, that is not the case organizer, paper, and pencils. For got help from what is now called Med- the extra credit – extra credit, in this all across the country. Many places extra credit, he could bring Kleenex icaid for [me and the boys’] medical case, is just for kids who have money. in the country do not go to a school and hand sanitizer to a couple of his costs, and food stamps for food. Other And that’s just the things needed for district that is fortunate enough to be classes. Jonathon’s mom looks at than that, we lived on $385,” Gillis school. able to provide this kind of technol- the list, then the list that her other said. “When [Rick and Bill] were ogy. two children brought home. No extra To put that into perspective, in junior high school, Nike was the “I think, probably, that the credit, for sure (her children would al- a typical starting teacher’s salary in first name brand shoes that came out, majority of the people [Bill and Rick] ready be a step behind), but she really Missouri in 2012 is roughly $3473 a and they had to wear tennis shoes went to school with were in the same doesn’t know how she will be able to month. That’s one of the lowest start- from Wal-Mart. That was one thing situation. Like it is now, many people pay for the needs her kids have. How ing salaries for teachers in the United that I remember them coming up to are affected after the recession. I can’t would she afford to pay for a new $20 States; 38 out of 50, according to the me and saying they really wanted that say that we once had money and then calculator; she spent the last of the National Center for Education Statis- I couldn’t get. They were stuck with lost it, or that we once had jobs and family’s money on shoes so that her tics. Wal-Mart shoes that would just fall were no longer working,” Gillis said. kids would be able to dress out for P.E. Gillis raised two boys on her apart. They tried to convince me that Poverty occurs not only in cas- class. Jonathan sat in class amongst own on this salary. if I just bought one pair of good shoes, es of first generation poverty -- grow- his peers. He didn’t feel comfortable “We lived in a house that had they would last much longer,” Gillis ing up above the poverty line but then telling the teacher that he couldn’t af- one bathroom. We got up, one person said. later falling below the line -- but most

ford to pay for the things she asked of would be in the shower, one person But, the lack of being able times occurs when a person grows up him. So, he dropped the class; it was would be on the toilet, and the other to purchase school supplies is not below the poverty line and just never just easier that way. one would be brushing their teeth. the only factor in poverty affecting really gets back up above the line. This Jonathon was happy that So there was absolutely no privacy. education. Rolla High School English was the case for Elaine. he didn’t have to take the math class We lived in a two bedroom, one bath teacher Star Hargis thinks poverty af- As if the situation in the anymore; he had enough work as it is. house. We would get up, go out the fects education. high school classroom doesn’t create After school, he went to work. After door, I would drop the kids off at “I have had students who enough divide, post-secondary plans working a six hour shift nearly every daycare, and I would go to work. After were really brilliant and knowledge- for students who are living in poverty day, he went home and begins doing work, I would pick the kids up and able. One girl had a failing grade in often fail to include the possibility of homework, cooking dinner, and doing go back home. When they were old my class, so I sat down one day to further education. After all, why would chores around his house. At least he enough to start playing little league, talk to her about why she was failing one pay $50,000 to be in school for had a house. Some people around him they would be bussed over to the the class. She informed me that her four more years when he could be weren’t that lucky. practice from daycare. I was the team mother was physically disabled and working? And, furthermore, where Although Jonathon is a fic- mother, so I would come to the prac- her father was out of the picture; she would that $50,000 come from? Stu- tional character, the situation that he tices after work,” Gillis said. was living on a fixed disability income. dents in poverty are often unaware of is in is very real for a lot of families. It The boys were lucky to not When she came home from school, financial aid opportunities, and when is a situation that affects more people have a situation like Jonathon -- she would cook dinner, do the dishes, needs are focused on basic survival, than one would think. It’s all around; where they couldn’t afford supplies for take care of the kids, do all her chores, the chance to move into a higher in- at school, in Rolla, and all across the a class; their school paid for theirs, but and by the time she sat down to do come bracket through a college degree world. that doesn’t mean that the boys didn’t her homework, it was 10 o’clock. It’s is not quite on the radar. As Hargis According to the 2012-2013 have to work. Instead of going out not that she didn’t want to do well in said, how important is education when census there are 834 families with every night, or playing video games all school, she just didn’t have the time or you have to worry about whether you students in school who are living in the time, the boys had to work. ability to do everything,” Hargis said. have a home or whether you’re going poverty; 19 percent of our student “Rick and Bill worked all Technology, Hargis thinks, to eat? population. throughout their childhood. Rick likes helps to bridge this income gap by giv- Awareness is a key factor 47.8 percent of our students to tell me that he worked eight days a ing access to students who don’t have when dealing with the issue of poverty qualify for free or reduced lunches. week,” Gillis smiled, as she shifted in access to technology. in education; teachers need to make It’s difficult to understand the her chair. It’s not comfortable to talk “Access to technology is the assignments that are fair to all and choices and sacrifices that people who about this. most common problem; working on that people regardless of their finan- are struggling make in order to get by, In some classes students are a project is hard without a computer. cial situation. Programs at RHS such so I sought some answers from my required to make purchases – if they There are good ways for students to as PRIDE time, math lab, and the new grandmother, Elaine Gillis, who has want to advance to higher levels, stay after school to work on projects, advisory time are all great tools to help been a resident of Rolla for six years. they’ll have to buy a calculator, or but most people in this situation have kids with their school work without She has had her share of help along in AP classes, they may even have to full time jobs to help pay for the bills having to do it after at home when the way, but has two boys who have purchase their books. Students have to or rent. How important is an assign- they are usually working. However, productive lives and she gives back pay to help with class supplies in some ment when you have to worry about there is still more progress to be made, now by volunteering at the hospital of the elective courses. Especially whether you have a home or whether and everyone could be a little more and a nursing home. Things weren’t when there is more than one student you’re going to eat?” Hargis said. aware. NEWS FEATURE OPINION SPORTS A&E 7 U.S. citizens have several options for assistance The future of these programs are a hot topic of political debate. Log in to www.rhsecho. com and vote in the poll on the homepage. Where does RHS stand on these issues? Medical Care Financial Assistanance Medicaid is a program sup- themselves. Welfare is a federally defined as giving financial as- ported by both the state and fed- For adults to qualify for funded system ran by the United sistance to impoverished Ameri- eral government, that was created Medicaid, they must make 22 States government whose goal cans, supplied through the taxes to provide health care to people percent of the federal poverty line. is to provide benefits and eco- paid by the working class. Anoth- with disabilities, elderly people Adults with children must make nomic assistance for families or er main goal welfare in the US is and those that don’t make above 42 percent of the federal poverty individuals who live with little to improve the quality of life and the Federal Poverty Line. These line, making it increasingly harder funds are more redily available to for adults to qualify for Medicaid to no income. Each state is in living standards for the poor and children who’s parents don’t make benefits. control of how they handle giving underprivileged. that much, rather than the adults out welfare. Welfare can also be

• For a family of one to qual- for Missourians. • 15,000,000 Americans are on Welfare – that is over 4% of ify for Medicaid in Missouri, • For children to qualify for the American population. they must make less than Medicaid, they must be un- • The government spends roughly $131.9 billion dollars each $2,800 a year. der the age of 19. year on welfare alone – this is not including unemployment or food stamps. • Missouri lawmakers denied • As a child gets older, they • 40 states have welfare that pays more than an $8 per hour the provision of the Afford- are less and less likely to job. 7 states pay more than a $12 per hour job. able Care Act that would ex- qualify for Medicaid. • A family of four could get $500 dollars a month for food pand the Medicaid program stamps.

Unemployment Food Stamps Unemployment is a big companies now have computers Food stamps were cre- reasons. issue in the United States which and machines that can do the job ated in 1965 for families below To help combat some of has recently taken a small drop in that once was done by a person. the poverty line to buy food they the problems the government set percentage. In August, the United Another way people could need. up Electronic Benefits Transfer States went from an unemploy- lose thier job is if their job has ment percentage of 8.3 percent to been outsourced to a different The majority of fund- (EBT). EBT works by giving a 8.1 percent. country, where people work for ing for food stamps comes from customer a credit card of sorts Loss of a job is one of big- less pay, less benifits and work lon- the federal government, though that they can scan at their gro- gest reasons that a family drops ger hours than Americans would. states have the power to distrib- cery store to pay for their gro- into the poverty line. An unemployment check ute. ceries. This helps take out the Unemployment is caused comes from unemployment insur- All families who meet the hassle of dealing with physical by many things; people get fired, ance that the person’s former place requirements are entitled to food food stamps and also take away they quit or they have been laid off. of business purchases. To receive In today’s day and age, the benefit, a person must be ac- stamps, however, many do not embarrassment as it just appears technology is also a factor in peo- tivley seeking a job. The benefit is claim them due to lack of knowl- as though you are paying with a ple losing their jobs because some temporary. edge, embarrassment or other credit card.

• As of July of 2012, the 2012. • A family of three who has (As of 2006). United States • 8.4 percent of men were a gross income of less than • Approx 19% of Missouri’s unemployment rate was at unemployed as of July $21,588/year is eligible for population is on food 8.3 percent. 2012. food stamps. stamps. • As of July of 2012, Mis- • The highest peak of un- • Approximately 176,000 • The amount of families souri’s unemployment rate employed men was at Octo- households including on food stamps has gone was at 7.3 percent. ber of 2009 at 11.2 percent. 398,000 children in Mis- up over 45 percent since • 8.1 percent of women This tied with December of souri receive food stamps 2007. were unemployed as of July 1982. 8 NEWS FEATURE OPINION SPORTS A&E Mars Curiosity inspires new space exploration b y N i c k W i l s d o r f see] how you would get through the moon, some say go to Mars and some terest in aerospace engineering. With w e b m a s t e r atmosphere, learn all the dynamics say go to an asteroid. Mars is probably the decline in aerospace engineering it takes to drop the rover down, the the most interesting mission for me, and a push for NASA budget cuts, The successful launch and aerodynamics of parachutes and so but I don’t know if it’s the next best Mars Curiosity’s success is exactly landing of Mars Curiosity has been on.” step. If I was king, I would probably what NASA needed. shown to be one of the most important The rover was both a huge ac- go to the moon next, then maybe Mars “Demographics show that our and remarkable accomplishments to complishment for engineers as well as or an asteroid. There are pros and technical workforce is declining, with happen to space travel in recent years. biologists and geologists. cons for all three of those arguments. the big rise in aerospace engineer- “Mars Curiosity is probably “There’s kind of two camps [of Humans on an asteroid would be chal- ing from the Apollo mission, a lot of one of the most enormously compli- thought],” Pernicka said. “We’re the lenging just because the gravity is so those workers are now retiring, and so cated things NASA has done in terms engineering nerd camp that likes hear- low, if you jump too hard, you could there is a projection that there will be of robotics and spaceflight,” Aerospace ing about the sky crane deploying and literally jump off the asteroid.” a shortage of aerospace workers, start- Engineering professor at Missouri gears turning and things working. In One of the major restrictions ing about now, which has been seen in University of Science and Technology, the other camp are the scientists, who with future space travel is that the some areas,” Dr. Pernicka said. Dr. Hank Pernicka said, “Where if don’t really care about those things, technology has not been created yet. Regardless of what happens in something goes wrong, there’s nothing just that it gets done and they get on “The key development needed the future, Mars Curiosity will always anyone can do about it because its re- the planet and drill rocks, see if there is radiation protection, which is need- be regarded as a massive achievement motely operated and there is a 15 min- is water, and the overall geology [of ed in two ways. First off, the sun has for the engineering world. ute time gap between Earth and Mars, said planet], which is equally fascinat- solar flares, which was even an issue “In my opinion there were so it had to all happen automatically ing it’s just not our area of expertise.” for the Apollo astronauts. Getting to around ten things that could have and everything had to go right the first The current mission to Mars Mars quickly is not easy but it could be gone wrong,” Space Systems Engineer- and only time, and it’s just amazing to has also brought up the question of done with nuclear propulsion, but that ing Chief Engineer Jacob Darling said, me that it actually worked.” what could be in the future in space also has radiation which would need “and the fact that everything went Mars Curiosity has also served travel. to be shielded. The biggest hurdle is right and optimally is just amazing. as inspiration for current aerospace “Currently President Obama’s to protect our astronauts from radia- From the parachute, to the sky crane engineering students to see possibili- directive for the [National Aeronautics tion, whether that be from solar flares and the fact that everything went off ties in their field. and Space Administration] NASA is to or from our own nuclear propulsion.” without a hitch is just a enormous “Our students got to learn land humans on an asteroid by 2025, Pernicka said. engineering feat.” about how you would take a vehicle which is hotly debated,” Pernicka said, One of the unspoken goals of to Mars,” Pernicka said. “[They got to “Some think we should go back to the the Mars mission was to revitalize in- Program to offer support to students who are coping with loss

b y i q r a c h o u d h r y occurrence,” counselor Roger Bridge- ment and students can contact us will be available for those who chose s t a f f w r i t e r man said. about joining the group,” Bridgeman to,” Bridgeman said. It’s previously been used in said. Overall, the goal of grief

Grief Group is made to help the district but this is the first time it Each group session helps stu- group is to help students move for- students cope with lost loved ones. has been used at the high school level. dents to talk about their feelings and ward. It’s a group oriented around students Right now, changes are being made to share their problems with others. “It really helps students cope who just need to talk, organized by a the program, but it will be available to “A session will probably last and move on and get back to normal. counselor. students soon. about 20 to 30 minutes. Any group Most importantly they learn how to “It’s a group that meets, “We’re looking at bringing an setting helps students become open overcome obstacles in their paths,” discusses and talks with students that outside counselor in and we are in the and share their feelings with students Bridgeman said. have had any type of grief situation. process of it right now. Once we get who also feel the same way makes it From loss of a loved one to anything in her set up we’ll put out an announce- easier to talk about. A single session Teacher helps put on annual Halloween scare b y l e a a h r e n s F e a t u r e e d i t o r

Halloween is approaching in a month, and while many teens take this for advantage to get some free candy, there is plenty else to do on that special night. One of the school’s very own teachers, Andrew Warner, puts on a haunted house each year to entertain and frighten the city of Saint Louis. “My wife’s family puts it on every year. I normally just stand in a corner and shout at children as they walk by,” Warner said. Like every other haunted house, Warner’s has many surprises you don’t see coming along with the standard scares. Different themes ev- ery year provide a fresh and frighten- ing new experience for daring people looking for adventure. “The house features a num- ber of rooms, usually themed. In the past it’s been an asylum, a carnival, and even a classic haunted mansion,” Warner said. As everyone has their favorite holiday of the year, Hallow- een seems to be an important one for Warner and his family. “I naturally gravitate toward macabre imagery. Americans spend so much time denying death, it’s re- freshing to have a celebration embrac- “We are a FREE home haunt located in Ballwin, ing [it],” Warner said. MO. Donations are accepted, but not necessary. Warner encourages people to We open our doors at 6 pm and go until the last come try the haunted house on Hal- victims...I mean visitors, have gone through (ap- loween and promises a good scare. “If you’re interested in the proximately 11pm)” haunt, go to blackfordhaunt.com,” from the Blackford Haunt Facebook Page Warner said. NEWS FEATURE OPINION SPORTS A&E 9 Local shelters fill with stray, abandoned dogs, cats the proper equipment to handle large kids are out of school, vacation time find somewhere to dump the animals b y s o p h i e h o ll e n b e c k animals such as horses, cattle, or is approaching and dogs and cats are because they have too many and are n e w s e d i t o r bears.” running loose. It settles down a bit not able to provide for them prop- As soon as an animal is taken and then picks up again in the fall,” erly.” Redshaw said. Finding a little stray puppy in, it immediately becomes that shel- Redshaw said. Once reaching overpopulation on the side of the road, abandoned or ter’s property and responsibility. Increases in overpopulation status, there are several things that a without any tags can suddenly spring “Once an animal is taken in to comes from many things, sometimes shelter can do to alleviate the burden bittersweet feelings in some people, the shelter, it becomes the property of neglect, and sometimes a family is just of being over filled. namely younger people. Will someone that specific shelter. That animal has no longer able to support the cost of “We do everything in our decide they don’t care about the dog to be properly cared for by the shel- owning a pet. power to adopt all of our animals. We when they see the “dog found” post- ter staff until that animal is adopted. “The current economic crisis post pictures of our animals on our ers? Will mom and dad decide to keep Shelter for the animal must be pro- has not only affected people, pets as Shelter Facebook which usually has it? Sometimes however, the only thing vided, wholesome food must be fed well, have also felt the sting of their positive effects on our adoption rate. that can be done is take the furry bun- and fresh water must be provided. The owner’s misfortune. The owner’s may We also transfer some of our longer dle to an animal shelter, and let them animal residents to animal rescue take care of it until the owner turns organizations where they are able to up, or it becomes ready for adoption. have them spayed and neutered and However, finding a stray and taking vaccinated and subsequently placed it to the animal shelter isn’t always up for adoption. We also work with a walk in the park. When fall comes various rescue groups in our area,” around, more animals are taken into Redshaw said. “Also on occasion, the shelter and suddenly there is the some shelter animals may be ‘trans- problem of overpopulation. ferred’ to rescue organizations or “When a shelter is over- other animal shelters if they are able crowded, it simply means that we to take in additional animals in order do not have enough available cages to eliminate overcrowding in the origi- and kennels to accommodate all of nal shelter.” the animals that are waiting to come There are millions of pets that into the shelter. Our goal is to find find their way into a shelter each year, permanent loving homes for each and nearly half are lost to euthanasia. and every animal that comes into our “Each year, approximately facility. We often have animals here eight million stray and unwanted for several weeks and even months Dogs are flooding in more than shelters are able to handle. Photo courtesy of public domain. animals are taken in by shelters across before they are adopted. This is when kennel must be cleaned daily and any have lost their job, lost their home or the country. Tragically, about 3.7 mil- it creates a problem of overcrowding existing and obvious medical issues have been forced to move into a new lion -- nearly half -- of these animals when all of our kennels are full and must be addressed,” Redshaw said. home which may not allow pets or must be euthanized because good numbers animals are needing to come The weather is a factor played simply, the owner is no longer able homes cannot be found for them. In in and we don’t have the space,” Rolla in picking up animals on a day-to-day to provide adequate care for their fact, shelter euthanasia is the leading Animal Control Shelter manager John basis. pets for other reasons. Many animal cause of death for both dogs and cats Redshaw said. “When the weather is dry owners try to relinquish their pets in the United States,” Redshaw said. However, the shelter can only and sunny, we may pick up two to to local animal shelters or rescue The Rolla Animal Shelter has take in a certain number of animals, four [animals] a day. This does not organizations that are already full to a very high adoption rating, which and while they aren’t limited on what include the number of animals that capacity and they are unable to take means that using animal euthanasia is kind they take in, the primary focus is citizens may find running loose in the in additional animals. Unfortunately, not something they have to do often. on just certain animals. streets. On a cold and dismal day, we this causes the owner to resort to Using euthanasia is not something “We have 24 dog kennels may pick up one. It just depends,” more drastic measures, they sim- that is done as soon as an animal gets and 22 feline cages. When those are Redshaw said. “In 2011, we actually ply abandon their pets or “dump” in the shelter. An animal will only be filled, we consider the shelter filled picked up and/or impounded over them out somewhere and hope that euthanized if they become a liability. to capacity. It is at this point that if 2000 animals. So far in 2012, we have someone finds them, takes them in “As for animal euthanasia, other animals are needing to come in picked up and /or impounded close to and is able to give them a better life. we do not like to do this. Euthanasia and we are at capacity, we can now 700.” Another factor contributing to stray is the worst part of our entire job. consider us to be overcrowded,” Red- Certain times of the year will and/or abandoned animals usually However, we do occasionally have shaw said. “Our primary animals are also sometimes bring a new wave of falls back onto the owner. to euthanize. When we do, we focus dogs and cats, however, we also pick overpopulation for the animal shelter. Because of the high cost of spaying on animals that are aggressive, sick up raccoons, opossums, groundhogs, “We usually see a large and neutering, some pet owners are or have issues which would make armadillo’s, snakes of various species, increase in the number of animals not financially able to have their pets them a liability to the owner or the potbelly pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, coming into our facility around late altered. And there are the owners that City of Rolla if adopted. Our monthly birds of various species, bats, beavers, spring and early to late summer. This are interested in breeding their pets adoption rate runs anything between fox and whatever else we happen to is usually when dogs and cats are but find that they are unable to sell 75percent and 99 percent,” Redshaw get calls on. However, we do not have more active. The weather is good, or give away the offspring and simply said.

1040 Forum Dr. 573-364-5566 Rolla, MO 65401 10 NEWS FEATURE OPINION SPORTS A&E Turf by 2013, a more likely scenario Softball Looking for fourth consecutive conference title b y m o r g a n w e s t o v e r is key,” senior Andrea Zalis said. f e a t u r e e d i t o r Being a senior on a high school sports team comes with a lot of The Lady Bulldog softball responsibility. One must fill the roles team is the best in their division. With of player, leader, and mentor. While being undefeated in conference two the intensity only lasts a few hours years in a row and varsity starting out every practice and game, the relation- their season 5-3, the outlook for the ships and memories made will last a season is nothing but bright. life time. “The varsity team is looking “Playing all four years has strong on defense and offense. The made me grow and develop not only biggest goal is to be undefeated at con- as a player but as a person also. It’s ference [for the] third year in a row taught me to be a team player and and move on to districts. JV is looking a leader. I’ve got to have awesome Grass that is to be replaced by AstroTurf in the coming year. better and better [with] every game. friendships and laughs. We’re togeth- Photo by Morgan Westover. We’re working hard [in] defense and er so much, we have all [built] such offense its showing,” junior Megan a bond. It’s something I’m extremely King said. thankful for. As well as a coach that’s believe the football team will be able The most important attribute believed [in me] and pushed me since b y w i l s o n b r y a n to use the turf for next year’s football on any team is communication. It day one,” senior Bohannon Rafter s p o r t s e d i t o r games,” committee member Tony- takes good leadership and a knowl- said. Froehlich said. edge of the game to keep heads high While the emotional aspects This was the year the school The price is a huge obstacle and losses low. of being on a team is unprecedented, was hoping to have the funds to for the Turf by 12 Committee, and is “I feel like communication the things the Lady Bulldogs are ca- get AstroTurf installed, but money the main reason why it hasn’t been a is a big key for us. Losing such solid pable of is undeniable. complications have delayed it by at faster process. They had to scale back players last year had us finding new “Great pitching, best defense I least another year. This is quite a let on the projected fundraising plans girls to fill [big] shoes. Some have have ever played with. We have some down, because so many people would since the original is just too high of a never played the position they are in. sluggers on the team. Basically, we are see the benefits of it. Gym class could goal to reach. Communicating and teaching them solid,” junior Maegan Ray said. actually use the field often, since they “Just to renovate the foot- new positions and what their roles are no longer could mess up the lines. ball field, with no renovations to the Football players, cheerleaders, band, practice field or anything else, we’re and color guard could also take ad- looking at around $700,000. But, the Volleyball team rebuilding vantage of the new turf. original plan was to do some renova- There has been a committee, tions to the stands and renovate the named the “Turf by 12” committee practice field, which would cost about (named after AstroTurf 12) set up by one million dollars.” Shoup said. the school board, that is working on “I think that that goal is still installing AstroTurf into the football there in the far future. We’ve come to field. a little bit of a standstill, and I think This committee includes, “a the economy has kind of affected group of individuals of our alumni those plans. The original goal of hav- that wanted to come together for the ing it all finished by 2012 won’t work fundraising effort for the turf by 12,” since, you know, that year is already Athletic Director Cathy Shoup said. here.” Shoup said. “As far as the Turf by 12 com- Most likely, it will be a while mittee goes, we still have a ways to go before anyone gets to see AstroTurf for fundraising, and we plan to have on the football field. There’s a huge it finished by February of 2013. As far goal to meet for the committee, and it as the installing the actual turf, we will definitely take some time.

Head manager reaches 17th season

was invited onto the team by play- b y w i l s o n b r y a n ers and coaches who liked him and s p o r t s e d i t o r wanted him to be the manager and ever since he has attended every The Rolla football team has game he could to help the team. seen many players and coaches come You may have seen him on and go throughout the years. Few the field waving his flag during half players have stood quite as tall as the time doing his own thing, or cheering team’s head manager, Drew Bahr. on the team during their games. Drew has been a member of One could tell, Drew is hav- the team since 1995, or 17 years. He ing genuine fun doing what he does.

Coach Carver preparing for a game on 9/13. Photo by Morgan Westover

b y w i l s o n b r y a n to turn them into winners, we’re work- s p o r t s e d i t o r ing hard everyday to get there,” Coach This volleyball season, we Carver said about the team. have new volleyball coaches all Carver has high hopes for the around. The new varsity coach, Julie team and high hopes for the season. Carver, has received a warm welcome “I plan to bring some consis- from the team. tency and some fundamentals to this “I see a lot of kids who want to team. I plan to take steps to eventually learn and win and get better. I’m here turn this into a winning program.”

Drew Bahr (middle) is in his 17th season as head manager. Here he is with the entire 2012 coaching crew. The Bulldogs will be in action tonight against Camdenton for Rolla’s Homecoming game. Photo courtesty of RHS Athletics. Look for a feature on the team in the October issue of ECHO NEWS FEATURE OPINION SPORTS A&E 11

St. Louis festival provides venue for headliners, local bands alike

b y k a t i e w i ll i a m s normal for most bands. e d i t o r - i n - c h i e f “The way I see it, you’re kind of asking people to kind of come in At Loufest, just like any other and suspend their own reality to listen music festival, you come across many to your music, you really need to give different types of people; the groupies, them that experience,” Germain said. the observers, the vendors and oc- Whether it’s a lyric, a riff or caisionally the bands themselves. To a simple harmony, connecting to the the bands, this is the life. This is what crowd is something every musician they want to do with their life and must know how to do, especially when nothing could ever make them change it doesn’t seem to be working. their minds. “What you want to convey in “There’s a feeling that you a song is something that people will have when you play music that is react to. And sometimes you don’t just really hard to replicate anywhere know what that is. Sometimes you else,” Pernikoff Brother drummer Dan think, wow, that was heavy, and no Germain said. one else gets it,” said Harrison. “[So] For those who are not musi- when it’s working and they’re smil- cally inclined, there is a similar feeling ing and you’re connecting, it’s pretty The crowd looks to the orange stage as the next band starts. Not even the rain of incomparability. beautiful.” from earlier that day could detur the audience from showing up at Loufest. “Certain songs when you’re In many things, however, listening to them, there is no other some of the best things can also be the music that is on,” Sleepy Kitty drum- worst. mer Evan Sult said. “Being on stage, the funnest For Sult and Paige Brubeck, thing is realizing that you’re entertain- lead vocals, guitar and keys for Sleepy ing people, and that you’re succeeding Kitty, the certain songs for them came at it. And consequently the worst part from the 1990’s. is when you realize you’re not enter- “There was something about taining people. That’s when you want the ethos of music in the 90’s. There to leave the stage,” said Harrison. was something about the instruments. One of the big misconceptions There was something about what about music is that older bands aren’t people were trying to accomplish with as good as the new, younger bands. a song that I feel that our music is try- “So there was this myth about ing to do that,” Sults said. rock n roll that we can’t do it past 35 For Cotton Mather’s Robert that started in the ‘60’s where all the Harrison, that music came from the guys were so drugged out that by the Forty Watt Club in Athens, Georgia time they got to their mid-thirties that while growing up. they were no longer worth a @#$%… “I heard a lot of great bands. Turns out that’s not true,” Harrison That was in the mid to late 80’s. That said. was right when REM was coming up With that daunting on artists, Local band Sleepy Kitty takes the blue stage first on the first day of Loufest. and all that stuff was happening, it how do they stay inspired for so long? Paige Brubeck and Eval Sults, the band’s only two members, are pictured was a very fertile time in terms of the “This is going to sound bor- above. Picture by Katie Williams. scene in Athens and I was just this kid derline too cute for school, but I get taking it all in,” Harrison said. inspired watching Paige get excited As an inspired kid, Harrison about making music,” Sults said. took to music like no other. “When she’s got new music that she “When I was seventeen I did starts playing me, and I get to join in, what every 17 year olds tried to do, and I know that she’s already got har- so I tried to write a song that would monies in her head and she’s already bring peace to the entire world, but got lyrics and everything, that makes it didn’t work. And so then I real- me [really] excited” ized that maybe I should write about With all that excitement, things I know,” Harrison said. sometimes bands just lose control. The Pernikoff Brothers don’t “I guess when you really feel try to convey peace or necessarily that energy from everybody, it feels things that they know about in their like the band just kind of takes off music, but rather something else. on its own, like on autopilot which is “Love is worth living even if really cool,” Germain said. “One of my it hurts. That’s what a lot of our songs favorite things is being able to look are about,” Tom Pernikoff of the Per- out and into the crowd and seeing nikoff Brothers said. people respond to the music because Harrison believes a little bit that’s kind of what it’s all about. It’s differently than the Pernikoff Brothers all about the fan base and trying to on that subject. give something real to people, some- Tom Pernikoff of the Pernikoff Broth- “And every relationship thing that they can connect with.” The first night headliner of Loufest, ers were the first to play on day two should take a ten year break every In all that excitement, the art- Girl Talk, didn’t disappoint the of Loufest at the orange stage. With a now and then,” Harrison said. ist has to connect with the music, not crowd that night, bringing people on folky sound, they won over the hearts Sults’ love affair with the 90’s sure just the fans. stage with him, toilet papering the of the early crowd and signed auto- didn’t take a ten year break, though. “It ends in the right place crowd and shooting confetti at the graphs at the merch table later on that “I feel like we both got excited and so you give yourself over to this crowd are a few of the things Girl day. Photo by Gage Scurlock. about music in the 90’s and we’re still excitement and really the excitement Talk brought to Loufest. excited about music in the 90’s and of is not about rocking, it’s about letting the 90’s,” Sults said. go of control,” Harrison said. “Letting That’s what moves Sleepy go of control as an individual is one Kitty, but something a little different thing, but letting go as a community is inspires Cotton Mather to play. really exciting.” “If it moves me, I feel like There’s more than just letting maybe someone else might be moved go to music, however. There are a few by it. So I mean I’m an unusual guy essentials you need besides letting go. but I feel like if something moves me “Don’t give up, keep writing, it might move you,” Harrison said. find people that you love being around Moving the crowd isn’t an to be in a band with, and get a van,” idea unique to Cotton Mather, but is a Pernikoff said. Junior ECHO editor-in-chief Katie Williams and junior Opinion Editor Gage Scurlock met with the members of Pernikoff Brothers and Sleepy Kitty at LouFest 2012. 12 NEWS FEATURE OPINION SPORTS A&E

Sophie’s Scrumdidlyuptious Confectionary Cooking b y m o r g a n w e s t o - a & e / photography e dv i t e or

b y s o p h i e h o ll e n b e c k ideal fall weather: brisk, cool morn- food for another season, but let’s just for- n e w s e d i t o r ings, and breezy afternoons. Time to get that for a minute and just roll with it. stow those flip-flops away, and break Caramel for instance, is a really LOVE out the warm scarves and hot cocoa. good fall ingredient. People could argue Hi. I’m Sophie. Welcome to my There are so many wonderful things that caramel does not have to be a fall - One year anniversary since baking column, where I’ll write because about autumn, and perhaps one of my ingredient, and I would probably agree. DADT (Don’t Ask, Don’t tell, I love to bake and I am told that I’m favorite things about fall is all the bak- However, because of this it works really a law preventing homosexu- kind of good at it. Hopefully through- ing that can be done. Trust me when I well as a transition into fall, and cupcakes als from being openly gay and out this new school year, I will be able to say there is no baking like fall baking. work anytime of the year, for any occa- serving in the military) act was share some of my baking escapades with I don’t always like the things I sion, in almost any flavor...provided that repealed. you, and maybe a few recipes as well. bake, which are usually cupcakes, prob- they are done correctly. Where is this It may just be me, but I seem to ably because I make them so often and train of thought leading you? Caramel - Students as school dance DJs. associate certain months with being the have built up a resistance to them. But, Cupcakes. If you’re frowning and shak- - Missouri’s contribution to start of a new season. For example, when that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a ing your head, don’t. I assure you they SNL. December first rolls around, it is win- good fall treat when presented with it… are delicious. This particular recipe came - Irony ter, regardless of the weather. So in my or if I decide to bake one. Autumn is defi- into my possession around this time last mind, when September comes around, nitely my favorite season, and you would year, and since then, I’ve made these sev- it is automatically autumn. When Sep- not even believe the insane amounts of eral times. This recipe is really amazing, tember began, we had lovely, hot sum- recipes I have for fall and winter. There and I’m so happy that it has come into mer weather to deal with, which kind of are certain things that just scream fall, my possession. So happy in fact, I think made people a little agitated, because such as pumpkin, cinnamon, caramel, I’ll share it with all of you lovely people. it was still so hot. Now, as it’s nearing chai tea, apples, more spices…and yes, the end of September, we’re getting the some of these things could be classified as Caramel Cupcakes Recipe - Yields 12 servings Ingredients: Cake LIKE 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Directions: Preheat oven to 350. 1 teaspoon baking powder In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda Add sugar and brown sugar and mix. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, - Lacey’s imminent obesity of 1/2 teaspoon salt soy milk/milk, coconut milk, lemon zest, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to her mass consumption of Mc- 1/2 cup granulated sugar the dry and mix until relatively smooth. Fill cupcake liners with 1/4 cup of batter Donalds. (Way to support the 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (should be about 2/3 of the way full). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden. corporations Raper!) 1/3 cup oil For frosting, whip butter or margarine until fluffy. Add powdered sugar 1/2 cup soy milk or milk 1/2 cup at a time, and mix until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and caramel - The beginning of fall: 1/2 cup coconut milk and whip until combined. Spread or pipe onto cooled cupcakes and drizzle with commence sweater season! 2 teaspoons vanilla extract caramel sauce. Devour and enjoy. 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest -Mrs. Gillis’s sing-along time to Caramel Buttercream Bruce Springsteen, “Baby, we 1 cup butter or margarine at room temp. were born to run” 4 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - The Lumineers. 1 teaspoon caramel extract OR 1 table- spoon caramel sauce

Please,don’t stop the music

consisted of hit songs “Last Nite,” “The swagger hounds. They take everyone’s LEAVE Modern Age” and “Barely Legal,” the swagger and they hound it. Strokes had achieved popular-status The Strokes have released four - Band break-ups. without even releasing a full-length LP. full-length albums, Is This It, Room When the Strokes released on Fire, First Impressions of Earth, - Social media affecting their debut full-length album, Is This and Angles, and are currently working It, it was received so positively by crit- on their fifth album. The reason the educational and employ- ics that it is considered the best album Strokes have on released four albums ment opportunities. released in 2001 by Billboard, CMJ, in the past fifteen years is because of Entertainment Weekly, NME, Play- abominable producers. For example: - The fact that the only louder and Time Magazine. while recording Angles, the Strokes publisized politicians After the success of their debut recorded with a producer who basically album, people were left thinking “Is tried to force them to produce a sound are either republican or This It?” But, the Strokes fired back that they didn’t want. After switching democratic candidates. with a second album, Room on Fire, producers, they ran into the same situ- which was a slightly more polished ation. Finally, the Strokes said, “Forget - Subliminal messaging sound than its predecessor. It’s the all y’all,” and recorded in a private kind of album that you listen to all the home studio in up-state New York. way through and then realize that your Angles was put together in a mind is completely blown out of your way that most bands wouldn’t; it was b y g a g e s c u rl o c k head. recorded in pieces by the band and put e d i t o r i a l e d i t o r “I said please don’t slow me together at the studio. Julian Casa- down if I’m going too fast. You’re in a blancas, the lead singer, would even strange part of our town.” The biggest write lyrics and email them into the At first sight, one might think hit song off Room on Fire is “Reptilia”, band for them to build around. Thus, the raw looking, stylish group that is a groove song. A groove song is where Angles took nearly three years to finally the Strokes is the complete definition there’s a lot of song and it just makes release. of slick and cool. If one were to think you wanna get up and dance. All in all, the Strokes are phe- that, one would be right. Formed in Some might say the Strokes nomenal. If you ever feel like listening 1998 in Manhattan, the Strokes give have the best style in the rock scene to some groovy, 70’s-ish rock, turn off the vibe of garage-rock mixed with today, and those people are right. on the Strokes and turn it up loud. smooth Seventies-style vocals. These guys have more than just style. You can look forward to a new Strokes With help from endless num- They have the kind of style that when album in the near future. Then again, bers of good reviews from the press they walk into a club, they -- in the Angles was released six years after First on their debut EP, Modern Age, which wise words of Anders Holmvik -- are Impressions of Earth.