Green Horn

December 1, 2014

Volume 35, Edition 3

The Award-Winning Student Publication of Springfield High School

Seattle Shooting Shocks America

Schools Reflect on Safety and Rights
by Jordan Phelps

omecoming prince, football player, and a popular, happy teenager. Not the typical gunman to
perform a school shooting. On Friday, October
24th, 15-year-old Jaylen Fryberg texted five of his
friends, two of them cousins, asking to meet for lunch
in the cafeteria of Marysville-Pilchuck High School. The
school is located just outside of Seattle, Washington.
Four minutes after entering the cafeteria, at 10:39 am,
Fryberg shot five friends himself.

Zoe Galasso, 14, and the shooter, died in
the cafeteria. 14-year-olds Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, Gia
Soriano, Nate Hatch, and 15-year-old Andrew Fryberg
died in the hospital in days following. Officials are still
unsure of the shooters motive. There may never be an
explanation.

He [Fryberg] wasnt an outcast, said SHS
Principal Bob Thibault, when asked to comment on this
tragedy. Thats why it has shocked more people. Its
easy to profile students as typical high school shooters,
but you have to dismiss those stereotypes.

Jaylen Fryberg was a Native American, a
member of the Tulalip tribe, an outdoorsman, and a
hunter. Some students at Marysville-Pilchuck say its
likely he was upset that a girl (a victim of the shooting)
wouldnt date him. As shown with his actions, Fryberg
wasnt such a happy teenager after all. In the months
prior, Fryberg posted many angry tweets; one in June
read, Might as well die now! and in August he stated,
vv

Whats Inside:
MacBook Pros
arrive p.4

Hepburn is
iconic p.7

Varsity Club
steps up p.8

Youre not gonna like what happens next!

According to the FBI, 1 in 10 active shooting
situations involve gunmen (almost exclusively male)
who target family members, exes, or current partners.
Shockingly, 25% of shootings take place in schools.

SHS junior Ian Morvan worries about school
violence. School shootings are going to continue happening, he said, unless we figure out a way to convince
troubled kids that its not the way to go.

Brian Berry, SHS graduate of 1992 and
Detective Trooper for the State of Vermont, also has reflections on school violence. I believe we have come a
long way since the Columbine shooting in 1999 as far as
lockdown protocols and people being more observant,
he said. However, we still have a long way to go.

I think that SHS has good plans when it
comes to emergency procedures, added SHS senior
Bryne Sidney. But I dont think all students understand
these procedures and what to do in each situation.

Schools are doing the best they can, said
SHS Assistant Principal Bindy Hathorn. You can have
a plan, but never really know what actions will be necessary [when an emergency actually happens]. You can
have a protocol and hopefully never have to use it. It
used to be that fire drills were the only thing practiced.
Things have changed drastically.

We want to make sure everyone has a positive experience at school, Thibault added. Thats why

we have advisory and Monday morning meetings, to

connect as a community.

Emergency procedures at Springfield High
School include lockdowns, fire drills, building evacuations, and shelter in place drills. These procedures are
practiced for situations such as tornadoes, chemical
spills, shootings, and suicides.

Our high school tries to protect students
and staff by having an emergency plan and exercising
it, said Drivers Education teacher Kevin Anderson,
a former Vermont State Trooper. Staff are trained in
emergency procedures and are required by Vermont
Education laws to do practice drills in preparation for
those emergencies.

Prior to October 24th, 38 school shootings
had taken place in the United States this year. Weve
been very lucky at SHS, Thibault said. Kids have
been responsible about leaving their weapons at home.
In the hunting culture, and a rural community, violence
tends to happen more than in cities.

I think that laws should be put in place
mandating a school resource officer everywhere, Berry
said. Yes, they are only one person and not the cure
all for everything, but statistics across the country show
that schools with a resource officer have far less crime,

See Shooting page 15

Green Horn Interview

Elliot Thompson
Reflects on
Motivation, Film,
and Zombies

pringfield High School junior Elliot Thompson

was awarded first place at SkillsUSA in Television Production in Kansas last June. He was also
selected as Octobers Student of the Month. Thompson
is as motivated as ever.

SkillsUSA was held at H. Roe Bartle Hall,
Municipal Auditorium and American Royal in Kansas
City, Missouri, on June 25th and June 26th. All winners
receive medallions and frequently receive tools of their
trade. Thompson received $15,000 worth of video
equipment and scholarships to the Arts Institute.

Currently enrolled in the River Valley
Technical Centers Audio Video Production program,
Thompson has been working toward a career as a filmmaker since joining the program his freshman year.
Thompson hopes the program, which helps him sharpen
and strengthen his filmmaking skills, will enable him to
attend a competitive film school.

This goal alone is enough to keep Thompson
from slackening on high school assignments.

The Green Horn recently interviewed
Thompson about his aspirations and relentless motivation, contributing factors in his award-winning career in
the River Valley Technical Center and Springfield High
School.
What keeps you motivated as a person?
There are many factors that help to keep me motivated.
My passion for filmmaking is definitely one. Becoming
a filmmaker is a goal that has helped me to persevere

through many challenges. My family and friends are

also key motivators for me. Everyday, they push me
to do my best.
What keeps you motivated in school?
I would argue that it takes a fair amount of motivation to
persevere through junior year, and I'm not even half way
finished with it yet. As far as education is concerned,
my college goals are, by far, my largest motivation.
The thought of being accepted into a competitive film
school is enough to push me through every high school
quiz and essay.
Where would you like to go after high school?
My post-high school goal is to attend film school in
California. USC (University of Southern California) has
long been regarded as one of the best film schools in the
world. I will definitely be applying there.
What would you like to do for a profession after
high school?
I think it would be fun to work as a cinematographer on
a drama TV show like The Walking Dead. I admire this
form of entertainment because the image is so important.
Just the right camera angle can make the perfect zombie
shot even more chilling.
How have teachers and students helped you in
school?
There hasn't been a day where my high school teachers

GREEN HORN STAFF

T re Ayer .............................. Layout Editor
A. lan Clough...........................Editor-in-Chief
J ordan Phelps ..................... Sports Editor
A. llison Naccarato.................. Photo Editor
K auhner Hunter................... Assistant Editor
REPORTERS
Alan Clough, Allison Naccarato, Jordan Phelpes, Tre Ayer, Kauhner Hunter,
Jon Courchesne, Mathew Powers, Kyra Peoples, Ericka Schoff, Isabelle
Vogell, Brenden Willey

pg

By Kauhner Hunter

weren't there for me.

If I feel like I have a
good grasp on an assignment, my teachers
will always push me to
go further. In contrast, If
I'm struggling, they are
always there to help me
out. Also, my peers at
SHS have always supported my educational
endeavors. My friends
are undoubtedly my
hardest critics in school,
and they push me to
excel.

r e e

What do you consider to be your greatest motivation?

My greatest motivation is definitely my family and
friends. Each of them have their own talents that they
have pursued, and they motivate me to do the same.
What does student of the month, and winning the
national competition in Kansas mean to you?
Winning SkillsUSA nationals was both a surreal and
humbling experience. It was fun to challenge ourselves
and to see what we could accomplish, but it was even
more amazing to see what other students could create.
There was tons of talent in just our competition room
alone, let alone the rest of SkillsUSA. Winning Student
of the Month was a huge honor as well. Students chosen
to receive this award have represented our school in such
a positive way. It is exciting to have the opportunity to
do the same.
What suggestions would you give someone who is
struggling to stay motivated?
The most important thing you can do is aim high and
set goals for yourself. Where do you want to be after
high school? What do you want to do with your life?
One of the best things about our country is that, no
matter your profession, you can be successful. If your
passion is writing, then pursue writing to the best of
your ability. If your passion is art, set a goal to be the
best artist you can. My personal passion is filmmaking,
and my goal to become a filmmaker has motivated me
to constantly improve.
What suggestions would you give to someone struggling to achieve their goals?
If you find it hard to reach your goals, look short term
and set smaller targets that will help you to grow little
by little.

n H

Features

Taking the PSAT

Short Challenge, Long Consequences
by Kyra Peoples

uring high school, students have opportunities to increase their chance of success. The
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)
represents one of those opportunities. If the test is completed to the best of student ability and if the results are
well-received by a college, the PSAT can earn a student
college scholarships.

I hope the students will try their best on
this test," said Springfield High School music director and test proctor James Chlebak, before the PSATs
were administered at the high school in mid-October,
"because I dont know if the students know all of the
benefits they can get if they do well."

The PSAT was completed by 86 sophomores
and 9 juniors in a two-hour and ten-minute time period.
With a 25-minute deadline for four sections (critical
reading, math, critical reading, math), and 30 minutes
for the fifth section (creative writing), students were
nervous about the time restraints.

For sophomores, the PSAT was a chance for
students to prepare for their senior test, the Scholastic
Aptitude Test (SAT), the one that, for many college
aspirants, really counts.

Sophomore Ericka Schoff prepared for the
test by looking over the practice books that were given
out and working on the practice tests that resemble the
actual test. However, even with the preview test, Schoff
was nervous.I am worried that I wont know what
Im doing, Schoff said before the exam. I dont want
to open the test and feel uneducated if I dont know
something.

Even though she was nervous, Schoff knew
the benefits of taking the practice test. I feel the PSAT

Jim Chlebak was pleased with

students he proctored for the PSAT.
will be useful because it will prepare me for the SAT,
said Schoff, and when I get the results back in December, it will show me what I need to work on.

Schoff also knew the benefits of doing well
on the SATs in the future. I know that colleges look at
these scores, said Schoff. If I do well, then I have a
chance of going to school with a full scholarship.

After the test, Schoff was confident about her
work.I dont think I could have prepared any more, she
said. But I could definitely work on my vocabulary.
Schoff had a positive frame of mind going into the test.

I will go in there with confidence and a #2 pencil, she

said beforehand.

Another SHS sophomore, Matt Power, took
the PSATs without fear. I think I will do well, said
Power previous to the exam.

Taking the test seriously to prepare for the
future SAT was critical to Power because of the benefits
of the test. The PSAT will help you study for the SAT,
said Power. And when we get our results back, we will
know what to work on and study for the future. Power
also knew the SAT can earn a person a full scholarship
to college. The SAT is usually crucial because the test
helps to decide which college you are chosen for, and
will go to, he said.

Power initially thought that he would do well
on the PSAT, and was reassured since most of the test
was easy for him. I feel the PSAT was rather easy,
Power said. With the harder questions, I got an idea
of what I need to work on.

With all of the benefits this practice test can
have for a student, Powers thoughts about the PSAT
were clear. Take the PSAT seriously, Power said. It
can really help with your future.

Proctors, teachers who administered the
PSAT, read the directions of the test to the students, and
made sure students were comfortable and relaxed before
and during the test. For the test on October 15th, nine
proctors (each supported by an assistant) were involved
in the exams.

One of the proctors, SHS physical education
teacher Joy Benson, was apprehensive proctoring the

See PSAT page 15

Campus Connection Opens

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by Brenden Willey

he Campus Connection, located in the River

Valley Technical Center Atrium adjacent to
Springfield High School, offers snacks, drinks,
and school supplies for sale. The student-run store is a
relaxing break for learners during lunch and free time.

SHS senior Matt Graham, a Level 1 RVTC
business student who works in the Campus Connection, is positive about the store. Its great, Graham
said before the grand opening in October. Im glad it's
opening. We have been anticipating this for a while. We
have been doing work in the store and getting it ready
to be open and now its a relief.

Its not bad working in the store, he added.
We get class loads [many students] so it can be hectic
at times. But, overall, its pretty good.

SHS junior Diamond Bruso, a Campus Connection customer, is delighted with the store. I was
happy the school store opened, Bruso said. Its really
convenient when youre in class and you want a snack

H o r

or something to drink.

SHS senior Christian Chiesa, a Level 2 business student, was also pleased with the store opening. I
wish the grand opening was longer, he said but it was
good. Chiesa noted changes in the store. We [have]
ice cream and Country Meats, said Chiesa, which is
like a Slim Jim.

Two different levels of RVTC business
students run the Campus Connection. Level 1 students
work in the morning and Level 2 in the afternoon. Level
2 students work in the store for 2 years and Level 1 have
one year of experience. Level 2 business students pay
for supplies and display items, under the direction of
the RVTC business instructor Gabriel Vastola.

SHS senior Kyle White, a Level
2 business student, manages the Campus Connection.
Its a good experience for business management [my
career choice], He concluded, so its a good start.

pg

News

The Umbrella Revolution

A Fight for Democracy in Totalitarian China
by Tre Ayer

hen Great Britain and imperial China signed

a treaty in 1897, Hong Kong became British
property until 1997. When the treaty ran out,
the British, which had allowed Hong Kong togovern itself with a free market form of democracy, ceded control
to China. But Hong Kongs form of democracy does not
mesh with China's communism. However, China tolerated Hong Kong's relative freedom for almost a decade.

Recently, China--restricting Hong Kong's
democratic principles--announced that the candidates
for Hong Kongs highest office would have to be approved by the National Peoples Congress, the legislative branch of Chinas government. This declaration
enraged millions of Hong Kongs citizens, inspiring
thousands of college students to protest in the streets.

Named after the umbrellas that protect
protesters from pepper spray, the Umbrella Revolution began in late September. Organized by Joshua
Wong, a long-time political activist, several hundred
protesters occupied the Civic Square (banned for public
use) outside the government offices. Many protesters
were arrested, including Wong, while the square was
cleared. Protests continued two days later. Tear gas
was fired against protesters. This retaliation enraged
the public, and 200,000 protesters joined the movement.

Protesters shield themselves.

The actions on the 28th also claimed the attention of
international media. BBC, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News,
and Al Jazeera were among the thousands of papers
and broadcast stations that covered, and still cover, the
protests. In late autumn, there appears only two ways
to end the protests: either the government gives in to
protesters or another Tiananmen Square, which was a
massacre of Chinese protesters in 1976, will occur.

Hong Kong protesters seek universal suffrage. Since China took over Hong Kong in 1997, the
totalitarian nation has reduced political freedom. Chinas
tampering with free elections, scheduled for 2017,
stimulated the civil disobedience. After vowing not to
interfere in elections, China announced that candidates
must be screened by a 1,200-person committee in Beijing. Outraged by this change, protesters claim that Hong
Kong would be a puppet of the Chinese government.

The protesters call themselves members of
Scholarism, an activist group founded by Joshua Wong.
Before the 2014 protests, Scholarism was found in protests concerning Moral and National Education in Hong
Kong, a mandatory course praising China's communism.
Now Scholarism speaks out for democracy.

The Chinese and current Hong Kong government have not agreed to any protester's demands. They
have responded with tear gas and an hour-long peace
talk that accomplished nothing. However, the government is wary of using military force to break up peaceful
protesters. They know international media monitor the
situation. They are determined to retain power and avoid
another Tiananmen Square.

See Umbrella page 15

New MacBook Pros Reinforce SHS

No More Missing Keys
by Jonathan Courchesne

uring October, Springfield High School Librarian Jenn Wasyliko arrived at school to find a new
cart full of MacBook Pros in front of her door.
They appeared with no warning at all, said Wasyliko.
It was a complete surprise.

The new, 13 screen MacBooks, which cost
$1299 per computer, are an improvement over the Dell
laptops purchased last year. The Dells were purchased
to enhance the quantity of laptops in the school, said
Wasyliko. Unfortunately, they happen to run pretty
slow.

At a total cost of $39,000, the 30 MacBook
Pros were purchased with a local grant. SHS Principal
Bob Thibault is happy with this addition to the school.
We need to give the students the best technology we
can offer, said Thibault. Our other Mac computers are
about four to five years old now.

SHS sophomore Ericka Schoff enjoys the
new laptops and thinks they will benefit students. Last
year we got the Chromebooks, said Schoff. They
couldnt even print papers. I am glad we now have

pg

Freshman Owen Kelly uses a new

MacBook Pro in the library to
complete a Global Studies
assignment.

r e e

functioning, new laptops to work with.

Wasyliko also believes that the laptops can
be beneficial to students and teachers. The devices that
we have had in the past, said Wasyliko, havent met
the demands and needs of the teachers and students.

The two laptop carts--Dell and Macs-already in use at the high school, have suffered from
use. From scrapes and scratches, to students picking off
keys, the old laptops, Wasyliko said, have been through
a lot and need reinforcements like the new MacBooks.

Wasyliko has fashioned a system to hold students accountable for the well-being of their computer.
Before using a MacBook, each student must sign out
the computer . When they are done with the computer,
they must again sign the log sheet.

SHS senior Tanner Shumski, who recently
used a new MacBook in Senior English class, is glad to
use a laptop that is not defaced or slow. Now we dont
have outdated technology and students can stay on top
of things, concluded Shumski. Its also nice to have
computers without keys missing.

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Features

Government Goes Red

The GOP Gains in Midterm Elections
by Tre Ayer

Senator Mitch McConnell at a rally

for the 2014 election; Governor
Peter Shumlin delivering the 2014
State of the State Address.

hen people thought of Midterms this November, they probably were wondering how to
punish the Democrats without rewarding the
Republicans. At least thats what Chuck Todd of Meet
The Press believed.

But the Democrats certainly were punished
in the November 4th election. They lost the Senate
and continue to be outnumbered by Republicans in
the national legislature, the state legislatures, and the
statehouses of America.

This may not necessarily be a bad thing.

Political gridlock has been an issue, the past
two years in particular, because of a house divided.
Now, every main governmental office has a Republican
majority. If our nations government is a pyramid, every
level except the highest level, the presidency, has a
Republican majority. It may be a bad thing for liberals
and Democrats, but it will probably be beneficial for the

progress-oriented, get-the-job-done Americans.

As far as progress goes, though, it may not
always be forward progress. Tea Party Republicans have
a tendency to turn back the clock in America, to a time
when it was acceptable to yell racial slurs in the street,
when women had as many rights as the family horse,
and everyone was expected to go to church on Sunday.
Unfortunately these extremists have considerable power
in the government. Though not gaining power in the
elections and somewhat equivalent to liberal extremists,
Tea Partiers have sullied the Republican name, since
most Republicans are forward-thinking, good-hearted
individuals, no matter their politics. Clearly, the type of
progress made in the next two years will be determined
by which group of Republicans retains the spotlight.

Before the elections, most political analysts
predicted a Republican-controlled Senate. For the next
two years, the 53 Republicans and the 45 Democrats will
most likely be led by current Senate Minority Leader,
and projected Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell. McConnell won his election in Kentucky against Democrat
Alison Grimes by 16 points. This will be McConnells
sixth term, already spending 30 years in the U.S. Senate. McConnell allied with Speaker of The House John
Boehner encouraged many Republicans to be hopeful
about their chances to pass conservative legislation, We
do have an obligation to work on the issues where we
[Republicans and Democrats] can agree, McConnell
said in his victory speech. He added, rather hypocritically, that it is time for change.

While many Americans agree with McConnells attitude, myself included, change isnt re-electing
someone who has been in power for 30 years, someone
who blames the opposition for all political gridlock,
someone who ignores his partys contributions to the
lack of progress. That is the exact opposite of change.
This session of the Senate will be McConnells time to
prove himself as a leader. It will be his first time commanding the majority, and he seems eager for the chance
to prove himself capable.

On election night, Republicans took seven
Senate seats from Democrats in battleground states.
Even though Vermonts two senators werent up for
re-election, this shift in power will affect their ability
to act. Patrick Leahy, the most senior member of the
Senate, is about to enter his 40th year on the job. He is
currently serving as President Pro Tempore, third in line
for the Presidency of the United States. He is also the
Chairman of the Senate Committee of the Judiciary and
the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry. With the shift in political power,
he is likely to lose all three positions to Republicans.

The other Vermont Senator, Bernie Sanders,
one of the Senates two independents, is about to enter
his 10th year in the Senate. Sanders currently serves as
the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, owing the title to his voting habits, predominantly
Democratic, and the respect he commands from his

H o r

peers. His title could be in jeopardy. A self-identified

Socialist, he probably wont fare well with a highly
conservative base.

Vermonts only member of the House of
Representatives, Peter Welch, was re-elected by a near
landslide. He won with 65% of the vote. His Republican
opponent, Mark Donka, only accumulated 31% of the
vote. Welch was so confident in the election that he
declared victory and gave a speech at 8:30 pm, not even
two hours after the polling stations closed. He retired
by 9:00 pm.

This will be Welchs fifth term in office,
and his second time beating Donka for the seat. This
election, Donka gained seven percent of the vote over
his last election, opposed to the 75% Welch won in
2012. Despite his wide margin of victory, Welch and
his Democratic comrades will be outnumbered in the
House by 64 Republicans.

The gubernatorial was the most interesting
race for Vermonters on election night. Incumbent Peter
Shumlin and challenger Scott Milne were locked in a
heated battle. The race was so close that the legislature,
in accordance with state law, will choose the winner in
their first session in January 2015. Peter Shumlin leads
Milne by 1%, about 2,100 votes, with a total of 46.6%
of the popular vote. If the state legislature votes in
favor of the incumbent, which it probably will since it
has a Democrat majority, Shumlin will enter his third
term as governor. He is the sixth Democratic governor
of Vermont and the latest Democrat opposing over a
century of Republican governors. There have only been
five Democrats in over 150 years.

Both gubernatorial candidates ran a good
campaign, Shumlin focusing on the jobs created by his
environmental policies, and Milne focusing on improving industry throughout the state and reducing income
and property taxes. Unfortunately for Milne, it looks
like his efforts to reduce taxes wont be enough to take
the governors seat away from Shumlin.

The race for Vermont Lieutenant Governor
was even more predictable than Welchs. Phil Scott, a
popular Republican, strode to his third term with 62% of
the vote. For the past two years, Scott has worked with
Shumlin to bring change to Vermont. While politically
opposed to Shumlin, Scott was able to work well with
the governor to benefit Vermont.

It was an exciting year in politics, if one is a
Republican. Analysts are predicting that the Democrats
will not regain either houses in Washington for another
ten years. While Vermont will always be the bluest state
in the Union, the elections have great consequences for
the Green Mountain State. Vermont senators will most
likely lose their powerful seats to their Republican opposites. This year was about punishing the Democrats
without rewarding the Republicans. But whether one is
liberal or conservative, everyone seems to agree that the
2014 midterm election was the time for change.

pg

Features

Smith College Museum of Art

An Artistic and Cultural Adventure

by Isabelle Vogell

or approximately the last 15 to 20 years, Springfield High School Art teacher Lisa Murray has
been taking students to visit the Smith College
Museum of Art in Northampton, Massachusetts. Murray enjoys bringing kids to Smith because she feels its
an amazing museum with multiple floors with different
permanent and changing exhibits organized according
to time period.

"I think it's wonderful," Murray said. "A lot
of museums don't give anything towards the buses."

The college, in fact, pitches in to help make
this trip possible by giving SHS a $150 bus reimbursement and free admission for the students attending. On
October 29th, the day of the most recent Smith College,
40 students and three chaperones, social studies teachers
Sue Fog and Dave Slivka, arrived at the museum and
were divided into smaller groups.

Tours were given by Smith College students,
art majors at the college. Freshman Theo Avent, who
participated in the trip, was impressed with the guides.

The students [guides] were fantastic, Avent said.

Tour guides focused on a few paintings
and photographs with similar themes and asked SHS
students what they noticed about the works of art.

I told them to focus on poverty, said Murray, because the Empty Bowl [the SHS Empty Bowl
Dinner on November 19th] is coming up.

Murray encourages many of her art students
to go to the Smith College Museum to see what they are
learning about in class. Currently SHS Advanced Art
students in Murrays classes are learning about the art
topics of Impressionism and Cubism.

Murray believes that the museum has an impressive permanent collection. She especially enjoys the
floor with art by Picasso and Monet. My favorite part
was the art created after the 1950s, sophomore Maddi
Macie said. I enjoy modern art a lot more because it's
weird and different.

After touring the museum for about an
hour, students and chaperones experienced downtown

Northampton. SHS students visited main street to

shop and eat before heading back to Springfield. The
churches and buildings are just amazingly built, Avent
said about Northampton.

Murray likes this field trip because of the
dimensions of the visit. Northampton is sort of a
mini-city experience for Vermont teenagers [students],
she said. A lot of people end up going back with their
families.

Because of the hour and a half bus ride back,
the trip was on a tight schedule. I wish we had more
time Murray said. However she focuses on getting
back in time, so everyone can catch a ride home and
wont miss their bus connections.

I would encourage people to go to the Smith
College Museum, Macie concluded. It's always good
to open up your mind to things, like possibly going to
an art college or just trying new [experiences] if you've
never been to an art museum before.

SHS students converse around a sculpture at Smith College, while other art students study classic paintings.

pg

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Opinion

Audrey Hepburn
An Icon of Fashion and Style
by Isabelle Vogell

Hepburn, as Golightly, displayed a sophisticated image in the film. She wore an expensive, little
black dress, as she attempted to become a socialite.
Hepburn's particular gown in Tiffany's established the
term little black dress (LBD) made wildly popular in
fashion history. The outfits she wore also included two
famous accessories: wayfarer Ray Ban sunglasses and
a cigarette holder.

The dress, produced by French designer
Hubert de Givenchy, was auctioned for just under $1
million dollars in 2006. It is a sleeveless evening gown
made from Italian satin.

Including Holly Golightly, many of the
outfits Hepburn wore in movies like Sabrina and Roman Holiday, have been offered as unique Halloween
costumes. Usually they consist of exquisite dresses and
up-do hairstyles.

Audreys individual fashion taste was based
on simplicity. Her wardrobe was both chic and elegant,
and, consequently, this simplicity has influenced the way

con is defined as a an image or symbol or picture

of a sacred personage. Hollywood actress Audrey
Hepburn, who passed away in 1993 from cancer,
fits this definition. People of all ages are still fascinated
with the way Hepburn carried herself with a gracious
outlook on life and a perfect fashion sense.

Not only did Hepburn have an impeccable
career in acting, modeling and humanitarian causes, but
also she had stellar taste in fashion which allows her to
be a model in the industry even today.

After her role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast
at Tiffanys, portraying an eccentric girl living in New
York City, Hepburns style evolved to iconic stature.

Hepburn in her little black dress

as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at
Tiffany's; Anne Hathaway in the
iconic style of Hepburn; Hepburn
as Princess Ann in Roman
Holiday; Hepburn as Sabrina
Fairchild in Sabrina.

able style, Audrey was admired for her physical appearance as well. Unlike some celebrities today who
undergo surgery to boost their confidence and who
plaster makeup on their faces, Hepburn had rare natural
beauty: doe-eyed, bold brows, defined bone structure.
These physical features drew even more attention to her.

There are seemingly endless reasons why
people have found Audrey Hepburn to be such a significant woman. Its unlikely the infatuation with Hepburn
and her iconic grip on fashion will fade any time soon.

fashion is portrayed today. Because of her slim, boyish

figure, Hepburn favored clothes that complimented her
body type. Often she wore button-down blouses paired
with high rise capri pants, or turtleneck sweaters with a
ballet flat shoe.

Celebrities today channel their inner Audrey
Hepburn. Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker appears in scenes as Holly Golightly, young actress Lily
Collins copies Hepburn's famous look with the classic
fringe bangs and high neckline and Academy Award
winner Anne Hathaway seems Hepburn-like with her
pixie haircut. These are just a few stars today who have
have been influenced by the iconic Audrey Hepburn.

Hepburn also made accessories a memorable
part of her style. She achieved balance as she made
her jewelry or apparel the focus in an outfit. Large earrings and floppy hats were central to Hepburns fashion.
These accessories were worn with sleek all-black outfits
or with simple sundresses.

Not only highly regarded for her remark-

H o r

pg

Opinion

Varsity Club Steps Up

What's a School Without School
by Ericka Schoff

ake a minute and think about what school spirit

was like when the Baby Boomers were youthful.
Pep rallies. Cheerleaders. Winning teams. With
these spirited elements, Springfield High School spirit
was in its prime during the 70s and 80s.

But in 2014, Cosmos athletes and fans are
still trying to figure out what made school spirit so apparent in past generations. In 2012, Varsity Club (a group
of multi-sport varsity athletes recommended by coaches
for their leadership and school spirit) was introduced to
SHS to rejuvenate joyful enthusiasm at the school.

SHS Athletic Director Joe Brown became the
Varsity Club Advisor this year. As the advisor, I think
it is important to build a positive climate and culture
on campus, said Brown. Student-led groups like the
Varsity Club help to promote this.

This year Browns club has eight members:
three sophomores, two juniors, and three seniors.

SHS senior Kaitlyn Stokarski joined Varsity
Club last year to help make changes. I wanted to be a
part of Varsity Club so I could help bring school spirit
back to our school, said Stokarski.I think it's important
to have the whole school involved in sporting events
because it brings support to our teams.

Like Stokarski, SHS sophomore Alex Naccarato wanted to be a part of Varsity Club to help the
athletes regain the support they had in previous years.
I remember going to SHS basketball games in 2008.
Both sides of the gym at Riverside were packed with
students, family, and other community members, he
said. Springfield needs to return to the way it was.

SHS senior Michael Kollman believes Varsity Club can help the community come together as one.
Varsity Club benefits SHS by showing the students that
we should have pride in our school, he said. No matter
the record of our sports teams, no matter how our test
scores are, and no matter where we come from, we go
to school together, so we might as well enjoy it.

Former Varsity Club member and 2013 SHS
graduate Kaylee Haskell believes the club can help not
only the community, but also its members. I think I
benefitted from varsity club in many ways, she said
in an email. I gained a better sense of how to organize
events and how to budget and spend money when necessary.

Whether Varsity Club benefits the student
body, or members themselves, the group can make a
difference. This year the club meets once a week to plan
events that will help students interact with each other.
Varsity Club organized a pep rally for the fall sports seniors and Homecoming games. The group will continue
planning events as the Cosmos enter their winter and
spring sport seasons.

Kollman has various long-term goals for the
club. I want to be able to come back to SHS 10 years
from now and see the Varsity Club, he said. I want
the club to truly help improve our schools climate.

pg

SHS English teacher Kevin Coen believes
that having student-led groups is always a good thing.
He feels such organization broaden the number of
experiences the students have. I think like everything
it [Varsity Club] had its ups and downs, said Coen.
There have been some great and memorable pep rallies.
At other times the club seems to disappear for a while.
It's too bad we all don't have more time in our lives
because it would be more consistent and remain in the
forefront of everyone's minds.

Varsity Clubs, a development in United
States public schools, share a similar goal: to increase
school spirit. School spirit may diminish because of
school cliques which do not support for all students.

Despite this fact of school culture, SHS
sophomore Kelsie Fraser believes that the SHS Varsity
Club isnt doing their job effectively. I think Varsity
Club should organize more school-wide events that

See Varsity Club page 15

Varsity Club Advisor Joe Brown wants

to build a positive school culture;
Michael Kollman thinks students
should have pride in their school;
Kaitlyn Stokarski would like to see
more support for teams; the SHS Varsity Club organized a pep rally during
Spirit Week this autumn.

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Choice Spirit
Music I Am Proud of...

Column

by Kauhner Hunter

orn into the genre of progressive metal, London-based solo project Miroist has faced stiff
competition. Choosing to stay anonymous, the
man behind Miroist has set himself apart in this arena
of music with the release of The Pledge in 2012, and
his newest album Curve.

Most solo projects use the same drum and
computer programs. These programs create a session of
drum playing, as well as background music, to complement the organic music. For this reason, these projects
tend to resemble each other.

However, Miroist sets himself apart from
the pack by introducing the dreamier soundscapes of
ambient music. Miroist evokes an atmospheric, visual,
and conspicuous quality to the more standard progressive soundscapes by using background music.

Miroists creator has remained anonymous
for personal and creative reasons. I can be quite a private guy, said Miroist via email with this reporter, and
so I'm not sure how I would feel about being 'known'. If
the most important thing about your work is the fact you
play an instrument, you're not thinking enough about
your art.

In an area of public expression that cares
more about image than art, music can be overshadowed
by personality. This can lead to mediocrity.

Although mediocrity may be a byproduct of
popularity, Miroist acknowledges that as his following
grows stronger, his anonymity may be threatened. So
to keep private, avoid clich and just keep the focus on

music," Miroist said, "it seemed that staying anonymous

was the way to go. I don't know if I will always be able
to stay that way, but for now it works.

First playing music at the age of 10, the 30year old Miroist wasnt originally interested in guitar.
He became interested in the instrument by attending
lessons with his father. I just went to lessons with my
dad, said Miroist by email. He was much more keen
on it than me. But Im glad I did because it eventually
decided the direction and main interests of my life.

Inspired by artists like Tool, Meshuggah, and
Aphex Twin, Miroist made music as soon as he played.
He didnt record, though, until he enrolled in college and
studied music technology.

Under the pseudonym Miroist, he released
his first record, The Pledge, via Bandcamp. From this
initial album, Miroist gained critical acclaim and fans.
Miroist was then able to build enough support to run a
modest crowd-funding campaign via Kickstarter to pay
for a limited vinyl pressing and some t-shirts, which are
customary to independent artists, like Miroist, who use
Bandcamp and the apparel to raise money.

In a genre that blends the loud aggression
and amplified electric guitar-driven sound of progressive

See Miroist page 15

Music Review

Curve
Scale The Mountain. Never Give Up.
by Kauhner Hunter

t has been hard to ignore the rapid increase of

one-man studio projects in progressive metal. As
the technology becomes more advanced, the term
bedroom producer feels amateurish, given the standards of quality now possible.

With breakout projects like Cloudkicker, or
Chimp Spanner, competition within this genre is high.
Into this overcrowded genre, London-based Miroist has
released his full-length album Curve.

Known for being experimental, progressive
metal should be more diverse than other forms of metal.
And it is. However, in the realm of one-man projects,
the genre lacks diversity. This lack of variety is why
competition is so hostile. Although this may plague the
reputation of bedroom producers in this genre, it also
makes it easier for true artists to stand out.

Miroists newest album, Curve, certainly
stands out. Unlike many bedroom producers who suffer
from the lack of words in their music, Miroist's ability as
an instrumentalist more than makes up for the missing
lyrics. With his dexterity as a musician, Miroist still
creates energy and emotion.

Curve is more of an adventure than an album.

It won't take listeners on a voyage into the fearsome

black waters of metal, though that isn't its goal. With
Curve's atmosphere, chilling progressions, and climaxes,
Curve is an inspirational experience.

As the album continues, the listener feels
defeated. As the guitar playing weakens, and at some
point becomes nonexistent, left behind is a feeling of
haunting desolation.

But as emptiness fills the listener, the guitar
playing returns stronger than before. As one guitar plays
high soaring notes that burst into the atmosphere, the
other slowly ascends a mountain, building momentum
to a musical climax.

The ascent up this musical mountain restores
inspiration. The guitars never give up and the listener is
empowered.

Miroist stands out in Curve in terms of the
theme of never giving up. Although he may use the same
sound systems as other bedroom producers to program
his drums and background music, Miroist shines with his
sense of composition. For this reason, Curve isnt just
another album to add to progressive metal mediocrity. It
is an album that never gives up until it reaches the top.

H o r

pg

Sports

Field Hockey
Positive Lessons, Experiences from 2014
by Kyra Peoples

Kelsey Gould defends against Brattleboro. Emily Therrian waits for a pass.

he Springfield High School field hockey team lost

to Mount Abraham Union High School, 4-0, in
the qualifying round of the Division II playoffs.

This season, 19 SHS field hockey players
entered the sport with new coaches and an open mind
for the season. However, with a record of 3-10-1, the
players dedication didn't lead to great success.

Sophomore and 8-year field hockey player
Isabelle Vogell was upbeat about the year. I enjoyed
the season, she said. However, I dont think our
record was as good as it could be. Vogell thought that
the unsatisfactory season and record resulted from the
lack of participation in conditioning before pre-season.
Most people, including myself, need to exercise before
pre-season, she said. I want to start running a few
times a week before pre-season next year.

The 2-hour long bus ride to Mount Abraham
for the qualifying round of playoffs was nerve-racking
and the weather was dreadful, added Vogell. But I felt
the team was ready to make it to playoffs.

Even though the results werent what the
team was looking for, players felt they benefited from
the playoff experience. We dont play most of the teams
in playoffs in our season, Vogell said, so [playoffs]
was like starting a new season.

Vogell has personal goals for herself and
the team for the future. I think the team needs to work
on stronger hits and shots on goal, Vogell said. And
I need to work on being more aggressive when I have
possession of the ball.

Even with a poor record this season, field
hockey players are optimistic about next year. Next

pg

10

season I hope for our team to push themselves, work

towards goals, and focus on winning, Vogell said.

Freshman player Chelsi Millay also was
positive about the field hockey season. I thought the
season went well, said Millay. We really grew as a
team but we do have room to improve.

Millay believes that more off-season training and initial assertiveness will really help her team be
successful next season. I think I need to get out on the
field and not be so shy, said Millay. I also think we
should start training a lot earlier so we can come out on
top in our games.

After her first year playing on the high
school field hockey team, Millay was motivated to go
to playoffs. I was really happy to be going to playoffs
as a team, said Millay. I didnt care if we won or lost.
It was all about the experience.

Along with the experience of simply going
to the qualifying round of playoffs, Millay found other
benefits of the game. This shows us how good the
other teams are since we dont usually play them, said
Millay. Playing these teams is a great way of showing
our team what we need to work on.

Millay was encouraged by her season. It
was a lot more work, she said, but we helped each
other out and grew as a team.

Sophomore field hockey player, and 7-year
veteran of field hockey, Ericka Schoff also was positive
about the season. [It] went well regarding learning,
growing, and becoming closer as a team, said Schoff.
We werent as successful as we could have been. But
practice should help."

r e e

She also feels the team needs to maintain
motivation, even if they fall behind. Our team needs
to stay confident and play hard throughout the whole
game, said Schoff, even if the score is not good.

Schoff also thinks that her team should work
to take more shots on goal and not be nervous about
missing. Schoff believes that taking those risks will
improve the team.

After tough practices on Michelle Porter
Field behind SHS, Schoff felt her team was ready for the
playoffs. I was expecting to win, said Schoff. But I
felt like some of the team just wanted to get the season
over. If people had wanted to further their season, we
could have made it to the second round.

Even though the results weren't what the
team hoped for, Schoff still has a positive outlook on
participating in playoffs. It gives us a chance to play
the northern teams," she said, "which are usually too far
away to play."

First-year SHS field hockey coach Lyndsie
Perkins enjoyed her role. Coaching field hockey is very
different from the students that coach Renado and I teach
since we both work at Union Street, Perkins said. We
are excited to work with these girls in the future.

Being new coaches, Perkins and Renado
didnt know what to expect. I thought the team did well
with the conditioning portion of both our practice and
season, said Perkins. Of course, everyone can always
come into the season in better shape.

Perkins and Renado expect the athletes to
start pre-season much earlier next year and come into
the season in much better shape. Perkins believes that
by doing this, athletes can spend more time practicing
skills. This should help them improve.

During the last portion of the season, both
coaches were impressed by skills shown by field hockey
players even though the Cosmos didnt come out with
a win. In the last three or four games, and in playoffs,
we saw the girls working as a team, Perkins said. We
saw passes up the field and skills that we had not seen.
But there is still room for improvement.

Both coaches have some advice for the girls
next season. Run during off season, said Perkins.And
by off-season, I mean now until August. Perkins
believes that running in off-season will give the field
hockey team a head start on next year.

Come into the season wanting to win,
Perkins added as important advice. We cannot give you
a drill that makes you want to win. It is something you
have to have internally that pushes you to go beyond
your expectations.

Even though coaches Renado and Perkins
have expectations and advice for next year, they are
still proud about the team's accomplishments. The
girls have so much heart, concluded Perkins. We see
how much they love the game. That makes it easier for
us because passion is not something we can teach. It is
something that you already possess.

n H

Runners Train Through Pain

Sports
by Kyra Peoples

ross-country running occurs when a group of

individuals race over natural terrain, typically 5
kilometers long for high school runners. Training for a 5K race every week can be very difficult and
strenuous for the body, since long distance runs can
result in injury. Runners who go through the training
every day to improve their time, speed, and stamina to
be ready for a race have many reasons for their running
passion. Recently, Cosmos cross-country runners who
really love their sport, explained why they chose to
run.

Springfield High School 9th grade crosscountry runner Gillian Guy has one point to her running.
I chose running so I could stay fit for my winter sport,
she said.

In order for Guy to stay fit and prepare for
coming meets, she attended cross-country practice each
day to maintain a healthy body and clear routine. Guy
thinks that consistently going to practice improved her
time in every race. In practice I was able to build my
endurance and ability to keep my pace in the races, she
said.

Guy also set weekly goals to continually
improve her time and pace. My season went pretty
well, said Guy after the first two meets of autumn. With
eight meets scheduled for the season, Guy knew she had
plenty of time to improve before States in October. I
took six minutes off my time from the first meet. she
added during the season.

But Guy felt that she could improve her time
even more by October 25th, the scheduled state meet in
Thetford. I hope to have my time down to 28 minutes
by the state meet, she said before the big event.

Even though Guy had a good season, she
encountered some obstacles. I had shin splints which
made it hard to run and impaired my race pace and ability to train fully in practice, she said. Despite the challenges, Guy maintained a positive outlook throughout
the season.

Theres always food at the end of the race,
she added as an incentive.

Freshman runner Madee Stagner also spoke
about specific reasons for running. I joined crosscountry because it always made me feel good to be
doing a sport, she said, and my physical therapist
recommended running to me.

The season went well for Stagner because
she was able to see a difference in the distance she could
run. I could run farther than when I started,' she said,
"which made me want to keep pushing myself.

In order to train for each meet and increase
the distance and pace she was able to run, Stagner made
sure to attend practice every day and push herself. Although the season went well for Stagner, she still felt she
could reduce her time to 28 minutes by the state meet.
She also tried not to stop during the races.

Elliot Thompson and Eva Harris were

top Cosmos runners.

H o r

Throughout the season, Stagner encountered
knee pain which made it harder to run in practice and
improve during meets. Even with her knee pain, however, Stagner maintained a positive outlook, and used
the natural setting of the course to inspire her during
races.

The trees were always next to me, she said,
The roots were always there to trip me. But the rocks
were always at my feet to push me forward and finish
the race strong.

Junior runner Ryan Cooneys cross-country
journey began when former cross-country coach Nathan
McNaughton convinced him to run during Cooneys
freshman year. Cooney stuck with the sport because of
the family aspect that he felt when running with the
team.

Cooney felt, however, that the team, consisting of 20 runners, did not do as well as they were capable
of doing. He believed that injuries held the team back.
Throughout the season, from his point of view, the team
was able to improve on their speed, endurance, and race
pace.

Cooney thought the season went poorly at
first, in part, because the pre-season was shorter than
usual. Lack of pre-season is usually the cause of injuries throughout the season, he said. Team injuries may
have resulted this year because the team didnt go on
their annual 3-day camp trip to Maine, which usually
challenged runners to do distance runs every day.

The new cross-country coach and SHS
social studies teacher Stephen Lawrence used different
techniques for team training sessions. These included
daily warm-ups, distance runs, speed workouts, and
cool down stretches. Lawrence felt that these offered
the necessary skills to propel his team to the finish line
while allowing them to break their personal records.
Each practice was used to build up the runners' endurance and confidence.

To highlight his philosophy for running,
Lawrence used a quote from the legendary runner Steve
Prefontaine, who famously said,To give anything less
than your best is to sacrifice the gift. Lawrence usesd
this line to inspire Cosmos runners during their autumn
training and to ensure everyone ran to the best of their
ability.

pg

11

Sports
Reflections on a Losing Season
Boys Soccer Team Finds the Positives
by Jordan Phelps

he boys soccer team ended their season with a

record of 0-13-1. Their record didnt reflect how
positive the season actually was.

While the season didn't go the way we
wanted it to as far as wins go, it was a lot of fun, said
first-year varsity coach Derek Graham. Moving forward, the younger players from both varsity and junior
varsity teams can take something from this year.

I matured a lot from the experience, said
SHS senior Ed Shambo. It helped me see the positive
instead of looking at the negative. We did some great
things.

This was the most fun I had in any of my
four seasons, SHS senior Patrick Clancy said. Having
young coaches and great teammates made it all worth
it. I wouldnt trade it for anything.

The captains, and the seniors in general,
provided a positive learning environment for the underclassmen, Graham added. It was great to see the
team come together.

Our coaches this year were awesome,
said SHS senior David Bryant. We were able to relate
to them because they understood what its like to be
high school soccer players and they were easy to build
chemistry with.

An example of the closeness of the team that
led to such a fine personal season, occurred in early October. On Friday, October 10th, seniors Patrick Clancy,
David Bryant, Ed Shambo, and coaches Derek Graham
and Ben Finnell attended the mens USA vs. Ecuador
game at UConns Rentschler Field. The game ended in
a 1-1 draw. Landon Donovan, who is considered to be
the best soccer player in major league history, played
his final game that evening.

The roar of the crowd as Landon Donovan
stepped off the field in the 41st minute was amazing,
Bryant said. It was record attendance for a US game:
39,600 people. There was so much energy.

Landon Donovan ended his career with 57
goals and 58 assists. He helped the US mens national
team reach the quarterfinals in the 2002 World Cup
but was left off the World Cup team this year by coach
Jurgen Klinsmann.

pg

12

Seeing him [Donovan] play in his last game
was pretty unique, Graham added. He is talented,
hardworking, dedicated, and all of those qualities made
him into the greatest American to play the game.

From the time he [Donovan] started playing
to the time he retired, soccer grew tremendously in the
US, Clancy added. He has the most goals and assists,

but more importantly he was a great guy.

I enjoyed spending time with coach Finnell
and the seniors [at the game], Graham concluded. All
of the boys are incredible people off the field and it was
nice to get to know them and see how they grew since
the start of the season. While we struggled for wins, the
team became a family.

David Bryant battles

Mill River; the boys
huddle during their
senior game;
Cosmos seniors and
coaches watched
Landon Donovan
play his final game.

r e e

n H

Sports

Off Season Training

The Key To Making It To The Top
by Ericka Schoff

he power to be successful stems from inner

motivation. Most athletes want to come out of
their high school career both successful and
proud of their team. But athletes cant be successful if
they dont put in effort to stay conditioned during and
after their seasons end.

Springfield High School truancy officer and
physical education teacher Todd Aiken believes in keeping athletes physically fit year-round. It helps athletes
to recover physically and psychologically, said Aiken.
It can clean up any asymmetries [lack of equality] that
might have been acquired during the regular season.
It helps build strength, power, and speed to gain the
competitive edge.

SHS sophomore Jonathan Courchesne, a
Manchester Monarch hockey player, agrees with Aiken.
It gives me that extra edge, he said. How much work
and how hard you work will make you stand out.

Bellows Falls Union High School sophomore
Fallon Vancor has a similar opinion. Vancor believes that
her year-round training prepares her for field hockey and
track. Staying active keeps my strength, endurance, and
motivation up to par, she said. Staying active really
shows when field hockey and track come around.

SHS Health teacher Krystina Fernandez
focuses more on the athletes and their personal success
as she considers year-round conditioning. If athletes
want to excel in their sport they need to work on it
throughout the year, said Fernandez.

If youre serious about the sports you play,"
added Courchesne, "it [all-year training] is basically
mandatory to excel.

SHS English teacher Anne Doton works out
to improve motivation and professional performance.
Its really important to stay in shape and be healthy,
said Doton. It makes me happier if I exercise and I find
myself in a better place.

Even though being active year-round is
crucial for success in sports, some students find it hard
to stay motivated when they no longer have a coach
pushing them.Vancor admitted she has days when she
struggles to motivate herself. Staying motivated isnt
easy, especially when theres no one there to push you,
she said. When the workouts seem too long and hard I
just have to remind myself of countless practices when
it seemed to be the same. I tell myself that the workout
Im doing isnt harder than anything Ive done before.

SHS sophomore cross-country runner and
track athlete Kyra Peoples stays motivated by thinking
how off-season workouts benefit her. I do gymnastics
year-round to help me build strength and stamina said
Peoples. Doing strength workouts helps me when I am
running long distance. It keeps my legs from getting
tired.

Peoples workouts fit Aikens ideal for offseason training. Focusing on just one physical activity,
for example running, isn't the way to do it, said Aiken.

The best practice is to combine activities to hit different

areas of your body. Combining activity allows athletes
to optimize off-season training, building endurance,
strength, and agility.

Some athletes may find themselves doing repetitive workouts which can lead to boredom.
Courchesne likes to take advantage of hockey camps
to improve his skills, be educated on the sport, and
learn to take care of his body. Vancor participates in
a summer field hockey at Mount Holyoke College, in
Massachusetts.

Doton encourages students to try different
physical activity. Youre in Vermont. Theres no excuse, she said. Theres an endless amount of things
you can do.

Doton suggests that athletes try activities
like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the colder
months and hiking, biking, or running on better days.
Peoples is more relaxed with her off-season training.

She trains when the weather seems right to her. I love

to be outside doing things, said Peoples. If its a nice
day, Ill go for a walk or a run.

Peoples may be categorized as relaxed,
but Vancor dedicates herself to a routine. She tries to
incorporate workouts that use her own body weight
for strength training. She has certain days dedicated to
different muscles in her body. I run at least three days
a week," said Vancor. "These runs vary anywhere from
25-60 minutes. Strength training is everyday. Then I
focus on one specific area: arms, legs, or abdominals.

Athletes have a clear purpose when they are
on a team. These athletes have a job when they compete.
But dedication and discipline year round allow players
to prepare for competition. The players who work for
their goals in the off-season come out on top.

Peoples feels that athletes who are passionate
about their sport, and put in a full-year of effort, will be
successful. Dedication is key, concluded Peoples.

Jon Courchesne participates in hockey camps; Todd Aiken encourages yearround workouts for strength, power, and speed; Anne Doton is happier with
more exercise; Krystina Fernandez feels success comes with all-year training.

H o r

pg

13

Sports

NHL Standards
Rookies Heat Up The Ice
by Jonathan Courchesne

Steven Stamkos is a Tampa Bay Lightning forward and captain, drafted

in 2006 from the Ontario Hockey League team, the Markham Waxers.
He tied his team's record for hat tricks in the 2nd game of the season.

he 2014-2015 National Hockey League (NHL)

hockey season has kicked off with excitement
and an historical event. On October 11th, the
third day of the new season, a total of 15 games were
scheduled. This opening with so many games is only
the sixth of its kind since 1917, when the NHL was
first established.

The NHL includes 49 rookies, which is about
an average amount for the league. But it is the skill that
these players possess and present this year that is a bit
out of the ordinary.

With some fresh faces making their debut on
the ice, NHL rookies are already changing expectations
with their performances. William Karlsson, a 21-year
old prospect from the Swedish Hockey League, was not
expected to have a position on the opening night roster
for the Anaheim Ducks. During training camp, Karlsson went head-to-head against fellow Swede Rickard
Rakell for a spot on the roster. Both were impressive
and forced the Ducks to give both players a spot on the
opening roster.

Boston Bruins' 4th line rookie, Bobby Rob-

pg

14

ins, has let his past make a statement. Robins is 33 years

young with a reputation for fighting and penalties. He
has spent the last three years playing in the American
Hockey League (AHL), a league that is one step behind
the NHL. While playing all 275 games in the previous
three years, Robins somehow accumulated 687 penalty
minutes. With an average of 2.49 penalty minutes per
game, Robins is expected to offer some good fights for
fans this season.

Andre Burakovsky, a 29-year old Swede,
performed phenomenally in the 2014 training camp.
Originally expected to anchor the 4th line as a center of
the Washington Capitals, his hard work and persistence
have earned him the center position on the second line.

Besides the rookies, other young players
have already made league history. Tampa Bay Lightning
alternate captain Steven Stamkos tied the franchise
record for hat tricks against the Canadiens on October
13th. In only the second game of this season, Stamkos
scored his 8th hat trick of his 6-year career. As a 24-year
old power forward, Stamkos youth and his experience
gives him the ability to have an astounding season.

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In goaltending news, there is nothing new.
No rookies have overcome the veterans with their save
percentages (average of percentage of saves) or overall
ranking. The top six goaltenders in the league have
remained the same since 2012, which sets a standard
that is hard to meet and/or exceed. The lack of rookie
goaltenders making their mark on the ice in the first
week of the season does not mean that it wont happen.
Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask leads the world in
save percentage with a .930 while only playing four
years in the NHL. With Rask as a model, youthful goalies seem destined to prevail.

The normal life of a rookie consists of hard
work during off-ice training and practices as they attempt to catch the eye of the coach. However, most
rookies do not play more than 10 45-second long, shifts
in their first season.

Each NHL team consists of four lines and
four defensive pairings. Each line has an overall ranking,
with line 1 being the best, line 2 being second best, etc.
The coach will typically only let the first three lines out
on the ice consistently. If the players need a break, the
coach will send out the fourth line so the better players
can rest. The fourth line usually consists of rookies. This
small amount of ice time is a rookies chance to prove
himself by making a great play or working as hard as
he can.

Even though there are 24 players on the
bench during a game, an NHL team has more players
that dont even get to put on their gear. The coach views
them as players who have to earn their spot. Expectations are extremely high, from a coachs standpoint. So
until the player meets his expectations, a coach will not
give them the opportunity to play.

The position a rookie is forced into seems
unfair. These athletes work their entire lives to live out
their dream. But unless one is a standout player while
playing against the best players in the world, they wont
achieve much except a name on a roster.

Despite the inequitable treatment, any true
hockey player will do whatever it takes to be the best.
The passion these up-and-coming players have is astounding. They eat, sleep, and breathe the sport, a style
for their entire lives. They have sacrificed time, sleep
and life experiences to live their dream. Whether they
get ice time or not, they are more than happy because
they know that they have what it takes to make the big
leagues, which is more than most athletes can dream of.

Taking an overall look at the start of this new
NHL season, it is apparent that rookies could potentially
run the league this season. Prospects with high expectations, and even underdog youngsters, have proven their
ability and have already begun to build a rock-solid
reputation. Considering the rookie factor, the 2014-2015
NHL season will be packed with upsets, triumphs, and
the usual excessive and appropriate amount of love for
the game.

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PSAT from page 3

LNRL from page 16

or seem the same. For example, an early location the
Cursed One visits is Heides Tower of Flame, a huge area
with flooded and ruined buildings leading to a cathedrallike building. This location serves to show the former
beauty of Drangleic before it fell to ruin. An area that
is the exact opposite of Heides Tower of Flame, and
serves to show the contrast between areas in Drangleic,
is No-Mans Wharf. No-Mans Wharf is a large village
surrounded by a swamp that will instantly kill the Cursed
One if they fall in. The area is also inhabited by Hollow
sailors and giant spiders that can kill the Cursed One
at any opportunity. It is this variation in locations that
keeps Dark Souls II fresh even after one spends hours
with it.

While Drangleic is a varied and beautiful
locale, it would be nothing without its inhabitants. Enemies in Dark Souls II are just as various as the locations
they inhabit. Enemies in Dark Souls II range from simple
soldiers that have become Hollow to minotaur-like
beasts that stalk the landscapes. Each is as dangerous as
the last. While in a different game, some enemy types
would be given the role of grunts to act as fodder for
the player to kill, any enemy in Dark Souls II can kill
the player with relative ease if the player is not careful.
Since any enemy can kill the player, combat in Dark
Souls II is slow and methodical. The player has to
constantly be on their guard and be patient and cautious in combat. Otherwise, they will not last long in
Drangleic. Also, if a player dies in combat or from one
of the many traps in Drangleic, they will lose not only
their Souls, the currency of the game, but also suffer a
penalty which lowers the amount of health the player
has when they respawn.

While the combat and death in Dark Souls II
may seem daunting to a new player, in reality the game
complications serve as a learning mechanism to players.
By threatning such a toll for dying, Dark Souls II teaches
players to be careful and try different methods to slip
past obstacles. Also, while players lose their Souls after
dying, they can reclaim them by venturing back to the
place where they perished. By making death a learning
experience, Dark Souls II is able to be difficult, but fair,
allowing players to grow and become better at the game.

This system of checks and balances is also
used to prepare players for Dark Souls IIs most difficult challenge: boss fights. In Dark Souls II, the way
the Cursed One can cure themselves of their curse is by
procuring Lord Souls. Lord Souls are the souls of Dark
Souls IIs many bosses.

In Dark Souls II, each area of Drangleic
is administered by a boss. For example, one finds the
Flexile Sentry in No-Mans Wharf. The Flexile Sentry
is a warrior made from two bodies sewn together. So the
Sentry has four arms, each with a weapon. The player
fights the Flexile Sentry in a enclosed area. With all of
these factors, the Flexile Sentry fight can be difficult, but
by being patient and avoiding recklessness, a player can
defeat the Flexile Sentry. Along with the Flexile Sentry,
over a dozen different bosses are found in Dark Souls
II, each with their own unique designs and strategies
needed to defeat them.

But no matter how difficult a boss in Dark
Souls II may seem, these adversaries can be surmounted
by an observant and patient player. In a similar manner,
Dark Souls II itself can be surmounted by a player having not just the skill, but the will and strength to learn
from their mistakes and fight on.

PSAT for the first time. This is my first time proctoring

and there are many specific rules that I have to follow,
said Benson before the exam.I just dont want to mess
up anyones test.

One of the procedures for the test involved
giving out #2 pencils, though calculators were not
provided. The proctors assistant wrote down the start
and stop times of each section, and the proctor read the
directions for each section. The test time added up to
two hours and ten minutes, an appropriate length for the
7:45-11:15 time period set aside for the test.

Although the test could be anxious for the
students, Benson hoped she could work to the best of
her ability to direct her students. Its something new
for me, too, she said beforehand.

Band director James Chlebak also worked
to the best of his ability to make sure his students were
comfortable. I want to make this a comfortable, convenient, and quiet environment for the students taking
this test, said Chlebak, before the PSAT.

Chlebak felt that although the PSAT and
SAT are important tests, some colleges have given up
on looking at student scores as part of the admission
procedure. However, Chlebak was more concerned
about student attitude toward the test. I am concerned
that the students dont know the benefits that this test
can have for them, Chlebak said.

However, after the PSAT, Chlebak was
pleased with student behavior. I think they did a
good job generally, said Chlebak. The students were
unfamiliar with the test and some went too fast. And I
dont think the policy where .4 points are taken off for
multiple choice questions was explained that well.

Chlebak wanted students taking the PSAT
to do their best and know that it could really help them.
Dont cross anything off your list," he concluded,
"before you know what it can do for you.

Shooting from page 1

including acts of violence.

There has been talk of bringing a resource
officer to Springfield High School. Hathorn thinks this
would be a positive step for SHS. I hope it [a resource
officer] would create a more positive relationship between students and law enforcement, she said, not do
the opposite and make students more uncomfortable.
Hathorn will be attending a statewide safety conference
in Burlington in late November.

We cant make every bad thought or action
go away, Berry concluded. I think the focus should
be on training, education, and enhanced security. I realize that we do not want to create an atmosphere in our
schools that make students feel like they are in prison
or locked down all the time. But there are security
measures, such as metal detectors, to make sure students
arent bringing weapons to school.

Send an email to

greenhornpublication
@gmail.com
for general inquiries or concerns.

H o r

Miroist from page 9

rock, with more experimental, complex and pseudoclassical compositions of heavy metal, progressive
metal, ironically, lacks individuality. Miroist stands
apart from many artists, though, who recycle the same
guitar riffs and ideas. Miroist shies away from using
cliche guitar melodies and has found ones he can call
his own.

This individuality continues with his newest album, Curve. Like The Pledge, this album delivers
intensity, abrasiveness, and melody. And with the inclusion of ambient soundscapes in Curve, Miroist has added
a new layer of depth to his music.

Deeply-felt meaning in this album makes the
listener think. Without actual words in the music, this is
an impressive achievement, amplified by the addition
of ambience, which adds atmosphere that is sometimes
lost in instrumental music.

Although such achievement on two albums
has given this artist a widening group of fans, creating a
career out of his music isnt Miroists goal. I wouldn't
have chosen to do progressive metal if I wanted that [a
career]! said Miroist by email. If I could fashion an
existence from it then awesome, because it's what I love
doing, but I wouldn't want it to become a job."

Miroist has created his own genre, one that
he calls good music. I think about making good music,
good art, something meaningful, said Miroist. After
that, people will either feel it or they won't.

Successful thus far, Miroist wants to continue to make music his way. [I want Miroist to be]
Music Im proud of, concluded Miroist. I dont worry
about anything else.

Umbrella from page 4

China is out of step with the times. Hong
Kong has an emerging middle class, people are better
educated, and they demand their rights. The flame of
democracy has been lit in communist straw. China
is now an economic power, the people are wealthier,
and more aware of the liberties shared by prosperous
nations of the world. Capitalists are pro-democracy,
though communism seems opposed to business. When
one considers Hong Kong, observers feel that emerging
demographics suggest revolution, an era where there
will be a fight for democracy in totalitarian China.

Varsity Club from page 8

students can participate in, said Fraser. Varsity Club
could be more effective if they put the club to better
use.

But Coen thinks school spirit will increase
because with more activities. Spirit creates traditions,
but traditions create spirit, said Coen. I think we are
in the process of building spirit. I think the more groups
we have like Spirit Committee or Varsity Club, the more
spirit will occur because each group creates traditions.

Varsity Club intends to make small changes,
that, over time, bring big changes. Kollman wants to be
that change. As a senior, he is determined that the SHS
Varsity Club will affect the future. You see pictures of
[past SHS] students smiling and loving where they are,
concluded Kollman. I want our school to be like that.

pg

15

By Allison Naccarato

SHS Speaks Out

ith winter approaching, many are tightening their boots for the mountain, preparing for winter sports, or drinking a soothing cup of hot chocolate. Green Horn
asked students and staff what they plan to do during the long winter

Sophomore Emily Antonivich

Go to All4One for community
service.

Senior Chelsea McAllister

Play basketball and drink hot
chocolate.

Sophomore Katherine Moulton

Play soccer, gymnastics, and go
snowboarding.

Math Teacher Michael Ruppel

Spend a lot of time skiing at Okemo
and playing in the snow.

Senior Michael Kollman

Pick up heavy things and put them
back down where they were.

Freshman Graham Stevens

Eat Ramen and shred the gnar.

vv

Column

LNRL: Dark Souls II

Skill, Patience, and Strength Will Overcome
by Alan Clough

n the realm of video games, one of the most important aspects of a game is its difficulty. Difficulty in a
video game is a balancing act of utmost importance.

pg

16

If a game is too difficult, then players wont want to play

the game, such as a game with gameplay mechanics that
punish a player for being bad at the game by penalizing
them for dying. If a game is too easy, players may decide
the game isnt difficult enough and those players may
abandon the game altogether. An example of this side
of the difficulty spectrum occurs when a game holds the
player's hand and gives them too many advantages over
the enemies of the game.

It is because of this careful balancing that
game developers strive to create the perfect mix of difficulty and reward in their games. With considerations
about ease and difficulty, Dark Souls II, a near-perfect
mix of difficulty, is an incredible and rewarding experience.

Dark Souls II, offered by Japanese developer
From Software, is the sequel to the original Dark Souls.
However, besides being set in the same universe, they
are quite different. While Dark Souls II and its predecessor are separate, they offer similar storylines.

In Dark Souls II the protagonist, custom-

r e e

created by the player and referred to as the Cursed One,

has been burdened with undeath and is forced to go on
a journey to free themselves from their curse or risk
losing their humanity.

Eventually, the Cursed Ones journey leads
them to the main locale and attraction of Dark Souls II,
the fallen kingdom of Drangleic. Like the original Dark
Souls primary location Lordran, Drangleic is a kingdom
that has succumbed to the disease of undeath hundreds
of years before the beginning of Dark Souls II.

As a result, most of Drangleics residents
have become Hollow, people who have been undead for
so long that they have become mindless husks, or been
killed by the dark creatures that now stalk the landscape
of Drangleic.

As a primary story setting, Drangleic is both
dangerous and varied when it comes to different locations. Almost no two locations in Dark Souls II look

See LNRL page 15

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