2011_Vernois News - Mount Vernon Township High School

VERNOIS NEWS
Volume 90 - Issue 3 TRICK OR TREAT, MV October 2011
Diversity on campus sets MV apart
VERNOIS NEWS photo/Michael Jones
RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY When one thinks of diversity, one usually thinks race or gender. But what … p.3
To Inform,
Educate,
Enlighten
and
Entertain
Twice a year,
students at MV
take the…
p.4
When October
comes to
mind…
p.4
MV students
have been referred
to as
“stupid...p.5
Most have
heard the
familiar bass
riff...p.20

Page 2, News BEAT
VERNOIS NEWS is a free monthly
publication produced by students and staff of
Mount Vernon Township High School.
HOW TO REACH THE VERNOIS
PUBLICATIONS OFFICE
VERNOIS NEWS is located in Room
122H/123H on the campus of Mount Vernon
Township High School, 320 South 7th Street,
Mount Vernon, Illinois, 62864.
Inquiries regarding advertising and other
questions may be directed to VERNOIS
NEWS by calling 618.246.5826 or
618.246.5827. Calls will be taken 8:00 am to
4:30 pm, Monday through Friday during the
school year.
Newsroom: 618.246.5826
Mr. VanZandt’s Classroom: 618.246.5827
MVTHS Administration
Dr. Michael E. Smith, Superintendent
Mr. Wes Olson, Principal
Ms. Joyce Dalton, Assistant Principal
Ms. Julie Holmes, Assistant Principal
Mr. Rob Knutson, Assistant Principal
Mr. Doug Creel, Assistant Principal/Athletic
Director
Mr. Rob Pipher, Director of Curriculum
Mrs. Shirilyn Holt, Board Secretary
Mrs. Angela Brentlinger, Business Manager
VERNOIS NEWS Management
Hannah Piercy, Editor in Chief
Paisley Stewart, Managing Editor
Jessi Clark, News Editor
Michael Jones, A&E Editor
Maggie Aaron, Opinions Editor
Collin Young, Sports Editor
Alyssa Burge, Staff
Rance Cummings, Staff
Shannon Docherty, Staff
Brendan Hill, Staff
Taylor Roberts, Staff
Trace Turner, Staff
Aryn Wiggins, Staff
Mr. Jamey VanZandt, Adviser
Mrs. Karen Hamilton, Print Shop Director
Writing for Publication 1: Period 4
Taylor Allen, Rachel Atkins, Angela Atkinson,
Lexi Barbre, Avery Barton, Kaitlyn Boss, Ashton
Boyer, Shelbi Clark, Shannon Docherty,
Candace Davenport, Kristen Farley, Brendan
Hill, Katrina Ledbetter, Samantha Marshall,
Megan Mckinley, Kristen Minor, Ariel Moore,
Joshua Myers, Kaitlyn Parcell, Janisa Quinn,
Taylor Roberts, Makayla Smith, Trisha Staley,
Falyn VanDyke, Abigail Winkler
VERNOIS NEWS
MV FFA Assists in Training, Leadership
By Brendan Hill
The MV FFA has a large group of students. They are always busy doing different activities.
“Every month we have new exciting things going on,” said Brooke Philips, „15
The MV FFA attended a Leadership Training Camp on October 13, where they
learned how to be better leaders.
“So far I have done so many things. I worked at the Walgreen‟s picnic, attended the
Farmyard Follies at the DuQuin State Fair, went to fun FFA meetings, and a BBQ,”
Philips added.
Through the FFA, many students have met new people.
“Through the FFA I‟ve met new people from other schools that I would have never
met otherwise,” stated Mary Morgan, „15
Students also enj9oy their advisors, Mr. John Kabat and Mrs. Cherie Rogier.
“Mr. Kabat and Ms. Rogier are phenomenal . They‟re fun to be around and easy to
get along with,” added Morgan
TLC Childcare Offers Real-World Experience
By Sam Marshall
Hundreds of babies are born every day somewhere in this area.
There will always be a need for childcare.
Some reasons why childcare will always be important is because most parents or
family members work outside the home.
Also, some moms are single and really need help caring and raising a child.
Then, there are often times that teen pregnancy occurs, which results in the mom
needing additional help, as well.
Brittany Boldt, TLC Childcare, revealed that probably the hardest part of the
class is getting the students to think about teaching rather than only caring for the children.
On the other hand, she also noted, “the most rewarding part of childcare is a kid
wrapping his arms around you. It‟s the love a child can give.”
This class is for people who want a career as a teacher.
Being in this class can help you figure out if being a teacher really is what you want
to be.
Only sophomores, juniors, and seniors are allowed to participate in this specific
class.
By being involved, one can learn many skills.
Being able to teach the children, preparing, lessons, setting up and organizing the
daycare and having the chances to work on their level your preparing yourself for a future
career in this field.
The most important aspect TLC childcare has to offer is experience.
“Working with children can be very hard but beneficial because you are educating
future leaders and kids that will one day be productive member so society,” Boldt stated.
Youth and Government Conducts First Meeting
By Falyn VanDyke
“This year so far we just selected new members and had them notified. Out first
meeting was September 13,” stated Ms. Jessica Pilson, Social Studies, and Youth and
Government Advisor.
During the year, Youth and Government has three major events: Pre-Leg I in November,
Pre-Leg II in December, and the General Assembly Weekend in March.
“I‟m looking forward to going to Springfield,” expressed Casey Jackson, „13 “I‟m
looking forward to meeting all the new people that will be there.”
“I‟m expecting that MVTHS will show the Chicago kids what‟s up!” stated Annalee
Schuette, „12.
There are a lot of goals and expectations in Youth and Government this year.
“My main goal is to find out who is running for office and to get all of our bills
passed,” noted Ms. Pilson.
“My goals are to get my bills passed by youth governor and to enjoy my last year,”
cited Schutte, „12
“I‟m Hoping to write a successful bill and to get it passed,” said Jackson, „13

News
VERNOIS NEWS News, Page 3
Continued from page 1
By Taylor Roberts
VERNOIS NEWS
about student‟s faith and religion? MV has a diversity of religions on
campus.
According to city-data.com, in the United States, over 76% of
people believe in some form of Christianity, while non-Christian beliefs
including Judaism, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hinduism make up 3.9
to 5.5%. Mt. Vernon follows these statistics, in that 82% of people
follow a form of Christianity, and 18% follow other faiths.
If one believes in anything, they usually have just one belief system.
Not for Mallory Kirsch,‟12. She is a “Batholic”, half Catholic,
and half Baptist. Both religions Mallory followers are a type of Christianity.
They just have a different way of worshipping and the ideas
can sometimes conflict.
“Catholics believe that the bread should be taken everyday.
However, Baptists believe that it should be taken every three
months. Also, Catholics believe that in order to get into heaven you
have to be baptized into the faith. Baptists believe that you have to
ask Jesus into your heart,” explained Kirsch.
Eventually Mallory will have to choose which religion she will
pursue for the rest of her life. Some would think this would be hard
to decide.
“I will have to choose a church eventually. It will not be a hard
decision for me because I have been contemplating this for awhile
now. I know my parents will support me with whatever I choose to
believe,” expressed Kirsch.
Parents influence the way that their children believe. Many parents
raise their children into their personal faith.
“I started my faith through my family. My parents, sister, grandparents,
aunts, uncles, and cousins are all Hindu. I also have many
friends that are Hindu. It is fun to go to hang out with them, because
our way of living and culture are the same,” revealed Gauri
Kaushal, ‟14 who also practices the Hindu religion.
In a Christian–dominated community, Hindus are few. Because
there is not a strong group of Hindus here in Mt. Vernon, Gauri and
her family have to be flexible to worship along with people who
share their religion.
“I am very active in my faith. For worship, we go to temples.
The nearest temple is all the way in St. Louis. Since it is that far,
my family and I have placed a little area in our house to perform
“poojas”, (religious prayers). I love to participate in these poojas.
The Indian community from Mt. Vernon and other surrounding towns
gather together in a person‟s house to do these prayers together and
to celebrate holidays. When doing poojas, people sing religious
songs called “Bahajans”, and I participate by singing any Bahajan I
know that fits the occasion,” explained Kaushal.
People with different religions practice their faiths differently.
Some practice once a month and some spend every moment devoting
their time to their beliefs.
“I am always at the church when the doors are open. I go to
Tuesday night prayer and I go to Thursday Night Uprising, which is
for the youth. I also attend Saturday night prayer. I attend Sunday
morning and night services as well,” exclaimed Kayley Scott, „14
who practices the Apostolic Pentecostal faith.
The Apostolic Pentecostal church includes a Christian base, which
means they believe that Jesus walked the earth, died for them, and
is their Savior. But they are different because of the emphasis on
the Holy Spirit, full emersion in water to be baptized, and that the
church today should closely resemble the church as described in the
book of Acts.
The things in which people believe sometimes affect the way
they act outside and inside of their church.
“My faith affects my behavior and it also forces me to make different
decisions than some of my friends. It also makes me think
through situations before they turn bad,” added Hannah Owens, „15
who practices the Baptist faith. As a Christian at the high school,
Hannah doesn't have her faith questioned often.
“I don't really deal with much discrimination. People do question
why I believe certain things, but I just explain my reasoning. I just
use the Bible to respond to their questions,” commented Owens.
“Basically follow the old Golden Rule… treat others they way you
want to be treated,” said Jacob Stern, „13 who practices the Jewish
faith. The Jewish faith is “Christianity without Jesus”. They follow
the Old Testament very literally and have a book of laws called the
Talmud.
Because of the diversity, it is common for people to have their
faith questioned or misunderstood.
“No one has really challenged my faith, to my face, but I would
probably just ask them why they believe what they do, and their
only response to that could be „just because‟ or „because that‟s
what I‟ve been taught,” commented Stern.
Throughout all of these faiths one thing was consistent. Their
faith is very important to each and every one of them.
Scott stated “It‟s who I am, and I don't know what I would do or
where I would be without it.”
“My faith sets guidelines for me to live my life through Christ,”
said Owens.
“Faith is very important to me because I think that it is what
defines me as a person. It helps me become a better person and
strengthens my walk with God,” added Kirsch.
“Being Hindu is a very important and big part of my life. The
reason it is so important is because my Hindu religion plays a big role
In who I am today. It shapes me as a person,” exclaimed Kaushal.
“My faith is important to me because it has taught me a lot of
morals,” commented Stern.

Page 4, News
What’s
Jumpin’
Jessi?
By Jessi Clark
NEWS EDITOR
Think pink, think
cure
Continued from p.1
what do you think of?
Halloween? Trick-ortreating?
Tp‟ing?
Does breast cancer awareness
come to mind?
The month of October is
Breast Cancer Awareness
Month, otherwise known as
“Pinktober”.
The city of Mt. Vernon has
participated in a number of
events to raise money for
breast cancer awareness.
Crossroads Community
Hospital had a total of 21
events planned this month to
benefit breast cancer.
Good Samaritan Hospital
has also been planning events
for Pinktober.
Good Samaritan hosted a
“Think Pink Ladies Night Out”
which allowed ladies to receive
massages and other
pampering while listening to
speakers about breast cancer.
Maybe you've noticed pink
being shown throughout all
NFL stadiums.
All 32 NFL teams have participated
in raising funding for
breast cancer. NFL is auctioning
off game-worn, autographed
gear in hopes to raise
money for breast cancer
awareness.
Whether it‟s buying a
wristband , T-Shirt, or donating
to a charity, help find a
cure for breast cancer.
News
School offers students reading options
By Trisha Staley
VERNOIS NEWS
The MV school library recently acquired new technology
in the form of the Kindle; it looks like
a page out of a book, but digital, with
typing keys.
It was purchased with the MVTHS
foundation grant, for the library to
provide technology for the MV students.
The Kindle is designed to help students
with ready and technology
skills. It also is checked out for books
a student or staff member would like
to read.
Since the Kindle is an expensive
piece of technology certain precautions
are taken to those who are in
position while it‟s checked out.
“To be honest, I really like them
because of the way I don‟t have to
turn pages and because they‟re shiny,” Reed McIntosh,
„14.
While it‟s being loaned to a student or staff the
student or staff member cannot have any overdue
or lost books. They are also required to sign a paper.
The Kindles can be checked out for up to one
week at a time. The library keeps, one in a green
case and another in a black case.
If a Kindle comes to be damaged, misplaced, or
broken. It‟s the responsibility to replace it or pay
By Angela Atkinson
VERNOIS NEWS
Continued from page 1
VERNOIS NEWS / http://
www.kindlevsnookreviews.com
MV library purchased Kindles to
further education options. MVTHS
Foundation Grant donated the
money for the kindles.
Practice test day comes, goes
the EXPLORE, PLAN, or ACT tests.
Students take the EXPLORE and PLAN to prepare
for the ACT‟s, and their future.
Students may have different views on how these
tests may or may not affect them in school.
“It shows me what subjects I need to work on
more,” stated Kara Bachelor, „14.
“It‟s just testing us on knowledge we‟ve learned
in school in a way that doesn‟t really teach us. It‟s
just an assessment,” commented Molly Rodgers,
„14. “I don‟t think it‟s supposed to make us do better
in school.”
Some students may say that the PLAN or EX-
PLORE tests may have affected themselves.
“I work harder, so I get better,” claimed Megan
Hughes, „15.
Most students do agree that we should take these
tests.
“In a way, it makes us smarter. Yeah we all complain
about it now, but I think it will pay off,” explained
Morgan Stoner, „14.
MV students share different views about testing.
“To prepare ourselves for the ACT‟s,” noted
VERNOIS NEWS
for the replacement cost by the person who had it
when it was damaged etc.
“I haven‟t checked it out yet, but I‟ve held one
before. I like it because it‟s so lightweight,” noted
Alyssa Dudley, „14.
When the device must be taken
back to the library, it must be returned
to the circulation desk librarian.
It is not to be placed on the
counter or in the drop box.
Lexi McKay, „14, stated, “The
Kindle is the new trendy way to
read.”
Mrs. Carol Hutchinson reported
that a student who checked a Kindle
out normally took them four days to
finish a book, but when they were
using the Kindle it only took two
days.
Mrs. Hutchinson noted that it‟s a
great tool and it‟s a great tool. It
also is well utilized as a book because
soon enough text books will be all
transferred to technology.
A few books available on the Kindles include:
The Hunger Games by Suzanna Collins, Shelter by
Harlan Coben, Looking for Alaska by John Green,
and Salem’s Lot by Stephen King.
“We welcome all students. There is no limit to
the number of books that are check out, and an
appreciation to Student Council for new books,
waters, and the snacks provided in the library,”
stated Mrs. Hutchinson.
Hailey Beale, „14.
“[Tests are important] so the state can see how
the school is doing,” explained Bachelor.
In the spring, freshman will take the Pre-PLAN
and sophomores will take the pre-ACT. Most of the
students hope to do better on the test in the spring.
“I really don‟t know if I will do better or not,”
expressed Jamie Poole, „14.
“I hope I do better. I will know more,” said
Hughes.
The state‟s composite test scores in Illinois for
the ACT test in 2010 were 20.7. The score had risen
from 2006, which was 20.5, but had lowered from
2009, which were 20.9.
“I think I did really well, it was all review,” stated
Hughes.
The incentives for the fall tests are a day of
bowling, movie, and lunch at the end of the year
for freshman. The incentives for sophomores at the
end of the year are a trip to Six Flags.
“They‟re okay. I‟m not that into incentives. I
want to do well for myself. Although I have to admit,
I‟d love to go to Six Flags,” expressed Rodgers.
“Honestly, I think [the incentives] are pointless.
Why are they rewarding us for learning?” said
Hughes.

Editorial
VERNOIS NEWS Editorial, Page 5
VERNOIS NEWS
A VERNOIS PUBLICATIONS GROUP Newspaper
Editorial Board:
Hannah Piercy, Editor in Chief
Paisley Stewart, Managing Editor
Mr. Jamey VanZandt, Adviser
Vernois Views
MV’s mascot, Ram Rod,
rekindles flame for school pride
MV students have been referred to as “stupid Mt.
Vernon fans,” not because of an absence to a rivalry
game, but because MV students emanate school spirit.
In addition to the new grade-class seating at the
2011 homecoming assembly, MV’s mascot, Ram Rod,
introduced himself to the student body. Unfortunately,
instead of appreciating the new opportunity
we are given to show school spirit, some students
have recently belittled our mascot through actions
and speech.
It is unfortunate that some students have not
realized the benefit of Ram Rod in our school. As a
school that thrives on school spirit, it should not be
hard to recognize the benefit and importance of
Ram Rod. Not only does Ram Rod bring life to a
game but he increases school spirit.
“Ram Rod will be seen at as many sporting
events as possible doing anything from cheering,
dancing, pumping up the crowd and taking pictures,”
stated Mrs. Becky Simpson, Special Education
teacher and Ram Rod’s coach.
Ram Rod has already led students in MV cheers at
football games as well as a soccer game. He is expected
to appear at many basketball games where
he will pump up the crowd in the Khaos Kage.
Not only does Ram Rod ignite school spirit at MV,
but he is also taking his excitement into the community
or wherever he can lend a helping hand.
Mrs. Simpson explained “He will also be at events
in the community that help benefit the people of
Mt. Vernon, such as City Wide Clean-Up and Toys 4
Tots. Maybe Ram Rod can set an example and draw
more people to be active in making our community
all it can be.”
Ram Rod offers an incredible opportunity to
increase our excitement about being a MV Ram and
spread the enthusiasm we have running through our
ram veins.
It’s time to get in line and Ram Rod our way to
the most spirit filled high school campus in Southern
Illinois. Go Ram Rod, go Ram Rod, GO!

Page 6, News
VERNOIS NEWS
Freshman acclimate to first quarter on campus
By Abigail Winkler
VERNOIS NEWS
Just nine weeks ago, the class of 2015 took its first steps toward four
years of high school experience. Throughout their daily schedules,
they have shared being part of the Freshman
Academy.
Freshmen have now completed that first
quarter at MV. From the first day of school
to now, the newcomers have found ways to
fit into a routine.
The first day was nerve racking for most
students.
“We all came from different schools and
in the beginning, I didn't really know everyone,”
said Savannah Estes, „15.
“I was really nervous.” stated Kayley
Scott,‟15.
In the Freshman Academy, students are
able to learn with other freshmen in their
core classes.
“We get thrown into all these classes with
upper classmen, but when it is just freshman,
you feel more comfortable,” said Savannah
Estes,‟15.
Emily Kniffen, „15 stated, “I like how we
get to interact with all the other freshmen”.
In many ways, the Freshman Academy
has helped with students‟ learning.
Being together in the same four classes all
day, can really influence grades.
Freshman Academy classes also help students
work together to overcome obstacles throughout their freshman
year.
“Without them, I wouldn‟t be as confident as I am to walk through
those MV doors,” Lexi Richardson, „15.
Also to many freshmen, the teams R, A, M, and S are a big part of
the Academy. Each Thursday, the team with the highest attendance
is released to lunch five minutes early.
“I think the teams are a good idea,”
added Scott.
Each team has a group of experienced
teachers that are prepared to help freshman
start out high school on the right
foot.
“Each teacher is different, but all in a
good way,” stated Estes.
With the Freshman Academy, each
freshman gets a chance to prepare for the
VERNOIS NEWS / Alyssa Burge
Hayden Fahrenholtz, ‘15, completes an English assignment
in Freshman Academy. First quarter gave freshmen
a solid foundation for their high school career.
rest of high school. They are supplied
with knowledge about life that will help
them through the rest of their high school
career.
Freshman academy is about getting
high school off on the right foot both academically,
behaviorally, and socially.
The new freshmen are accompanied
into their first year with a new freshmen
academy principal, Ms. Julie Holms.
“Ms. Holms is making changes in
attempt to make it a more cohesive group
in order to better reach our students.”
stated freshman social studies teacher,
Ms. Jessica Pilson.
Ms. Holmes stresses the need for
freshmen to get involved in all MV has to offer and to make the most
of your time at MV.
MV prepares for 32nd annual teacher conference
By Brendan Hill
VERNOIS NEWS
The thirty-second annual Mount Vernon Teacher‟s Conference will
be held on October 27 and 28. Many teachers from all over will
head to the MV campus, while students enjoy two days off.
The Mount Vernon Teacher‟s Conference is one of the largest in
Illinois. Typically, teachers who teach K-12 attend the conference.
“The Mount Vernon Teacher‟s Conference is two days devoted
to professional development of area–wide teachers,” stated Ms.
Julie Hayes, business.
Ms. Hayes also oversees a food booth sponsored by FBLA each
year.
The day usually begins with a keynote speaker. This year‟s
speakers are Chris Irwin and Michael Pinto.
Chris Irwin the coach of the Southern Illinois Minors and trainerof
trainers in the horse industry and will be speaking on Thursday.
Michael Pinto is a professional speaker that has been entertaining
for 18 years. He will be speaking on Friday.
Throughout the day, teachers attend workshops that improve
their teaching skills.
“In previous years, I have attended workshops regarding technology
in the classroom, student discipline, and school law,” Ms.
Hayes added.
“I pick out as many presentations that apply to math as possible,”
said Mrs. Holly McKay, math.
During the day, there are four sessions that are offered to
teachers.
For some teachers, this is the first conference they will attend.
“This is my first year teaching and my first time going to the
conference,” stated Mr. Keith Jones, health.
Not only will the teachers be attending classes, but also some
will be teaching classes.
“I will be teaching two classes this year myself and then spending
the rest of the time taking classes,” said Mr. Jeremy Mays, English.
“While students are out of school, teachers are attending
school,” Mr. Mays also stated.
Mr. Mays has been teaching for thirteen years and has attended
thirteen of the conferences.
“One year I helped set up the conference when I worked for the
ROE,” added Mr. Mays.
At the conference, teachers can share many of their ideas.
“I have gotten a lot of great ideas from attending the conference,”
said Mr. Scott Gamber, Social Studies.
At the conference the teachers will share classroom ideas, learn
how to use different technology in the classroom, and will gain new
knowledge on different teaching procedures.

VERNOIS NEWS
Steve Jobs revolutionizes technology industry
By Jessi Clark
NEWS EDITOR
iTouch or iPhone? iPad or Mac
computers?
All these electronics have one
thing in common, Steve Jobs.
Steve Jobs, founder of Apple,
passed away on Wednesday, October
5, 2011 from pancreatic cancer.
He was 56 years old.
A c c o r d i n g t o
www.abcnews.com, Mr. Jobs co–
founded Apple Computer in 1976.
Jobs, along with his co-worker
Steve Wozniak, marked the
world‟s first successful personal
computer, the Apple II.
Once the passing of Steve Jobs
went public, Apple website stated
“Apple has lost a visionary and
creative genius, and the world has
lost an amazing human being.
Those of us who have been fortunate
enough to know and work
with Steve have lost a dear friend
and an inspiring mentor. Steve
leaves behind a company that only
he could have built, and his spirit
will forever be the foundation of
Apple.”
Steve Jobs had fought pancreatic cancer since 2004. In 2009, he
was forced to get a liver transplant.
"Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve
Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators, brave
enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change
the world, and talented enough to do it,” stated President Barack
Obama.
“It‟s sad that Steve Jobs passed away so early because if he had
By Brendan Hill
VERNOIS NEWS
Have you ever wondered what the National
Honor Society is? How do students
get involved, and what are the
requirements to be in it?
The National Honor Society is an
organization of students who have outstanding
performance in leadership,
scholarship, service, and character.
“NHS looks great on your college
resume and it also sets you apart from
other students. NHS gives you the
pleasure to know you are actually making
a difference in the high school,”
stated Craig Vishy, „12.
The National Honor Society has its
blood drive every year. This year, the
blood drive will be held on Halloween
in L Building.
Students who are above the age of
16 are encouraged to sign up to donate
VERNOIS NEWS / http://www.news.biharprabha.com/2011/10/a-tribute-tosteve-jobs/
Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, presents the new the iPad. Jobs passed
away recently from batting pancreatic cancer.
National Honor Society begins new year
blood.
Donating blood can help to save up
to three people‟s lives.
“It would be great if we could have
people come out and give blood,” said
Mrs. Holly Davis, NHS sponsor.
Mrs. Holly Davis has been in charge
of the National Honor Society for 6
years.
If you would ever like to get involved
in the National Honor Society,
see Mrs. Davis.
“National Honor Society is always
doing something for the community,
whether it‟s babysitting for those in
need or fundraising,” noted Libbey
Harrah, „13.
The National Honor Society usually
gives back to the community.
The officers of NHS are Annalee
Schuette, president, Jacqueline Flood,
vice president, Madison Peterman, secretary,
and Lexi Donoho, treasurer.
News, Page 7
stayed alive longer, he would have invented new life changing Apple
products,” stated Jacob Stern, „13.
When Steve first started Apple,
his first year consisted of assembling
circuit boards in Steve‟s garage
and trying to sell them to local
computer stores with coworker
Wozniak.
Jobs had been working with
Apple since early 1975. His inventions
have consisted of the Apple
II, Macintosh, the NeXT cube, the
iPod, iTouch, iPad, and Apple Inc.
He created some of the best
computers known. They are some
of the best computers both graphically
and capably.
By his death, Steve Jobs was
worth an estimated total of $8.3
billion dollars.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates
stated, “Steve and I first met
nearly 30 years ago, and have
been colleagues, competitors and
friends over the course of more
than half our lives. For those of us
lucky enough to get to work with
him, it's been an insanely great honor.
I will miss Steve immensely.”
“Steve Jobs is my idol. He did so
many amazing things with computers and other technology. He is
also is 10 times better then Bill Gates. It‟s a horrible loss to the
nerd community,” added Avery Barton, „13.
Steve Jobs touched the lives of many people. His creations of
Apple will be known for many years to come. His ingenious ideas
and stellar creativity made it possible for us to enjoy the products
Apple Inc. has given us. If you haven't had a chance, check out
some of the mind blowing devices he has created.
Support Vernois
Yearbook
Buy a
“Stupid Mt.
Vernon Fan” Shirt
in Room 122 H
$10 Each

Page 8, Feature
Feature
VERNOIS NEWS
Koch dreams big
By Kaitlyn Boss
VERNOIS NEWS
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business? Shayln Koch, a
MV freshman, is in the process of making this dream into a reality.
It all started when Shayln and her dad, Jay Koch, were sitting at
home discussing why women have so many pairs of shoes. This led
Shayln to think, what if one shoe could take the place of all of those
shoes?
Shayln came up with the idea of sewing plastic pockets onto the
outside of the shoe that would hold your own customizable inserts.
When she shared this idea with her dad, he slammed down the
foot-rest of his recliner and yelled “That’s a great idea!”
Jay wanted to get the business started as soon as possible.
The first step was coming up with a good name. They decided on
naming the brand of shoes Ushoes.
Second, they created a model of the shoe. They used a pair of
Converse shoes and sewed on the plastic pockets. Then, they created
a unique insert for the shoe.
After a few adjustments, it turned out just the way they wanted
it and the first Ushoe was created.
The next step was to go hire a lawyer and get the Ushoes patented.
“The patent process was fun but kind of stressful. It was exciting
to know that I was about to make a business involves a lot of work,”
expressed Koch.
After waiting a week for the results, the lawyer gave them great
news that there are no other shoes like Ushoes and therefore, they
are now patened.
The final step is to create a factory.
They are now trying to find a factory in China to manufacture the
shoes.
Koch explained, “I will have it set up where you can either
choose or create your design for the inserts online and order them.
They will be automatically printed our and shipped to you.”
You can order as many inserts as you want so your shows will always
be different.
You will also be able to put anything you want on the shoe.
You can put pictures of yourself or your friends on the shoe. You
can put lyrics from your favorite bands on the shoe. Soon, you will
even be able to order MV Rams inserts.
“Ushoes can change appearance unlike any other shoe,” claimed
Koch. “That’s what makes them unique.”
Students anticipate Halloween
By Shelbi Clark
VERNOIS NEWS
For the 2011 Halloween season, to
achieve the most fright, what haunted
houses and attractions will MV students
and staff visit. Which of this area‟s scariest
attractions provide the most terrifying
thrill?
Trying to find the most scare is a goal
of many at MV.
“The Darkness in St. Louis is by far
the best I have visited,” stated Mr. Jeremy
Mays, English and Performance Study
teachers.
Celebrating Halloween seems to be a
tradition for MV students and staff.
“My friends and I dress up, and we
decorate my front yard. We definitely “go
all out” explained Ryann Stehley, „14.
“I take my little brother trick-ortreating.
It is definitely a tradition,”
claimed Kaitlyn Simmons, „13.
“We throw a party at home and decorate
the whole yard. We have a
spookwalk and show scary movies by a
projector in the woods with a bonfire,”
claimed Mays.
Some haunted houses seem to
“haunt” the minds of some Mv students.
“The haunted houses in Salem and
Herrin scared me to tears!” stated Lexie
McKay, „14, “But I definitely want to go
back.”
“Chitteyville Haunted School in Herrin
was by far the scariest and it lasted forever,
but it was totally worth it!” explained
Simmons.
Everyone has a favorite and least
favorite part of Halloween, and several
students didn‟t have a problem explain
theirs.
Jenna Covalt, „12 claimed, “Scary
movies are my favorite and getting
scared out of my mind is my least favorite.
They go hand in hand.”
Researching haunted houses before
you visit can always be a good idea.
“I researched “The Darkness” before
I drove all the wat over there. I‟m glad I
did because it was worth it,” mentioned
Mr. Mays.
Haunted houses are not for everyone.
Some just celebrate from home.
“They just scare me, so I don't take
part in haunted houses,” stated Stehley.
Some parts of haunted attractions
stand out. What makes a haunted attraction
“good”?
“Special effects, the way everything is
setup just makes everything scarier,”
mentioned McKay.
What are MV student‟s biggest fears
when it comes to Halloween?
“Michael Myers, he is the scariest!”
mentioned Stehley.
“Anything with clowns along with
anything I can‟t see coming,” claimed
McKay.
Staff Picks for
Favorite Horror
Movies
15. Human Centipede
14. Paranormal Activity
13. House of a Thousand
Corpses
12. Silent Hill
11. The Shining
10. Saw II
9. Darkness Falls
8. The Hills Have Eyes
7. It
6. The Sixth Sense
5. Halloween
4. Friday the 13th
3. The Ring
2. The Last Exorcisms
1. Insidious

VERNOIS NEWS Feature, Page 9
New drivers take over roads
By Shannon Docherty
VERNOIS STAFF
A driver‟s Ed class, a permit, and fifty hours
of behind the wheel instruction has led some
students this year to get their driver‟s license
and a car.
Students who have received their licenses
this year have had to go through a Driver‟s Ed
class.
“I liked my driver‟s ed. class, because the
teachers were cool and it was fun to get to
leave school and go on a drive,” explained Brody
Neal, „4.
“Yes I did like my driver‟s ed. class. My
teacher made learning to drive fun,” added
Olivia Rios, „14.
“I really enjoyed my driver‟s ed. class, because
of my driving instructor. I had Mr.
McClure. We would just talk about random
things while driving. It was interesting,”
claimed Amanda Scott „14.
Even though students must drive with an
instruction permit for a minimum of nine
months before they apply for a full license according
to cyberdriveillinois.com, some students
have different thoughts on if they are
ready or not.
“I feel ready because I practiced for almost
ten months and I‟m really comfortable with
driving,” Stated Brittney Harrington, „14.
By Taylor Allen
VERNOIS NEWS
MV students are preparing, studying, and stressing
out.
It‟s testing time!
Teachers and students who have already
taken tests have some specific bits of advice to
share.
If students are planning on going to college
they need to do well on their testing.
Students hear their teachers go on about
preparing, studying, and what to do for these
tests.
To do well on their testing, there are certain
steps that can help them.
The night before and the morning of the test
are very important.
“Get a good night‟s sleep, review basic
facts, and organize your stuff. Books, calculators,
pencils, etc.” explained Mrs. Nikki Bauer-
Prost, Math Department.
“Eat a healthy breakfast, and stay focused!”
stated Ashley Tobin, „12.
If you want to study, but you don't know
what to study ask a teacher, counselor, or upperclassmen
for help.
“I feel like I‟m sometimes ready. I‟m ready
for the freedom but when I think about my
friends and I behind the wheel, it seems like
we‟re too young,” explained Neal.
“I spent nine months with a permit, driving
almost one hundred hours with a parent. I was
ready,” claimed Jagger Ellis, „14.
The first thing that usually comes to mind
when students think about what they want for
their sixteenth birthday is a car.
“For now I‟m driving my brother‟s Ford Escort,
but my dream, car is a Jeep Wrangler!”
explained Scott.
“I‟m currently sharing a „03 Hyundai Sante
Fe with My mom and that‟s going to be partially
mine for a while. Not for sure what kind of car
I‟ll be getting,” commented Ellis.
Almost every sophomore has to park in L
parking lot, but most want to park in the other
parking lots.
“I want to park in H, because I know a lot of
people there,” mentioned Harrington.
“I would like to park in H because that I
where a lot of my friends like to park.” noted
Neal.
“I want to park in G, because my last class is
Mr. Spaniol‟s and it‟s always good to get out of
there and to your car fast,” commented Ellis.
“I want to park in G, because it‟s where my
brother always parked. It‟s smaller and it‟s
much calmer,” stated Scott.
Students prepare for ACT
“It would be to your benefit to acquire an
ACT prep book to study from and get an idea of
the types of questions that will be on the test,”
Tobin commented.
Do as many sample test questions as you
can. Then, if you have any you don't know ask
questions about the problems,” Mrs. Prost stated.
Students mostly think that the ACT is a negative
all together, but there are benefits from
the ACT.
A major benefit is the ACT is universally
accepted for college admission, according to
www.act.org.
Students stress out when they hear the word
ACT.
If students are not satisfied with their first
score, they can always take it again.
“Relax and don't worry about the results.
Just think of ways you can improve,” commented
Brandon Nabors, „13.
“Just relax and do your best!” Strain added.
Time is a major factor when testing. It goes
by quickly.
“Just watch your time and if you guess make
sure it‟s a good one!” Abbie Strain, „13, mentioned.
How do you feel about the
ACT?
“I'm really not worried about it.
I’m just going to go in and take
it.”
-Garret Calvert ‘13
“The ACT … The name alone
intimidates me. But overall, it
was okay. I definitely need to
be more prepared for it
though.”
-Caity Avery ‘13
“I hate when people talk about
it. It just makes me stress out,
but by the end of the year I’m
sure I’ll be ready.”
-Emma Creel ‘13
“I get really nervous and scared
when I start to think about the
ACT. The time element is what
gets me.”
-Billy Fields ‘13
“The ACT practice was a lot
harder for me this year than it
was last year. That’s probably
not a good thing..”
-Jake Wilson ‘13
“The ACT makes me nervous.
There is a lot of pressure to
score high. The prep gets harder
and harder.”
-Grace McDowell ‘13
“When it comes to ACT practice
I could do without. However, it
seemed to help tremendously
when it came to improvement.”
-Summer Hobson ‘13

Page 10, Odds & Ends
VERNOIS NEWS
Odds & Ends
Top 6 Haunted
Attractions for your
Greatest Halloween
Experience
1. The Darkness in Saint
Louis, Missouri
2. CreepyWorld / Silo-X
in Fenton, Missouri
Hilarious Halloween Jokes
Q. How do you make a milkshake?
A. You sneak up behind it and yell, “Boo?”
Q. When do ghosts appear?
A. Right before someone screams
Q. Why do ghosts like to ride elevators?
A. Because it raises their Spirit.
Q. Why do ghosts like to go to baseball games?
A. Because they can boo the umpire.
Q. why did the game warden arrest the ghost?
A. Because he didn't have his haunting license
3.Lemp Brewery Haunted
House in St. Louis, Missouri
4.Haunted Scream Park in
St. Louis, Missouri
5.Horrific Happenings in
Springfield, Illinois
6.Chittyville School in
Herrin, Illinois

VERNOIS NEWS Odds & Ends, Page 11
What does it mean to be caring?
A smile? A wave? A simple hello?
For me it is much more.
Caring for people is call that not
Everone has, and few truly have
The joy of having.
Caring for someone is more than simply tolerating
them.
It is having profound love that
Grows deep inside of you,
The ability to smile when things
Are at their worst.
And the gift to make others smile.
When it seems impossible
Caring for others takes someone with a
Heart, big enough to make even the toughest
Melt like chocolate.
A smile, that lights up even the
Worst of days
And most of all the will to keep
Going when all seems lost…
And that person is me.
-Meagan
Whitener,’13
Eight simple letters
Formed together
To create
One little saying
Only composed of three small words
But yet so complex
Beyond their understanding
That leaves us
With a vast question
To what's really in their grasp
Not a minuscule saying
But a wrenching emotion
That captures ones heart
And imprisons ones soul
A three word phrase
Known as.
I Love You
Baseball is where it’s at
Go ahead and grab a bat
The Cardinals are 2 games back
They’re ready to make an attack
With Pujols leading the way
They’ll take you on any day
Berkman will back him up
I’m sure they won’t mess up
Hopefully the Braves will choke
Considering their team is a joke
October is almost here
Post season teams are pretty clear
The Cardinals are still in it
Everyone will cheer
The Cardinals have won this year
-Emma Creel,’13
-Maverick
Wagner,’13
More…
More than simply getting the job done
For the dying woman someone calls mom
More then the task you dislike very much
For the man who can no longer do it himself
More than the sickly newborn you say “will never make it”
For the parents whose last bit of hope is in You
More than a paycheck, more than a job
For the people who trust you with someone they love
-Lexi
Donoho,’12

What do you enjoy
most about Theatre
for Kids?
I enjoy playing diverse
characters and
being in different time
eras. I also love the
clothing and props.
What does it take
to be an actor?
It takes a lot of time,
dedication, and high
self-esteem. There
will be times when
you mess up and you
are turned away but
you have to realize
those make you
stronger.
How do you relate
to your character,
Hank?
We are both high
school students. The
beginning and end are
in modern times so it
really gives me the
freedom to add what I
want to the character
based on how I act in
real life.
How do you get into
character?
I stand backstage and
get as serious as I
can. If the beginning
emotion is anger, I
will pull someone
aside and run through
the lines that display
that type of emotion.
What would you like
to tell your cast and
crew from Theatre
for Kids?
Thank you! They are
they best kids at the
high school and I am
honored to work with
them. They did a
beautiful job!
What advice would
you give to incoming
actors/actresses?
Don’t hesitate to get
involved. Ask questions
because everybody
is willing to help.
When you audition,
give us your all. If you
give nothing in an audition,
you get nothing in
a show.
What goes on behind
the scenes?
“Stage crew and mic
wranglers have to stay
back stage, we have to
remain silent and hand
the actors their props.”
What all does the
tech crew do?
“I change batteries and
make sure the microphones
are hooked up
so the audience can
actually hear them.”
What is your favorite
part of tech crew?
“I think its seeing the
finished project, and
knowing you helped
make the show what it
is.”
“Sir Boss invents all
manner of wonderful
things. Business is only
one part of his genius.
He calls me Sandy.”
-Lady Alisande
How do you relate
to your character?
My character is a
teenage lady in waiting
who is the love
interest of the lead. I
would be pretty similar
to her. She’s
spunky.
What do you enjoy
most about Theatre
for Kids?
Seeing all the kids reactions
to the shows
we work so hard on.
Do you have a
pre-show routine?
I usually go out to
eat with the rest of
the cast. We go to
Denny’s and it’s a
time for us to connect
and relax. It
helps the nerves!
Do you plan on
continuing theatre
throughout
college?
Yes, actually I do.
Acting on stage
comes naturally to
me and I have decided
it is my life goal.
My major in college
will be theatre and
someday I hope to
wind up in New York!

How is the music
department
different from other
departments at
MV?
All departments at MV
are great with the
common goal of helping
students. We differ
because we are
both curricular and
extra curricular.
Why did you decide
to teach music?
I really loved my
high school orchestra
director, Mr. Tal
Smith. He encouraged
me in this direction.
I’ve been involved with music since I
was a kid, so naturally when I got
into high school, I got more involved.
“I like that Mrs. Wilkerson has a
different way of doing things.
We learn different parts of a
song at different times. Nothing
is traditional about it at all!”
“I think it is really neat to hear
how all the different
instrument parts fit together.”
“The music department allows
me to express my feelings
through song. Mr. Mays always
makes things fun.”
What do you expect
from your
students?
Personal responsibility
is a must. Our students
have lots of
gear to take care of.
They have to be prepared
and on time to
events. It’s a big
commitment and responsibility.
What extracurricular
activities does
music department
offer?
In addition to main
band, choir, and orchestra,
we have pep
band, jazz band, and
of course singing in
the operetta. We are
hoping to start guitar
and piano lessons.
Why did you get involved
in the music
department?
I really enjoy playing
the violin and playing
in the Orchestra is a
good experience.
How would you
sum up your
experience in the
music department?
I feel like I have
grown and learned a
lot from being involved
these last few
years.
“Well for me music is my life. I love
playing my cello. When I’m playing
on stage it’s like a game day for
everyone else, but afterwards I love
hearing the crowd cheer.”
“I enjoy music so being apart of
Symphonic orchestra and concert
choir is fun. We learn a lot of music
of different variety and it’s neat to
hear it all fit together.”
“I enjoy band and chorus because they
give me a chance to play and sing music
and learn more about it. The other
people in them are awesome too!”
What do you enjoy
about your job?
I thrive on the daily
challenges that teaching
offers. Each day
there are so many potential
new successes
to be accomplished by
the individual as well
as the ensemble as a
whole.
What advice would
you give to your
students?
I would encourage
each to always be
themselves, but to
also push themselves
to achieve their personal
best.

Page 14, Columns
ALIS VOLAT
PROPRIIS
By Hannah Piercy
EDITOR IN CHIEF
My grandmother once told
me, “Always know what
face you’re making, because
you never know who
may be looking.”
As teenagers, we have more influence
over younger kids then we know. Our
actions can determine their decisions in
the future and their desires now.
Being an older sister, I see the effects
my decisions have on my younger siblings.
When I do something as simple as liking a
certain artist, they too grow fond of the
same artist. My six year old sister is a
perfect example of this. After hearing
Justin Bieber played in my car a few
times, she fell in love with the seventeen
year old pop singer and now has two
shirts, a poster, and a Barbie that looks
just like him.
When silly bands became popular, a
few years ago, it was not because little
kids wore them, but because an older
audience obsessed over the little stretchy
bands.
Not only do our actions affect younger
audiences, but our peers and parents as
Columns
Piercy realizes consequences
that come from actions
well. Our actions can ruin friendships,
destroy reputations, and build up unwanted
frustration. We assume the role of an
adult at a younger age but excuse the
responsibilities that come along with being
an adult when it causes us to make
responsible decisions.
More and more we see students suspended
from extracurricular activities
because of violation of code of conduct.
Students brush it off like it’s no big deal
when in reality it is effecting a younger
generation as well as our families reputation.
The younger generation see their role
models okaying inappropriate activities
and will eventually be old enough to make
these same decisions.
When we lower our standards, whether
it’s because we feel big enough to handle
the consequences or invincible to the
repercussions, it gives others the idea that
they could also lower their standards with
little or no repercussions.
However, consequences and repercussions
are inevitable and they impact more
than just us individually. They often impact
those around us in deeper ways then
we realize.
People are always watching what we do
so be careful the action you make because
you never know who may be watching.
Cheerleading: more than just a sport, a passion
I Dare You to Move
Ashton Boyer
VERNOIS NEWS
VERNOIS NEWS
Project Graduation
Benefit Featuring
CINDI’S CATERING
Prepared by: Cindi Peterman
What: A full gourmet meal of Chicken,
Wild Rice Casserole, Salad, Roll,
and Dessert
—Cost: $8.00—
When: November 4, 2011
Serving from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: MVTHS Cafeteria
Carry out only
Tickets on sale now
through October 27th
Roberts Financial Group, Inc.
2007 Broadway Street
Mount Vernon, IL 62864-2910
618.246.1950 · Toll Free: 888.475.0776
Fax: 618.246.1960 · Cell: 618.214.5262
groberts@berthelre.com
Gordon M. Roberts, Jr.
Registered Representative
Registered Representative of and securities offered
through Berthel Fisher & Company Financial
Services, Inc. (BFCFS), Member FINRAISIPC
Two and a half minutes—that’s all it takes. Watch a commercial, boil
an egg, walk from one end of the mall to the other...or be a cheerleader.
Watch a commercial break, boil an egg, walk from one end of the
mall to the other … or be a cheerleader.
In two and a half minutes cheerleaders learn to be team players,
and place absolute trust in some twenty other people. They learn that
each step taken has a purpose. They learn that being passionate and
self-confident is the only way to succeed.
In two and a half minutes, dismiss the stereotypes and generalizations
about the sport, just simply go hard or go home.
To push beyond your limits and prove that nothing is impossible in
the boundaries of seven blue mats-that’s the true definition of a
cheerleader in orange and black.
In 2008, I stepped foot into Changnon Gymnasium, with no idea
what I was doing and little understanding of what cheerleading was,
but I certainly liked the idea of calling myself a real high school
cheerleader.
That first season, I was oblivious to the impact that being a Ram
cheerleader would have on my life. Four years, four coaches, four
separate teams, and an infinite number of memories later, it is safe
to say that I would not be the person I am today without MV cheerleading
and everything that it has taught me.
From feeling unsure freshmen year, to now, eighteen and self assured
about graduating high school, cheerleading has been the rock of
my life. No matter what was going on beyond the giant blue mats and
the front door of the building, the warehouse was a place of strength
and stability.
Regardless of the day I had at school or the fight that I was in
with my parents, I knew that at practice I had thirty nine other girls
to lean on and laugh with and four coaches to learn from.
Over the past four seasons I have learned that cheerleading is not
about winning and taking home trophies. In the end it’s about something
much greater than I; being a member of a team.
Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision,
the ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational
objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon
results.
Cheerleading has taught me to have faith in my own abilities, and
to know that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Many of the great
accomplishments of the world were done by women who kept working
even through distress and hardship. If at first you don't succeed, try,
try again. That stunt might not hit the first time, perseverance is key.
Cheerleading has given me confidence, self-worth, and a passion I
know never existed within me. I have learned that two and a half
minute isn't simply minutes on a clock, or seconds on a watch, but an
endless number of possibilities.

VERNOIS NEWS
Columns
Columns, Page 15
McKinley promotes understanding
Life Goes on
By Megan McKinley
VERNOIS NEWS
Everyone sees things differently in his or her own preferences. No
one is the same and no one has the exact same thought process.
With that said you can‟t possibly believe that every fan girl of Twilight
will all be Team Edward or Team Jacob.
Then there would be no Fan Girl wars, and what‟s the fun in
that? But just because I say that having opinions are fine and fan
girl wars are fun doesn't mean one has to go and kill everyone that
is against her team.
I can imagine it now...one girl walking down the street wearing
a Team Jacob shirt and another girl walking down the street wearing
a Team Edward shirt. The two stop in front of each other and
electric sparks pass between them that would give any passerby a
severe electric injury. The two opposite fan girls grab the nearest
blunt object and start beating each other with it.
I got off my point somewhere during that little vision...that imagery
simply proves that everyone has his or her own opinions. An
opposing fan girl cannot bite another fan girl's head off if they don't
think the same, and it‟s insulting when someone tells another,
“That‟s dumb”. Because one‟s own thoughts are not dumb no matter
what other‟s say or how many blond jokes a girl may make
about herself. Others have to respect another's opinions and
thoughts and not put that person down. I would like to see how they
would react when that person started telling them, “that‟s dumb”.
So everyone isn't a fan of the sparkly vampire, and maybe
they don't like the hot werewolf that rips his shirt off every ten
seconds but please do not start a full-blown argument about it at
lunch. Personally, if we are talking vampires, I am an Alice and Jasper
fan all the way. But if we are talking werewolves, I prefer the
amazing Sam. I am sure that Jacob and Edward fans are going to kill
me in my sleep now that I have mentioned that.
Back on topic. There are two types of people in this world–
those who read the book and those who wait for the movie. I wasn‟t
a fan of the movies or books until a year ago. My friend suggested it
to me and I am the biggest bookworm, so I couldn't say no. I read
Twilight and feel in love with the book. I honestly think that Summit
messed up the movie big time; it is nothing like the books. Maybe
Edward isn't so bad in the book but in the movie I‟m not sure. A
message to Twilight haters: read the books! They are a lot less
dumb than the movie. But Taylor Lautner is nothing to complain
about either.
After all this rambling on about Twilight, I lost my point a lot
of times and some readers may be wondering, “what is she talking
about?”.
My whole point was to get people to realize that others
shouldn't judge people on their outlook on certain things and Twilight
was the perfect example. The world isn't this perfect place
where everyone gets along, or has the same mindset. It is far from
that and personally that is just the way I like it. I am a bookworm
who loves hip-hop and rap (strange combination), and I am proud of
who I am and how I view things.
High school is rough and some just want to fit in, so they will
throw their old selves away so they can fit in. but I don't think those
people realize that there are people just like them out there,
they‟re just not looking hard enough. don't be afraid to be of what
others think and say in confidence, “I am (insert name here) and I
am proud of (insert topic here).”
I am an insecure person and I should practice what I preach but
if I can help I‟ll do the best I can. I am also horrible at explaining
things and very dramatic. That is why I just gave a whole, “go find
yourself” speech.
Respect Freshmen
Guess What I Heard
By Falyn VanDyke
VERNOIS NEWS
Once upon a time, everyone
who passed through high
school was once a freshmen.
I understand that its
“tradition” to pick on the
new students because
they‟re the youngest, but
who is to say that the freshmen
aren‟t hurt by the harsh
words or shoves in the hallway
or outside walking to
class.
You were once in their
same shoes.
You were fighting to walk
down the hall, wandering
around to find classes, being
just as confused as every
other freshmen always is, not
to mention the added pressure
of having so many upperclassmen
around. Walking
down the hall no one wants
to hear, “get out of the
way,” or “move it.”
While someone may be
blocking the hallway, there
are things called „manners.‟
Words like, “please” and
“thank you” can make a huge
difference. It wouldn't anyone
to open a door, or smile
at someone when walking by.
Being a sophomore now,
there aren't many differences
than when I was a freshmen
except that I know more people,
I know where my classes
are, and I know what to look
out for. My first few weeks as
a freshmen were rough.
As a junior and senior I‟m
not going to make a big deal
about the freshmen. I just
think that if all of us upperclassmen
started caring and
sharing the halls, our school
would be a much better
place to spend the day.
Fall brings fun
Rance’s Rants
By Rance Cummings
VERNOIS NEWS
The summer faded and a chilly
breeze goes through the air. Fall
time is here again and we should all
enjoy the most of this beautiful
weather this time of the year offers
us.
Well if you‟re like me and it
takes a lot to keep you entertained
on those cold nights inside the
house, then I have some tips for you!
There are many activities to partake
in that you probably don‟t
know about. I used to think that as
soon as the cold weather gets here,
there is nothing to do.
Which to some people that will
always be true however, some could
really use the stuff to do to avoid
being admitted into a mental asylum.
Stay inside your house long
enough and believe me, you will go
crazy eventually.
I have accumulated a series of
productive, interesting, awesome,
fun, and exciting items to do to have
some fall fun!
Fall time brings out perfect weather,
and when its 65-75⁰F outside it‟s
a great time to get some recreational
sports going. I know that this fall
I‟ve played many pick-up games of
basketball, some nonchalant rounds
of football, and maybe one or two
time I‟ve kicked the soccer ball
around.
thing mixing it up. Well if music
isn‟t your item of choice then once
again do not worry; there are so
many activities for you! The last fall
fun item I have established is art.
Different people like different
things, so if you‟re one of those people,
who hate sports and music,
maybe consider drawing or painting.
The scenery outside is magnificent
in the fall so get out there and create
some art with it! Hopefully none
of you will be stuck inside playing
video games, take some of my advice,
enjoy the fading sun and have
some fall fun!

Page 16, Columns
Core classes prepare students for college
VERNOIS NEWS
Shelbi Says
By Shelbi Clark
VERNOIS NEWS
Four years, a heavy backpack, a headache and the constant thought
of “ how is this going to help me?” Watching my
future unfold every day in my high school career
is a day-to-day occurrence.
The bell rings and I drag my feet as I walk to
my class, not knowing what we are going to talk
about in class and wondering if I finished any
homework I might have had.
These small thoughts run through my brain
every morning as I walk up the stairs to English.
Usually, morning classes drag on with lectures,
lessons and a huge load of homework. An
eight period day can seem forever, especially
for teenagers who see it as seven hours of sleep
we are missing out on.
Many students, especially seniors, see core
classes as a waste of time and energy from both
the teacher and the student.
I am not alone when my teacher begins to teach something
“unnecessary” and I say to myself “When will I ever use this once I
get out of school?”
The mindset of typical senior is that all of the information being
taught on a daily basis will be gone within the week of graduation.
Filling my schedule with art, P.E., and the always famous study
hall is probably the best idea I ever had. Who doesn't love random
hours in their day where one can relax and not worry about homework?
But for the other five hours of my day, I am pounded with college
papers, two page homework assignments, and hand-cramping
notes.
Even though it can seem like a punishment
sometimes, these classes are pushing me and
others to prepare us for our future.
When I began to realize that, it became a
little clearer that in my sea of papers, columns
and notes are actually stepping stones to my
future.
So when the teachers start their
“unnecessary” lessons, I can hear the deeper
messages they are trying to burn into our minds
like, “be precise, use your best judgment, think
it through, and use common sense.”
They are preparing us for college, the real
world and most importantly the rest of our
lives.
So as I finish my last year, wading waist-deep in papers, homework
and notes, I can see that those college applications are not
going to fill themselves out.
So once again, the bell will ring and I will drag myself up the
stairs to English.
Hill shares insight on popular novel, The Hunger Games
Brandon’s Breakdown
By Brendan Hill
VERNOIS STAFF
Are you a person who enjoys reading and needs
an interesting book? Well, I have the perfect book
for you.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is the first
book of a three-book trilogy coming before Catching
Fire and Mocking jay.
The setting of the story starts out in an old village.
This is where we meet the Protagonist Katniss
Everdeen who lives with her mother and sister.
Her family lives in the country of panem, which
is North America only hundreds of years later. America
has changed. America is now split up into 12
different districts. Katniss lives in District 12.
Every year the capitol of panem has an event
calle the hunger Games.
Two “tributes” from each district that are between
the ages 12 and 18, are taken into an arena
to fight until death. This is for the capitol’s entertainment.
Sounds pretty crazy, right? Kids who fight for
their lives just to entertain people is pretty gruesome
but very exciting at the same time.
I thought the author Suzanne Collins really captures
the reader’s attention by filling the book with
exciting action.
It’s usually very hard to get many teens to read
today. I personally like to read and I usually read for
fun.
“Even though it can
seem like a punishment
sometimes,
these classes are
pushing me and others
to prepare us
for our future.”
VERNOIS NEWS photo/ Thehungergames.com
The Hunger Games was the first novel
released in the trilogy. It is now popularized
world wide.
It was one of those books that got me hooked and I couldn't
stop reading.
t had surprising twists that kept me wondering what would happen
next. Readers will stay up late to get to the next chapter.
This book isn't just action-filled; romance ties
into it as well.
Katniss, the main character, has a love interest
name peeta. Peeta is a boy who also lives in district
12 with katniss.
During the story I think it is very interesting to
watch how the relationship between katniss and
peeta unfolds.
Not only does katniss have a crush on peeta, she
also has an interest in another boy named gale who
is also from District 12. What teen girl wouldn't enjoy
a book with a love triangle?
This book really has a wide range of an audience.
A 12 year-old or a 45 year-old guy can read it. It is
great when a book can have a range of an audience.
The hunger games is soon to be turned into a
movie.
The movie has been filmed and will be released
in march of 2012. I don't really know if the movie
will be as good as the book.
In most cases the book is much better because it
provides more information than the movie does.
I think it will be very difficult for The Hunger
Games movie to be as good as the book was, but
that’s just my opinion.
If you are ever in need of a good read, pick up a
copy of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

VERNOIS NEWS
Aaron urges change
Mags’ Tags
By Maggie Aaron
OPINIONS EDITOR
Opinions
When asked of the first thing
that comes to mind when considering
high school sports, most
will have a common answer:
football.
There is no denying the Friday nights spent
in J. D. Shields are fun filled and school spirit
radiates from the stadium. However, football is
not the only sport at MV which needs recognition.
MV offers 14 sports throughout the year
other than football, but in the fall season that
seems to be all the student body ever hears
about.
For example, our very own men‟s soccer team finished their
regular season with a record of 8-6-2, with a huge win over Marion
and a tied game against Altoff. The team is going into regionals with
their first game scheduled for Tuesday, October 18. I will admit
that soccer fan turnout has greatly increased, but why? Fans should
show support for the program through the good and the bad times.
Students shouldn‟t just not be taking an interest in the team which
“This school revolves
around the old school
ways of making football
and basketball the
main focus.”
Stewart questions expectations
Opinions, Page 17
was good even before Steve‟s passing.
The women‟s tennis team always seems to have great records
respectively. Players Alyssa Burge, ‟11 and Allie Adcock, „11 made
it to state last year. Many players from both
the men and women, within the last decade
have gone on to play on tennis scholarships to
community colleges and universities local to
the area.
The same can be said for the winter season,
except instead of football stealing the spotlight,
it‟s basketball. However, Blake Stricklin,
‟11 won took third place at state last year and
finished his season with a record of 38-4. Yes,
he received adequate recognition for that, but
what about other wrestlers who didn‟t win
state but had an amazing season as well?
MV‟s Special Olympics achieved greatness
as well. The team took 2 nd place in state in
March of 2010, and as in Stricklins‟ case they did get recognition,
but what about years before that?
The list goes on and on endlessly, and it shouldn't be that way.
This school revolves around the old school ways of making football
and basketball the main focus. I want to challenge MV students
to go out and support those sports which are deemed “less important”.
Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da
By Paisley Stewart
MANAGING EDITOR
Are we living up to expectations … or are we simply
living down to their expectations? The modern culture
is setting up its teenage population for a lower
standard than had been set for years.
I have become aware recently, and am disappointed
that many members of today‟s society lower their expectations
to a point that, it is not a question of good behavior, but an
assumption of rebellious actions.
As soon as a young person reaches her formative years, she is
bombarded with ideas of drinking, drugs, and sexual relations.
Ironically, quite often, these promotions are not coming from
peers, but from their own parents, teachers, and general adult society‟s
assumptions that they will form “teenage habits.”
If adults weren‟t so obsessed with the idea that all teenagers are
deviant, would they be?
It‟s horrible when high school health teachers laugh at the possibility
of a teenager even considering abstinence, when “bottles of
water” have become suspicious due to the fear of it holding alcohol,
or when an ill student seeks medical attention, but instead hears
accusations of illegal drug use.
Understandably, teachers and administration are on guard for
negative behavior, for they have had to deal with it in the past. But
what about the idea of some instilling some confidence and positive
expectations in their students?
Perhaps if students were encouraged to achieve maximum ACT
scores rather than the minimum, our school would be far exceeding
state standards instead of struggling to survive in the “Era of the
Test.”
Maybe if there was less emphasis placed on dress code and
“inappropriate attire,” students might not feel the need to popularize
these articles of clothing, or a lack-there-of wardrobe.
A new memo from MV administration has furthered my point.
“Students, please make sure you leave campus 10 minutes after
8th period. Too many students are hanging around...” stated the
memo.
Upon reading this I became even further aware of the stereotypes
facing teenagers.
Administration automatically assumes that if students are
around, trouble is soon to follow.
Stereotypes can be hard to look past, especially ones as wellingrained
as rebellious teenagers.
I believe if adults would stop focusing on the negative behaviors
and look towards positive attributes and accomplishments of students,
then they could truly access the positive motives most teenagers
have.
Students have abilities that go completely unnoticed by adult
society.
Creativity, intelligence, talent, beliefs, opinions … all are aspects
of a typical teenager.
The world has a tendency to be pessimistic in all walks of life.
If we could stop this, popular connotations of teenagers could be
placed a side and good be found and expected of teenagers.
What if adults stepped away from the media portrayals of teenagers,
and took a look into their true heart, minds, and souls?
I can‟t help thinking that if adult society would actually raise
their standards and stop assuming that all teenagers are participating
in deviant behavior, that teenage actions could change in a positive
manner.

Page 18, Opinions
Cardinals movin’ up
Rance’s Rants
By Rance Cummings
VERNOIS NEWS
With two weeks left until the post season, the St.
Louis Cardinals were
eight and a half games
back. The Cardinals are a
very popular team in
southern Illinois due to the proximity of St.
Louis, so seeing the wild card standings on
August 25 was a heartbreaker for a lot of
us.
There seemed to be no hope left in the
team. Die-hard fans repeated the overused
cliché “Well, we‟ll get „em next year.”
For the last couple of years we Cardinal
fans have been used to seeing our team
come up short at the end of the season.
When the organization made the trades
in July, I became excited I was sure they
has a really good chance at the playoffs this
year.
The trade worked in the Cardinal‟s favor
when they dealt Colby Rasmus, who before
the trade went 3-18 and had 0 RBI‟s in 13 games for Edwin Jackson,
who sported a 3.75 ERA with a decent record at 12-9. Rasmus also
had refused to work on his hitting with hitting coach and former
Cardinal legend Mark McGwire. He chose instead to work on his hitting
with his dad, Tony Rasmus. Needless to say, I believe they had
made a great addition to the team with Jackson and others.
But during August the Cards weren‟t so hot, dropping fifteen
games and winning nine. By the end of the month, it didn‟t look
Leisurely lunches to be appreciated
Freshman Firsts
By Taylor Roberts
VERNOIS NEWS
Imagine over three hundred kinds laughing and
talking with friends while enjoying their lunch.
Now, picture slow motion running chaos in
every direction trying to be the first in line at a
fast food restaurant.
This is the first major difference between on
campus and off campus lunch for the freshmen
and upperclassmen.
If you ask a freshmen about having lunch on campus, eight out of
ten would moan, groan, and/or whine. Lunch is my personal favorite
time of the day.
While there are some downsides to eating in the cafeteria everyday,
like limited food options, increased fights, and students still
race each other to the lunch line. However, there are numerous
positives which outweigh the downsides to going off campus for
lunch.
On campus lunch is a time when the entire freshmen class is
together in one place. There is seldom a time when an entire class
is together and in harmony.
If given the chance to go off campus, most freshmen would
sprint to the nearest fast food restaurant.
VERNOIS NEWS photo/http://everyjoe.com/sports/cardinalswin-reach-world-series-870/
Cardinals celebrate their win which prompted them
into the World Series. Their battle was tough but they
made it.
VERNOIS NEWS
good for the Cardinals. I will admit I had given up hope as well.
When I saw the standings for the wild card, we were behind the
Atlanta Braves by about 8 games.
Even the most devoted Cardinal fan couldn‟t have the least bit
of confidence in them.
But in those last two weeks of baseball,
the Cardinals came to play. They outperformed
the Braves by one game on the last
night of the regular season. No one believed
it, no one expected it, and no one had any
idea how it happened.
The Braves collapsed and went 9-22 in
the last 31 games and the Cards went 23-8.
It went down as the second best comeback
in MLB history.
Yes, the Cardinals were in the postseason
but they weren‟t going to defeat the Phillies,
who were arguably the best team in
baseball, right? Well, wrong. The Cards took
them in the last game, devastating Phillies
fans everywhere.
I couldn‟t believe the Cardinals did it,
after the NLDS they destroyed the Brewers
in the NLCS in six games.
The St. Louis Cardinals are matched up
against the hard-hitting Texas Rangers. Both teams swing the bat
and their bullpens are working very well. This series should be a
great one to watch.
The Fall Classic will be on the air this week on your local FOX
station; you don‟t want to miss out on this historic comeback by the
Cards. Show off the Cardinal love inside you and get ready to view
history in the making!
We might go with a friend or two and run into the occasional
familiar face, but we wouldn't ever get to see everyone at the same
time.
Lunch should be a time to sit back and relax between the stressful
morning and afternoon class periods. On campus we can get
through the line quickly and are left with time to sit down and enjoy
our food.
On campus lunch also gives people a chance to talk with all of
their friends without getting in trouble like one would for talking in
class.
If freshmen were allowed off campus for lunch it would not go
very smoothly at all because none of us can drive, therefore everyone
would be running somewhere just to wait in a line that files all
the way out the door. As well, there would still be limited options
for food because of the limited number of restaurants within walking
distance of our MV‟s campus.
On campus lunch means that you just walk to the cafeteria and
get to go inside, protected from the weather.
Walking to fast food in the rain would not be such an enjoyable
time for us freshmen. The line might even be out the door, leaving
you standing in the pouring rain!
By the time you got back to class you would be out of breath
from running just to get to your seat on time, soaking wet from being
left out in the rain, and on top of all that you would also be nauseous
from having to eat so ridiculously fast.

VERNOIS NEWS
Speak up, stand up
When It Comes Down To It
By Katrina Ledbetter
VERNOIS STAFF
Almost daily, students experience bullying in one form or another.
From being at the receiving end of a cruel joke or being talked about,
students face many unneeded challenges.
Trying to impress your friends at the expense of others isn’t cool
and it isn’t funny.
Students of all ages get bullied every day. It brings to mind an
expression my mom always used when I came home from school
crying because “so and so” said something to me: “Sticks and stones
may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.”
I tried believing that for the longest time but the sad fact of life is
words hurt very much. Even as much as those sticks and stones.
More and more students are turning to fighting to try and resolve
problems and, truthfully, it just makes it worse.
You may not be the one doing the bullying. Maybe it’s your friend
Bill over there. But if you laugh at what bullies say or keep it going,
than you’re a part of it. Just because someone cant be as perfect as
you think you are, doesn’t mean they should be put down. Every one
of us has our flaws –there isn’t a single one of us in the world that
can say we are perfect.
I have caught myself putting people down. I guess I thought by
putting others down, it would make me feel better about myself, but
it make me feel worse. Sure, my friends got a kick out of it, but that
doesn’t make it right.
Opinions, Page 19
The people that make fun of others almost always nit-pick at others
because really inside they are actually unhappy themselves. My
thought is why would you make fun of someone you don't even
know? That’s what makes me shake my head.
That person could be one of the coolest people you ever met, but
you wouldn't know because you already made your mind up about
them.
To make a joke funny or make your friends laugh doesn’t have to
be at the expense of others. If you have to make fun of someone to
be able to call yourself funny, then you weren’t funny in the first
place.
If you are a victim of bullying, don’t be afraid to stand up and say
something. When you witness someone being bullied don’t be afraid
to stand up for that person. I have dealt with people calling me or my
friends names or trying to push me around and I used to fall into it. I
finally got tired of it an started standing up for myself. If you are
being bullied, you speak up.
Most people think, “Oh we’re in high school, it doesn’t happen
here.” That’s not always true. High school is just as bad as grade
school when it comes to this, from pushing someone or tripping them
to talking behind others’ backs to even yelling crude comments at
them.
So all I really have to say is next time you get ready to insult or
make fun of someone, think of how you would feel if someone were
saying that about you. Think before you speak and steer away of
bullying.
Docherty explores new options
Doc’s Dish
By Shannon Docherty
VERNOIS STAFF
How many of our school’s
textbooks contain information
that is not current?
The use of tablets instead
of textbooks would give students
current information.
Everyday MV students
have to carry around books from class to class.
Either they carry all of their textbooks, all
the time or they put a select few in their locker
or car and take so many out of their locker or
car later in the day.
Half the time, books are over five years old
and don’t contain information which can be
deemed relevant.
Students hurt their backs whenever they
carry that much weight around all the time.
I believe MV should explore moving to tablets
for use as our textbooks. Students could
either buy them their selves to keep or the
school could loan them out to students with a
fee.
Then, the students would return the tablets at the end of the
year, so that they were all accounted for the next school year’s rental
process.
The district would need to obtain a grant to provide for these new
pieces of technology to all students, because some would be unable
to afford the fee.
One of the pros of having tablets in schools is the new, up-to-date
information that will come out each year so
that when teachers teach it will be more accurate.
Another positive aspect of the tablets is
that it won’t be as easy to forget textbooks
whenever they are all in one place.
Students would be far less likely to lose a
tablet than they would a textbook or leave
them in a teacher’s classrooms.
One negative effects is that book publishers
would lose money because not as many
people would be buying their books and they
would have to lower their fees so that schools
can download the e-book onto the tablet.
I know some people worry that the tablet
rental would cost too much for some stu-
VERNOIS NEWS PHOTO/www.braintrack.com/photo dents, especially if there are multiple students
in the same family, but if one stops to
think about it, the rental fee would be about
the same or maybe even less than the regular
textbook fee of fifty dollars a semester.
If MV did implement tablets, it would help
the school more than it would hurts it and MV’s students would find
it easier and more efficient and keeping track and having to haul
around numerous textbooks everyday.
Some believe that trading textbooks for tablets will save
money in the long run. This trend started in 2009 and
school all over the U.S. are have begun following the
trend.

Page 20, A&E
A&E
Behind the Music: Foster The People
VERNOIS NEWS
By Michael Jones
A&E EDITOR
Indie-rock is in the scene now. Walk
through the halls of MV, and one is bound
to hear the song “Pumped up Kicks”.
However, most people just know it
either the radio or from MTV. Before the
band appeared on mainstream media, people
in the mainstream probably had no
idea who this band even was. But now that
they are showcased, everyone seems to be
a fan.
But do you really know the band behind
the music?
Foster the People is considered to be
an indie rock band. They were formed in 2009 in Chicago, Illinois.
Members include: Mark Foster on vocals, piano, synthesizers,
guitar and percussion. Basically he is the group‟s front man.
Mark Pontius drums and plays extra percussion when needed.
Cubbie Frank does back-up vocals and slaps the bass.
Beatles remembered
By Paisley Stewart
MANAGING EDITOR
Continued from page 1
of “Come Together”, have seen
the iconic circle style glasses
worn by John Lennon, and recognize
the unforgettable lyrics
of popular Beatles songs.
The musical styling of John
Lennon, Paul McCartney,
George Harrison, and Ringo
Starr might be the most popular
in history.
Beatles fan Chelsea Nichols,
„13 stated her favorite
song is “Twist and Shout”,
while her favorite album is
Hard Day’s Night.
Emily Borah, ‟14, also an
avid Beatles fan said her favorite
song is “While Guitar Gently
Weeps”, a Harrison composition.
Her favorite album is the
iconic Abby Road, probability
the most popular album.
With 27 number one
songs, total of 13 Grammy
Awards, and induction into the
Rock and Roll Hall-of-Fame,
they are not only one of the
most well known bands, but
they are also some of the most
decorated as well.
VERNOIS NEWS photo/Flickr: 2011 MuchMusic Video
Awards - Foster the People
Mark Foster, Cubbie Frank, and Mark Pontius aka
Foster the People at the 2011 Much Music Awards.
Beatles covered diverse
range of music types, in their
years together from pop sounds
in the beginning to psychedelic
rock
“Their earlier albums
were better because they were
more rustic,” added Nichols.
Only two of the four Beatles
remain, as Lennon was shot
and Harrison passed due to
throat/lung cancer.
Even though they have
passed, their legacy has lived
on.
“My favorite Beatle is
George Harrison because his
voice appeals to me most,”
commented Nichols.
“John Lennon is my favorite.
He was so against violence
and hate,” commented Borah.
“The Beatles help start
the music revolution. Many
bands could not handle such an
action,” exclaimed Nichols.
To reach the level of
fame The Beatles enjoyed and
retain the following, it‟s a
huge accomplishment.
“The reason they are such
a great band is they worked
together to make music that
would change something about
society” proclaimed Borah.
Foster had originally named the band Foster &
the People, however people misheard this title.
Foster & the People become Foster the People.
Mark took the image of nurturing the people and
“taking care of them” and just ran with it.
NPR credits the group‟s rise to fame by getting
play on The Hype Machine, a mp3 blog created in
2005 to support the underground music scene and
help indie bands such as Foster the People get noticed
for the talent that they have.
Break out performances at the South by Southwest
Music and Film festival also contributed to
their popularity.
Their album Torches was released May 23 2011.
This album included the single “Pumped Up
Kicks”, which reached number 3 on the Billboard Top
100.
Rolling Stone Magazine also named “Pumped Up Kicks” the 2nd
best summer song of 2011.
The band has come a long way since their debut on the underground
music scene.
By Michael Jones
A&E EDITOR
Mike’s Soundstage
What’s on my playlist?
My pick of the month would
have to be “No Such Thing”
by John Mayer.
John Mayer is a great vocalist
as well as he shreads on
the guitar. Its one of his old
songs, but it is still one of
my favorites.

VERNOIS NEWS
McKinley’s “B-dubs” breakdown
By Megan McKinley
VERNOIS NEWS
Buffalo Wild wings has now become a well-known restaurant in Mt.
Vernon and at least everyone has been there one or knows another
who has gone.
But is Buffalo wild wings‟ service as good as the food they serve?
I arrived at the Buffalo wild wings on a Sunday just after lunch
on October 9. I was immediately deafened by the sports played on
the TV‟s and the excited chatter and cheers. It took about a minute
to be notified and actually be seated
I was seated around sports fans of all kind: women, men, families,
young, old… all cheering on their teams.
Our server began the session wel, asking us necessary questions
such as, “don you want any appetizers?” and “What do you want to
drink?” but would it have killed him to smile?
He did handle a difficult situation well; a charge was mistakenly
added to out bill,but he managed to take it off.
I look around and noticed how busy the restaurant is, it must be
because the food is good and it doesn't hurt that its Sunday and
football is on.
A wide variety of appetizers and large meals that could feed an
army such as ribs and, of course wings with your choice of sauce...it
was on the menu.
It took only minutes fior our food to come out but while sitting
under a vent, it felt much longer. But I am impatient and the sixteen-minute
wait felt like an hour, The food was worth the wait
though.
Shania Ellis, „14 said that, “when she goes to Buffalo Wilds the
Are you afraid of the dark?
By Sam Marshall
VERNOIS NEWS
October is here, and it‟s the one
month out of the year that most everyone
looks forward to because it‟s time,
once again, for haunted houses and
spook walks.
Haunted houses and spook walks
are often very fun because of the thrill
and adrenaline rush, according to most
MV students.
Shain Johnson, „15, thinks that the
adrenaline of it all is what makes a
spook walk exciting.
However, some have a different
approach as to why they think haunted
houses are often times enjoyable.
Some credit to the scariness and
others like the thrill.
“It‟s fun to go and get scared. And
it‟s funny when the people aren't
scary," commented Noah Karch, „15.
As for the scariest part of a haunted
house or spook walk, everyone‟s
opinion ns are different.
Some think the beginning is frightening
because you have no clue what is
about to happen.
Others are convinced that the end
is the scariest part of all.
For the most part, though, clowns
seem to be one of the scariest parts.
Katye Panzier, „15, Johnson and
Karch all agreed that the clowns
played a big role in the role in the
scare factor at a haunted house.
However, Makayla Martin,‟15, added
that, “The scariest part was the end
when there was a guy with a chainsaw.”
“The beginning was also scary because
you didn't know what would
happen,” continued Martin.
Whether it‟s the beginning, middle,
end or the clowns that are intimidating,
spook walks and haunted houses
are sure to terrify.
There are many different reasons
why someone would want to go to a
haunted houses.
Some go for the thrill and excitement,
while others go just to hang out
with friends and have fun.
Martin stated, “The thrill and rush
of no knowing when stuff is going to
pop out is what makes it fun.”
The more entertaining a certain
place is, the more people will want to
go to it.
And haunted houses can ve very
amusing because often times, people
think it‟s fun to be scared.
There are a lot of different places
where haunted houses and spook walks
are set, including Mt. Vernon, Opdyke
and Woodlawn.
So if your in the area, check out the
spine tingling, neck-hair raising chills
and thrills.
A & E, Page 21
TVs usually occupy her time while she waits for her food.
There were plenty of options to choose from the menu and
unique foods such as Buffalo chips, which are potatoes slices deepfried
— like French fry patties.
Dala Wing, „14, prefers the fried pickles.
The wings are filling and, though not gourmet, they were very
satisfying.
The wings were nicely cooked and coated with enough sauce; my
personal favorite is the teriyaki.
But unless you like your food very spicy, do not order the spicy
garlic sauce.
Steffanie Geuvens, „14, claimed to feel pain when she mistakenly
ordered a very spicy wing sauce. Also that she had went to the
restaurant and was served someone else's meal by mistake. As a
result, she almost never returned to the establishment.
Although, judging by commented made by Claire Ryan, „14, and
Dala WIngo, the service was generally wonderful and very respectful.
It felt strange with our server constantly checking up on us, almost
like her expected us to leave without paying the check.
And the wait to get our check was longer than the wait for our
food.
I also decided to try their „homemade ice-cream‟ and I wouldn't
be surprised if they just scooped it out of a carton. It was like eating
flavored ice.
Besides the fact it was a long wait for the meal and check, the
food was satisfying and the servicer was excellent. I would give
them 3.5 stars out of 5 if I were a true restaurant critic.
Sweaters dominate fall season
By Kristen Minor
VERNOIS NEWS
The fall season is here with cooler
temperatures, amazing natural
colors and new styles from all of
the designers. This season, new
trends will keep clothing and clients
warm.
Around the MV campus trends
that are really popular are floral
sundresses, shirts and jackets,
satchel shoes, moccasins, furry
boots, flannels, cardigans, plaid
and stripes.
Coming back into style are
sweaters. The October issue of
Teen Vogue state “Sweaters are
stepping up their game with the
help of lace inserts, cool cuts,
fresh embellishments.”
Also coming back into style is
denim, with denim jackets, shirts,
tunics, dresses, and of course,
skinny jeans.
One trend that was very popular
last year and is still in style this
year are the winter hats that look
like animals. They have ears, sometimes
whiskers and fur. There are
even some hats that have cartoon
characters on them.
“They have those hats with
animal faces on them. I mean,
people buy them because they are
cute and they are warm
too...double whammy.” stated
Lanie Conner, „13.
Lacey shirts and ruffles are
commonly seen being worn by
teenage girls now.
High waisted pants are considered
stylish in high fashion magazines
and on the runway. However,
there are not a lot of people that
wear them on a regular basis.
“I've been meaning to get a pair
of high-waisted pants. I like the
look of pants that reach all the way
up to my belly button, It is both old
fashioned and classy.” said Taylor
Phillips „14.
Pea coats have been a winter
fad for a very long time.
They come in about every color
from solids, strips and even plaid.
One can find them in just about
every clothing store in malls from
the big department stores, to the
out of the way boutiques.
When the weather gets chilly,
the designers are ready.
So if one wants to spice up her
winter wardrobe, I recommend
picking up one of the aforementioned
items. They wont disappoint.

Page 22, Sports Beats
This just IN: Sports
VERNOIS NEWS
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
By Kaitlyn Boss
VERNOIS NEWS
Continued from page 24
Many students attend the meetings and really enjoy the
experience.
Meetings are held every Friday at lunch for sophomores,
juniors, and seniors and on Wednesdays for freshman.
FCA is the largest Christian sports organization in
America. They focus on encouraging people to make a
difference for Christ.
Many students think you have to be an athlete to be a
part of FCA.
Scott Tickner, leader of MV FCA, explains, “Our focus
is athletic in nature and our target audience consists of
athletes and coaches, but everyone is welcome.”
The meetings consist of many things. “There are four
components, the 4 W‟s,” claimed Tickner. “The Welcome,
Warm-up, Work out and the Wrap up.”
“We have a lesson and it‟s a fun bonding time for
fellow Christians,” added Annie Mulvaney, „13.
Students are a part of FCA for many different reasons.
“I like the prayers at the end,” stated Grace McDowell,
„13. “Seeing everybody there in a circle holding
hands is really powerful.”
However, Mulvaney‟s favorite part is “the feeling that
Gods presence is at the school.”
By Angela Atkinson & Katrina Ledbetter
VERNOIS NEWS
Continued from page 24
intellectual disabilities are part of MV Special Olympics.
The Special Olympics is an athletic organization for students
with intellectual disabilities to compete in a
number of sports.
“It gives all the Special Ed. Students a
chance to participate in sports and feel like
they are on a team,” stated Mrs. Enid Kennedy,
Special Education.
The Special Olympics has been part of
MV for more than 30 years.
“The students enjoy being challenged
and being able to compete,” Mrs. Megan
Clodi, Special Education, explained,” they
are always excited for assemblies.”
The Special Olympics is allowing people
with disabilities all over North America to
compete in about 30 sports.
“The favorite part is getting their rewards
and getting recognized ,” added Mrs.
Kennedy.
This is Mrs. Clodi‟s ninth year of being
part of Special Olympics.
“I feel absolutely rejuvenated when working with these students,”
expressed Mrs., Clodi.
Amanda Grider is one of the athletes apart of the Special
Olympics.
Amanda has been part of the Special Olympics for 4 to 5
years.
“I like doing the games,” claimed Amanda Grider.
Men’s regional game
By Maggie Aaron
OPINION EDITOR
Continued from page 24
their regular season with a record of 8-6-2.
The team rallied to get a tie against Altoff and pulled off an amazing win
over Marion with the final score being 3-2.
The boys moved into the regional series with their first game being held in
Carbondale on Tuesday, October 18, against Marion.
Going into the games Louis Grote, 13, stated, “These are about to be some
of the most intense games of our lives. We are going to war!” And a war it was
…
The game began with higher-than-normal tensions due to the fact that Marion
beat Mt. Vernon at Marion, and then MV turned it around and beat them at
home on our senior night.
While the minutes ticked away, the tempers rose to extremes.
Joel Duncan, „13 was the first to receive a card from the MV side, but it was
definitely not the last. Throughout the duration of the game there were 3 other
cards awarded, including: Zach Swinnen, „13, who received a red card for unnecessary
aggression, another yellow for Duncan for an “illegal” slide tackle,
which sent him out of the game, and a yellow awarded to Mason Tate, „12.
Marion was awarded one red card as well.
Ask anyone who attended, and they will tell you one constant throughout the
game: unequal officiating.
One reason the game got to the point it did was because of the referee‟s
unwillingness to keep the players in line.
“It was an intense game that I will never forget,” started Spencer Allen, „12,
“We gave it our all, I love my team.”
The rams season wrapped up with that game, but they had an amazing year.
Special Olympics offers camaraderie, fellowship
VERNOIS NEWS photo/Reis Barnfield
Special Olympic basketball teammates make a fast break
to their basket. The team is slated to begin games this
winter.
People can start to get involved by just listening to the announcements
and going to the meeting and signing up. Also they can
support the teams by attending the games and matches.
“I think it is good for regular ed. students to get involved,”
added Mrs. Kennedy.
“I just go with our students and encourage them…like a cheerleader,”
mentioned Mrs. Kennedy.
“The students look forward to is participating
and winning awards,” said Mrs. Kennedy.
“They usually like the trips and to be
away from home,” stated Mrs. Clodi.
Tony Woods, Shakur Sadig, Grant Cobb,
Thomas Braddy, Sydney Irvin, and Rachel Flannagan
are just a handful of the 35 total athletes.
The Rams compete in Basketball, bowling
and track & field.
Basketball is offered as a team sport,
individual sport, and skill challenge.
“When everyone cheers for us at a game
it makes me feel really happy and I get excited”
expressed Shakur Sadig.
Last year in support of special Olympics
several students took an “R” word pledge,
again this year people took the pledge to help
this offensive term.
“At the Slam Jam we had eleven people
take the pledge, not including those who have signed up online. The
student body makes a concerted effort,” stated Mrs. Clodi.
Many of the students are really excited about the upcoming
pep rallies. They are all excited to see the MV students cheering
them on and giving them standing ovations.
Let‟s make this year count and support our Special Olympic
champions this year MV.

VERNOIS NEWS
Runnin’ Rams conclude regular season
By Collin Young
SPORTS EDITOR
Continued from page 24
are preparing to start their postseason Saturday,
October 22 at the Regional Cross
Country Meet. They are looking to make an
appearance at Peoria‟s Detweiler Park, at
the State meet on November 5.
“I feel that if we work hard, we will
make it out of sectionals and to the State
meet”, stated Jordan Wilemon „14.
Rebecca Rexing „13 added “I feel our
chances are good in the Regional meet, but
we will have to improve as a team to make
it to state.
The Runnin‟ Rams have proved that they
can compete throughout the long season,
placing high in several meets including a
third place finish at Granite City and winning
the Mount Vernon Invite. However, in
the postseason, this does not matter.
Clayton Tinsley, „12 stated “Anything
can happen in the postseason. If we want to
advance out of Sectionals and reach the
State meet, we will have to run our best
times of the year.”
The Rams are confident that Coach Clint
Turner has prepared them well to run in the
big situations throughout the school year. A
quote Coach uses is “Never be complacent.
Always look to move up and pick up more
positions. Do not give in.”
Are the runners doing anything differently
in preparation for the postseason? Jake
Wilson „13 stated “No, not really. We feel
that Coach has prepared us well for these
situations. This is what we have trained all
year for.”
It will not be an easy task however for
the Rams to get out of Sectionals. They will
be running against teams such as Mahomet-
Seymour, Springfield, Sacred Heart Griffin,
Chatham-Glenwood, Waterloo and their
conference rivals, the Carbondale Terriers.
“All the teams are on focus, but Carbondale
gets a lot of our attention because we
would really like to beat them,” said Trace
Turner, „12.
MV does however keep focused on the
task at hand on meet days.
The girls cross country team starts to
warm up right when they get there because
they have the first race.
“Coach Harre usually gets us warming up
on the course right when we get there, so
we get focused on the meet real quick,”
added Rexing.
The boys team has a little longer wait
however, usually running the last race of
the day.
“Of course I feel a little nervous, but I
try to take care of myself and do what I
know is best for me on meet days. This includes
warming up properly and taking in all
the right nutrients. I also try to say a prayer
before every race,” says Wilson.
Others look to a more calming way to
get focused.
Sports, Page 23
“I like to get mentally prepared by listening
to music. It helps me get in the
zone,” stated Tinsley.
Many of the runners do not just focus on
themselves throughout the race. They try to
find people they have ran with all year
(including teammates) and try to stick with
them to help them get through the race.
“I usually find someone from another
school that I want to beat and try to stay
with them if I don‟t push the tempo,” stated
David Modert, ‟14.
Cross country is a sport of dedication
and having the right mindset. It is more
mental than physical.
“A long distance runner is someone who
has the mindset to run all of the miles,
come to all of the practices, get better everyday,
and perform at the meets,” said Wilson.
Cross country is a difficult sport and
most people do not want to participate in
it. Some people do enjoy it however and
find it rewarding.
“It is a great feeling to see all of your
dedication pay off in the meets when you
see results,” added Wilemon.
The MV Runnin‟ Rams are looking forward
to seeing all of their hard work pay off
within the next month as they begin their
postseason. Best of luck to the MV Runnin‟
Rams!
Volleyball ends successful season
By Ashton Boyer
VERNOIS NEWS
Continued from page 24
for 2011 MV volleyball team, the group used these
opportunities to grow and develop in stride.
Under new head coach, Angie Carroll, the Lady
Rams held a record 9-14, and continue to recover as
the season draws to a close.
Brooke Moore „12, stated, “We keep getting better.
We don‟t take steps backwards. We lose games,
but not by much. In the past three years, we‟ve really
worked to change the perspective of other teams
that were no longer the easy wins or the underdogs.
Rough patches were a challenge for the Varsity
team to overcome. They were often forced to regroup
and focus in consistency and chemistry on the
court.
“We have had a few nights where the team is
right there and just can‟t seem to close the game
out. We are a strong team and those losses have
been by beating ourselves,” explains Coach Courtney
Denton.
VERNOIS NEWS Jonathan Smith
MV girls volleyball celebrates after a win
against Woodlawn. MV volleyball ended a
hardworking season 9-14.
Gaining a perfect record wasn‟t the goal for
the Lady Rams this season, though. They weren‟t
concerned with the score on the board at
the end, but focused more on the heart of the
game.
“Winning isn‟t (everything). There‟s so
much more to being an athlete than winning
games. It‟s attitude. It‟s loving what you‟re
doing. It‟s constantly improving even when the
scores don‟t reflect it,” commented Moore.
The JV team has also worked hard, and their
success has been proven on the court this season.
Coach Denton said, “The JV team started
the season with an 8-0 record. They also
brought home first in the Carbondale Tournament.
We wouldn‟t have the record we do if
they didn‟t play as a team. (They) have an
awesome connection that gets the job done to
win.”
The Lady Rams concluded their season at
Carbondale on October 20.

VERNOIS SPORTS
Volume 90 - Issue 3 GO RAMS AND LADY RAMS! October 2011
Running Rams Compete
HEADING TOWARDS POSTSEASON The Men’s and Women’s MV Runnin’ Rams … p. 23
VERNOIS NEWS photo/LifeTouch
To Inform,
Educate,
Enlighten
and
Entertain
Together many
students with
and without…
p. 22
FCA is a growing
organization
at MV …
p. 22
While challenges
were
plentiful …
p. 23
The MV men’s
soccer team
finished…
p. 23