Volume LII Issue V

Student profile

pg.3 the DecemberLion’s 18, 2009 Leo Junior/Senior Tale High Schoolo- Veteran high school teacher Stephen Gabet receives Golden Apple award “Thank you very much,” said Gabet. “I don’t think I’m the best teacher in the hallway, let alone anywhere else.” Gabet feels very thankful to have been given the chance to work at Leo Jr. /Sr. High School. “I am thankful and honored to receive the award but I am even more honored to have taught at Leo for 40 years and to have been able to work with our students who have to be the nicest kids on earth,” said Gabet. According to Osborne, Gabet will be missed in the halls of Leo after his retirement at the end of this year. “He is planning to retire at the end of this school year after 40 years of teaching at Leo and will be greatly missed by all staff and students,” said Osborne in her nomination letter. Osborne believes wholeheartedly that Gabet is deserving of this honor. “Besides being the EACS Secondary Teacher of the Year last year, he has been a co-leader in coordinating the amazing Christmas family fundraising drives, has organized all of the Homecoming activities for many years, has sponsored student council and class tourney for many years, and has organized countless American Red Cross blood drives here at Leo,” said Osborne in her nomination letter. Gabet listens intently to Jennifer Blomquist explain his assortment of awards. PHOTO BY MITCHELL DIEHL According to Osborne, Gabet was overdue for this award. he wasn’t able to warn any down to the presentation of By Amanda Overholt began to whisper and talk Gabet also serves on Special Editor of what might be to come. of us about it earlier. I really the award. It was a “100% the state board of education. “I was kind of excited enjoyed the presentation; it’s total surprise,” Gabet said. Besides being a wonderful On Dec. 3, teacher when Dr. Daniel came on the cool that a Leo teacher got After paraprofessional teacher and addition to the Leo Stephen Gabet was presented speaker and said that we had the Golden Apple Award.” Rita Osborne read her nomination Jr. /Sr. High School staff, Gabet is with The Golden Apple Award. to go down to the gym,” said According to Gabet, letter, Jennifer Blomquist of a “role model when it comes to As class was disrupted junior Chandler Salway. “He he was just as surprised as the Indiana’s News Center presented physical fitness,” Osborne said. by an important, urgent made it sound so important rest of the school when the Gabet with the award. Gabet’s announcement, students and mysterious when he said announcement called everyone “thank you” was very humble. continued on p. 2 Students Sharing Hearts club Student versus faculty basketball shops for Christmas families shopping and on Saturday By Aubrey Dean-Cross about 36 or 37 people assisted, game excites junior high students Staff Writer according to Leo Jr. Sr. High The Students Sharing School teacher Rosi Brown. Hearts club went shopping On Saturday, Dec. are $1(6 for $5 or 14 for $10). on Dec. 3 and Dec. 5 for 5 after the group finished They have the possibility to win the Christmas families. On shopping, the kids came back Best Buy gift cards, Blockbuster Monday, Dec. 7 the gifts that to the school and started to gift cards, Pizzas, Subs, movie were bought were delivered wrap the presents. About 23 passes, candy, pop, and others. to the Christmas Bureau. people pitched in their help There are ten to twelve “The most number of and afterwards everyone was teachers who are participating families we have supported as treated to some pizza, music, in the student faculty basketball a club is eight. That was this and chatting. Some people game. Those teachers have year,” said senior and SSH enjoyed themselves by singing. pretty much grown up playing president Rachel Lengacher. Even with the bad basketball and are confident The SSH club went to economy this year, the club’s they are going to win. Wal-Mart and Meijer to buy large number of participants “I think the teachers are T-shirts, socks, pants, sweaters, has helped in fundraising. going to win because we have coats, gloves, boots, toys and In some cases, even with the Mrs. Manger and Mrs. Klug. games, and food for the eight negative impact of the economy, Enough said,” said seventh grade PHOTO BY MITCHELL DIEHL Christmas families. The families many more volunteers were social studies teacher Mike Lance. consisted of a total of eight single able to raise more money in The teachers enjoy parents and 14 children. The some areas than last year, but By Alyssa Mulherin challenging the junior high of fourth and fifth periods. Before money raised this year wasn’t as the economy did have a drop Staff writer students and the students the game the junior high students much as last year but there was on the total amount raised. enjoy challenging the teachers. will be going on a field trip. still a solid total of $3,700 spent According to Lengacher, there The faculty v. junior high Students can buy raffle continued on p. 2 on the families at the stores. is about 25% more membership student’s basketball game is today, tickets and be eligible to win On Thursday 8 or in the club this year than last. and students will be getting out great prizes. The raffle tickets 9 people helped with the continued on p. 2

How to stay busy during winter Find out Leo High School students’ TCID:PP ‘Twas the night before Christmas, 3 break this year. 6top ten favorite Christmas movies 10 when all through the house... 2 News December 18, 2009 Senior athletes sign to various colleges By Rory Harris I am now,” said Jenkins. Jenkins attributes her Editor-In-Chief success to her friends’ and family’s support, specifically her father who doubled as There are several her coach throughout high seniors who have signed with school. According to Jenkins, schools in Indiana for sports as she moves on and starts her such as soccer and volleyball. athletic college experiences, A few have recently she hopes to remember received scholarships for how much she appreciates their individual sport. the opportunity to play the Senior Alexis sport she loves at a school. Meeks signed with Another senior who Indiana University-Purdue signed with a school in the University Indianapolis for last year is senior Jill Peck. volleyball. She received a She signed with University of full ride scholarship and Saint Francis for volleyball. chose IUPUI for several “I love everything different reasons that she about volleyball,” said Peck. took some time to consider. According to Peck, she could Meeks wanted to be fairly play everyday and never tire close to home. Another factor of it. Peck chose Saint Francis in her decision was that because she didn’t want to go IUPUI is a Division 1 school. PHOTO BY MITCHELL DIEHL far away from her home. Peck “I really am excited Senior Alexis Meeks on volleyball senior night also chose Saint Francis because to travel around the country,” she has decided to major in said Meeks. Meeks plans to Senior Ashlynn to Jenkins, soccer has been for and hoped would happen nursing, and the university attend the Kelly School of Jenkins recently signed with a very big part of her life for most of her soccer career. has a great nursing program. Business next fall. Meeks University of Saint Francis for since she was young. She had “A big goal I set for Many seniors hope loves volleyball and the soccer. She received an athletic always had a strong desire myself was to get an athletic to and may still be receiving school so she is looking and academic scholarship to play soccer in college. It is scholarship, and I worked interest from various schools, forward to the next 4 years. from the school. According something she has worked really hard to get where but the year has yet to play out. Student faculty I am absolutely terrible at gym for the rest of the day. SSH freshman Kristen Gladeiux. basketball. I have other talents Some students prefer Gladeiux has basketball game that I use. Many times I have to play in the basketball game continued from p.1 participated in the appeared as a special guest,” because they want to beat neighborhood walks, selling continued from p.1 said eighth grade science the teachers. Then there are The club doesn’t really candy canes, and helping teacher Rick Flickinger. some students who prefer to have a set money goal because wrap the presents. SSH was “The teachers “I think the teachers watch the basketball game. if that goal isn’t reached it recommended to Gladeiux by normally win of course. Out of will win because they have “I would want to can be very disappointing to her to sisters Erin and Danielle. the ten to twelve teachers that a height advantage and watch the basketball game people in the club, but a big There are many ways to get play, all of us grew up playing they have more skill,” said because I’m not good at goal of SSH is to bring joy SSH recognized from being basketball,” said seventh grade seventh grader Nathan Roof. basketball at all,” said eighth and happiness to the people spread around by mouth from science teacher Connie Kattner. Students have the grader Madison Clark. who don’t have it as good as person to person, or attending We have more skill but maybe option to either participate or The student faculty others. SSH tries to help put meetings and hearing about don’t have a lot of quickness or watch the basketball game. basketball game helps raise smiles on their faces and give it from older siblings or from agility, but we do have skill.” The students don’t have to funds for the families in need them memories to remember upperclassmen in the club. Some of the junior high pay if they don’t participate during the Christmas season. especially on the holidays. There are still plenty teachers chose not to play in in the basketball game. The It also is a great way to show “It’s sad how others of upcoming events including the game for various reasons. students will go down to the school spirit and get the have life so hard, and I feel the can drives for Miss Virginia “I am not participating in basketball game at fourth junior high students excited bad that some people don’t get House and helping the the basketball game because period and will stay in the about supporting their class. the same experiences I do. I Burmese community in East feel amazing though that I get Allen and other smaller things Semi-formal 2009 to help give some things they such as the polar plunge. The Semi-formal this year will be held on January 16. Tickets will be sold during lunch mods don’t get on a normal basis. club could always use just a few A and B to students in grades 9-12. A single ticket is $15 and couples tickets are $20. If a stu- It feels good to help,” said random donations at any time. dent wishes to bring a guest from another school, they must fill out a guest form and turn it in prior to the dance. Formal dress is required. All attending must be under the age of 21.

have thanked me for saying Golden Apple award what so many feel and have continued from p.1 agreed he is very deserving.” Along with the Golden Apple honor, Gabet was Osborne not only also awarded with assorted works with Gabet now at Leo, certificates including one she also had him as a teacher from Steamatic to have his when she attended high school. carpet cleaned and another “He was my from Afdent to have his teeth government teacher and whitened-a $600 certificate. Student Council Adviser 28 Papa Murphy’s also joined years ago,” said Osborne. in with a gift certificate. Safe “In high school, I remember Auto provided Gabet with an going to his house with a emergency safety kit which group of friends and he and includes jumper cables. Gabet his wife Marcia came to my also received a sweatshirt. PHOTO BY KATIE BOURKE graduation party. I remember Gabet hasn’t used PHOTO BY SAM HAUSCHILD at school dances, he would any of these assorted gifts yet. Leo students present the Golden Apple award banner only dance to Bob Seager’s Mr. Gabet at the assembly “But I [will] warn last year Gabet will be seen still do what he loves without ‘Old Time Rock and Roll.’” deserving [of this award], everybody when I get teaching or contributing having to take work home According to Osborne, said Osborne. “Because he is my teeth whitened so to Leo Jr. /Sr. High School. to grade and prepare,” said every teacher at Leo would retiring, it required action soon they can wear sunglasses “I have a feeling Osborne. “We can only hope be deserving of this award. and it would be too late for Ellen to school,” said Gabet. we will see Mr. Gabet as he shares some of his time “As my letter says, to nominate him when she has According to Osborne, a guest speaker and as a with us among his travels every [teacher] would be him third trimester. Many staff this is most likely not the substitute teacher, so he can with his wonderful wife.” December 18, 2009 Feature 3 Winter weather activities the age of 2 enter for free for a By Rory Harris chance to view the display of Editor-in-Chief photographs from historical The winter months buildings along with artifacts. can be grueling in northeastern Star of Bethlehem Indiana, but the there are ways star gazing at the Schouweler in which one can entertain Planetarium at the University themselves through these of St. Francis is open for cold days in Leo, Indiana. December 18-20. The times On Thursday will vary, and adult tickets are December 17, the Leo- $4, while tickets for seniors and Cedarville park plans to children under 18 are $3 a piece. host Santa Claus in it’s According to indoor pavilion for pictures, fortwaynehockey.com, the cookie-making, and a Fort Wayne Komets will be reindeer sighting. This is an home Friday, December 18 annual Christmas event for at 8:00 p.m. vs. Quad City families all over the area. and Tuesday, December 29 From December 12th at 7:30 p.m. vs. Dayton at to January 4th, the Headwaters Allen County War Memorial Park ice skating rink is open Coliseum. Tickets are on sale from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Coliseum Ticket Office. Adults can skate for $5, kids For the lower arena, tickets under 14 years of age for sell at $20 for adults, $15 for $3, and skates are $2 to rent. students 12-18 or seniors 60+, “Ice skating is a very and $9 for children under 12. fun way to get outside and For the upper arena, adults sell enjoy the winter weather,” at $17, students and seniors said senior Rachel Lengacher. $12, and children under 12 According whatzup. for $8 a piece, and upper com, through December 31st, deck tickets sell even lower there are many community than that at $10 for adults, activities available which $8 for students and seniors, include anything from art and $6 for children under 12. PHOTO BY RORY HARRIS markets to thrifty gown “My boyfriend contests. Artlink’s Holiday takes me to almost all of Local strangers enjoy skating at the ice rink located in Downtown Ft. Wayne. Market is selling creations from the Komets games, and I local artists around that area really enjoy them now that I at the Artlink Contemporary know how hockey works,” Art Gallery. The hours for the said senior Cassie Cocks. gallery are from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. On December 19 an Tuesday through Thursday, additional showing of the Friday through Saturday 12 Holiday Pops show will be p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sundays held at the Embassy Theatre How To... from 1 to 5 p.m. Franke Park in Fort Wayne at 7:30 p.m, is offering tours of holiday according to fwphil.com. The light displays Sunday through orchestra joined by the Fort Thursday from 6 -9 p.m., Wayne Philharmonic Chorus as well as Friday-Saturday and the Fort Wayne Children’s from 6-10 p.m. The Fantasy Choir Chorus will all be wrap a present of Lights costs $5 per car, $10 performing. Ticket prices per van, and $25 per bus or range anywhere from $20-62 trolley. Carriage rides are also depending on the location Step 5 box. Crease and secure it available for those interested of attendee in the theatre. By Madison Carroll as you did the upper flap. by appointment. To receive Whether it’ ice Feature Editor Open the paper you’ve more information or schedule skating at Headwaters Park just cut and lay the Step 10 a carriage ride, call 691-3780. of attending the Fort Wayne Step 1 box in the center of the The Downtown Philharmonic’s Holiday unprinted side, top Repeat for the opposite Landmarks Christmas Exhibit Pops, there are activities to To wrap a gift first gather down. end of the box. is open to the public at enjoy in Fort Wayne over your materials and lay Foellinger-Freimann Botanical break.All of these events and them out on a clean, flat Step 6 Step 11 Conservatory on Tuesdays- happenings are a great way work surface. Remember Sundays through January 3. for students to enjoy their to remove the price tag Bring one lengthwise Position the package so Adults pay $5, children 3-17 Christmas break to the fullest from the gift before edge of the wrapping the seamless side is facing only $3, and children under and escape winter doldrums. wrapping it. paper to the center of the down. box and secure it with Step 2 tape. Turn the opposite Step 12 edge of the paper under Place the box containing approximately 1 inch and Wrap a long piece of the gift along the length bring this to the center of ribbon around the gift of wrapping paper and the box as well so that it box lengthwise, and then unroll enough paper to overlaps the first edge, twist the ribbon at the wrap it around the box, and tape it down. lengthwise seam to wrap leaving at least a 2-inch it around the box width- overlap. Make sure there Step 7 wise. is enough wrapping paper at each end of the Position the gift box so Step 13 box to cover the ends that one short end is completely when folded facing you. Grasp the Turn the box over so that over them. left and right edges of the seamless side is facing the wrapping paper and up and tie the ribbon Step 3 push the sides in so that into a bow on top of the top and bottom flaps are present where the ribbons Use a pencil to mark formed. Make sure the cross. where this overlap ends edges are pushed in as far and cut the wrapping as they will go without Step 14 paper in a straight line ripping the paper. Tape at this point. Fold the the edges to the box. If you have a card, slide paper or use a yardstick it under the ribbon and to guide you in cutting a Step 8 secure it with tape on the straight line. underside. If you have a Bring the upper flap gift tag, use the loose ends Step 4 down against the side of of the ribbon to secure the the box, making sure the gift tag (if it has a hole in Eyeball the wrapping flap is sharply creased at it), or adhere it directly to paper at the ends of the its folds. Tape the flap to the gift (if it has adhesive box. Trim away any the box. on it.) extra paper so that the remaining flaps are long Step 9 According to http://www. enough to cover the box ehow.com/how_8019_ but short enough to fold Bring the lower flap up wrap-gift.html over smoothly into flaps. against the side of the 4 Feature December 18, 2009 Freshman A.J. Busche gets personal By Mel Matteson Staff Writer Favorite superhero? Batman, because he has that Nickname: Black Magic long black cape

Age: 15 What makes you angry? Bananas Siblings: Liz, Jacob, Josh, Leah, and If you had three wishes from Rachel a genie what would you want? I don’t need anything, I have Hidden talents: everything I want none are hidden Favorite old woman crush: Name you would want if you Jennifer Aniston were a girl: Nicole Describe yourself in three words: Where would you hope to be Tall, talented, nice in ten years? In New Mexico with a Do you sing in the shower? successful job Yes

College choice: If you were stuck on a deserted USC island what book, movie and person would you want to Favorite color: take along? Black No book, transformers 2, and my best friend Nicole Favorite artist: Lil Wayne What is one thing that disgusts you? Favorite song: Changing baby doo doos Gangsta Luv If you could be a car which Favorite sport: one would it be and why? Football A Mercedes because they are awesome looking If you could ride on any creature into battle, what Are you a good dancer? would you ride in on? Yes AJ poses with Benjamin Franklin A lion PHOTO BY MEL MATTESON In Leo High School 86 students were polled

The question “Is Christmas your favorite holiday?” No-28% YES-72%

The question “Do you have the same traditions every year for Christmas?” No-23% YES-77%

The question “Do you open any presents early before Christmas?” NO-56% Yes-44%

The question “Did you believe in Santa for a long time?” NO-64% Yes-36%

Where do you go on Christmas? 32% stay at home 52% go to someone else’s house PHOTO BY KELLY LANTZ Mr. Rothart takes a break from his hard work 15% other

What is your favorite part of Christmas? Mr. Rothert speaks out about 41% opening presents 22% eating life outside of being a teacher 36% other By Mel Matteson country skier and a nationally He believes that this leads to What time do you get up on Christmas? Staff Writer prominent swimmer in the an impoverished community 27% get up at 7am Mr. Rothert, an Masters’ Program. Other without adequate schools, 29% get up at 9am English teacher at Leo High than his siblings, he is a father health care, environmental 47% other School, has been teaching to three. His son, Ryan, is protection, infrastructure, and sophomores’ literary works twenty-nine, and his two step- social amenities. Other than for years. daughters, Sheila, 40, and politics he is very passionate Rothert grew up in Shari, 45. “They are all great about many things such as Fort Wayne, Indiana. His sources of joy for me,” said music, social justice, education, favorite things to do as a child Rothert. history, and old movies. were to read, play music, The reason Rothert He has a special talent swim, and sandlot sports. became an English teacher of swimming underwater for Once he got to junior high he is because he needed a more quite a long distance, but has declared that he wanted to be secure profession other than no weird habits or phobias. a musician. being a professional musician. His only collection is his He spent his high He was a musician for twenty wide selection of musical school career at South years. As he tried to determine instruments. Rothert is not Side High School. After which career path he wanted sure that he lives up to it, but high school he went on to to go through with he realized he tries to live by the Golden the United States Naval how much he always loved Rule, and he believes it is corny Academy. He completed one literature. He already had an but his favorite phrase is peace year at the Naval Academy English degree so teaching and love. He relieves stress and decided to transfer to seemed to be a good possibility. by meditating or vacationing Heidelberg College in Tifflin, At first he was not so sure in Sonoma County, California Ohio to earn a BA in English about it, but he was pleased to or the Big Horn Mountains of and history. Once receiving discover that he increasingly Wyoming. his BA, he went on to attend loved teaching as he was If he were not a IPFW to gain a teaching exposed to it. His favorite part teacher at Leo he would be license and Masters in of teaching is working with teaching somewhere else and Secondary Education. young people. playing music. In thirty years Outside of teaching Although he is too he pictures himself sitting on Rothert is very dedicated modest to describe himself, the front porch teaching the to his family. He has two he believes his life is an open neighborhood kids to play the brothers and one sister. His book. Many students know his banjo. Without music, good brother Larsh died tragically outlook on politics and he says companions, books, gardens, at age fifty-five, his brother he strongly disagrees with the and natural beauty life for Mr. Bill is a retired Naval Captain, theory that smaller government Rothert would be much less and his sister Susan is a cross- and low taxes are desirable. livable. December 18, 2009 A&E 5 New Year Resolutions Top ten, most unique New Year Resolution made by Leo High school students 1. Work out to maintain a healthy weight and stay in shape. 2. To work hard in school and get good grades. 3. To dedicate at least 45 minutes a day to God -- every day and grow in him. 4. To actually keep my New Year Resolution. 5. To leave my house earlier in the morning so I don’t have to rush to school. 6. To save Gothem City and play Frogger for the first time. 7. To become more active in school activites and community activities. 8. Clean my room at least once a month. PHOTO BY ALI STRANG 9. Get my blue belt. Neil Bender gets a head start on his new years resolution of working out 10. To learn something new. A great way to spend your New Years Eve By Rory Harris Editor-in-chief 1) Dress up—what better reason to dress up than the welcoming of a new year? 2) Spend time with friends—make sure you’re with your favorite people on such a significant night. 3) Eat some sort of appetizer—doesn’t have to be fancy, but it’ll make anything feel like a party. 4) Drink sparkling grape juice—makes it official. 5) Watch the ball drop at Times Square on TV—even if you just check out the last few seconds of the bash, getting a glimpse of New York will remind you of how exciting the starting of a new year can be. How do you celebrate the New Year? Do you do the same thing every year for New Year’s? Yes-47 No-96

Do you watch the ball drop every year? Yes-107 No-36

Are you attending some sort of New Year’s celebration this year? Yes-99 No-36 Not sure-8

Did you make a New Year’s resolution? Yes-42 No-101

Does your family have New Year’s traditions? Yes-56 No-87 6 A&E December 18, 2009 Top 10 Christmas movies Leo students select their favorite holiday flix of all time (Poll taken of 138 Leo Students) 1. Elf: 36% 2. Christmas Vacation: 18%

3. A Christmas Story: 13%

4. Home Alone: 12%

5. Dr. Seuss’: How the Grinch Stole Christmas: 10% 6. It’s A Wonderful Life: 6%

7. White Christmas: 2%

8. Miracle on 34th Street: 2%

9. Scrooge: 0.5%

10. A Christmas Carol: 0.5%

Photos courtesy of flickr.com Holiday Eggnog recipe for this Christmas season

Happenings minutes. Slowly bring milk mixture to a EGGNOG boil. Here’s how you can help others this holiday season Prep Time: 20 Min Cook Time: 8 Min 2. In a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy. • Toys for Tots Ingredients • 4 cups milk Whisk hot milk mixture slowly into the • Salvation Army • 5 whole cloves eggs. Pour mixture into saucepan. Cook • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 • St. Mary’s soup • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon minutes, or until thick. Do not allow mix- • 12 egg yolks ture to boil. Strain to remove cloves, and let kitchen • 1 1/2 cups sugar cool for about an hour. • 4 cups light cream 3. Stir in cream, 2 teaspoon vanilla, and • Socks for soldiers • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract nutmeg. Refrigerate overnight before serv- • Coats for • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg ing. Christmas Nutritional Information Directions Amount per Serving Calories: 465 | Total • Shoebox drive 1. Combine milk, cloves, 1/2 tea- Fat: 22.2g | Cholesterol: 272mg spoon vanilla, and cinnamon in a sauce- • Christmas caroling pan, and heat over lowest setting for 5 Courtesy of www.allrecipes.com December 18, 2009 Special 7 Students celebrate Christmas differently

She said her parents started it By Jordyn Furnish latkes (potato pancakes) and Opinion Editor because it was their own special, sufganiot, which are doughnuts. simple way of doing things. Another tradition is the spinning Gary said one thing she of the dreidel which is a spinning When people think of would change about the way she top with Hebrew letters inscribed Christmas, they picture putting celebrates is the fact that all of her on the top. Chabad.org also said up the tree and opening presents. presents don’t get wrapped. She that the last and final event is the What most people aren’t aware said that her parents don’t wrap gift exchange. This is when the of are the unique ways various all of her sister’s and her presents adults give money to the children. Christmases are celebrated. because they don’t feel that they Another example The stereotypical need a surprise factor anymore. would be not celebrating at all. Christmas is going to church on Gary said she likes the Senior Emily Blauvelt doesn’t Christmas Eve, followed by going way she celebrates and that celebrate the holidays because to sleep and waking up the next she will continue this family she is a Jehovah’s Witness. morning to find presents under tradition when she gets older, “Most holidays have the tree. Some people tweak this only she would wrap all the roots in pagan celebrations,” stereotype so that they can make presents to keep the magic alive. said Blauvelt, “and Christians better memories and some do Some families don’t in the Bible didn’t celebrate something completely different. celebrate Christmas because of any of these holidays.” Freshman Keanna Gary religious reasons. This includes Blauvelt said that her has family traditions of her people of the Jewish faith. whole immediate family decided own. Although, she’s not far off According to Chabad.com instead not to celebrate, and they have from the way the majority who of celebrating Christmas they done this ever since she was celebrate the holidays, her family celebrate Hanukkah. According a baby. Not all members of has their own unique twist. to chabad.org this celebration Blauvelt’s family are Jehovah’s “Me and my family begins on the Dec. 11, at Witnesses, but she says that not put up the tree every first sundown and lasts for eight days. celebrating the holidays and week of December and The celebration includes different religious views doesn’t decorate the house,” said the lighting of the menorah affect the closeness of her family. Gary, “and on Christmas Eve each night until it is fully lit on She said instead of we each open one present.” the eighth day. Chabad.org also celebrating holidays, her Gary has been said that it is a custom to eat family eats meals together celebrating the holidays this way foods fried in oil all eight days. every night and they see their ever since she can remember. These foods include distant family every two weeks. Christmas 2009 Leo Wish l ist Po ll Christmas Wish List 1. ipod touch 2. camera 3. puppy 4. cell phone 5. laptop 140 6.money students 7. clothes polled 8. gaming system

for Leo HighSchool 8Opinion December 18, 2009 Students reminisce on past parties High school students wonder where the holiday cheer went

By Kelly Lantz Feature Editor During elementary school, students could count on having a party once a holiday came around. Once students advance to the high school level, the holiday parties come to an abrupt stop. Why do high school students not get to participate in holiday parties? High school students encounter the stress of harder academics, larger workloads, and busier schedules, but do not receive a holiday party. “There’s more schoolwork when you’re older, which equals less time,” said junior Elizabeth Huber. Parties are a great way to get in the spirit of the holiday season. Eating food, participating in holiday themed games, and enjoying the presence of their peers is a great way for students to end 2009 before seeing each other again for the new year. “I liked all of [the party happenings]. We would play games, exchange gifts, and eat cake. Good times,” said Elementary school students participate in a holiday party. PHOTO BY KELLY LANTZ freshman Katie Westerhausen. During elementary and giving presents,” said during this holiday season. of little parties in our classes,” Some families are school a gift exchange usually freshman Jason Stanton High school students said freshman Forrest Bonin. very busy during the holiday took place. A student would The Christmas season want to be appreciated too. Being assigned season and many students draw a name of another makes it so easy to get lost in They would all appreciate projects and having to go to multiple Christmas student and would go buy the buying of gifts and rushing day to relax and forget about fret about an upcoming celebrations depending on a small gift for them. This around trying to get everything writing essays, doing projects, test the week we return to their family structure, which offered opportunities for done. But what if we just took and taking notes. Most of school is not something can make it hard for students to students to give to others a day to have a holiday party what is learned on the last few students like to worry keep up with school over break. who they may not be good and stop being so busy, busy, days before break is forgotten about during winter break. How do teachers and friends with and participate busy? And just took a time to anyways and often taught “I don’t feel I administration determine when in the spirit of one of the unwind and realize we’re lucky again on the first day back. accomplish much those last students are too old or parties? things Christmas focuses on. to have what we have around “The best way to spend few days because the teachers “They might think we “My favorite part us? Our peers, teachers, and the day before break would don’t even teach because they are too mature for class parties. about Christmas parties administration are something be have one huge party in the don’t want us to forget stuff,” I will never be too mature for was definitely getting to be appreciated, especially gym or have a whole bunch said freshman Brianna Dailey. that,” said Westerhausen.

Christmas superstitions to consider over the holidays

• The child born on Christmas Day will have a special fortune.

• Snow on Christmas means Easter will be green.

• You will have as many happy months in the coming year as the number of houses you eat pies in during Christmas time.

• In Greece, some people burn their old shoes during the Christmas season to prevent misfortunes in the coming year.

• To have good health throughout the next year, eat an apple on Christmas Eve.

• The gates of Heaven open at midnight on Christmas Eve. Those who die then go straight to Heaven (an Irish belief).

• Christmas candles should be left burning until Christmas morning and should rest undisturbed from time of lighting until they are snuffed.

• Singing Christmas carols at any time other than during the festive season is unlucky.

• If you are under the mistletoe with someone of the opposite sex, you should be kissed; otherwise; you will both have bad luck.

• The first person to open the door on Christmas will have good luck. Courtesy of mahaho.com and theholidays.com Students, Picture Yourself at IPFW Apply for student housing have a fun at IPFW! “I came to IPFW because it’s a growing campus Christmas and has so many opportunities!” Jedaiah Newton –Northrop HS,’09 Fort Wayne break and a (back left) great New 260-481-6812

An equal opportunity/equal access universitywww.ipfwstudenthousing.com An equal opportunity/equal access university Years! INDIANA UNIVERSITY–PURDUE UNIVERSITY FORT WAYNE

Leo-IPFW AD-HOUSING (Nov) December 18, 2009 Junior High9 Junior High Student Profile: 8th grader Ryan Fawcett By Brooke Wilcoxson Christmas. Jr. High Editor Favorite season?: Summer

If you could be any animal for a day, what would How many siblings do you have? you be?: Names, Ages?: I would be a dog, they’re awesome. Nikki 16, Breann 14, Tori 10 Favorite subject?: Math What do you do in your spare time?: Practice sports If you could have any super powers for a day what would you choose?: What sports do you play?: I would want to fly Soccer and Cross Country If you could go back to any point in time, where If you could go would you go?: anywhere, where 1800 would it be?: Hawaii What’s something somebody wouldn’t know about you?: I have a twin What did you ask for for Favorite holiday?: My birthday Christmas?: Itunes gift Biggest pet peeve?: Whistling cards Biggest Fear?: Monsters in the closet What are your C h r i s t m a s Worst Habit?: Picking erasers traditions?: F a m i l y Most embarrassing moment?: I fell down the stairs members come at my house in front of my family to my house and we celebrate Favorite school lunch?: Chicken poppers Ryan Fawcett gives a thumbs up to the 2009 year. PHOTO BY BROOKE WILCOXSON Holiday Word Search E W E N N L C I E A G R H W R R O A S L R K R G H N R A S O Y R G E E N U C A T Y N N K N O D R S S Bells R F R E R R L Y N E E L R S C E O D L T O S T A B A F G E O T O H U G I E O E S W E O T S S O E L G Fruitcake E E F L I A T S E L R R D N M R S E D O E W F L S R R I O R N N E K E E E L A R S O O N T N S G L S Snow E O L R R A D I R O T N M T I T T R C E M U R R W Y O R E E E T S E E I U P E E E S S N O R T G Wreath N R R U D G G A E P E W H D S R E O I T N W K I L E U T E S R N E E R I M N I E E N S I L N T E T R Cheer L G S W A L E R M H U C E O O H R E N D D T E R A Ornaments T R G T U T L T R R W T B S E E S G C T I R E K N I U C N A S H E E T W R O E R I L Y L G H L T R E Snowman E A A N O R T B T E T U C O R H L G U E E E L E D O S S O G R O R E S I O O H S E E T R G G C G P Cookies L D E S M E E R K R E O E E E K I L F L S S O T C I E G D K R W A E W E E A R E S Y L A R E E E H E Reindeer A W L R E W C T L T G R N N S O T U E E E H E O N S I C R E T K O W S O S O N U E O N A T P E D E N Star R T W S I S I E D R O T R N N Y I R E L R A A E E R E N U G O P I C T O R G T R R O K O M W A K R E Eggnog T G R T H W R T T E R U A A H N A D O I A E R E O Rudolph U F E L T O O S H E T N E S R H U T A O R N L G A R N N T S D E N T F S N I L R F S W L C S R M T Tree E E N U I N I E S R U E I I H R C W O S T G O W Congratulations Emma Huffman for -ad vancing to finals on Indiana’s Got Talent! 10 Special December 18, 2009 Anything is possible if you just believe

Christmas yet, she hoped. in frustration. Michelle soon fell asleep, and her “Well, if you really need to mother picked her up and gently laid her know…I’m sorry honey, but he’s not in her bed. Soon, Michelle was dreaming real.” Her mother became worried that as she slept away her thoughts of Santa her first child’s dreams about Christmas and his reindeer. were soon to be crushed. The next day Michelle went to “Wa…wa…what? Are you school, riding that big yellow school bus serious mom? Why didn’t you tell me?” and chatting with friends on the way “Honey, just because there isn’t there. Michelle’s enemy was soon a Santa doesn’t mean you can’t still have to make his way onto the bus, a good Christmas. It’s just different and just to annoy her he sat in because now you know who really is the seat directly in front of her. putting out the presents. If any other Who did he think he was? kid still believes, you do not tell them he “Um, we have assigned isn’t real. Do you understand me? That seats you know,” said Michelle, is up to the kid’s parents to decide. Don’t trying to remain nice but was obviously ruin it for anyone else, and keep it quiet frustrated. for your younger siblings. I’m sorry “Yeah well I want to sit here dear. I really am.” today, so deal with it,” the boy said. Michelle was very upset and Soon the boy was ranting on and aggravated. I want Santa to be real; on to everyone on the bus, something just let him be real! Age seven and my that slightly felt like a stab at Michelle’s childhood is ruined, she thought. As tears heart. filled up in her eyes, Michelle ran to her “Excuse me, everyone, but I have room and locked out the world for the an announcement to make,” called out rest of the day. the boy. “I found out that Santa and his Later that night, she came back reindeer are NOT real!” out, and her mother and father were Michelle, always standing up for resting on the couch talking. what she believed in, stood up in “How are you feeling honey?” fury. asked her mother, with a rather worried “Santa is too real, Gary! Stop look on her face. trying to ruin everyone’s Christmas!” “I’m fine, I guess. I just want “I’m not ruining anything; I’m Santa to be real, Mom. So can we just body and that hideous Christmas telling you all the truth. I saw my mom pretend, and keep everything like it has sweater she wore every winter. and dad putting out Christmas presents been these past Christmases? Christmas Fictional Story As for Michelle, with her dark last year early in the morning. I caught would be so much more magical if By Ashlynn Jenkins long hair and yet still thin but more them in the act. It’s proof. He isn’t real!” everyone believed in Christmas, don’t Editor-in-Chief toned body, it was obvious she only Feeling wounded and slightly you think?” resembled her mother through one dizzy, she sat back down and tried “Yeah, well now you know ‘Twas the night before feature: their piercing crystal blue blurring out the incessant noise being who is really paying for your Christmas Christmas, when all through the eyes. She took on several personality made from all the kids on the bus. presents,” claimed her father. Shortly house, not a creature was stirring, traits of her mother: independent, fun, At school that day, all she could after, her mother smacked him for the not even a mouse. loving, outgoing, and free spirited. As think about was what that stupid boy rude comment. It was 1998 in the little town for her father, she took on his more had said on the bus. Was he right? Was “Yes dear, we understand. of Leo. The cold winter night’s wind athletic abilities. Santa really not real? I need to get home, Nothing will change, but at least you blew swiftly, and Michelle snuggled Michelle had two siblings: now, she thought. know the truth now. Remember, never up close to her black Labrador one playful little sister, Ellie, who When she got home from school ever tell kids Santa isn’t real. We love puppy, carefully sipping from her was age three, and a five-month-year- that day, she immediately went inside the you.” hot chocolate. The fireplace burned old baby brother, Tristan. Michelle house and threw herself onto the couch. Christmas Eve soon came, and as the wood eroded into the chimney enjoyed rocking her baby brother “Mom, we need to talk, now!” this was the first Christmas Michelle air. to get him to fall asleep and doing she shouted. would have to deal with the fact that Michelle looked to her left; whatever she could to help lessen the “Yes dear?” Her mother had a Santa wasn’t real. It was fun pretending there sat her father, reading his daily stress on her mother. She had always seemingly puzzled look on her face. though, for her younger siblings, and newspaper and drinking warm been a very selfless individual. “Is Santa real?” she wanted to help them believe in Santa apple cider before bedtime. She As she took a slight peek “Of course he’s real. Why as long as possible. After all, wouldn’t glanced to her right; her mother was at her puppy, she considered some wouldn’t he be?” that keep everything about Christmas busy cleaning the house, dusting, thoughts inside her head: what am I “Mom, I’m serious. I want to more magical? sweeping, and picking up everything going to get for Christmas? Is Santa know the truth. Tell me the truth. Is Santa As she laid her head down to her lovely children had left out. She going to be on time? I better leave real? Does he really have reindeer, or is it sleep, she swore she heard reindeers’ studied her mother; her soft, bronze out cookies and milk for him. This dad and you who always put Christmas hooves on the roof and a little “Ho, Ho, skin, golden locks of hair, her thin Christmas was going to be the best presents out?” She wanted to scream out Ho” from Santa and his sleigh. Staff and students share things they have done this year that may put them on either of Santa’s lists

Naughty and Nice

“I totaled my car when I got overly excited “Thinking of others, having a positive at- about a Nutter-Butter bar.” titude, and smiling.” -Senior Anna Thompson -Mrs. Brown

“I brought Twix bars, Red Bulls, and Sour “I waited for my brother to come out of the Punch Straws for Bailey Rosenbaum and I bathroom, then I hit him in the head with during our first period class.” my didgeridoo.” -Senior Samantha Hauschild -Senior Kody Davis

“Countless procrastination.” “I jumped in freezing water last February -Senior Ian Brumm to raise money for Special Olympics.” -Mr. Jehl

“I forget to brush my teeth before I go to bed.” “I volunteer as a Sunday school teacher -Mr. Gabet at my church.” -Senior Corrie Guingrich