Plastic bags or bottles are thrown into the recycling bin every now and again, but usually they get thrown into the garbage, and people never give a second thought to it. However, recycling is a bigger deal than most people think– it’s more important to recycle and reuse plastic and paper than one might have thought.

Recycling should be thought as a much greater deal than it is. In some parts of the country recycling bins are seen just as often as trash bins. They are at every house and are used as often as the trash bins. For those who aren’t in the habit already you should be more aware of recycling and how it helps the environment and our future generations.

The future of the environment should not be punished for the mistakes that we are making currently. Recycling is a way to save the future and we do not take the little time that is needed to make a difference. Recycling is not a difficult thing to do; it takes just a little thought and a little amount of time to make a huge difference.

The world that we are living in today is not environmentally aware of their actions. Learning to make the small tasks a habit can make the difference from a healthy and good future and from a disastrous future. There is  no way to bring back the healthy environment once it is gone; there is no way to replace what we have now. Recycling is a step towards protecting what we have now.

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Morgan Fredricks

It’s hard not to find someone who modified their body in some way, there are not many girls who do not have piercings on their bodies and fewer who do not have their ears pierced.

Extremes such as splitting tongues, having metal implants put underneath the skin, gauging ears to their limits, tattooing as much of the body as possible and filing teeth are some things that society sees as scary, taboo and even amazing. Is there a limit to the extremes? Or will the extremes be pushed further and further until what seems to be extreme today becomes a minor thing to do in the future?

I personally do not have a problem when people get tattoos or gauge their ears, but there is such a thing as too far. When people decide to do the extremes to their body, such as tattooing every inch of their body, having metal implants put under their skin to make “cool” designs, split their tongues and file their teeth, it is not for the faint of heart.

In my opinion, it is your body ultimately, do with it what you want. However, I do not want to see you make a big deal when people stare or make comments about the taboo things that you have done to yourself. Do not just do it to get attention or make a scene, because you are going to have to live with the modifications for the rest of your life.

In all reality, I do not care if people modify their bodies to the extremes; but someday are the “strange” modifications today going to be a normal thing to see on the streets? Are there going to be things even more drastic that will be the new rage? Only time can answer those questions.

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Morgan Fredricks

“It’s pretty much a club where people come together and share ideas about writing and poetry,” Ivy McCurdy, sophomore, said.

The club usually meets every other Friday after school, and according to McCurdy, it takes very little effort to join—you just have to show up.

“I joined because I had a really strong interest in writing, and I thought Writers’ Café would be a good start,” McCurdy said.

According to McCurdy, the club is laid-back and fun; everyone can be themselves and it is not too serious.

At their easy-going meetings, members often discuss upcoming literature festivals and ideas for future competitions and contests. The club has created events that give opportunities for the whole school to be involved. Previously, they have sponsored a poetry contest, and currently, they are hosting a short story competition.

Students may enter their original short story to Chanlynn Allen, English teacher, in Room 201, or to any executive Writers’ Café member, including juniors Todd Cochran, Michelle Blitch and Jed Scott.

“We will be judging on creativity, conventions, originality, voice and theme,” said Cochran, the club’s president.

If you have a love of literature and writing, Writers’ Café may be the simple place for you to have fun and enjoy yourself.

“We’re not shoving writing in your face,” McCurdy said. “You just need to enjoy writing.”

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Jaime Birzer

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Haley Butler

As of Feb. 16, school will be in session until May 19, a day later than originally scheduled. Students will also be released two minutes later on Wednesdays starting Feb. 23.

Everyone, students and staff alike, were under the impression that we had been granted nine snow days, but when the schedule change was released, everyone was in shock.

“We actually didn’t have nine snow days. It was a miscalculation in minutes and that is what it all boils down to. How long a student is in school is what determines whether or not they graduate,” Brad Graf, athletic director and assistant principal said. “We thought we were ahead when we were actually behind, and it just magnifies because of seniors.”

All seniors were calm, perhaps even laughing at the fact that the rest of the students, juniors and below would be required to attend school an extra day, but the moment it was said that seniors were also required to attend an extra day, moving their last day from May 11 to May 12, commotion filled the air throughout the building.

“It’s total crap that we have to come to school an extra day, too, especially because we aren’t the ones who decided it was a snow day, but we are the ones being punished. I can think of at least one day that was called off that we could have went to school,” senior Tyler Espinosa said.

All seniors have one question in mind: Why us?

“There is a definite reason for it. Seniors have a certain required minutes that they have to attend as well, according to the State Department of Education. We could take away a day from Spring Break, but we all thought that doing so would just cause more ruckus,” Graf said.

Assistant principal Ryan Cobbs emphasized that seniors need to make sure they are present on that last day, whether they want to be or not.

“If seniors don’t go to school that extra day, their diplomas mean nothing. They will not be able to receive credit for all the work they put in,” Cobbs said.

The entire school’s schedule has been altered, including early-release Wednesdays which now include two more minutes added on to the day.

“The extra two minutes just figure into the minute requirements and adding just two measly minutes is really non-existent,” Graf said. “It’s not like in those last two minutes you will be getting assigned a ton more homework.”

As mad as everyone is about the slightly extended year, we should all be grateful due to the fact that we were technically over by four days, but were forgiven for two of them due to the unusual January and February weather that swept through the nation, and we are not as in bad of shape as some other schools. Students in Kansas City, Mo., are expected to be in school after June 1, and will be missing out on some of their spring break, whereas students out in Pennsylvania are going to have to endure school all the way until some time after July 4.

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Danon Taylor

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is a club with the purpose of helping and supporting students in their lives while strengthening their faith and connection with God.

“I guess the goal of FCA is to promote Christian fellowship among—not just Christian athletes—but all students, and also to support each other as we try to grow in life,” Terry Wallace, FCA sponsor, said.

FCA meets every Monday after school at 3:15 p.m. in Wallace’s room.

“We usually watch a music video or listen to a Christian song, and then have a little lesson—usually about a Bible passage—and say what we think about it,” Jeff Doolittle, sophomore, said.

According to Wallace, students discuss how the lesson applies to their lives here at school or down the road.

Not only does FCA have meetings to promote Christian camaraderie, but the group also raises funds for trips and activities. Past excursions include concerts and baseball games. In fact, this Sunday, Feb. 20, they will be heading to Kansas City for the Winter Jam concert, which consists of 10 Christian bands, including Kutless and American Idol finalist Chris Sligh.

An annual activity is the end-of-year party.

“At the end of the school year, we spend four or five hours at the school on a Friday or Saturday night,” Wallace said.

The party is almost like a lock-in, minus the staying overnight. Members enjoy music, games, pizza and, of course, one another’s company.

For these students, it is enjoyable just to be with others who have similar beliefs and priorities.

“It’s good to spend time with other people who feel the same way you do about God,” Doolittle said.

And with a title like “The Fellowship of Christian Athletes” you may think that you must play a sport to participate, but Wallace assures that is not the case.

“It is nothing to join; anybody can show up,” Wallace said. “It’s not just for athletes.”

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Jaime Birzer

While the Cyclones’ wrestling team has had some problems gaining control up to this point, members feel good about their play so far.

“My performance had gotten better throughout the season—as I went to more practices,” Askar Herrera, junior, said.

Although practice is one of the utmost elements to improving one’s performance, another factor lies in the bond and association between teammates. For the Cyclones’ wrestling squad, it is the older, more experienced players that help motivate and teach the younger ones.

“The seniors are the leaders of the team, they get us so pumped up and ready to go,” sophomore Cale Paquette said.

One might say that it is a senior’s job to lead by example, and according to the team, this year’s seniors are not shy of taking on this role.

“We all look up to Robert, because he’s been to state, and we all have that same goal in mind,” Herrera said.

And whether they are dishing out advice or assisting each other during practice, the whole team is looking forward for the remainder of the season.

Wrestling regionals will be at Chanute High School on Feb. 18 and 19.

Varsity

Weight                                 Name                                    Win        Loss

112                         Cale Paquette                   10           15

119                         Hunter Peoples                                17           13

125                         Brandin Bell                        7              17

130                         Garrett Brown                   25           8

135                         Caleb Parenti                     10           17

140                         Mike Hack                           6              26

145                         Kevin Farrell                       19           13

152                         Askar Herrara                    3              11

160                         Connor Gross                    5              16

171                         Brock Benorden                               4              22

189                         Brandon Ott                       6              5

215                         Mickey Jensen                  9              19

285                         Robert Retzer                    27           6

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Jaime Birzer

Spring fever has come to us in the midst of negative-degree weather and an overall snow accumulation of more than a foot. Most years, snow days include a few fun days in the snow with friends or a comfy day at home snuggled up on the couch. But with eight snow days already this year, it is no surprise that students and staff are more ready than ever to trade in their coats and boots for shorts, sandals, green plants and warm sunshine.

“I definitely have spring fever. I can just feel it. I’ve already started wearing my shorts, too. I love the snow, but I’m ready to go outside to play. My cat is getting pretty lonely,” freshman Brianna Pfizenmaier said.

Besides the warm weather and sunshine, spring will bring more motivation for everyone. The snow, ice and freezing cold causes an increased lack of motivation for everyone. It causes society to become even more lazy than usual. Research also shows that winter increases the depression rates more than any other season.

The thing that most students are looking forward to the most? More days without school.

“Winter is my least favorite time of the year, so I am really happy that it is warming up,” senior Allyson Bittner said.

Spring break seems to be on everyone’s mind being only a few weeks away. Sophomore Kaden Shaffer said he’s ready to have fun, although he is not planning to go anywhere for vacation.

“I’m pretty sick of the cold weather. I’m looking forward to being able to be outside and do stuff – I don’t even care what. Camping, four-wheeling, even just sitting outside. The snow is so pretty, but I’m done with it, Beth Black, math teacher, said.

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Angela Geist

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is a club with the purpose of helping and supporting students in their lives while strengthening their faith and connection with God.

“I guess the goal of FCA is to promote Christian fellowship among—not just Christian athletes—but all students, and also to support each other as we try to grow in life,” Terry Wallace, FCA sponsor, said.

FCA meets every Monday after school at 3:15 p.m. in Wallace’s room.

“We usually watch a music video or listen to a Christian song, and then have a little lesson—usually about a Bible passage—and say what we think about it,” Jeff Doolittle, sophomore, said.

According to Wallace, students discuss how the lesson applies to their lives here at school or down the road.

Not only does FCA have meetings to promote Christian camaraderie, but the group also raises funds for trips and activities. Past excursions include concerts and baseball games. In fact, this Sunday, Feb. 20, they will be heading to Kansas City for the Winter Jam concert, which consists of 10 Christian bands, including Kutless and American Idol finalist Chris Sligh.

An annual activity is the end-of-year party.

“At the end of the school year, we spend four or five hours at the school on a Friday or Saturday night,” Wallace said.

The party is almost like a lock-in, minus the staying overnight. Members enjoy music, games, pizza and, of course, one another’s company.

For these students, it is enjoyable just to be with others who have similar beliefs and priorities.

“It’s good to spend time with other people who feel the same way you do about God,” Doolittle said.

And with a title like “The Fellowship of Christian Athletes” you may think that you must play a sport to participate, but Wallace assures that is not the case.

“It is nothing to join; anybody can show up,” Wallace said. “It’s not just for athletes.”

——
Jaime Birzer

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