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Home , Diego Luna, Future Hearts, Joyce Manor, Jyn Erso, Never Hungover Again

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Issue Three • the official school newspaper of Speedway Senior High School • December 9, 2016 opens December 16th Standalone film extends the universe Many may remember last De- the infamous cember as an important month for , fans of ’s Star Wars the Empire’s film franchise with the release of great weapon Star Wars Episode VII: of destruction. Awakens. This December, those fans The antago- of a galaxy far, far away will return nist of the to see the highly anticipated addi- story is the tion to the saga, Rogue One: A Star reckless and Wars Story. rebellious Jyn Set shortly before the events of Erso, a young 1977’s Star Wars Episode IV: A New woman whose Hope, Rogue One centers around origin will the formation of the be unknown and its efforts to steal the plans for to fans until the film is released. This blurred line in A FACE OF THE REBELLION. A newcomer to the Star Wars Franchise, stands strong in her Jyn’s back- role as rebellious in this still from the highly anticipated upcoming film, Rogue One: A Star Wars ground closely Story. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm, 2016. resembles that which has yet to be named, will give inside look at the workings of the of in The Force Awakens. Some fans more on who Rey is and how Rebel Alliance to destroy Darth fans speculate that the two might she came to be who she is. Vader’s Death Star, and information be related, thanks to the similarities While Rogue One is officially a on the new characters joining the they possess: close in age, brown part of the Star Wars universe, it galaxy. For SHS junior Chad Sparks, hair, and even their English accents. isn’t affiliated with the sequel tril- a fan of the franchise, the film has A major component to the story ogy, the original, or the early-2000s him “excited about the expansion of in Episode VII was the question of prequels, but it is the first of several the ‘Empire vs. Rebellion’ story, and Rey’s origin, as the story simply ex- confirmed standalone films in the a different perspective of that plot- plains her as having been abandoned franchise, and is seen as some to the line.” Chad also thinks this film will J O A N N A on the desert planet , with film that will tide fans over until the bring in more longtime, diehard fans B E R R Y little else to reveal. The hope is that December 2017 release of Episode Plugged In Reporter The Force Awakens’ follow-up film, VIII. It will provide an exciting See GEARING UP on page 2 Awareness Month of Awareness Months Month Inspiring awareness and celebration every month

Happy Awareness Month of Awareness Months Month! Try saying December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Be- that five times fast. Low and behold, it’s December and everyone is excited cause of this, anyone who reads this article is now thinking about this cause. for the holiday season. However, this month is not all candy canes and Drunk driving alone killed or injured 300,265 people in 2015, according to menorahs. December is national Awareness Month of Awareness Months the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Prevention of drunk Month. To put that simply, this month is dedicated to celebrating the strange and drugged driving is a cause well worth a thought during this month. titles given to every month. So, before the end of the day on December 21st, Maybe a person who hears what this month is will take a couple extra sec- winter break, arrives, we Speedway students can celebrate some very strange onds and choose to take an uber instead of drive. celebrations. Many of these months give us reason to celebrate. In our society, Every month has multiple titles. Some are well known, such as Black with all the bad in the world, Americans need a reason to hold their heads History Month in February. Others are weird, for example, August is Na- high and smile; we crave justification to laugh and enjoy life. Some of these tional Crayon Collection Month. Some are important, but don’t get enough month titles were put into place to simply give a reason to relive our old credit, e.g. April is Autism Awareness Month. The fact that every month is an childhood memories or make new memories. We can always use more awareness month, is no doubt weird. Nevertheless, naming these months is laughs. significant because it brings to light problems Because it’s December, and the holidays are enough reason to cel- that need to be dealt with and gives us a rea- ebrate, this month doesn’t have a nonsense funny name. However, we are son to take a break from normal life. coming off of November which is Banana Pudding Lovers month. November Many of these months raise awareness of rolls around and it’s time to make banana pudding, smiling, laughing, and social issues and diseases. October, which making a huge mess just for the fun of it. has the highest number of titles (114), is In conclusion, Awareness Months are a benefit to society. They known as Dropout Prevention Month, AIDS bring important social issues and diseases into light. They also give cause for Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness celebration, which is something our society craves. Marlo Anderson, founder Month, and so many others. Dedicating a of NationalDayCalendar.com told me, “Having a National Month is impor- month to learning the significance of these tant to causes and organizations as it builds awareness. News agencies also issues brings them to light. When attention is become aware of these causes and tend to create stories around them.” Next called to diseases and causes, it is more likely month begins the new year. Let’s find some new causes to support and a new to be talked about and possibly, have more reason to celebrate. K A I T S E A R S money raised. Plugged In Reporter 2 Opinion/News Enhancing expression New AI-based messaging app from Google a big hit

Since the inauguration of Google, the and provide search results when company has strived to stand at the cusp of asked. Google Assistance is built to technological advancement, priding itself on emulate a real conversation with a ease of use and functionality in its products. person and by opening a chat with Google has once again perfectly exemplified Google Assistant one can ask for ev- its principles in its latest messaging app: Allo, erything from jokes to handy search “the smart messaging app,” as flaunted by the results from the Google search company after its release two weeks ago. engine. The goal of Allo as a messaging app is to But Google Assistant can be make instant messages more expressive than called upon in conversations mere text. First and foremost, Allo has taken between users as well. In a private inspiration from apps such as Snapchat by chat users can use “@google” to ask integrating an easy to use image editor which questions and receive answers with- A L E X allows the user to doodle over images before out ever leaving the chat window. J E N S E N sending them and a vast library of “stickers” For example if two people are plan- Plugged In Reporter with various phrases and cartoons very simi- ning a trip to Chicago and want to lar to the ever popular Bitmoji. know what the weather is like there, Allo also gives the user the ability to one of them could send the message change text size to allow for further expression, in addition to “yelling” in all “@google what’s the weather like in caps, users can now easily make their message a large font by sliding up on Chicago” and Google Assistant will the send button or “whisper,” making their text miniscule by sliding down reply in the same conversation with on the send button respectively. But what makes Allo “the smart messaging a human-like response describing app” is the addition of “Smart Reply” and “Google Assistant.” the current weather in Chicago. Google Smart Reply analyzes the conversation and gives three possible re- Ease of use and comfort are plies. For example if someone sends a message saying “how are you today?” not the only strengths of Allo. The the user who receives that message might have “good (: ”, “not so great” , and messaging app also has height- “alright, what about you?” as suggestions. As users send messages through ened security with the ability to send encrypted messages between users in Allo, Smart Reply will analyze grammatical patterns in the messages and “Incognito Mode.” Encrypted messages are kept strictly secret and cannot be provide more personal replies, such that the Smart Reply suggestions use accessed by any outside source or the service provider of the user. Allos also tone and word choice that very easily could be used by the one messaging. allows for expiring conversations which will delete after a certain amount of The other major advancement made by Allo is the functionality of Google time, further securing private messages between users. Assistant, a new Siri-like artificial intelligence which will answer questions Gearing up for intergalactic discourse Latest Star Wars release opens in time for the holidays

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fans more than new ones because Rogue One is “a new take on an old story.” Felicity Jones, who plays Jyn Erso, is joined by newcomers , , and Donnie Yen, who perform as Captain Cassian An- dor, Galen Erso, and Chirrut Imwe, respectively. The iconic villain of all villains, , will make a definite appearance in the film, but it isn’t known yet whether he’ll have a speaking part or if his frightening presence will speak for both itself and him as well. The several trailers that have debuted this year have included simple snippets of the all-too- familiar sound of Vader’s breathing through his mask. The inclusion of such an iconic character is sure to bring in both excitement and revenue for Rogue One. Plugged In Staff

Veterans: Joanna Berry, Abby Thomas. Rookies: Alan Helrigel, Alex Jensen, Chad Sparks, Kait Sears Adviser: Derek K. Doehrmann Printer: JS Printing INTRODUCING THE CAST OF ROGUE ONE. In seven days, the Rebels attempt to secure the plans for the Death Star in this The official school newspaper of Speedway High School. installment of the Star Wars story. Photo courtesy of ew.com. This is intended to be a public forum. Opinions plus 3 The SHS spirit epidemic What can students and staff do to change it?

This will be my last piece in “Plugged In” until the senior issue in spring, and in think- ing about my rapidly dwindling number of days left at Speedway High School, I have reflected on many events, obstacles, and achievements I have experienced through- out my high school career. One of them being the feelings I expect to have upon walking across the stage at graduation. It would be a stretch to say that I feel as if my high school experience and this is mostly due to the lack of school spirit I have felt the whole time I’ve been here. A B B Y This is not to say that I don’t have any T H O M A S school spirit, but it is to recognize that I Plugged In Reporter wish I had more. Many factors contribute to this, and below I have identified some of them. I know I’m not the only student or teacher who feels this way, and I hope in some way or another, anyone who reads this becomes inspired to A SPIRITED MOMENT. The student section at one of the volleyball games turn around the spirit and pride problem that currently exists at Speedway earlier in the year posed for this picture. Photo courtesy of Alliayah Johnson. High School. -First and foremost, schools should feel like they have an obligation to create an environment of school pride (and they do). It would probably make kids more excited to learn and do well for themselves and the school if they had pride for their place of learning. Pride in your hometown and This week in music school starts from a young age. The excitement of going to school when I was young wore off by the time I reached junior high. Perhaps if more Sparkplug Relive the 90’s with ’s Cody pride was instilled at a young age, this would carry out through high school. This October, a pop-punk band known as Joyce Manor released a new -We are small but mighty! Everyone at Speedway is well aware that we , titled Cody. Deemed a record of reflection and exploration by many aren’t the best at most things, but we try, and this is essential. So, in a situa- fans of the band, Joyce Manor expands their spectrum of musical appeal. tion such as this, effort should be supported (not to be confused with award- The three founding members of the band are turning 30 this year, which has ing each and every person, but simply applauding efforts when appropriate). the group looking back on life. David Sackllah from Consequence of Sound Students should want to applaud their friends and peers for representing the says that “On “Stairs”, they tell a tale of frightening codependence disguised school, maybe not in a championship manner, but for having the mindset as overwhelming love over four minutes.” Yet ‘Stairs’ was written by the of a champion. This is not only about sports! Academic teams and events leader singer and songwriter, Barry Johnson, when he was just 19, showing should be hyped, too. Some people just don’t enjoy or, like me, feel cut out that despite the release date, the album still digs deep into the band’s roots for sports. These things take training, time, and effort just like anything else. of teen life and immaturity. -I understand that the main focus of school is to learn, and that’s what To me, the album fits in with many of the great in the pop-punk we’re here for. As far as pep rallies and things go, though, we should maybe genre from 2015-2016, including ’s Life’s Not Out To Get You and make a more forward effort to hype up whichever activity the rally or event ’s Future Hearts. The album as a whole sounds similar to what is being held for. In Student Council we have tried to come up with fun new you would hear on the radio in the 90’s, similar to Jimmy Eats World, or things, but the feedback is always the same old negative thing. I think this is even early blink-182. The lyrics mirror Neck Deep’s in terms of structure and partly due to people going into these activities with an idea that it won’t be the things they are singing about. Despite the more pop-sounding music, fun, so they don’t try to make it fun when it could be. Positivity is key, and if Joyce Manor sticks to the material they sang about in their previous album, you’re one of these people, take it for what it is. At a pep rally, you’re sur- . rounded by friends and you have a free pass to be loud in school. Need I go Cody is a step in a different direction in comparison to Joyce Manor’s any further? previous album, Never Hungover Again. Cody leans more into the pop spec- -I am admittedly part of the problem, and in Student Council we have trum of pop-punk, a new experience compared to the heavier riffs of Never made note of the issue of many of us being the problem with the lack of Hungover Again. Released in 2014, Never Hungover Again’s vibe was more school spirit. However, unless the overall mindset of the people changes relaxed and punk, and the lyrics in songs like ‘Victoria’ and ‘In The Army (students, faculty, parents, etc..) there’s nothing one can immediately do. Now’ were edgier and more intense. Cody is almost completely opposite- it The issue has become inherent with Speedway. We may have to cycle out a feels as if the songwriters have stopped dwelling and have begun to move whole group of classes before this can change, but it’s worth trying. forward. -Hindsight is 20/20. This is not to imply that my high school experi- Joyce Manor, despite sounding like a band ence has been unsavory, but I have a feeling that if things had been different from the 90’s and the early 00’s, is a rela- in the aforementioned aspects and if I would’ve realized this sooner, the tively new band. Formed in 2008, the band experience may have been better. I’ve never felt like my purpose was to do consists of Barry Johnson, Matt Ebert, Chase anything more than be excellent academically. I realize now that whatever Knobbe and Jeff Enzor. The band originates your niche is, you should feel enough spirit and pride in your school to make in torrance, California. The band has released supporting peers in their clubs, teams, and sports a priority. And it’s not that 2 albums under their current label, Epitaph these things are nonexistent, but for most of us here it is not a priority. So Records. The band was originally a duo group to all of the students still here when the class of 2017 leaves, the question is consisting of Barry and Chase, who conceived handed to you- what can you do to bring spirit and pride into your experi- the idea while drunk at Disneyland. Joyce ence at Speedway High School? Manor is currently on tour, and while they have no shows scheduled in Indiana, there are four upcoming shows in surrounding C H A D states. S P A R K S Plugged In Reporter 4 Sports Analyzing growth Recapping the boys fall sports seasons

Another exciting fall sports season has After defeating Indianapolis Marshall they shut out the Cadets, 6-0 and against ICC ended at Speedway. The Cross Country team, in Week Six, the Sparkplugs traveled to Victory rival Beech Grove, 4-1. Unfortunately the Plugs coached by Kyle Owens, concluded a very fulfilling Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians. They couldn’t bring home a Sectional trophy this year year qualifying two runners for Semi-State, the played Park Tudor and fought hard through the for seniors Khant Thwin and captain Max Rob- first time in school history. game but came up short in a 38-36 loss. ertson as the boys lost in the opening round of Junior Nick Strader posted a 17:02 5km The boys lost their opening round sec- sectionals to Crispus Attucks. race time at the Ben Davis Regional and sopho- tional game to Scecina, 28-6, but back home the According to boys tennis coach Derek more Courtney Merrill qualified for her second Plugs always counted on support from a faithful, Doehrmann, the team experienced several happy straight Semi-State with a time of 19:41. The boys huge student section, the band, and many other firsts. This year was the first year that Speedway team qualified for the Regional based on their Sparkplug fans, even though the weather was poor has hosted a tournament. The twist: the tourna- top five Sectional finish. Senior Andrew Adkins the majority of Friday nights this year. ment co-host was arch-rival Cardinal Ritter. “We posted a season record of 19:06, and junior Geoff “To summarize this past season I would had participated in a tournament at Western Smith also ran a personal record of 17:37 at Re- have to say as a team we got better, even though Boone for sev- gionals, sophomore Nick Curran ran his personal we didn’t accomplish our team goals,” commented eral years,” said record of 17:15 at Sectionals, and freshman Ki- head coach Steve Wray. “In the 26 previous Doehrmann. heem Brown set his personal record time of 19:06. seasons that I have been associated with the “I wanted to Speedway football program I would have to get our boys in admit that our schedule was as tough as I a tournament can remember. However as challenging as it with schools of was our kids somehow persevered and com- similar ability pleted week in and week out even though to compete for it would have been easier to throw in the a trophy. Our towel.” County and ICC Despite the rough ride, there are several tournaments individuals that should be recognized for are difficult to their accolades at the Fall Awards Banquet contend for this past week. First of all, for the second given the talent year in a row Jacob Jones received the Most at the top of PREPARING TO SERVE. Sophomore Zach Merrill earned a trip to the indi- Valuable Player award as well as being each tourna- vidual state tournament this fall. named to the All-Conference team. Jacob ment.” Photo by Alex Jensen. also was named the “Indy Star” player of the week honor for his performance against Another first: the majority of the team members Triton Central. Teammate Andrew Fritz was were sophomores. Michael Cecere, Brandon voted Most Valuable Back honor as well as Dickey, Bradley Kruszynski, Jacob Lucas, Zach SUPPORTING OUR SPARKPLUG CAPTAINS. The football Plugs line being named to the All-Conference team Merrill, Jon Sauter, Jared Shewmaker, Griffin up during pregame. Photo by the Champion staff. while the Defensive Player of the year went Smith, and Logan Woodlock all competed often to Kaleb Owens. The Most Valuable Line- against more experienced players. Junior Vinnie Although the Football team started out man was awarded to De’Shawn Booker with the Nigrelli and senior Deshawn Thompson also slowly the past few seasons, they played tough Most Improved Player going Brandon Hamilton.” finished up the season with the army of sopho- against even tougher teams. The boys opened the The boys soccer team had some unexpect- mores. One of the bigger individual highlights of season with five straight losses against teams with ed twists this season, but nonetheless they kept the season came from sophomore Zach Merrill a combined record of 50-15, a regional champion- trying to roll with the punches. The team’s biggest who qualified for the individual state tournament ship, and two state championships. victories were home games versus Cascade, when in singles. “No days off” sets the right tone Varsity and JV Boys Basketball hosts Monrovia tonight The Sparkplug Boys Basketball team will days off” (although he thought it was cliche) will Garrett Oeth will play one of its ICC games tonight at home against help the Plugs because he believes that practice also be looking to the Monrovia Bulldogs. They will be looking for makes perfect. contribute to the their ninth consecutive win against the Bulldogs. In order for the Plugs to get into winning Sparkplugs ‘16-’17 After an interview with varsity coach form, the team will depend on several seniors season. Charles Bennett, I learned more about his goals including defensive specialist Andrew Fritz, and expectations for this following conference returning leading scorer Desean Hampton, senior All stories on page four written and season. He said that getting all the wins they can Lorenzo Smith, and Johnathan Gruebel. The assembled by Alan Helrigel. is of course important to him and the team, along juniors that will be returning include the second with as many sectional wins as possible. leading scorer from last season, Chris Valentine, His biggest expectations from his team classmate Camden Dal Corobbo and leaders from though are their “effort and attitude” they put last year’s JV team, Payton Hartman and Domi- forth in practice. Bennett said that if they show nique Hampton. effort and attitude in practice, it’ll reflect in their There are two transfer players that will be on A L A N games, hopefully resulting in more wins for the the lookout this season which are senior Kreimer H E L R I G E L Sparkplugs. Bennett then mentioned how “no De Leon and junior Akeem Dukes. Sophomore Plugged In Reporter