Issue 2- October 2011 Looking at the History of the Sword & Shield, Part 2 Feature Article by Will Xiang Congratulations to Homecoming King and In this second installment the recently-retired English teacher Queen Jamar Morris Student Government... page 2 of our exploration of the history of Tom Jones was an outspoken sup- and Gretchen Bauer. Making a Difference...page 3 the Sword and Shield, we’ll take porter of the article, commending a look at a rocky time period that the blunt facts behind the message Sports... page 4 saw the paper suppressed into a and praising the courage of the Entryway Redesign...page 5 school-censored newsletter. writer to publish it. Like Pie?...page 5 Although a single article Nevertheless, the an- Horoscope... page 6 was the main trigger for the cen- nouncement that the paper would Chilvary... page 7 sorship of the school newspaper, be censored angered the Sword and the Sword and Shield already had Shield staff due to the infringement Homecoming Pep Rally... page 8 an infamous history of printing on the students’ freedom of speech. controversial articles. Subject mat- There were strong implications ter in the year the paper fell under that following year, as almost the school control alone included entire group departed to establish strong anti-Gulf War sentiments, their own paper, the Independent. pro-abortion views, and a true While it is difficult to know for Sword & Shield Staff account by a gay student afraid to sure, the fact that the first issues of Editors-in-chief “come out of the closet” due to the the Independent came out one year Kevin Chen & casual discrimination that not only after Principal Taylor started “pre- Abhi Sandireddy students but also staff members viewing” the Sword and Shield and displayed against gays. Ultimately, a note made in the “new” Sword Features & Managing Editor though, a harsh article criticizing and Shield describing the entirely Will Xiang the status of the GPAs of African revamped staff strongly supports Americans on the front page of this theory. The first issue of the Arts & Entertainment Editor the March 22, 1991 issue was too Independent also emphasizes the Jessi Ford much to pass unnoticed by the AB98 Student Rights Bill insuring school staff. The racial implica- freedom of speech, and heavily News Editor tions made by the article spurred criticizes former Principal Taylor Mark Park then-principal Carolyn Taylor into for her decisions. action, condemning the “exploi- Ultimately, though, all of Opinions Editor tation of racial tensions” in the this controversy died down, and Marco de la Cruz school. Immediately after the pa- the Sword and Shield was no lon- per was released, it was announced ger censored, all of the self-gov- Photography Editor that Principal Taylor would “pre- erning newspapers slowly faded Arcadia Katzenberger view” all future issues before they away, save for the Independent, were released. Understandably, of course. But we at the Sword Sports Editor this set off a flurry of debates and Shield would like to make it Chris Morgan within the school concerning clear that the school paper is not whether or not the article should reviewed by the school adminis- Student Life Editor have been printed in the first place. tration, and that it preserves the Julia Kroll There were, however, some sup- integrity of the views of the student porters of the piece. For example, body. Student Contributors Erin Edinger-Turoff Drug-Sniffing Dogs: Coming Soon Johannah Hansen to Madison Schools Julia Kroll Priya Kalluri By Student Life Editor, Julia Kroll Chris Morgan On September 26, the Mad- ing searches. The cost, which could some students bring drugs to David Morel ison Board of Education officially be tens of thousands of dollars per school, or that this increasing Beaw Nellis approved the use of drug-sniffing year, will be covered by the Madi- drug presence increases violence Ben Rifkin dogs in middle and high schools. son Police Department, not the as well. The problem lies in pos- Aabhas Singh In August, the board president said school district. sible discrimination. If wealthier Michael Turng that they were evenly split on the Madison schools are adopt- students were caught possessing Madeline Vogel issue, and the vote was delayed to ing this policy much later than drugs, they could afford to pay the Nathan Wang receive more input from the com- other Dane County schools. Mid- fine or hire a lawyer. However, William Xiang munity. However, the board passed dleton, Verona, Monona Grove, lower-income and often minority the decision with a vote of 5 to Sun Prairie, Stoughton, and Mc- students may not be able to afford Layout & Editing Asst. 1, showing strong support for the Farland high schools have already those expenses, and could instead Monika Ford measure. been using drug-sniffing dogs as end up in juvenile detention or Peggy Hsu School principals now have a deterrent for years, though they prison. the power to randomly request a have found little to no evidence of Students and teachers will Advisor visit from the Madison Police De- drugs. experience the changes brought Teri Parris Ford partment's K9 unit if they suspect School officials supporting by the drug-sniffing dogs over the drugs on school property. These the security measures have pointed coming months searches will only occur about one to the fact that the number of drug and years. to three times per semester, but use violations in Madison schools Hopefully these students will not be notified about has jumped 60% over the past six changes will them beforehand. The dogs, which years. However, this statistic is make schools are trained to recognize marijuana, misleading, as it includes alcohol safer for every- cocaine, and heroin, will only sniff violations as well (which dogs are one but not at when students are in class or when not trained to identify). Exclud- the expense of school is not in session. They are ing alcohol, drug violations are up students' trust only permitted to search common 50% over the past six years, which and equality. areas, such as hallways, lock- is still a tremendous increase. ers, and possibly even the student However, since last year, drug vio- parking lot. Individuals cannot be lations are actually down 4%. searched, and students will never Even opponents of drug- come in contact with the dogs dur- sniffing dogs do not deny that Photos by Ben Rifkin On September 9th, back- yard reps spent half the day getting trained to lead backyards. Back- yard reps are JMM student govern- ment lead by class officers, they meet every Friday in Fox during first lunch and in the Wisconsin during second lunch. Right; Leadership led by Class Presidents; Marco de la Cruz, Meg Hamele, and Monika Ford) Left; Inclusionary Activities in the field house were led by Vice Presidents Chris Morgan, Shuruthy Yogarajah, and Jeremy Gottlieb. Right; Paul, Liesl and Joey enjoy- ing the conference.
Class Secretaries; Moniecha Washington, Daniel Li, Ra- chel Taber led a session on communication (not pictured) Pep Band Hello Memorial Staff, Par- and Class Treasurers; David Morel, Kelly Shen, Chrys- ents, and Students telle Cayton led a session diversity (also not shown). Pep Band performs at 2 Girls' If you would like to apply for a Basketball Games, 2 Boys' Basket- grant for "any creative or innova- ball Games and two hockey games. tive project which is not currently All games are at home and are on funded within the core school Thursday nights. Come show your budget," the time is now. Memo- school spirit and be a member of rial staff, students, and parents are this Spartan legacy! eligible to apply for a grant. This We rehearse 5 Thursdays after year Memorial's Endowment Grant school starting November 3rd. Fund income is $2,095, and it can 4 out of 5 rehearsals and 4 out of be used for one or more grants. Ap- 6 games required to earn school plications for Memorial's Endow- letter. ment Grant are now available and Band and Orchestra students are are due by Friday, October 14. welcome. See Mr. Jaeger for ex- ceptions to that rule (electric guitar, Information and applications are electric bass). available in the Main Office (it's Sign up in the band room if inter- all in one document, with the appli- ested. cation at the end). This document will also be posted on our website on the homepage with the link "JMM Endowment Grant "
No poster - yet, but here is the info for the coming JMM Fall Play... "The Matchmakers" (a wacky romantic comedy) MOCK TRIAL CLUB - BEGINS MID-OCTOBER. Students may Oct. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22 stop in room 856 / Ms. Burda for 7:30pm Theatre 300 $5.00 per seat an application and calendar. Tickets go on sale Oct 3, 2011 in cafeteria 2 Spartans Making a Difference – every day in every way! Looking for an opportunity can definitely find an activity that tan Youth Service is a thriving club school—which we learned was an to make a difference in your com- appeals to your interests. SYS is consisting of over 200 students astonishing number of about 100. munity, make some new friends, most known for its project “Ser- annually. We're currently kicking To sweeten the deal, Spartan Youth or just feel good about yourself? vice Begins at Home” done at the off the new school year with Penny Service will match any amount You can do all of these by joining elementary schools, and many of Wars, formally known as Koin- of money donated. We are a club Spartan Youth Service. If you’re you may know it from the day you s4Kids. This homecoming event committed to upholding our found- a freshman you may know SYS get out of school, Spirit Day. involves five jars, one for each of ing goals of maintaining a good as the table with the neon colored How did this large club the classes and this year, we also image for Memorial, while making bookmarks with a Jolly Rancher start, you may ask? Spartan Youth included a teachers’ jar! As some a difference in the world by help- placed on top, while upperclass- Service began in the fall of 1994 as of you may have done in middle ing our community. men will know us as the largest response to bad news coverage of school, you put pennies in your volunteer club, meeting in the Fox Memorial. Four freshmen (Andrea class’s jar, which counts in your Spartan Youth Service meets in the Neighborhood Center every week. Klopp, Chris Wilbur, John Phan, favor and increases your total, and Fox Neighborhood every Wednes- SYS provides many ways to get and Courtney Franklin) wanted to silver coins and dollars in your op- day after school. We look forward involved in volunteering. From represent the true nature of Memo- ponents’ jars, which decreases their to seeing YOU there! working Badger Football Conces- rial. This club grew very quickly total. The money we raise from this sions as a fundraiser to helping from the four freshmen to thirty event will be used to help many the elderly rake their lawns, you students in all classes. Now Spar- of the homeless students at our Become a Host Family Today! Madison South Rotary is wise, consider yourself to have an- looking for host families for our other son or daughter. Entering into exchange student who is here from hosting with this frame of mind is Thailand. She is 16 years old, very the most rewarding. Ask any fam- friendly and speaks English very ily that has hosted before. I AM JMM well. Her current host families A host family is a vital With a fresh school year underway, the JMM Gay Straight Alliance says she is adjusting well and likes part of the cultural exchange, im- is back at the forefront in its efforts to continue making Memorial a helping our around the house. mersing the student in a variety of welcoming, engaging environment for all students. Members are as Looking for one family activities while in the host coun- diverse as the initiatives they work towards – a mixture of athletes, from December to mid March try. The host family plays a large artists, academics, and friends. Working towards a common goal, and another Mid March to end role in offering the student a view its members strive to give a sense of community to all who walk of school year. Madison South of another country and gains the through the doors of their school. Rotary gives the student a monthly opportunity to learn about a new The GSA is now welcoming all new members and invites anyone allowance of $75. The student has culture from a young leader. interested in joining to venture to its afterschool meetings every their own spending money as well. Hosting is a tremendous ex- Wednesday. Many of their yearly activities have become annual Host Family Responsi- perience in which you can share in school-wide traditions, and in only two months, the Cupcake Smack- bilities: To accept the exchange a young person’s hopes and dreams down will once more pit the school’s greatest culinary minds against student as a new member of your and develop a lifelong connection one another in yet another grudge match of pastry prowess, with the family. The student will be gov- with a student and family from GSA to guide the way. erned not only by the rules of the another country. It can be challeng- WHEN: Afterschool , every Wednesday. program but by the rules of your ing to help a young person transi- WHERE: Room 508A, The Art Rooms household. You are responsible for tion to a new culture and ease into the safety of the exchange student the surroundings but the rewards the same as for your own children. are immeasurable. Host families in Although you might have a bit the Youth Exchange program come more of the soccer mom or dad for in all shapes and sizes. They can Invisible Children Helps normal everyday activities it is not be Rotarians or non-Rotarians, and your responsibility to act as a taxi may include young children, older Fight Ugandan War service or a tour guide. Rotarians children, or no children at all. for the hosting club will be helping If interested in being a host fam- Invisible Children is an or- On Wednesday October in these areas. ily please contact Christa Sweeney ganization dedicated to ending the 5th, an Invisible Children presenta- Host Family Obligations: [email protected] brutal war fought in Uganda. The tion will be held in the auditorium. The easiest way to explain this is 608-719-9237 war has been extremely devastating Their main topic will be the ex- to say that your exchange student More information: www.csrye.org to the local Ugandan communities, ploitation of young children that should be treated as you would or www.rotary.org with many innocent civilians dying are turned into violent soldiers. treat your own child. The only area and 25,000 children recruited as Invisible Children will be bring- you will probably have outside soldiers. ing many speakers, including a help will be transportation. Other- The Lord’s Resistance native Ugandan. They will also Army (LRA) is the terrorist organi- show a powerful film called “The Veterans Day at Memorial High School zation responsible for the conflict, Rescue”. The presentation will take Plans are presently underway to develop and present a series of Veterans and Invisible Children works to place during 2nd and 6th hours and Day activities at Memorial High School on November 11th, 2011. Geof end the fighting and help those teachers are allowed to bring their Herman (JMM Art Teacher) is seeking veterans, parents and other com- affected. Services include warning classes. Students, please encourage munity members who might be interested in helping develop the day's communities about possible at- your teachers to bring your class agenda, promote it, and secure funding sources for it. A main goal for tacks, encouraging soldiers in the down to the auditorium in time to this day is to honor and commemorate the the contributions and sacrifices LRA to quit, creating a program for see this meaningful presentation. made by our veterans, along with providing experiences for students families to be reunited, promoting Thank you. to learn more about our veterans. Plans are to invite in guest speakers, recovery for communities affected, exhibit the artwork of a veteran, offer a meal, and more. Please contact financing education for children, -Johannah Hansen and David Geof Herman
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For more info, call 662-5729 or visit kevasports.com 5 America’s Got Talent By Reviews Editor Michael Turng September 13, 2011 marked the Will Rock You” and “We Are the finale of the sixth season of the Champions” by Queen. The judges world’s biggest talent show, Amer- weren’t quite as impressed about ica’s Got Talent. The show aired this performance, stating that the on NBC over the summer, starting lead singer missed a few notes. from audition rounds to the Final Still, they praised their enthusiasm Four. The first few episodes of the when performing. The last act, Horoscopes by Madeline Vogel show covered the auditions in sev- after being delayed by technical eral cities, though it only showed difficulties, was Silhouettes. The the highlights of the 100,000 acts dancers created a story of a little that had auditioned. From there, girl who dreamed of traveling the acts chosen by the three celebrity world, with “What a Wonderful World” playing the background. judges, Howie Mandel, Sharon Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22) It seems like everything that can Osbourne, and Piers Morgan, were The judges praised the emotion of sent to the second round in Las the performers and the act. go wrong has. Acknowledge the problem at hand, take each Vegas. Only 48 acts were chosen The next day, the results situation as it comes, and don’t over think things. from this round to perform on live were ready to be announced. The TV for the Quarterfinals. Follow- two-hour finale included several Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Something or someone is holding ing a new system that started in last guest performers, including four you back from what you’ve been wanting to do for a long year’s competition, 12 acts were celebrities that performed along time now. Today is the day to push all of that aside and do chosen from thousands of You- with the finalists. Landau’s guest performer was Patti LaBelle, and what you want. Tube auditions to perform in the Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) You’ve been lacking a col- Quarterfinals. Finally, 12 acts were the two did a duet together. iLu- chosen from the eliminated acts to minate danced to a performance lection of new music to listen to. Over the weekend go on a get a second chance in the Quarter- by Cobra Starship. The members music spree and explore some new artists! finals, in what the judges call the of POPLYFE got their dream with Wild Card Acts. performing with one of their inspi- Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) You have a strong and steady rations, Stevie Wonder, and Silhou- From the 72 performances, pace today, don’t let it slip up just because of someone else. 24 of them were chosen for the ettes danced to a live performance Semifinals, where they were by LeAnn Rimes. Other guest Use your independent streak to get things done! thinned down to the Top Ten, and performers were Def Leppard, One finally the Final Four. This year’s Republic, Tony Bennett, Queen finalists included several unique Latifah Cirque Du Soleil,and Sea- Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Stay alert and tune into what’s acts. The first finalist was Lan- son 5 runner-up Jackie Evancho. Finally, after a day of happening. Things around you are changing, whether you dau Eugene Murphy, Jr., a solo like it or not. jazz singer who had surprised the anticipation, the results were an- judges with his voice from the nounced. Host Nick Cannon called Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Between Homecoming, homework, auditions. He also touched the all four acts up and announced the fourth place winner. The spot went school, and extra-curricular activities, you’re busier than hearts of many with his story of a bee. Enjoy the time you have over the weekend and stop being homeless as a teen, to wash- to POPLYFE. Despite getting last ing cars for a living, to becoming a place, the band was still living a stressing over the little things. finalist in one of the nation’s larg- dream, having gotten the chance Aries (Mar 21 - April 19) Don’t hold things off until last to perform live for millions, and est competitions. The next finalist minute, you’ll end up regretting it when you start scrambling was Team iLuminate, a glow-light performing with one of their idols. dance group. Team iLuminate re- Third place went to Team iLumi- to get things done the night before. minded many of one of the finalists nate. The dance group was not as last year, Fighting Gravity, a black excited as POPLYFE, standing sol- emnly as their journey through the Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Things around you may seem to light performance team. How- be happening all too fast. Don’t join the crowd though, stick ever, iLuminate took the lights-off show was shown on the big screen. dance to a whole new level, using Many had expected that iLuminate with your methodical pace and you’ll be much better off. elaborate programs to control the had the first place in their grasp, dancers’ costumes covered with but it wasn’t the case. With the last Gemini (May 21 - June 20) You’ve started off this school neon lights. The third finalist group two acts remaining, Nick Cannon announced that the first place spot, year in hyper-overdrive. Make sure to set some time aside was POPLYFE, a teen pop band. for yourself. The band received mixed reviews $1,000,000, and the headlining act during the auditions, with judge in Vegas went to… Landau Eu- Piers Morgan stating that they were gene Murphy, Jr.! The singer stood Cancer (June 21 - Jul 22) You’ve been going back and forth better off performing solo, rather shocked while his family burst into between decisions for too long now. Flip a coin on which than as a band. POPLYFE proved tears. It was the sixth year that a decision to make and stick to what your outcome is after to the judges their ability as a band, singer has won the competition in a row, meaning that all winners of you’ve flipped it. causing Morgan to promptly take Leo (July 23 - Aug 22) Today is the day to face a new chal- back his previous statements. The America’s Got Talent have been last finalist was Silhouettes, a large some sort of singer. The judges lenge in life. Take up that new club or activity you’ve been dance group that projected their say that a possible reason for this considering. You won’t regret it. shadows against a screen to create is that the audience gets attached images. Silhouettes was one of the to a single person more easily than most unique acts ever on the show, a group, but others claim that the Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22) The overcast weather has been get- according to all the judges, as the winners, including Landau, won by ting to your head lately. Make sure to get outside and enjoy dancers, ages 3-18, made props and sheer talent. this weather before it gets freezing cold though, you’ll miss text with their own bodies. this weather! On September 12, the finalists fought for the final prize, $1,000,000 and a headlining act in Las Vegas. Landau performed first, singing “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. He received a standing ovation from all the judges and the audience, with the Note: The Staff of the Sword & Shield would like to apologize to its judges saying that this audience for the mistakes made in last month issue. Michael Turng’s could be the winning name was omitted from last month’s list of contributors of the Sword & act. The next was Team Shield. Also Emme’s article about the final movie of Harry Potter had iLuminate, who did a an image taken from the internet that was not from the movie being re- kaleidoscopic dance viewed. These mistakes angered many semi-normal students and while routine in the dark. The the newspaper staff is sincerely sorry, it also wants to tell some of those judges had been calling kids to get a life. The pic was a good one, even though it was from a them the act the best new couple of movies back. If you thought you could do better, please come act in America, and they to the S&S meeting in the photolab on Thursday mornings at 7:40am. weren’t disappoint that night. The third perfor- mance was POPLYFE, who performed “We 6 Chivalry is Not Dead What are you Every fall during the anx- that guys ask my friends and I. ious weeks before the Homecom- Signs at sporting events or outside ing dance, I find myself feeling of houses, candles spelling out the looking forward grateful that I’m not a guy. The request, fortune cookies, and even pressure of asking someone to a videos have all been methods this to most dance is one aspect of traditional fall, much to the excitement of gender roles that I’ve never heard their receivers. My dad has said on even the most die-hard feminist several occasions, apparently not this year? By Beaw Nellis complain about, and I’m certainly remembering that this is literally happy about it. Although at this the tenth time I’ve heard him say point many of us have become it, that there should be some sort of “Summer (the end = ))” – Lily Johnson pretty comfortable with each other, award for this above-and-beyond “Having fun.” – Rachel Reck (below) it’s still an impressive accomplish- behavior. I’ve been commanded ment. To top it off, the male popu- more than I’d like to share to be lation at Memorial is exceptionally grateful and appreciative towards creative in their methods of posing my dates—not that I needed to be the big question. They put a lot of reminded. Apparently back in my effort into one night in a sweaty, dad’s day, girls were lucky if a guy crowded gym that we’ll probably managed to stammer out the eight only stay at for a fraction of the words required at minimum: ‘Will “Becoming a senior next year.” time we (actually, pretty much just you go to the dance with me?’ That – Edwin Wu (below) the guys—thanks again!) actually being said, a case could be made paid for. There’s a lot to be said that this information isn’t com- about the thoughtfulness, and in pletely accurate, and my dad being my opinion, it pays off. Maybe socially out of touch in his high our generation doesn’t have all the school years is not evidence that all gallantry that existed in past years, of his peers were the same (I would but those who claim that chivalry certainly take this approach). is dead probably haven’t properly Regardless, whether it’s always looked into all adolescent behav- been the case or if our generation is ior—“thoughtful teenager” is not especially charming, I have noth- an oxymoron. ing bad to say about it! Every year, my parents are -Erin Edinger-Turoff “Winter break, snowboarding.” blown away by thoughtful ways – Kyle Suchanek (below)
“The Amigos trip in the sum- mer. Kicking butt in powder “French trip in June. Following puff football.” – Azze Ngo (below) son’s band. In terms of school, it’s a fresh start for everybody. Seeing how people change. “ - Mme Christen (left)
“Prom, bowling at the end of prom.” – Stephen Ramos (be- low)
“Getting to know more stu- “Laughing, having fun, & being dents and more teachers in the me…an enthusiastic Spartan!” – Priya Kalluri (below) building.” – Ms. Johansson (below)
“Christmas time and the Os- 6 cars.” – Jack Feria (not pic- tured)
“The musical (Beauty and the Beast)” – Mr. Hardin (left) 7 Homecoming Pep Rally Photos by Arcadia Katzenberger
Top Left: Sophomores! Above: Cheerleaders are good this year! Left: the Band, Right: Cory Lawson imitates Chewbacca. Below: Ms. Keller can ride.
Left: Kayce Smith and Hunter Hix, Lower Right: the staff join in the annual “guy/ girl” dance! Lower Right Corner: Ben Rifkin and Chris Herr making video magic!
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