Volume 59, Issue 4 –February 9, 2011

BirdDeaths

p. 2 Valentine’sDayp. 6

Opinionp. 11

Loveis in the air ...

Mr. and Mrs. Czanstkowski

Photo by: S. Kochurova

Maggie Cooper and Chris Armistead,, 12

Photo by: J. Crawford

Whitney Booy, 11 and Casey Thoren, 12

Photo by:S. KochurovaPhoto by: J. Crawford

Delaney Smith, Editor-in-ChiefKayla Steffens, Copy EditorAmelia Jaeger, Sports EditorAnna Harris, Layout EditorJohn Murray, Graphic DesignerSonya Switzer, Photography Editor

Hannah Tribble, Co-Sports EditorSasha Kochurova, Staff WriterMegan Adkins, Staff WriterKelsey Menschik, Staff WriterChris Plumlee, Staff WriterAlysha Sommers, Staff Writer

Contrails Staff 2010-2011

P. 2 CONTRAILS world news 2/9/11

Jennifer Crawford, Adviser

Mysterious Death of Arkansas WildlifeThousands of animals die unexpectedlycopy editorKayla Steffens

In the early morning hours of January 1, 2011, approximately 5,000 red-winged black birds fell from the skies and littered the lands of a one mile radius in Beebe, Ark. Several samples of the carcasses were sent to the Livestock and Poultry Commission in Madison, Wis. Several speculations have circulated about the cause of the sudden and unexpected death of these birds—disease, fireworks, weather, poison, or a sonic boom. Upon further examination of the bodies, their stomachs were empty which ruled out the suspicion of the birds being poisoned. The autopsies also re-vealed that each bird suffered acute physical trauma. There were no indications of disease in any of the sampled birds. As of recently, labs results have exposed the use of fireworks as the probable cause of death. Scien-tists specialized in the study of wild birds, university

scientists, and conservation officers have agreed that the birds were startled in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day by fireworks. This, then, caused the birds to take off flying. The red-winged black birds are not adept with the proper vision to fly in times of darkness. As the stressed and panicked birds scat-tered, they crashed into road signs, chimneys, houses, or the ground at 25-mph. “I think it’s aliens,” senior Austin Gilliam said. A day before the massive bird deaths, about 125 miles from Beebe, tens of thousands of dead fish lined the shores of the Arkansas River. It was report-ed that 95% of the dead fish were drum fish. Officials are unsure of the cause of death, but they are certain that pollution is not the blame. Parasites and diseases have also been ruled out and as for fishing and consuming the fish, the river has been deemed safe.

Above: Some of the dead birds found in Ark. on Jan. 1.

Photo Submitted

Photo Submitted

P. 3 CONTRAILS Technology2/9/11

Murraybot’s Tech CornerThe Kindle/Nook Debate

graphic designer John Murray

Everyone, hopefully, got a techy gadget for Christmas this year. One that seems to be popu-lar among students and teachers alike is an e-reader of some sort. Although most people received a Kindle, some prefer the Barnes and Noble Nook. From a specifi-cation point of view, the Kindle has an expansive library of books for a low price or even for free. It uses an “e-ink” display which can be read in any kind of light, just like real print. It can access books and info on the web via wi-fi or free 3G, depending on the model. The Donald W. Reynolds Library has proposed that they have been considering providing a collection of free Kindle books. The Nook, on the other hand, has a color screen, wi-fi, and a touch screen. “That [Kindle] is the wave of the future,” Mrs. Gonten stated. Many satisfied Kindle owners love them and carry them every-where. Junior Jackie Miller and sophomore Adam Bruton each carry their Kindle in school and use them in reading time and any other chance they get. A nook owner junior CJ Hinson sticks

with her decision, “My favorite thing about the Nook is that the screen is bigger and easier to read than the Kindle’s.” She also stated that she will be getting a Kindle soon anyway. They may not be the tradi-tional paper models, but these books will surely outlast their non digital counter parts. Some may be against e-books but in Mountain Home, but the trend is taking off nicely. Seeing as how many MHHS students have iOS devices, pro-ducing an app review every issue is seeming more and more neces-sary. Many students appreciate music and often wish to be a DJ or just play with music. Many apps provide a turntable/DJ deck. However, Tap DJ has gone above and beyond with a two deck lay-out, cross-fader, and speed con-trol. It also has the ability to mix songs from your iTunes library, and record the mix. One feature I thought every other app lacked was the ability to add skins to make it look custom and different. People who prefer

regular booksPeople who prefer

e-books

Photo by: J. Murray

P. 4 CONTRAILS School News 2/9/11

Cheerleaders Compete in State Competiton in Hot SpringsGroup places fourth in stateco-sports writerHannahTribble

The Mountain Home High school 2010-2011 cheerleaders traveled to at-tend state on December 18. The com-petition took place in Hot Springs, Ark. Out of the 13 competing squads, the Bombers placed 4th. While pre-paring for state, both boys and girls practiced during school and out of school to ensure each dance and cheer were correct and concise. Sophomore Ali Pierce stated, “When we first started preparing for

state, I had trouble getting the tum-bling by the time state came. I think everyone worked hard on preparing for the dance and cheer, and perform-ing it as good as we did.”Pierce said. “As for being a sophomore placing 4th for state excited me, knowing that I still have 2 years to compete I was hoping we would do well and continue to get better each year but everyone that preformed worked well together and pulled it off for a good finish.”

Drama Students Take Trip to FestivalThespian Troupe performs, visits workshops in Arkadelphia

MHHS Cheerleaders peform at state competition in Hot Springs.

staff writer Kelsey Menschik

On January 27-29, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia is held the 2011 Drama Festival. 700 students across the state attended the festival, including 22 students from Mountain Home. There were a variety of theater-based workshops led by profession-als. Some of the workshops includ-ed African dancing, stage combat, and miming. The Thespian Troupe from MHHS performed a 1 act drama from Lindsey Price called The Bright Blue Mailbox Suicide Note. Some students from the Thespian

Troop performed duets, mimes, or monologues individually. A dance number from the movie Hairspray, The Nicest Kids in Town, was choreographed by senior Juliette Wade and performed by the MHHS Thespian Troupe. Drama teacher Mrs. Maupin said, “Festival is a great opportunity to be challenged as a theater student and see what other students are do-ing at other schools.”

Photo by: D. Smith

Photo by: D. Smith

P. 5 CONTRAILS sports2/9/11

Flying to the WallMHHS swim team’s journey to Districtgraphic designer John Murray

Things have been really flying for the MHHS swim team. Part of being on the team is competing at meets. The bomber swim team has had a total of 5 meets in the month of Janu-ary, twice having a meet during the week and one on a Saturday. To get the swimmers ready for this chal-lenge, they had to prepare every day after school. Practices even continued over Christmas break, where one practice they breached the 6,000 yard mark. This equates to 2.962422 miles swam in a matter of 2 hours. All this work was done for the ultimate goal of the district meet. The pressure on the boys’ team is very high this year because it will be the 10th year for them to win district. The boys’ team is much smaller this year.

One swimmer new to the team, sophomore Drew Powell, has excelled and aims to be a valuable member in future years. “Ever since I joined swim, I began getting in better shape, in fact it’s the best I’ve ever felt physi-cally,” said Powell. “The more you swim the easier it gets. It is time con-suming, but it’s the only team where everyone is cool with me and we’re all a family.” The swim team looks forward to a successful district meet and those who have made state times look toward the state meet at the end of February. Another major accomplish-ment is the girls’ team breaking old school records. This is a classic show of how hard work and determination will pay off.

A Look Ahead at Spring Sportsstaff writerChris Plumlee The MHHS spring sports teams have already started training and practicing for the upcoming season. The Bomber softball and girls’ soccer teams are coming off a state cham-pionship year, and the baseball and boys’ soccer teams, as well as the track team also had successful sea-sons last year. With a number of starters return-ing in each sport, the teams all have hope to have similar, or possibly bet-ter, seasons this year. The baseball team starts its season off with a scrimmage against Har-rison on March 1. The softball team will face Nettleton on March 13. Both boys and girls soccer teams will face Nettleton on February 28. Junior Zach Paulos was hopeful about the upcoming baseball season, “I really like our odds,” Paulos said.

“We will dominate on the field and probably win state. It’s only a 75% chance right now, but in time it will but up to 100% -- maybe even more.” Junior Matt Walker believes this soccer season may end a little differ-ently than last season. “Our team is filled with young but talented kids,” Walker said. “We are tired of finish-ing second. This year we are reaching our ultimate goal.” Chance Cheadle, a junior on the track team, has a positive outlook on this season’s events. “There’s no stop-ping us this year,” Cheadle said. “We may have some players who havent’ played in a few years, but they have talent; there’s no denying that.”Their goals have been set high, and now Bomber fans need to show their support for the spring sports teams.

Photo by: John Murray

Photo by: John Murray

P. 6 CONTRAILS looking forward 2/9/11

Cupid’s ArrowValentine’s Day without breaking the bank

staff writersSasha KochurovaMegan Adkins

Special day, special person, little bit of love, little bit of sweets… sounds like Valentine’s Day is knock-ing on the door! It’s time to get going on what to do with your sweetheart of Cupid’s choosing. Teenag-ers, in general, usually don’t have a lot of money to spend on expensive gifts or restaurants reservations, so here are some suggestions of how to spend this special day with your special someone without burn-ing a hole in your pocket:

5. Picnic... inside. The weather isn’t always suit-able for a romantic lunch or dinner outside, so in-

stead of chilling out in the freezing cold, try enjoying a sweet picnic indoors. 4. Make a CD with all the songs that bring back memories of your favorite times with your signifi-cant other. 3. Bake a delicious dessert together. Let the aroma of the sweet goodies fill the house, and enjoy a delicious treat with the one you love.

2. Serenade him/her, even if your voice is ter-

rible.It is time to get that dusty guitar out of the closet, clear your voice, and sing. Hopefully if the perfor-mance is unpleasant, your sweetheart will continue to stick around.

1. Dedicate your whole day to the only person you want to be with and relax at home with a movie. Add a couple of candles, put in a movie of your choice, cuddle under a cozy blanket, and enjoy as

the day turns into night.

CAB: Night of the Arts- tentatively scheduled for May

HHS: CSI- February 23 and 24

ACME: ACME students are working on building a castle based on models from ozarkmedievalfortress.com40-45 student are scheduled to visit the castle- April 8

MHHS:Sweetheart Pep Rally and Royalty- February 15Sweetheart Pajama party- February 17Spanish Club and Thespian Troupe Talent Show- February 17Band All State Clinic- February 18-19Academy Celebration Day- tentatively scheduled for MayDrama’s spring production of Little Shop of Horrors, pre-sented for high school- March 10AYAA- March 15

Upcoming events at MHHS

P. 7 CONTRAILS 2/9/11 looking forward

Cupid’s ErrorValentine’s Day without “The One”

staff writersMegan AdkinsSasha Kochurova

Does Valentine’s Day with no significant other feel like the end of the world? It doesn’t have to be. Spending time alone or spending time with a couple of close friends are always good ways to fill that void on Valentine’s Day.

5. Get a group of fellow single friends and throw a party to cele-brate friendship. Chips, soft drinks, and heart-shaped cookies along with pillow fights, movies, and music are surefire ways to have fun.

4. Going out for the night with friends to the park, bowling alley, movies, or a restaurant are fun ways to celebrate. Valentine’s Day is not always for couples, but for the people you care about.

3. Go to Walmart. Mock Cupid’s day by wearing all of the Valentine’s Day clothing and accessories you can find. It’s also entertaining to jokingly coo after romantic couples walk by.

2. Hang out with your BFF or best bro solely. If with your BFF, watch romantic comedies and throw pop corn at the screen every time a romantic scene comes up. If you are a guy: watch a football game and throw popcorn at the screen every time you see a cheer leader cheering or a pretty girl.

1. Ask your crush out.Get the guts to finally ask the person you’ve been drooling over for ages. Maybe he or she feels the same; either way you’ve got nothing to lose.

Put a little love in your heart...

Emily Prohl, 12

Photo by: K. Steffens

P. 8 CONTRAILS Clubs 2/9/11

Coming soon in ROTC ...February:

Radio-a-thonOle Miss Drill Meet

Valentine’s Day PartyMarch:

Final Advancement TestsMay:

Officer Chief Candidate School

Kicking Off LogoMotion16 Years of Team 16graphic designer John Murray

The school’s FIRST robotics team, The Baxter Bombsquad, began the year with a new build season. The actual FRC Kickoff was in New Hampshire with Dean Kamen. The MHHS team had a smaller party in the Donald W. Reynolds Public Library and watched the live stream, while some team members went to Memphis to pick up the kit of parts for the robot. One of the oddest things that happened over the Kickoff was the appearance of Will.i.am, the lead singer of The Black Eyed Peas (which are performing at the 2011 Super Bowl). He announced his support and hinted at working with Dean on a Scholarship program. During the Kickoff, the MHHS own “Team 16” was mentioned for their gracious profes-sionalism by a speaker who mentored the NASA team. He told the story of the first year he mentored a team and the MHHS team helped his put their robot together. This is symbolic of the MHHS team helping the rookie teams in Arkan-sas this year. The extraordinary thing about the FRC teams around the world is the ability to meet a deadline. Every team is given six weeks build and program a robot before inspection and the first competition. This teaches teams the importance of getting a job done, and how to manage their time. The MHHS team started off hard with designing and prototyping the robot to accomplish the goal of placing inner tubes on pegs as tall as the Bombsquad build facility. Another point in the game is the finish, where six teams scramble to get to a “base” where they deploy a mini-bot that climbs a pole and scores points in a race against the other mini-bots. Sophomore Alex Harris commented, “The big-gest challenge of being on the Bombsquad is avoiding cutting my fingers on the

sharp metal.”

It’s not often that a person can find out their worth. I’m not talking about how much money you’ve got in the bank. Or how new is your car. Or how many toys you’ve got stashed in the garage. I’m talking about the intrinsic value that all of us have, but so few of us recog-nize. When I was diagnosed with cancer in December 2010 the outpour-ing of affection, support, and encouragement from those around me was astonishing to say the least. My wife and family were with me from the beginning. My closest friends were running a close second on being there. Where my greatest surprise came from were the folks whom I work around and with daily. When I found the card left for me in the lounge I picked it up and tucked it in my pocket, not really thinking about it until I got home. When I opened it and saw not only all the signatures of faculty and staff, but the notes of well wishes and support. It was more than enough to move me to tears. When I returned to work I was again struck by the concern from the folks around me. I am humbled and in awe of those with whom I spend my working hours. The feeling of family that I receive from all of you is a bless-ing. I can only say thank you from the deepest part of me. The wages I earn will never equal the worth I feel from having all of you as my friends and co-workers. Our Administration, faculty, and staff are the finest there are.

GO BOMBERS!!!

At your service,Jay Altazan

From Behind

the Broom

P. 9 CONTRAILS Spotlight2/9/11

SpotlightTeacher MR.

ROBERSONSince his heart attack, Mr. Roberson has been missed greatly by his students. Al-though Roberson’s doctor said he would not be able to teach until February, he has been teaching one class since the end of Christmas Break—his AP chemistry class.

“Mr. Roberson is one of my all time favorite teachers. He is always happy and is a great teacher. Not only is he an amazing teacher, but he is a good person. He is always willing to help his students and it’s a great thing that he is smart, and probably one of the smartest people I know. I have had him for two years and he has made school fun and enjoyable. He is very strong and thought of us as he was going through the tough time. He comes back and teaches our AP class, not only because we need him, but because he wants to. He puts his heart into what he does and I am very lucky to have him as a teacher. ‘Get you some! AP Chemis-try, that is.’” – Senior Audrey Pace

“Mr. Roberson is definitely one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. I have had him for two years and I have already learned so much. When I learned about what happened to him, I was devastated. He made me want to come to class, made me want to learn and I actually under-stood what was going on. He pushes me because he knows what I am capable of doing. He has prepared me the most for college and I will never have a teacher as great as him. He goes with you step by step if you don’t get it. He has so much knowledge to offer and I’ve only caught

a glimpse of it. He doesn’t even have to teach, he just does because he cares so much about giving back to us. He also just loves teaching. He always greets us in the morning and asks how we have been. Mr. Roberson is caring, compas-sionate, and I will miss him very much after this year. However, I will also leave knowing I am prepared for college and the rest of my life by what he has taught me. Mr. Roberson is definitely one of the best teachers I have ever encountered throughout my years as a student. ‘Get you some! AP Chemistry, that is.’” – Senior Haley Hatch

“To me, Mr. Roberson is the teacher after which all educators should model themselves. First and foremost, his passion for his subject is unmatched. It is easy to tell from the start of class to the end he never gets tired of teach-ing chemistry and it is quite evident he sincerely wants his students to learn the subject. Last year, I caught his passion for the subject and have loved chemistry ever since. Taking AP Chemistry this year, Mr. Roberson has all but ensured that I will major in chemistry in college. Without ever being aware of it, he has put the idea of becoming a chemistry teacher in my head, a path which I hope to follow. Simply put, Mr. Roberson has become a role model of sorts for me as I continue into college. Not only do I admire his desire to educate his students, but I admire his courage in wanting to return to what he loves so quickly after something so serious. This speaks volumes of his character. ‘Get you some!

AP Chemistry, that is.’” – Senior Madi-son Ingle

“Mr. Roberson is not only a dedicat-ed professional, but a strong individual as well. Normally Mr. Roberson plans and teaches hard classes such as Physics, AP Chemistry, Pre-AP Chemistry, and chem-istry classes, but now he’s also doing

his best to recover from a heart attack. Despite still feeling very weak and in his words “like crap” he still teaches the AP class. Surely this is a difficult task, yet he still manages very well. Mr. Roberson is a strong man who should be looked up to by his peers and students alike. ‘Get you some! AP Chemistry, that is.’” – Senior Matt Heroux

JCLARE 150 MHHS Contrails Ad Erixon 30 picas (5”) x 30 picas (5”) 10/08/10 DVD#280

Jclare 150 Contrails Erixon ad 10.10 10/8/10 4:26 PM Page 1

P. 10 CONTRAILS 2/9/11

What is poetry? staff writer Sasha Kochurova

What is poetry? Poetry is something that you learn and study in school, like poems by William Shakespeare. Poetry is something that people read for pleasure, like books by Ellen Hopkins. Poetry is something people use to express themselves. Some-times, poetry is life. Each year, Mountain Home High School stu-dents enrolled in Mrs. Roger’s class study poetry by William Shakespeare and learn to write poems themselves. Along with poetry lessons, the students in her classes receive a poetry notebook, which they personalize. She teaches a variety of poetry styles

including anaphora, blank version, and haiku. “Pri-marily, my students study poetry as a way to dis-cover the richness in language so that they may have the tools to transfer poetic devices into their own writing, and not just poetry, but especially prose,” Rogers said. Ellen Hopkins, author of five New York Times Bestselling novels, attracted millions of readers by the use of written verse in each of her novels—Crank, Burned, Impulse, Glass, Identical, Tricks, and Fallout. Hopkins writes realistically; her first novel, Crank, is based on her daughter. “Poetry pulls

me deeply inside each character’s head and heart,” Hopkins said. Many MHHS students write poetry as a means of expressing themselves. Subject matter tends to vary between each individual, but many focus on their lives, their home, their thoughts, their school life, and their love life, and can shift between positive tones or darker tones. “Poetry is poetry to me,” said sophomore Brittany Johnson. “I don’t think about it. I write out what I think and see how it turns out.”

{Look!}This publication is for YOU! If there is something you

want to see covered in the paper, submit your story ideas to Ms. Crawford in room 206.

P. 11 CONTRAILS opinion2/9/11

Before you know it, seniors will be gone and the respon-

sibility and longing juniors have had for so many years will come to reality. When I think about my last days at MHHS, I feel a sense of relief and happiness, but I know the ones who have filled my heart with love here will continue to be in my life for years to come.

We shouldn’t dread the days in these halls, but rather cherish the memories we make in them. You’re only in this high school for three years, so make it worth-while. Don’t let anyone crush you because of their hurtful words; become stronger with every one of their remarks and remember summer will be here and the same realities you’re facing will too. You know the quote, “Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer?” Why not just make your enemies into friends? We’re all here for the same rea-sons, right? I guess some of us

just have different attitudes and mottos we live by. One of my favorite quotes that has helped me through my high school years is, “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” If you take this quote and apply it to the negative things going on around you in MHHS, then I’m almost certain you can make this your year. Shine through the dullness holding you back and next year be that positive senior who doesn’t scare or bully others. Be that senior whose smile warms a sophomore’s heart on the first day. Because after all, they’ll be

longing for their senior summer before you know it. As I look back at the first half of this school year, I realize how many people I have seen with their heads down in the hallway or a senior boasting about how they’re almost out of here. This kills our parents because this time flies by so fast and, need I remind you all, as we long for summer, we have one more year to make it right. So let’s do just that, class of 2012. Let’s set some positive examples for our underclassmen and make our parents proud.

Eyes Longing for Summer Skiesstaff writerSonya Switzer

Over the years, the impor-tance of recycling has been

brought to peoples’ attention. It improves the environment and saves trees. The non-profit orga-nization, the Baxter Day Service Recycling Center in Mountain Home, not only helps the en-

vironment and saves trees, but it also helps the community by providing jobs and livelihood skills training to developmentally disabled adults in the area. Baxter Recycling has been providing recycling services to our local area for years, but recently, the waste management firm, Methvin Sanitation located in Harrison, has come into the community of Mountain Home and diverted business away from this organization.

When developmentally dis-abled students in the area gradu-ate high school, places like the Baxter Day Service Recycling Center are available to provide these people with jobs. The people working and liv-ing at the Baxter Day Service deserve job opportunities in the local area, but if other companies, like Methvin Sanitation, come into Mountain Home, there is strong possibility that business at Baxter Recycling will be affected,

resulting in job losses. The Baxter Day Service Recy-cling Center is a business partner of MHHS. They help support our school, and there’s something we can do in return. Students can help keep the Baxter Day Service Recycling Center running by continuing to recycle and also by encouraging parents and business owners to support this local, non-profit organization.

Recycling Center Needs Helpco-sports editorAmelia Jaeger

P. 12 CONTRAILS recipes2/9/11

Ingredients:• 3ouncesofcreamcheese• 3tablespoonsofstrawberryjam• Afewsheetsofgrahamcrackers

Directions:1. Softencreamcheesefor10secondsinthemicrowave2. Brakegrahamcrackersintosquaresorrectangles3. Mixthesoftenedcreamcheesewiththejam4. Spreadalittleofthemixtureontopofeachgrahamcrackers5. Eatandenjoy

Optional:• Usedifferentflavorsofjam• Topwithasliceoffreshstrawberry• Chillfor30minutestosoftenthegrahamcrackersandfirmthetopping

Ingredients:• 3/4cupofsugar-freelemonade• 1/2cupofwholemilk• 3kiwis,peeledanddiced• 11/2cupsfrozengreenseedlessgrapes

Directions:1. Combinelemonade,milk,andkiwisinablender2. Blendonhighspeeduntilfruitispuréedandmixtureissmooth3. Addgrapesandcontinuetoblendonhighspeeduntilsmooth4. Serveimmediately

Optional:• Substituteanysugar-freefruitdrinkforlemonadeinthisrecipe

CheesecakeGrahamCrackers GrapeandKiwiSmoothie