Administrators examine parking lot security - Edmond Public Schools

Page 4 THE EDMOND SUN Friday, November 20, 2009
Latin teacher wins language prize
By TREVOR HULTNER
North Staff Writer
After a rigorous selection process,
North Latin teacher Stephanie
Sylvester received the 2009
Oklahoma Foreign Language
Teachers Association (OFLTA)
Teacher of the Year Award at the
group’s annual banquet in September.
“I am always proud of Latin
teachers and Oklahoma foreign
language teachers. I think it will
boost the recognition of our vital
Latin programs to have a Latin
teacher as the Teacher of the
Year,” Sylvester said.
North principal Jan Keirns
is also proud of Sylvester’s accomplishment.
She feels that it
reflects North’s tradition of excellence.
“Having a Latin program
complements the high academic
expectations we have here at
North,” Keirns said. “Many students
who have chosen to continue
their Spanish studies from
middle school or those who are
serious about studying world
languages in depth will choose
to also enroll in a year or two of
Latin.”
Sylvester credits her award
to her ability to keep up-to-date
with trends in technology and
teaching methods.
“Latin teaching has changed
in the 15 years I’ve been doing
this. It used to be that Latin would
be taught as a class in which you
had to learn about the language –
the authors and the thinkers who
wrote in Latin – rather than now,
where it is taught as a living language
like Spanish or French,”
Sylvester said.
One of the methods she uses
is what she calls “Latin Moment”
Wednesdays.
“Every Wednesday, students
stand up in front of the class
and share instances in which
they spotted Latin being used,”
she said. “Having knowledge
of Roman culture leads to better
understanding of American culture.”
Before Sylvester arrived in
2002, the North Latin program
only consisted of two class periods.
Now, under her guidance,
it has grown to encompass a full
school day.
Sylvester’s Latin courses are
split up into three levels, with
two periods devoted to each
level. Taken as a whole, her curriculum
revolves around a singular
story line, starting in Pompeii
with Latin I and finishing in
Rome at the end of Latin III.
Her students note the effectiveness
of her teaching.
“I took Latin because I originally
planned to go into medicine,
and I thought the background
in Latin might help,” said
senior Lex Gomez.
“I thought Sylvester was eccentric
but pretty cool for it. If
you respect her, she respects
you, and she’s fairly understanding
toward those who give her
due treatment. She is also considerate
of our workloads in
other classes. The atmosphere of
her class is always relaxed,” she
said.
PHOTO PROVIDED
‘Vini vidi vici’: North Latin teacher Stephanie Sylvester
(center) receives the 2009 Oklahoma Foreign Language
Teachers Association Teacher of the Year award at Northeastern
State University in September.
NEWS
By GABRIELA SPOSITO
North Staff Writer
A series of crimes took place in
North’s east parking lot on Wednesday,
Oct. 7.
After school ended that day, junior
Brady Ford discovered someone
had entered his car and had
stolen several items.
“At first I thought my friends
had played a practical joke on me
when I saw that everything that
was inside my console and glove
compartment had been thrown everywhere,”
Ford said. “But when I
found out that my stereo faceplate
was missing, along with my ripstick,
proof of insurance card, and
my Blockbuster and Shell gasoline
cards, I knew something was
wrong.”
Around the same time, sophomore
Tiffany Buben walked to
her car and found all of the doors
ajar. Inside the vehicle both of her
visors were pulled down and her
receipts and insurance papers were
scattered across the seats.
Buben was already aware that
her car’s locks didn’t work properly
and thus didn’t store any valuables
in her car.
The only items that were stolen
were her air freshener and about $7
in change. However, she thought
it was a wonder that the theft even
occurred since her car was easily
visible from the second row of the
parking lot.
When news of the thefts
reached the administration, Assistant
Principal and head of school
security Rachel Gonzalez immediately
called the Edmond Police
Department since North’s Student
Resource Officer Sean Bryant was
not on campus at the time.
Gonzalez believes that the
crimes probably took place between
2 and 2:20 p.m., during the
time that the parking attendants
were busy directing traffic.
When the surveillance videos
were reviewed, no suspicious persons
were observed entering the
parking lot.
“Unfortunately, we don’t know
much, but I think that one person
came on foot into the parking lot,”
Gonzalez said. “Since there were
no broken locks or windows, he or
she was probably going around to
every car to see if any doors were
unlocked.”
Buben is particularly baffled by
the suspect’s motives.
“Why would anyone go to
so much trouble to steal an air
freshener and a few dollars in
change?” she said. “It seems to me
that the thief did it out of malice;
he thought it would be fun to mess
with students’ property and scare a
couple of them to death.”
Bryant believes that the problem
can be solved through a few
adjustments.
“The situation has changed dramatically
from last year’s; this time
last year a dozen cars had been broken
into, but only two thefts have
occurred this year. I think the installation
of the fences and gates
have influenced this improvement,”
Bryant said. “We are confident that
EDMOND NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
Administrators examine parking lot security
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY GABRIELA SPOSITO
A daunting discovery: On Oct. 7, North sophomore Tiffany
Buben found her belongings strewn about her car, with
several of her possessions missing. This was one of two
break-ins in North’s parking lot on that day.
these tighter security measures will
discourage more car thefts.”
North students and staff are encouraged
to further protect themselves
by exercising extreme caution.
“We want to emphasize the importance
of not leaving anything
valuable, like iPods, cell phones
and purses, inside the car,” Gonzales
said. “If this is unavoidable,
then these items shouldn’t be visible,
and all doors should be locked.
We don’t want the students or administration
to have to worry about
the safety of their vehicles.”
Girls, boys cross country teams
place first, second at state
PHOTO PROVIDED
Top dogs: North’s girls cross country team placed first
overall and were academic state champions at the state
competition on Oct. 31. The boys team received second
overall.

EDMOND NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
Movin’ on up —
NEWS
Friday, November 20, 2009 THE EDMOND SUN Page 5
Library construction creates more space, offices
By AUDREY DANSER
North Staff Writer
Over fall break North’s media center packed up books
to prepare for the expansion and ren ovations that began
on Oct. 21. The library will be completely relocated to the
debate room (the largest room available) by winter break.
The 30-year-old library, original to North Mid-High, is
now functionally outdated.
“We’re the last library to be renovated of all of the
schools in the district,” said Media Specialist Donna
Simmons.
The renovations, paid by bond money, will consist of
tearing out the south and west walls. These expansions,
adding about one-fourth more room, will create a spacious
library with an enclosed classroom, conference room and
access to the textbook room. Each media specialist will
also have her own office.
There will be 13 new desktop computers and several
new tables, desks and upholstered chairs. The current
furniture will be offered to teachers for their classrooms.
The south wall of the library was torn down on Oct. 27,
and there is now a temporary wall to replace it.
Loud jackhammers destroying old masonry have
PHOTO BY CONNOR BROADDUS
interrupted many readers, making it hard to concentrate.
Inadequate space will present a challenge for students
Lots o’ boxes: Stephanie Sterns surveys the growing
pile of boxes created by the recent relocation. all of the current library material will be available during
and the specialists in the temporary location because not
When finished, the library will have increased floor the renovations, and free study space will be scarce.
space, new rooms and new offices to make learning
resources more available. The library will be lo-
and prepare for the day in the library, I’m worried about
“Since I try to get to school early to finish homework
cated temporarily in the debate room.
the atmosphere that I’ll have to work in,” sophomore Abby
By ANGELA ROYBAL
North Staff Writer
With the 2009 presentation of Teacher of the Year (TOY),
Edmond North has once again chosen a teacher felt to best
represent what being an educator is all about.
Nominations began with 11 teachers and were quickly
narrowed down to three — Bloyd, Debby Greear and DeeAnn
Waller. In the end it was Bloyd, who has been teaching Algebra
I, Algebra support and Pre-AP Geometry for just four years,
who came out on top.
“When I found out I had won Teacher of the Year I was
really shocked. I felt like the other teachers I was up against
really deserved this award too,” Bloyd said. “I’m one of those
people who thinks there’s someone else who deserves it more
than me, so I was also really thankful.”
Shock, however, was not the only emotion experienced by
Bloyd. When the moment of truth arrived and the winner was
announced, there was also slight confusion.
“One day right before the announcements came on,
Mr. Pittenger (the assistant principal) came into the room
and started telling everyone to be quiet and listen to the
announcements. The principal, Jan Keirns, then came on the
intercom and was talking about teacher of the year. But right
before she announced who the winner was, the bell rang! I had
assumed at that point I had won because Mr. Pittenger was
there,” Bloyd said.
Only after a confusing call to Officer Bryant and another
announcement made by Keirns were Bloyd’s assumptions
proven true.
The entire process for Teacher of the Year takes about three
weeks from start to finish and begins simply with a teacher
nomination. Recommendations for TOY do not need to
meet any requirements; they simply have to be suggested by
certified teachers within the school.
“Teacher of the Year is honestly based on teacher
nomination. It’s a way that peers and other staff members can
recognize you. When I choose to nominate someone I look
at how they work with the students and how they respond to
other teachers,” AP World History teacher and Professional
Development Committee-member Mary White said.
Edmond schools have participated in this program since
1967. One teacher at North who has been through the process
before is AP U.S. History teacher Martin Glendinning. He
received the Teacher of the Year award in 2008 along with
District Teacher of the Year.
Speaking from his experience, Glendinning believes this
award is not only honorable but also advantageous.
“Recipients get credit and incentives to go to workshops
and conferences to improve our knowledge of subject areas
and teaching techniques. But more than that, it was all in all a
very humbling experience knowing that I was selected by my
own peers instead of by a committee that doesn’t really know
me,” he said.
Although this award is designed to honor a teacher for hard
work, Bloyd feels that she won not because of any special
teaching method but due to her connection with her students.
“I’ve always been really critical on myself to make sure
that I find a way for all of my students to understand what
we’re learning. I want whatever I do to benefit my students. I
Cobb said.
Books on select subjects like history, literature and
health will be kept in circulation for research purposes
and Advanced Placement classes. Computers and laptops
will continue to be available as well.
Teachers who have been using the library for class
research have already felt the effects of the construction
chaos and are rearranging their research schedules to
accommodate the limited access to books and computers.
“Teachers who normally research in the spring are
switching to the fall, and teachers that don’t need the
reference books felt like they could just use the databases
and are delaying research for the spring,” media specialist
Stephanie Stearns said.
Students who regularly visit the library in the morning,
during tutorial or after school will find fiction books and
available space limited.
“Reading will be a little harder because there won’t
be the books that you want,” sophomore Sonya Narula
said. “Everyone has different genres they prefer, and it’s
impossible to make everybody happy.”
As materials are being moved or boxed up, the media
specialists will have an opportunity to evaluate books that
are outdated or infrequently used.
“We have to go book by book, shelf by shelf, evaluating
everything for any historical value,” said Simmons.
Discarded books will be given to Oklahoma City
schools that have indicated an interest in them.
With the new, more attractive library to be completed
next fall, the media specialists hope to pull in more
recreational readers.
“Build it and they will come!” said Simmons.
Math instructor Jill Bloyd honored as theTeacher of the Year
like teaching and they keep me motivated to do a good job,”
she said.
PHOTO BY CHLOE BASSETT
A can-do attitude: Working hard and establishing
meangingful, special bonds with her students
helped math instructor Jill Bloyd gain the respect
of her peers and win Teacher of the Year.

Page 6 THE EDMOND SUN Friday, November 20, 2009
NEWS
‘Play hard and win’ together
By LAUREN GOEDECKE
Santa Fe Staff Writer
PHOTO BY JASON GRIFFITHS
Spiking the competion:
Senior Randi Merritt spikes
for a point against her parents
team.
“It’s not how long you live, but
how you live and what you leave
behind”
This quote, printed on the wall
at Santa Fe and imprinted on
bracelets worn by many, was the
quote Heather Harkness lived by.
Although on Sept. 9, 2008 she left
behind many loved ones, she also
left behind an impact on many
people’s lives.
“Heather was an all-around
great person and student. She was
the kind of person that would make
you laugh even in the worst of
times,” senior Randi Merritt said.
“She started playing volleyball in
WINNERS
PHOTO BY PROVIDED BY SF DECA
Tammy, Jimmy and Mason
Agnello. Erick and
Katie Bradford, and
Phillip Sherwin.
the sixth-grade and developed a
love for it at a young age.”
Harkness played volleyball almost
her entire life and before
she passed away she was a member
of the Lady Wolves volleyball
team.
“She was an awesome teammate,”
junior Alex Hodges said.
“Sometimes when you mess up
on the court your teammates will
give you a look. But Heather was
always like ‘No it’s cool, keep
going and high-five you.”
Many agreed that there was no
better way to make a tribute to
Harkness’s life than to play her
favorite sport, volleyball. Last
year, Santa Fe’s DECA chapter
took an opportunity to hold a volleyball
tournament in Harkness’s
honor, which would raise money
for the winner of the Heather
Harkness scholarship.
The winner of the scholarship
will be announced on Harkness’s
birthday, Apr. 9.
“This is not mourning her death,
but celebrating her life,” senior Jacob
Cossey said.
The tournament has brought together
many people from the community.
People of all ages were
welcome to join the event, and it
was DECA’s job to let the community
know about the tournament.
“Many of the DECA members
went out to different businesses to
spread the word,” DECA sponsor
Leslie Campbell said. “We also
had radio public service announcements,
posters and flyers circulating
and there were some television
promos as well.”
In order to make sure the tournament
ran smoothly, Campbell
and various students put in many
hours of hard work. There was a
large amount of planning, including
team registration and local
business outreach as well as putting
the final details together.
“It took intense preparation to
prepare for the tournament, and
the most networking I have ever
done in my life,” Cossey said. “I
did countless phone calls and infinite
number of e-mails.”
In last year’s tournament, about
30 teams were formed and around
$13,000 was raised. This year the
number of teams that participated
in the tournament dominated last
years count, by having 50 teams
play in the tournament.
“My favorite thing about last
year’s tournament was seeing the
community come together and
support each other during such a
hard time. Oh, and watching my
parents’ team kick my friends’
hineys,” Merritt.
There were a few new things
added to the event this year. Vendors
attended to sell their merchandise
and a silent auction was held.
“No one expected there to be a volleyball
tournament in memory of a
person,” Hodges said.
The tournament was held Nov.
7, and matched last years amount
by raising around $13,000 for the
Heather Harkness fund.
“I absolutely see this tournament
continuing ten years from
now,” Campbell said. “We hold
this tournament to honor and celebrate
the life of Heather Harkness
and bring the community together.”
CONGRATULATIONS
Undefeated two years in a row: Team ‘Family and Friends’ proved that they
were the team to beat once they won the first Heather Harkness tournament.
This year the team they swept the competition, winning first place once again.
PHOTO BY JASON GRIFFITHS
EDMOND SANTA FE HIGH SCHOOL
Mama mia, that’s some good food: Senior Landon
White enjoys one of Harkness’s favorite meals, Sweet and
Sour chicken with friend rice. Other meals searved were
chicken nuggets with mashed potatoes and hotdogs and
chips.
Youth in Edmond
-make more than a difference
By JASON GRIFFITHS
Santa Fe Staff Writer
In our everyday lives, people
all around us give up their precious
time to help their community or
someone in their community, for
the sole purpose of making a difference.
In recent years, the city of Edmond
has participated in a nation
wide community service day
called “Make A Difference Day.”
This event was created by the USA
weekend magazine, which holds an
event in every state of the country.
“Edmond has participated in
this event before, but has never focused
on getting the youth in Edmond
involved,” Edmond Mayor
Patrice Douglas said.
Focusing on increasing the number
of youth in Edmond involved
in such a renowned service event is
the main goal for Douglas, who is
the first mayor in Edmond’s history
to have kids in the Edmond district,
which also influences many of the
goals she has as mayor.
“One of my main focus points
is the kids and I want people my
age to realize how much teenagers
can give back to their community,”
said Douglas.
Compelling today’s teens to step
up, lend a hand, make a difference
and show that today’s youth are a
generation that can give back is not
just the goal of the Edmond mayor,
but also the goal of Edmond Santa
Fe’s principal Jason Brown.
“We need to know the spirit of
this event and the spirit is that this
is our community and we need to
step up and own up to our town’s
reputation,” Brown said.
This event was attended by
PHOTO BY JASON GRIFFITHS
many school organizations from all
three Edmond high schools such as
DECA, Environmental Club, Business
Professionals of America and
many more that jumped on the
wagon to make the difference.
“I hope that the spirit of this
event won’t just be a one time thing
and students continue to give back
to their community,” Brown said.
Along with the many high
school clubs, youth sports organizations
throughout Edmond made
the effort to join in on the fun and
show their appreciation for their
community.
The Edmond rugby club is one
such organization. Although new
in town, the Edmond rugby club
came out to increase its reputation,
clean up the Edmond community
and show that athletes can give
more than just a good game.
“I know the boys had a lot of
fun and it’s a really good thing that
they were so willing to come out
and take time out of their weekends
to give back,” head rugby
coach Greg McFadden said.
The rugby club, along with the
Oklahoma Christian University’s
men’s Basketball team filled in
holes on the rugby fields and laid
down new grass, which was much
needed on the bare patches.
“I enjoyed getting dirty, laying
down the grass, and I feel that as a
team we really helped not only our
team but also our community,” Edmond
rugby player Skylar Godwin
said.
The city of Edmond and its vast
assembly of leaders will continue
to organize and coordinate many
more community service days in
the future.

EDMOND SANTA FE HIGH SCHOOL
Santa Fe DECA chapter-
By CATHERINE WOOD
Santa Fe Staff Writer
DECA, an association of marketing
students, is a class that helps
prepare students for the business
world by participating in activities
that exemplify the four points
of the DECA Diamond: leadership
development, Civic Consciousness,
Social Intelligence, and Career Understanding.
During the week of Oct. 26-
30 students had an opportunity to
spread the word and promote their
organization.
“DECA Week is an opportunity
to create awareness of the Santa Fe
DECA Chapter and our purpose,”
said Leslie Campbell, who has
been Santa Fe’s DECA teacher of
seven years.
“This is my second year in the
class, and it has helped and prepared
me for my future,” junior
Hannah Heath said. “It has also
given me an idea of what direction
I would like to go in my career.”
Throughout the year, DECA is
involved in many activities such as
a team building ropes course, the
Heather Harkness Annual Volleyball
Tournament and Double Wolf
Dare Week.
“My favorite thing about DECA
would be all of the activities and
things we do as a group. Also, I
have learned that there is so much
more detail that goes into marketing
than most people expect.”
Heath said.
During the week, the members
of DECA hosted special event
days during the week; each day
representing a certain point on the
DECA Diamond.
On Making A Difference Monday
T-shirts for a non-profit organization,
club, or anything that has
made a difference in the lives of
others was the encouraged attire. In
addition, an Adopt-A-Street Cleanup
took place after school. This day
demonstrated to the students the
third point of the DECA Diamond,
Civic Consciousness, by showing
willingness to serve the school and
community.
“I wore my Heather Harkness
T-shirt on Make A Difference Monday
because Heather was someone
who really made a difference at
Santa Fe,” Heath said.
Taking Care Of Business Tuesday
outfits consisted of professional
dress. Also, during both lunches
DECA had pizza sales, which illustrated
the forth point of the DECA
Diamond, Career Understanding
through advertising and selling.
“In class, every Tuesday, we
wear professional dress. But it was
really cool to see other students,
who aren’t in the class, wear it for
the special week.” junior Cariann
Hughes said.
During “What Is DECA?”
Wednesday, which promotes the
first point of the Diamond leadership
development, students wore
the official DECA colors blue and
gold. Members of the class delivered
ghostly greetings during activity
time. Students were also encouraged
to apply for the class and
become future student leaders.
“Blue and gold don’t usually go
together, but it was fun to dress up
in the colors to support the class,”
Katie Edge, junior member said.
NEWS
Friday, November 20, 2009 THE EDMOND SUN Page 7
Advertises marketing education and awareness
PHOTO PROVIDED
RISKY BUSINESS: Seniors Ethan Freeman and Jacki Wiist
dance the night away at the DECA Decades Dance.
Entertaining week to encourage reading
By KELSEY FOSKIN
Santa Fe Staff Writer
PHOTO PROVIDED
Inside the story: Jamie
Kettner won first place for
her creative photo.
Media specialists, Carol Hawkins,
Michele Baker and Marti Davis,
assistant, are not only providing
students to come in and check
out books, but also providing fun
events for the students encouraging
them to pick up a book and
read, especially during Teen Read
Week in October.
“During Teen Read Week we
had a lot of activities going on,”
Davis said. “We had contests
where students could win posters,
University of Oklahoma or
Oklahoma State University blankets,
lunch in the library for book
reviews and photo contests. My
favorite part was students coming
in and guessing how many socks
For Time Warp Thursday the
student body was encouraged to
wear clothes/costumes that represented
their favorite decade. Thisday
integrated the third point of
the diamond, Social Intelligence,
by having fun and fellowship with
members and student body.
“I thought this was a really fun
day. We got to wear goofy costumes
and take funny pictures with
our friends,” Heath said.
Last, but not least, favorite
Team Friday; where students wore
their favorite sports team gear and
Santa Fe DECA Class Competition
Parties were held. This day promoted
the fourth point of the DECA
Diamond, Career Understanding,
through event planning activities.
A portion of the sales from the
DECA Week activities were donated
to Big Brothers Big Sisters;
an organization that helps young
children through the power of oneto-one
friendships.
“We are very excited to support
the Oklahoma City Chapter of
BBBS this year,” Campbell said.
Although the week began as
just another “spirit-type” week, it
concluded as a week of eye-opening
experiences. Students had the
opportunity to get a taste of what
DECA is truly all about, not just
a class that sells cookies during
lunch. Members of this organization
have found ways to reach out
into the community and to promote
student leadership qualities within
the Santa Fe student body.
“Anyone who hasn’t been in
DECA should definitely look into
it for next year,” Heath said.
PHOTO BY CATHERINE WOOD
ALL DECA’ED OUT:
Members Hayden Matli
and Julie Stockton sport
their Heather Harkness
shirts for “Make A Difference
Monday.”
were in the jar.”
The activities were fun for students,
and brought out their imagination
and creativity skills.
“My favorite part of Teen Read
Week was the photo contests,
where students could create their
own picture with a book of their
choice and make it creative. It
took a lot of creativity and the
students took the time to actually
read and focus on reading,”
Hawkins said.
Not only were students a part of
the activities, but they also came
into the Media Center just to see
what was going on during Teen
Read Week.
“Having students come in and
be excited was also a fun thing
to be a part of,” Hawkins said.
“Teachers were so excited about
winning the blankets and the students
were focused on winning
the Twilight or Jonas Brothers
posters.”
Senior, Montana Treptor won
second place for the photo contest
“I am in Photography III this
year and my teacher and friends
got me interested,” Treptor said.
“Also, I love to read so that
helped.”
Although there were many different
photos that were submitted,
it came down to three winners.
“I submitted a five by seven in
color photo,” Treptor said. “I did
it of my best friend, Lexi Sutherland,
and my favorite book, ‘Papertowns’
by John Green.”
Winners walked away with an
IPod or an ITunes card.
The students were not the only
ones that got enjoyment of out it.
“We had a blast because of
the students that would come in,”
Davis said. “We had a positive
tone which touched on different
areas that interest the teens. It was
a fun, light hearted week to promote
reading.”
Reading almost anywhere:
Teen Read Week
held a photo contest,
which Montana Treptor
won second place for.
In picture is senior, Lexi
Sutherland reading “PaperTowns”
by John Green.

Page 8 THE EDMOND SUN Friday, November 20, 2009
Addiction to fame; citizens may need rehab to cure star struck nation
Lights! Camera! Action!
When one thinks about fame
many things come to mind: appreciation,
flashing lights, money
and happiness. However, the truth
about fame’s glamour is becoming
dull with the increasing amount of
random people who become famous
for absolutely no reason.
Celebrities have been idolized
by so many for so long and people
will do whatever it takes to get
that hint of fame, if only for just a
few moments. Even if it does cost
them their integrity in the process.
Recently, a family from Colorado
set up a fake situation, claiming
their son was floating over the
state in a balloon. News channels
and internet sites were buzzing
about this unfortunate event, giving
the family exactly what they
wanted: their fifteen minutes in
the spotlight.
On Oct. 18, the balloon-boy
hoax was busted, and the parents
were caught in their lie when the
boy was found hiding in their
house. Quickly making their transition
from famous to infamous.
Another genre of stars to add to
this would be reality stars. Yes, I
will be the first one to admit that
I do enjoy watching shows like
‘The Hills’, where real people star
in their somewhat real life.
It confuses me, how they are
treated like stars for doing their everyday
routine. That seems unfair.
I would love to be paid thousands
of dollars for letting cameras follow
me to have my nails done.
Another group of people who
are famous for no reason what-soever,
is the “born with it” group.
One major name that tops this
list would be the ever-popular
Paris Hilton, who became famous
thanks to her father’s money.
And of course, everyone has
heard about at least one crazy
family that pops out more babies
than the Super nanny could handle.
Families like ‘John and Kate
Plus Eight,’ ‘Octomom’ and ’20
and counting’ have taken over the
media.
It’s shows like these that send
a bad message to people, saying,
“If you pop out more children then
the average cat, you could have a
television show”.
In the past, fame consisted of
pure talent. From actor James
Dean, who played in “Rebel Without
a Cause,” to the king of pop,
Michael Jackson, it is people like
these who have earned their spot
in the limelight.
Today, any senseless person
with a YouTube account could
become famous. Example: Chris
Crocker, who posted an insane
video that consisted of him crying
and screaming about Britney
Spears. He has appeared on many
talk shows thanks to his little twominute
emotional meltdown.
What does the future hold in
the fame department? With this
rate of increasingly random ‘wantto-be-celebrities,’
anyone could be
walking down the red carpet.
People are almost treating fame
like a drug; doing whatever to recieve
that hit of limelight. America
definitely needs to go to rehab
on this bogus become-a-celebrity
phase.
It is sad what people will do to
have their two minutes of fame,
when celebrities like Lindsey
Lohan and Beyonce Knowles do
what ever they can to be out of the
eye of the paparazzi.
However, these fools are not the
only ones to blame. We add fuel to
the fire by encouraging this behavior
by watching them. I mean the
nation spent over an hour watching
a balloon fly around Colorado,
assuming that there was truely a
child in it.
If we as America, would stop
giving these people the attention
that they wanted. My guess is
that the number of people trying
to achieve celebrity status would
decrease.
President Obama deserves coveted Nobel Peace Prize
President Obama, leader of
the most militarized country in
the world, won the Nobel Peace
Prize on Oct. 9, 2009. News of
the coveted award came less
than one year into his presidency.
So along with appropriate applause
and “‘attaboys,” many
wondered if he actually has
done enough to win.
Well, yes.
President Obama, still a
fledgling president and intuitively
careful when applying his
power, has only created a light
amount of policy so far.
His methodical deliberation
over things like reforming
healthcare and the economy
has sparked a volatile debate. It
seems everyone has an opinion
to counter the White House’s.
This shouldn’t be the case for
President Obama’s Nobel,
though.
Regardless of party affiliation,
people should be proud he
won. It is an honor rarely bestowed
upon Americans; sometimes
it is not given out at all.
And this year, it has been given
with purpose.
It is all well and good to give
the Nobel to some well-meaning,
yet politically powerless
protester, but sometimes the
prize can better be used to boost
a leader’s appeal and influence.
The Nobel Committee explained
that they chose him for
“his extraordinary efforts to
strengthen international diplomacy
and cooperation between
peoples.” President Obama was
awarded for past actions, according
to the decision made in
Oslo.
In his acceptance speech,
President Obama articulated
what many in this recession-riddled
country have been thinking
all along - that the award was
for what he had planned, not
what he had already done.
“I am both surprised and
deeply humbled by the decision
of the Nobel Committee.
Let me be clear, I do not view it
as a recognition of my own accomplishments,
but rather as an
affirmation of American leadership
on behalf of aspirations
held by people in all nations,”
said President Obama.
He hopes it will give his
administration, i.e. the United
States, added momentum to
“confront the common challenges
of the 21st century.”
And by all appearances, this
is what our leader is doing.
He talked a good game on
nuclear nonproliferation to the
U.N. and scaled back a planned
missile defense system in Eastern
Europe.
He abandoned President
Bush’s isolationist foreign
policy. Now, working trilaterally
with China and Russia, the
United States will use “carrots
and sticks” to deal with threats
like Iran and North Korea.
He finally deferred to science
on the importance of energy efficiency
and conservation.
Steven Chu, himself a Nobelwinning
physicist, is our Energy
Secretary. He and President
Obama are working to solve
problems recognized the world
over, such as pollution and climate
change.
Yes, we are (very) slowly
exiting one war and deliberating
whether or not to escalate
the other. And yes, we are still
mired in the worst economic
conditions since the Great Depression.
But pessimism will not get us
back on our feet.
President Obama is no saint, but
the fruition of his policies could
help hundreds of millions of
people.
The Nobel Committee recognized
an opportune moment
this year to pay respect to President
Obama and the Democrats’
newfound control.
This award and the resulting
money are both well-deserved
by President Obama, and the
fact of his donating the money
to charity only proves his commitment
to advancing peace
around the world.
RUFF DRAFT
A publication of Edmond’s three high schools in
cooperation with the Edmond Sun
Edmond, Oklahoma
Editors
• Billy Blundell
North managing editor
• Lauren Goedecke
Santa Fe editor-in-chief
• Emily Hopkins
North editor-in-chief
• Amanda Rice
Memorial managing editor
• Trevor Shofner
Memorial editor-in-chief
Photographers
• Chloe Bassett
North
• Hannah Bingham
Memorial editor
• Connor Broaddus
North
• Kristin Cox
Santa Fe editor
• Trevor Hultner
North
• Courntney Mahon
Memorial
• AJ Anderson
• Prescovie Anderson
• Ashkey Arnold
• Elizabeth Arnold
• Jimi Blagowsky
• Audrey Danser
• Carlos Davila
• Anna Dore
• Tanner Feil
• Bailey Flenniken
• Kelsey Foskin
• Logan Gisick
• Jason Griffiths
• Ashton Guess
• Christina Hansen
• Jordan Hendricks
• Jessica Huizar
• Bevynne Hulsey
• Elizabeth Kellogg
• Carolyn Kronenberger
• Jackson Lisle
• Justin Mai
• Dillon Phillips
• Jenna Spence
• Lillie Roney
• Angela Roybal
• Rebecca Ryan
• Michaela Seeliger
• Leah Sikes
• Jenna Spence
• Gabriela Sposito
• Meagan Thomas
• Catherine Wood
• Aubree Young
Advisers
• Barbara Howry •
North High School 215 W. Danforth
• Mike Morton •
Santa Fe High School 1901 W. 15th
• Christy Nieves •
Memorial High School 1000 E. 15th

Page 9 THE EDMOND SUN Friday, November 20, 2009
OPINIONS
EDMOND NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
Parking lots cheaper than bumper
cars; same effect
GabrielaSposito
North Staff Writer
On a daily basis I am impressed
by the respectful and responsible
behavior of my peers. I am especially
proud of the absence of
reckless driving in the parking
lots.
I cannot say enough about the
considerate attitudes Edmond
North students demonstrate toward
each other.
They are so anxious to share
the crucial details of their lives
via texting, Tweeting and instant
messaging that sometimes they
can’t help but ignore the lone pedestrian
crossing the street.
The driver voices his concern
for that person’s near-death experience
through the use of vivacious
vulgarity.
Stupid fool, didn’t you get the
memo that drivers are not actually
supposed to yield to pedestrians?
Besides, everyone knows that hitting
one is worth 10 points.
It is clear that the students cherish
their education. The screeching
of tires clearly indicates that
they are in a hurry to get home
and crack open those textbooks.
And when a driver floors his
gas pedal to cut in front of me as I
am backing my car out, my heart
swells with pride due to my peer’s
ambition.
It’s obvious that the parents are
as eager to come to school as their
children.
Even after the teenagers have
exited the car, Mom or Dad continues
to gaze back at North or
simply just into empty space.
Finally, they collect their
thoughts and continue driving,
narrowly missing me as I try to
drive around them.
In the afternoon, the parents
flock enthusiastically to the campus,
only this time several park on
Fretz Ave., the same road many
students use to return home.
But fear not, because I am not
perturbed when the driver in front
of me slams on his brakes in the
middle of after-school traffic to let
a student climb inside.
It doesn’t even bother me when
that student takes his own sweet
time getting himself, his books
and his backpack settled into the
car. Since these events occur frequently
each day, I appreciate the
consistency it adds to my daily
routine.
One of the things I am fortunate
to observe every morning is
the ceaseless love of a parent.
Mom will always ensure that
her child will never have to walk
more than five feet to the school’s
entrance.
After all, what decent, loving
parents mandate that their son or
daughter walk a longer distance,
since they are already forced to
traipse around the entire Freshman
Academy all day?
Furthermore, only cruel mothers
and fathers send their children
out even in the slightest drizzle
with only an umbrella.
The risk of melting or soggy
socks is too high, and these annoyances
would not only be inconvenient
but downright catastrophic.
As a senior strolling toward
the school from my parking space
located far, far away, the parents’
display of affection gives me such
a warm, tingly feeling that I don’t
even notice the drenching rain
chilling me to the bone.
After dodging a car whose
driver clearly thought that I was
a figment of his imagination and
stepping into a knee-deep puddle,
the driver’s colorful curses reverberate
throughout the parking lot.
However, I am not upset; on the
contrary, I’m immensely pleased
because I would have looked completely
ridiculous walking around
soaked only from the waist up.
The affection of so many drivers
in the North parking lots is
something that I will proudly imitate
as a reflection of the students
and parents who value their own
and others’ safety.
It is extremely important to
preserve this example generation
after generation. So, please Edmond
North: stay classy.
Assessing the true value —
Merit pay should evaluate teachers’ strengths
State and local authorities have
recently proposed increasing
teacher pay based on merit — specifically,
based on students’ performances
on End of Instruction
(EOI) exams.
And, quite frankly, as a student
for 13 years in Edmond Public
Schools, I can’t really understand
why.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not
against increasing teacher pay;
however, merit pay has numerous
problems, the greatest of which lies
in developing an adequate model to
evaluate how “good” a teacher is.
Students and teachers alone understand
what day-to-day classroom
life is like.
By graduation most of this year’s
seniors will have spent over 14,000
hours in classrooms. The same
amount of time goes for countless
teachers in this district.
Among these 14,000 hours, we
spend approximately 28 taking
EOI tests — less than 1 percent of
our entire school career.
Effective teaching cannot be measured
by arbitrary exam scores.
Teachers lead in other activities
JordanHendricks
North Staff Writer
that prove to be far more beneficial
than preparing for standardized
testing.
What about teachers who deeply
understand their subject, who have
studied it intently, are passionate
about it and wish to instill in us this
same passion? What about class
discussions that challenge students
to venture beyond textbook facts
and ask “why?”
These are things that cannot be
measured.
What about the special education
teacher who devotes equal, if
not greater effort, as a fellow Advanced
Placement (AP) teacher?
Special education students will
naturally not receive the same
With senior year comes special
events: senior pictures, prom, graduation
and “On Your Own.”
This event is designed especially
for seniors, educating them on
issues like handling new relationships,
staying healthy, and practicing
safe and responsible sex.
The chosen subjects are extremely
topical; the class of 2010
has a measly six months left of high
school before leaving the nest.
The sex education portion, however,
is clearly a topic that needs to
be introduced sooner.
Because sexual activity occurs
often in high school, it needs more
emphasis than the limited time that
is spent on the subject in middle
school.
I’m not saying I encourage early
sexual activity, but everyone simply
has to face the facts. Many high
school students have already had
sex by the time senior year rolls
around.
If this section of the “On Your
Own” seminar were to be introduced
during freshman or sophomore
year, many of those already
having sex or contemplating doing
so would hopefully think twice.
I attended “On Your Own” on
Oct. 6 along with most other senior
girls in Edmond. As I scanned the
audience, I recognized the faces of
girls I knew, some of whom had
already experienced pregnancies,
abortions or sexually transmitted
infections.
The program has to take place
earlier in the high school career.
What good is educating someone
on potentially risky activities when
they’ve already experienced them?
Yes, it will help to prepare for the
future, but why wait? These actions
could’ve been prevented if all
the facts were taught beforehand.
According to Guttmacher Institute,
a non-profit organization that
works to advance reproductive
health, in the U.S. nearly half of
teenagers between the ages of 15
and 19 have had sex at least once.
With that fact in mind, why is
scores as their AP counterparts, but
this does not undermine the value
of their teacher.
If merit pay is based on test
scores alone, then the fact remains
that teachers with advanced classes
will make the most money, as these
students tend to perform better on
standardized tests.
I’m clearly no legislator, but if
merit pay is the only way to give
my teachers more money, let’s
increase the pay for those with
graduate degrees, those with certified
qualifications in their areas of
study, and, for AP teachers, those
who attend AP workshops and participate
in grading the actual AP
exams.
Let’s award the teachers who care
deeply about their students and
manifest this concern by learning
their material and teaching it in the
most effective way possible.
I guarantee that, years from now,
students will not look back on high
school nostalgic of the teachers
who best prepared them for their
EOI exams.
Teacher pay must reflect that
fact.
‘On Your Own’ must be introduced earlier
AngelaRoybal
North Staff Writer
“Own Your Own” not introduced
until the age of 17 or 18?
Throughout the speeches and lectures
given by the speakers, girls
from the audience were allowed to
anonymously send up questions to
be answered, but the level of ignorance
for some of these questions
was truly appalling.
Although the day did include
some information that is clearly
more relevant to seniors, the sex
portion of “On Your Own” should
be offered much sooner than senior
year. Maybe if it was, some teens
wouldn’t be making the same poor
decisions they are today.