CMYK

April 2010

By Alison Sullivan

In school and through-out life there are always bullies and their victims. Bullying often consists of merciless torment and pressure, both physical and emotional. Over the years, however, bullying has turned out to be not only harmful to a student’s development, but in some cases fatal.

On January 14, 15 year old Phoebe Prince was found hanging in her stair-way, taking her own life after relentless bullying and aggressive conduct by her peers. The three girls who have been accused as the main source of the bullying are currently pleading not guilty.

The school said that it was not informed of any specific bullying but other records show that various reports of foul remarks were made.

This drastic measure in coping with bullying is no new concept that is flank-ing America and adoles-

cents around the globe. ABC News reported on another student in 2007, Erik Mohat from Ohio, who was a lanky, smart student who shot himself after repeated derogatory comments and both physi-cal and verbal badgering.

After 1999’s infamous Columbine incident, the U.S. Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention conducted studies that found that an estimated 160,00 kids stayed home each day for fear of being bullied.

Recently, Mr. Kline’s AP Government class dis-cussed the topic and their

opinions and views on bullying, including its effect on society as well as how it could be stopped. Many agreed that the con-stant exposure to vio-lence in the media, on television, movies, and video games, has caused much of today’s society to develop a ‘detachment mentality’ in which a crime or problem is only a story heard about ver-sus an actual life.

“It is just like approach-ing a soccer game and wanting to win,” observed a student. “We don’t look at the oppos-ing team as human beings who want to win just as much as we do, who have feelings that get angry and hurt. Instead, we see them as simply an obsta-cle in our way of win-ning; something we must overcome.”

Though such severe consequences have not resulted from bullying here at Clinton High, many agree that bullying does occur here on a

daily basis.Officer Cullen, the pre-

siding school resource officer at CHS, is one of the various staff mem-bers who are readily available for support against bullying. Cullen says the staff at Clinton High is always very pro-active about combating bullying. The school and staff offer several resources from which students who find them-selves in a harassment situation can easily seek help. Most recently, each class attended a home-room safety program which addressed bully-ing, among other harm-ful pressures students face.

While Cullen has inter-vened in more than one case of bullying, reports state there was indeed one instance where the situation had verged on resulting in suicide. In the end, the dangerous situation was dealt with and resolved effectively.

CONTINUED ON PG 2

By Tara GearyOn Friday, March 26th,

Clinton High School pro-duced a show that drew in quite the crowd. The Junior Variety show was a hit! Acts which involved stu-dents from throughout the entire school were put on stage in front of a good sized crowd, full of sup-porters and eager specta-tors.

The Junior Variety show (JV show) is an annual spectacle that is put on by Clinton High’s very own junior class. The profits earned from the show are spent towards planning a successful prom in May. The show was organized and run by junior class vol-unteers who helped make sure everything was in working order.

The show had been planned for about a month in advance and there were a bunch of crowd pleasing acts ranging anywhere from bands to dancing. The bands onstage tried to get the crowd to participate with them in the show, and they succeeded. The crowd was clapping with the bands and really getting into the songs. A few of the bands included members such as Tony Balk, John Chambers, Mr. Hollister, Mr. Misiewicz, and other members of the communi-ty. One dancing group included Arti Bahkta and Jasmeen Sangha. Shelby Hinz rocked the floor by her lonesome with an ele-gant dance routine. Other

acts included a Lady GaGa song sung by Stephanie Dawson and a song sung by Brenda Walker and Ebony Jackson. That was not all that this night had in store for the crowd, as many other talented per-formers showed CHS what talent they had.

The crew and partici-pants alike had a blast per-forming and running the show and agree it was a successful affair. Catherine Cole, one of the MC’s for the night, said, “I had an awesome time, and the acts exceeded my expectations, plus Mr.Hollister has mad guitar skills.”

One of the members of ‘Wade Klooster and the Schoolhouse Gang’, Allison Kimmer, said, “The JV Show was a real success this year; there was a large variety of talent and every-one performed well.”

The crowd applauded many times and seemed to be pleased by the end of the night. Connor Hood, a sophomore at Clinton High, recalls the evening enthusiastically, “It was a great show and we all saw some really good talents anywhere from a’cappella solos to Mr. Misiewicz playing his harmonica.”

The night was extremely successful and the acts were brilliant. There were a lot of great songs played and many laughs shared. It will be hard to upstage this performance at next year’s Junior Variety show.

By Taylor MckeeOn Wednesday, April

7th, the Art Institute of Chicago was invaded by Clinton High’s very own Spanish 4 classes. The students had been work-ing on intensive projects revolving around famous Spanish artists and they ended their research at the Art Institute. The stu-dents were able to see up closer their artist’s works along with other master-pieces.

Senora Trott and other chaperones gathered the kids at a ripe and early 6:45 a.m. to set out on

the day’s excursion. The kids were full of energy, awaiting the art work that was on display within the museum. Some artists that were viewed were the ever famous Pablo Picasso, along with his good friend Joan Miro; other artists included Diego Rivera and Salvador Dali. The stu-dents had sheets that they filled out while on the tour in the museum that helped them to really connect with the paint-ings. After touring the museum, the Spanish stu-dents received two hours

for lunch at any ethnic restaurant of their choice, so this gave the kids another experience not only from art but with their food too. The choic-es ranged from sushi, pasta bars, Thai, or even authentic Mexican food. Everyone seemed to enjoy their tour and time within the city, despite the brisk Chicago-style weather. The Spanish trip is an annual trip taken by the Spanish 4 kids; its something to look for-ward to after having 3 years of Spanish before that and it also shows you another side to the typical Spanish class.

The students will finish out their final trimester with each class selecting one of the artist’s works of which they will recreate by using the talents of each student. All in all the students of Spanish 4 have had a blast so far this year with getting even closer to the Spanish culture inside and outside of the classroom.

Top to Bottom: Students experience a culture meal. A few marvel at 'the bean' in Millennium Park.SUBMITTED PHOTOS

L-R: Taylor Wiebers, Haley Courter, Devyn Paulsen, and Laura Mataya sing 'Hide and Seek' by Imogen Heap a'cappella. To check out more photos of the JV Show, turn to page 3. SUBMITTED PHOTO

JV show rocks the house

Spanish trip is 'muy bien'

Bullying takes its toll

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CMYK

By Tara GearyRecently, a new texting

while driving ban has been issued in the state of Iowa. Governor Chet Culver has promised to sign the first law that bans texting while driving. The ban will go into effect on June 1, 2010.

What exactly will this law ban? It will prohibit drivers from reading, writing, or sending a text message behind the wheel and for teenagers there is even more. Minors that do not have their full license yet are banned from talk-ing on the cell phone or

using any hand-held elec-tronics behind the wheel. There are a few excep-tions to the rule, however; those include police and fire personnel, truckers and bus drivers.

There are many differ-ent views in Clinton High about whether or not the texting ban should be made into law. While some may agree with it, others may not. In a sam-pling poll of Clinton High students, 9 out of every 15 people said that they will follow the new ban. That means over half the peo-ple asked know the right thing to do and will do it!

The new ban won’t go into effect until June 1st of this year, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be a smart idea to start practicing driving without tex-ting. It is much safer and as a driver, be more aware of your sur-roundings

April 2010

Clintonian Staff: In this issue...

Editor-in-Chief: Alison SullivanLayout: Alison SullivanAdvertisement: CHS FBLAReporters: Phong Duong Katherine Van Buer Taylor Mckee Kristina Armstrong Arian Sullivan Tara Geary

By Phong DuongSaturday, March 27

marked a very special event, an event that everyone around the world could have participated in. So what exactly is the “special event”? Well, it’s Earth Hour. I’m sure most of you have heard of it, but aren’t quite sure what it is or how it works. Earth Hour is sim-ply turning off all electronic appliances for an hour. The event started in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and busi-nesses in Sydney, Australia turned off all their lights for an hour. After a year, the event expanded into a glob-al movement, with more than 50 million people in 35 countries contributing.

The movement is spon-sored by the World Wildlife Fund as a way to raise awareness about climate change and to help people understand the importance of conserving energy. This year was the 4th anniver-sary of this spectacular event. From 8:30-9:30pm local time on S a t u r d a y night, about 4000 cities around the world par-ticipated in the move-ment. There was count-less number of famous l a n d m a r k s around the world that took part in it, which includes

The Empire State Building, London Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Golden Gate Bridge, Forbidden City, and the Eiffel Tower. In the United States, 33 states have agreed to turn off the lights at the governor’s resi-dence and/or the state capi-tol building.

However, there were many people who couldn’t participate in the Earth Hour, because they worry that there would be a power surge when everyone turns off their light and then back on all at once. There are also some of us who just totally forgot all about the event until it was over, but don’t worry, there are a mil-lion things you can do every day to conserve energy. Some of these include turn-ing off lights when you leave a room for 15 minutes or longer, try drinking tap water instead of bottled water, always put your com-

puter in power-save mode, and don’t forget to turn off your video game consoles when they’re not in use.

Even though Earth Hour is only for an hour, the whole message behind this movement is that seeing the landmarks and cities go dark can really motivate indi-

viduals to begin conserving energy.

By Phong DuongHistorical progress was

made in providing health care for Americans when President Barack Obama signed the health care bill on Tuesday, March 23. The bill is pushing for universal health care for all Americans living in the U.S., and by 2014, all indi-viduals living in the U.S. are expected to have some kind of medical coverage. If the individual refuses to seek medical coverage, he or she would possibly be paying a fine.

After months of fierce disputes in the Capitol and around the country, the House of Representatives finally passed the health care reform bill. On the evening of Sunday, March 21, after a long day of intense debating and vot-ing, the House gave final approval to pass the bill, with the 219-212 vote. The bill promises to extend coverage to 32 million Americans and firmly reg-

ulate the insurance indus-try. Along with the bill, the House of Representative has also come up with a second piece to the bill, which was passed through the process of reconcilia-tion by 220-211, and inside the piece are changes to the bill that will be effective in the future.

On the day of voting, a large crowd of protestors gathered outside the Capitol, many of them holding the sign “kill the bill.” Additionally, inside the Capitol there were neg-ative comments that were shouted throughout the ses-

sion. One of them occurred when Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), a supporter in Pro-life, was called a “baby killer” by someone from the Republican side. The republicans refused to identify the person respon-sible for the outburst.

The new law will imme-diately crack down on the insurance industry habit of “rescission,” also known as dropping policyholders when they get severely sick. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage to those with pre-existing condi-tions. Young people will have the right to remain on their parents’ insurance policy up until their 26th birthday. The health care bill would require the majority of Americans to have health insurance, and 16 million would be added to the Medicaid rolls. In the coming years, the bill would require employers to offer coverage to their employees. If the employ-

ers refuse, a fine would have to be paid. Small businesses will be able to obtain tax credits to help pay for insurance cover-age.

Even though it still seems a long time until the year 2014, when universal health care for all American is expected to occur, President Obama, along with other representatives, is working toward putting the pieces together. Supporters hope that by 2014, all Americans living in the U.S. would have some form of health care coverage. In his speech after the bill was passed, President Obama stated, “Tonight, we answered the call of history as so many generations of Americans have before us. When faced with crisis, we did not shrink from our challenges. We overcame them. We did not avoid our responsibili-ties, we embraced it. We did not fear our future, we shaped it.”

BULLYING-“We try and maintain an open door policy,” states Cullen who goes on to mention that through teacher communication and constant interaction with students, connect-ing with students makes it easier to pin point any trouble and help anyone in the situation.

Cullen is not the only person at Clinton High to go to if a student finds themselves in a situation that they are bullying. In addition to Cullen, students can look to guidance and support from the coun-selors, associate princi-pals, Rhonda, and Dr. Drew, a member of the AEA who is at CHS three or four times a week, among any teacher or faculty mem-ber.

The issue is also being combated at the elementary level. Elementary students are addressed with anger management pro-grams and other vari-ous activities to pro-mote acceptance and generosity of others. Another such step is ‘Bully-proofing’ the schools, which involves lessons in class and various worksheets for students.

The Clintonian Promise: The Clintonian's highest prior-ity is its students and to accurately portray their thoughts, feelings, and lives by seeking truth and breaking the bar-rier between publication and its readers. We will strive for accuracy and excellence in all areas of publishing all while creating an entertaining and enjoyable product.

9 out of every 15 people said that they will follow

the new ban.

Texting ban no upset to youth

Lights out to help out

Healthcare: a historic feat

celebrationbridalshoppe.com

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By Taylor MckeeDate Night,’ the

movie starring the hilarious actor/comedi-ans Steve Carrel (The Office) and Tina Fey (Baby Mamas), cap-tures the unbelievable date night for a couple who live in New Jersey.

They two are the pre-dictable pair that are so busy in their day-to-day lives and so decide to take a special night by going out to dinner in New York City. The restaurant of their choice happens to be quite busy so when a

table for two comes up under another couple’s name, they jump to take it. Little do they know what the night holds in store for them and this seemingly harmless ploy to get seated fast-er.

Fey and Carrel are mistaken for a different couple, but they would have never guessed that the couple’s place that they took were thieves on the run. Throughout the evening’s events and complications that test their relationship, they grow to rekindle

their love for one another and bring fun back into their busy lives.

The movie included appearances from other well known stars such as James Franco and Mark Wahlberg. The movie, while having a quirky plot line, failed to bring anything new and shockingly hilari-ous, leaving the general presentation to feel very predictable. Unfortunately, these two hilarious stars fell flat for my rating sys-tem: 1 ½ out of 5 stars.

A forgettable night

"When faced with crisis, we did not

shrink from our chal-lenges...We did not fear our future, we

shaped it.”

-President Obama

CMYK

L-R Clockwise: Brenda Walker, one of the three MC's, introduc-es the next act. Violas Allison and Mara Kimmer perform 'Viva la Vida' and 'Beatles Medley' with fellow orchestra members. Shelby Hinz dances to a rendition of 'The Phantom of the Opera.' Colin Sullivan jams out on his guitar.

By Alison SullivanMs. Amy Kelly has trav-

elled full circle in her life working as an educator. Kelly has lived in Clinton her whole life and is a Clinton High School alum, graduating in the class of 1998 which, she jokes, ‘…makes me ancient.’ After graduating high school, she continued her education first at Clinton Community College and then Western Illinois where she got her degree in teaching.

Kelly has been teaching for seven years now, and has taught several differ-ent grades including kin-dergarten, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade, and taught at North Scott before mak-ing the big move to Clinton High as a science and special education teacher.

“Honestly, I was abso-lutely horrified to teach high school at first because the students are all so much bigger than I am,” Kelly admits. Now that she is settled in and has almost a complete year of teaching high school under her belt,

her outlook is defi-nitely more relaxed. “I would say that [teaching at Clinton High] has definitely been the highlight of my career…I feel very fortunate and blessed to have been able to have this opportunity. It has truly been a great year and I love working here.”

Kelly has two children of her own, Caitlin and Megan, a dog, Mosley, and is cur-rently engaged. Her fiancé is also a teacher in the Clinton Community School District and teaches sixth grade at Lyons Middle School.

When Kelly isn’t spend-ing her time in the class-room, she divides her time between painting, writing, exercising, and spending time with her family.

“Things have definitely changed a lot since I was in high school,” reflects Kelly. “I feel that there are a lot

more [activities] for stu-dents to be included in. Also, I feel a lot of students show pride for their school.”

“If I would have known how much I would love it here,” she concludes, “ I would have [started teaching here] a hundred years ago…well, maybe seven,” exclaims Kelly.

April 2010

HoroscopesBy Kristina Armstrong

Aries 3/21-4/19You need to be honest

about your concerns or they will nip you in the butt later on.

Love: Love: Ask a friend to help you think of some creative date activities.

Taurus 4/20-5/20Don't gloat about

being right. Just because you were this time doesn't mean you always will be.

Love: Take that inspi-rational advice. It will come in handy sooner than you think.

Gemini 5/21-6/21Finally conquering

that hard goal showed everyone you've really got what it takes.

Love: Though it may seem impractical, look to your elders for advice. Right now their's is the most honest and depend-able.

Cancer 6/22-7/22Your personal issues

are meant for family, not your gossiping friends.

Love: Stop looking back to the past. Great rewards await you if you look forward.

Leo 7/23-8/22Be honest when it

comes to needs vs. wants. Your finances only allow needs at the moment.

Love: It's okay to spend a night in every once and awhile. Enjoy the time to recollect your thoughts.

Virgo 8/23-9/22Sticking your nose into

other people's business isn't like you. Cut it out and focus on your unfin-ished business.

Love:Work on

romance...you've done enough flirting!

Libra 9/23-10/22Stop hiding those won-

derful ideas. Put yourself out there and see where you get!

Love: Get ready to meet someone knew soon. If you are patient the reward will be worth the wait.

Scorpio 10/23-11/21Is it too good to be true?

You earned this so enjoy it.

Love: Any conflicts you have encountered recently will be left in the past as long as you are ready to leave them there.

Sagittarius 11/22-12/21Let your hair down and

let the winds of life sweep you off to your next big adventure.

Love: It's time for you two to talk. The past is done and gone.

Capricorn 12/22-1/19The negativity needs to

stop...NOW! Thinking positively will have you in a better mood!

Love: Take this month to slow down and focus on other important and necessary tasks.

Aquarius 1/20-2/18Enjoy some time off.

Thing's will get very hec-tic soon enough.

Love: Last month was quiet. Get ready for your dating life to spring to life.

Pisces 2/19-3/20Nothing will happen

that you can't handle, as long as you relax when the problem arises every-thing will be under con-trol.

Love: Do not get so caught up in your daily routines. Keep your head up and your eyes open for an opportune moment.

By Katherine Van Buer Clinton High employs a

plethora of teachers, new and old, with rich and remarkable histories to share. Mr. RJ Coffey, a social studies team teach-er and boys’ basketball coach, is new to Clinton High School and his teaching career this year. You’ve probably seen him before. Some say he’s the one that could be senior Kyle Jackson’s, twin. I assure you though, that he isn’t.

Mr. Coffey was born September 23rd, 1984, to Bob and Barb Coffey in neighboring town Fulton, Illinois. Coffey has one younger brother named Joe who now lives close

by in Albany, Illinois. Coffey’s family recently expanded, as he is now a

proud new dad. Infant Wren Coffey was born to him and his wife Lynne just a few months ago.

Coffey attended Rockford College in Rockford, IL for two years before transferring to Northern Illinois where he graduated with his teaching degree. When Coffey was little, he knew he wanted to be a teacher and coach. He has reached both of these goals, so some would say that he is definitely “liv-ing the dream.” When asked what he would eat for his last supper, he said, “Chicken George from the Candlelight Inn."

Have you met these two...?

A showcase of talent

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