the warrencentral Warren Central High School Indianapolis, IN Friday, December 16, 2011 Volume 90 Issue 5 www.wcowlnews.com Warren Central Publications Page 10 Have you ever seen something in a movie and want one for your very own? Well, we have some giſt ideas that may solve all your problems. OWL Page 10 Jokes and skits are thrown as quickly as bananas in the jungle known as Fun Monkey. But what happened when some baby monkeys tried to join in on the monkey business? by emilyhancock editor-in-chief Erica Davenport with Mrs. Claus Photo by Alex Martens Once upon a time not too long ago, there was a little girl. On a cold day in December, she hopped on a bus after school, anxiously anticipating what was waiting for her only a bus ride away. She got off the bus and went into a big, red brick building, looking for the one special person she had been waiting to meet. But he was nowhere to be found. Through the sea of big people, she heard someone calling her name and walked excitedly over. But she still could not see who she was looking for. The big people said hello as they sat down with her on the floor. Soon, everyone got quiet and they were welcomed to the party. But she was still searching. Finally, she looked up. There from down the corridor above. A white beard, black boots, and red suit escorted a woman in a hat, apron, and glasses. The time had come and the little girl sprang to her feet, applauding with everyone else as the man and his wife waved to the hundreds of onlookers and a chorus of cheers. Yes, Santa Claus had arrived at Warren Central. O O Page 8
Transcript
the warrencentral
Warren Central High School Indianapolis, IN Friday, December 16, 2011 Volume 90 Issue 5 www.wcowlnews.com
Warren Central Publications
Page 10Have you ever seen something in a movie and want one for your very own? Well, we have some gi� ideas that may solve all your problems. OWL
Page 10Jokes and skits are thrown as quickly
as bananas in the jungle known as Fun Monkey. But what happened when some baby monkeys tried to join in on the monkey business?
by emilyhancock editor-in-chief
Erica Davenport with Mrs. Claus Photo by Alex Martens
Once upon a time not too long ago, there was a little girl.
On a cold day in December, she hopped on a bus after
school, anxiously anticipating what was waiting for her only
a bus ride away.
She got off the bus and went into a big, red brick building,
looking for the one special person she had been waiting to
meet. But he was nowhere to be found.
Through the sea of big people, she heard someone calling
her name and walked excitedly over. But she still could not
see who she was looking for.
The big people said hello as they sat down with her on the
fl oor. Soon, everyone got quiet and they were welcomed to the
party.
But she was still searching.
Finally, she looked up. There from down the corridor above.
A white beard, black boots, and red suit escorted a woman in
a hat, apron, and glasses.
The time had come and the little girl sprang to her feet,
applauding with everyone else as the man and his wife waved
to the hundreds of onlookers and a chorus of cheers.
Yes, Santa Claus had arrived at Warren Central.
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The Owl Warren Central December 16, 2011 www.wcowlnews.com
STUCOStudent Council will be taking new applications for admission until January 20.
Student Council’s next meeting will be Thursday, January 12 during period one.
ONE HEART ONE MIND
There will be a Parent Brunch in the Commons cafeteria Saturday, December 17 at 10 a.m.
SENIORSSenior Photos need to be scheduled and taken by January 13. For more information go to www.prestigeindiana.com
CHRISTMAS BREAKThe last day for students is December 21. This is a full day.
PACMr. John Hilmer was awarded the Outstanding High School Music Educator by the Indiana Music Educators Association.
WCCLCThe next Walker Career Center Leadership Council Meeting will be January 24 in W301 right after school.
SPANISH CLUBThe next Spanish Club meeting will be January 26 in the upstairs lecture hall, H204.
BRANDON WHATLEY, JERRY Lancaster and Lanosha Johnson “drive a bus to Subway” in the game “Shrinking Countdown.” This is one of many games Fun Monkey uses during a performance.
Welcome to the Jungle Audience gets to play games with (Fun) Monkeys
Practice makes perfect. Yeah, that’s for sure. I found that out pretty quick when I was practicing with Warren Central’s Fun Monkey comedy club, which is a club solely dedicated to making people laugh. To me, it was easier said than done. I am not the most outgoing person in the world, and I must admit that my rosy cheeks will tell you how I feel about being called out in class, but I love trying new things. I was excited when I got to take part in the practice. Little did I know, I was naively unaware of what I was about to get into. I walked in with that butterfly feeling in my gut, but I felt I covered it up well. So, I like to think it wasn’t that noticeable. We started with a simple warm-up, well, simple for them. We got into a small circle and they told me to pick a random animal. I responded with a “pig” thinking I was to pick an animal that was common and easy to say. Each person around the circle said an animal, and penguin, hippo, cougar and octopus were all tossed into the mix. Isaac picked Lanosha to start off the game, and she stood in the middle. The goal of the game was for Lanosha to say someone’s animal name in the circle three times before he or she could say the name of their animal once. Of course just my luck, pig was said three times before I could even think about saying a word. So, I switched places with Lanosha in the middle, feeling the sudden challenge to compete with how fast she responded. Suddenly, I had the urge to compete, and I said Lauren’s animal name “penguin” as fast as I could. Shakingly, I won and felt accomplished. A part of me wanted to jump up and down, but I did not want to push the limits of embarrassment today. Lauren switched spots with me, saying another person’s animal name, and the game continued on and on at an almost mesmerizingly fast pace. This was just the very beginning of what I got to experience. We played many more games throughout the practice, and they all dealt with a
little thing I wouldn’t call everyone’s best friend: improvisation. Improvisation is to compose or recite something off the top of your head. There’s no time to prepare or to rehearse. You have to give what you got. Unfortunately, I don’t have much to give. It takes a very creative, outgoing group of students who have the talent to perform on-the-spot to make the club successful. And I have to say, this group of 10 students really nail it. Many games played throughout the practice were hysterical. For example, “World’s Worst” and “Dear Diary” were some that had me on the edge of my chair, laughing until I couldn’t breathe. During “World’s Worst” the audience picks a random scenario and people in the club each take turns saying the worst thing you could possibly say during that serious situation. One of my favorite moments during the practice was playing the game “Dear Diary.” During this game, the audience chooses a random person, usually a celebrity, and the members “make up” the diary of him or her. During the practice, they had to write the Diary of Mr. Dustin Podgorski, Musical Director in the PAC, and the members were having a blast. But I have to say, their performance held some of the most hysterical moments of the entire night. My laugh isn’t very quiet, actually you can hear it a mile away, and during their performance, I squawked like a bird. It blows my mind how it is all done without any preparation. The members just came to life and really made students’ faces light up.
As a performer, I know it has to be hard, but they make it look so easy. The performance was hilarious. The students really showed their creativity and knew what to do when they were put on the spot. The audience was packed, and there wasn’t one person who wasn’t laughing until they were blue in the face. Fun Monkey is full of laughter, smiling faces and people just having a fun time being themselves. “I like how the club brings together a diverse group of people with a diverse interest to make people laugh,” Captain senior Jerry Lancaster said. The club has tryouts during the beginning of the school year. The tryout tests your level of creativity, and the ones that stick out get the honor of joining the club. The games the club plays are already in existence and hundreds are added each year.Fun Monkey was first started by former teacher John Colby, but Podgorski took it over about five years ago and has ran it ever since. “I like that I get to help the kids expand their mind and not limit themselves to boundaries, thinking on your feet and what normal people couldn’t think of,” Podgorski said. “I enjoy watching them create and seeing them have such a good time.” The club tries to practice every two weeks and performs once every month, but hopes to have more performances and get more people to come out and watch. Fun Monkey was a great experience for me to try, and I quickly learned you have to be quick
on your feet or you will sink in the sand.
by shanellebender staff writer
DURING “GENRE REPLAY,” senior Isaac Beauchamp and junior Adryan Brown put a new spin on the trial lawyer with hilarious results. The game took a normal scene and applied different genres for a comedic spin.
SENIOR JERRY LANCASTER and junior Megan Barras send audiences howling with “Forward/Reverse.” All Fun Monkey members practice often to hone their improv skills to perform their best come showtime.Photos by Kelsie Williams
Photo OP 3www.wcowlnews.com December 16, 2011 Warren Central The Owl News
SOPHOMORE MICHAEL PLUCKEBAUM acts as secret agents during “Santa’s Secret Reindeer.” Connection, Hi-lites and eigh other choirs performed at the annual holiday concert.
Monday, December 19, 2011Period Time1 7:20-8:07 (47)2 8:13-9:00 (47)3 9:06- 9:53 (47)3 9:53-10:05 (12)4 10:11- 10:58 (47)5 11:04- 12:31 (50-56 class + lunch)6 12:37-1:24 (47)7 1:30-2:50 (80) FINAL EXAM/ ASSESSMENT
Tuesday, December 20,2011Period Time1 7:20-7:44 (47)2 7:50-9:10 (80) FINAL EXAM/ASSESSMENT3 9:16-9:40 (24)3 9:40-9:55 (15) ANNOUCEMENTS4 10:01-11:21 (80) FINAL EXAM/ASSESMENT5 11:27-12:54 (50-56 class + lunch) 6 1:00-2:20 (80) FINAL EXAM/ ASSESSMENT7 2:26-2:50 (24)
Wednesday, December 21,2011Period Time1 7:20-8:40 (80) FINAL EXAM/ ASSESSMENT 2 8:46-9:08 (22) 3 9:14-10:34 (80) FINAL EXAM/ASSESSMENT3 10:34-10:55 (21) ANNOUCEMENTS4 11:01- 11:23 (22) 5 11:29-12:56 (50-56 class + lunch)6 1:02-1:24 (22) 5 1:30-2:50 (80) FINAL EXAM/ASSESSMENT
Warren Central High School Final Exam/Assessment Schedule
First Semester 2011-2012 Seniors: Time is running out The deadline to schedule your senior
picture for the yearbook is Jan. 13
Prestige Studios will be taking all senior yearbook photos. You can schedule your appointment online at www.prestigeindiana.com for any of the following locations:
Prestige Avon(317) 829-2077
Prestige East(317) 829-2076
Prestige Northeast(317) 829-2080
You do not have to buy a package. Yearbook photos are $15. Have any questions? Call (317) 829-2088 to talk to a Prestige representative.
Prestige Northwest(317) 829-2081
Prestige Greenwood(317) 829-2079
MR. EDWARD MECKES leads the symphonic band in the annual Christmas concert December 6 in the PAC. This year, the song selections included “Southern Folk Rhapsody” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”
SOPHOMORE JENNIFER VAZQUEZ, along with the other select members of Mrs. Jill Wynalda’s Advanced Keyboarding class, played during the breaks of the orchestra holiday concert.
News4 The Owl Warren Central December 16, 2011 www.wcowlnews.com
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Ever had the urge to just drop everything and start rhyming? When seeing people write poetry do you wish you could do the same? If the answer is yes then come out and join Spoken Word Poetry Club.
Spoken Word Poetry Club was started by sophomore Vanessa Williams and English teacher
Mr. Robert Delaney. “Without a doubt Vanessa Williams inspired me,” Delaney said. “She was the catalyst that got poetry club going. Without her, poetry club would not have existed.”
The majority of students join Spoken Word Poetry Club so that they can take their own poetry skills to a new level. Students do this by reading a wide variety of poems in front of all of the
poetry club members, so by the time they are done they could get some feedback on how to better their writing. “Poetry club has helped me tremendously in writing my poems,” junior Deja Bullock said. “Before I joined poetry club I was confused because I did not know
what to write about. Then Delaney told me not to think as much and just write and since then writing poetry has been way easier.” Not only do the members of poetry club love the opportunities they are presented to better their poems, but more importantly Delaney loves working with poets to improve their skills.
“Poetry Club has certainly been a great investment of my time,” Delaney said. “I have learned a lot about the members through their writing and hope to learn more going forward.” One of the greatest things about poetry club is the fact that not only do members get some feedback on how to better their poems, but if they are really committed then they will have the option of doing Poetry Out Loud. This is a competition in which a student reads his or her poem to a panel of judges
and then the judges decide whether to advance them or not. In this competition there are three rounds and the winner gets a prize that is yet to be declared. This year’s contest will be on January 13 in the Performing Arts Center. Spoken Word Poetry Club meets every Monday and Thursday after school in room A409 and is willing to accept new members.
by syedahmed staff writer
Roses are red, violets are blue, Students like Spoken Word,How about you?
“I wanted to start a
poetry club because I
have a love for writing
poetry myself.”
Vanessa Williams
Kenya is home to over 40 million people, over eight million are children under 14 and over 300 thousand of those children live on the streets. Orphanages, and shelters attempt to decrease the amount of homeless children, however, these places cannot account for every child, leading to “street children.” In the small town of Bungoma, there are at least 70 of these children. They beg, steal and endure abuse every day. Most of them resort to inhaling glue for its ability to help them forget their hunger, forget their families and forget their life on the street. Walker Career Center Leadership Counsel, under the guidance of Ms. Haley Brescher and Mr. Nathan Criswell, are supporting an organization called Kitari International that was founded to change the conditions of Bungoma’s street children. The name combines two Swahili words, “kito” meaning “precious child” and “safari” meaning “journey,” to make Kitari or “precious child’s journey.” Kitari was founded in 2011 by Sarah Danks, a student at Indiana University. After a life-altering trip to Bungoma in 2007, Danks continued her education at IU with a special focus on Nonprofit Management. This led to the formation of Kitari in July. “All of us see things in the world that need to happen, but fewer of us are willing to believe we are capable of doing something about it,” Danks said. “So, for me, that was children in Kenya.” Though Brescher has only been involved with Kitari for the last few months, she has visited Kenya twice in the last three years, involved with other charitable organizations. She has a heavy emotional investment in Kitari and, even talking about the program, she cannot help but be carried away. “It’s amazing how much they take care of each other,” Brescher said.“They all share and are thankful for everything they have because they had absolutely nothing.” For such a young organization, Kitari has already begun to help in Bungoma. They built a home that seven boys live in, getting them away from the streets and the destructive behavior it can cause. All seven boys are in school, with one named Douglas apprenticing for a job as a mechanic. Douglas, or Dougi to his friends, became a street boy at the age of 4, escaping from his abusive, alcoholic and negligent parents to Bungoma for a better life. However backwards that sounds, most boys who live on the street in Bungoma do so because it offers them more opportunities; they all eat, sleep and live in better conditions than they would if they stayed at home. Douglas visited his father after years of living on the streets to find the man dying of AIDS. He explained that his father’s last wish for Douglas was to find a good job as a mechanic, and since that time, he has dreamed of fulfilling that goal. Americans would call setting out to work “pulling up your bootstraps.” In Kenya, there is a similar phrase: “to pull up your socks.” Danks found the turn of phrase striking, explaining that most children on the street are barefoot. They do not have the means to do much of anything, but Kitari gives them their socks, their boots and the opportunities denied them. While the WCCLC gears up for fundraising activities for Kitari, Brescher is selling T-shirts and bracelets with all the proceeds go directly to the organization. For further information, pictures and ways to donate, go to www.kitari.org.
5www.wcowlnews.com December 16, 2011 Warren Central The Owl News
DANKS SITS WITH two of the street boys. She took a special weekend trip to Kitsuma, Kenya’s third largest city, to find Peter (left) who, then, lived on the streets but now is third in his high school class.
by shelbyrutledge news editor
Sarah Danks (pictured left) has spent a year in Kenya so far and has several heartfelt stories to bring home to the states. One experience specifically stood out to Danks, about a boy who stayed only one night with her in a shabby house with rats in the walls. “I was too scared to go to sleep in darkness and could not escape thoughts of dozens of rats slithering down…into my bed,” Danks said. She went on to tell that the boy who stayed with them sat in the next room, completely oblivious of the rats, praying. He was so grateful of the roof over his head, even if it was just for one night. “His words caused me to take a hard look at myself and what my own worries in life were compared to his,” Danks said. “The rats never bothered me again.”
WCCLC reaches out to help the street children of Bungoma, Kenya
Photos from kitari.org used with permission
Kenya’s forgotten children
OLDER HOMELESS BOYS in Bungoma watch over the younger, more vulnerable boys. Girls rarely last long if they turn to the street because of the high kidnapping rate.
THE BOYS TURN to huffing glue, which puts them in a haze to let them forget their situations. When they are welcomed into Kitari, the boys are not allowed the glue, and the lack of inhalent speeds their recovery.
STICKING TOGETHER is essential in surviving the streets. Boys who do not travel in groups are more likely to be abused.
owl staff
Editor-in-ChiefEmily Hancock
Associate EditorsJenny Marvel
Natalie Verhines
Web EditorJoanna Lipinski
Opinion EditorNatalie Verhines
News Editor Shelby Rutledge
Lifestyles EditorMercadees Hempel
Features EditorJenny Marvel
Features StaffKatie Jones
Sports EditorSpencer Garnier
Sports StaffPetar Hood
Haley NelighJoe Spears
Staff Writers Shanelle Bender
Sarah CarneyAshlyn EllisKyle EnglertB’anca Lloyd
Advertisement Olivia Kimsey
Photography Editor Alex Martens
Photography Staff Hannah Clark
Candace NevilleCailyn TurnerDenea Webb
Shamaila WilliamsKelsie Williams
Graphics Staff Taylor BalesRiley Haab
AdviserMr. Mark Haab
Principal Mr. Rich Shepler
thumbs up to The end of a semester. From the freshmn glad to have half a year of high school under their belts, to the seniors itching to get that last half out of the way, everyone is psyched to have one down, one to go.
What is your Holiday tradition?
thumbs Down to Battery theives. It definitely wins the award for weirdest day off ever, but it does send us back into school on February 20, which is pretty uncool.
We Think...
thumbs
Happy holidays, no wrapping required
Faces in the Crowd
Opinion6 The Owl Warren Central December 16, 2011 www.wcowlnews.com
“We watch ‘The Christmas Story’ the night before
Christmas, and after we open presents.”
Lane Stotts, sophomore
“Every year my parents put a movie in my
stocking and then we watch it Christmas day.”
“We celebrate Christmas at midnight and let the little ones open their
gifts first. Then it goes from youngest to oldest.
Everyone stays the night and tells stories
afterwards.”
“[My tradition is] going to my Grandpa’s for breakfast Christmas
morning.”
Antonio Gonzalez,
senior
Monica Mendez, senior
Kate Ulenhake, freshman
It is hard to escape him. As soon as the final slices of Thanksgiving pumpkin pie are devoured and the weather settles in for the first sprinkling of snow, he is everywhere. From the TV set to the shopping mall, there is constantly the presence of a rich scarlet coat, shiny black boots and majestic white beard. While you are busy making your shopping lists and checking them twice, the ultimate gift giver looms, pushing you to purchase more and more. No matter the holiday you celebrate this winter, there is no avoiding Santa Claus. The embodiment of the giving spirit is always around to remind people of the true meaning of the season: buying the biggest, best and brightest gifts for everyone you come into contact with. Friends, family, the mailman, everyone counts in the season for giving, and we are all constantly pushed to do just that. Give. But when does the present-purchasing overwhelm the rest of what makes this time of year so special? At what point can we contentedly ignore the catchy, carol-themed commercials and the lure of a sparkling roll of wrapping paper, all that tells us that giving and receiving presents is the cornerstone of any holiday tradition? Over the years, there has been a definite deviation from the true meaning of the holidays. Religion aside, the spirit of getting together with loved ones is being shoved to the background by late-night blow out sales, while the will to give to the less fortunate is getting hopelessly overwhelmed by the need to buy for those closest to us. The holiday traditions we take for
granted are slowly eroding away, leaving behind a few crumpled up ribbons and empty stockings. We are getting so obsessed with the material aspects of holidays that we are forgetting they are not the focus. The holiday season is a time to cherish those around you, to show appreciation for the people you love. But instead of sipping hot chocolate around the fire with our families, we are hauling bags of gifts and decorations to our cars, preparing for an all-night, caffeine-fueled wrapping binge. And in this tough economic climate, where it is even hard to buy for all of your family, it is getting more and more difficult to give back to the community come December. Now, it would not feel right to go all Grinch on your holiday plans and toss out your gifts and bows and twinkling lights, but maybe a few small steps would help you gain a little stability. The tangible gifts only go so far. It is the actual act of giving, of taking the time to think of someone else, that makes the biggest impact. Giving your time is as easy as meeting for coffee instead of buying a Starbucks giftcard, or deciding to create a gift, something personal, instead of tossing yet another sweater into the shopping cart. The reason Santa is a cornerstone of the season is because he is the epitome of giving. For us mere mortals to attempt to compete with the holder of all Christmas magic is futile, so instead of working your hardest at the department store, take a break and lose the stress of a frantic holiday season by remembering what it truly means to spread the joy.
thumbs up to The Children’s Christmas Party. StuCo once again sponsored the seriously adorable event, and classes, clubs and teams came together to give some kids the Christmas they deserve.thumbs up to The holidays! It’s a month full of presents and cheer, all culminating in the ringing in of a brand new year. We couldn’t be more excited.
thumbs Down to Finals week. We’re swamped with review sheets. We’re burnt out on essay tests. We’re feeling the holiday spirit, and the last thing we want to do is sit down for an 80-minute final. Is it Wednesday yet?
thumbs up to Tuesday’s special, feathered visitor. A small, grey bird ditched the cold by flying inside. On one level, wildlife in the school is weird, but on another, it’s totally awesome.
thumbs Down to Lack of snow. While the chilly weather has us reaching for our most festive sweaters, without a sparkling sprinkling of snow, the drop in temp really isn’t worth it.thumbs Down to Christmas robberies. ‘Tis the season to give, not take. Can you really not think of a better way to get Christmas presents besides stealing joy from others?
The Warren Owl is a newsmagazine published ten times a year by the Publications staff of Warren Central High School at 9500 E. Sixteenth St., Indpls., In 46229. The Warren Owl is printed by The Daily Reporter of Greenfield, IN. Advertising rates are available upon request by calling (317) 532-6252. The Warren Owl is distributed to more than 3,000 students, faculty and residents in the community. As a student written and edited high school newsmagazine, the Warren Owl will strive to perform three functions:(1) To inform its readers thoroughly and accurately of all events and issues relative to students, staff and community.(2) To provide a forum for student opinions through its editorials and letters to the Editor.(3) To entertain readers with focus and feature items. Student staff members will decide the content of each issue and will write and edit all printed material. Editorials will reflect
the views of the student staff as a whole, not necessarily the opinions of administration or faculty members. The Warren Owl encourages readers to share comments, suggestions, or complaints by submitting letters to the editor. In order to be considered for publication, letters to the editor must include author’s signature. Names can be withheld from publication only at the request of the author and approval of the editorial board. The editors reserve the right to edit letters for clarification, or for space limitation. Libelous or profane letters will not be published. The Publications staff urges all Warren Central students and staff to use the “Letters to the Editor” as a public forum in the spirit of free speech and press. The Warren Owl is a member of the NSPA, CSPA, Quill & Scroll, and the Indiana High School Press Association.
Editorial Policy
7www.wcowlnews.com December 16, 2011 Warren Central The Owl OpinionPicture This
By Jacob BullockSpeech Captain
Letter from a Leader
by emilyhancock editor-in-chief
Emily’s World
They always say that this is the most wonderful time of the year. Snow turns everything white and pure, malls are filled with the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers and despite the close proximity to finals, everyone is preparing for a much needed break. While fall is my favorite season, there is something about December that’s just magical. Everyone has something to look forward to. My favorite part of this time of year is not unwrapping my gifts, however. In fact, my Christmas list was quite sparse this year. No, my favorite day of the season happens long before Christmas and involves no gifts whatsoever. It is what I like to call “The Phillips Family Bake-Off,” my favorite holiday of the year. Ever since I can remember, there has been one day in the holiday season that my mother’s family will completely devote to nothing but Christmas cookies, candies and family togetherness, for no better reason than because we can. There are traditions, of course. Aunt
Marilyn always cooks everything ahead of time so that she can bestow her infinite candy wisdom unto those of us who have just begun the journey. Grandma’s divinity is always notoriously fickle, and it’s a surprise as to how it will turn out. Cousin Jessie always finishes last, ensuring that everything turns out just right. But despite the incredibly unhealthy amounts of chocolate and sugar, or the exhausting day of work it takes to get there, at the end of the night, when the treats have been bagged and the last plate cleared, we can all look out on the spread in pride, and say, “There’s so much!” I personally love to bake and I have referred to my oven as my best friend on multiple occasions. I am sure that I would not be nearly as passionate about my baked goods if I had not been experiencing that one day since I was old enough to hold a spatula. It is the bake-off tradition that has given me one of my greatest hobbies in life, one that I will carry with me until I’m baking for my grandkids. It’s just tradition, and so much of the holiday season is based around tradition. Whether we like it or not, family makes us who we are. With my grandmother’s face, my mother’s hair, and my family’s cravings for unhealthy amounts of chocolate, I am living proof. Because I feel it my duty as a columnist in December to hand out some holiday advice, here it is. Think about who your family has made you into. Be it your laugh, your smile or your obsession with baked goods, you can probably find someone, somewhere in your family that can relate to it. And whether you think so or not, I bet you can find some good in there somewhere. So drink some eggnog, eat a sweet treat and enjoy the time you have with your family. And with that, I have nothing left to say but have the happiest of holidays!
After long and careful deliberation, I have decided that the reason I am writing this letter is because I am considered a “leader” at Warren Central High School. If you had told me three years ago that by my senior year, I would be a marching band section leader, captain of the speech team, and in the academic Top Ten, well, I probably would have snorted awkwardly, spun around, and ran away f rom you, tripping in the process and giving myself a bloody nose. Granted, one m i g h t e x p e c t a similarly awkward response from me today (as it turns out, being awkward is not something you can grow out of), but I have come to understand that I have something special and unique to bring to the halls of Warren Central. This letter is by no means supposed to be a testament to how awesome I believe myself to be, but I bring up my own experience because I think it is pretty typical. Every student at Warren Central, from the most involved senior to the least
involved freshman, has something special, unique, and valuable to offer. We all demonstrate leadership qualities. We all have an important role to play in our school’s success. And, like it or not, we all will be responsible for our own course in life after we graduate.
But how do we unlock our full leadership potential? Ultimately,
it is up to the individual to apply the lessons he or she has learned in everyday situations. Where do we learn these lessons, you ask? From our dedicated
and phenomenal teachers and staff, of course. An educator’s job is not simply to teach material and curricula, but to instill in his or her students a sense of right and wrong, personal responsibility, and a free and open mind. And no school in the country has better
teachers than Warren Central. The students of Warren Central have everything they need to become successful and productive members of the Warrior Nation and of society. Dedicated educators? Check. A chance to get involved? Check. Opportunities to demonstrate leadership? Check. Now all we need is a little bit of initiative
and a lot of hard work before we can all become true leaders.
By Taylor Bales
8 The Owl Warren Central December 16, 2011 www.wcowlnews.com FeaturesChristmas with the Elves
Santa’s helpers give presents, food, fun to those in need at annual Children’s Party
by emilyhancock editor-in-chief
More tha
n 20
years of
giving
70 PapaJohn’s pizzas
1,680 Oreos
Every holiday season, Santa’s elves invade the campus for Warren Central High School. But not the pointy- eared, North Pole dwelling variety.
Because of Santa’s busy schedule, every Holiday season for the last 20 years, high school students take on the role of Santa’s pointy-eared helpers to ensure that all of the children of Warren Township have a good Christmas. Kris Kringle always takes time out of his busy winter schedule to come to the east side of Indianapolis and celebrate the season with the elves that make it possible. And so, on December 7, after a greeting from the big man in a red suit and white beard, the annual Children’s Christmas Party began. Eighty-two underprivileged children from around the township were treated with crafts, pizza, Holiday Oreos and of course Christmas presents. But before the party, there was much to be done. Super-elf and senior Amy Conway helped to sponsor five different children, one completely on her own. “It’s a good community service,” Conway said. “I
know that it’s a good thing and someone in our community that I am helping.” Conway estimates that she spent $250 on the party. She asked family members to donate and taking the rest from her personal bank account. “It makes me feel good that I can help,” Conway said. Senior Student Council Officer Macey Mattingly prepared for the party for almost two months. For her, the most pride came by the joy on the children’s faces. “To see kids who have never had a Christmas…is the most rewarding,” Mattingly said, “because you know that through all the hard work and all the turmoil and everything that you went through, you are doing something good to help someone else.” Classes and organizations volunteered to support a child, collecting money and then shopping for their child, aiming to create the perfect Christmas. “I went shopping at Toys R’ Us, K-mart and Target,” Conway said. “My favorite thing that I bought was this Transformer toy. It’s Bumblebee and really transformed and was just really cool!” With shopping complete, presents were wrapped and delivered to Christmas Headquarters in the Student
Council Office. Finally, it was time for the real fun to begin. Santa’s workers filed into the Commons that afternoon, awaiting the child whose Christmas they would change. At 4 o’clock precisely, the doors opened and in flowed a stream of children, smiles of wonder spreading across their tiny faces in awe of the festive atmosphere. They were going to have the best Christmas ever. After the elves met their children, everyone sat down, knowing what would come next. The one man who had made all of this possible was in the building, and they were going to meet him. But where was he? Student Council adviser Mrs. Beth Wolff welcomed one and all, and wondered aloud where Saint Nick was.
Just then, a small tremor slowly rose into a burst of applause as children and elves alike marveled at the human embodiment of
the holiday season. Wearing a snowy white beard and holly red suit, he laughed a
hearty ho-ho-ho, waving at the crowd from the balcony. The room came alive with the spirit of the season, instantaneously. The next two hours were filled with crafts, food and gifts, but Santa’s station stood supreme. Pizza and crafts paled in comparison to the man who had the power to put them on the naughty or nice list. Children ate their food anxiously waiting for their turn with the man in red. One by one each child was called forward to sit on Santa’s lap. “He didn’t have much of a reaction to Santa,” Conway said, “but when his name was called to go up to the front, he got up and ran. It was precious, he was so excited.” After sitting on Santa’s lap, each child was given a bag full of gifts, and they each picked out the perfect spot on the Commons floor to unwrap their long-awaited presents. Chaos ensued. Wrapping paper was ripped off gift after gift. Items were tossed aside in search of the next wrapped-up wonder. Joy radiated from their faces. “He was so excited when he was opening presents,” Conway said. “He smiled and thanked me every time he opened something.” The opening of presents also brings about the reminder that the party gives these children the chance to have a Christmas they may never have had before. “He opened the shoes and his face lit up,” Conway said. “He was telling me all about what he was going to do in his shoes and how he could go outside to play without his shoes falling apart.” But, when the last present has been unwrapped, children sat gazing out in wonder at the day they had experienced, leaving only their smiles for Santa’s elves to take back to the shop. “When I asked him what his favorite gift was, he said ‘Everything,’ and then gave me a hug,” Conway said. “That made everything I had done so worth it.” “That’s really a good feeling,” Mattingly said, “to have watched the little girl open all the presents knowing that we had bought them, and we had given these to her and had the chance to make her happy with just such a little gesture.” And so the party came to a close. Children were picked up by their parents, toting their gifts along behind them. Elves said goodbye, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus departed back to the North Pole, saying goodbye for another year but not without a few parting words. “The spirit of giving at Warren Central is better than any other school in the state,” Mrs. Claus said. “And they have some of the nicest kids,” Mr. Claus added. “Santa likes nice kids.”
Photo by B’anca Lloyd
Features www.wcowlnews.com December 16, 2011 Warren Central The Owl 9Logan
What activities are you involved in at school?“Radio for sporting events, student council, and speech.”
What is your favorite sports team?
“Duke basketball.”
What is your zombie attack plan?
“Drive to Michael J. Fox’s house illegally and ask him where he stores the car in Back to the Future and take that car to the future and hope the zombie situation has been resolved by
Obama.”
What do you want for Christmas?
“My two front teeth... or a new Duke bag.”
What was your favorite childhood TV show?
“Dragontales.”
What do you intend to do after
college?
“Sports broadcasting.”
What is your favorite type of
animal?
“Baby bears.”
80 Sponsors82 Children
from 3 schools
More tha
n 20
years of
giving
Photo by Shamaila Williams
Photo by Jessica Gibson
Photo by B’anca Lloyd
Photo by B’anca LloydPhoto by Alex Martens
Photo by Alex MartensPhoto by Shamaila Williams
A&EGutterthe
10 The Owl Warren Central December 16, 2011 www.wcowlnews.com
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All I want for Christmas is what I saw on television
Everyone has that show or movie they tune in weekly to watch or have seen time and time again. Ever wanted to own Harry Potter’s wand or a plush minion from “Despicable Me?” Well, now there is a way to own actual replicas of props used in hit TV shows and movies. Basically anything and
everything can be purchased either online or in the store but the key is knowing just where to look for this merchandise. When trying to fi nd something from a favorite TV show or movie it is best to check the offi cial website of the show or fi lm. Here are just a few examples of popular merchandise and where to get it.
Is Sookie’s uniform, Bella’s charm bracelet or Abby’s farting hippo on your Christmas list? Well, it should be!
“Despicable Me” Minion
$12Available at nbc-
store.com
“Alice in Wonderland” Mad Hatter
Hat$15
Available at www.tvstoreonline.com
“The Twilight Saga” Bella’s
Wolf and Heart Bracelet
$14Available at
www.hottopic.com
“The Big Bang Theory” Singing So� Kitty Plush
$35Available at shop.
tbs.com
“NCIS” Bert the Farting
Hippo$45
Available at cbs.seenon.com
“True Blood” Sookie
Waitress Uniform
$44.98Available at
store.hbo.com
These items not on your Christmas list? Check out where you can get more movie and television merchandise at wcowlnews.com
Kermit the Frog, was originally created out of ping pong balls and Henson’s mother’s old coat. He looked more like a lizard than a frog.
Muppets were created by Jim Henson and include the Muppets, Sesame Street characters and Fraggle Rock Characters.
Statler and Waldorf, the two older muppets who heckle the others from their balcony seats, were named after two famous New York City hotels.Waldorf’s wife’s name is Astoria.
Miss Piggy is from Iowa.
Most of the Muppets are left-handed. The puppeteers normally work the mouth with their right hand, so the left hand is left to do things like strum a guitar or pick up objects.
No one knows what Gonzo is.
“Moi” was the title of
Miss Piggy’s perfume she
released in 1998.
Animal is known for only
caring about women, food and drums,
but he also has a soft spot for
Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s impressionist paintings.
The new Muppet movie is the fi rst theatrical Muppet fi lm in 12 years.
In March, when the Disney Fantasy cruise ships sails, The
Muppets will be on board featured in an interactive game called “The Case of
the Stolen Show.”
by kyleenglert sta� writer
Harry Potter’s Wand$39.95
Available at www.wbshop.com
Tru Blood Beverage
$15.99Available at store.
hbo.com
A&E11www.wcowlnews.com December 16, 2011 Warren Central The Owl
Steven Spielberg: 48 years of movie magicSteven Spielberg is a living movie idol and his next two films are like early Christmas presents
Steven Spielberg won a prize for his 40 minute film “Escape to Nowhere.” At 16, he made his first independent film, “Firelight,” which made the profit of one dollar.
The Adventures of Spielberg
The legacy of Spielberg began after he directed the movie “The Sugarland Express,” and his genius movies continued. Such as...
Jurassic Park 1993
Grossed$359
million
Jaws1975
Grossed$260
million
E.T.1982
Grossed $435
million
He has 31 Academy Awards under his belt, has directed and/or produced over 100
films and has been making cinema history for 48 years. This Christmas, Steven Spielberg will be dazzling the screens again with his adaptation of the children’s novel “War Horse” and feature film “The Adventures of Tintin.” Spielberg’s love of movie making began when he was a young boy. After seeing his first in theaters, he began filming adventure films with his friends with an 8 mm camera. At home, he opened his own movie theater, charging his friends 25 cents per home movie while his sister sold popcorn. At age 12, Spielberg became a Boy Scout and came up with the idea to make a movie in order to earn his photography merit badge since his father’s still camera was broken. Using his father’s video camera, he made a nine minute film called “The Last Gunfight.” Spielberg stated that this is where it all started. After becoming an intern at Universal Studios, his debut film “The Sugarland Express,” a drama about a husband and wife on the run from the law while trying to regain custody of their baby, hit theaters. Even though the film did poorly at the box office and had limited release, it gained great praise from critics. Spielberg landed his next directing job in 1975 for the movie “Jaws,” a thrilling horror about an enormous killer shark. The movie would earn Spielberg three Academy Awards and placed the number one spot on Bravo’s “100 Most Scariest Movie Moments.” “E.T. the Extraterrestr ial,” “Schindler’s List,” “The Goonies,” “Saving Private Ryan” and “Gremlins” are just a few of Spielberg’s most popular films. “E.T. the Extraterrestrial,” all three of the “Transformers” films, “Jurassic Park,” “Jaws,” “War of the Worlds,” “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” are the top 10 highest domestic-grossing films which Spielberg has produced, written or directed. Spielberg is not just well-known in the movie industry. He has served as the executive producer for a number of shows including “Pinky and the Brain,” “Freakazoid!” and “Animaniacs.” His latest show “Terra Nova,” a drama about a family who travels 85 million years back in time to save humanity, drew 9.22 million viewers on the premiere and was called by The Washington Post
“literally the biggest thing on fall T.V.” Spielberg’s new edition to
cinema is “The Adventures of Tintin,” based on the comic books of the same name by Belgian artist Herge. The comic book series began in 1929 and ended in 1976. The film has already been released in the United Kingdom but will be shown in theatres on December 21 in the States. The animat ion of “The Adventures of Tintin” is similar to that of “The Polar Express.” The story follows young journalist Tintin (voiced by Jamie Bell) and his faithful dog Snowy as they try to help their friend Captain Haddock (voiced by Andy Serkis) locate a sunken ship that is said to contain treasure. The film did well in the United Kingdom and has an 86 percent rate on Rotten Tomatoes. But that is not the only gift Spielberg will be giving theaters this Christmas. On December 25, Spielberg’s adaptation of the children’s novel “War Horse” will be released. The original book was published in 1982 by Michael Morpurgo and was adapted into a play in London and New York. Now it has been evolved for the big screen. It is a tale of loyalty, courage and the love and bond between humans and animals. Young Albert (played by Jeremy Irvine) is heartbroken when his beloved horse Joey is sold to the cavalry when World War I breaks out. After his rider Captain Nicholls is killed, Joey finds himself alone in between enemy fire, disease, death and in No Man’s Land. As Joey journeys through the devastation of war, Albert, who is too young to enlist in the British Army, goes on a dangerous mission to bring his horse home. Steven Spielberg’s love of making movies has made us love going to the movies. With his summer hits, spring time blockbusters, amazing fall T.V. and now enchanting winter feature films, his legacy is far from over. Whether he has viewers placing “War Horse” and “Tintin” on movie their Christmas lists, making close encounters with extra-terrestrials, experience a war between worlds, feel transformed by transformers, the color purple, or a vanilla sky, it is safe to say movie lovers will always be waiting with clamped jaws for the next Spielberg installment. It is sure to have us hooked.
Spielberg has earned his spot in Hollywood, but his story is far from over. This Christmas, he will be throwing us into two new adventures, one of a horse and one of a young journalist.
Movies to see during the Christmas season
December 16Sherlock Holmes: Game of ShadowsAlvin and the Chipmunks: ChipwreckedCarnageDecember 21The Girl With the Dragon TattooMission: Impossible-Ghost ProtocolWe Bought a ZooIn the Land of Blood and HoneyDecember 25Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (Limited Release)The Darkest Hour
by mercadeeshempel a&e editor
12 The Owl Warren Central December 16, 2011 www.wcowlnews.comSports
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Kyle Faunce Averaging 16.5 ppg
43% Field Goal Percentage
28 Steals
31 Assists
19 3-Point Field Goals
Second in the MIC in with 132 Points
JUNIOR SAM THOMPSON drives to the lane as a Franklin Central player tries to stop the field goal attempt. Thompson and his teammates have started the year off strong with two wins and two close losses, one to Cathedral 60-56 and the other to Avon 56-52 in triple overtime.
New season, new team
Despite a deep talent pool last year, the boys basketball team finished the previous season with a sub .500 record. But there have been signs already that this year’s team will improve upon last year and rise to the challenge of winning the first boys basketball Sectional title since 2000. The first of these signs is the Franklin Central game, which the team won in resounding fashion. The final score was 68-33, with junior Devin Davis scoring 16 and junior Sam Thompson and senior Ronnie Alexander both with 11 points. Last year against Franklin, the team only won by a single point. Not only was the score much closer last season, but Warren only scored 38 points that game. Over just one season, the team improved by 30 points, while keeping Franklin to basically the same score both times. The second key difference between this year’s team and last year’s squad is the senior count. For this year’s team, there are eight players returning as seniors. One of these seniors is Brent Calhoun, who is the team’s starting center. He started last year and averaged 4.8 ppg and 4.5 rpg. Joining him are seven other seniors who played mostly
on JV last season. This year they get the chance to get significant playing time and show their strengths. Senior Charlie Dant is a special case because he had not played a single game of high school basketball until this year. But he has already proven he is a key part of the team. In only three games, Dant, who has played baseball for three years, has had two steals and is tied with junior Sam Thompson with three assists. Another sign of this team’s improvement is Davis so far this year. Davis, who has been the most accomplished player since his freshman year, started with 20 points against a seasoned Cathedral team. So far, he is leading the team in points, rebounds and is tied for total three-pointers made. Additionally, the team has maintained a .500 record, despite playing difficult teams. Cathedral only lost three players from last year and kept up with them until the very end of the game. Both this year and last year’s teams have had lots of talented basketball players. But it looks as though this year’s team has the right tools to use these players’ talents more effectively in a run at a Sectional title.
Photo by Kelsie Williams
Boys basketball improves on last year’s team
“I’m trying to lead my team to victory each game and get better.”
by spencergarnier sports editor
ATHLETE OF THE MONTHLinzi Moore
Athlete of the month
www.wcowlnews.com December 16, 2011 Warren Central The Owl Sports13Spencer’s Sports
by spencergarnier sports editor
Well, it looks like Santa Claus isn’t the only one coming to town on Christmas this year. He’ll be accompanied by the likes of Chris Paul, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant for their season opener now that the NBA lockout is set to end. The rift between players and owners that happened on July 1 is slowly being mended, and David Stern is optimistic that the season can be salvaged. Now the NBA is scheduled to begin on Christmas Day, much to the jolly of many a basketball fan. But is an NBA season really worth all the stress and drama this lockout has created? I don’t think so. It was a battle of millionaires against billionaires, and the end result was the rich getting richer. The players were squabbling over their already multi-million dollar contracts. I honestly wouldn’t be unhappy if the lockout hadn’t ended and the players would have had to deal with unemployment for a season. It probably would have been good for them and their egos to skip an entire season of playing. Even if the players had gone overseas, they wouldn’t have been making the big bucks like if they had been in the NBA. Players in Europe only make about $50-70,000 a month. I know, I know only tens of thousands of dollars a month; that’s such a blow to the wallet. But in comparison to the average NBA salary of $5.8 million, it’s definitely a downgrade. Maybe the players would appreciate their situation a little more if they knew what it was like to not be able to play. Even Derek Fisher, leader of the players union and veteran of the 1998-99 lockout, doesn’t know what it is like to go a whole season without basketball since the ’99 lockout ended early as well. Also, with no NBA season, ESPN would have had to cover other sports instead. You know what sport needs more fans? Hockey. Or how about snowboarding? And I know I would watch college basketball over the NBA every day of the week. So I think a lot of good could have come from a lockout this year. In fact, the only big upside of the lockout ending is that the employees of the NBA teams are not going to have to fill out unemployment papers like many of their fans. I am sure they were relieved to hear that their Christmas is going to be a merry one. And maybe, just maybe, the players could realize that when you’re fighting over a million dollars when you’re already earning five million, there is a problem.
A not so merry Christmas
by joespears sports staff
Winter Sports Update
SENIOR MONICA MENDEZ races down the pool while swimming against the clock. Mendez has held the pool record in her event since last season.
With many returning varsity wrestlers, head coach Danny Williams is expecting much out of his team this year. In the first meet of the year the team competed in the Capital City Classic, finishing third out of eight teams. With a good finish in the classic the boys then took on 16
ranked Lawrence North team. The boys were able to pull out the upset with a team score of 39-33. Some of the key wins were by seniors David Ramirez, Larry Carter and junior Shabaka Jones. “It was a great early season win,” head coach Danny Williams said. “Our guys proved they are some of the toughest in the MIC.”
After the big win over Lawrence North, the boys took to the mats in the Showdown duals. Out of six teams, they were able finish second. They still had yet to finish in any event not in the top three. Riding on momentum, the boys took on North Central and then competed in the Super Six Invitational at Cathedral. Against North Central the boys were able to pull out another win against a conference opponent. At the Super Six the team again placed second out of six teams. “We’re establishing the right competitive attitude and competing at a high level,” Williams said.
After a few tough losses, both the boys and girls swimming teams look to get back on the right track as they go into the hardest part of their schedule. The girls started off the season a few weeks before the boys did with a trip to Lebanon. Lebanon would be too much as the girls lost the meet 130-55. Even with the tough loss, the girls had at least one person place in the top three of almost every event they competed in. The boys then joined the girls to take on Mt.Vernon in a home meet. The meet ended with both the boys and girls losing in close matches but each had many individuals who placed highly. Brebeuf was the next challenge in the team’s second home meet of the season. The boys were able to claim 110-72 victory while the girls took another tough loss.
Some key contributors to the boys victory were junior Connor Finnigan who finished first in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:55.47 and junior Josh Garmon who won the 100 yard freestyle with a time of 0:52.37. The Cardinal Classic was next for the teams as they took on six other schools. Both teams placed fourth in the event. For the girls senior Monica Mendez was the only girl to finish first in any event by winning the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:19. Both teams headed home for another event against Franklin Central and Scecina after placing well in the Cardinal Classic. Both teams finished second behind Franklin Central. “We have a lot of new and dedicated swimmers this year who will lead us to victory,” junior Molly Moore said.
Wrestling
Swimming
Girl’s Basketball
A NORTH CENTRAL opponent does his best to take down a Warren junior varsity wrestler during the team’s first home meet. The team won the meet, along with their first road meet of the year against Lawrence North.
TEAM CAPTAIN LINZI Moore leads the team in a pregame warm-up to get pumped up to play. Moore leads the girls team that is 6-2 on the season, and undefeated in conference play.
Photo by Denea Webb
Photo by Kelsie Williams
Only a few games into the season, the girls basketball team is already making it clear that they are one of the dominant teams in the state. To start the season off the team went on a five-game win streak. Their first real test came in an away game at Pike. The girls ended up losing their first game of the season 47-42. With the thought of their first loss fresh in their minds, the girls had to quickly get their focus back as the next game was against
conference rival Carmel. With the thought of last year’s Regional loss still fresh in their minds, the girls came out hot. When the final whistle blew the ladies had claimed a 68-36 victory. After the big win, the girls headed to the Marion County tournament and in their first game took on Lawrence North. However, Lawrence North came out and upset the girls with a score of 57-49, handing the team only their second loss of the season.
Photo by Kelsie Williams
Sports14 The Owl Warren Central December 16, 2011 www.wcowlnews.com
There have been many athletes that have graduated from Warren Central who have gone on to have successful college, and in some cases, professional careers. But there are a select few that have returned to their alma matter looking to lead athletes on the same path they followed. Greg Graham, who played football and ran track in middle school, wanted to pick one sport and put his all into it on the high school level. He chose basketball. Looking back, it would be hard to second-guess him. “I was an athlete,” Graham said. “Playing multiple sports made me a better basketball player.” After the most successful and decorated four years by any basketball player in the school’s history, Graham earned a scholarship to play at one of the top programs in the country, Indiana University. Graham continued to stand out at the college level. Graham progressed each year he played under legendary coach Bob Knight, and by his senior year, he was considered to be one of the top players in the country. In his four years at IU, he was a part of four teams that qualifi ed for the NCAA tournament; one of which, earned a berth to the Final Four. He was a part of two Big Ten Conference championship teams. He fi nished his career with over 1,500 points scored, and in his senior year, he averaged nearly 17 points per game in leading his team to the Elite Eight. After a decorated college career, Graham caught the attention of pro scouts. Graham was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 17th pick of the 1993 NBA draft. He played a total of seven years in the league with the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Seattle Supersonics and Cleveland Cavaliers. Graham played shooting guard in the league at a time when the position was at it’s best, with NBA legends like Reggie Miller, Clyde Drexler and of course, Michael Jordan, playing the position. And Graham still remains the only basketball player in the school’s history to make it to the NBA. Graham came home in 2008 to take the position as head coach of the Warren basketball team. For Graham, it was an opportunity he could not pass up. “I always wanted to coach,” Graham said. “I couldn’t see
myself at any other school in the state.” Michael Brooks is in his fourth year at the
helm of the girls basketball program. In the short amount of time since
taking over the position, Brooks had transformed the program into one of the top in the state.
Currently the girls are ranked 12th and are considered by many to be
a favorite to make a run at a state title this year. Brooks has already
won two sectional championships in his fi rst three years as head coach, and
he currently holds an outstanding 63-19 record as head coach of the team.
His accomplishments as a coach speak for themselves. What many do
not know is, Brooks was a talented and accomplished athlete when he was a student
here at Warren. He played three sports: football, basketball and track. Although Brooks
is now a basketball coach, he especially stood out on the football fi eld.
As a running back, Brooks is among the
all-time leaders in school history in rushing attempts, total rushing yards and total offense. Brooks was a two-year starter for then head coach Dave Shelbourne. Brooks was coached by one of the most successful track coaches in the country, Dennis McNulty. He recorded one of the best times in school history in the 200 meter splits and was a part of coach McNulty’s 1996 state championship team. Of course, Brooks played basketball as well, but it was his football scholarship that took him to Indiana State University. “I was one of those players that just so happened to be better at the game of football,” Brooks said. “But I loved the game of basketball more.” Brooks played at Indiana State for two years before suffering an injury. He earned his degree, and a few years later, he was back at Warren as an assistant football coach. In 2009 he was offered the head coaching position for the girls basketball team and could not turn it down. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to coach here,”
Brooks said. “There’s no greater feeling than coming back home.” When Warren Central wrestling is brought up in conversation, it is almost impossible for one not to think of the name Danny Williams. Not only has Williams turned the program around since earning the head coaching position three years ago, he is also the most decorated wrestler in the school’s history. Williams wrestled four years under longtime coach Jim Ledbetter. In those four years, Williams put together one of the most successful careers in state history. He made the MIC All-Conference team all four years, in four different weight classes. He was a three time individual MIC champion and was a part of
two team conference championships as well. He was also a four-time sectional, three-time regional and three-time country champion. He qualifi ed for the state meet three of his four years here. His sophomore year, he fi nished third in the state in the 130 lb. weight class. His junior year, he won state in the 135 lb. weight class. And his senior year, he was crowned champion of the 140 lb. weight class. Oh, and he won that title with a broken leg. He fi nished undefeated in the regular season in the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons. He is fourth all-time in school history with 31 consecutive victories, and he holds the record for most fi rst takedowns in a season. Williams also holds the record for most all-time wins in the program’s long and storied history. After his remarkable career as a Warrior was over, it was time for Williams to take his talents to the next level. He was offered a scholarship to wrestle at the University of Minnesota, one of the top college programs in the nation. In his four years as a Golden Gopher, he was a part of two national runner-up teams, and as a senior, his team won the NCAA championship. Williams’ accomplishments as a wrestler defi nitely speak for themselves. In 2009, while Williams was coaching in California, he was offered the head coaching position at his alma matter. At 25, Williams decided to accept the position and move back home to where it all started for him. “I give a lot of credit for what I’ve done to this community that help raised me,” Williams said. In his fi rst year as head coach, Williams saw two of his wrestlers crowned State Champions and last year had two wrestlers qualify for semi-state. This year, he is leading a young team that could possibly make some noise in the State Tournament.
All-Star players return as All-Star coaches
“It’s an honor to have
the opportunity to
coach here. There’s no
greater feeling that
coming back home.”
Head Girls Basketball Coach
Michael Brooks
by petarhood sports sta�
COACH DANNY WILLIAMS shows o� his State Championship rings. The Owl shows him wrestling freshman year against a North Central opponent in 1999. He won MIC that year and went on to win State in 2001 and 2002.
15www.wcowlnews.com December 16, 2011 Warren Central The Owl Sports
by haleyneligh sports sta�
AS AN OPPOSING
player skates up to the goal,
sophomore Jordan Crites
prepares to stop the puck
from hitting the back of the
net. Crites has found success in hockey, playing
for State championship
winning teams as well as the
Indianapolis Inferno junior
team.
Students express their talents outside IHSAADespite the school not having their respective teams, these athletes have found a way to participate in the sports they love, just not for a sanctioned school team
Photo provided by Jordan Crites
For senior Brittany Hardy, karate has been her sport of choice since she was in the sixth grade. For sophomore Jordan Crites and junior Nathan Rea, hockey is the sport they have participated in for several years. Senior Augie Bean takes the rugby fi eld for his sport. To sophomore Kaity Delacruz and senior Kailey DeVaan, all they have ever known is competitive cheerleading. All four of these sports are samples of athletics that are not a part of regular coverage and take place outside of school. When Hardy attended Stonybrook Middle School, a karate school came and performed a demonstration for all the students. Hardy took advantage of a one-time trial that was offered. The intense thrill is what keeps her motivated. “I like to fi ght, it’s a good way to keep intense, and it has
a good purpose behind it,” Hardy said. Hardy believes if the school got involved with some type of karate program, it would help many students with self-defense. “I think that we would see [fewer] problems if kids knew how to defend themselves, and I believe karate could be a big help with that,” she said. Last year, Crites was a member of the Chatard Cathedral Hockey Club. He and his team came out on top in the state tournament. Now, he is a member of the
junior ice hockey team, the Indianapolis Inferno, and they have made it to the playoffs of their season. There are many parts of hockey that Crites enjoys. “I like the physical aspect of the game, [but] I also enjoy the teamwork it takes to be a successful team,” Crites said. When talking about his hopes for his current team, he has set high goals for them. “We are hoping to get through the fi rst couple rounds of
playoffs with no more than three losses and maybe even win the championship.” Junior Nathan Rea got his start in hockey by watching house leagues at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. “I enjoy the contact and speed. [Hockey] is a sport that always keeps your attention,” Rea said. Although he has never considered getting a team together at Warren, there is one thing he would want everybody to know. “It is a great sport to watch and play.”
Augie Bean plays rugby for the Lawrence Claymores, a mixture of Warren Central, Lawrence Central, and Lawrence North players. Rugby is a sport that Bean believes people often get mixed up about. “As long as you play smart, you won’t get injured. It’s as injury prone as any other sport,” Bean said. To Bean it’s the fast-pace action that keeps him coming back. “I enjoy rugby because it is a nonstop, fast-paced, contact sport,” he said. “You cannot just depend on one player to win, it takes all 15 of us.” When stepping on the fi eld, rugby is similar to many sports that are more traditional such as soccer or football. “I would compare the contact of rugby to that of football, [but] I would compare it to soccer because you don’t wear pads, you have very little breaks, and you can kick the ball,” Bean said. Most people look at a sport like rugby, hockey, or karate and understand the type of dedication it takes to become successful at those sports, but to most competitive cheer is not even considered a sport. “I have been competing since I was 5 years old, and I don’t regret ever starting,” DeVaan said. She is now competing on a senior, level fi ve national worlds team at Speed Athletics. She practices 30 hours a week and wishes people had some idea of what it took. “Practices are similar to that of an elite athlete,” she said. “You work time in and time out perfecting your skills for you, and only you. I wish more people knew what type of strength it takes to compete as a cheerleader.” Sophomore Kaity Delacruz said the hours she puts in every week pay off once competitions roll around. “For that whole two and a half minute routine, all eyes are on you,” Delacruz said. “It’s all on you to perform the skill sets you have practiced.” Delacruz started cheering when she was in the third grade and competes on a level three team at Gymnastics Unlimited. “Being part of a competitive cheer team gives you lifelong friends that all share the similar goals, to be the best of the best,” Delacruz said.
For senior Brittany Hardy, karate has been her sport of choice since she was in the sixth grade. For sophomore Jordan Crites and junior Nathan Rea, hockey is the sport they have participated in for several years. Senior Augie Bean takes the rugby fi eld for his sport. To sophomore Kaity Delacruz and senior Kailey DeVaan, all they have ever known is competitive cheerleading. All four of these sports are samples of athletics that are not a part of regular coverage and take place outside of school. When Hardy attended Stonybrook Middle School, a karate school came and performed a demonstration for all the students. Hardy took advantage of a one-time trial that was offered. The intense thrill is what keeps her motivated. “I like to fi ght, it’s a good way to keep intense, and it has
a good purpose behind it,” Hardy said.
junior ice hockey team, the Indianapolis Inferno, and they have made it to the playoffs of their season. There are many parts of hockey that Crites enjoys. “I like the physical aspect of the game, [but] I also enjoy the teamwork it takes to be a successful team,” Crites said. When talking about his hopes for his current team, he has set high goals for them. “We are hoping to get through the fi rst couple rounds of
playoffs with no more than three losses and maybe even win the championship.” Junior Nathan Rea got his start in hockey by watching house leagues at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. “I enjoy the contact and speed. [Hockey] is a sport that always keeps your attention,” Rea said. Although he has never considered getting a team together at Warren, there is one thing he would want everybody to know. “It is a great sport to watch and play.”
New Year’s EveBack16 The Owl Warren Central December 16, 2011 www.wcowlnews.comth
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What are other students doing this New Year’s?
Forty-� ve percent of Americans set
resolutions but only eight percent of those
people are able to achieve their resolution.
By the second week in January, 25 percent of people who made
resolutions have already abandoned them.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more vehicles are stolen on New Year’s Day than
on any other holiday during the year.
If New Year’s Eve is celebrated with
friends and family, a person’s year will be � lled with good luck.
Eating cabbage, black-eyed peas or ham on
New Year’s is thought to bring prosperity.
I go with my church to this family fun place with an arcade and gym for an all nighter. There is pizza, laser tag and other activities. We also watch the countdown together.”Roland Fisher, junior
My family usually watches the New Year’s countdown on TV while we play board games and chill. We toast sparkling cider at midnight too.”Meghan Perry, junior.
Las Vegas, Disney World and New
York City are the top three places people go to
celebrate the New Year.
The Ball Drop in Time Square is seen as the quintessential way to ring in the New Year. Spending the night at Time Square has become one of the most important parts of holiday, even for those at home. Last year’s broadcast hosted 6.7 million viewers
who joined in the fun from their own living room. This tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve at Time Square started in 1904 and grew in popularity in 1907 when the fi rst Ball Drop occured. The giant glowing ball, which weighed 700 lbs and had over 100 lights on it, became a symbol of New Year’s after a ban was placed on fi reworks. Now over a century later, the Time Square ball is over 16 times its original size, weighing 11,875 lbs and is 12 feet in diameter. There are 2,688 Waterford crystals covering the ball to help make the over 32,000 differently colored lights create many different color patterns. This is not the only tradition that Time Square does to celebrate New Year’s. Throughout the year, visitors to the area write their New Year’s wish on a piece of confetti. This confetti is then added to the other confetti that is shot of at the beginning off the New Year.
Fun Facts
Party TipsTo have an awesome New Year’s EveParty TipsTo have an awesome New Year’s EveTo have an awesome New Year’s EveParty TipsTo have an awesome New Year’s EveParty TipsTo have an awesome New Year’s Eve
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What about the television? How else would a party watch the ball drop at Time Square? Make sure you put your television front and center so everyone can gather around and watch one of the most important parts of New Year’s Eve.
Do not forget the confetti. No New Year’s Eve party is complete without enough glitter in your hair to make even Ke$ha jealous.
Party hats, sparkling cider (in a tall champagne glass of course), and noisemakers are some necessities to make the perfect party possible.
No party is complete without music, so keep the party pumping with this year’s top songs and artists like Lady Gaga.
It all comes down to the midnight kiss. Have someone to kiss whether it be boyfriend, girlfriend, family or even your dog.
I will be working until one in the morning then I will be attending a New Year’s bash.”Olivia Kimsey, senior
Time Square Ball
The year has come and gone, and now it is time to gear up for 2012. Check out these cool facts, tips and stories about the biggest party of the new year
I am going to end 2011 by partying with friends but staying safe and enjoying the moment.” Chica Ketterman, sophomore.
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