EchoVOLUME 78 - ISSUE 1Oct. 11, 2011

AVON HIGH SCHOOL 7575 EAST 150 SOUTH AVON, INDIANA

InsideBudget cuts affect student activities, classes

Changes in technology force teaching updates

Avon students face colorblindness

Students anticipate new superhero movies

2 41216

Fall homecoming peps up AvonStudents celebrate homecoming with Spirit Week, dance, pep rally Avon students reveled in the festivities surrounding Homecoming week, from class color day on Sept. 26 to the Homecoming dance on Oct. 1. In between, students participated in Spirit Week dress-up days and attended events like powder puff football, senior night for the girls’ and boys’ soccer teams, the pep rally and the Homecoming football game Friday night. Student Government made several changes to this year’s Homecoming celebration. To increase participation, Student Government moved the pep rally to Friday during the day instead of after school like last year’s. Student Government also hosted a semi-formal masquerade ball on Saturday night instead of holding a casual dance after the Homecoming game. Students responded positively to the changes, especially to the masquerade ball. “There were a lot more people [at the dance] than I expected, and everyone looked great,” junior Jared Miller said.

More homecoming infomation on page 5

2 October 2011 NewsNew budget cuts affect students, teachersShortage of funds impacts school corporation; staff’s jobs, clubs, classes, technology reduced

Larger class sizes and fewer buses, custodians and teachers are just some of last year’s budget cut’s effects that are impacting students this year.

According to the “Hendricks County Flyer” online, the school corporation lost over $13 million in local funding over the last two years. Taxpayers had the decision to raise the necessary funds in the school budget with a tax referendum that was introduced last May, but voters ultimately decided against passing the referendum.

For several clubs and classes, the loss of funds generated questions about how they will operate.

Japanese teacher Amanda Ramirez said one reason the Japanese program is staying afloat is due to a grant from the Japan Foundation, but she is unsure whether this funding will continue.

“[The grant is] a yearly thing we have to renew, but we can renew it only for two years, so there’s a possibility that we may not have the grant after this year, in which case a lot of funding for teacher’s salaries would go away,” Ramirez said.

World language classes aren’t the only ones affected by these cuts. According to Avon Community School Corporation (ACSC) Director of Finance and Operations Brock Bowsher, the whole school system feels the effects of the budget cuts. Bowsher said the impact of the budget cuts is happening in two ways.

“Impact is being felt in two ways,” Bowsher said. “First is the staff impact. Like all other buildings, the high school staff is ‘doing more with less.’ Many of the classrooms have experienced larger class sizes compared to previous years. Additionally, the custodial staff is cleaning on average 5,000 more square feet a night, basically an additional five classrooms. Further, high school support staff has also been reduced, both teaching assistants and secretaries.”

According to Bowsher, the second impact will be the school corporation purchasing fewer materials, supplies and equipment. Bowsher also said that computers and other equipment will be replaced less frequently. One percent of the 2012 budget will be spent on technology.

Another high school department being impacted by the budget cuts is the music department. According to choir teacher Rick Gamble, the choir program has had to do more fundraising this year than in years past.

“[The choir is raising money through] several fundraisers, mostly sponsored by the Boosters,” Gamble said. “We worked at the National Hot Rod Association Nationals over Labor Day, and [choir students are] selling Mike’s Car Wash Coupons and doing mattress sales.”

These cuts influence clubs as well. Math teacher Jeff Osterman, who sponsors the Quiz Bowl, Academic Superbowl and Spell Bowl teams, said he got a grant from Avon’s Student Government (which has funds to grant to clubs and activities), and the academic teams will be working concessions to cover cuts in his programs.

“The fees are 50 to 120 percent higher than they were last year,” Osterman said. “The grant from

Student Government will hopefully cut the increase not quite in half, but close. That was all money that we used to get from other sources that we don’t have anymore.”

Teachers and club organizers are not the only ones concerned about the budget cuts. One student said the budget cuts have been “crazy.”

“It’s been weird, and a couple of our great [band instructors] were ‘riffed,’” sophomore Theresa Greene, a clarinet player

in the band, said. “They had a great impact on a few students, and they’re just gone now.”

Bowsher outlined some ways that teachers have used to reduce energy costs for the schools in the past. These are means students can also use to help minimize the effects of these cuts.

“[Students can do] similar things that everyone does at home,” Bowsher said. “When leaving a room that has no one in it, turn out the lights. Turn off computer monitors when done with their use. Print and copy only documents that are a necessity. Help the corporation eliminate unnecessary waste.”

According to Gamble, one way students can help the choir program is by showing up at choir concerts the program produces throughout the year.

“Support your friends by attending our concerts,” Gamble said.

According to the online version of the school corporation’s official newsletter, the “Oriole Blast,” the total budget for the 2012 calendar year will be just over $93 million, a deduction of over 3 percent, or roughly $3 million, from the 2011 budget. These cuts will be made in more than one sector.

Despite cuts to school personnel, the largest percentage of the 2012 funds will go to paying for instruction. Though several bus routes were eliminated, 9 percent of the budget will still be devoted to transportation. After a reduction in administration, 7 percent of the budget will be spent in this area.

Ramirez acknowledged there are “a lot of people” who are uneasy about the budget cuts.

“Theoretically, we’re not making any more cuts, but it’s not something that’s set in stone,” Ramirez said. “We don’t know if we’ll have the grant for next year or not. We have it for this year, so that’s a great thing that we’re moving on and planning for next year, but you never know what’s going to happen.”

By Tristan Fitzpatrick

Bryan BallSource: “Oriole Blast,” ACSC Newsletter

40%

Instruction

27%

Debt Obligation

9%

Transportation

7%

Administration

7%

Custodial

4%4%1%1%

Facility maintenance

Utilities TechnologyFinancial Services

2012 Avon Community School Corp. BudgetPercentage of funds to be spent on each sector

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Page Design : Krystal Andry & Katie Brewer 3News

Young often uses news applications, such as those from the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), CBS and FOX, on his iPhone to keep him current with the latest events of the day.

“Instead of waiting for [the news] to come on televison, I can click on [the applications] and get updates on what’s going on throughout the day,” Young said.

According to “Merriam-Webster Dictionary” Online, the word “journalist” has two definitions: “a person engaged in journalism” or “a writer who aims at a mass audience.” Is that definition up-to-date with today’s ever-changing world of reporting?

Junior Missy Norris provided her own definition of today’s journalist in a new age of journalistic media and outlets.

“[A journalist] is someone who can create an objective story and put it out there for people to see,” Norris, who is in her second year on the yearbook staff, said. “True journalism is [a story] that’s been edited. Everyone has their own definition of journalism, and if [a story] looks like it’s set up right and has few grammatical errors, then people take it as journalism. [In order to be a journalist], you have to know the structure and rules [of journalism], and your stories can’t have opinion in them.”

Source: Poll of 157 Avon Students, September 2011 David Allspaw

Current ways to get newsStudents select favorite methods of obtaining news

Newspaper - 1%Radio - 3%

Friends - 9%

Facebook - 26%

Online News Sites - 10%

Twitter - 10%

Television - 41%

Digital age allows for new types of journalismPublic accesses different outlets for news, reports its own news, questions credibility of news sources

As more journalists and news outlets break news via social media websites and online news blogs, media analysts and communication professors alike are raising the question: “Is this the future of journalism?”

Avon broadcasting teacher Gregory Young said the answer is no.

“You may not be sure who is writing on that [form of] social media, and what their bias may be,” Young said. “But social media and today’s technology is definitely changing the way that we get our news and information.”

In a 2010 survey conducted by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 37 percent of Internet users said they have reported news, commented on a story or shared a story through social media sites, such as Facebook or Twitter. Seventy-five percent of total respondents said that they get news from e-mails or posts on social networking sites, and 92 percent said that they get their news from more than one source. According to the report, the advent of social media like social networking sites and blogs has “helped the news become a social experience in fresh ways for consumers.”

Senior Zoe Bestmann receives some of her news through social media websites. However, she also recognizes the credibility issues that the sites pose.

“I like [using social media] to get news about celebrities, but not for any other news, since anyone can report,” Bestmann said.

Major news outlets across the world, such as the British Broadcasting Company (BBC), the Cable News Network (CNN) and The New York Times, are using social media as a way to receive and report news. For instance, BBC used improperly cited photos

from Twitter in its coverage of the Norway attacks in July and of the England riots in August, causing controversy in the online world. CNN integrated social media into its coverage of the 2008 earthquake in Haiti, and The New York Times used Twitter feeds and amateur video to report developments in the 2011 Egyptian revolution.

“[Amateur video] is great because it gives [the producers and reporters] a quicker source to the video,” Young said. “At first we cringe at it because it’s not professional, but it can give [the news] more

immediacy, since you know that the person shooting it is probably close to being in danger.”

Journalists and television news producers are not the only ones using social media to report the news today. Former U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s Chief of Staff, Keith Urbahn, leaked the news of Osama Bin Laden’s death via Twitter on May 2. Urbahn’s tweet went viral over an hour before President Obama confirmed the news during a late-night press conference, which allowed for most of the major news services to report the killing before the President’s official announcement. The dawn of social media and online news sites made this new sort of journalism possible.

Bestmann said she prefers getting her news on the Internet

and through social media websites rather than more traditional news mediums, such as newspapers, radio and television.

“[On the world wide web], I can look up specifically what I want to know,” Bestmann said, “rather than only learning what [the anchors and reporters on television news programs] tell you.”

By David Allspaw

“Social media and today’s technology is definitely changing the way we get our news.”

Gregory Young, broadcasting teacher

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4 October 2011 NewsTechnology changes teaching techniques

Starting this school year, Avon elementary and intermediate schools are no longer required to teach cursive as a part of the curriculum. According to the Department of Education, “the Common Core State Standards do not include cursive writing at all,” and instead, “students are expected to become proficient with keyboarding.” This is also the third year that the Indiana Online Academy has offered Physical Education I and II as summer online classes for Avon students. Students may also take one or more of the 29 classes offered through the Avon Online Education Center (OEC). Technology at Avon is becoming an integral part of the educational process, helping students in a variety of areas.

“At the elementary level, I think that keyboarding skills are going to become extremely important,” Maple elementary school teacher Catherine Feldhake said. “I think that students at all levels also need to be taught how to use basic office programs and why they would use those.”

The change from cursive to keyboarding is in part due to the Common Core State Standards, a nation-wide list of education requirements. Cursive is not mentioned in these standards. However, it is still permissible for states to require teaching it. Only Indiana and Hawaii have entirely dropped cursive as a state requirement, but Illinois may do the same in the near future, according to “New York Times” Online. Cursive’s decreasing impact in modern society is another reason for the switch to keyboarding. According to the 2006 SAT, only 15 percent of students wrote their SAT essays in cursive.

“I taught in another district before teaching in Avon, and they had a technology class kindergarten through fourth grade,” Feldhake said. “In all the grades, keyboarding skills were taught along with basics of programs. When I came to Avon, my students couldn’t type as quickly, and I was shocked at how little knowledge of [Microsoft] Word and PowerPoint they had.”

However, abolishing cursive classes may have some unintended effects. Some are concerned that the next generation will be unable to sign their own name on legal documents and checks, as printing is not allowed. Teaching assistant Larry Kennedy said that cursive will soon be a “lost art.”

“We’ve lost the art of writing personal letters,” Kennedy said. “The time it takes to put down your words onto paper means more to people than sending an email . . . If keyboarding replaces cursive, cursive will go the way of personal letters.”

Another way technology is affecting education is through online education. Online courses attract a “wide variety” of students, according to Kennedy, who works in the OEC. For some students, taking a previously failed core class online is a way to earn necessary credits for graduation. For other students, the OEC is a place to fill in gaps and missing classes in their busy schedules.

“I decided to take online classes to help me graduate with academic honors,” senior Kimberly Adams, who is taking two online courses this semester, said.

By Jordan Coffman

“Beforehand, I was working toward the average Core 40, and my counselor told me I was capable of honors, so I just went for it.Until then, I had no idea we had the OEC, and I feel it is under advertised for many students.”

According to Kennedy, successful OEC students have one thing in common: responsibility. Supervision of the students is kept to a minimum.

“You have to be self-motivated,” Kennedy said. “If you didn’t pass a previous class because you didn’t do the homework, you’re not going to come in here with the same attitude and hope to succeed.”

Some students find online learning to be a blessing, as the environment is better suited for them. Learning styles play a large part in how well a student does in an online environment.

“If you’re struggling in a classroom environment due to distractions, or if you have trouble taking tests, you should take it,” Adams said. “However, I don’t think any student should be turned away from [online classes] because it’s a great opportunity.”

Kennedy thinks that the OEC will expand, and the school will implement other technological advancements in the future. He feels that traditional classrooms could learn from the OEC. For Feldhake, the technology switch is inevitable.

“One of the most important pieces of advice I’ve heard is that adults and teachers need to get over their fear of technology,” Feldhake said. “There are so many teachers that know how to use the technology or just know of the technology, but they fear using it because they don’t know it well. Students know enough that teachers and students can come together and teach each other. Teachers can teach the content, and students could teach the technology.”

School classes, educational standards evolve with new technologyPolitical

Updatewith Rachel Fischer

2012 Election: Republican NomineesOn Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, Americans will elect

either President Barack Obama or a Republican or Green Party nominee to the office of President of the United States. As of September, the Green Party nominee, Stewart Alexander, is running unopposed. The only question to remain is: who will win the Republican nomination?

According to the “Huff Post” Online, 14 Republican candidates from 14 different states are currently fighting for the Republican nomination.

Texas’s Ron Paul and Massachusetts’s Mitt Romney are returning from their 2008 attempts. Paul is currently running for his third time, and, according to “Ron Paul” Online, he holds hopes of securing the Republican nomination.

As of September 2011, Michele Bachmann is catching the eyes of Republican voters, according to “Republican Candidates” Online. Bachmann is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Massachusetts, and it is her “incredible fund raising ability” that has helped her “get her name out.” Bachmann is currently the first woman to run for the Republican nomination.

Jimmy McMillan and Herman Cain are the only African-American Republican nominees. McMillan started his campaign with his rap single, “Ain’t Nothing to Talk About.” Although some believe McMillan is not serious about his campaign, “Republican Candidates” Online says, “McMillan is very genuine about his potential to be nominated.” Cain has no experience in politics other than his attempt at the Georgia Senate seat in 2004, but he is still determined to earn the nomination.

Other Republican primaries include former governors Jon Huntsman, Buddy Roemer and Gary Johnson, gay rights activist Fred Karger, self-professed “People’s Attorney General” Andy Martin, Michigan House of Representatives member Thad McCotter, career flight attendant Tom Miller, Texas’s governor Rick Perry, former senator Rick Santorum and businessman Vern Wuensche. The Republican nominee is set to be announced May 7.

Alexa Adamson

5Page Design: Grace Kelly & Kaylie McCoy News

Homecoming WeekPep RallySpirit Week

Dress up daysMonday: Class color dayTuesday: Nerd dayThursday: Retro dayFriday: Black and gold day

Powder PuffTheme: Hick nightWinner: Seniors won

with a score of 6-0 Homecoming Game

With performances by:The cheer team, dance team, jump rope team and African DiasporaOther acts included were:The crowning of homecoming king, Brendon Widau, and the senior victory at the tug-of-war battle

DanceMasqueradeThe Homecoming dance was the day after the game instead of directly after the game as Avon has done in the past. The dance was also semi-formal instead of casual.Students could buy masks at the door or bring their own to contribute to the theme.

Photos: Belle LeBeau, Sam St. Clair, & Miriam Thomas

Vs. Lafayette JeffersonFloat winner: Freshmen with Hulk floatPregame show: Avon Marching Black and Gold and the Avon Gold Dance TeamHalftime: $10,000 gift from Avon Sports Boosters presented, Avon softball’s second place finish at state recognized, Homecoming queen Chey Colip crownedScore: Avon won 49-7

6 October 2011 Sports

Rachel Fischer

According to “NCAA” Online, 6 percent of all high school students earn an athletic scholarship. Here at Avon, four seniors, Haleigh Chasteen, Madi Reeves, AJ Burgett and DeAndre Herron, have been offered a combined total of 25 sport scholarships.

Chasteen has played softball since she was six and is the starting pitcher for Avon’s team. Chasteen also plays third base and shortstop.

“I really just have a deep love for the sport,” Chasteen said. “I decided to play softball because I had more talent in that sport. I thought it would help me get into college.”

Marian University, DePauw University and St. Joseph’s College have offered Chasteen scholarships for softball and academics. One of Chasteen’s career highlights was leading her team to place second in the state last season.

“Everyone looked up to me at the end of the year,” Chasteen said. “They always expected me to get the game-winning hit and strike everyone out. Although most of that didn’t happen, I felt that when I was standing on the mound, every one of my teammates was going to sacrifice everything they had for me; I didn’t want to disappoint them. I played to the best of my abilities.”

Going to state again is one of Chasteen’s hopes for the upcoming season before she goes to college. Currently, Chasteen has yet to commit to any college, but she plans to sign in November.

As of October, Avon’s volleyball team was ranked number one in the state and number four in the nation. Reeves is the starting setter for the team and has been playing varsity since her freshman year.

“Although there have been several difficult times throughout my volleyball career, the times when I succeed are what keep me loving volleyball and keep me committed to the sport,” Reeves said. “I knew that I also had potential to play at the college level. That really pushed me to keep working hard and improving my game.”

Reeves received a combined athletic and academic scholarship valued at $20,398.50 per year from Wayne State University in Michigan. Reeves verbally committed to Wayne State in May and will sign in November.

“I looked at many different colleges,” Reeves said, “but the first actual offer I got was from Wayne State, and I decided to accept it right away.”

Burgett’s father and uncle influenced him to start playing basketball when he was six.

“[I decided to play basketball] because my dad played,” Burgett said. “He pushed me to play [basketball] so I could be successful.”

Eleven different colleges have offered Burgett scholarships, but he officially committed to the University of Notre Dame on Sept. 11, 2010.

“[Notre Dame] seemed like the best fit to me,” Burgett said. “I think it will be better [playing college basketball] than just being the average student.”

Herron is a starting offensive tackle on Avon’s football team, and 10 colleges in nine different states have offered Herron full ride scholarships. Herron started playing football when he was in elementary school, but it was not his favorite thing to do.

“I really didn’t want to play football at first, actually,” Herron said, “but the more I played, the better I got, and I fell in love with the game.”

Herron officially committed to the University of Louisville on July 12.

“I picked the University of Louisville because it has my major, sports administration,” Herron said. “The people and coaches are all just so nice, and it feels like a place I can call home. I also have a big chance to start as a freshman in college.”

Athletic Director Brad Holsinger believes an athletic scholarship is a “great opportunity” if the student is willing to put in the time and effort.

“Any time that you can get help paying for your college is a great opportunity, but it comes at a price,” Holsinger said. “Those student athletes are obviously going to be good, but there are so many things that they have to fulfill: working out with the team, studying for exams, practicing during preseason and a lot of other stuff that is just going to be thrown at the student. If they can handle all of that and still do well, then it is a great opportunity.”

Holsinger believes the athletic programs at Avon help students get prepared for college athletics.

“I think our athletic programs are very competitive,” Holsinger said. “Our coaches have high expectations, and I think it is very similar to the college level. Just the expectations of the athletic programs help bridge the gap a little bit, but [college level athletics are] still a step up.”

Chasteen, Reeves, Burgett and Herron said that they will miss their teams here at Avon.

“It is sad to think of, but [leaving the team is] going to happen,” Chasteen said. “I will miss all of the coaches and younger players. It’s a little scary to think that I will be going to a new school and team, but I will eventually get used to it. You will see me in the bleachers cheering on the high school team when I am in college.”

Seniors achieve goal of playing at college levelReeves, Burgett, Herron, Chasteen offered total of 25 scholarships to play collegiate sportsBy Rachel Fischer

Page Design : Rachel Fischer & Maria Khan 7

Feature

Sports

By Katie Brewer

Senior Rachel McKinney serves the ball on Sept. 15 at the Avon vs. Brownsburg volleyball game. McKinney is a defensive specialist for varsity. “The support from the fans has been amazing this year,” McKinney said. “We really hope to not only please the fans by winning, but we have high goals for ourselves this year.”

Mandy Packnett

The girls’ volleyball team has won every game this season. It is currently ranked first in the state and fourth in the nation. As of Oct. 3, the team’s record was 25-0 (7-0 in the Hoosier Crossroad’s Conference).

“It’s a great honor to be number one in the state, but we know we have to do a lot of work to [maintain] that spot,” senior Alli Bexell said.

This year’s undefeated season, combined with last year’s season, is the reason the team is ranked first in the state.

“Last season we made it to semi-state, and that’s what helped us get to number one—we basically got to number one because of last year,” Bexell said.

Head coach Scott McQueen feels the team’s high rank has made the season more competitive than previous seasons.

“[Being number one in the state] is an honor, but the reality is it just puts a bigger target on our back,” McQueen said. “Everybody gives us their best shot if they are good enough to make an attempt to beat us. They probably have a little bit more motivation. If they are not good, then we are a little intimidating for those teams, but we look forward to the competition and the best teams to play against. So it is a nice honor, and it definitely gives a lot of credit to the girls for how hard they have worked.”

Because last year’s volleyball season was a big factor of the team’s ranking, McQueen feels as if the girls did not have many obstacles to get to the top.

“The number one ranking, like I said, is an honor, but it is not really something that we feel like we have had to overcome hardships [to get to],” McQueen said. “You gain respect from other people, and we feel like we have gotten that, but we feel like that has been over a course of 10 years; we were not just magically good this year. It has been a long road, but I don’t really feel like we have worked toward being number one. That is definitely not our big goal.”

McQueen said the team is concentrated more on the post-season than their current ranking.

“We are really excited about what we have done so far, but definitely our goal from the beginning of the year has been to win state,” McQueen said. “We have a lot of secondary goals, but that is our primary goal.”

Even though the team has won every game this season, the girls still face challenges, just like any other team.

“The most challenging part, for me, is when we are down two games to none, and we have to keep our composure and come back and fight for the next three games,” Bexell said.

As a freshman, Beth Prince said her biggest challenge is “when the other team has high momentum and they are on a run.”

Prince is one of only three freshmen on the varsity team, so she has to find a way to balance her priorities.

“I focus on volleyball and my school work before everything else, and then with whatever free time I have left, I will go hang out with the team or go to football games with my friends,” Prince said.

Many Avon students take time out of their schedules to attend the volleyball games.

“[My favorite parts about the game are] getting hyped with your friends, cheering for the girls and getting the win,” sophomore Carter VanWanzeele said.

Some students, including VanWanzeele, come to every game to support the volleyball team, no matter if it is an away game or not. These students wear electric green shirts with the words “Jersey Junkies” written on them.

Fan support has already helped the team achieve several goals, including winning the Muncie Central Invite for the first time. The team beat four teams at the invite, needing only two games to win each match and bringing its record at the time to 23-0.

VanWanzeele said he thinks the team “has a pretty promising season this year.” However, McQueen thinks the most important thing is accomplishing team goals.

“[The most rewarding part of coaching] is seeing the kids be successful,” McQueen said. “We have had a successful run the last 10 years, and it is just good to be able to see them reach the goals they want. That is the reason everybody does this—to see us be successful and see everyone accomplish their goals.”

The next volleyball match is Oct. 11 at home versus Ben Davis. The last match of the regular season is at Zionsville on Oct. 13. Both of these games start at 6:45 p.m. Sectionals start on Oct. 18, and if the team makes it to state, they will compete there on Nov. 5.

Girls’ volleyball ranked one in state, four in nationCoaches, players discuss path to number one, future goals for team, favorite parts of season

“We all know that we have a huge target on our back, and everyone is out to beat us, so we know we have to play hard and not give up.”

Alli Bexell, 12

Mandy Packnett

8 October 2011 Sports

Boys’ soccer hopes for playoff success

Girls’ golf team rebuilds, refines skillsThe girls’ golf team had a very different season this

year since the team has only one senior. Head coach Tom Maples said that the goal this year was to build the team up for next year.

Maples said the girls’ practices focused on the short game, including chipping and putting. These strokes are used to move the ball short distances around the green and into the hole.

“[In golf], typically the emphasis is on the short game, and this year we have really stepped that up,” Maples said. “We give [away] too many shots around the greens. This year we have put a lot of emphasis on chipping and putting.”

Senior Katelyn Hagen, varsity team member, said the short game is important because it determines the outcome of the game.

“[The short game] helps your score, because if your short game is bad, your score is bad,” Hagen said.

More strokes are used in the short game, and golf scores are determined by the number of strokes.

As part of rebuilding the team, Maples said that he is preparing girls who have a lot of potential for the future. Maples named two girls who he believes have a lot of potential: junior Annie Rodgers and sophomore Rachel Thompson, who play first and second on the team respectively.

“Golf is a passion [for them],” Maples said. “[They are] two girls who someday will hopefully play some college golf.”

Maples hopes this year will be a strong rebuilding and learning year to prepare for the next season and to improve the team’s talents.

“We’re just rebuilding,” Maples said. “We’ve got a lot of young talent, and hopefully we’ll be really good in the future.”

The team played at sectionals on Saturday, Sept. 17, and placed fourth, but only one player went onto regionals. Thomspon qualified to go onto regionals on Sept. 24.

“At Regionals, I shot a 93, which turned out to be a pretty good number for that day because the course was tough, and the conditions there were pretty bad,” Thompson said.

Thompson also said she “enjoyed” the bigger crowd at Regionals.

Though the game is the same for Maples, who is the head coach of both the boys’ and girls’ golf teams, the teams are not. Maples said he likes coaching the girls’ golf team because he still gets to teach the game.

“I have a love and passion for playing and teaching the game, and there is still a lot to teach the girls, like new and different shots and just teaching about the game,” Maples said.

Coach Tom Maples leads team to fourth place finish at sectionals, shifts focus to short game shotsBy Ben Brown

Sophomore Rachel Thompson prepares to hit a golf ball at her golf practice on Sept. 1. Thompson has played on varsity since her freshman year. “My favorite thing about golf is that it actually makes you think through every shot,” Thompson said.

Coaches Philip Schmidt, Adam Poliskie turn team’s attention to sectionals, reflect on winning seasonBy Bryan Ball

Junior Conner Jordan chases the ball in a game vs Harrison on Aug. 30. “I have loved this season so far. I have had so much fun with these boys,” Jordan said, “and I am glad I’ve gotten to play with them.”

Shelby Brown

As the boys’ soccer team heads toward the end of the season, the boys are hoping to repeat a successful 2010-2011 season.

Head coach Philip Schmidt said his goal for the varsity team is “to get better every game.” Some of his other goals include going to state and earning an Indiana top-ten ranking.

“We plan to play our best and work our hardest,” Schmidt said.

For this season, the coaches did not make any major changes in their training or player choice.

“We have a tough schedule set out,” Schmidt said. “The best thing we can do is play our best and go as hard as we can.”

According to assistant coach Adam Poliskie, training for soccer players starts in June and consists of playing soccer, conditioning, speed training and weight lifting.

“We take it pretty seriously that we are in good shape,” Poliskie said. “The varsity team’s expectations are still high on and off the field when it comes to player attitude.”

The boys’ soccer players received an award from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America for their attitudes and performance on the field.

“We expect our players to be respectful and appropriate in school and on the field,” Poliskie said.

Olivia Price

Senior center back Brendon Widau has played all four years of high school.

“The most challenging thing [about soccer] is overcoming injury and working throughout the season to keep the hard work up,” Widau said.

Widau advises the team’s new players to “practice, practice, practice.”

“Talent only gives you so much,” Widau said. “Practice is the other half.”

Widau “enjoys” the camaraderie of his teammates.“[My fellow teammates] have shaped who I am,”

Widau said.Sophomore Noah Zorrniger said he looked forward

to playing against Brownsburg the most. Poliskie also looked forward to the sectional matchup against the Bulldogs on Oct. 5.

“It is going to be a great battle for both teams,” Poliskie said the week before sectionals.

If the team makes it past sectionals, the boys hope to go all the way to state. There is a group of Avon students who supports this goal by attending every home game to support the soccer team.

“It’s always a nice student turnout at home,” Schmidt said.

Senior Dillon Hensley said the fans should help the team to win against Brownsburg: “The fan support will definitely help us because in high pressure situations, having all that support behind you and all your fans

screaming for you helps you to perform and get the job done more efficiently.”

Regardless of the outcome of the post season, the team already won the Great Midwest Classic this year.

“That was a huge accomplishment for our seniors and team,” Poliskie said. “It was a really great weekend.”

Page Design : David Allspaw & Anna Wray 9Sports

Upcoming GamesOct. 11: Volleyball v. Ben DavisOct. 14: Football v. ZionsvilleOct. 15: Cross Country at RegionalsOct. 21: Football at SectionalsOct. 22: Cross Country at Semi-StateOct. 25: Volleyball at RegionalsOct. 29: Cross Country at StateOct. 29: Boy’s Soccer at StateNov. 5: Volleyball at StateNov. 11: Football at RegionalsNov. 26: Football at State

Score Board*

5-3Girls’

Soccer

10-2Boys’

Soccer

82-25Boys’ Cross

Country

25-0Volleyball

10-2Girls’ Golf

8-1Football

6-1Boys’Tennis

Athletes of the IssueSam Carew, 9What accomplishments are you most proud of in soccer?My accomplishments are being captain one season, winning a couple of tournaments, coming in second and a few others.What professional athlete do you look up to? Why?I look up to Christiano Ronaldo because he usually maintains composure during games.What makes a good soccer player?Leadership, composure, competitiveness and being athletic.

Alex Price, 10Why did you decide to start playing golf?My dad took me golfing a lot when I was younger, and he encouraged me to try out for the golf team in middle school. What accomplishment are you most proud of in golf?I’m proud that I made varsity this year, and I’ve stayed on varsity throughout the school year. How much do you train every day?Each day of golf is about two hours long. I might stay a little bit longer.

Grace Kelly

Olivia Price

Grace Kelly Belle LeBeau

Sam St. Clair

Olivia Price Olivia Price Kaylie McCoy7th in State

Girls’ Cross Country

*results as of Oct. 3

Cone Cells

The science behind colorblindnessGenetics is main factor in colorblindness; parents carrying colorblindness pass it to offspring as recessive trait

Retina

Cornea

Optic Nerve

Lens

Source: “WebMD” Online, “AP Edition Biology” Miriam Thomas

cX

Y

XX

X X

X

cXcXY Y

X

Fath

er

Colorblindness is a sex-linked trait; it is carried by X chromosomes. It is a recessive trait - all X chromosomes must carry the trait for a person to be colorblind. If an X chromosome with the trait is paired with a X chromosome without it, the trait will not be transmitted.

Males have only one X chromosome (from their mothers), so only their mothers need to be carriers for them to have a risk of being colorblind. Males are much more likely to be colorblind than females.

Iris

XcX = X chromosomes with colorblindness gene

= Normal X chromosomes

= Colorblind individual

Females inherit an X chromosome from both parents. Both parents must carry the trait for colorblindness for a female child to be colorblind.

Mother

Pupil

Cross section of human eye

Colorblindness occurs when cone cells (cells that sense red, blue and

green light) are missing or do not work. These cone cells are located in

the back of the eye, in the retina.

Imagine only seeing the world in black, white and shades of gray, a world without the vibrant greens and pinks of springtime, the striking reds and oranges of fallen leaves and the fresh blues of a cloudless sky. For some colorblind individuals, this image is a reality.

“Technically, I am totally colorblind,” senior Nick Schall said. “I can still see colors. They just look different from what they ‘normally’ would look like. I have the most trouble with red and green.”

Total colorblindness is called “rod monochromatism.” It occurs when all of a person’s cone cells in the retina cease to function. According to Indianapolis ophthalmologist Dr. Matthew Ralstin, colorblind individuals “have decreased visual acuity and see the world in shades of gray.”

However, according to the “United States Library of Medicine” Online, most colorblind people are not afflicted with total colorblindness. People with milder forms have difficulty differentiating between green and red or blue and yellow because they lack one of the pigment colors in their cone cells.

Most colorblind people, like senior Jackson Read, have red-green color deficiency, which, according to Ralstin, occurs in five percent of males. Colorblindness is a challenge for Read because he is an artist. To Read, reds, greens and browns look similar, and he has trouble differentiating between blues and purples.

“[Colorblindness] kind of messes up my painting,” Read said. “It especially messes up oil paintings where you mix your own colors. I just ask for help or guess.”

Read discovered he was colorblind during an eye test, but he says he “kind of always knew because in preschool, when we learned colors, it was always difficult.”

Although more males are colorblind, it is possible for females to be colorblind. Sophomore Kennedy Brackin is red-green color deficient.

“I can still see grass and fire, but around Christmas time I get really confused,” Brackin said.

Optometrists diagnosed Brackin, Read and Schall through eye tests. Most optometrists use Ishihara

color plates, which are composed of two colors colorblind people often confuse. One color forms a number, while another forms the background. Patients who are unable to distinguish the number from the background are colorblind.

“I found out I was colorblind when I was getting a physical at the end of my seventh grade year,” Schall said. “No one really believed me at first because from what they could see, I usually got my colors right.”

Schall said the challenges continue because when he draws or colors, he has to read the colors on markers and

crayons. Schall also has trouble understanding when people use colors to explain things. However, Schall does not believe colorblindness will impact him in the future, as he wants to be a financial planner one day. Schall said he “just goes on with life like everybody else.”

“Not seeing a color is not different to me because it has been that way my whole life,” Schall said. “Instead of red, I usually see brown. Instead of green, I usually see gray, but it can also be brown and orange. The way I see those colors depends on the shade of the color.”

Schall even sees a positive side to his colorblindness.“If I get a problem having to do with color wrong [in

school], or if I do badly on an art project, I can claim colorblindness,” Schall said.

Brackin said “day to day, [colorblindness] doesn’t affect me.”

Colorblindness can result from the recessive gene for colorblindness on a person’s X chromosome or from optic nerve damage. It has no treatment, so Ralstin recommends that “a colorblind individual find a normal color-seeing partner to help select his clothes.”

Read said that having colorblindness causes him to reflect on his and others’ fields of vision.

“[Colorblindness] makes me think about all the stuff I can’t see and even all the stuff normal people can’t see,” Read said. “There are so many rays of light [that are invisible to humans]. Like lobsters have a completely different field of vision than we do.”

Avon students learn to live with colorblindnessBrackin, Read, Schall share aspects of life with colorblindness: challenges they face, ways they copeBy Miriam Thomas

“I can still see grass and fire, but around Christmas time I get really confused.”

Kennedy Brackin, 10

12 October 2011 Feature

Page Design : Megan Medellin & Olivia Price 13Feature

Adam Clark, Math TeacherDo you have favorites?It’s hard not to have favorites, but the important thing is to treat every student the same.Do you pick your nose in public?With large nostrils, it’s impossible not to address the situation somehow.Did you always know that you would be a teacher?No, I actually was in finance. I changed to teaching because I started coaching basketball, and I just love kids. I was made to be a teacher.

Mallory Deal, 9Do you have a crush on any of your teachers?Maybe one, [Adam] Clark because he’s funny and really mellow sometimes.Does your mother dress you every morning?No way, my mom has horrible taste. She has no fashion sense. Do you like being a freshman?Sometimes, but then there are people who say, ‘I’m a senior. I’m better than you, so you have to do what I say.’

Megan Medellin

Student and Staff Profiles

Grace KellySource “Telegraph” Online

11:28 AM

Bump Tap Tap RevengeAngry BirdsTraffi c RushPaper TossPocket GOD

Facebook Twitter

Pandora Skype

GoogleEarthBejeweled

Trendiest iPhone Applications

People check their text messages, set their alarms, watch shows and read eBooks, all with the tips of their fingers. Everyday actions that once needed alarm clocks, televisions or paper books are now all available on smart phones, iPod Touches, iPads and eReaders. This age of technology is affecting students and teachers in Avon, where part of everyday life involves using applications (apps).

“[Before], I couldn’t understand why [someone] would have a smart phone,” chemistry teacher Matthew Craig said. “Now, I can’t imagine leaving the house without one.”

Craig uses his iPad, iPod touch, Android smart phone, tablet and laptop for everything from making video lectures for his classes to watching television shows on Netflix or HBO.

Apps provide an assortment of resources and entertainment. According to Nationwide’s Driving While Distracted technology survey, 25 percent of cell phone users download mobile apps to their cell phones. Weather and internet browser apps, which are often already installed on many devices, assist people like sophomore Cassidy Sever, who uses the browser to check the marching band website to know her practice schedule.

Junior Kadé Diallo uses dictionary, physiology and Medscape apps to help with her classes. Diallo has an iPod touch, iPad and smart phone.

“I was able to finish typing an English essay on my iPad and send it to my teacher [in time],” Diallo said. “Everyone’s choices [for apps] are different.”

Sophomore Sonali Mali has an Android smart phone and iPod touch.

“I need a smart phone to keep up with my ‘smart’ needs,” Mali said.

These “needs” include playing Bubble Blast 2 on her phone, using the reminders and alarm clock apps, checking her swim practice schedule, viewing her grades on PowerParent, using study groups on the Facebook app and studying with flashcard apps.

However, smart phones and iPods are not only for school. Freshman Jesse Kramer likes the “How to Tie a Tie” app. “It tells you how to tie different ties,” Kramer said. “It’s awesome!”

Sever, Diallo and Mali all use the Facebook app on a daily basis, and they are not alone. Nationwide’s survey showed that 65 percent of Americans under the age of 35 say they have downloaded social networking apps.

“The Facebook app...allows me to know what’s going on,” Mali said. “Also, it helps for group communicating purposes, whether it is for an AP World study group or planning a party.”

One student at Avon has created his own app. Sophomore Charleston Shi, author of an 11 book series with plans to write three more series, released “It Begins,” an app based on his books, this past summer.

“A few months ago, I met a few game developers by chance,” Shi said. “They told me that I already have the storyline, characters and music. All I need is to have a recording studio to do audio and orchestrate my music. ”

The app has users from Russia, Serbia, Greece, Vietnam, China, Brazil and many other countries. With that response, Shi plans on developing several more apps. Some will be based on his book series, and others will be based on facilitating the social life of a user. Although he does not use app-based devices on a daily basis himself, Shi finds apps very important.

“Apps have become critical parts of our life,” Shi said. “We need apps for navigation, social networking, exercise, school, home and more.”

Many app users agree with Shi that apps are useful.

“There are all kinds of apps for everyone. I think I can do more [with apps],” Craig said.

Kramer has history apps and games on his iPod, and he does not find his iPod distracting to

his school work. However, science teacher Amy Keller thinks differently.

“Educational apps [are good], but sometimes students are using apps for games when they should be studying,” Keller said. “[We have] a technology obsessed society. When I was in school, I didn’t have smart phones, and I was still prepared for society. I enjoy [technology], but it’s not necessary for survival.”

Keller uses iFitness and Weight Watcher apps on her iPod and iPad on a daily basis. She also keeps up to date with news apps. “[Technology] is good, but everything is good in moderation,” Keller said.

Apps gain popularity among students, staffAvon students, teachers use smart phone apps to improve learning experience, accomplish everyday tasksBy Maria Khan

14 October 2011 Feature

Over the years, the average Girl or Boy Scout goes from selling cookies and popcorn to traveling the world and earning scholarships. Boy and Girl Scouts are not all about earning badges-they are about helping the community and preparing children for the future.

“I like Girl Scouts because it gives everyone the chance to be a part of something real,” sophomore Amber Juday said. “You can meet new people, help the community and work with the younger age girls. Meeting all of the girls in the senior [level] gave me a lot of new friends, and I had people I could look for in my first year of high school.”

Juday has been in Girl Scouts for over 10 years and is one of the last members of her original troop. There are only four groups of Boy and Girl Scouts in the high school.

Many students are quitting because of the work involved.

“I believe that many people aren’t willing to take Boy Scouts to the next level, which requires more leadership, time commitment and more work. As people get older, they have more responsibilities, and unfortunately, Boy Scouts is the first thing off their list,” senior Kishan Sangani said. Sangani is currently in his seventh year of Boy Scouts.

According to junior Katlyn Anderson, Girl Scouts are losing members for the same reason as the Boy Scouts.

“Most of the time, people think that it’s a lot of work to put in, and with most of the badges, you have to put in work,” Anderson said. “Once you get up to our age level, then it’s not badges; it’s more planning and creating.”

Troops are also concerned that peer pressure is causing Scouts to lose interest.

“Most girls will face others who will make fun of them for continuing with Girl Scouts when they themselves may have already stopped,” Troop mom Charissa Weeks said.

According to sophomore Amanda Farmer, many perceive Girl Scouts incorrectly.

“They start to think it’s uncool because when you think Girl Scout, you think little kid,” Farmer said. “All of the girls left because they didn’t want to go camping. They just wanted to stay in a hotel.”

Sophomore Evan Eickhoff had his own reasons for quitting Boy Scouts.

“I was [a Boy Scout] for about a year, but then some kid tried to strangle me at the end of camp, so I got scared and quit,” Eikhoff said.

For students who stay with Scouts, there are benefits.

“All scouts can achieve different opportunities,” Weeks said. “By seeing how they can become part of the community, most of the Girl Scouts develop a sense of achievement.”

Sophomore Catrien Egbert quit Scouts when she moved last year, but she recognizes the benefits of Scouts.

“There are many opportunities and skills you can get, not to mention it looks good on college applications,” Egbert said.

In 2011, the National Eagle Scout Association provided 148 scholarships worth $396,000 to Eagle Scouts. The University of Evansville will award a scholarship ($13,000 - $16,500 annually) to Scouts who complete their Gold Award or Eagle Scout, a project required to have lasting impact on the community.

In addition, there are travel opportunities. Six girls from the Avon Senior Girl Scout Troop will travel to Europe for three weeks the summer of 2012.

“I am excited,” Anderson said. “I have been counting how many days that are left for months now.”

Scouts have activities that are also just for fun.“Three times a year we get together and have a tug-

of-war match,” junior Cody Young said.Girl Scouts will celebrate a century of birthdays this

March, and Boy Scouts celebrated its centennial last year. According to Jen Terry, Scouts of America will continue to expand programs to fit the need of today’s youth. The organization will continue to focus on building character and promoting community service.

“When you’re a Scout, you make bonds that last a lifetime,” Juday said.

High school Boy, Girl Scouts lose numbersScouts continue to receive awards despite drop in membershipBy Shelby Brown

Girl Scouts form a friendship circle on Aug. 18 at Avon United Methodist Church. Senior Sarah Reed has been in Girl Scouts since she was in kindergarten and is in her 13th year. “Friendship circle is when we cross arms, put one of our feet in and make a wish,” Reed said. “It is just our way of ending a week and starting a new week.”

“When you’re a Scout, you make bonds that last a lifetime.”

Amber Juday, 10

Kenzi Barnes

Scouting programs’ top ranks

Eagle Scout Requirements: Complete all other ranks Serve in a leadership position for at least six months Earn at least 21 merit badges Plan, develop and complete a service project Pass an Eagle Scout board of review

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Source: Boy Scouts of America Handbook, “Girl Scouts” Online Ben Brown

Gold Award Requirements: Be in high school and be a Senior or Ambassador scout Earn the Silver and Bronze Awards Find an issue she is passionate about and then find a way to help solve the problem Girl Scout Council must approve her plan and project; then she may carry out her project

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272 - 9300ACCEPTING NEW

PATIENTS

FREE WHITENING WITH EXAM & CLEANINGS

317-538-7548

S caggsCleaning

New ConstructionBusiness/Office

Residential

Megan Medellin

Christian musician Garrett Godsey

Sophomore Garrett Godsey picked up his first guitar at the age of 10 and has played ever since for churches and at concerts. He began performing at the age of 12 at Beanzies, an Avon coffee shop.

“I actually saw a guy on TV when I was really little,” Godsey said. “He was playing guitar on stage, and he was doing this cool stuff. I thought ‘I want to do that someday.’ That’s when I asked my parents for a guitar.”

Godsey’s first guitar was a Squier mini guitar.“I just loved playing with [my guitar], and then

I decided at 10 that I wanted to start singing and playing,” Godsey said.

Although Godsey owns six guitars, he also knows how to play the piano and drums. In addition to these instruments, he is learning how to play the mandolin as well.

“I admire his ability to sing and play guitar at the same time,” sophomore Ulrich Chaparro said. “Just playing guitar is hard for me. He is great with dealing with the crowd, which is a problem for most people.”

Godsey formed a band when he was in seventh grade but it split up because of “musical differences,” according to Godsey.

“I’m just there to support him and guide him,” Chaparro said. “I offer him my advice sometimes and a word or two of confidence.”

Godsey’s first solo concert performance was at the Hendricks Country Fair when he was 12.

“[The Hendricks County Fair] was a huge thing, and that’s when I started trying to get myself booked and making phone calls, trying to do as many concerts as possible because being on the stage is all I want to do now,” Godsey said.

Godsey used to have stage fright but overcame it. According to Godsey, he still gets “nervous” before performing.

“I am actually very impressed with how he does in person, on stage,” junior Michaela Livengood said.

Godsey has performed in San Diego, Nashville, Ohio and locally in Indiana.

“I love Nashville; I want to live there someday,” Godsey said. “I love performing there, I just love being there. Nashville is where I want to be.”

Godsey said his most “memorable performance” was in a church in southern Indiana.

“I’ll always remember how I stopped playing my guitar and the entire crowd was singing back,” Godsey said. “I just stood there in that moment, and I was just like, ‘wow.’”

On Godsey’s extended play (EP), a couple of the songs are co-written with his father, who is Godsey’s manager.

“When I write, I don’t write songs. I write ideas,” Godsey said. “I write just my thoughts down on paper, and when I feel inspired, I come back to those and put music to it.”

Godsey plans on going into the Christian music industry to write Christian music and “spread the word of God.”

“I really think he can make it in the singing industry,” Livengood said.

If Godsey does not make it in the music industry, he has a back-up plan.

“If my music career doesn’t kick off really big, I’m still going to perform,” Godsey said. “I maybe want to be a music teacher.”

Godsey has a fan page on Facebook and a website with shirts, albums, bracelets and posters for sale.

“I like that [Godsey] is connected to his fans,” Chaparro said. “I like that he’s humble, not like ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve been in a recording studio.’ He’s just really cool.”

Livengood described Godsey’s personality as “charismatic.”

“He is really charismatic, and he is a really great person,” Livengood said. “He is accepting of everyone, and he is not afraid to tell people about his Christianity. He is who he is, and he doesn’t let people change that.”

By Megan Medellin

Supporters admire Godsey’s musical talents, stage presence

connects to fans through EP

Page Design : Tasha Rollings & Tiffany Lanteigne 15Feature

16 October 2011A&E

In the next two years, Hollywood has nine superhero movies scheduled for release. Avon students varying from avid readers of the comics to regular movie goers await their release.

“Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” “The Avengers,” “The Amazing Spiderman,” “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Deadpool” will be released in 2012, followed by “Iron Man 3,” “Man of Steel,” “Thor 2” and “The Amazing Spiderman 2” in 2013.

According to “Internet Movie Database,” the top five superhero box office hits are “The Dark Knight,” “Spider-Man,” “Spider-Man 2,” “Spider-Man 3” and “Iron Man.” “The Dark Knight” is the third highest box office hit of all time, and “Spider-Man” is the 14th.

Indianapolis Downtown Comics manager Ben Olson said all the DC comics will all be “revamped” due to new interest in the superheroes.

“Everybody gets new costumes, the origins are getting tweaked and they are younger,” Olson said. “They are trying to get younger audiences.”

Olson said Batman comics have become more popular due to the recent movies.

“The last couple years, Batman has been huge,” Olson said. “The movie was good for lighting fire underneath it.”

Senior CJ Gomez “can’t wait” for all the new movies to come out. Gomez has watched about 65 superhero movies and about 200 episodes of superhero cartoons over the past year alone.

“The directors found out that we nerds have a lot of money and time on our hands, so movies are perfect for us,” Gomez said.

Gomez is most excited for the new Batman and Spider-Man movies, but he will still see other releases as well.

“I can’t wait to see [‘The Dark Knight Rises’] next summer and [‘The Amazing Spider-Man’]. ‘The Avengers’ is coming out, too, and I want to see them all,” Gomez said.

Broadcasting teacher Gregory Young grew up watching the “classic” Superman television series. His favorite superheroes are Superman and Batman.

“[Superman] is the hero’s hero,” Young said. “He can fly, he has super strength, x-ray vision and he’s nothing but good. He’s here to help everybody. I would come home from school and would watch Superman television series. The first movies with Christopher Reeves were good, but then the rest got goofy. I like Batman because he has to use wits and gadgets. He is somebody who has morphed into the hero role. The Tim Burton ‘Batman’ movies were dark and true to the character. Then the movies got goofy and campy until they killed the franchise. Recently, [Hollywood] came back with a graphic novel and revitalized the hard-edge split ego world to put fresh air into it.”

Young believes that the superhero franchise will eventually end but that the current interest in the movies is a regular movie industry reaction.

“With movies costing so much, they have to make so much more, but they are too scared to go out on a limb,” Young said.

Senior Hannah Sheets thinks that Batman’s lack of superpowers makes him better than Superman.

“Superman can walk into a room of bad guys open firing on him and not have to worry about dying because bullets don’t affect him, which is cool, but where is the skill in that?” Sheets said.

“He doesn’t actually have to do any work. Batman is not invincible, but he doesn’t die because he has the skill to be evasive and to fight, without the assistance of superpowers.”

Junior Brandon Taylor is also a fan of Batman because of his human qualities.

“No one is as awesome or real as Batman,” Taylor said. “I grew up watching the animated series, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I think the new ones are good

because they made them dark.”Sheets also likes “Thor” and is excited

for the upcoming “Avengers.” “My favorite superhero movie this

year was ‘Thor’,” Sheets said. “Of all the superhero movies that have released, I think it is the most unique and entertaining. Thor has been kind of an unknown hero and doesn’t really get a lot of hype, but this movie really gets you intrigued and interested. It also has been the best at integrating humor of the recent releases.”

Sheets believes that superhero movies have a positive effect on the movie industry.

“[Superhero movies] always draw such a big crowd,” Sheets said, “and they usually make a lot of money. However, I’m sure some people think they temporarily take over the industry and that they are monotonous.”

Taylor said he believes that the superhero movie industry has done well with appealing to a wide audience.

“I think the way they make the movies is vague about major turning points in the characters’ lives,” Taylor said. “They water it down so it is not too in depth and can apply to all audiences.”

Junior Christian Blanco agreed that the movies are good at portraying a simplified version of the character without being too specific.

“The more [superhero movies], the better,” Blanco said. “Some get mad about Thor’s hammer being too small, but I like the movies and have no complaints. My problem is that so many have come out that they’ve stopped trying to make a good story in some.”

Kaylie McCoySource: “IMDb” Online

Future Superhero Movie Releases

The Avengers May 4, 2012 The Amazing Spider-Man July 3, 2012

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Feb. 12, 2012

The Dark Knight Rises July 20, 2012

Deadpool End of 2012

Man of Steel Amazing Spider-Man 2 December 2013 2013 Thor 2 Iron Man 3 2013 2013

All dates subject to change.

Superheroes take over movie industryFans discuss Hollywood’s adaptations of their heroes’ famous origin storiesBy Tasha Rollings

“Everybody gets new costumes, the origins are getting tweaked, and [heroes] are younger.”Ben Olsen, Downtown

Comics manager

Krystal Andry

9271 U.S. 36Avon, IN

(317)-271-2727www.monicals.com

Page Design : Jordan Coffman & Tristan Fitzpatrick 17A&E

Ben Thornewill from the indie-rock band Jukebox The Ghost plays at the Earth House on April 29. Earth House Collective officially opened its doors in 2008 and has been “collaborating with local organizations and artists to support the arts, encourage healthy living and promote sustainable community.”

Belle LeBeau

New venues draw studentsBands at new venues appeal to crowds of all ages

Looking for a new place to spend Friday nights? In Indianapolis, there are museums, parks, art festivals and music venues galore. However, there are very few all-ages music venues in Indianapolis.

One of the all-ages music venues is ES Jungle. ES Jungle is a small venue, a maximum capacity of 300 people, in the basement of Trinity Church in Broad Ripple. Stephen Zumbrun and Ben Wolma of Piradical Productions opened it in the summer of 2008.

“[We play] everything from acoustic, metal, nerd core to dubstep,” Wolma said. “But for the most part, [we play] punk and indie. [Some bands that have played] are Hawthorne Heights, The Wonder Years, Chiodos, Breathe Electric, The Casualties and Company of Thieves.”

Frustrated with the lack of all-ages venues, Zumbrun and Wolma decided to open their own all-ages venue.

“[Stephen and I] started going to shows before we were 21, and we were frustrated that we couldn’t get in to clubs just to listen to music,” Wolma said. “Once we could go to bar shows, we realized we didn’t like them as much. People made it more about the drinking rather than the music.”

Piradical Productions, who currently runs and books shows for ES Jungle, has opened another all-ages venue known as the Hoosier Dome. They had their first show, “Hello Hoosier Dome,” on Sept 3. Piradical Productions opened the Hoosier Dome for a few reasons. “We could only have shows on Friday and Saturday,” Wolma said. “We were very limited. But with the Hoosier Dome, we can have shows whenever. It was basically a dream come true that we didn’t even think we could dream about.”

Junior Maddie Newkirk has been to other small all-ages venues, such as The Dojo, Hole in the Wall and the Hoosier Dome.

“[My favorite venue is] The Dojo. It’s not too big, and it’s not too small,” Newkirk said. “You can really tell everyone is passionate about the music. [Everyone] is really close. We’re like a family.”

Newkirk’s favorite thing about shows is “the atmosphere, the music and the people that go there.”

Another all-ages music venue is Earth House Collective. Other than hosting concerts, Earth House Collective also has films, dance and theatre performances, and it has an art gallery, social forums, classes and Indiana’s only fair trade coffee shop.

“Earth House was created in September 2008 as an Indianapolis community hub that collaborates with local organizations and artists to support the arts, encourage healthy living and promote sustainable community,” said Jonathan McAfee, the program director at the Earth House.

Earth House Collective is located in Lockerbie Central UMC on East Street in Indianapolis.

“It wasn’t so much that we wanted Earth House to be in a church as the church was available to use, and the mission of the church seemed to coincide with what we were after as well,” McAfee said.

The Earth House started out as another company known as Earth House Coffee and Books. Once it switched to being a music venue, Earth House decided to keep the name. Since Earth House’s start, the venue has had approximately 800 shows.

“Some of the more notable bands have been Rusted Root, The Head and the Heart, The Civil Wars, OK Go!, Murs, The Pretty Reckless and Ra Ra Riot,” McAfee said. “The Earth House is unique in its approach because we are a high-quality, safe place where parents don’t mind dropping off their kids.”

Indy’s All-Ages Venues

ES Jungle: Home to a heavier, punk vibe;Located at 6151 Central Avenue, Indianapolis, Ind.Hoosier Dome: NEW! ES Jungle’s second location;Located at 1627 Prospect Street, Indianapolis, Ind.Rhino’s Youth Media Center:Provides music and other entertainment in a safe environment;Located at 331 S. Walnut Street,Bloomington, Ind.

Jennifer Haller

Find places that house some of Indy’s best local bands

Upcoming Shows Oct. 21- Hunter Hayes at the Earth House, $15

Oct. 31- The Acacia Strain, Terror, Stray From The Path, and Harm’s Way at the Emerson Theater, $15

ADMIT ONE

Source: “Piradical Productions” Online, “Earth House Collective” Online, “Rhino’s” Online

ADMIT ONE

By Alexa Adamson

“[Stephen and I] were frustrated that we couldn’t get into clubs just to listen to music.”

Ben Wolma, Piradical Productions

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18 October 2011 Opinion

Family chaos is great.

You will say this to yourself as you watch “Arrested Development,” a comedy that combines kooky characters, wit and storylines that put the dramatic flair of “Desperate Housewives” to shame.

This cult classic follows the misadventures of the Bluth family. The Bluths are facing a crisis: George Sr. Bluth, president of the family’s land development company, has been arrested on charges of bad bookkeeping and financing. It is now up to his son Michael to lead the company (and his family).

Along the way, the viewer catches glimpses into the lives of all of the Bluths. Michael’s dysfunctional family includes a boozing alcoholic mother, a drama queen sister and two struggling brothers (one with a tendency for panic attacks, the other an aspiring magician).

These core characters are not the only ones who grace the small screen in “Arrested Development.” Movie and TV stars like Amy Poehler, Ben Stiller, Jane Lynch and Liza Minnelli often make guest appearances that push them way outside of their comfort zones as actors. For example, Poehler makes cameos as an odd Army woman turned zookeeper, and Minnelli often guest stars as a bizarre woman suffering from a rare, yet highly treatable, form of vertigo.

Thankfully, the writers behind the show always find a way to make things interesting. Unlike other comedy shows like “The Office” or “Modern Family,” which usually follow just a few storylines at a time, “Arrested Development” goes to all lengths to get a laugh. In one episode, Michael travels to Iraq to save his brother, his mother checks herself into rehab to avoid a court trial and his sister throws an elaborate charity fundraiser for a cause that needs no help at all.

Every episode of “Arrested Development” is a little slice of TV perfection. Living with three younger siblings, I thought I knew what family craziness was truly like, but watching this show in all of its zany, fast-paced glory definitely proved me wrong.

Thankfully, after years of cancellation, “Arrested Development” will return as a movie adaptation and miniseries next year. Why miss the return of one of the most fun times you’ll have on TV?

With Tristan Fitzpatrick

Uncovering ArtArt is a simple and

small word with so much complexity. Art is the crunch of gravel beneath my feet and the way someone throws a tissue out of his hand. Art is everything around us; our aesthetics and perceptions are what make us see it as “good” or “bad.”

The best type of art makes the viewer think about and question his or her world, altering the viewer’s creative thinking. Yet when many critique art, they fumble for words to say. Most critics fear being harsh and often say something unhelpful. Critics should be more helpful to the artist, rather than offering no crucial feedback because they are afraid to offend.

It is especially frustrating during an art class when students do not offer helpful feedback. My peers say “that looks nice” instead of “her nose is crooked.” Their feedback is neither helpful nor productive.

Weak comments halt the artist’s growth; the artist can neither improve nor know his or her strengths. Being too nice is ineffective and only masks the truth. Instead, offer feedback that helps the artist.

Criticism can be negative, and critics should not be afraid to speak their minds. Constructive criticism helps the artist understand what others see in their work.

An artist’s vision for a work may be different from what the viewer sees. Criticism gives artists the opportunity to improve and boost their confidence if they’ve done something right. If artists are more confident, they will often produce better work and will be more likely to show it to others.

There are classy ways for critics to speak their minds and still be polite to the artist. Being considerate of people’s feelings is the easiest way, and being specific will improve the artists’ work. Instead of saying “that looks horrible,” critics should suggest ways artists can improve their work. They should have reasons to back up their statements and be clear and concise when critiquing.

We should all speak our minds when critiquing: being honest can only help everyone. Instead of fearing to say the wrong thing, critics should speak their mind to help all participating in the critique.

And a note to budding artists: though everyone should take others’ criticism into mind, it should not be the deciding factor of what artists think about their work.

With Krystal Andry

Rotating ReviewWhen I first

heard of the show “Bones,” I was horrified. However, I have come to realize that no matter how gruesome I might find something, there is always some part of me wondering, “How bad could it be?” With that in mind, I watched the show. I was immediately hooked; within three weeks, it topped my favorite television shows, “Family Guy” and “The Simpsons.”

“Bones” is a sweet, albeit violent, love story between an analytical, intelligent anthropologist named Temperance Brennan and an intuitive, people-person FBI Special Agent, Seeley Booth. At the beginning of the show, the two are teamed up to solve a murder case. The pair does not get along at first and is constantly fighting. However, they do end up solving the case through each other’s help. Thus begins a partnership and a show that is now going into its seventh season.

Each episode someone dies, and the team finds out how it happened, who did it, etc. The scene that I find the most peculiar is when the skeleton of one victim glows bright blue like a glow stick. As with this scene, most of the corpses look extremely realistic; I have almost thrown up several times while watching it.

I find this show to be very compelling and climatic, probably because of amazing actors like David Boreanaz, who played Angel in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the voice of Leon in “Kingdom Hearts.” The show’s appeal might also be due to some very shocking episodes, like when a notorious murderer, the Grave Digger, buries Brennan and one of her colleagues, Hodgins, in a car under four feet of dirt. The rest of the team spends almost the entire episode trying to locate them. This episode, “Aliens in a Spaceship,” was later nominated for an Image Award in 2007.

This show taught me about how much parents’ decisions affect their children’s lives. For instance, Brennan was abandoned by her parents as a child and thus has relationship problems. This show also taught me that family and friends are most important. When Brennan is depressed over something, her coworkers comfort her. Overall, “Bones” is a good show, whether viewers are looking for a life lesson, a scare or a good laugh.

With Tiffany Lanteigne

The RecruiterAt the dawn of

another exciting season of Notre Dame football, I can assure you that the Fighting Irish and their second-year head coach, Brian Kelly, have more to prove this year than any other year in the post-Lou Holtz era. Why?

Because of the unreasonably high expectations on Kelly and his team.

Notre Dame and its head coaches have certainly had their share of lofty expectations over the past decade. Remember Tyrone Willingham, the man from Stanford who promised to return Notre Dame to its former glory by using a radical West Coast offense? And how could Irish fans forget Charlie Weis, abruptly fired in 2009 following an embarrassing double-overtime loss to Connecticut?

From Willingham’s hiring to Weis’s firing, the Fighting Irish earned only one postseason win (the Hawaii Bowl in 2008) and came away empty-handed in Bowl Championship Series (BCS) bowl wins, which is simply unacceptable under the Golden Dome.

Enter Brian Kelly, the newest savior of the Notre Dame football program. Kelly has a history of turning around struggling college football teams. During his time at Central Michigan, Kelly coached the Chippewas to a 9-4 record and an appearance in the 2006 Motor City Bowl, even though the team finished with a 4-7 record just two seasons prior. At Cincinnati, Kelly led the Bearcats to their first 10-win season since 1949, their first-ever Big East championship and two consecutive BCS bowl appearances.

However, Kelly did not deal with the intense pressure to succeed that he currently deals with in South Bend. In fact, the fans at these schools usually had low expectations at the start of the season, especially when compared to the frequently irrational optimism present at Notre Dame.

Now for the ultimate question: How will Brian Kelly and his team do?

Better than they have done so far this season. This year’s team is stacked with talent, especially senior wide receiver Michael Floyd, junior inside linebacker Manti Te’o and junior running back Cierre Wood. It is safe to expect an 8-4 record at season’s end. Hopefully a bowl game will also be in the bag.

If they can regain the “luck of the Irish.”

With David Allspaw

As Seen On TV

Arrested Development

love hate stupid amazing nice horrible pretty better annoying cute adorable pretentious needs work obnoxious could be worse it ’s okay fantastic plain gloriousit is not that great unoriginal ugly

it is okay fantastic plain

glorioussloppy oh that looks it

is not that great unoriginal

ugly boring horrible not bad

pretty better annoying cute

The Art of Critiquing

Bones

For exclusive web content, check out avonecho.com

Notre Dame Football Season Breakdown

Page Design : Ben Brown & Jenn Haller 19Opinion

available in all programs, and sometimes the only interaction that a student can get is through e-mail or a message board. Online programs should have a video calling system so students can talk to their teacher in real time and not through email messages.

The biggest problem with online education is the ease with which students cheat. If a student is taking an online test at home, teachers cannot watch to prevent cheating. Instead of knowing the answers, students can look them up, enter the answers and forget the material by the time they answer the next question. This is not what education is about. Students need to retain information they learn in order to succeed in life. Therefore, proctors should administer tests in a supervised area. This may be an inconvenience to some people, but in the long run, it prevents students from cheating and then passing the class.

The Echo does not think that online education should be stopped. There is no reason why online education could not be an effective alternative once it has been modified.

As students increasingly switch to online education from a traditional classroom setting, the Echo staff sees some imminent problems. Children lose social interaction necessary for their emotional and mental development when they no longer meet face to face with peers and teachers. Teachers also cannot take many precautions against cheating in an online classroom. Online education, if it continues to grow in popularity, will need to be reformed to ensure that students receive all the resources they need to succeed.

Social interaction is a crucial part of elementary schools, so allowing students to complete their education online prevents them from interacting with their peers. According to the National Center of Education Statistics, developed countries rank socialization as the second most important skill taught at schools. Online education does not provide that necessary social interaction; the most contact that students get with their teachers and peers in an online setting is from message boards or video calls. This type of socialization will not help the students because it does not allow enough exposure to their peers. Without interaction with others, students will not learn the appropriate social skills they need to survive in the adult world.

To remedy the lack of interaction students face when educated online, online education programs should require regular meetings for the kids in the online class to meet and interact. The children could play with and talk to children their own age and learn how to socialize. Another solution would be restricting online schooling to high school students. This way, students would have already made friends in earlier school years and would be more likely to maintain these friendships.

According to Webster University’s School of Education, students say the biggest problem with online education is the lack of interaction with their teachers. Students who struggle in school might need more help with certain subjects, and if they cannot ask for help, they cannot be expected to do well. In some programs, this is not a problem because a student has weekly meetings with a teacher via Skype or another video calling client. However, such technology is not

Editorial: Online education requires alterations Online education could negatively affect students academically, socially

The Echo exists as an open forum through which its readers can express concern and gain insight into local, national and international issues as they relate to Avon High School students or teens in general and as a place for student journalists to work in a professional environment. The Echo holds the viewpoint that no subject is too sensitive to discuss if done so in a responsible manner. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and of the press. The Echo recognizes that with this freedom comes responsibility. Journalistically, this means accurate, fair and objective coverage.A.) The purpose of the Echo is to inform, to entertain, to create interest and to evaluate.B.) The Echo does not express the views of the administration, faculty members, or the like, except in quotations or letters to the editor. The views of the Echo are not necessarily those of Avon High School students, parents, administrators or staff.C.) The Echo does not condone censorship or any policy of prior review.D.) The Echo will respond to complaints about accuracy, fairness and completeness of copy. When a report is found to be wrong or misleading, a correction will appear in the next issue of the Echo.E.) Letters to the editor are welcome provided they are signed. Under special circumstances, the Echo will withhold the names. However, the Echo will not protect the identity of the writer should a lawsuit occur. The Echo reserves the right to edit letters for libel and defamation, obscenity and copyright. The editor may also edit for length and correction of expression.F.) The Echo will be distributed in a manner to be determined by the editorial team. The Echo student subscription price will be included in book rental. G.) In the occurrence of a death of a student, faculty member or school staff personnel, a standard size obituary will run. It will be a short feature and include a photograph, if one is available. Cause of death will not be reported.

EchoEditorial staff

About the Echo

AdviserSusan Hoffman

Editor-in-chiefBelle LeBeau

Managing EditorRachel Fischer

Design/Photo EditorMandy Packnett

Copy Editor Copy EditorMiriam Thomas Jordan Coffman

Staff membersDavid Allspaw, Krystal Andry, Ben

Brown, Grace Kelly, Megan Medellin, Tasha Rollings, Maria Khan, Alexa

Adamson, Olivia Price, Tiffany Lanteigne, Kenzi Barnes, Katie

Brewer, Tristan Fitzpatrick, Jennifer Haller, Kaylie McCoy, Shelby Brown,

Anna Wray, Bryan BallLetter to the

EditorChances are your closet overflows with still-tagged jeans and the same shirt in seven different colors. Chances are your closet spews shirts you never wear. Even still, chances are your once beloved Aéropostale shirt or Hollister jeans aren’t “in style” anymore. But what if that was your only shirt? What if every time you looked into your closet, all you saw was vacant space? Suddenly, that shirt is a bit more “in style.”Our closets remain stuffed like Thanksgiving turkeys while other families are left with the table scraps fit only for the family pet. In the cold of winter, warm clothes are just as necessary as that Thanksgiving turkey. A clothing drive would be an opportunity for teens to help the less fortunate. “Unfortunate” is not just homeless, but hungry, cold or alone.So if your closet vomits clothes onto your floor, then I challenge you to clean it up! Grab a trash bag and gather what you don’t want, don’t need, or don’t use because the clothes that conquer your closet could conquer the harsh winters that torment some families. Sometime in November, I plan to collect clothes in the Field House for families who need them, and I challenge you to contribute.Jake York

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt opened this August in Avon. Orange Leaf offers 16 flavors of frozen yogurt, over 40 toppings and biodegradable spoons.“Working here is so much fun,” junior Patricia Chua, an Orange Leaf employee, said. “I think it’s really popular because it’s one of the only frozen yogurt places in Hendricks County.”

Recycle meOr pass me to a friend

The Avon Marching Black & Gold performs at halftime during the Lucas Oil game on Sept. 16. Sophomore Christian Jinks, a third bass drum player, performed at Lucas Oil for his second time. “I liked playing at Lucas Oil better than at football games,” Jinks said. ”I think it helped us get ready for competitions.”

Junior Drew Ober listens as Student Government members discuss Homecoming at their meeting on Sept. 6 in the LGI room. “With the new rules in Student Government this year, everyone has a chance to get their voice heard,” Ober said.

River Birch Elementary Principal Mike Whitman stacks apples during a competition at the Avon Heritage Festival on Sept. 25. “The apples were tedious because they weren’t all the same form, which made them hard to stack,” Whitman said.

Seniors Madison Rief, Nathan White and Morgan Carter work on a group project in AP European History, a new class. Rief believes teacher Phil Schmidt does a good job with the class. “AP European History, is difficult and a lot of work,” Rief said, “but Mr. Schmidt makes it fun and interesting.”

Cover & back page design: Belle LeBeau Cover photos: Belle LeBeau Cover story: Miram ThomasBack page photos: Anna Wray, Maria Khan, Mandy Packnett, Tasha Rollings, Kenzi Barnes