on timberland 2

Staff FilesAly Weitkamp

Tristin Hunnicutt Taylor Perkins

Maddie McDermott Brandon Payne Bryce Kolk

Nick Fiore Ethan Rodden

Kaylee Barks

Sarah BrowningAna Lindgren

Deairra Williams

Favorite Holiday Movie: “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause”

Favorite Holiday Song: “12 Days After Christmas”

Favorite Holiday Tradition: Going over to my grandparents on Christmas Eve.

Favorite Holiday Movie:

“Tyler Perry’s a Madea Christmas”

Favorite Holiday Song:

I don’t like Christmas music.

Favorite Holiday Tradition:

Seeing my family.

Favorite Holiday Movie: “Santa Baby”

Favorite Holiday Song: Michael Buble’s “Jingle Bells” Favorite Holiday Tradition: Looking at Christmas lights with my fami;y.


“It’s a Wonderful Life”


“Little Drummer Boy”


Going to Mid Rivers mall and getting

personalized ornaments with my family.

Favorite Holiday Movie: “Christmas Vacation”

Favorite Holiday Song: “Jingle Bells”

Favorite Holiday Tradition: Opening presents.


“Elf”


“Let it Snow”


Going to my Grandma’s and eating on

Christmas.

Favorite Holiday Movie: “A Christmas Story”

Favorite Holiday Song: “Happy Christmas”

Favorite Holiday Tradition: Getting together with my family on Christmas Eve.

Favorite Holiday Movie: “Elf”

Favorite Holiday Song: “12 Days of Christmas”

Favorite Holiday Tradition: Going to my grandparent’s house.

Favorite Holiday Movie: “The Grinch”

Favorite Holiday Song: “Where are You Christmas?”

Favorite Holiday Tradition: Rob your neighbor with my family.

Favorite Holiday Movie: “Elf” or “Home Alone” Favorite Holiday Song: Anything Justin Bieber.

Favorite Holiday Tradition: Spending time with my family on Christmas Eve.


“Love Actually”


“Santa Baby”


Skyping with my family on Christmas morning,

because everyone lives in different countries.

Favorite Holiday Movie: “Elf”

Favorite Holiday Song: “Jingle Bells”Favorite Holiday Tradition: Exchanging gifts with family.

olf’s

The

HowlWDecember 18, 2015 Volume 14 Issue 4

ndexDecember 18, 2015

2 IInteractive 3

Southside 16

Sports 14/15

Op/Ed 13Fashion/Tech 12

A&E 10/11

In-Depth 8/9

Features 6/7

News 4/52016 Election; ISIL;

Prison System; San Bernadino Shootings

Local Bands; Music Industry; Celebrity Body Parts Insurance;

Christmas Films; Upcoming FilmsHipster Movement; iPhone Photography

Christmas Spirit; RAK; Are Vegans Rude?

What Makes A Coach; Sports Event Behavior; Kobe Bryant;

THS Swim/Dive

Staff Profiles

Influential People

Word Search

Teacher of the Year; Cole Cosman Spotlight; Best vs. Worst Gifts;

Ugly Christmas Sweaters; Film Making Club;College Decisions

H a p p y H o l i d a y s !

&

Dear Readers, Thank you for your continued readership

throughout this year. As we approach the holiday season, we hope you have happy holidays. We work hard to provide you with an issue each month and thank you for reading.

As this is our December Issue, most would expect our paper to be filled with Christmas and winter-esque things. However, Christmas is not the only thing happening during this December. Our In-Depth this issue is on Influential People, while in News, you can read about the Prison Systems of America.

In the Features section this issue, you can also read about Mr. Andrzejewski, as well as the Best and Worst Christmas Gifts. In A&E, you can read about Upcoming Movies, while in the Opinion & Editorial section, you can read about People having too much Christmas Spirit.

We hope you enjoy this issue and continue to read and support our paper during this school year. If you have any questions, comments, concerns or submissions, please stop by rm. 204 or contact Ms. Hoffmann at [email protected].

Thank you,

Letter to the Readers

Cover Photo By: Aly Weitkamp, Sarah Browning and Nick Fiore

IntentionsThe Wolf’s Howl is a publication issued eight times a year, distributing 2,000 free copies to the student body, faculty and administration of Timberland as well as the surrounding Wentzville and Lake St. Louis communities.

The publication is part of the District’s curriculum and is designed to provide practical journalistic experience and for written expression on a variety of topics. The adviser and principal will review the content and may delay publication, stop publication or remove specifi c material from this paper.

The opinions expressed in this newspaper may not be those of Timberland nor the Wentzville R-IV School District, faculty, staff or administration. The main editorial expresses the opinion of the Howl editorial staff.

ReactingLetters to the editor can be submitted to room 204 or mailed to Timberland. All letters must be signed. Limit letters to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space requirements and libelous material at the discretion of the editors. If you have a news story idea or comment, please contact us in room 204.

CredentialsThe Wolf’s Howl is a member of the Sponsors of Student Publications of Greater St. Louis, Quill and Scroll and the National Scholastic Press Association.

The Wolf’s Howl 2013-2014 was ranked Excellant at the SSP Spring Conference in March 2014. We received four Show Me and four Superior awards at MIPA’s conference in April 2010. The Wolf’s Howl received a Superior rating from. From SSP in 2012. In 2008 the Wolf’s Howl was 3rd best in show in the nation and three former staffers became fi nalists in the NSPA Page/Spread design contest. The Wolf’s Howl was a Pacemaker fi nalist in 2007, which is the highest award given nationally in scholastic journalism.

AdvertisingTo further facilitate the space available for student writing, advertising will not be offered in the Howl this year.

SubscriptionsFor $10 annually, you can receive this paper mailed to your home eight times a year. Contact THS for a subscription.

Co-EIC/Cover EditorCo-EIC/Sports EditorNews Editor/ColumnistA&E/Tech. EditorIn-Depth Editor/ColumnistFeatures/Copy EditorOp-Ed EditorIndex EditorCo-interactive EditorSocial EditorCo-interactive EditorReporterAdviser

Aly WeitkampTristin Hunnicutt

Bryce KolkBrandon Payne

Maddie McDermottTaylor PerkinsKaylee Barks

Ethan RoddenSarah Browning

Nick FioreAna Lindgren

Deairra WilliamsIda Hoffmann

olf’s

The

HowlWTimberland High Campus

559 East Hwy. NWentzville, MO 63385

636.327.3988

www.wentzville.k12.mo.us

nteractive December 18, 2015

3IHOLIDAY WORD SEARCH

How much later after the first thanksgiving did this become a tradition? C; 200 years.

How long was the festival for the first successful harvest for the indians? A; 3 days.When did George Washington announce Thanksgiving as the first ever national

holiday? A; 1789.Which character has appeared on balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day

parade THE MOST? A; Snoopy.How much does the average turkey weigh? C; 15 pounds.

What is a large group of turkeys called? B; a flock.Benjamin Franklin wanted the ____ to be the national bird of the U.S.? C; Turkey.

How many turkeys are sold in the U.S. during Thanksgiving? A; 280 million.What is the day after Thanksgiving called? B; Black Friday.

Which state is the biggest consumers of turkey? D; California.

Answer key for last issue’s Thanksgiving quiz:

Timberland Artists

SOPHOMORE ALEXA ALBIETZ

Senior Jackie Foran

Follow Timberland Newspaper on Twitter!

@THSNewspaperTweet a picture of your Christmas tree or

other holiday decoration for a chance to be featured in the next paper!

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On December 2 around 11 a.m. at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, 14 people died and 21 were wounded. Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, a married couple, were held responsible for this attack.

Malik open fired at a holiday party people were intending at the Inland Regional Center starting this terror. Both shooters died during a gun battle with the police a mile south of the IRC Building.

After investigating the shooting, the

FBI stated the act as an act of terrorism. Malik and Farook both showed strong ties to terrorist group ISIL.

The FBI has also revealed that the couple were already radicalized before meeting in person and getting engaged. Farook and Malik were dating online before they met; In their conversations they discussed Jihad and Martyrdom.

“Malik pledged an alliance to the Islamic State through a facebook post. The couple also had contact with two other alliances overseas,” according to the LA Times.

“It was unspeakable, the carnage that we were seeing, the number of people who were injured and, unfortunately, already dead, and the pure panic on the faces of those individuals that were still in need and needing to be safe,” San Bernardino Police Lt. Mike Madden said.

Madden was one of the first units to arrive at the scene of the shootings. As he entered the building, he found people dead and injured. He said that although they are trained for these types of situations, there are some things one can never be prepared for.

“At this point this is now the FBI investigation,” President Barack Obama said at a meeting in the Oval Office. “It is

possible that this was terrorist-related, but we don’t know. It is also possible that is workplace-related.”

Obama said the attack was an act of terrorism.

“The threat of terrorism is real, but we will overcome it,” Obama said to the NY Daily News.

The FBI has also revealed that the couple were already radicalized before they even met.

FBI Director James B. Comey told the Washington post the investigation has developed indications of radicalization by the killers and of potential inspiration by foreign terrorist organizations.

ewsDecember 18, 2015

4 NAs the 2016 race inches closer to

primary season, the race is tense for both Democrats and Republicans. Polls show Hillary Clinton, Democrat, and Donald Trump, Republican, maintaining front runner status.

The Republican race has been dominated by changing poll positions in the thick pack of over a dozen major candidates. Despite changing positions in polls, Trump has held his lead since late July. He currently sits 16 points ahead of retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson.

Hillary Clinton continues to hold a sizeable lead in Democratic primary polls. The latest RCP average has Clinton 25 points above Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders and 53 points above former Baltimore mayor Martin O’Malley.

Much of campaign focus is in early primary and caucus states Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. These first primaries and caucuses give a much better focus of which two candidates will become the party nominees.

Trump leads the GOP in all three states. He leads Ben Carson by three points in Iowa, 16 points in New Hampshire and 12.5 points in South Carolina.

Clinton leads Sanders by 14 points in Iowa and 48 points in South Carolina. Sanders leads Clinton by four percent in New Hampshire.

The success of non-establishment campaigns has been the storyline of the Summer and Fall. Republican candidates Trump, Carson and Carly Fiorina have no experience in government, but have

exceeded almost all expectations in polls. Sanders considers himself an independent in congress and only campaigns with the Democratic party. The anti-establishment support may indicate a feeling of dissatisfaction among voters, according to political analysts.

Anti-establishment candidates have emphasized specific policy issues. Trump has focused much of his campaign on immigration policy, advocating a wall along the United States and Mexican border to prevent illegal immigration. This idea has received skepticism and ridicule from opponents, though it is fairly popular among a group registered Republicans.

Trump’s campaign also announced policy plans to disallow Muslims from entering the country. He has also voiced support of a “database” of Muslim Americans.

Trump released a statement: “Donald J. Trump is calling for a complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on.”

Representatives of both parties have condemned the statements as Islamophobic, including Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R).

“This is not conservatism. Some of our best and biggest allies in this struggle and fight against radical Islam terror are Muslims,” Ryan said.

Sanders’ key issue is income inequality.

“I am running for president of the United States, because I believe that in our great country we can do a lot better

for working people and poor people than we are currently doing… I want to see the United States as a country that does not have more people in jail but has the best educated population on earth,” Sanders said in a speech.

Establishment candidates tend to value the issues more equally.

There are six scheduled debates for the Democrats, and twelve for the Republicans. Both parties are holding fewer debates than in previous years.

Until party conventions in late July, the nominee for each party will be hotly contested. The election is just over ten months away.

Bryce KolkNews Editor

With primary season just around the corner, frontrunners stay

consistent; Challengers emerge

California terrorist attack kills 14, shocks nation.Deairra Williams

Reporter

Road TO the White House

START HERE

AnnouncementMarch 2015 through November 2015. Candidates announce their intention to run for offi ce. Candidates must be at least 35, a natural born citizen and resident for 14 years.

Pre�� Primary CampaignMarch 2015 through January 2016. Candidates spread their agendas to primary and caucus voters. Debates are held in each party.

Pre�� Primary CampaignFebruary 2016 through June 2016. A primary is a state election showing a single state’s preference for a candidate. In an open primary, anyone can vote. A caucus is a public meeting of party representatives to decide a nominee. Only registered party-members may vote in a caucus. Both serve to determine a party’s nominee. Th e fi rst primaries and caucuses are most important, due to the amount of media attention they get.

National ConventionsLate July 2016. Meeting of party delegates to nominate a candidate. Th e nominee will also select a Vice Presidential running mate.

General Election CampaignJuly 2016 through November 2016. Th e two nominees for each party go head to head, holding debates and creating political ads. Much of campaign resources are focused in swing states, whose electoral votes can dynamically shift an

General Election November 4, 2016. Th e nominees are fi nished campaigning and await for voters to decide on a next President. Th e election will use nationwide electoral votes to determine who is the 45th President of the United States of America.

Innauguration Day�� :January 20, 2016

Information from CNN, Fact-Check.org, ABC News, � e Constitution

infographic by Bryce Kolk

5ewsDecember 18, 2015N

The American Prison SystemThe United States has the highest

population of inmates in the world approaching 2,266,800 adults currently behind bars. America has only 5 percent of the world’s population and 25 percent of its inmates. 52 percent of these inmates are return offenders. The cost to house these inmates exceeds $80 billion yearly. The U.S. correctional system, in the words of President Barack Obama, “isn’t as smart as it should be.”

An often cited reason for such overpopulation within the correctional system is over-reliance on mandatory minimums concerning non-violent drug crimes. These mandatory minimums essentially amount to limits on the judicial system concerning certain crimes. For example, assuming there is a mandatory minimum of seven years for possessing a gram of marijuana, a judge must at least make a judgement including a sentence of

seven years.Through 1980’s several pieces of

legislation furthered a trend of mandatory minimums for drug offenses. After an increase in public hysteria over the rising use of drugs like cocaine and heroin, President Ronald Reagan signed the congress-approved Anti Drug-Abuse Act of 1986. Some guidelines of the act are described as follows: “the ten-year penalty is triggered if the offense involved at least one kilogram of heroin or five kilograms of powder cocaine or 50 grams of cocaine base. Under the Act’s approach, higher mandatory minimum penalties can apply if the offender previously had been convicted of a drug trafficking offense,” as reported by the “History of Mandatory Minimum Penalties.”

This Act would set a precedent for how the judicial system would attack drug crimes for the next several decades.

In 1980, there were 25,000 inmates; there are now 197,645 prisoners, 93,262

of those for nonviolent drug offenses. That number breaks down to 48.3 percent The next biggest percentage is 16.4 percent, which are for violent crimes that involve firearms, explosives or arson.

There is a large correlation of racial bias in regards to minorities throughout the justice system. There is a much larger amount of white americans behind bars in Federal Prisons, though overall throughout the two million americans in total behind bars over 60 percent of them are African Americans. African Americans account for only about 12-13 percent of the American population as of 2009.

This racial disparity inches into the aforementioned problem of drug crime and mandatory minimums. “About 14 million Whites and 2.6 million African Americans report using an illicit drug,” while, “African Americans are sent to prison for drug offenses at 10 times the rate of Whites” as reported from the NAACP website. “African Americans serve virtually

as much time in prison for a drug offense (58.7 months) as whites do for a violent offense (61.7 months), according to the Sentencing Project.

Lawmakers on both sides have begun to tackle reforming the correctional system in America. President Obama, in his speech addressing the NAACP convention in July, stated the most recent steps towards reform as “signing the Fair Sentencing Act (a bill that eliminated possession of simple crack cocaine), the “Smart On Crime” initiative--refocusing efforts on the worst offenders,” and “commuting (pardoning) sentences of several dozens of people under old and unfair drug laws.” Though these are all steps in the right direction the Fair Sentencing act was five years ago and only 43 people total have been commuted.

In the eyes of renowned satirist John Oliver, “The rest of us [American Citizens] are much happier completely ignoring it [the U.S. prison system], perhaps because it’s so easy not to care about prisoners.”

Nick FioreSocial Editor

Life After PrisonLiving with the title felon on a record

All indiviuals with the title

of felon have to identify themselves as so

on any application.Employers are legally

allowed to discriminate against these indiviuals,

if they so choose

VOTE

In some states, felons

have to wait a period of time,

aft er release, before being able to vote, While other

states take the right of voting

away indefi nitely.

Felons do not qualify for

student loans.

No felon has the right to adopt

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infographic by Nick Fiore

Mandatory minimums, predjudice contribute to overcrowding prison population

eaturesDecember 18, 2015

6 FWhen asked the qualities that make

up a good teacher, students listed traits such as passionate, helpful, trustworthy, caring and enthusiastic.

English teacher and student council advisor James Andrzejewski, who many say embody these traits, has been selected as the 2015 Teacher of the Year.

“Mr. A is an extremely passionate teacher. It is easy to tell he genuinely cares about his students. His outgoing and trustworthy nature makes him an incredible teacher,” sophomore Ashley Raines said.

Andrzejewski graduated from Desmet High School in 1985. He said he always thought about being a teacher, but it was not until after college at MU he decided to go into teaching. His love for people and kids eventually led him to teaching English and advising student council.

“My whole life I thought about what it would be like to be a teacher... I later discovered that I am very intrinsically motivated, and I care a lot about people, which led me to teaching,” Andrzejewski said.

Andrzejewski said he has many fond teaching memories, a lot of which include advising Student Council. One of his favorite memories was when Timberland’s

StuCo organized their first Gateway Convention here at Timberland. He said the pride he felt during the run through the night before almost brought him to tears; he was very proud of how hard they had worked.

“Mr. A is very different than any other teacher I have ever had. The energy he brings into the classroom, and the confidence he has in each individual student, is what makes him extremely deserving of this award,” junior Brandon Willard said.

Andrzejewski and his family have had quite a year; his son was promoted at work, his daughter achieved leadership roles in her sorority, and his wife beat cancer.

“Mr. A makes every student that walks into his classroom feel cared for and comfortable. The way that he places the students above himself, and the passion with which he teaches, is what makes him an incredible teacher. I can not think of a single person more deserving of this award,” Raines said.

Sophomore Cole Cosman, along with stress and finals, hard work and dedication are all in a days work on top of his cheer schedule.

Cosman, describes his high school life as a cheerleader.

“My sister was a cheerleader in high school and she told me that I should try cheer, so when I asked some of the girls (that were on the team) if I should, they told me yes. I then started during winter season 8th grade year,” Cosman said.

“I think cheerleading is a sport when it comes to competing in a competition. But when it comes to cheering for a football team or game, I do not think it is considered a sport,” Cosman said.

Cosman said he has dedicated a lot of his time to cheerleading along with everyone else who is on the team.

“We are just so close, like a big happy family. We spend more time together than we do with our real families and that is a lot of time,” Cosman said.

Many cheer teams have a majority of all females, but many teams also include male athletes whether it is only a few or

more than a few. “To be a male cheerleader it takes

strength, dedication and just to have a happy and exciting attitude,” Cosman said.

When cheering, many people start while they are still fairly young, some being children others starting in middle school. Although there is no specific time as to when to start cheering, the more

experience you have should make it easier for the person.

Cheerleading takes a lot of time and dedication that they have to be willing to make. They usually have practice everyday after school for at least an hour, if not more. When it comes to competition, they spend

hours at a time practicing just to get the routine done right to their ability.

“I have such a close bond with all of the cheerleaders because we are always together and even when we aren’t cheering, we are still hanging out and talking,” Cosman said.

According to the Washington Post, in 2012 a judge ruled that competitive cheerleading is not an official sport.

A+ for Mr. AStudent Feature

Students Reflect on the Teacher of the YearSarah Browning

Co-Interactive Editor

Kaylee BarksOP/ED Editor

He’s Got Spirit

photos from https://pixabay.com/en/stamp-mail-frame-border-stamps-41062/, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cat_and_mouse,_c._1745,_Saint-Cloud,_soft-

Scrooge Versus St. Nick Students Best & Worst Christmas Gifts

-Kaitlyn Schnell, Freshman

infographic by Taylor Perkins-Austin Pence, Sophomore

-Nico Pastrana, Senior

-Evin Mears, Freshman -Kate Lucas, Sophomore

-Alex McKean, Senior

-Dawsyn Young, Junior

“A glass porcelain cat...We decided to put it in the white elephant with our family, and I get it back every year.”

“A small fi gurine of the Eiffel Tower given to me by my grandparents. It

means a lot.”

“A new car would be my best Christmas

gift.”

Best:

Best:

Worst:

Worst:“Socks, because they were kind

of boring.”

Worst:

Best:“My T.V. because it was my fi rst

T.V. It was cool.”

“My uncle gave me a huge suitcase

of paints, colored pencils, oil pastels

and crayons.”

Best:

“Bookmarks because I

dogeared my book pages.”

on Cole Cosman

,Aly Weitkamp, Ethan Rodden

photos by Deairra Williams

7eaturesDecember 18, 2015F

One of Timberland’s newest club’s is “Film-Making Club.” Sponsored by Ms. Wing, it involves future and possible filmmakers meeting to discuss and come together with their skills on directing, screenwriting, special effects more.

The club meets in room 214 after school. At the moment, the club has 18 members, and hoping to gain more within the near future. Film-Making Club started almost a month ago, with the start date being on November 18.

“We want enough people to come together and find ways to make films and possibly get scholarships after time. It’s a way of interacting and being a part of something more with it.,” sophomore Cassidee Wakefield said.

Wakefield helps the club and participates in its meetings.

“I like it a lot. There’s no place no one fits in at. Everyone has a spot and can

do anything with it. You can’t go wrong,” freshmen Sydney Ellis said.

The club meets after school, but have only had a handful of meetings due to being a new club in the school.

“The club is filled with many types of students and all who want to do something with film; whether if it’s directing, cinematography or writing. All types of film specials can be part of it,” Wakefield said.

Film-Making Club have been working on a murder mystery story using different effects and shots according to sources given by the members.

For information on Film-Making Club, go by Ms. Wing’s classroom, room 214 or attend a meeting on Tuesday or Thursday after school at 3:20.

“It’s a fun place, and can be used to meet new people,” Ellis said.

Brandon PayneA&E Editor

Lights,The Film-Making Club’s First Year

Camera, Action

Making College Decisions

College is scary, but College & Career counselor and A+ Coordinator Kerry

Stengel can help make it easier.

Q: What sort of things go into making a decision about college?

A: When I am working with a student, we will go over [things like] how far away from home they want to be, what kind of an environment they want, can they get into their choice school, does the school have what the student wants to study, and can the student afford to go there. Going on the campus visits also helps students look at the housing, facilities and the activities. All of those things come

together in a college search.

Q: How do you suggest students start making decisions about college?

A: On my website there are links to Missouri Connections, College Board, and My Majors, where students can go and say ‘I’m looking for a college. Check all the boxes and pull up all of the colleges that fi t your criteria. Then you go to that college website. Start to look at the academic programs. For example, if you think you want to be an accountant, lookup the four year program for being an accountant. You should be excited about those courses. If you read through them, and it sounds horrible, then you don’t want to be

an accountant.

Q: What do you suggest next?

A: Go look at the admissions requirements of your chosen school and look at the scholarship opportunities. Go visit the campus. When you do ask to see the program you’re interested in. Eat the food, hear about the money, talk to the students and see the dorms. It gives you a feel for what it would be like to drive to and from. After the visit would be the best time to make a decision to apply or not. Sometimes, you can’t do all of those things in that order, but applications cost money for the most part. You want to make sure and that it is a school that you really interested in before you put the money down.

Q: When should you start?A: For juniors, now is a good time to begin. The best thing to do is start early, because you may need an SAT on top of an ACT. You are going to need a resume, and there are more things involved for a student that’s looking to get into a selective school. I encourage students to kind of seek out my

guidance as early as possible.

Q: What other ways do you suggest looking for colleges?

A: On my website, there are things like the US News World Report and The Princeton Review where you can look up top colleges.

Honestly, I really don’t like the sweater [because] it itches a lot.

There are ornaments hanging off the arms and everyone feels the need to play with them and they jingle and it’s really hard to set my arms down

but it’s worth it because of everyone’s amazing reaction.

The design is actually based off the greatest Drum Corps,

Carolina Crown, and as an added bonus, it can be used as an

awesome Christmas sweater!

It’s really comfortable and warm. I also love the

pattern.

Cozy Up With These Sweaters “Ugly Christmas Sweaters” Around Timberland

- Rachel Seabaugh, Senior

}-Nick Lane, Senior

- Trevor Greer, Senior

- Riley Marcinczyk, Junior

It’s super comfy. I like that it’s big on me, so I look

really small in it!

- Makenzie Lucas, Freshman

I love the sweatshirt, because ‘Mean Girls’. Do I

need to say more?

infographic by Taylor Perkins and Ethan Rodden

}}

}}

“

“

“

“

““

““

““

infographic by Aly Weitkamp

nDepthDecember 18, 2015

8 I 9nDepthDecember 18, 2015I

Most influential people

The leader of Nazi Germany during the late 1930’s and 1940’s, Adolf Hitler was the head of Germany during World War II and the Holocaust which took over much of Eastern Europe. Hitler believed that people of the Jewish religion were to “not exist,” and in an attempt, Hitler commanded his army to destroy Jewish communities. Hitler was responsible for the death of millions of Jewish people between the years of 1939 and 1945. Hitler had a negative impact on the world due to his genocidal ideas and actions within the world war era. Rising up into the German army during his time and becoming more with his idea, spreading his armies ideas all across Europe during that time.

The sixteenth President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln is one of the most revered presidents for his ideas on freedom and his courageous acts during the Civil War in the mid 1860’s. His ideas were grand and reinforced abolition of slavery. He was responsible for the emancipation of many slaves in the northern and southern areas. Even after his 1863 assassination in the Ford Theater, Lincoln remains a symbol for courage and dignity. He was a huge influence to people of all races throughout the country for his ideas of peace and freedom.“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” -Abe Lincoln

During the mid-1900’s, Martin Luther King Jr. played a pivotal role in the end of legal segregation of African Americans in the United States.

In 1955, after Rosa Parks refused to give up her spot on the bus to a white man, King helped organize and lead the citywide bus boycott. He encouraged those participating to stay peaceful, even if others did not. Through the peaceful boycott, the law on mandatory segregated public transportation was lifted.

King was played an integral role in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. This group created nonviolent protests to promote civil rights and also helped to register African Americans to vote, as well as organize more peaceful marches to help gain civil rights. One such march was the March on Washington D.C., where King made his famous “I Have A Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

“She [Caitlyn Jenner] is is one of the first famous people to become transgender. She has led people to be themselves and to not be afraid of what others think. Her and her family are one of the most known families in America. Caitlyn has inspired thousands of people around the world and is leading the trans community...it helps others get through this hard time in their life knowing that someone so famous could be going through the same exact thing as they are.” -Addison Collier, 9

“Even as someone who doesn’t identify with the Catholic faith, I’m always heart warmed to hear about pope franCis. From his views of atheists to his acceptance of homosexuals, he’s got to be the greatest person in recent memory for me.” -Zach Hill, 12

Awarded with “Woman of the Year” by “Glamour,” Caitlyn Jenner has been considered an influential woman by many. Her transformation of a transgender woman was shown slightly through the reality show “Keeping Up with the Kardashian,” Jenner is considered a brave influence by the people who are considered transgender according to time.com. She has won a numerous amount of awards and has been prominent in the media within this past year.

The main symbol and religious leader to the Christian faith, Jesus Christ is known as one of the biggest influential entity to the Christian faith due to his philosophies and teachings throughout his lifetime. Christ was persecuted and executed due to his ideas and beliefs. Christ is considered to be influential by people of the Christian religion. The world percentage of people who are considered Christian is 31 percent, according to Huffingtonpost.com.

11.6% 17.4% 10.5% 11.6% 6%3.5%7%

at tHs of tHis year

“Let me make this clear. I hate DonalD truMp. I think his morals are out of whack and needs to be locked in a room with all the people that he has discriminated. But I believe he has helped the American people come together and show how alike we are in an effect to rid him of out country.” -Lucas DeRousse, 10

“[Malala yousefzai]...has no fear and stands up so strongly for her beliefs. She is fighting for women’s rights in the most oppressive area of the world. And she’s a teenager. She proves that anyone can make a difference, no matter how young, what gender, social class, etc.”- Erica Wagner

“[DoCtor Barr because] He speaks the truth. -Marco Agudelo, 12“...Counselors are very important at Timberland because they do more than just teach and put grades in a grade book. Counselors have to give students hope. Not only do counselors help students with their personal problems but counselors have to help students get into college, pick out what college they like, pick a plan of payment of how to pay for college... Counselors set you up for life and what you want to do in life.”- Lexi Shnarre, 10“[CHaD aDler because] His influential speech brought up the spirits of many and reminded them of how important it is to be an American.”- Connor Monahan, 11“He [Mr. a] teaches the StuCo class and turns ordinary people into great leaders and good human beings.” -Mike Schwinn, 12

Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States and the first African-American President is considered to be an influential person because of his legislative decisions. These include domestic and international implications. He is inspiring to people of all races. African-American holders have been an important role for race and history of African-American. Along with Obama is his wife, Michelle Obama who helped kids struggling with obesity through a program called “Let’s Move!” A benefited movement sponsored by Michelle to “stop obesity.” The Obama’s have a large impact and influence over the last few years on all and generations to come.

“I think Mr. papez is the most influential person/teacher at Timberland because he tells us how awesome college is and that we should definitely go, and inspires us to do our best and achieve our goals and dreams.”- Morgan Baumer, 9 “[Mrs. tiMpe] is the nicest teacher, she helps me.”- Grace Andrews, 11“saMMie laMMert is my big sister on JV Dance team. She has made the transition into high school so easy and welcoming. She is always positive and smiling. I don’t know what I would do without Sammie.” -Lily Hetz, 9“All Timberland students find themselves interacting with the staff of tHe englisH DepartMent on a daily basis. English is something that can either pacify or strain students. The English department is WSD´s form of teaching its students moral and life lessons. Through the way they teach the assign materials, our English teaches control our moral education and the way we interpret texts. Dr. Barr [also] made my list because of his copious involvement in both the science department and in Timberland´s extracurricular community. While not only serving as a physics teacher, Dr. Barr´s experiences in engineering and college professorship, Dr. Barr has enhanced the in-class experience of Timberland´s PLTW Engineering and advanced science students...”- Chad Adler, 12

Within the last few months, part of the Republican party have had a large interest in the Donald Trump campaign according to campaign polls. Trump’s slogan is “Make America Great Again.” He has influenced many republicans over the last few months from his ideas on the economy and his personal beliefs on the country and what should be done in the future. Trump is a businessman, politician, and author, and was the host of the television series “The Apprentice” and “Celebrity Apprentice.” His ideas and past experience with businesses and money have had a big influence and impact on the ideas of the presidential campaign. “Mrs. Blake has been there for me since day 1.

Even though I’m not one of her students anymore, she still accepts me as one of her own. She is always there for me when I need anything.”- Rashaun Dennis, 11

“I qualify myself as a feminist, and I don’t agree with the payment dfferences between men and women. Jennifer lawrenCe talked about how she didn’t get payed as much as her costars in a movie, and she publicly talked on social media how upset she was on this topic, which to me in influencial.- Emily Morgan, 10

86 people from THS gave their input on who they find the most influential of all time, of the year, of Timberland, and personally. Below are the results of those voted the most influential according to the students. Red is this year, black is of all time.

“oBaMa has made gay marriage legal, something everyone else was afraid to do..”- Amelia Osborn, 9

Many have different opinions on what makes a person “influential.” Is it their accomplishments, personality, a certain pep in their step? Is it their confidence, drive, affect on a croud, persuasiveness, innovativeness, or passion? Or is it simply the person’s place in one’s life, and its impact? Here’s a bit of what Timberland had to say.

“JorDan sMitH- he is a singer on “The Voice” and to me he is not only my idol but my greatest influence due to the fact he struggles with self image but he is a walking example of do not judge a book by its cover.” - Andrew Straub, 11photos provided by Wikipedia commons

&EDecember 18, 2015

10 AThere are a number of bands that have

received quite a bit of attention this past year. “Play the Hero,” “Pseudo Skylight,” and “Torn at the Seams” have especially gained momentum by playing locally every couple of months.

Pseudo Skylight, a pop punk band in St. Louis, has been gaining popularity in the past several months and hopes to keep expanding. Members include singer and guitarist Kobe Lloyd, drummer Marty Aubuchon, and singer and bass player Peyton Pfanstiel. “We want to establish a stronger fanbase by playing shows and releasing good songs,” Peyton Pfanstiel said.

“Torn at the Seams” is a metalcore/hardcore band in St. Louis, including singer Stephen Lannom, guitarist/vocalist Zack Galbiers, bass player Ben Chappel, and drummer Zach Moore. Their next

performance is at The Fubar in St. Louis on January 17th. The band’s goal is to branch out into other states and continue playing music. “We just want to do what we love every day and put out a great show for our supporters,” band member Stephen Lannom.

“Play the Hero” is another popular pop-punk band in the St. Louis area. Members include Anya Kohlman, Nick Leehy, Asa Wilson, and Alex “Kenny” Kennedy. The band was formed 2 years ago and the members not only hope to get signed, but hope to make an impact on their listener’s lives through their music.

“All of us grew up in a time where it’s really easy to feel lost, and we want our listeners to feel safe and understand that they aren’t alone,” the band members explained.

The stereotypical teenager is always listening. With iPhone earbuds or Beats over-ear studio monitors, the American teenager is constantly consuming music. The teenager, however, does not think about how this music made or what happens to the $1.29 they dropped on “Uptown Funk.”

So what does happen to that money? One may assume it is split evenly among the musicians, with maybe some pennies thrown to the label for promotion. But, more than likely, it’s the exact opposite.

Of that $1.29, the record label will take a total of 81 cents, or 63 percent, according to the Root. After that, iTunes, the distributer, will take 55 cents, or 43 percent. This leaves a surprisingly small piece of music pie for the band themselves: 13 percent of that $1.29, 17 cents for the entire band.

That 17 cents then warrants its own separate pie chart. “The band” is not just the six musicians who physically produced “Uptown Funk”. The inclusive term also accounts for managers, lawyers, producers, accountants, etc. The actual 6 musicians, if the averages are assumed, make twelve cents off of that single they poured their soul into. Divided six ways, that averages about two cents.

When average statistics are assumed,

Bruno Mars made two cents per single sold of Uptown Funk. That is roughly $139,000 after it became the best selling single in 2015 and sold roughly 5.5 million copies. Compare that number to the 4.4 million the industry made from those six musicians.

How much money an artist makes from streaming services is uncertain, but likely slightly more beneficial to the artist. The Guardian reports that roughly 20 percent of revenue from a stream is attributed to the artist, on average.

The system, however, most hurts small, developing artists. A new artist will sign a record deal without understanding the workings behind it. However, it seems the only solution for artists struggling to make ends meet.

The breakdown of music sales is much more complicated, and some would say less egalitarian, than the casual, naive listener would believe.

Listen HereWhy Reforms Need To Be Made in the Music Industry

The Local Sound From Garage Bands, to Rock

BandsAna Lindgren

Co-Interactive Editor Bryce KolkNews Editor

“Pseudo Skylight” performing at an event.

“Play The Hero” gathered for a group picture.

photos given permission to use by “Pseudo Skylight” and “Play The Hero” Facebook page.

A&E Colomun

Home Alone The Santa Clause

COMEDY 1990

A man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his

true identity.

COMEDY 2000

COMEDY/FAMILY

2003

HIGHEST GROSSING CHRISTMAS FILMSElf

*Each dollar bill represents $15 million.

Stats from investopedia.com

Polar Express

A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the

North Pole on the Polar Express. He learns about

friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.

An 8-year old boy must protect his home from a pair of burglars when he is accidentally left home

during Christmas vacation.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

A green creature is intent on stealing

Christmas from the

When a man inadvertantly kills Santa

on Christmas Eve, he fi nds himself magically

recruited to take his place.

FAMILY 2004

COMEDY/FAMILY

2003

infographic by Anastasia Lindgren

&EDecember 18, 2015

11A

With the holiday season just around the corner, the film industry is buzzing with new trailers and movies being released to movie-watchers. New films such as “In the Heart of the Sea,” “Sisters,” “The Fifth Wave,” “Kung Fu Panda,” “How to Be Single” and “The Boy” will all be taking theatres in late 2015 and early 2016.

All of these films come from different genres, and will probably attract different audiences; it should be interesting to see which films are the biggest crowd pleasers this holiday season.

“Going to see new movies is something I enjoy. I like to see things I haven’t seen before, especially horror movies,” sophomore Nick Friedel said.

One of the major anticipated movies of the holiday season is “Kung Fu Panda 3”. This family-friendly movie features, Po, a panda who is continuing his “legendary adventures of awesomeness.” During this film, Po faces two very different threats

one supernatural, and one which hits a little bit closer to home.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’. It looks super cute, and who wouldn’t watch a cute panda doing kung fu?” sophomore Caroline Lemen said.

Another highly anticipated movie is “Sisters,” featuring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. This movie is about two sisters who come home and decide to throw one last party before their parents sell their childhood home.

“I enjoy going to see new movies, because it’s a fun thing to do with friends, and it’s a good way to get out of the house and do something,” sophomore Grace Langston said.

With these new movies emerging this season, it is sure to have movie-watchers flocking to their local theatres. In the end it comes down to what the public decides is worth being the best movie of the holiday season.

Celebrities are perceived as doing crazy things, such as buy crazy size houses, having crazy amounts of children and even insure specific body parts for crazy amounts of money. Celebrities and other famous people have taken out insurance policies for specific areas of their bodies according to msn.com

Heidi Klum, former Victoria Secret model has her legs insured for $2 million. And David Beckham’s legs are worth up to $70 million. World soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo legs are insured for $144 million.

Such a thing shows how much a celebrity can be worth just by the feature that they possess. Julia Robert’s smile (“Pretty Woman”), which insured for a mere $30 million. Also, Keith Richards, guitarist for “The Rolling Stones” is said to have his hands insured for almost $2 million dollars due to the skills he has in guitar playing.

“[I think] it’s their livelihood and they feel that they can earn an income from such a thing,” special education teacher

Patty Nelson said. Most celebrities insure their bodies for

the publicity and the wealth that comes out of it.

“It’s a form of income,” special education teacher Heather Cheslik said.

Famous people in history have done the same. An actress from the 1930’s Bette Davis insured her waist for $28,000 according to Businessinsider.com. Though not nearly as much as some celebrities today, but that is to do the amount one makes and puts into such a thing.

Some celebrities have insured areas of their body, and within time of gaining more wealth, and advertisement or publicity, causes the part to gain more.

After Mariah Carey released an advertisement for Gillette, the shaving company. It caused Carey to rise the insured amount. It is thought that her legs are worth $1 billion dollars.

Whether millions or billions of dollars, celebrities use their wealth to insure and price certain areas of their bodies. It has been done over time, and continues to happen. With a higher cost every time.

Brandon PayneA&E Editor

Sarah BrowningCo-Interactive Editor

Upcoming 2016Soon to be Released Films of

2016

What’s Their Worth?Celebrity Insured Body Parts

UPCOMING FILMSHOW TO BE SINGLE

Two sisters decide to throw one last house

party before their parents sell their family

home.

R

Comedy

Four waves of increasingly deadly alien attacks have left most of Earth

decimated. Cassie is on the run, desperately

trying to save her younger brother.

PG-13

Thriller

Ron Howard’s latest fi lm shows the tale of the sinking of a whaling ship that

ultimately inspired Herman Melville’s

“Moby Dick.”

PG 13

Action

Continuing his “legendary adventures

of awesomeness”, Po must face two hugely epic, but

diff erent threats: one supernatural and the other a little closer to

his home.

PG

Animation

What Alice, Robin, Lucy, Meg, Tom and

David all have in common is the need to learn how to be

single in a world fi lled with ever-evolving defi nitions of love.

R

Romance

An American nanny is shocked that her new English family’s boy

is actually a life-sized doll. Aft er violating a list of strict rules,

disturbing events make her believe that the doll

is really alive.

PG-13

Horror

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA

SISTERS THE BOYFINDING DORYTHE FIFTH WAVE

Information from IMDB infographic by Anastasia Lindgren

ashion & echDecember 18, 2015

12 F THipster as a concept has evolved considerably since its

inception in the swing of the Beat Movement. The word then was a term of endearment, an opposition to the distasteful description of beatnik. Both described artistic individuals in the pursuit of the counterculture. In the 1940’s this counterculture was everything from Jazz to explicit writing to the clothes one wore.

The word now embodies a seemingly more pretentious and intentionally ironic breed. The hipsters of today embody a wide spectrum of classical fashion mixed with the pseudo- intellectual take on commentary against the mainstream trends whether they be fashion or perceived normality.

“There’s nothing sacred to hipsters. They just move from one thing to another as things become popular, nothing is sacred. If someone likes something and then it becomes unpopular and they drop it regardless of their own opinion,” senior Mitch Spasenoski said.

The hipster movement as it were and the use of the word “hipster” resurfaced in the late 1990’s and grew into a mainstream phrase with the book, the “Hipster Handbook,” a book with the sole purpose to identify the hipster movement as countercultural movement. Instead the term hipster was used as an identifier, insulting for some, for generation X’s perceived pretentious style over substance approach to their lives.

Senior Tyler Petty imagines the hipster fashion to be, “skinny jeans, glasses, vans, and a flannels. Oh yeah and beanies.”

The fashion of the hipster is best described by a pattern of retro resurgence and a stand against brands. The common hipster enjoys thrift store clothing and out of date fashion trends, anything found instead of manufactured is where the hipsters seem to dwell. Individuality is the main virtue for the hipster, even if they are often described by the same retro themed clothing they wear.

“There is no right to be a hipster as everyone has different opinions on what it means to be a hipster. Some people think it is based on old fashion and others think it is something new so, it all really depends on your opinion,” junior Chase Baker said.

The movement as a whole, however, has began to segment as like any other fashion trend the hipster facade has begun to be mass produced with stores like Urban Outfitters and Zumiez. These stores, like their contemporaries, seem to dilute the message of the hipster though with their success; criticism faces many who seem to buy into the same type of brands they attack.

The hipster movement as whole seems to be somewhat disjointed as it grips with being counterculture and in dipping it’s toe into the mainstream spectrum.

photos from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-person-fash-ion-beauty-14109/ https://pixabay.com/en/handsome-fashion-male-model-young-885095/ https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hipster

Moving to the Beat of Their Own DrumNick Fiore

Co-Cover Editor

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Camera 360- app downloadable with

purchase of Camera 360 selfi e stick, or just on the app store. App can be used with this selfi e stick or on its

own to help enhance photos.

Aft er Focus- allows one to blur out background of picture

(info on apps from itunesstore.com)

iPhone Photography

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Tips-+Shoot in natural state

+Use a neutral background+Choose angles thoughtfully

+Create a story (capture)+Be sure to have a clean lense

+Remove clutter from area surrounding focus of picture

+“Use fl ash to remove daytime details.”

(info from: iphonephotographyschool.com)

Accessories-+Selfi e stick

+Glif+Olloclip

+Grip Tight Gorillapod+Lens Baby lm-10

(iphonephotographyschool.com)

PS Express- (photoshop)- allows one

to take pictures within app through an ultra focused

lens, add fun enhancements and borders, adjust colors

and get rid of red eye.

Instagram- social media outlet as well

as photo editor. Enables one to add fi lters as well as adjust lighting, brightness,

contrast, structure, warmth, saturation, color, and

sharpness.

Vscom- a social networking and

photo sharing site as well as photo editor. includes an

array of fi lters, tools, and packages.

Oggl- ability to mix and match

lenses and fi lters, as well as share photos to a community of more

serious photographers.

Snapseed- features tools cuh as

cropping, transforming, brushing, healing, as well as a variety of diff erent fi lters.

Tips and tricks to take cute photos with your iPhone.

infographic by Maddie McDermott, Sarah Browning and Taylor Perkins

The Hipster Movement

p/edDecember 18, 2015

13O

Doing a little bit extra to make someone’s day even a little bit better can go a long way. Life can be challenging and sometimes people need a little surprise pick-me-up. There is no better feeling than when you find out someone paid for your Starbucks drink or lunch at Bread Co.

The world today seems to be oversaturated with the negative news circulating in our communities, country and world. It is always a plus when the news can spotlight random acts of kindness or anything in positive spirit. It may seem like a waste of time or money to stop and pay for someone’s drink but no one knows how bad their day has been going. For example, you could be paying for a meal of a woman with two small children not knowing she is struggling to make her rent for her apartment. Or the man in line at the coffeehouse could be going through a bad

divorce. So many times in life, negative

situations way out of anyone’s control happen. To see one person give a little bit more to make another person’s day brighter is always inspirational. The winter months seem to preach “giving”; however, the winter months can also be some of the most isolating and stressful for people.

Random acts of kindness can make a world of difference for those down on their luck or just having a bad day. Try to pay it forward as often as possible because a little surprise of joy can go a long way.

Whether one is vegan, vegetarian, or just a healthy eater, people often accuse their “picky eating habits” as annoying or even rude. If a vegan were to come to a friend’s home for dinner, is it really rude to oppose of eating something being served because it doesn’t suit their diet? This question has been asked by numerous critics and is still a topic debated in the vegan/vegetarian community. This, however, is not rude

in any way. One’s decision to be a vegan or vegetarian obviously stems from their passionate beliefs. This could be due to strong opinions about animals’ rights, because they believe the facts that show the benefits of veganism or vegetarianism.

Another misinterpreted point is that many think these healthy eaters think they are better than others. There are many vegans that feel very passionately about their lifestyle, but they do not think they are better than anyone. With few exceptions, most vegans respect other’s decisions, and this respect should be shown from both

sides. Vegans are an easily mocked group.

They have heard it all: Make fun of our “rabbit food” diets, beingg told to eat some protein, we are not really helping the world by not eating meat.

Vegans are proud for being who they are, not only because they are supporting animal rights in the process, but they feel great. The lifestyle is energizing, fulfilling and life changing. Do not comment how rude vegans are without understanding the numerous valid points that are often overlooked.

Maddie McDermott InDepth Editor

Bryce KolkNews Editor

Kindness is not overrated

She Said

As the holiday season nears, it is a cultural norm to put up decorations and dress oneself and other family members for the occasion. While this is normal, there is a line that separates holiday cheer and

major obsession.There is nothing wrong with

decorating the house in lights or even having inflatables in the front yard, but when it looks as if Christmas exploded over a house, there is a problem. Yes, it is cheery, but it is a little absurd to have one’s yard and house completely covered in decorations. Christmas is not a competition.

Neighbourhood houses are not the main problem, though. During December, everything seems to be labeled as

“Christmas” this and “holiday” that. It is in spirit to have specific colors and fake snow, but when even foods are being named after Christmas, it seems like companies are just trying to shove holiday spirit down the people’s throats.

Christmas is a time for people to be spending time with family and learning about what Christmas spirit is all about, but when people and businesses have Christmas plastered on everything, it is hard not to feel like the Scrooge.

He Said Is Christmas spirit ever too much?

Taylor PerkinsFeatures Editor/Copy Editor

Tristin HunnicuttCo-EIC/Sports Editor

How random acts of kindness can make a big difference.

The answer is most definitely YES.

Vegans and Vegetarians: Rude or Not? Ana Lindgren

Reporter

There is no escape- no way out. The only choice is submission. Submit to the mystical Christmas holiday spirit. Learn to live with the music, the gaudy auto commercials and taste of peppermint; from now until January, the world will smell like pine.

Do not fight the holiday spirit. It will crush you with its nutcracker jaw strength and toy-soldier fire power. It’s insistence on hyperactive consumerism and eggnog is only paralleled by its own cliche melodies, ines-capable by even the grouchiest of Scrooges. These earworms will staple themselves to cerebral nostalgia centers, as only holiday music can. Trying to avoid the holiday spirit is futile. It will strangle with its jolly cheer, asphyxiate with jingle bell jingles and fatten with gooey Chocolate Chip cookies. There is no escape.

Yes, Christmas music can be pretty annoying when it is played too early in the season, but let’s just be honest here: people who complain about Christmas music during the holiday season are just plain Scrooges. It is a source of joy for so many; let the ugly sweater wearing, peppermint stick chewing Christmas fanatics have their opportunity to jollily ring everyone’s ears with partridges in pear trees.

Nothing is better than coming home to tacky Christmas music, a warm fire, gaudy holiday decor, and a hot cup of coffee during the winter months, when everything else seems so dreary and “eh.” Christmas music puts a pep in the step of students, workers and shoppers all over town. It puts one in the mood to be jolly and generous, like Santa and his elves or the three wise men. So do not be a scrooge or the grinch, before his heart swelled up and he was not all adorable yet, and let it play, let it play, let it play.

portsDecember 18, 2015

14 SMake theCutt


After leading the Toronto Blue Jays to their first playoff appearance in over 20 years, Josh Donaldson claimed the cover of “MLB 16: The Show.” Of course there were other athletes in the running, but Donaldson was the obvious choice to represent the MLB this March.

The first runner-up was Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper. He had a breakout season as well, hitting a .330 batting average and 44 home runs. Harper was also the National league MVP in 2015, making his case for the cover photo much stronger.

One of the biggest reasons that Donalds on still won out was because the Blue Jays made it to the postseason. He, along with first baseman Edwin Encarnacion and outfielder Jose Bautista, pushed the Jays to new heights during 2015.

The third place athlete was Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim center fielder Mike Trout. He is seen by many as the best young athlete, and possibly the best overall player, in the MLB. Trout is a phenomenal hitter and an elite defensive player, but fell just short of Donaldson for AL MVP. He posted a .290 batting average and hit a career high 41 home runs this season.

Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu was the last athlete in the competition for the cover photo. Abreu has only been in the league for two years and has proven himself as an elite athlete. In 2015, he hit a .290 batting average, 30 home runs and drove in 101 RBIs. Abreu is seen as the future of the White Sox organization even at 28. He is the first “big player” for the White Sox since Adam Dunn was traded in 2014.

Although the choice for “MLB 16: The Show” cover could not have been easy, the right choice was made. Donaldson was bar none the best player in the MLB in 2015 and deserves to represent the MLB this year.

Going to sporting events is an overall great experience; the smell of stadium food, being surrounded by devoted fans, and spending time with friends and family create great memories. However, there are certain people that make these experiences rather foul.

As many people know, some fans of the legal drinking age will enjoy alcoholic beverages at games, and others enjoy this luxury too much. Encouraging these people to continue making bad decisions under the influence should be avoided for the safety of the surrounding people. Encouraging possible fights or wall jumping is not the

type of thing a true fan would do.Throwing trash at a sporting event is

another act that should be frowned upon. On October 6, 2012, the Cardinals played the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wildcard game. A late infield fly rule was called that stopped the Braves from tying the game and fans were none too happy. The fans began to throw trash onto the field and halted the game for 15 minutes while clean up crews worked. This was completely unnecessary and made the fans look very childish. There are trash receptacles at the top of every staircase in baseball and football stadiums for a reason.

Booing is a controversial act committed at sporting events, too. It mainly is used to display hate or displease

of someone or something. Athletes go out every single day to play for their respective cities and being booed by his or her so called “fans” is disheartening in a way. During the 2015 MLB All-Star Game held in Cincinnati, Cardinals Catcher Yadier Molina was booed as his name was called for the starting lineup. He was representing the National League, the league that the Cincinnati Reds play in, and was still booed. Logically, this did not make sense, but apparently the fans thought otherwise.

Being a fan means a lot more than going to a game and making a fool of one’s self; it is a way to support and represent the city that one lives in. To some this is important, but others seem to have forgotten what it means to be a fan.

Coaches play a vital role in a team’s performance. They are the head and mastermind for the execution of a specific sport. While there are many different coaching styles and techniques, certain specific qualities in coaches help teams perform better.

“Obviously a good coach has to have great leadership qualities,” freshman boys basketball coach Charles Baltz said.

Baltz further explained good coaches have attributes such as respect for players, good communication skills, patience and the ability to adapt to different situations during the game.

“I think to have a successful team, a coach has to have high expectations for the team and the ability to communicate those expectations to players. Coaches need to hold players accountable to those expectations,” Baltz said.

Varsity Cross Country coach Dan Staples agreed. He believes a coach should set two types of goals.

“Coaches should define success on an individual and a team basis. There should be clearly defined team goals as well as individual goals. Success is measured in

getting better everyday, not just in winning a meet,” Staples said.

Some student athletes also believe a good coach is someone with obtainable goals.

“[A good coach is someone who] strives to make your team better,” freshman football player Joe Porzenski said.

Not only this but some student athletes believe a positive attitude is important to having a successful team.

“I think a good coach is someone who knows how to encourage his players and knows what [they are] talking about in the sport,” senior softball player Jacie Willison said.

Baltz said he looks for captains who can also assist in encouraging the team.

“The freshman team captains are Brett Hiatt and Blake Busateri. I look for captains to set the tone and be a model of what the coach wants to happen in practice and games,” Baltz said.

Staples said his team did not have a specific captain, but senior Austin Crowe led by example.

“[Crowe] was a great example to the team of how hard you must work to succeed in our competitive sport. He was also very supportive of and willing to push his teammates to be better,” Staples said.

THS coaches give insight on what being a coach means.

What Makes a Coach?

How to be a Fan

THS freshman boys basketball coach Charles Baltz


Taylor PerkinsFeatures Editor/Copy Editor

photos provided by Trotter Photography

Varsity Cross Country coach Dan Staples

portsDecember 18, 2015

15SKobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant, NBA Los Angeles Lakers player, announces his retirement on November 29, 2015 while currently in his 20th season with the Lakers.

In 1996, Bryant finished high school being the all-time leading scorer in the history of southeastern Pennsylvania basketball. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, being the youngest NBA player at 18 years old. Bryant’s position on the team is the shooting guard and small forward.

At his first All-Star game in 1998, he is the youngest starter at 19. Followed with being named All-Star MVP first of four

times in 2002, others in 2007, 2009, and 2011.

In 2005, Bryant scored 81 points in the Lakers 122-104 win over Toronto. The only 100 point game that tops this game is the Wilt Chamberlain’s game in 1962.

During his 2005-2006 season, Bryant scored 2,832 points, which has been the most points he has ever scored.

May 2008, Bryant is named NBA Championship MVP. This award is decided by nine media members who cast votes after the conclusion of the Finals.

“Kobe Bryant is the second best player of all time right behind Michael Jordan,” junior Nick Brown said.

Bryant is named NBA Championship MVP for the second year in a row in 2010.

On April 12, 2013 Bryant tears his

Achilles tendon, which is located in the foot; with successful surgery to repair the injury it leaves him to not play for another game six to nine months. He later returns on December 9, 2013 for another game.

During a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, he breaks a bone in his left knee which then results in being out for another six weeks.

After realizing the injury in his left knee was not healed, on March 12, 2014 the Lakers team announce that Bryant will not be playing for the rest of the season.

Back out on the court on October 28, 2014 for his first time back since December 2013, in a regular season opener.

On December 14, 2014, Kobe Bryant passes Michael Jordan to become the third NBA all-time scoring list, with 32,310

career points. Michael Jordan right behind him with 32,292 career points.

Due to a torn right rotator cuff, which is located in the shoulder, on January 28, 2015. This results Bryant to undergo surgery and is then expected to be out for nine months for recovery.

October 4, 2015 Bryant makes a return in a preseason game against Utah Jazz.

The announcement for Bryant’s retirement at the end of the NBA season was in a post on The Players’ Tribune on November 29, 2015. The post “Dear Basketball” was a poem written by Kobe, talking about his love for basketball.

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/dear-basketball/ “My mind can handle the grind, but my body knows it’s time to say goodbye.”

Kaylee BarksOP/ED Editor

Everyone at timberland knows the infamy of “the old swim team”. Establishing their own identity this year is looking to be a hard task for this year’s swim and dive team, but Junior Marina Pursley, and sophomore Aysia Moon are very hopeful of their chances.

“I Think the team has great potential. This is my first year so I don’t have a comparison, but I think everyone is doing really well,” Moon said. This year seems to be different, as they both had hoped. The team started off the season with a win

against McCluer North, and this was just the kick-off they were looking for.

“Practices are kind of like open gym. We go and we have about two to three hours, and our coach tells what we should work on. It’s a lot of fun,” Moon said. The practices take place at the YMCA and the St. Peters Rec-Plex, since Timberland does not have a pool.

“We die a little bit every practice,” Pursley said, ”We have team bondings like bowling and movie nights that really help to build our relationships. We’re tiny but mighty!”

The meets themselves run kind of like a track meet.

“We perform individually, and that’s

ranked, but at the end of the meet we score as a team based on how we did individually,” Pursley said. After the win against McCluer North, the team is feeling really confident about the rest of the season. They had four meets the week after being interviewed, and if they went as well as the team thought they will, Timberland could be looking at a whole new swim team.

On the team, there are swimmers who have swam since they were five, and swimmers who are swimming for the first time this year. This year, they are coming together to work hard and change the face of Timberland Swim and Dive, according to the team.

THS Swim and Dive

The Man...The Myth...

The Legend...

Kob3

Numb3rsby the

15All-Star game appearances in 16 season in the NBA 5NBA Finals Championships in 15

seasons

25Games scoring at least 50 points

2Scoring titles (scored the most points in a single season of any player)

5Games scoring at least 60 points 13Seasons averaging at least 25 points per game

information by www.lakersuniverse.com infographic by Tristin Hunnicutt

After a 16 year career, Kobe Bryant announces his retirement from the NBA.

Ethan RoddenIndex Editor

photo provided by https://www.flickr.com/photos/boixoesnois1987/4067656449

The St. Peters Rec-Plex, another place where the THS Swim and Dive team meets. They also meet at the O’Fallon YMCA.

photo provided by https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:St._Peters_Rec-Plex.JPG

on timberland 2

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