Vol.4.Issue.1.October.2008 - Edgren High School EagleNet

the aquila
volume 4 issue 1 September 16, 2008
Back to School Issue
page one
Above: Samantha Statia and Caleb Gilbert in drama class preparing for their upcoming preformance
.
The Show Must Go On!
...and other Thespian Intrigues
By Gowri Kabbur
It’s another year for Edgren High
School and that means that the illustrious
Drama Department is back
in business. With a wide variety of
drama classes, performances all
year round, and the Fall Play coming
up in November, this promises
to be a grandiose year for the fi ne
art of theater. According to Mrs.
Ditschler, the drama teacher, “We
will be focusing on the power of theatre
to change the world!!!! Even
if just a little bit, so the student understands
the power of the spoken
word, and uses that in the future,
not just as a performer, but as a person...recognizing
our innate ability to
make things better or worse through
our interactions....Or just say...have
fun-kill time-keep adolescents from
shoplifting at the BX.”
The top of the list for 2008’s drama
performances is the all-girl’s cast of
Nine Girls, a play written by Wilfred
H. Pettitt, set in the 1940’s as a World
War II era mystery. This play is different
than previous performances by
Edgren High School because it is a
full period-piece, which poses as a
serious challenge.But the cast is very
excited to make this show the best
it can be. “Nine Girls will be fun,
but also a challenge because everything
has to be time period from
hairstyles and clothing to accents
and postures,” said Alyssa Craig, a
junior and member of the cast. This
is new territory for all current actors
since a suspense time-period
play has never been attempted by
Edgren High School.
Also, an interesting performance
tidbit from the High School drama
classes is their participation in the
upcoming Red Ribbon Week that
creates awareness of the dangers
of alcohol and substance abuse.
Classes are doing various acting
bits to commemorate this national
week of awareness. Some are opting
for scenes directed towards the
elementary schools, radio plays,
evening performances for adults,
and taped acting for the high
school. All are sure to be poignant
and informative. For more
information about this upcoming
event, ask Mr. Velez (ASACS counselor)
or Mrs. Ditschler.
Between the play practices and
drama classes, the International
Thespian Society (ITS) rears its
head and takes its place as the
sole theatrical club for the second
year. Newly formed last school
year, the ITS has exciting plans for
the upcoming year. If anyone
has acting credentials and experience
or is interested in joining
the Edgren chapter of ITS, there is
a meeting on Friday, September
19. Paperwork must be fi lled and
points collected in order to join ITS.
For further information, contact ITS
President Amanda Meyer.
Drama has already started with
a bang and the rest of the year
is greatly anticipated. Imagine
what next semester will be like!

volume 4 issue 1 Back to School Issue
page 2
Robert D. Edgren High
School
Misawa AB, Japan
Unit 5040
APO, AP 96319
Newspaper Advisor:
Ms. Lorayne Johansen
Newspaper
Editor-In-Chief:
Erin Nicolai
Newspaper Layout
Editor:
Heather Eiler
Staff Cartoonist:
Esther Khabinsky
Staff:
Parker Howard
Gowri Kabbur
Esther Khabinsky
Tim Murray
Tara Newton
Angelique Tetrault
Sarah Zediker
Policy Statement
This newspaper is brought to you
by The Aquila staff. We are committed
to supporting public expression
and producing quality news stories
and editorials for Edgren faculty and
students to enjoy. We celebrate our
diverse skills and encourage creativity
among one another in order to satisfy
you, the reader.
We reach out to the community with
our interviews, and by including direct
quotes and specific incidences as support
in our writing. The Aquila staff
experiences school and community
events first-hand to ensure a legitimate
source. We also take pride in our original
photos that capture the memories
of these years so perfectly. The Aquila
staff hopes that you remain enthused
about each issue we print. Remember,
it is our hard work and dedication that
makes this publication possible.
Homecoming Dances 2008-2009
A night to remember
By Angelique Tetrault
This year’s homecoming week was
handled a little differently. However, it
always ends with an amazing dance.
2008-2009 turned out to be no different.
Starting at 7 and ending at 11, the
night continued to rock on despite
the cold and windy weather. The High
School dance had a new DJ, which
in turn led to new music choices. Of
course the student body danced to
“Walk It Out,” “Soulja Boy,” and the
classic “Electric Slide.” The music was
put on pause only to announce the
Homecoming Court.
Refi ned Racquets and Taquito Tuesday
The Tennis Team’s Plan for Success
By Tara Newton
Doing everything from drills, “intense”
conditioning, the 8-lap circuit,
and watching tennis tactic DVDs to
break dancing and doing the hokey
pokey, Mr. Milanovich prepares all of
his tennis team players to be the very
best.
This year’s hard-working team already
consists of students knowledgable
in the game of tennis such as:
Zack Spaduzzi; Chandra Mellilo; Jen
Brent; new team member, sophomore
Isaac Rodd; and, sporting a
fashionable new look this season,
Rico Adams; among many other excellent
players.
Out of more than a dozen participants
in this year’s tennis program,
and with the chance for only fourboys
and four girls to attend Far East
For freshmen, Kelsey Ellis and Julian
Crawford became the Countess and
Count. The Duke and Duchess for
the sophomores were Trevor Johnson
and Marissa Goodwin. For the junior
Class of 2010, the Prince and Princess
were Cheston Nurial-Dacalio and Angelique
Tetrault. The senior King and
Queen were Luke Nelson and Heather
Eiler. Afterwards, they slow danced
on stage and were led to the back
for photos.
Competition each student will battle
it out to land a spot on the team.
For the students who make the cut,
traveling will begin on November 2nd
and last until the 5th.
So far in the season this year, the
boy’s tennis team has been undefeated
with the girl’s tennis teams
gradually climbing their way up towards
perfection. Upcoming games
for this exciting season include the
much anticipated matches against
Kinnick, Zama, and the tournament
at Iwakuni.
Students should be taking every opportunity
to support the tennis team
such as taking part in the much expected
“Taquito Tuesday,” Lumpia
Bonanza or just cheering our team on
at home games.
To the right: Mr. Milanovich’s
tennis team taking a
moment from their pracitce
to pose for a picture.

volume 4 issue 1 Back to School Issue
page 3
Editorial: New School Year, New School Rules
Students harbor conflicting ideas concerning the old and the new policies
By Sarah Zediker and Erin Nicolai
The ’08-’09 school year commenced
in the midst of many changes, some
not as well received as others. Edgren
welcomes new faculty and appreciates
their fresh outlook on the way our
school functions. Suggestions such
as directory signs placed throughout
campus, clearly visible room numbers
over every door, and parking passes
for individuals at the school who regularly
use the lower lot have generally
been acknowledged favorably.
However, true to high school stereotypes,
the feeling of change has inspired
controversial rumors among
the student body. Some proved inconsequential
such as the far fetched
idea that homecoming or activities
associated with that tradition would
be canceled. Others turned out to
be more accurate than most would
have liked.
In particular, changes made to seminar
procedure incited a negative reaction
before they were even implemented.
Now, with a concrete plan
of change in place, grumbles sound
through the halls. For those who are
unclear about the new system, allow
us to fi ll in the blanks. Seminar is now
broken into three different sections:
silent sustained reading followed by
two periods reserved for students to
consult with other teachers. There is a
fi ve minute passing period in between
each section.When students reach
their destination for the 1st or 2nd seminar
period, they are expected to remain
under that teacher’s supervision
until the next passing period.Students
are only permitted in the halls duringpassing
periods unless they are holding
specifi c classroom passes supplied
by their seminar teacher for travel to
the bathroom, their locker, or other
destination.
Thus far, students feel strongly that these
regulations are unjust, and they were not
consulted before these changes were
implemented. However, it is important
to note that there is reason behind these
seminar changes. Last year, the Advisory
Council on Dependent Education (ACDE)
came to Edgren to evaluate the school.
While expressing satisfaction in many aspects
of our school, the team found several
serious faults in our seminar system.
Students were found wasting time doing
unproductive activities such as playing
cards or loitering in the halls under the
pretence that they were on their way to
a teacher, restroom, or locker. Certain
teachers failed to offer proper supervision
by using seminar as their personal time to
catch up on some sleep. This behavior
was deemed incongruous with seminar’s
true purpose which is to provide needed
time for students to study and focus on
their school work. The ACDE team cited
this as a major issue, and Edgren was
asked to make radical changes in order
to maintain its accreditation.
This is why Edgren students have been
experiencing a new approach to seminar
this year. While recognizing the necessity
for change, the question must be asked if
this is the only or indeed the best alternative
to previous seminar procedure.
Edgren High School prides itself on the
fact that although it is a small school in
a remote location, its students rise above
expectations regarding both test scores
and participation in extracurricular activities.
Because our student body is more
limited than that of larger schools, many
individuals are involved in more than one
activity at a time. These enthusiastic students
often carry the burden of a hectic
schedule, and as a result must work hard
to represent Edgren favorably in their
elective activities and maintain fervor in
their school work. They often put forth
EDITORIAL
tremendous effort to make up work as, in
lieu of such a schedule, missing days of
school at a time is not so uncommon.
These are the individuals who value
their seminar time so much, because
without it, there would not be ample opportunity
to see all of their teachers. Yes,
students are currently able to visit two
separate teachers during their seminar
time; however, when faced with up to
four classes to manage after traveling,
two teachers in a seminar may simply
be inadequate.
Furthermore, not all visits can be prearranged.
Oftentimes students encounter
a baffl ing question while working, and
need to visit a teacher right away. At
other times, students need to speak with
a teacher for only fi ve minutes at a time
to clarify an assignment or ask a specifi c
question. With the new system in place,
students have to commit at least twenty
minutes visiting each teacher and limit
the number of teachers they visit to just
two. While trying to make the seminar
period more effective, these are the
types of problems that could create a
more frustrating system and more wasted
time.
Students at Edgren, while having their
faults, excel in many different ways.
While we appreciate the determination
for improvement exhibited by faculty,
we ask for lenience. Our positive attributes,
and our individuality as a student
body, should be taken into account
when tailoring specifi c procedures like
seminar. We ask that the need for structure
not inhibit the equally signifi cant
need for fl exibility. If we are not allowed
to access all the resources at our fi ngertips,
it is as if our hands have been tied
and bound. True achievement can not
be attained when limitations block the
path to success.
Response from Principal
YOU HAVE SPOKEN AND WE HAVE LISTENED!
By Mr. Arrington
I believe that the students at Edgren are everything that you say and more. Please know that your teachers and
administration believe that there are always situations that merit fl exibility to our “systems”. Though we must always
have a system of accountability in place, it is our desire as well as yours to ensure that there is fl exibility afforded to
those individuals and situations where improvement and highest student achievement are the motive. Please explain
your needs to your seminar teacher and he/she will work with you in determining what available options will best meet
those needs. We will work with you in your efforts for highest achievement whether that is something that can be covered
within the guidelines of the seminar structure or you need something more fl exible.

volume 4 issue 1 Back to School Issue
page 4
Keep Running!
The Cross Country Season is looking good from the get go
By Esther Khabinsky
Cross country can be summed up in one simple
word: running. Unlike football, volleyball, and tennis,
cross country requires no other technique.
“I’m very excited about this season,” says Mr. Thibert,
the coach of the cross country team. “Our goal
is to win Far East for small school.” Far East for Cross
Country will be conveniently hosted in Misawa.
Although Cross Country is essentially the same as
previous years, Coach Thibert has upped the stakes.
Circuit training, which consists of running half a mile,
then doing calisthenics, has become larger part of
the routine and after the fi rst race, when Misawa
girls lost to Zama by a frustratingly small margin, the
mile was added to the running. Coach Thibert is
very adamant about winning this year.
The previous year was a rebuilding year, but this
time the team is expected big wins (such as thecross
country girls’ big win at Sasebo last weekend). This
projection is due to the fact that seasoned veteran
runners, such as Angel Lemen, Audrey Haltli, David
Blevins, and others, are returning.
The team was also blessed with many new good
runners, such as Kenneth Clark, who is this year’s secret
weapon.
With plenty of practice under their belts, a meet
against Kinnick, E.J. King, Perry, Yokota, and Zama
was held the weekend of September 26th. Although
both teams ran their hearts out, in individual placements,
Angel Lemon placed 7th with Tiffany Brinkerhoff
close behind at 8th and boys falling just short
of placements. In overall scoring however, the girl’s
team placed 2nd just ahead of the boys who placed
3rd against other school’s boys teams.
“It’s so hard!” exclaimed Tiffany Brinkerhoff after
a long run. Many of the new runners are gasping
for breath after practice, but the results show at
the meets. “You’re only as good as you practice,”
remarked the Coach at the start of the year, and
practice they do. Along with the aforementioned
circuit training, the team also does Indian runs,
suicide hill runs, and in the future they will also be
spending practice in the pool because swimming increases
lung capacity and helps strengthen muscles
according to Coach Thibert.
There are high hopes for this season’s runners. So
cheer for your classmates as they run, run, and run.
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Getting tight on lunch money because food is too expensive
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Contact Ugi Battle, store manager at
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Contact Phoenix for a free consulation:
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volume 4 issue 1 Back To School Issue
page 5
Online Gaming
By Parker Howard
Anyone who has ever played Mario Kart
or Super Smash Bros remembers Fridays
at your house playing late into the night
around a bowl of chips and empty cans
of Red Bull, but Xbox live and online gaming
is the newest craze. Who even remembers
when Nintendo came out with 64 bit
games Now the most popular games all
have a couple qualities in common that
make them so great: “excessive” gore
(with the exception of Guitar Hero and
Rock Band) and epic online play. Every
gamer loves beating those nobodies from
halfway around the world online in Gears
of War, Call of Duty, and Halo.
The added monthly fee hasn’t been a deterrent.
After all, what’s a few dollars a month
when you aren’t buying pizza for your friends
every Friday night (sure they’re going to pay
you back…) Well, yes, they aren’t sitting next
to you and you may enjoy that aspect of the
Friday night gaming, but don’t forget, there’s
voice over IP now. You can chat with them
wherever they are like they’re right there, but
without the frustration of their screen peeking.
(of course you’d never do that…) I personally
thought the classic Super Smash Bros for
Nintendo 64 would never die, of course it did.
I look forward to what comes after Online
Halo.
Need Alterations
Prom dress doesn’t fi t quite right Need other
items altered
Ms. Aki Kawabata comes highly
reccomended in alterations and
service. Her prices are affordable, and
she works very quickly.
Main Gate
Light
AKI-MODE SALON
Above: The X-Box game Gears of War
Go out today and get your dress
or other items altered by Ms. Aki
Kawabata!

volume 4 issue 1 Back to School
page 6
The Unleashing of the Eagles!
2 Eagles on the Prowl
By Tim Murray
The Eagles opened this season with a bang in the
away game against Zama; with their impressive
34-21 victory they declared their malicious intent
upon all opposing schools. The resulting boost of
spirit put the entire student body into a frenzy of
excitement! The true strength of the Edgren Eagles
was unleashed onto the supposed powerhouses of
Zama and Kinnick, completely obliterating them
without remorse.
The unadulterated team work of the Eagles was
evident as the defense thwarted the plans of
Zama, then charging with full force as Johnell Alexander
scored 5 touchdowns leaving nothing but
dust clouds as he advanced forward. This feat of
excellence was far from the end for the ever resilient
Eagles.
The next game in which they were opposed by
Ethan Blake scored one, allowing the Eagle
to spread their wings with pride.
In the game against Yokota, the team wavered
slightly causing the fi rst loss of the season,
and shortly after this fi rst loss, we were
blindsided by an unforeseen loss against
ASIJ. These back to back losses left us in a
humble defeat.
Nevertheless, the Eagles absorbed the losses
and trained rigorously without falter to fi ght
Zama once again in last week’s Homecoming
Game. The score of 42-0 destroyed Zama’s
pride and sent them home with a renewed
respect for the Eagles. Not only did
the varsity team annihilate Zama, but the Junior
Varsity also won 32-8. With the winning of
these games, our pride is once again intact
and these victories give us the right to spread
our wings and have no one else elevate their
name above the mighty Eagles!
How is your son/daughter getting to college
classes
Let us take the worry out of purchasing a
dependable car.
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(Above): The Edgren Varsity football
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(Above): The Edgren Varsity football team
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For more information call
the Car Guys at 222-5111
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volume 4 issue 1 Back to School Issue
page 7
THIS IS VOLLEYBALL!
By Angelique Tetracult
The fall sports are well under way, and the Edgren
volleyball team is picking up speed. Despite having
their fi rst game after the a mere fi ve days of practice,
the girls could not slow down. With the help of
Coach Richardson, the varsity team won on Friday
night against the Zama Trojans, but the junior varsity
slightly shorter than expected. The angry Trojans
demanded revenge early the following Saturday
morning, and varsity lost. However, the team did
not let this slight defeat faze them. They trained with
even more intensity than ever before. The following
weekend on Friday night held a horrible fate for the
Lady Eagles: the varsity team lost. However, they
were still on the sidelines cheering for the junior varsity
team when they trampled the Yokota Panthers.
On Saturday morning, the Eagles knew they were
going to win, no matter what. JV won that morning,
and the varsity team knew they could win too.
If they keep it up, we can expect great games from
them.
This past weekend, the varsity team fl ew to visit the
Sasebo Cobras, along with cross-country and tennis.
Edgren dominated the court in Sasebo; the Cobras
and visiting Panthers never could have seen what
was coming. Defeating the Cobras once again on
Saturday morning gave them the confi dence to
also win against the Panthers. Yokota was crushed
under the power of Jessica Bergman
Saying Our Own Goodbyes...
and Da’Pree Davis’ killer spikes, and the consistency
of their serves was highly unexpected.The Panthers
lost 25-14. Venita Jones continued to tell her team
mates one of their newest mottos, “Cover and call,
get them all. Keep it in, we will win. Move your feet,
we can’t be beat!” They kept this advice in mind,
and the Eagles played beautifully.
The next weekend, the girls traveled to Yokosuka
Naval Base. Sadly, the team lost, but they took it
in stride. Varsity learned from their mistakes, and
defeated MC Perry during homecoming week. On
Friday, they played beautifully, but on Saturday, the
team lost the fi rst game. The girls knew that could not
happen again. The girls were angry and determined
to win, which they did for the next three games that
morning.
The varsity volleyball team has very few returners,
one freshman, and one newcomer from Texas.
There are twelve players: Venita Jones, Da’Pree
Davis, Courtney Kilday, Angelique Tetrault, Marjorie
Entrolezo, Marissa Goodwin, Domonique “Domo”
Davis, Shamaya Stewart, Sarah Zediker, Victoria Darnell,
Imani Wimbush, and Jessica Bergman. Coach
Richardson instructs the varsity team, Coach Edmonds
helps the junior varsity, and Shongo, a Japanese
gate ID checker, visits practice sometimes to
help out. Varsity practice is from 3-4:30 p.m., and JV
is directly after until 5:30 p.m. New drills are learned
often, and everyone is gaining something benefi cial,
whether it be experience or new friendships.
Paying respects to a well-missed school counselor and coach.
By Tara Newton
On September 29th during seminar, a memorial
ceremony was held for the much-loved Anthony
Lee (Tony) Ruffi n. For those who were unable to attend
this service, the event was held in the Middle
School gym at 10:00 A.M. and began with our Color
Guard’s Posting of the Colors. Following this, a
moment of silence commenced which preceded
a song sung by Jordan Aanrud, Karmeshia Gray,
and Amanda Meyer, titled Into the West, in honor
of Mr. Ruffi n’s passing.
Friends and colleagues of Mr. Ruffi n then
spoke of his achievements and the wonderful
times they all shared when in his presence. After,
students politely fi led out towards the fi elds where
fresh soil was then placed on the newly planted
tree dedicated to his memory. Following the ribbon
cutting ceremony, track relay-runners, as well
as other sports teams, then ran a lap in his memory,
concluding the memorial service for an extraordinary
and respectable person. Tony Ruffi n will
be forever remembered at Edgren as the loving,
singing counselor who was responsible for starting
the track team through care and effort, and as a
wonderful individual who infl uenced the lives of
countless students.
Left: Christian Weldon, Angel Lemon, and
Stephanie Tanner stand next to the tree dedicated
to Mr. Ruffin just after the ribbon-cutting

volume 4 issue
By Gowri Kabbur
This year there are several additions to
our staff and faculty here at Edgren and
knowing how nosy we all are, the Aquila
staff knew that you would want to hear a
little bit about each new addition to the
Edgren family.
First and foremost is our new principal,
Mr. Jeff Arrington. Mr. Arrington transferred
to Edgren High School from Kadena High
School in Okinawa, Japan. He has taught
business, ,computers, and P.E., coached
sports teams, and
worked as an Educational
Technolo-
Arrington
gist. He has taught
a total of six years.
His goal is every
student succeed
to their highest
potential and all
students feel safe,
happy and an integral
part of their
school.
Another new addition
to our administration
is Mrs. Georgia
Watters. Mrs.
Watters, our new
assistant principal,
has just transferred
in from Osan, Korea.
She was previously
a counselor
and she has a
Mr.
Mrs.
Watters
total of 31 years of teaching experience
prior to moving to Misawa. She is interested
in seeing new physical improvements in the
school and seeing more students working
together on extra curriculum activities so
two to three students are not doing all the
work.
Back to School Issue page 8
page 8
Welcome to Edgren
High School!
A new addition to our science department
is Mr. Guy Belleman. Mr. Belleman,
the new chemistry and physics teacher,
has just moved to Misawa from the Naval
Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Originally
from Seattle, Mr. Belleman has four
years of science teaching experience as
Mr.
Belleman
Mr.
Lehner.
well as working as
a workshop representative
training
chemistry teachers.
He loves science
and his fi rst degree
was in Chemistry.
A second addition
to our science
department is Mr.
Lehner. Mr. Lehner
teaches physical
science and 7th
grade AVID. Originally
from Verdale,
Minnesota, he has
taught three years
of science, did two
years of substituting, and is now a parttime
teacher here in Misawa. He is originally
from Newrockford, North Dakota.
Continued on the next page...

volume 4 issue Back to School Issue page 9
A new addition to our English department
is Ms. Teresa Snowden. Ms. Snowden
teaches 7th grade Study Skills and English
9. She is from South Carolina and transferred
to Misawa from Iwakuni, Japan.
She became an English teacher because
she enjoys reading and writing.
Welcome to
Edgren High
School! I hope
this year goes
smoothly for
all of you!
Ms.
Snowden
After a year with no ASACS counselor
at Edgren, we were happy to see the
arrival of Mr. Velez. Mr. Velez is our new
ASACS counselor. He is from Detroit, Michigan,
and he transferred to Misawa from
the Azores in Portugal. He enjoys working
with teens as he informs them about the
need for drug and alcohol abstinence.
Mr.Velez
SPIRIT WEEK CHANGED - Editorial
Spirit week started with a bang and many students had to adapt to sudden
changes without warning.
By Sarah Zediker
As spirit week started, students were automatically
confronted with the changes of a new year,
and though the new ideas certainly did contribute
a fresh outlook, some were none too pleased with
what alterations were made. Most notable were the
sounds of protest as they rang through the halls on
September 23, 2008. Though traditionally known as
powder-puff day, a problem was seen with the idea
of cross-dressing being displayed so openly simply
for the purpose of humor. The whole concept was
considered offensive by some and the day was
changed to “Wipe Out the Trojans Day” (a.k.a.
“Hawaiian Day”). Most students donned Hawaiian
outfi ts and dressed with pride and glee but a select
few decided to show their resentment by dressing
as the opposite sex anyways. The message was
delivered, that there are some who refuse to follow
new rules or procedures made without the consent
of the student body. Some stayed in their gender
confused dress all day without bother while those
whose clothing was more extreme were forced to
change out by the end of the second period, but
the damage was done. It seems the whispers in the
halls call for the reinstatement of powder-puff day
in the coming year’s festivities. Only time will tell
whether these whispers will creep into the ears of
staff returning next year and whether the tradition
of powder-puff will live on.
The other major controversy stirred during homecoming
week concerned those individuals not allowed to go
to the homecoming dance. This year, unlike before, all
individuals not in attendance at Edgren High School (EHS)
were banned from entering the dance. This rule was implemented
to keep airmen and adults from accompanying
high school students. Unfortunately, such a general
rule also prohibited Edgren High School graduates, alumni,
or former students. One individual in particular was
unable to bring her boyfriend despite his glowing record
as a 2008 graduate and former student of Edgren. The
damage done to homecoming attendees was minimal
but students worry about the effect this new rule will have
on the upcoming Prom. Students wonder whether or not
they will be able to bring their brothers, sisters, and friends
who hold status as a former Edgren student and wish to
relive, if only for one night, the memories the immortalize
high school.
The most paramount problem exposed during homecoming
week was a lack of communication between
staff and students. Changes were made without student
body representation and implemented without warning.
While recognizing the power held by administration and
staff, it must also be recognized that a school does not
function without its students, and their obedience comes
at the high price of negotiations and communications. “I
wanna vote!” one student complained. Without a voice
in the operations of this school the faculty cannot expect
that all of the student body will except or follow new rules,
regulations, and procedures.

volume 4 issue 1 Back To School Issue
page 10
Homecoming Week at Edgren!
Entertaining, Crazy, and Memorable…
By Gowri Kabbur
Although we don’t have the pleasure of having
any EHS alumni come to the school during this
week, this unforgettable time holds a place in the
heart of every eagle as a week where memories
are made. The many activities, theme days, and
games played are anticipated by all students; it’s a
time where everyone can show there school spirit!
Homecoming 2008 boasted an array of activities
such as the class decoration contest, theme days,
the infamous Powder-puff Game, the Bonfi re, and
the Parade.
On Sunday, September 21, the upperclassmen
and lowerclassmen raced from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to
out-decorate the opposing classes in the hallway
decoration contest. The lowerclassmen joined
forces to decorate the hallways to the theme of
“Burn the Trojans”. The upperclassmen opted for
separate teams. Juniors and seniors had “Wipe
out the Trojans”; the juniors had a tsunami theme
with massive waves hanging from the ceiling, while
the seniors did a tropical castaway theme.
Although all grades worked hard for hours to
make their hallways wonderful, in an unorthodox
move, the lowerclassmen won the contest.
They had great forest fi re cut-outs everywhere
as well as Smokey the Bear, a fi re arch, and ceiling
fl ames. Some seniors like David Blevins said,
“The combined lowerclassmen against the separated
upperclassmen was unfair and gave them
an advantage.” Still, this unprecedented victory
cast the freshmen and sophomores in the lead for
Homecoming points.
The four theme days this year were “Lei out the
Trojans” (Hawaiian Day), “Put the Trojans to Sleep”
(Pajama Day), “Mix-Up the Trojans” (Wacky Tacky
Day), and “Color the Trojans Green and Gold”
(Green and Gold Day). Each day, students
showed enthusiastic school spirit as they dressed`
up and earned their class points.
There were instances of non-conformity as some
students converted Hawaiian Day into a Powderpuff
Hawaiian Day” in response to the dismissal of
the traditional Powderpuff Day from the Homecoming
theme line-up.
On Wednesday, September 24, Edgren hosted
the Powderpuff Game that pitted all grades 7-12
against one another. It was an aggressive set of
games, full of injuries and fouls. Some students really
got injured by other players caught up in the
game. The seniors won the contest with the fresh
man getting second. Juniors and sophomores tied
for third. Some of the lower classes were actually
tackling during the fl ag football game, which rankled
some of the other grades, causing some animosity.
All in all, it was a fun, competitive game.
This year’s bonfi re on Thursday night, September
25, was a fun event that served to bring together
students for a night of socializing and hanging out.
Some students like Heather Frohling said, “The bonfi
re stack was a lot smaller than what I expected,
but it was still great.” This is true because last year’s
Homecoming bonfi re was signifi cantly larger with a
stack taller than 7 feet; as a result, this event disappointed
many.
One of the traditional highlights of Homecoming
Week is the Parade. Classes decorate fl oats with
banners and they go around the base cheering on
the Eagles and their classes. Other fl oats present
were the Nine Girls Fall Play fl oat with all nine actresses
waving their boas and giving out candy to the
Sollars kids. The Student Council and Administration
had individual golf carts. The procession also included
an Elmo and a motorized School Bus. The Fire
Truck also made an appearance. One of the highlights
was when the Zama football team was walking
towards the TLF and the parade participants started
chanting “EAGLES!” at the top of their lungs. It was a
fun time with lots of laughter and cheering, the climax
to a week of school spirit.
This special week formed many new memories and
bolstered support for the EHS varsity football team as
they annihilated Zama 42-0. GO EAGLES!
To the left: Some EHS students cheer
their hardest at the Pep Rally in hopes
of winning the spirit stick for their class.