See You At The Pole 2010

It was 7:00 on September 22 on a cool fall morning. While most were still in bed or styling their hair, like me on most days, I was hopping in my car to go to school. Every year on September 22, Christian students around the world gather around a flag pole to pray for their school and for their country and classmates. The radios were buzzing as I drove to school that morning. Talk of people praying around the world filled my ears as I pulled into the high school parking lot. I got to school right at 7:00 and tons of people were already gathered around the flag pole. Mostly local youth groups gathered there that morning. There were sugary donuts and milk and juice served to everyone showing up. Then Randy Young lead everyone in worship songs. After songs, a local Arkansas FCA representive spoke. After this, Brock Westerman lead the students in a prayer. Then everyone prayed within their circle of friends for each other and for the school and administration. After this we worshiped God through song. The event ended at 7:45 and then we were dismissed and went to class. Although we are only aloud to have such gatherings only before school hours, this is an example of how we have freedom in america to worship or pray wherever we want. This day was very neat and another FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) event  coming soon is Feilds of Faith which will take place on October 13, 2010 on Lakeside High School's football feild. The event starts at 5:30 and ends at 8:00. Also, at 5;30-6:30 come for pizza! 6:30-8:00 there will be students from local FCA clubs speak and worhip songs and probably a drama. It should be great and they are expecting a lot of people to show up this year! Hope to see you there!
-kw

Bookapolooza

 Hey all you zealous bookworms out there!  Want to expand your literary horizons but don’t know how?  Well look no further because Lake Hamilton is the perfect place for you.  The library this year is hosting two different book clubs to strike the fancy of any literate individual with a passion for reading. 

The Teen Reads book club is a recreational reading group where students meet to read and share ideas.  Hosted by librarian Mrs. Bush, the club takes students on a journey through three teen-oriented books, beginning with Maggie Shiefuater’s Shiver.  This increasingly popular novel documents the star-crossed, interspecies relationship of Sam and Grace while enlightening readers to the complicated inner workings of teenage love. 

New to Lake Hamilton, the YA Café is a similar club hosted by various book-loving teachers throughout the building.  It’s currently discussing the ever-popular sequel to the Hunger Games series, Mocking Jay. In this third installment, readers join protagonist Katniss Everdeen in her rebellious battles against the sadistic dictatorship controlling their society. 

Both clubs lead investigations on tones, underlying meanings, associations, or whatever students can pick out from the text.  To ensure money is no problem, the library generously supplies books to those interested.  And yes, the rumors are true--lunch passes and free water!

-Meaghan Epperson

Leaders of the pack

Leaders of the pack

 

Have you ever wondered who the top teachers that students simply think are the best?? Well now you can find out. We have surveyed and many have answered. Now your results will be up! Please remember that these teachers were based of your main classes: Math, Science, English, and History.

          Math: It has been voted upon and students have agreed that the best teacher for math is Mrs. West. Students have said they love her teaching style and she makes algebra 2 very easy to understand, along with making it fun.

          Science: It was a unanimous vote that Coach Teague is a fun, loving, and great teacher and they love her personality, positive outlook, and her enthusiasm when she teaches. All around she is a wonderful teacher.

          English: It was a close call between Mr. Huggs and Ms. Nye, but Mr. Huggs came out on top! Students say he’s a real funny guy, very laid back and makes English interesting & fun, which isn’t so easy sometimes.

          History: Many students have said they love the new wolf of this pack, Mr. Hargis. Students are glad to have him here and say that he actually makes history interesting. Most say they look forward to his class everyday and that he is one of their favorite teachers.

Not only these teachers, but every teacher, wants to make sure you know that they are here and they care. They will always help you in school.  They only look out for what is best for you. Don’t forget school is important!

-Lindsay Bobus

"Gaga, ooh la la."

            She’s got the shock value like no one else. But she has the voice to go on top of it. Born as Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, Lady Gaga’s stage name is inspired by the 1984 Queen song, “Radio Ga ga.” She has since grown to superstardom, even becoming the number one most followed person of all time on Twitter. Her album “The Fame” shot to the top of the charts in many countries, residing at number two on the Billboard 200 chart in America. You can hear Lady Gaga’s songs playing at nearly any given time on the radio. On Sunday, September 12^th, she won a record 8 VMA’s including Best Video for “Bad Romance.” Some may see Lady Gaga as just an image with her revolutionary and outrageous fashion but she has become a rallying point for those less conventional. One of her quotes explains why she never seems to dress as we’d call normal. “When I meet celebrities and they’re in casual clothes, I’m always like: ‘Whaaat?’ I don’t mean to be judgmental, but it would do them better to be who they really are, all the time. This is really who I am all the time. When I get out of a car and there are 30 fans waiting for me, I know I’m dressed the way I should be. There’s a reason they have that emotional reaction.” She spreads the word of gay pride wherever she goes and is adamant about the things she supports. She is currently doing all in her power to have the DADT rule of the military repealed. Lady Gaga is bending the rules and expectations of society.

You either hate her or you love her, but either way, she’s made an impression.

- Brittany Harris

Pep-Pep Rally

As the excited student body shuffles into the stands and onto the field the power band begins to play as the MC comes blaring through the speakers. "Sophmores, Can I get a whoop whoop?!"  A dull roar is heard throughout the stands. He then calls out the Juniors..slightly louder than the first roar. We all know who he is going to call next..SENIORS! The crowd including the field participants go nuts!! The noise is almost is almost unbearable, the cheerleaders start to cheer. The power band's field performance captures the attention of the audience as each intstrument moves elegantly across the new football turf. By the end of the fantastic musical performance, everybody has chills. The earsplitting MC starts yelling "LHHS!" Eventually the whole crowd gets into it, everyone standing and yelling in unison. After the mindblowing performances from the LHHS cheerleaders and Steppin wolves we close with the trusty Alma Mater, everyone is pumped and ready for the game! -AR

Thespian Challenge Week

Walking through the hallways, performing random acts, and being dressed in costume; this is an act only performed by LHHS thespian recruits.  The International Thespian Society is an honorary organization for high-school students interested in the theatre and performing arts and refer to actor, male or female.  ITS inducts high school students active in theater each fall or spring, with members earning points towards a higher status. 

During “Induction week” or also may be called “Challenge week”, new thespian recruits numerous tasks in order to be accepted into the thespian society.   LHHS just recently had their first induction of the year when having everything from split personalities to a loaf of bread.  Students had to perform these tasks going from class to class and during their lunch.  Student’s failure to perform their tasks resulted in removal of Thespian recruits. 

On Friday, also known as “Silent Day” all thespians and recruits had to wear all black while recruits where not allowed to speak at all unless spoken to by a teacher or another thespian.  As a Thespian recruit myself, I found this day the hardest of them all, because you had current thespians looking over your shoulder and watching every move you make.

On Saturday recruits had to perform various tasks for the final recruitment.  Many had very corky acts he or she had to perform for current thespians in order to be let into the Thespian society.  Everyone would agree that Saturday’s ceremony was a very fun and eventful evening.      
 There is no doubt that Thespian challenge week can be a challenge and embarrassing, but it can also be very fun, if you let it be so.  Being a member of the International Thespian Society is a great honor to achieve and can is very rewarding when applying for scholarships and when attending competitions.  If you are intrested to join Thespians, there will be another intination process before Christmas break.  Good Luck!



Sarah Hines

Halo Hype

September 15, 2010.  Game enthusiasts all over the world lined up for their chance to defend the colony of Reach from the notorious Covenant invaders that threaten humanity’s existence.  Many people even forfeited paychecks and gas money to get their hands on the first-person shooting experience.  But what’s with all the hype?  What has people ditching sleep and camping out in front of TV’s and 360’s?  Reviews rave it’s an epic prequel to the idolized crusades and, unlike its antecedent ODST, has a more upbeat tone.  Although defeat is inevitable, it focuses on the heroic aspect of their battles, giving players a sense of self-sacrifice and empowerment.  As expected, Halo: Reach offers several varieties of “armor abilities” to keep player and adversary on their toes.  Being Bungie’s final Halo production, gamers everywhere are relishing their last opportunity to explore the far boundaries of all that the Halo saga has to offer.  So raid the couch cushions, wash some cars, do what you must to get your hands on this exhibition of testosterone at its max.

-Meaghan Epperson

internet out for days!!

At the  high school and district the teachers and students enjoy and need to use the internet on a daily bases. The  teacher's begin the class period by using their computer's in order to check role. The student's especially in CBA or journalism use the computers and the internet in order to do class assignments and/or reports. But all this is hard to do if we don't have the internet. On Friday, September 10, 2010 the fiber optical wires that connect our school to the internet were accidently punctured.

We soon realized that the internet is very much a source that we rely on every single day of our lives. The office was having to do "all calls" for students in the school who were checking out or who needed to just vistit the office. We as students soon realized that there is more going on when we are in our  class. People get checked out more than we realize each day.

On Monday morning in CBA, my class could not connect to the internet. This was a little bit frustrating because we use the internet a lot in that class! The internet being down for a week obviously caused classes to do things a little differently. When teacher's were asked to take role, they had to pass around a sheet of paper and have the students write their names on the paper instead of using the computer. Also the grades are connected to the internet so the teachers could not update grades for a week.

Luckily, a work crew was already working by wednesday and had the internet up and running by Friday, September 17, 2010. The students and teachers all seemed to really enjoy that the internet was up and running again. We all realized that we use the internet a lot more than we realized. Our school is very thankful for those who got the internet running again and hopefully we won't have to experience this again in the future and be more appreciative of our school and the resources it provides.

KW

Senior Realization

Becoming a senior this year is much different than what I thought it was going to be. There are much more responsibilities along with the new freedoms and adventures it brings. Turning 18 is a big turning point in one’s life and with the expectations of many, knowing what to do with one’s life is just one of the many steps that will launch us into our future.

Since the beginning of this high school year, we all thought it was going to be easy. No homework, no standardized tests, no being told what to do, wrong. Since the beginning of the first day of school that’s all it’s been: nonstop studying, tests, ACT registrations, scholarship applications, jobs, athletics, competitions, etc. With all the stress that the young adult life brings, I’m beginning to think that being all grown up isn’t what I want to be anymore. Instead, I rather be six again riding my bicycle around the block or going to the lake and spending time with family and going trick-or-treating on Halloween night.

For some high school seniors though, it is the start of a brand new life, parenthood. While we experienced many of the seniors last year and some sophomores walking around with their perfectly round bellies, we all thought, why?  For some it’s a personal choice, while for others it is an accident, but either way they unconsciously made the decision to sacrifice their life for another. For students, those who are expecting, they have stepped up in bigger ways than one, and even more so than the average high school student could ever imagine.

Sleep deprivation is also a big thing that I am noticing among seniors and other students. With football, basketball, cheer, and dance practices after school many are exhausted, not to mention the tests they study for right before they go to bed, and even if students aren’t at after school practices such as band or track or the others mentioned above some do have to work. With multitasking and staying up to all hours of the night cramming what information they can get in, many are depriving themselves of adequate sleep just to be able to do well in school.

Whether it’s juggling sports, kids, or after school jobs, every student has to find a way to keep up to date, and for some seniors this year it is a real reality check. Since the beginning of this high school year, I’m noticing that turning 18 isn’t what it’s cracked out to be. With so much stress, responsibilities, and dead lines, I already feel as if my life is turning into mirror image of my parents’ lives.  

Rebekah Morrison

It’s almost TOO legit… (Scott Pilgrim)

“An epic of epic epicness,” There is no better way to describe it, quite honestly. A film truly centered around our generation, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World produced by Universal Pictures and starring everyone’s favorite Michael Cera, is an indie, cult film about a barely out of high school guy named Scott Pilgrim. The film is an ingenious documentation of the rather strange trials and tribulations Scott encounters in pursuit of his newly found “love at first sight,” the elusive and intriguing Ramona Victoria Flowers. Scott roams around Toronto, Canada as a member of a less than awesome band, with a suffocating high school age girlfriend named Knives Chau. He becomes quite content with his lifestyle and girlfriend, but on the fateful day on which Scott sees Ramona for the first time his life is changed entirely. The movie becomes very much like a video game when Scott must beat numerous “evil ex-boyfriends” in order to date Ramona.

The film is action-packed and full of hundreds of laughs and fun and is worth every penny! Every teenager should see it!

You Can’t Describe How Good It Is!

“Welcome to Chick-Fil-A of Hot Springs, how may I help you?” is the way I was kindly greeted when I walked into Chick-Fil-A after school yesterday. Since I had already been there a million times, I knew exactly what I wanted. After ordering, I got all the necessary items and sat down and waited for my “little piece of heaven” to be sat in front of me.

            Across the street from IHOP, the only Chick-Fil-A in town offers just that. A little piece of heaven. With perfect hospitality from all employees and the sweetest sweet tea known to man, this burger-free restaurant offers all types of chicken dishes everyday…except Sunday.  Golden brown waffle fries and perfectly perfected pieces of chicken on toasty buns or with a side of honey mustard, barbeque, or Chick-Fil-A’s own signature sauce.

            Though some of the items on the menu are sort of pricey, it is totally worth it! Not only can customers choose if they want an 8-count or 12-count pack of nuggets but also if they’d like a different side besides fries. For instance, a fruit cup.

            After ordering, if your meal is not ready by the time you get your condiments, one of Chick-Fil-A’s friendly employees’ will greet you with a smile and your food. Within a few minutes or so, the same employee will ask you if you need a refill and return in just a matter of seconds. Once finished eating, happy customers can order a hand-spun milkshake or a home-made ice cream cone while their children enjoy the indoor playground.

            Started in 1946, Truett Cathy and family started the first restaurant in Hapeville, Georgia after he created the first boneless chicken sandwich. Today more than 1500 locations in 38 states, Chick-Fil-A has become a nation wide phenomenon. With the mission statement “Be America’s Best Quick -Service Restaurant”, one of the biggest mall-chain restaurants in the world, Chick-Fil- A truly stays to their word. With food coming in no more than two minutes, a drive-thru, and the most lovable cows begging to “Eat Mor Chikin”, Chick-Fil-A has everything to offer. Except Sunday.

-Kort

Music Mania!

“Oh my gosh I love this song!  Turn it up!” This will be the typical responses you will receive when you turn on your radio in your car or in your room.  Music changes as much as fashion, movies, and television shows.  Every month teens will flip through Rolling Stone magazine and will have his or her television turned onto TRL waiting to see what the hot new music of the month is.  Whether you are hanging out with friends, going to the beach, or having endless road trips, summer is a very popular time of the year for music.  The top five songs of the summer where:

1. 
   
   California Gurls-Katy Perry
2. 
   
   Getting Over You-David Guetta
3. 
   
   Airplanes-BOB featuring Hayley Williams
4. 
   
   OMG-Usher featuring WILL.I.AM
5. 
   
   Cooler than me-Mike Posner

SARAH HINES

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Unique Chic

High School. It's just one big fashion show.

That's what my step-dad told me a few years ago. I've never forgot those words and I've found them to mostly be true. So as a Fashion Enthusiast, I set out on an adventure to find individuals in our own high school and community who step outside of the "Comfort Zone" many people face when it comes to fashion and style. Getting to know many fashionably artistic people's thoughts about fashion and style really got me thinking, What is style? What drives people to decide "Oh I love this shirt!" or "I'm going to wear this today!" You'll find I had many interesting responses. I asked Casey Canterbury of NPCC what most influenced her style. She responded, "Music, Magazines, Oh, and skateboarding. I saw alot of chicks I thought looked cool wearing skate brands and they still looked like well...girls." Skateboarding also influences Andrew Lemley's style. Along with the whole independent culture. Alright so music, A lot of skateboarding, and a few magazines, but what about people? A style icon..Maybe? Andrew says "Probably Robbie Brindley, He is always wearing things that look super rad." Brittany Lavender, Also from NPCC says she mixes the styles of Snoop Dogg and Audrina Patridge. Have You ever wondered where some people aquire their clothing? Victoria Anzaldua said "Ok, Seriously? uhhh. Yard sales, Flea markets, Thrift stores and my mom's closet. She has alot of Clothes from the 60's and 70's." Casey loves going to Urban Outfitters and Goodwill. The thing I continued to ask last was advice they had for others. Casey said "Wear your personality...like everyday" and Bree Rose replied, " Get dressed the way you feel. Don't just go with what you think other people like. Being yourself gets you a lot further, promise." I dont think I could have said it better. Be yourself! Own your style, because that's exactly what it is. It's yours! 

-Ashley Ruiz 

Back to School Madness

The first day of school is always the most exciting day of the school year.  With sophomores moving up to high school, and everyone starting a new year in a new grade, and everyone eager to see all their friends and talk about the exciting events from their summer vacations. 

     There's no doubt the first few days of school can be compared to a mad house.  With this year estimated over 930 students, (compared to last year with only around 900) students crammed through the LHHS hallways, trying to find their classes.  But the biggest concern of all the students was their lunch.  Some students were told they had first lunch, but then really had second.  Students then had to scramble as they showed up to class late and hungry.  "I was very confused." stated Kortnie Wages, a junior at LHHS.

     Schedule changes were also a big event going on the first few days of school as well.  Students cram into the councilor's office waving schedule change forms into their faces. By the end of the week, councilors had well over 100 schedule change forms to organize and rearrange.  Once schedule change forms were made, students were coming and going through the class rooms and pushing and shoving throughout the hallways

     Sophomores are stereotypically the "targeted" students in high schools because they are very easy to push around in the halls and are susceptible to pranks.  However, at LHHS, most become adapted very quickly to the high school.  Sophomore Brady Rowe stated, "My first few days of high school, I expected a lot of bad attitude, but most of the students and teachers were very helpful."  Connor Goad, a senior student council member stated, " I enjoy helping the sophomores become adjusted to the new high school atmosphere.  I reassure them that high school life can be very enjoyable, if you make it so."

     The first semester consists of some very exciting events.  Such events include the Back to School Bash, Homecoming, football games, and they most important, Thanksgiving and Christmas break!  Everyone at LHHS I wish you the best and hope you have a safe and fantastic year!

-Sarah Hines

Study Hall Reform

What do you think of when I say the word study hall? Does the word freedom come to mind? If so then study hall is just the class for you, NOT!!! This year at Lake Hamilton High School the administrators are setting up rules and academic guidelines for study purposes, thus the name Study hall, but instead of being a class where you could once pull out your cell phone without any problem, or listen to your IPod, it has turned into a class that should be described as “The Teenage Penitentiary”. Course description: freezing desks, assigned seats, total silence, and no source of entertainment technology.

Just when you thought you signed up for a class where you could be relieved of the normal classroom environment you get stuck with what you were trying to avoid, more work! As to why the administration is transforming this so called “course” into an actual class I’ll never understand. You don’t even get credit for it! Therefore it shouldn’t even be called a class, it is a FREE period.

Study hall in high school terms means either one of two things, nap time, or recess. It is a time where students catch up on their social hour other than lunch, where really the lines are so long that all you really have time for is to eat and be on your way. Anyways, back to what I was saying, study hall is a time for students to relax, catch up on last night’s sleep, or a time to have fun and goof off. As for the teacher his, or her job is to serve as a replacement and temporary babysitter. I mean who needs a babysitter, we sure don’t. We are high school students, or for some Seniors! Either way study hall is not the class it was once known to be, Fun.

- Morrison