The devoted Sacred Heart members endured two 24-hour bus rides there and back, all in their support of anti-abortion; but in their absence, many were wondering what exactly they went to do.

March for Life was organized for the very first time on January 22, 1974 on the steps of the Capitol. Somewhere around 20,000 committed pro-life Americans rallied that day on behalf of all the babies whom were aborted and the disapproving families that had to deal with the undo-able decision and of that 20, 000 there were some women who held signs reading “I regret my abortion.”

In 1974, the March for Life was established as a non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian organization. Their numbers have continually risen throughout the years reaching more than 200,000 supporters. These growing numbers provide living proof of increasing ranks of pro-life Americans and the importance of everything that the March for Life has tried to accomplish.

“There are a lot more people than I thought with the same views and beliefs as me. I’m so happy that I went on this trip because it certainly shows that I played a part, but it also taught me that I can always do more. This rally was just the beginning for me,” junior Natalie Stoops said.

Many like to believe that everyone is against abortion, but the truth of the matter remains there is no nationwide law, and some think that it is the woman’s choice.

“Everyone has the right to their opinion, but abortion is the destruction of human life and those in favor of it need our prayers in order to understand the immorality of it and cease its funding,” OHS alumna Kari Lutz said.

March for Life respects the difference of opinion but does not allow it to become an obstacle in any of their events because it may be true that everyday pro-life and pro-abortion believers are arguing their points somewhere in this world, but in another part they very well may be going about their business harmoniously.

“Regardless of others, I am 100 percent pro-life for life,” Stoops said.

With the growth of supporters, March for Life has continued to flourish for 37 years and urges all pro-life believers to participate and spread the word. The next actual “march” will be on Jan. 23, 2012, and all information can be found at their website www.marchforlife.org.

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Danon Taylor

But lately the groans and moans have started a little early—a year early. The sickness has taken over the mind, body and soul of many of our very own class of 2012, and thus junioritis is born.

“High school was so easy freshman year, but now all I want to do is leave this place. I put all the blame on chemistry though. That class is so inhumane,” junior Michael Pedersen said.

Junioritis would be described as nearly the same thing as senioritis, but with the graduation date a little further away and the burning hatred a little more pure, being as they have another year of school riding on their back, and they are without a doubt already despising their dreaded Government and Econ classes.

“I dropped out of Spanish 3 the first day because we had a long paper to write right out of the gate. With that in mind, I am terrified of what Kornhaus or Campbell have in store for me next year. I woul

would certainly not mind just skipping senior year and getting straight to the money-making,” junior Evan Mietchen said.

Nearly all juniors are counting down the days until summer, to only be counting down the days until school starts again. Then the severe form of this disease, senioritis, will set in only to be absorbed into their bones, and the graduation countdown ignited. Simply making it through the third year of high school has proven difficult for many and with the cure M.I.A, this detrimental cycle is expected to continue for many more years to come.

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Danon Taylor

The federal holiday was first recognized in 1986, which would make 2011 the 25th anniversary of the King’s federal holiday. In 1994, Congress established the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and placed the responsibility of leading this effort on the Corporation for National and Community Service. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday recognized as a national day of service— a “day on, not a day off.”

In Topeka, Kansas Governor, Sam Brownback, led a symbolic march through the streets of downtown in an effort to make citizens realize exactly what Dr. King had gone through. Following the march was a service in the church that Brownback had married in.

“Participating in the march in Topeka in some way made me really feel what Martin Luther King Jr. was trying to get across to everyone. It definitely made me appreciate the freedoms that I have more than ever. I just wish MLK Day had that effect on everyone,” junior Simiyah White said.

The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, President Barack Obama’s national call to service initiative. It asks for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems by volunteering. The MLK Day of Service attempts to strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, empower individuals and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

Dr. King believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all, regardless of skin color, sexuality or religion and encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America by applying the principles of non-violence to make this country a better place to live. Thus, creating the Beloved Community he had pictured.

Many local, youth led organizations such as, Youth in Government and Youth Action Council, made an effort to help others on MLK Day whether it was by taking part in symbolic marches or volunteering at the local animal shelter.

“People just need to realize that it is about more than getting a day off from school and work. It is about getting out in communities and carrying on the message that MLK tried to instill in everyone, which is helping others. I was lucky to be able to volunteer with a group of kids that understand that just as much as I do,” ECKAN Volunteer Center Director, Lisa Rivers said.

Dr. King is a vital figure of the modern era and was a crucial figure in the Civil Rights Movement. His lectures and dialogues stirred the concern and sparked the conscience of a generation. His charismatic leadership inspired men and women, young and old, in this nation and around the world, then and now. It is only expected that Americans would want to carry his teachings and beliefs into future generations to come. One must think about what they did for others on MLK Day, and what they intend to do in future years as well.

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Danon Taylor

“We basically want to provide the students with whatever the vending machines are lacking,” senior and student body Vice President, Tyler Mayo said.

Though the 10 minutes do indeed come in handy, it sure does fly by faster than we think. One moment the release bell rings, and the next moment the minute bell has been sounded. Many questions have risen as to who is going to dedicate their time to this store while making sure they also get to class on time, whether it is to teach it or to sit in it and learn?

“The store is going to be run strictly by Student Council members with no help from any teachers. We are just running the final schedule through administration. The whole thing is currently in the works,” Mayo said.

Question after question has been presented, because everyone is eager to know if the store will be a success. Students and faculty alike all want to know where it will be and when it will make its appearance, but all that could be said was “it is coming.” Senior and student body President Zach George has confirmed that the store, or cart, will be located on the north side of the Cylone Room and is expected to be up and running next week.

“Due to scheduling, the store will only be open on Monday’s and Thursday’s, but if it is successful that may even change. It is just going to take a lot of devotion,” George said.

Now, whether the StuCo Store is present or not, it has been said there is nearly no excuse as to why any student is tardy to their third hour class. And no, the excuse “the line was so long” will not get you a pass.
“There will be no exceptions for students who run the store either. You absolutely cannot be tardy,” Assistant Principal Ryan Cobbs said.

The passing period is doubled, and yet students walk in two and three minutes late. If you are one of these frequently tardy misfits, perhaps less standing and talking and more locker visits will help you, at least until you can manage your time. And once you can, be sure to make a stop to the StuCo Store.

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Danon Taylor

If you Google winter weather of 2011, several links pop up about winter weather from the Pacific to the Atlantic including, the most recent winter weather story. – The colossal blizzard that hit New York City and surrounding areas with an unheard of five feet of snow! Jack Frost is not discriminating on who gets hit with a wall of cold and all the snow and ice that comes with it.

Ottawa has had its fair share of winter weather this January as everyone knows. It seems like Ottawa has been pounded all at once with endless snow and ice. Kansas is known for having some significant winter weather, especially out West, but this seems a little out of the ordinary further east. School districts in Ottawa and the surrounding areas have already had at least three snow days, all occurring within two weeks of each other. With this choppy schedule, some students feel that this might affect the consistency with studying and their schoolwork.

“I think the snow days absolutely affect student’s homework. As enjoyable as the free days are, retaining the information you learn at school is much more difficult. Let’s face it; no one does homework on snow days,” senior Paul Thomas said.

“I forget things, but I do like that I have more time to get my homework done,” senior Cesia Crook said.

Nevertheless, most students seem to be excited about the snow days and happy they do not have to attend school, a break is beneficial once in awhile.

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Haley Butler

Ivy Hiner wants to make a difference—a difference in herself and in others.

It is her first year at Ottawa High School, and already Hiner talks about her goals for the future and plans out the steps she will take to achieve them. The goals Hiner has for herself are not limited to post-college—such as the hope of one day becoming a high school English teacher—she has personal goals too…ones that extend beyond academics.

“I want to be able to look back and have had an influence on others and know that I have done the best I can,” HIner said.

Doing the best one can seems like a trying feat these days; it has proven difficult to give 110 percent effort when there are so many shortcuts and easy-way-outs.  However, Hiner has already found a way to dedicate herself fully; a way to keep her on track in her education and in her life.

Hiner is a part of the AVID program.

What is AVID? It stands for Advanced via Individual Determination. For those unfamiliar with the program, it might sound like a class for the academically challenged, or perhaps your typical, run-of-the-mill, over-achievers club. These assumptions would both be false.

AVID is a class for the students who just need an extra push. They are not at the top of their class academically, nor are they at the bottom. These are the students who want to succeed; only they may not have the tools and opportunities to do so on their own.

“It’s a program that helps you get to college, but also enhances your learning in school and in your everyday life,” Hiner said.

When students sign up for AVID as a freshman, they commit themselves to the class for the next four years. One of its core purposes is to keep the students on track and make sure they get the help they need for the rest of their high school career. The class will stay with the same teacher all four years too—Freedom Writers-style.

Math teacher Beth Black is in her second year teaching the AVID class.

“It creates a different bond when you have the students for four years instead of just a math class,” Black said of her sophomores. “I wanted that bond.”

Black describes her class as a dysfunctional family.

“They can count on each other, and you know other people are going to be trying as hard as you are,” Black said.

Having that family-like environment is helpful for students pursuing their goals. Sophomore AVID student Ciera Gardner said the class can be fun and enjoyable, but also strict enough to keep students on track.

On track to what exactly? For all of the AVID students, college is the ultimate goal. First year AVID teacher Angie Flax said one of the main purposes of the class is to allow students to be successful post-high school.

“It’s our job to make sure this group of students is successful no matter what,” said Flax, who has taught language arts for 12 years.

That is one of the main advantages of the AVID program: providing a leg up towards college.  Just for being in the class, AVID students are eligible for scholarships to many high-profile schools, such as Kansas State University. But the benefits are not limited to financial aide. According to Flax, students will gain college experience with visits to local campuses, and they get to see a more broad view of universities. Students also endure trying tasks and difficult curriculum to better prepare them for what is to come in their not-so-distant future.

Hiner already feels as though she is learning college-like skills.

“I’ve learned organization and how to use my time more wisely,” Hiner said. “And now, I ask myself questions that will help me figure out the answers.”

Hiner and her classmates have not only seen a change in the way they learn in a classroom, but also in the way they study on their own. This change is largely due to the requirement of writing Cornell notes.

The Cornell note-taking method was developed as a way to help students more effectively retain the information they learned in class. On one note sheet, a student must have a small left side column for questions, vocabulary and main ideas. A larger right hand column is left for the details and bulk information in a lecture. A space at the bottom of the page is kept for a summary or reflection over what they learned in the lesson.

Each week, AVID students are required to write a set amount of Cornell notes and then have them checked and graded.  For a great number of the students, this is the most difficult part of the class.

Freshman Franklin Windler said the note requirement is hard to keep up with because there are just some classes you do not have a chance to take notes in, but when he does have them, they prove very useful.

“Just get them out and study for 10 to 15 minutes,” Windler said.

Gardner also admitted that she was not a big fan of note-taking when she first started AVID, but since she began to take Cornell notes, she has seen progress in many areas academically.

“At the beginning I never took notes at all. Now I take them in almost every class,” Gardner said. “Taking notes helps in reviewing and in tests, and it keeps me organized.”

Although it is difficult for students to adjust to the new note-taking technique, Black said that the one thing they need to realize about the notes is that it is a process, not a format.

Another process that is giving the AVID students an educational boost is the AVID tutorials. In a tutorial, each student creates a higher-level question over a subject or topic they are unsure of, then the class splits up into groups of students with related inquiries. Each small group of students has a tutor who will ask them questions, guiding them to the answers. The tutors are all college students, not necessarily education majors, who must apply and go through training before they are accepted.

The tutorials are many of the students’ favorite part of the class.

“I love the tutorials,” Hiner said. “It helps me understand things better; I can go in and get really involved.”

The class participates in tutorials every Tuesday and Thursday. Flax said anyone who is interested in knowing more about AVID should sit in on a tutorial.

“The door is always open!” she said.

The tutorials force students to dig deeper, Flax said, which is a skill they will take with them to all their classes.  Similarly, Black said the tutorial is all about the challenge.

“It is where students push themselves to learn beyond classroom instruction,” she said. “They challenge themselves and the group.”

The challenge is sure to pay off for these dedicated students, as they have seen the multitude of ways that AVID can help them now and in the future.

Gardner hopes to retain skills such as organization and public speaking after completing the program, as they will assist her to becoming an adoption agent when she is older.

“I think AVID will help me by pushing me to my goals and teaching me the necessities I’ll need to achieve it,” Gardner said.

Likewise, the program’s teachers know what rewards are in store for their students if they invest their full potential. Both Flax and Black have high aspirations for their students.

Black said one thing she hopes her students learn is the ability to be confident and to be self-advocates. After all, in college you cannot be afraid to speak up.

“I want them to be lifelong learners and to never be satisfied,” Black said. “Shoot for the moon.”

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Jaime Birzer

Time out: this type of stuff only happens in the movies. If you want to know what really goes down on Halloween night, check in with the students at Ottawa High School, where the halls are already buzzing with plans for the 31st.

“I’m going to go to haunted houses dressed like a baby,” said Brooke Sage, sophomore.

Of course, rather than an old, creaky house on Boo Hill with more than its share of cobwebs and boarded up windows, a haunted house in this sense most likely refers to the local, creepy set-ups such as at the Ottawa Municipal Auditorium and the backyard of “that one house on 11th street.”

While some students get their fright on at haunted houses or spooky attractions, others just enjoy the holiday as they have done since they were small.

“You are never too old to trick-or-treat,” said Paige Weidner, sophomore.

To many, trick-or-treating is a Halloween tradition, essential even. When asked their immediate thoughts at the word “Halloween”, many students responded with candy or candy corn. This year, Corey Katzer, biology teacher, plans to give out the sweets rather than eat them.

“The best thing is getting to see the kids,” said Katzer, who plans on staying home on the 31st to give candy all the little ghosts and ghouls. “A lot of other teachers will bring their kids by my house,” Katzer said. “I love giving them all the extra sugar.”

What is the best thing about the scary holiday? According to Weidner, it is the costumes and getting to be crazy with your friends. Although trick-or-treating is typically saved for the younger kids, the older ones like to get dressed up too!

“Angela [Geist] and I are going to be bumblebees and ladybugs,” said Reggie Graf, senior.

See? Big kids can have fun as well.

“The best costume I ever wore was Hannah Montana last year,” said Alexis Roecker, sophomore.

Like Roecker, many people enjoy dressing up as their favorite celebrity or media icon.

“I’m not sure if it was my best costume, but my favorite was dressing up as my favorite athlete: George Brett,” Katzer said.

Trick-or-treating, getting candy and dressing up in crazy costumes is certainly a combination that adds up to some memorable moments.

“One time we were out after curfew, being chased by the police, and Kaden fell in a big storm drain,” Taylor Graf, sophomore, said. Oh, the surprises Halloween can bring.

It seems that even though students are getting older, the night of the 31st still brings scares, laughs and lots of fun—so go out and have a ball! Just watch out for those darned storm drains…

Sidebar

1. What is the first thing that comes to your mind at the word “Halloween”?

Angela Barth, 11: “Pumpkins.”

Tabitha McPheron, 11: “Corn mazes.”

Paul Thomas, 12: “Skeletons.”

Reggie Graf, 12: “Candy corn.”

Connor Goedert, 11: “Football and heads crackin’.”

1. What are you planning on doing for Halloween?

Ben Manis, 12: “Probably working.”

Natalie Stoops, 11: “Going to Osawatomie’s shut down psych ward.”

1. Do you have any Halloween traditions?

Maggie Bones, 11: “Going to eat at my grandma’s house.”

Camilla Karlshoej, 10: “Not really. We don’t really celebrate Halloween in Denmark.”

Greyson LaPlant, 10: “Wyatt, what are our traditions?”

Wyatt Peters, 10: “I don’t know.”

Greyson LaPlant, 10: “Trick-or-Treating and getting candy.”

Wyatt Peters, 10: “Yeah, trick-or-treating.”

1. Are you dressing up?

Connor Goedert, 11: “I’m going to be Reggie, because she is the prettiest girl west of the Mississippi.”

1. What do you think are the most overrated costumes?

Paige Weidner, 10: “Witches and ghosts.”

Evan Moore, 11: “Scream costumes.”

Brooke Sage, 10: “A dead cheerleader.”

1. What is the best thing about Halloween?

Alexis Roecker, 10: “Candy corn!”

Jake Huddlestun, 12: “Dressing up and getting crunk.”

1. What is it that makes Halloween fun?

Paige Weidner, 10: “The costumes and getting to be crazy with your friends.”

1. How old is too old to trick-or-treat?

Paige Weidner, 10: “You’re never too old to trick-or-treat!”

Evan Moore, 11: “Puberty.”

1. What is the best costume you have ever worn?

Kiersten Eads, 10: “An M&M.”

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Jaime Birzer

“I think it is good to have school spirit, because even if your team is not the best, they still need their school support to keep going,” sophomore Jordan Markley said.

During the game there were a select few sophomores who went above and beyond by spelling out Ottawa with painted chests.

“I got the idea from football college, I think it helped boost up the confidence  because it makes you feel a part of the team,” sophomore Dallas Natt said.

In the end it is not about winning or losing it is about the experience and environment and hard.

“We are the fans, and we represent our school and we should do it well,” sophomore Isaac Carter said.

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Tayler Guge

Being able to coach a winning team feels just as good as being on the winning team. Some coaches are lucky enough to coach the high school team they have dreamed of coaching. Coach Wendell Lewis is one of these lucky people. Coach Lewis started out coaching at Ottawa High School, the team of his home town.

About a year after being let go from OHS, Central Heights High School called him and asked him if he would coach their football team as the defensive coordinator. He accepted the offer and took the team from a 6-6 record to a 7-4 record and to the regional playoffs.

He later resigned from CHHS.

“I didn’t like the future if the program by the new coach and plus, Kevin Tooley, the former head coach retired,” coach Lewis said.

About a year after his resignation from CHHS, Coach Lewis ended up at and Baldwin High School coaching varsity football.

“A former Central Heights football player called and informed me that he set me up to talk with Baldwin’s head football coach.,” he said

Coach Lewis has coached many different positions. At OHS he coached varsity running backs and the freshman team. When he coached at CHHS he was the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

His current coaching position at BHS is the running back coach, defensive back coach and JV offensive coach.

As far as missing old coaching positions it is safe to say that Lewis does not miss every school he has coached at.

“I don’t miss coaching at Ottawa, I miss coaching at Central Heights,” Lewis said, “I don’t like dealing with the politics of the administration and the different cliques of the coaching staff.”

Lewis is one very successful man. He had the chance to play for the Dallas Cowboys but then that was cut short. He was crushed but did not give up. He started his coaching career here in Ottawa and worked his way up to the high school he wanted to coach for.

“Baldwin was my dream coaching destination,” Lewis said.

Lewis is very confident in his tam this year. Last year Ottawa beat Baldwin, but he sees this year being a bit different.

“By the time Ottawa meets up with Baldwin, Baldwin will be ranked in the top five in the state and Baldwin will end up beating Ottawa by at least forty points,” Coach Lewis said with confidence.

Lewis loves what he does, it could be his calling, as he says. This just goes to prove that with enough determination and will power, your dreams could come true.

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Cydney Lewis

Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy about a young boy with the name of Seymour, who is played by senior Paul Thomas.  Seymour is in love with a girl who works in his shop named Audrey, played by senior Katie Doolittle. He is so in love with her in fact that he buys her a plant and gives it the name of “Audrey two”. They soon find out that the plant is from outer space and that it feeds on people.  They, along with other characters, spend their time throughout the play trying to stop the plant from taking over the world.

“I think that this year we can get a large group of people because it is not only funny, but it also has a darker side to it,” Thomas said.

There is a smaller cast than usual this year. The characters consist of a dentist, a trio of girls who narrate the play, the voice of God and of course the plant who also has a voice.

“The cast want and hope people will come watch the show. The music is good, and the play is funny.” said Courtney Williams, director.

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Tayler Guge