1. the
ECHOES
Scottsbluff High School | September 2010 | Volume 94| Issue 1
Let the
(paintball)
GAMES
begin
How an ordinary Oklahoma field became
a re-enactment of D-Day | pg. 15
[ ] THIS Junior Chris Lang, in his paintball gear, sits
in a helicopter that played a role in a D-Day
MEANS re-enactment. The re-enactment was held in
Oklahoma where attendees were split into
WAR Axis and Allies teams. Courtesy Photo
Mission: Uganda | pg. 5
Jack Johnson’s new sound | pg. 11
Tennis teams face
homelessness | pg. 16

2. Cheerleader Court rules cheerleading NOT a sport
t rait s story by
Being Happy SCOUT WILSON | news editor
“It’s hard to be a sad cheerleader. By 8 A.M., the temperature had
Everyone wants to be pumped up already soared to 80 degrees and senior
and if you’re LaTosha Rojas was drenched in sweat.
happy, you In the previous hour she and
automatically eleven other cheer squad members had
get into what- stretched, practiced cheers and chants
ever you’re and rehearsed multiple dance routines.
doing which They closed out the last half of practice
happens to be by stunting.
cheering oth- It was an exhausting routine played
ers on.” out every Monday, Wednesday, and
– Briana Friday of the entire summer, one that
Robles, 12 would put many athletes’ workouts to
shame.
Cooperation Still, it had little impact on the out-
“In cheerleading, you get ordered come of a federal court judge’s ruling
around to do cheers. It’s crucial to in July that said cheerleading is not a
be cooperative for things to turn out sport.
right. We also do stunts and for one The ruling came about when Quin-
person to not be on the same page as nipiac University in Hartford, CT, tried
the others is dangerous. Cheerleaders replacing volleyball with competitive
need to be able to adapt to anything cheerleading to meet gender-equity
and being cooperative helps.” requirements.
– Briana Robles, 12 U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill
ruled cheerleading does not qualify
Being A Leader under Title IX as a sport.
“Being a leader is a good trait
Title IX specifies in order for an
because we
activity to be considered a sport it must
need people
have coaches, practices, competitions
on our squad
during a defined season, and a govern-
to set good
ing organization. The activity must
examples and
have a primary goal to compete, not to
make good de- School Junior Nicole Towne rallies the student section at the Cheyenne East volleyball game won the Bearcats 3-1 earlier this
only support other athletic teams ac- fall. Although many people believe Nebraska cheerleaders are grounded, stunting is allowed with a certified coach
cisions so that Spirit and approval by the school’s administration. Photo by Gordon Rock
cording to Associated Press reports.
the squad runs
Quinnipiac, and seven other schools,
smoothly.”
recently formed a governing body,
– Megan
the National Competitive Stunts and University this past summer. proved by the administration,” Surbur
Gealy, 12
Tumbling Association, to govern and Besides academic requirements said.
develop competitive cheer as a future cheerleaders must be able to perform a Some stunting students may see this
Positive Attitude
“
sport. proper jump, be loud to bring boldness year will include an elevator which can
“Being positive is a good trait
because it hopefully passes the positive Reaction to the ruling received out of a crowd, and keep their poses be taken further to an extension. One
attitude on the team that is playing and
also the crowd that is at the game.”
Having Fun
– Megan Gealy, 12
“Being fun is very important; we
mixed reviews locally.
“Some larger schools have com-
petitive squads that travel all over and
compete, but most schools in Nebraska
have not reached that point yet,” cheer
coach Deb Surbur said.
I feel it should be ruled
as a sport, being we
have to do the same
“
want people The squad recently started par-
to have fun
just as much
ticipating in the state competition, but
does not have a defined season. Mem- thing other athletes do.
as we are all
the time. No-
bers are split on opinions regarding the
court ruling.
-LaTosha Rojas, 12
body wants “With this in mind, I do feel that the clean and sharp. group of cheerleaders can have the flyer
a cheerleader
court ruling was correct,” Surbur said. Experience in gymnastics isn’t re- do a forward summersault to dismount.
who never
brings out “I feel it should be ruled as a sport quired, but is recommended. Cheerleading may no longer techni-
the fun in any- because we have to do the same thing “It is always fun to show the crowd cally be a sport, but it provides some-
thing.” other athletes do,” senior cheer captain what skills we have,” Rojas said. thing special at sporting events.
– Christina LaTosha Rojas said. Skills which they do have including Some students think without cheer-
Tarin, 11 Cheerleading has requirements just some new and exciting skills the girls leaders there is something missing.
as any other sport. To try out, girls must have been demonstrating by stunting, “We will always have cheering in
Outgoing have a 2.0 GPA and all squad members which is basically anything from a the crowd but without the cheerlead-
“Being outgoing is important must keep a 60% or above in all their simple lift to a toss with the cheerleader ers there would be a lack of tradition,”
because we can’t be shy. We need
classes to cheer at events. flipping through the air. Rojas said.
to be involved in everything and be
There are also opportunities for girls “Many think Nebraska is ‘ground- Though this court ruling over the
exciting to get the crowd pumped at
pep rallies and games.” to improve their skills at cheer camps bound,’ which means no stunting, but summer may affect cheerleading at the
– Christina Tarin, 11 during the summer. The squad at- in all actuality the ruling is that you can collegial level, it won’t change much of
2 | NEWS tended a camp in Denver, CO at Regis stunt if your coach is certified and ap- what high schools do in Nebraska.

3. Reconfigured parking lots add spaces, BRIEFLYg s pe akin
but did not follow adopted ‘Krzyzanowski’ plan
story by National Merit Scholars
RYAN MEISTER | news writer TheKRzYzANowSKIplan •Seniors Madelin Parsley, Karin
Senior Meghan Pritchard arrived at Shedd and Sara Frederick have
school at 7:45 on the morning of Aug.
been named National Merit
23. She turned into the east parking lot,
crawled over the speed bumps, and
began the search for a good spot.
a Called for 150lot compared to
east parking
stalls in the Scholar semifinalists, making this
the most semifinalists the school
But something was different. Every- has had since the 2008-2009
thing was black. Shiny. New. the old 128 stalls school year.
While the new surface was nice, Shedd became the third
what Pritchard was actually hoping for member of her family to be
was more parking spaces. named a National Merit Scholar
The additional spaces that were semifinalist.
promised last spring after the school Her brother Dan, a 2008 SHS
board adopted then-junior Erik Krzyz-
graduate, and sister Sandra, a
anowski’s makeover plan to add extra
spaces to the east lot.
2009 SHS graduate, also quali-
“The reason I had decided to re- fied for the honor.
design the parking lot was that there “I’m hyper-competitive when
were so few spots for kids to park they it comes to my older siblings
would always have to walk quite a “The proposal went very well and Eric’s plan called for. This could be for (even though they’re not), so I
they told him that when the time came a number of different reasons. It might
ways to get to the school, so I thought was extremely excited when Mr.
to repair the lot they would try to apply have been as simple as he forgot to fig-
I could make it easier on those kids,” Porter told me I had been named
Krzyzanowski said. the plan the way it was,” Principal Rick ure in the six inch line for each space,
Porter said. which after a little while to tend to add
a semifinalist,” Shedd said.
However, not everything worked The semifinalists will be in-
the way it was supposed to. However, in the middle of the up,” Porter said.
process, Krzyzanowski’s plan had to be Erik was excited because of the formed if they have qualified for
“In my original plan, there were
supposed to be three rows with parking altered. plans adoption last year, but wound finalist standing later this year.
on both sides and then two ends, one Then, at the beginning of the current up disappointed with the way the plan
by the building, and the other by the school year, many students complained was altered.
Oktoberfest
practice field. When I presented this that there were fewer spaces in the “I think it was stupid that they
redesigned east lot than there had been didn’t follow through with my original •On Oct. 2, the band will be
plan to the board, last year, I just ex-
plained the idea. They thought it was a in previous years. design because now it seems like there travel to Sidney to compete
great idea and decided they would try School officials refute this rumor as are fewer spaces in the parking lots.” in the Sidney Oktoberfest
to enact the plan how it was,” Krzyz- simply untrue. Krzyzanowski said. parade and field competition.
anowski said. “The rumors going around about Students are learning to cope with
the number of parking spaces are not the parking lots as the school year pro-
After the proposal, Krzyzanowski
true, there are actually more spaces, gresses, but many still wish that there
Homecoming!
was anxious on how the presentation
went. they just weren’t able to get as many as were more spaces in the lots. •This year, Homecoming
will be on Oct. 15 against the
U.S. Cellular cup winners announced Sidney Red Raiders. The home-
coming dance will follow on
Scottsbluff finishes third in Class B for second consecutive year Oct. 16.
Foreign Exchange...
Class B
story by
SCoUT wILSoN | news editor
each class features schools earning
Top 10
points from their respective athletic Principal?
The Nebraska School Activities activities.
Association (NSAA) announced the In the case of coed schools, the fine •Vice Principal Matt Huck is
2009-2010 U.S. Cellular Cup winners arts activity points are divided in half in China first semester on an
in June. Scottsbluff took third place in
Class B for the second year in a row in
and awarded to each school’s boys and
girls U.S. Cellular Cup totals. All-School exchange program.
Huck will be posting some of
the combined all-school boys and girls The all-school division contest in- U.S. Cellular Cup finalists his stories on the school’s web-
competition. cludes all activities in which each high
The Bearcats were the top finishing school participates. site under the “China Exchange”
1. Omaha Skutt Catholic - 590
public school in Class B, behind tra- Member NSAA schools earn five section.
ditional athletic powers Omaha Skutt points for participating in an NSAA 2. Lincoln Pius X - 475
Catholic and Lincoln Pius X. sponsored activity. 3. Scottsbluff - 397.5 One Acts
The U.S. Cellular Cup features a Activities Director Lee Dick was
girls’ division, boys’ division and a pleased with cup results. 4. Gretna - 390 •“The Insanity of Mary Girard”
combined all-school division. “It’s an indication of the quality 5. Beatrice - 362.5 has been chosen as this year’s
Schools within each division are of our activities sponsors. The credit 6. Omaha Gross Catholic - One Act competition play.
divided into four classes (A,B,C and should go to the activities sponsors and
357.5 The story revolves around
D) based upon enrollment used for the students for all their hard work,” Dick
boys basketball classification. said. 7. McCook - 332.5 a sane woman forced by her
The U.S. Cellular Cup winners are All schools that finish in the top 8. Seward - 330 husband into an insane asylum.
determined by a point sysem based eight (plus ties) of a state championship The play was last performed nine
on performance in state championship event will receive points. 9. Blair - 327.5
years ago.
events within each division and class. Winnings schools receive their cups 10. Norris - 265
The boys and girls competition in this fall.
NEWS | 3

4. Jessica Littlejohn & Teresa Scanlan
One year;
two queens;
two different stories
story by
Somebody
ASHLEIGH SMITH | feature writer has to do them
Most little girls pretend to be prin- story by
cesses or dream of wearing a crown. RACHEL CLEMENS | feature writer
Teresa Scanlan and Jessica Littlejohn,
Junior Chris Hartsuiker plods into
both 2010 SHS graduates, experienced
a bit of royalty during the summer by his house, clumps of dirt falling off
participating in pageants. his boots. He is looking forward to a
While they were given a glimpse of shower and some rest after 8 hours of
their childhood dreams, they learned non-stop irrigating.
IT’S A Junior Chris Hartsuiker spends his day laying irrigation pipes for the summer’s harvest. The strenuous
DIRTY JOB hours took up most of his summer. Photo by Chris Miller
the ups and downs of being a pageant That’s right. Irrigating.
queen. Hartsuiker works for local farmer “When we were in a drought it took “I have to clean up vomit, change
Scanlan won the title of Miss Jerry Lovelace all summer, 40 hours a two times more water to irrigate com- briefs, dress people, make the beds,
Nebraska on June 5 in North Platte. week. pared to this year,” he said. and any type of assistance the residents
At 17 she became the youngest Miss
A typical day for Hartsuiker con- There are many reasons why Hart- need besides giving medication,” she
Nebraska ever.
Along with a crown, Scanlan re- sisted of waking up at 5 a.m. till noon. suiker does his job. He grew up on a said.
ceived a 2010 Pontiac G6, free servicing He then took a break until 6 p.m., where farm in Goodland, KS, where his family Being a CNA is not the easiest job in
and cleaning for it, a free Blackberry he started back up and worked until 10 had the biggest farm around. the world.
with a year of unlimited service from p.m. His family then moved to Scottsbluff “I took a resident named Mac to the
Viaero, a $10,000 scholarship, a $6,000 Hartsuiker lays pipe for the water to looking for a new start after the bank bathroom and while I was waiting for
budget for Miss America prep, com- run through, then he has to open up the took their farm away. him he had a seizure,” Wickard said. “
plimentary hair care for a year, and gates for the water to set in the rows. Right after Hartsuiker moved to I held him until he was finished and
several travel opportunities. “I like working outside and with my town he didn’t work for a few years. He afterward poop, pee, and vomit were
Her favorite pageant perk, how-
hands,” Hartsuiker said. “Plus the pay then was offered a job by Lovelace, and everywhere.”
ever, is the opportunity provided. She
plans to use her title to further promote is good.” he took it since he grew up around it. It only got messier for Wickard.
her platform helping girls with eating Hartsuiker has to unclog the pipes, Occasionally Hartsuiker wishes he “One time a woman resident
disorders. which often have dead frogs and sticks. had a different job in welding or with wouldn’t get off the toilet for three
Jessica Littlejohn, this year’s Miss The biggest catch was a dead raccoon. animals. hours and the bathroom was covered in
Scotts Bluff County, had quite a differ- “The pipes are really heavy. They Junior Chelsea Wickard also had diarrhea,” she said.
ent experience. don’t go together very easily,” he said. a dirty job this summer as a Certified Although her job was very physi-
Littlejohn’s pageant period started “It is extremely strenuous work.” Nursing Assistant at the Residency. cally and mentally stressful, Wickard
off positively. She made new friends, Hartsuiker also has to fertilize the Wickard faced the brunt of the entire sais she enjoyed getting to know the
got to know herself better, and was able
crops. medical field. residents.
to speak in front of people.
“The fertilizer can stink really badly,
top
However, she also learned the dan-
gers of being a pageant queen. some can be explosive, but it helps to
During the bull riding event at the keep bugs and harmful diseases off the
fair in early August, a bull escaped plants,” he said.
while the pageant queens were being The worst was yet to come.
introduced to the crowd. “When I reached my hand down
dirtiest jobs
The bull charged at Littlejohn, there was a rattlesnake about an inch
throwing her in the air like a ragdoll. from my hand,” Hartsuiker said. “It
She landed on her left side with her
freaked me out!”
back to the audience, when the bull
then stepped on her arm. He enjoys many things about his
Littlejohn received a concussion, but outside job. In order from “aww, sick!” to “ehh, not so
no serious injuries. She only remembers “It is easy work if you know what bad”, here are the top ten dirty jobs
waking up in a hospital, but nothing you are doing,” Hartsuiker said.
about the accident. This year was a different irrigation 1. Roadkill Collector 6. Ape Urine Collector
Through her pageant experience and season.
her trauma, Littlejohn has kept an opti- It was very slow and Hartsuiker
2. Manure Inspector 7. De-construction Worker
mistic attitude and realized how much didn’t do a lot of irrigating in the spring 3. Portable Toilet Cleaner 8. Zoo Cleaner
support from others
4. Crime-Scene Cleaner 9. Hot-Zone Superintendent
4|
and early summer because of all the
pageants have given
FEATURE her. rainfall.
5. Pest Control Worker 10. Dentist

5. Man on a MISSION
Junior Jed Weis shares his faith
on a summer trip to Uganda
story by
MEGHAN PRITCHARD | feature editor own interests.
But things changed when he went to
“What should I do this summer?”
a winter retreat with his youth group.
This question is on everyone’s mind
“I needed a reality check of what
once school gets out and for junior Jed
Jesus did for me,” Weis said. “I was
Weis, he needed an excuse to get out of
determined to live my life differently
Scottsbluff.
and give up the party life.”
It was the summer before Weis’s
And he did just that when he got
freshman year. Ready for the new
home, living for Jesus as best he could.
experience of high school, he needed
“I’m not perfect and I mess up often,
something to keep him busy until the
but I’m forgiven by the greatest sacrifice
first day of school.
of the world,” Weis said.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
It’s an everyday growth and struggle
camp to him was just going to be a fun
for him.
excuse to get away from Scottsbluff.
“It’s not easy to live for Jesus but
Little did he know it would change
completely worth it because I get to
his whole life.
spend eternity with Jesus someday in
On the Thursday night of camp the
heaven,” Weis said. “I read my Bible
main speaker talked about the world
every day and pray as often as I can.”
and how people lived for it.
But God had something more in
“People may call themselves Chris-
store for him.
tians, but unless you believe in Jesus
At Mitchell Berean Church where
and live your life for him, it’s merely a
Weis attends, youth pastor Barry Hol-
title,” the speaker said.
brook had arranged a mission trip to
Those words ran Weis over like a
Uganda for July 10-29.
bulldozer as he realized the truth of the
“When I first heard about it I
statement.
thought it would be a cool experience NEW Junior Jed Weis embraces a Ugandan girl at a school where his
evangilism team taught Bible stories. Weis said the kids loved
Before this epiphany, Weis had FRIENDS touching his skin and his hair as they visited. Courtesy of Jessy
and a fun thing to do,” Weis said. “But Richard.
called himself a Christian, coming from
I soon realized that the trip wasn’t just
a Christian family; but when he looked
about having a good time.”
deep into his life he knew he lived for and heating and resembled a mediocre Weis told the woman that to be
Twenty-three people signed up and
the parties and friends. American home except for one thing: saved she just had to tell God that she
had to raise about $3,000 each to go.
He wouldn’t make it through the the mosque next door. couldn’t live on her own anymore and
“We raised our money through sup-
pearly gates. In Africa the main religion is Muslim that she wanted to give her life to Jesus,
port letters and a trap shoot fundrais-
That night Weis was saved. and witch doctors are found in every believing that he died on the cross for
er,” Weis said. “God provided enough
He realized that Christianity wasn’t village. Being a Christian in that coun- her sins.
money and supplies for the whole trip.”
just believing Jesus was real, but an ac- try could mean being kicked out of the As Weis and the interpreter walked
The team finally left July 10, 2010
tual relationship with Jesus Christ and house by a spouse, losing everything about a shout came from behind them.
with a 10 hour layover in London.
living a life that reflects the Christian they have, or even death. A man from the drunken group, re-
When they arrived in Uganda they
faith. The team’s mission was to evange- alizing that he needed Jesus, stumbled
stayed at the home of a missionary
He was prepared to be different for lize to the people in the towns by going down the road to ask Weis how to be
family.
Jesus, but the pressure-packed world hut-to-hut and offering Bible school for saved.
“To America the house would be
of the underclassman high school years the kids and people. After getting over the initial shock
typical and livable; to Africa it was a
dragged him down by making him act “I mostly helped with Bible school Weis told the man more about Jesus
mansion,” Weis said.
how he was before he found his faith: where we taught them Bible stories, and how to be saved, like he did to the
The house had indoor plumbing
partying, cussing, and indulging in his sang songs, and played games,” Weis woman.
said. “I thought it was cool that he chased
UGANDAtoday
But a few times his evangelism took us down the road to hear more of what
him down a dangerous path. we had to say,” Weis said.
Weis walked with his interpreter The trip proved to be a success; Weis
• Population: 31,657,000 down the dirt roads to different huts, and his missionary team brought 500
• Languages: English, talking to anyone they could find. people to Christ. They wrote down
“Be ready, because this group has each person’s name so that local pastors
• Luganda and Swahili could stay in touch and plug them into
been drinking,” the Ugandan interpret-
• Life Expectancy: 53 er, Richard, said. churches close to their village.
years Feeling totally unprepared, Weis “I will never forget the experience I
• Literacy Rate: 76.8% spoke about Jesus through the inter- had in Uganda and hope to visit again
(men), 57.7% (women) preter. someday,” Weis said.
• Religion: Christian After getting no response from the Having the trip come to a close,
men, a woman close by, who had lis- Weis was ready to go home and show
(66%), Muslim (16%),
|5
tened to everything Weis said, spoke up through his life actions
Other (18%) saying that she wanted to be saved. that he is a Jesus freak. FEATURE

6. The 2010-2011
Echoes Staff
Anne Talbot, PsyD
Psychological & Neuropsychological
Assessments
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September Events
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23rd- FB 9th vs. Gering- 5pm
24th Native American Day
25th- VB JV & SHS JV INV- 10 am
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7. A change for the better the
ECHOES
staff
Students have lost perspective about the new dress code rules
A lot about this school changed over make them feel uncomfortable,” princi- life, who find themselves pulled from editor-in-chief | KARIN SHEDD
the summer. pal Rick Porter said. class or unable to enter the building
1. Newly paved and freshly painted The purpose of the dress code is due to clothing violations. Male or fe-
news editor | SCOUT WILSON
parking lots. to put an end to the MTV-esque at- male, brown, white, or black, young or
2. Freshmen flooding the cafeteria tire so popular amongst both males old; none are immune to the rules. news writer | RYAN MEISTER
every day at 11:30 because all other and females, and The message
lunch options are closed to them. redirect the focus of is clear: the dress
3. Shorter passing periods during students. The point The views expressed code is here to feature editor | MEGHAN PRITCHARD
which visibly sending a text no longer
in this editorial were
of school, after all, is stay. As well it feature writer | RACHEL CLEMENS
spells trouble. to get an education, should, because
feature writer | ASHLEIGH SMITH
But one difference has infected the not to audition for supported 11-1 by school is not New
psyches of students and, fueled by “The Real World” York during fash-
dedicated administration crack-down, or seduce a mate The Echoes staff ion week; the halls
center section editor | GABRIELLE CARLIN
grown to apocalyptic proportions. (which, contrary to are not runways
4. The dress code. popular belief, can and members of center section writer | ETHAN HUGHES
It floated around in the rumor mill still be done effectively with a dress staff aren’t admiring spectators. We
for a while, and, upon its official an- code-appropriate wardrobe). are here to learn, and the social aspects
nouncement shortly before school start- “(With the dress code), there is a of school shouldn’t overshadow the
entertainment editor | RUSSELL MORGAN
ed, facebook exploded with statuses greater chance that someone will be education.
and comments either singing its praises judged for their thoughts, actions, and At the very least, we students entertainment writer | VICTORIA BRAVO
or denouncing its stricter guidelines. character rather than how they are should obey the dress code for fear of
The opinions of students and staff, dressed,” Porter said. “When I interact what might happen if we don’t. Imag-
however, are moot, because none can with someone, I want them to show ine a future where all fashion freedom sports editor | KELSEY EMPFIELD
argue with the good intentions behind me who they are by how they think, is thrown out the window, a world sports writer | MADDIE HOLSCHER
and the fair enactment of the dress how they speak, and how they conduct where every student walks the halls in
code. themselves rather than what they have matching khaki pants and red or white sports writer | MICHAEL MILLER
“Last year, clothing became more or where they come from.” polo shirts.
and more revealing as the year went The administration’s adamance on The administration means business, adviser | TERRY PITKIN
on, and I’ve heard from both staff and this point is immediately apparent by so take it seriously. Cover up.
students that certain types of clothing the many students, from all walks of
The Echoes is a monthly pub-
lication printed by the Business
Share the groove
Farmer. The Echoes is a member of
the Nebraska High School Press
Association and the International
Order of the Quill and Scroll.
The Echoes encourages read-
A lack of school dances limits fun, funds for students, clubs ers to write letters to the editor
A well-groomed teenage boy, his dance, Homecoming, Winter Royalty, might dissuade other forms of enter- in response to a story, but does
shirt neatly tucked and shoes as shiny and Prom. Eliminate prom for 90% of tainment, especially those of question- reserve the right to publish said
as a freshly-waxed car, pulls open the underclassmen, and that leaves about able legality. letter.
door to the school. His date, a perfectly half of all students with just three ex- And if that weren’t enough rea- The Echoes also encourages
primped and styled teen girl wear- cuses to dress up in their fancy swag. son to add a few more dances to the
ing the latest fashion in dresses, glides Why so few? Dances are a safe - this calendar, they can also be an excellent all readers to submit their ideas
through the entrance on three-inch is ensured by form of fund- for story coverage, feedback on
heels. They can feel the pounding beat
and quick, high-pitched melody of Cas-
the several adult
staff members
The views expressed raising for clubs
who rely mainly
stories, and any other input.
The Echoes
cada’s “Every Time We Touch” even be- monitoring the in this editorial were on themselves to
Scottsbluff High School
fore they see the hundreds of teenagers clump of danc- function. The Drill
bobbing up and down in the center of ers at all times supported 12-0 by Team, which hosts 313 East 27th St.
the cafeteria. The two teens toss $5 each - and fun - with a dance near the Scottsbluff, NE 69361
at a teacher manning a table outside the fringe ben- The Echoes staff beginning of every Letters with obscene, slander-
and charge into the circle, their bodies efit of burning school year, has a ous, libelous, or false information
blending into the mass, individual fea- a few hundred monopoly on this
tures lost in the rush of movement. calories - way for teens to spend an cash cow because there is currently will not be fun. The letter must
The short narrative above is a brief evening. only one miscellaneous dance allowed; also be signed to be run. Content
sketch of a classic tradition enjoyed by And, for those of us too young to why not give other groups the same may be edited due to grammati-
many, if not all, high school students frequent night clubs or get married, chance? The Key Club, for instance, cal or content needs. A signed
in America, a time when teenagers, the chances to show off our sweet dance tried last year to raise money for under-
awkward in-betweens of humanity, no moves come few and far between, privileged families through a dance, but
copy must be presented to the
longer kids but not quite adults, get to which makes the lack of school dances their attempts were shot down because Scottsbluff High School journal-
gussy themselves up in their Sunday that much more frustrating. the dance quota had already been met. ism department, room 130. Also,
best and dance the night away with Furthermore, it seems dances should By the reasons listed above, the please check out Echoes Face-
a couple hundred of their similarly- be encouraged by adults who are look- strict limitation of dances is illogical at book.com group and MySpace
attired peers. ing to mold students into responsible best and unreasonable at worst. More
Lamentably, the opportunity for young men and women, as they are dances would benefit many people page online!
such carefree frivolity is severely lim- inherently drug and alcohol free. Hav- - underclassmen, Key Club-ers, and
7
ited for SHS students - the Drill Team ing a dance to attend on a Friday night everyone in-between.
OPINION |

8. At a glance...
A look at the new rules and what they
mean to students.
Handbook Says:
Student Translation:
Don’t sneak the
New & ‘Improved’
freshmen out for
Freshmen will lunch.
remain on campus
Being dressed to impress Lunch
throughout the
school day.
Student Translation:
CRUNCH
Modest is story by
hottest y’all.
GAbriEllE CArliN |center section editor Students struggle to adjust to the new dress code rules
Handbook Says: It was 6:45 on a Monday morning
changes were made. “I’d actually rather have a uniform good intentions.
when junior Cheryl Salazar rolled out of
“We as a staff found it a little hard to be instead of being told every day that I’m “One of my biggest issues is that I like
Shirts and tops must have bed. She dragged her feet to the bathroom
as consistent as we wanted to be with en- dressed inappropriately. I just think they for our students to make a good impres-
and let the warm water of the shower
necklines close to the collar forcing the dress code. We haven’t changed took it a little far this year,” Salazar said.
bone. Shorts and skirts shall
wake her up.
Feeling more alert, Salazar threw on
it that much, other than to define it a little However, enforcing uniforms isn’t at
sion on the adults that walk through our
building. I am really proud of the students The new closed campus lunch rule puts
be of a length where they a pair of athletic shorts and a yellow
bit more,” Porter said. the top of the administration’s list. in this school and I want their appearance students, teachers in a race against time
“
Many students have been surprised by “I think we could switch to uniforms, to make a good impression,” Porter said.
sweatshirt. Once she was finished with
are close (3-4 in.) to the top her morning routine, Salazar was on her
how much the teachers and administration Maybe their motives aren’t too bad story by ing between homeroom, we’ve seen a loss
of the knee. way to school.
are crack- after all. Plus, there are some exceptions ETHAN HuGHES | center section writer in revenue. In past years, the ten minute
Salazar entered the school doors with
ing down My first reaction was ‘Really? Are you kidding to the new rule. window between 1st period and homeroom
on the new P.E. classes, sports practices, after It’s the same story. The 11:30 bell rings generated the most revenue. Some of our
confidence, but was stopped in her tracks
Student Translation: when Principal Rick Porter pulled her
dress code. me?’ But by homeroom, I was at my house school activities, and dances will be for lunch and students file into the cafeteria staff members who worked snack bar have
“I regulated, but not as extremely. only to be greeted by a sea of hungry faces, had to find more hours in the kitchen. But
aside and told her to go home and change
No further her shorts.
definitely changing into some jeans.” “These environments require different faculty, upperclassmen and most com- they miss seeing the students and conversing
wasn’t ex- rules. We aren’t going to send someone monly, freshman. with them as they come through the line.”
explanation “My first reaction was ‘Really? Are you
needed. kidding me?’ But by homeroom, I was
pecting the -Cheryl Salazar, 11 home during these activities if they’re The school board recently passed a rule Sittner said.
Handbook Says: at my house changing into some jeans,”
teachers to
be this strict.
outside of the dress code limits, but still which forces freshman to stay on campus
for lunch. With around 200 students in the
With all the negative attention focused on
Salazar said. decent,” Porter said. the new rule, many find themselves ponder-
Cell phones, personal Students have been busted all over
I don’t think the way our students dress is but right now that’s not my goal. How- It’s all about understanding and learn- freshman class, obvious problems arise. ing: ‘Why the change in the first place?’
that inappropriate. I mean some girls dress ever, if we can’t get the students to go ing the appropriate times to wear certain “The lines are the biggest issue. “I think it’s to keep kids safe.
listening devices, and campus, making this story all too familiar.
really trashy, but I don’t think my shorts along with the dress code we would have clothes. Students don’t want to stay in Decrease accidents at lunch and tar-
In fact, Porter estimates that in the first
other electronic media five days of school, about 50 students
were too short,” Salazar said. to take things another step,” Porter said. So ladies, hang up your booty shorts, line so many of the older ones dies to class. I think some parents
Some students are so fed up with the Students have been complaining left and fellas, buy a belt, because the new and leave, and some freshman
devices may be used dur- have been asked to either not wear the
new restrictions that they’re flirting with and right about the new dress code, but choose not to come to
requested it as well.” Sittner said.
same thing again or go home and change. “improved” dress code is here to stay. “I wish I had open campus, but
ing lunch and passing Students are left wondering why the
the “U” word. That’s right. Uniforms. the administration isn’t budging on their lunch all together.” I don’t know where I would go. I
periods. Peggy Sittner, food usually bring my lunch from
specialist said. home.” Madden said.
Acceptable unacceptable
“The lines are re- “A better option would
ally long, it’s annoy- be a split lunch hour. One
ing. On average I get group comes, and then an-
like ten minutes to other in ten minutes.”
Handbook Says: eat.” Freshman Ra- Sittner said.
chel Madden said. Although it is
Pride and care of young, the new
SHS. Each student Madden is rule seems un-
just one of many popular.
should be respectful students who are To add
and take pride in the directly affected insult to injury, the
school’s fine facilities. Student Translation:
by the passing of the recent rule, and she five minute passing has not only cut cafeteria
doesn’t have it the worst. revenue, but has directly affected the DECA
“I’ve always gotten through, but there
Don’t trash the are a lot of people who choose not to eat,
store during its once booming ten minute
passing time.
school...don’t because it’s such a hassle.” Madden said. There must be a positive reason
be a jerk. Lunch is not the only time students are why the school board made the change, but
no longer eating. until a positive benefit is seen, we’ll just have
“With the switch to five minute pass- to wait in line and rush to class.
Shirts must cover the collarbone, midriff, and shoulders No tanktops; shorts must be 4 inches away from the knee; no exposed underwear
8 | CENTER SECTION CENTER SECTION | 9

9. MISGUIDED PASSION POLITICS:
the art of stereotyping
The road to finding a passion can be illusory
personal commentary by KELSEY EMPFIELD personal commentary by KARIN SHEDD
“And now I announce the new class It was great that we had won, Warning: this column contains least have it explained to them by one
B 2010 girls bowling state champions… because all of my teammates and I had uncensored discussions of potentially of television’s many political pundits
Scottsbluff!” worked hard for this moment through explosive political/social issues. and accept that as concrete fact.
When most people are announced hours of practice. It was well earned. Reader discretion is advised. This kind of political enlightenment
as the winners of a major competition, My team was on top of the world
I am about to state two facts about is also, it seems, omniscient, as if those
they are normally jumping up and (or at least the Nebraska high school
myself, each of which relate directly to who possess it have insider access to
down with excitement. bowling totem pole), but my emotions
It’s probably one of the happiest didn’t mesh with the victory. I felt re- two controversial social issues of today. the opinions of those around them. My
times of their lives. ally happy, but I assumed my feelings Then, based on that information, I in- encounters with these people usually
However, it was not like that for me. would be taken up a notch. vite you to guess with which of the two follow the same pattern:
Last winter, the Scottsbluff/Gering Possibly I did not have a fulfilling major political parties I affiliate. Politically savvy person: *inquires
bowling team was amazing. And by feeling because I’m not passionate Okay, here they are. about my social opinions*
amazing I mean undefeated, which is about bowling. I started bowling my I support gay marriage. Me: *verbalizes same ideas stated
super cool. freshman I habitually recycle because I am con- earlier in this column*
And winning year and
cerned about the health of the planet. Politically savvy person: “Oh, so
state was When most people are thought I
Now, with those facts in mind, it’s you’re a liberal Democrat?”
cool, too. This loved it. It’s
is a com- announced as the winners a fun activity time for you to guess: am I a Republi- One little conversation like that,
mon goal for
most sports
of a major competition, they and I enjoy
doing it, but
can or a Democrat?
I’m going to take a shot in the dark
and BAM! I know who I am in life: a
tree-hugging, big-oil-hating, hemp-
teams, and are normally jumping up and I can’t hon- and guess that many of you selected the sandal-wearing, left-wing hippie. Oh,
most don’t
reach it. So,
down with excitement. It’s estly say I’m
legitimately
Democratic Party. Well, that particular
party is known for its support of gays
and I also get personally offended
when somebody comments not-so-
it should’ve probably one of the in love with and concern over climate change. positively about President Obama. The
made me
feel over the happiest times of their lives. it.
I am pas-
Maybe some of you, sensing reverse responsible person always casts me an
psychology in my guessing game, apologetic look and says something
moon. It was not like that for me. sionate about
chose the Republican Party. Also sen- along the lines of “oh, sorry, I forgot
Now, softball. I
don’t get me love to pitch. sible, because clearly there’s a lot left in you’re a Democrat.”
wrong, I was very happy, but winning I love hearing the crack of the bat when this column, which means I had more I guess it’s nice to have this decided
state wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. I get a hit. to say beyond, “why yes, you’re right, I for me. Now I don’t have to think about
Whenever you see people like Bruce If I had won state softball, I think I’d am indeed a Democrat.” it myself. I’ll just sit back, tune my TV
Jenner or the Yankees winning they are have felt different from winning state So here’s the truth: I don’t know. to a left-wing news station, and vigor-
just so…beyond thrilled. It seems like, bowling. Yep. I have no idea. How could I? ously nod in agreement with every-
if they would happen to die at that mo- I don’t dream about winning state
As much as I like to sound educated thing Hillary Clinton says.
ment, they would feel like their life is bowling, but I almost cry thinking
and aware, the only thing I know about But, instead of resigning myself
totally fulfilled. about winning state softball.
I did not experience that fulfilling I am fortunate to have discovered the economics of running a country is to that fate, I will instead peel away
feeling. my passion at a young age. Now I that FICA took a considerable chunk of the thick layer of sarcasm coating this
Perhaps it was because I did not realize that I am going to give my all change from my summer lifeguarding column. The point I’m trying to make
bowl to my full potential. to softball. Hopefully I will know how paychecks. I’ve never even taken an ac- is this: I’m tired of being pigeon-holed
I did okay, but okay is never good Michael Phelps felt winning the gold counting class, so how could I possibly into a political label based on nothing
enough for me. Call me a perfectionist, medals at the Olympics. fathom the potential ramifications of more than the two social opinions I
but even though we had won, I wanted My advice to whomever reads this any bill that passes through Congress? actually hold. Who knows? In ten years,
a second chance. I should have picked column is to find a passion whatever
Oddly enough, I seem to be one I could be the most fiscally conservative
up that spare. I should have taken a it may be. Some of my teammates’
of the few people I know who feels person to ever express an opinion in
deep breath before I threw. Should passion is bowling. So bowl! If your
have, should have, should have. passion is band or art, go for it. Shoot this way. Apparently, most American America, interning for Rush Limbaugh
But maybe I did not get that success- for the stars and reach your dream. citizens are able to decipher and com- or organizing Tea Party rallies.
ful feeling because I had false expecta- Find your passion and go all out. prehend the political jargon (Macroeco- But I think, before I make that transi-
tions. What have you got to lose? nomics? Line-item veto?) tossed around tion or any other, I need to find out
I thought that being the best would by our nation’s representatives, or at what on earth a “subsidiary” is anyway.
feel…well…better.
10 | OPINION