Former Razorback Arrested By Cameron Anderson

Mitch Mustain, who is a former Arkansas Razorback quarterback was preparing for the NFL draft but has taken a turn for the worse being arrested on February 2^nd.  The LAPD booked Mustain with suspicion of selling prescription narcotics.  After attempting to sell Adderall to an under cover officer, Mustain was taken into custody.

          Being one of the most highly sought after high school football players ever, Mustain won the National Player of the Year Award his senior year at Springdale High School.  Every major college recruited Mustain but ended up signing with the University of Arkansas.

          In 2006, Mustain a true freshman started 8 games for the Razorbacks and won all 8.  Mustain was benched late in the season was over Mustain decided to transfer to USC in Los Angeles.  While at USC he started only one game, a loss against rival Notre Dame. 

          Prior to his arrest Mustain was preparing to workout for NFL scouts in hopes of improving his draft stock for May’s NFL draft.  With NFL teams doing extensive background checks, this does not help Mustain’s stock.  A close friend to Mustain says that he is still planning to enter the draft and the charges will most likely be dropped do to his prior clean record.  Only time will tell the future of the once highly wanted player in football.

                                            

            For thousands of years, flowers have intrigued people from all over the world. The daffodil is no exception.  If you enjoy marveling at the simple, elegant things in life or just have an affinity for horticultural arts, then spring on over to Daffodil Days between February 21^st through March 10^th.  The 9^th annual Daffodil Days at Garvan Woodland Gardens will be so captivating, you won’t want to “leaf.”  With over 165,000 gold, yellow, and orange flowers, your heart will fill with pleasure as you “Dance with the daffodils.”

            Daffodils, from the Dutch “De affodil,” date back to before 300 BCE, where they were used for medicinal purposes by the Greeks and Chinese. It did not take long for these colorful manifestations of charm to become part of their cultures.  According to Greek mythology, a Thespiaen hunter named Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water.  He inevitably died of starvation, and a daffodil grew in his place.  These floral delicacies have made their impact on Chinese history as well, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity throughout the New Year.  It is said that if a daffodil grows in someone’s garden on New Year’s Day, then he or she will have good luck for an entire year.

            Today, the popularity of daffodils is increasing exponentially.  There are now over 25,000 variations of daffodils and daffodil hybrids ranging in sizes from a mere five inches to well over two feet.  Representing rebirth, new beginnings, unrequited love, and eternal life, daffodils are most often associated with tenth wedding anniversaries and March birthdays.  They are not, however, limited to bouquet assortments. They often serve as the subject of paintings, photography, and even poems, such as “Daffodils,” by William Woodsworth. 

            The impression these little wallflowers have made on history is prevalent in gardens around the world. It’s “daffling” that something so small can unite so many cultures and generations.  Garvin Woodland Gardens is only a short drive away and open everyday from 9 am to 6pm.  For only nine dollars for adults and four dollars for children and dogs, Daffodil Days offers a mind cultivating experience at a dirt-cheap price.  You will feel much guilt if you don’t see Daffodil Days before they all wilt.

ROCKIN' THE SNOW 2011

             During homecoming week, January 10th through 14th, the inevitable occurred.  Snow fell deeper than just one inch in Pearcy, Arkansas.  The five inches of snow that accumulated had students rejoicing at the prospect of not having school on  Monday, January 10th.  Due to the strange Arkansas weather, the administrators of Lake Hamilton School District called off school during most of Basketball Homecoming week.

The snow began Sunday afternoon and continued into Monday morning, leaving the starving artists to stay home and paint until their hands became so thin and frail, they threatened to wither away completely.  Then, late Monday afternoon everyone got a text saying “NO SCHOOL TOMORROW!!!” and the 80’s rockers, 90’s walkman owners, and 50’s poodle skirt wearers were burdened with chores and endless fun in the snow.  Everyone was anxious to hear what Wednesday would bring; another snow day or school?  Well, when the news that the icy roads on the bus routes were too dangerous to drive on, school was cancelled.  All of the Cowboys and Indies would have a draw and stay home; everyone was ecstatic.  That is everyone aside from a few bored students including Caina Cowart, who wrote on her Facebook wall that she didn’t know what to do with all of the extra time.  For some, the weather meant a social block.  Others took the opportunity to embrace photography or sled the snowy slopes.  It too quickly ended and everyone went back to school on Thursday to express their favorite genre through their clothing. 

I saw many students dressed as Indie music lovers and Hip Hop music masters.  One senior known for her love of dance and music is Jordan Harris.  She choreographs and performs various Hip Hop dance routines and definitely sported some cool Hip Hop attire on Thursday.  Then, it was Friday and the homecoming festivities were under way.  The maids were escorted onto the auditorium stage, looking stunning with their handsome escorts.  Later that night, the maids were presented with their evening escorts and the beautiful Erica Spivey was crowned the Basketball Homecoming Queen.  Afterwards, the games began and the student section went wild! 

          Although they were not victorious, the boys and girls basketball teams played with fierce effort and determination.  The student section represented Lake Hamilton’s intense school spirit very effectively with their cheering and dedication towards the Wolves and the Lady Wolves.  The maids rocked the court with their beautiful dresses and winning smiles.  The snow fell and the students rejoiced, the promise of no school granted.  In my opinion, this year’s basketball homecoming week was definitely one of a kind.

Taylor Duke

The Zenyatta Bobblehead

           On Martin Luther King Day for the last four years, the Hot Springs racetrack Oaklawn Park, gives away a bobblehead that depicts a famous and prominent horse. This year the bobbleheads resemble Zenyatta, the spectacular and world-famous racehorse most locally known for her participation in the Apple Blossom Invitational Handicap in April of 2010.

 The ticket booths opened at 11:00 a.m., and to get a decent spot in the front of the line, we waited outside for two very cold and boring hours. When  ticket booths opened, we bought tickets for $2 each and walked swiftly to the bobblehead distribution table, trading our tickets for a white box containing the coveted statue. After returning to the parking lot, I finally got a good look at my new sculpture.  Two hours in the cold were worth it.

            The bobbleheads that Oaklawn distrubutes to fans every year are can not be compared to the goofy ones with huge wobbling heads. Zenyatta has a porpotional head that will not move unlike a normal bobblehead. Her head is slightly cocked to the side while her front leg is raised in the famous dance position she performs to the audience before every race. Her bridle is covered in beautiful pink apple blossoms and has her number painted in black. The unique painting of the horse, will turn heads at the race track.

            Zenyatta, born April 1, 2004 in Kentucky, has an astounding career consisting of 20 races, placing 1^st in 19 of them. She won Horse of the Year in 2010, the most prestigious award in horse racing. It goes without saying that Zenyatta is probably the most famous horse alive, and that is reflected in Oaklawn’s choice to immortalize her as a bobblehead.

            Does this little statuette have any value, though? While the adverage bid on Ebay will go for around $40, the highest bid ever has been over $100.
As years go on and the bobbleheads disperse, they will be worth more. They are a unique treasure from Hot Springs, and in the future, when it’s being picked out of an old attic, it will trace back to our home, our renowned racetrack, and the spectacular horse Zenyatta.

Westan Lakey 4th

Reading; An Adventure…

My grandma always tells me that books can take me anywhere; whether it be Germany in Soldier “X” by Don Wulffson, or Australia in the Tomorrow series by John Marsden.  If they can take me anywhere, then I know they can take all of you places too; all you have to do is crack open a book and get down to it.

I’ve read books that surprised me by sending me to places I didn’t expect to go when I first cracked it opened. I’ve been to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the Marked series by P.C. Cast, a place that used to be known as North America but is now Panem in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and even to the UK in the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. Though books are most definitely great for taking you places, they can give you so much information about things you never even knew existed.

            The Marked series is about vampires, of course considering that’s been the major hit since Twilight, that go through different obstacles while also being distracted with the troubles of teenage life. This series of eight books so far, has taken me to Oklahoma, Scotland, and even to an island in Greece. This series alone has taken me to places I haven’t had the privilege of seeing in person.

            The Hunger Games is technically set in North America but is no longer called that, but Panem. Panem consists of 12 Districts and a capital simply labeled Capitol. Original, right? This world brings out imagination by having people dyed pea green with blue hair and metallic gold eye liner. Taylor Duke, a senior here at Lake Hamilton, says about the books, “I liked how she [Suzanne Collins] made these extraordinary characters deal with extremely difficult situations that allow teens to make associations with the consequences of certain decisions and the confusing well of emotions that stir within us.” So, basically the books relate to us as teens while adding an adventurous twist that helps trigger the imagination.

            Another series is the Harry Potter series, which is, once again, about teenagers. These teens are quite special though, they have the gift of wizardry. Harry, Hermione, and Ron are the main characters and are the ones most commonly faced with major obstacles they must overcome. These three teens go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Hogwarts is located in Scotland but there are also references to London, which is where the famous Harry Potter lives during summers.  Though these books vary from 300-800 in page numbers, once you start reading you can’t put the books down! There is so much action packed into each and every page of this series. Westan, a junior at LH says about the series, “It’s interesting to read a book that is set in a place I’ve never had the experience of seeing in person.”

            These books are all found in our own library here at Lake Hamilton and were recommended by fellow students. Many people in LHHS have read these books and they are also quite well known to communities other than our own school. So if you would like to know more about the books ask a librarian or even a fellow student.  

Though it may take slight effort to make yourself sit down and read, in the end it’s completely worth it. Reading books set in different countries, worlds, and past times, gives you knowledge about places you’ve never even been! There are so many books out there and there is no excuse for not reading; Lake Hamilton has an incredible library with great librarians who are there to help at the first question. Read, let your knowledge grow.

 -Nikki Haak

Go Skateboarding Day.

By: Amanda Poole

       “Aw drat’s! Another ‘No Skateboarding’ sign! Where and when in the world will we find a decent place and day to go skate?” Well, I have the time and place! June 21^st, 2011, the very first day of summer. From England to Afghanistan, The United States to Peru, Go skateboarding day is a worldwide event. More than 500 events worldwide and millions of skaters participating globally, to pro skater support, Go Skateboarding Day continues to inspire and generate awareness around the world. It was created to ignite creativity, sprit, and the exhilaration that just skating gives people.

  The whole skateboarding day isn’t just for fun either; it’s also a strong and growing organization. The Go Skateboarding Foundation helps fund programs which promote skateboarding and give a positive impact on our society of young skateboarders. It raises money to give back to charities which involve skateboarding programs which include: JohnnyKicksCancer, Lee Matasi Foundation, Stoked Mentoring, Boys and Girls clubs, YMCA, A skate Foundation, and Grind for Life, to name a few as well as multiple skate park fundraisers across the nation. The foundation inspires to increase tomorrow’s skateboarders by encouraging young people to follow their dreams!

The only downside to skating anywhere in Hot Springs is that there are certain places that have banned skateboarding. And the fact that Hot Springs isn’t really popular out here in our little town. In the summer of 2007 some local skateboarders got arrested for not following the law. So you can have fun, but watch out where you skate! Always remember to ask the person who owns the property or the store parking lot owner before you go skate. Other than that, have fun!

You can ride a long board, short board, or some home made monstrosity. As long as you're on a board with wheels and having fun, Go Skateboarding Day is for you. The International Association of Skateboarding companies began this organization in the year of 2004. Go Skateboarding Day not only gives skaters a chance to skate freely almost anywhere around the world all day. But it also is one of the only times skaters from all over skate together with old and new friends from all parts of the country, and world. And even in the little town of Hot Springs, Arkansas. And if you’re just a commoner in a car or walking on the side of the street, watch out! Even though I’m sure that most skaters tend to stay away from roads and sidewalks in general.

             

            All you skateboarders around Lake Hamilton who haven’t heard of this day, here’s your chance to go out and skate, and tell anybody you know who skates about it also.  When the day comes I’m sure it will be one great recreational day. Rain or shine. Even if there aren’t many places around Hot Springs to go and skate, I’m sure you’ll find one place you like.  Like: a skate park, parking lot, just a park, or even a school yard. Who says just a flight of stairs on the side of a building, or something as simple as an abandoned parking lot can’t be fun? As long as you’re skating and having fun, nothing should really even matter.

           

T hirteen Year Journey

By: Amber George

          Thirteen years ago, we entered the primary school without a clue of what the future had in store for us. The smell of chalk, crayons, and fresh paint smothered us as we took note of our surroundings. Along the white, what seemed like endless walls, were welcoming decorations providing the only color to the hallways.  Now, thirteen years later, we look back on that day with tears in our eyes.

          Most students go on and on about leaving and how they can’t wait to graduate, but when the day finally comes, we wish more than anything just to go back and start all over.      

          At six years old, we didn’t care what the future had in store for us.  We were not worried about the future. All we worried about was what day we got to be the leader or the caboose and nap time. We thought of kindergarten graduation as just a chance to be in the spotlight, but what we didn’t realize, is that it was going to be the beginning of our educational journey.     

          Growing up isn’t a cake walk. The teachers in the high school don’t pamper you like the ones in the primary. You are responsible for yourself.  Some of us were spoiled growing up, but when we stepped in the high school, that all changed. There wasn’t anymore turning work in late. If you’re feeling ill, you can’t put your head down and expect to get out of an assignment. If you miss a day of school, you are expected to get your previous assignments. 
          Most of us have mixed emotions about leaving Lake Hamilton. The past thirteen years have been good to us. We can hardly wait to get out and face the world. As graduation day is getting closer, we find the want to stay is getting stronger. We use to watch the clock wishing the time would fly.  Now we watch the clock wanting it to freeze. As graduation gets closer, we grow more and more terrified to get out and face the world.  We think that we are ready, but just like the first day of kindergarten, we want to go back to the routine we that make us comfortable.

          As a member of the Lake Hamilton wolf pack, I think it is safe for me to say, that we seniors will never forget our thirteen year journey with the Wolf Pack. Lake Hamilton will always be our home and the "blood of the wolf" will always remain in our veins.