The Old Post SentinelIssue 14 Volume 93 Vincennes Lincoln High School’s student newspaper...since 1924 February 6, 2016
Scholastic Art winners announced It’s time to
register to
vote
This year’s Scholastic Art and Writing award winners have been announced. The following Lincoln students have
been recognized. From left, Ashley Kincaid, honorable mention in drawing/illustration; Chasity Trueblood, silver
key in printmaking; Paris Fithian, honorable mention in mixed media and in drawing/illustration; Amanda Siddall,
honorable mention in drawing/illustration; Ava Kotter, silver key in textiles and silver key in drawing/illustration;
Sophia Lane, honorable mention in drawing/illustration and for portfolio. OPS staff photo by Daniel Black.
By SCHAE JONES
OPS news editor
Democracy is founded on a
basis that everyone has a
voice. One way Americans
can use their voice and be in-
volved in their government is
to vote. This year’s election is
quickly approaching and
many students still in high
school are eligible to vote.
The presidential campaign
season is in full swing and pri-
mary season has officially
started. In order to be eligible
to vote you must be at least 18
by the next general or munic-
ipal election. If you are eligi-
ble to vote an important date
to remember is the voter reg-
istration deadline of April 4.
If you meet the require-
ments and are registered to
vote by Apr. 4, the Indiana
primary date is May 3. To
vote in the primaries, a voter’s
closest polling place can be
discovered online through
www.indianavoters.com.
Through this website, voters
can also complete their voter
registration and find more in-
formation about absentee vot-
ing.
If you do not wish to regis-
ter online, voter registration
can be completed in person at
the voter registration or
county clerk’s office, any Bu-
reau of Motor Vehicles li-
cense branch or public
assistance office.
Lincoln students leave their markBY KAITLYN
LUNSFORD
OPS staff writer
During the month of Janu-
ary the Lincoln Random
Acts of Kindness Club of-
fered a colorful fundraiser
that allowed students to per-
manently leave their mark
on LHS.
Students were able to buy
a spot on the second floor
walls to leave their hand-
print, signature, and year of
graduation.
With each handprint cost-
ing five dollars, the “Leave
Your Mark” fundraiser
reigned in a total of $535.
All proceeds from the proj-
ect will go towards needed
supplies for the animal shel-
ter.
RAK supervisor, Tanya
Stoll, hopes to bring back
the fundraiser next school
year.
“We wanted to start in De-
cember, but got busy with
several other projects and
didn't want to distract stu-
dents during finals, so we
decided to wait until this se-
mester. Then with the delays
and snow cancellations, we
were moved back again. We
hope everyone got the
chance to participate, but if
not, we will try and accom-
modate them,” said Stoll.
According to Stoll, senior
Shelby Adams lead the
fundraiser, but the rest of the
community service class had
a significant role in helping
students leave their mark.
“We'd like to thank every-
one who took part in the
project and brightened up
the hallway and helped us
raise money for the animal
shelter at the same time,”
added Stoll.
Throughout the school
year RAK produces several
projects and fundraisers for
students to partake in. How-
ever, the “Leave Your Mark”
fundraiser allowed students
to support the animal shelter,
while coloring the school
hallway with their hand-
prints.
“I hope all of our projects
and fundraisers are focused
on serving others, but this
one holds a life lesson for
those who took part in the
activity.
“No matter where you go
and what you do, you will
‘leave a mark’ with your ac-
tions and attitudes, or lack
thereof. Just like the hand-
print that was left on the
wall, we should all focus on
leaving the best ‘Mark’ pos-
sible,” elaborated Stoll.
Sophomore students take time during enrichment to leave their handprint on the sec-
ond floor walls. The Random Acts of Kindness club ran the “Leave Your Mark”
fundraiser to raise money for the local animal shelter. OPS staff photo.
Franklin places
in contestBy MACEY TIGHE
OPS staff writer
On Feb. 2, Schae Jones,
Karlye Vonderwell, and Madi-
son Franklin all competed in
the Rotary Speech contest.
All speeches had to include
themes on leadership, service,
and the Four Way Test. The
Four Way Test is a series of
questions: Is it the truth? Is it
fair to all concerned? Will it
build goodwill and better
friendships? Will it be benefi-
cial?
Both Vonderwell and Jones
were disqualified for going
over the four to six minute
time limit. Franklin received
first place.
Franklin’s speech was about
relating social media to the
Rotary’s Four Way Test. She
got inspiration for her speech
through her own feed on so-
cial media.
“The hardest part was find-
ing the right words to get
across my message,” said
Franklin.
Franklin will go to to com-
pete in the Rotary Speech dis-
trict-level competition in the
spring.
By AUTUMN RHODES
OPS staff writer
Vincennes Lincoln High
School band students have
been getting ready for in-
strumental solo and ensem-
ble contest taking place
today at Evansville North
High School. This is a com-
petition that shows the stu-
dent’s individual talent
alone, not just the talent they
have when playing with the
whole band.
Kyle Beaman, a sopho-
more, is playing the trumpet.
He will be playing the song
“Suite” by Henri Tomas. He
is also in a trio with Seth
Arnold and Dalton Might
playing the song “Jupiter
Polka.”
Students prepare a piece
for competition and then
perform in front of a judge
or judges who then critique
their playing. They are
given a score that translates
into a particular rating, with
gold being the highest.
Most importantly, they get
specific feedback from
judges on what they did well
or may need to work on.
Arnold enjoys doing the
solo and ensemble.
“It’s one of the best expe-
riences for an instrumentalist
to play and be judged alone
for how good you are,” he
said.
Beaman sees great benefit
in doing this competition.
“It helps with nerves and
getting better at playing in
front of people. It also chal-
lenges you into playing
harder music and making
you better all around.’’
He hopes to place high
among the other competi-
tors.
“I’ve been working hard
on my solo and trio for
months. Now it’s time to
show it off!” he said.
Sophomore Brett Bauer
will be playing the alto saxo-
phone version of “Air for
Alto”
By doing this, he plans on
becoming a better player and
to become more comfortable
playing by himself. He
hopes to achieve a gold rat-
ing.
In all, 25 Lincoln students
will compete today.
Adviser Haley S. Lan-
caster contributed to this
story.
Instrumental competition today in Evansville
OPS NEWS New 2-6-16:OPS Sports Template 2/4/16 3:30 PM Page 1
OpinionsOPS 2
Question of the Week: What is the worst excuse you’ve heard for not doing homework?
“One day, a student
came into class and told
me ‘My hamster ate my
homework.’”
Chaz Hendrix
science teacher
“Sorry, I fell asleep.”
Alexx Blair
junior
“I just didn’t feel like
doing it.”
Tristan Lett
senior
“My dog ate it.”
Robin Abel
freshman
Old Post Sentinel
STAFF
NeWS eDITOR:SCHAE JONES
OPINIONS eDITOR:DAVID WINBURNSPORTS eDITOR:
HANNAH WILLIAMSFeATUReS eDITOR:
JULIA ZHUCOPY eDITORS:
ANASTASIA KELLER &RACHELLE WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITeRS:GABE QUINTANILLA,
BETHANy EVANS, AUTUMNRHODES, STACy VIERRA, ANDRES AyALA, DANIELBLACK, JASLEEN KAUR,MACEy TIGHE, HAyDEN
BROWN, DAMON CLOUSE,LAUREN MCCRARy, ZACK
MCGAVIC. MACKENZIE ORR,& LUKE BLACKBURN
ADVISeR:MRS. HALEy S. LANCASTER
WeBSITe:WWW.VCSC.K12.IN.US/
LINCOLN/OLDPOSTSENTINEL.ASPx
OuR pOliCy:
Persons wishing to commenton the news or opinions re-ported in the Old post Sentinel
are encouraged to write lettersto the editor. Letters should bebrief (250 words maximum)and must be signed by the au-thor. Letters will be edited forspace, grammar, and libelousmaterial. Persons or businessesinterested in advertising in theOld post Sentinel are encour-aged to contact the editor aswell. Letters and advertising in-quiries may be mailed to Old
post Sentinel, c/o Lincoln HighSchool, 1545 S. Hart St. Rd.,Vincennes, IN 47591. Emailmay be sent to:[email protected]
linCOln HigH SCHOOl
MiSSiOn StateMent & pOliCy:
Vincennes Lincoln HighSchool is committed to educat-ing all students for success in adynamic society. Students en-rolled, or intending to enroll, atLincoln High School are notdenied enrollment in any classbecause of sex, race, color, re-ligion, national origin, or dis-ability.
Open your heart and your home to a petBy HANNAH WILLIAMS
OPS sports editor
In the United States alone,
approximately 8 million cats
and dogs are taken into shel-
ters each year. Of those 8
million, 3 million are eutha-
nized, or put down. Over
half of the animals eutha-
nized each year are treatable,
healthy animals, but there is
simply no room in the shel-
ters across the nation. These
statistics prove just how im-
portant adopting animals re-
ally is.
Adopting animals from
shelters or taking them in off
the streets is a wonderful
thing many families should
consider. These adopted pets
would become beloved, irre-
placeable members of their
families.
Rescuing a shelter animal
is an extremely fulfilling
deed. Coming home to a
happy, healthy, and grateful
animal is a fantastic reward
after adoption.
There are plenty more rea-
sons to adopt animals.
Adopting animals gives
everyone the chance to save
a life. Saving an animal
from an overpopulated shel-
ter results in a loving, life-
long friend and helps local
shelters. Shelters with too
many animals require more
food, veterinary help, and
volunteers.
The act of adopting an ani-
mal prevents cruel puppy
mills from receiving bene-
fits, helps regulate the num-
ber of homeless animals on
the streets, and gives a de-
serving animal a loving
home.
Puppy mills across the na-
tion are large-scale commer-
cial dog breeding
establishments where profit
is a priority over the well-
being of the dogs. These es-
tablishments are inhumane
and cruel. Adopting animals
from shelters allows these
businesses to fail.
Adopting any animal is a
life changing event. Adop-
tion not only changes your
life, but the animal’s as well.
Preparation before adopt-
ing an animal is the number
one priority. Animals need
suitable living space, the
correct food, and a loving
family. With all of this, there
is no doubt that an adopted
animal would become the
perfect addition to any fam-
ily.
Many different kinds of
animals are taken into shel-
ters. The amount of animals
available makes it that much
easier to find an animal you
connect with.
Often times people choose
against adoption because
they want a specific breed of
animal or a specific age.
Purebred young animals are
not the only animals that
will make good pets.
It has been proven that
having a pet makes you hap-
pier and healthier. Those
who cannot adopt but want
to, can still help out with
sheltered animals. There is
always a need for volunteers
at local shelters and humane
societies.
Theater can open your mind Review: ‘Creed’By ZAK MCGAVIC
OPS staff writer
I recently watched the
movie “Creed” and I really
enjoyed this film. This film
was an inspiring sequel to all
of the Rocky movies.
The film is inspired by the
death of Apollo Creed, for-
merly played by Carl Weath-
ers, the friend and opponent
of Sylvester Stalone’s Rocky.
Michael B. Jordan plays
Adonis Creed, the long lost
son of Apollo. Adonis was a
troubled youngster who
started out in a group home
and then was moved to a de-
tention hall after getting into
some trouble.
As Adonis grows older and
stronger, he moves in with
Apollo’s wife and he is
spoiled and treated like roy-
alty. He started fighting from
a young age and learned to
live on the streets as well as at
home with Mrs. Creed.
He goes on a wild adven-
ture to find himself as a
fighter after quitting his day
job.
He goes to Philadelphia to
find long time friend and
enemy of his father, Rocky
Balboa. Rocky was a boxing
champion for years and met
Apollo twice in the ring and
was also trained by Apollo.
Adonis works as hard as he
can to be trained by rocky
after being turned down sev-
eral times by Balboa.
Adonis is successful in his
fighting career. This movie
shows you that no matter how
rough you started out you can
still finish on top.
“Creed” was released in
November and is rated PG-
13.
By ANASTASIA KELLER
OPS copy editor
Trying arts in your high
school career is an amazing
activity to be involved in.
The arts allow you to be cre-
ative and learn more about
yourself. Being involved in
the arts such as marching
band, choir, the musicals, the
plays, art, photography,
stage crew, and technical
theatre while extremely fun
also looks great on college
applications.
I've been involved in choir
for four years and the spring
musicals at Lincoln High
School for three years. In
that time I have learned
amazing stage presence and
I've felt more confident in
myself. I think the arts are
definitely something every-
one should try.
You don't have to be able
to sing, dance, or draw to be
involved in the arts. You can
help make the magic happen
behind the scenes at your
school plays and musicals.
Studies by the University
of Sydney's Faculty of Edu-
cation and Social Work and
the Australian Council for
the Arts have shown that stu-
dents who participate in the
arts have higher self-esteem,
drive, motivation, life satis-
faction, and are involved in
class more.
Not only do the arts im-
prove your learning ability
and wellbeing, they are
where you meet diverse peo-
ple. You are surrounded by
people who share a common
passion but at the same time
are entirely different from
you. Everyone involved in
the arts have their own
uniqueness and talents that
they bring together and cre-
ate something special.
Being involved in the arts
is also a great stress reliever.
For the last four years I've
been involved in the arts
anytime I needed a break
from homework and daily
stress I've looked to the arts
to feel better. The arts are all
about bringing joy to the in-
tended audience and the peo-
ple around you. It's a perfect
escape from daily struggles
and stressful times.
Many people think that the
arts are only for a certain
group of people but that's far
from true. Anyone can be in-
volved and bring their own
individuality into art. That's
what makes the arts impor-
tant and worth trying.
KNOX COUNTY
COMMUNITY FOUNDA-
TION SCHOLARSHIPS
All scholarships are avail-
able at https://www.commu-
nityfoundationalliance.org/kn
ox/scholarships/ and due by
Feb. 15.
Heather Bird Memorial
Scholarship ($1000)
Scholarship for dependents
of active members of the Vin-
cennes Township Fire De-
partment with at least one
year of service.
Jay Lampton Memorial
Scholarship (TBD)
Applicants must plan to
pursue a degree in auto me-
chanics.
McKinley Avenue Presby-
terian Church Student Schol-
arship ($650)
Persis McClure Hurst Me-
morial Scholarship ($1200)
Graduating seniors with an
interest in English or history
or plan to pursue a major in
English or history.
Robert W. Nordhorn Me-
morial Scholarship ($400)
This is for seniors who are
enrolled in Technical Theatre,
Band, or Choir or who have
participated in theatre or mu-
sical productions.
Schott North America
Scholarship ($1000)
Dependents of employees
for Schott North America or
Gemtron Corporation facili-
ties may apply for this schol-
arship.
Velma and Herbert Pep-
meier Scholarship (two
$4000 awards)
This is for graduating high
school seniors who are affili-
ated with St. Johns United
Church of Christ in Vin-
cennes or Bethel Church in
Freelandville.
Zack Arnold Memorial
Scholarship ($1500)
Seniors who have been a
member of the high school
golf team for at least two
years may apply.
Issue 14:OPS Sports Template 2/4/16 3:36 PM Page 1
Sports OPS 3
Lincoln ScoreboardBOYS BASKETBALL
vs. Evansville Harrison Jan. 29
Junior Varsity 56-44 Won
Varsity 55-48 Lost
at South Knox Jan. 27
Freshman 35-32 Lost
GIRLS BASKETBALL
at Pike Central Feb. 2
Varsity 61-26 Won
vs. Mount Carmel Jan. 28
Junior Varsity 48-40 Won
Varsity 40-22 Won
SWIMMING
Boys
vs. Gibson Southern Jan. 28
Varsity Won 92-84
Girls
vs. Gibson Southern Jan. 28
Varsity 162-59 Won
WRESTLING
at Castle IHSAA Sectional Jan. 30
Placed 9th
ScheduleBASKETBALL
Feb. 6 vs. Pike Central
Feb. 12 vs. Boonville
Feb. 13 vs. Heritage Hills
BOYS SWIMMING
Feb. 8 at F J Reitz High School--Lloyd Pool
GIRLS SWIMMING
Feb. 6 at Jasper--Sectional
BOYS WRESTLING
Feb. 6 at Castle--Regional
Feb. 13 at Evansville Central--Semi State
Students partake in YMCA ballBy LUKE BLACKBURN
OPS staff writer
Here in Indiana, we play
basketball. Whether it be
with a school, local organi-
zation, or just out in the
driveway, there’s always a
game to be found. For
some, the NBA pipedream
carries out all the way
through high school. For
others, it dies young. But
for three groups of Lincoln
students, there is still a game
to be found outside the walls
of Alice Arena.
YMCA high school
league, formally known as
church league, kicked off its
season on Monday. The sea-
son will be four weeks long
with each team playing two
games a week. The league
has a very low number this
year with only four teams.
However, three of those
teams are from Lincoln.
One Lincoln student, Jere-
miah Brooks, is a huge fan
of playing in the YMCA
league.
“I just love playing with
the squad,” he said after the
game on Monday. “But I re-
ally want to beat the South
Knox team.”
Brooks and the rest of his
team come to play for a
number of reasons. Most
players come out to play the
legendary Indiana past time.
However, Lincoln senior
Blake Barmes has a different
reasons.
“I play to impress girls
with my sick moves,” said
Barmes.
With such little numbers
this year, the tournament
championship should feel
very much in the grasp of all
four teams. Barmes is very
confident in his team in the
tournament.
“We have a 25 percent
chance of winning, so I like
our odds,” he mentioned.
Through the past few years
in YMCA league, a team’s
choice of coach has been a
big deal. This year Brooks’
team, known as the Scrubs,
chose girls’ tennis coach
David Bruner to lead the
way. With a 1-0 record, it is
proving to be the correct
choice.
“I think he deserves coach
of the year,” Brooks said.
“There is no one better.”
Games are on Mondays
and Thursdays at 7 and 8
p.m. There is no charge for
admission. However, there
is a never-ending flow of en-
tertainment from players and
coaches alike.
Athlete of the Week: Jalen CardinalBy GABRIEL QUINTANILLA
OPS staff writer
This week's athlete of the
week is freshman Jalen Car-
dinal. He is the son of Greg
and Shawn Cardinal. He also
has a sister, Alexa Cardinal.
Cardinal has been playing
basketball for eight years.
He also is involved in base-
ball and football. He is also
a member of the Interact
Club.
Cardinal’s most memo-
rable sports moments are
playing with his teammate
Anthony Smith.
Seattle Seahawks quarter-
back Russell Wilson is Car-
dinal’s most admired athlete.
“I admire his work
ethic on and off the
field. He also displays
good character and
sportsmanship.”
Cardinal’s post-high
school plans are to
play baseball for Indi-
ana University. His
off-season activities
are attending camps
and practicing for the
sport in season.
What Cardinal has
learned for sports is,
“The value of team-
work and to be ac-
countable.”
His advice to
younger athletes is,
“Always give it your all andalways listen and respect
your coaches.”
Contributed photo.
Superbowl odds: It’s the Panthers’ yearBy LUKE BLACKBURN
OPS staff writer
The sports question of the
past two weeks is obvious.
Who will win the Super
Bowl?
Can Peyton Manning com-
pletely put a cherry on top of
his legendary career with a
possibly final Super Bowl
ring? Or can MVP-hopeful
Cam Newton dab one final
time on his already incredible
season? Unfortunately,
Hoosiers may come out dis-
appointed when time runs out
on tomorrow night.
While Manning’s career has
been incredible, this year was
by far his worst. He threw
just nine touchdowns, with 17
interceptions and a passer rat-
ing of just 67.9. To put that in
perspective, Cam Newton’s
passer rating was a 99.4 at the
end of regular season. Man-
ning will go up against a Car-
olina defense that is hands
down the best this year. Line-
backer Luke Kuechly was
listed as the best player in the
entire Super Bowl by
ESPN.com.
Beyond the stats, the Pan-
thers are just clicking on all
cylinders. They have one reg-
ular season loss with a sched-
ule that is easily one of the
toughest. They had some se-
rious doubters throughout the
season.
Admittedly, I was one of
them.
But if anything was to en-
sure their legitimacy it would
be their win against Arizona.
Arizona actually led the
power rankings coming into
the playoffs and they were
undoubtedly a powerhouse.
After a 49-15 routing of that
powerhouse, the Panthers
proved they are not to be
beaten. They are also favored
by Vegas betters.
The 50th anniversary Super
Bowl champion will be the
Carolina Panthers. Their
swagger and winning attitude
makes them a public enemy.
It just so happens that those
traits also put them that ahead
of the Broncos.
Admittedly, I would love to
see Manning’s career end
with a win. If anyone de-
serves it, it’s him. But some-
times teams are just too
talented and building momen-
tum. That team is the Car-
olina Panthers.
Girls basketball sectional
wraps up tonightBY LAUREN McCRARY
OPS staff writer
On Feb. 2, the girls basketball team crushed the Pike Cen-
tral Chargers in Round 1 of sectionals. They are very happy
about their draw, with Princeton on the other side of the
bracket.
“I felt like we were straight ballin’ last night!” said sopho-
more Lindsey Sparks on Wednesday. “The bus ride to and
from the game was fun and exciting!”
The girls got the victory over Pike Central with a score of
61-26. Every player who came off the bench scored, with
junior Allison Hein and sophomore Abi Haynes each pulling
10 points.
Usually a top scorer, Jenee Goodwin had to sit this round
out due to injury.
Sophomore Chasity Trueblood brought in 7 points, as did
fellow sophomore Sparks.
“We played a great game, got the dub and Round 1 is fin-
ished. We still climbing!” said Haynes.
“We have to cheer each other on and push each other to get
better” says senior Shelby Boger. “We have to play our best
and fight for that sectional win.”
In the semi-finals last night the Lady Alices faced rival
Jasper Wildcats to advance to the championship. Due to OPS
publishing deadlines, we are unable to report the outcome of
that game.
“It’s sectional week, so we are already pumped up to play
but we have to keep encouraging everyone and keep our
spirits high,” senior Lauren Frederick said. “Our goal is to
win sectionals and even beyond.”
The Lady Alices have not taken a sectional title since
2009.
The championship game is tonight at 6:30 at Princeton.
OPS adviser Haley S. Lancaster contributed to this story.
Read the OPS online and in coloreach week at
http://www.vcsc.k12.in.us/lincoln/OldPostSentinel.aspx
We’re also on Twitter! @LincolnOPS
OPS Sports 2-6-16:OPS Sports Template 2/4/16 3:41 PM Page 1
FeaturesOPS 4
Senior Spotlight: Trent McCrary
By JULIA ZHU
OPS features editor
This week’s senior spot-
light belongs to Trent Mc-
Crary. Trent is the son of
Troy and Chris McCrary and
the brother to Corbin and
Lauren. He has a dog named
Casper and a cat named Jas-
min.
His hobbies include hang-
ing out with his friends,
playing ping pong and bas-
ketball, and hanging out
with his girlfriend, South
Knox senior Macy
Flaningam.
McCrary is a member of
the Kiwanis Key Club, Teen
Court, National Honor Soci-
ety, and Varsity Men. He is
also a varsity member of
both the baseball and tennis
teams.
McCrary’s post high
school plans are to either at-
tend Purdue or attend Vin-
cennes University and then
later transfer to Purdue. He
plans on studying pharmacy
and currently has an intern-
ship at Walgreen’s phar-
macy.
His favorite teachers are
Steve Toy, Kreg Battles,
and Kevin Myers.
“You’re never a loser
until you quit trying,” by
Mike Ditka is his favorite
quote.
McCrary’s most memo-
rable moment is going to
the semi-state basketball
game in 2015, and his most
embarrassing moment was
attending the wrong class
for half a period his fresh-
man year.
His favorite books are the
Harry Potter books and his
favorite television show is
“The 100.”
McCrary’s favorite part of
attending Lincoln are the
“great teachers” and sporting
events.
His advice to underclass-
men is to take part of the in-
ternship program their senior
year.
“You will love it!” he ex-
claimed.
Contributed photo
Artist of the Week:
Alycia Bickel
By MACKENZIE ORR
OPS staff writer
This week’s artist of the
week is Alycia Bickel.
Bickel is a member of the
Vincennes Lincoln Accents
Choir.
She is the daughter of
Jason and Stacee Bickel. She
is older than her five broth-
ers, Jeremiah, Lucas, Jonah,
Elijah, and Jude.
Bickel became a part of
chorus in the seventh grade.
She had heard about it from
a friend and quickly became
involved.
She likes what choir offers
her that other extracurricu-
lars don’t.
“I do not have many tal-
ents nor am I athletic, so it
helps to build confidence,”
she stated.
Bickel has been involved
with the Lincoln High
School choir for three years
and has participated in Old
Town Players productions
for two years.
She participates in stage
crew for the middle and
high school musical produc-
tions, helping to build sets
and working behind the
scenes.
Her vocal mentors are in-
structor Mark Snyder and
students Sara Hillyard and
Annie Keller.
Her favorite singers are
Brandon Urie, Patrick
Stump, and Tyler Josph.
“They put so much emo-
tion into their singing,” said
Bickel.
Bickel plans to continue
her vocal music after high
school. She wants to attend
Vincennes University for
two years then further her
studies at the University of
Southern Indiana to become
a counselor.
Her advice to young artists
is, “ Don’t let other people
or groups shake your confi-
dence, Keep your head
high.”
OPS photpo by Mackenzie Orr
Senior Spotlight:
Mark AbendrothBy DANIEL
BLACK
OPS staff
writer
This week's
senior spot-
light is Mark
Abendroth. He
was born in
Terre Haute,
Indiana to his
parents, Kirk
and Leah
Abendroth.
Abendroth has an older sister
Valerie, a dog named Footy,
and a cat named Sofie.
Abendroth spends his time
hanging out with friends,
playing video games, partici-
pating in drumline, lifting,
and working at JCPenneys.
Abendroth is involved in
Tri-M Society, Batteries Not
Included improv group,
marching band, and the win-
ter drumline.
After high school, Aben-
droth plans to attend Indiana
University to major in game
design with a concentration
in production so he can
achieve his career goal as a
successful game developer.
Abendroth’s favorite
teachers are Steve Toy, Seth
Skelton, Kreg Battles, Amy
Shoemaker and Carly Tibbs.
Abendroth’s favorite thing
about Lincoln is the sense of
school spirit and pride,
which is also why one of his
favorite moments at Lincoln
was being at the regional
basketball game last year
cheering on his team.
His advice to underclass-
men is to “Make friends with
your teachers and do your
homework as soon as possi-
ble!”
OPS photo by Julia Zhu
Around the VCSC:
Schools take a positive approachBY STACY VIERRA
OPS staff writer
Positive Behavior Inter-
vention Support is a program
invented to help students
everywhere promote good
behavior and reward them
when they are caught being
good. This is a worldwide
program, and our four ele-
mentary schools have a
PBIS program. They’ve
been in place since 2008.
While the program is essen-
tially the same, each school
handles it differently.
“[Principal Kelly] Mc-
Carty brought the idea to my
attention-she had been read-
ing up on approaches to deal
with behavior, and liked
what she saw,” said Valerie
Kelly, teacher at Francis
Vigo Elementary and PBIS
coach. “This is the first re-
ward program that is this in-
tensive. As the coach I had
14 days of training the first
year, followed by 12 days
the second. It's a well
thought out program and the
Universal Team of teachers
were included on 6-8 train-
ing days that second year so
it was done in a very thor-
ough manner.”
Ever since then, Vigo has
trained faculty in how to im-
plement the program with
their students with slogan
the Bulldog Be’s : Be Re-
spectful, Be Responsible, Be
Prepared, and Be Your Best.
“Students are given Lucky
Bulldogs for Positive behav-
ior seen throughout the day.
On Thursdays, one lucky
name is drawn from each
room. Those students get to
eat at the Lucky Bulldog
table in the cafeteria.
[Christy] Jarvis, our social
worker, has fun activities for
them. Then, one of those stu-
dents is chosen as the overall
weekly winner. His or her
name appears on the sign
outside the building, and
later he or she will eat pizza
with the principal. When our
doghouse is full of Lucky
Bulldog certificates, we have
an all-school celebration. It
can be anywhere from a
dance party outside, to in-
door Bingo, or a snack of
Hugs (drinks) and Kisses
(Hershey’s)” said Kelly.
There are great benefits to
the program.
“Although there are times
when we have to remind and
reteach, it's wonderful seeing
them beam because they
know their behavior is good.
It makes it easy for the
teachers because we use the
same language and system
through the school so we can
be helpful with all students,
not just our own,” Kelly ex-
plained. “Our parents are al-
ways very supportive of
anything that helps our stu-
dents be their best.”
Tecumseh-Harrison Ele-
mentary has been using the
program for four years and
believes that it's important to
build positive relationship
with kids. They also use the
“Be’s” as their slogan every
morning. When following
the expectations of the build-
ing students receive what
they call Eagle Feathers as
rewards and when the
Eagle’s nest is full they have
PBIS celebrations.
At Benjamin Franklin Ele-
mentary School, students are
rewarded with Benjamins--a
reward ticket--for going
above and beyond, having
good behavior, kindness, ac-
ademic achievement and
also student of the week.
“Students are excited to
earn Benjamins and to at-
tend the reward activities,”
said Beth Lindsey, social
worker for Franklin. “We
have parents that help with
our events as they arrive.”
James Whitcomb Riley El-
ementary Students have
PAW powers that they can
earn for their behavior, and
they can be turned in for in-
dividual rewards and then
classroom and school wide
rewards take place as well
for following expectations.
“...it's wonder-
ful seeing them
beam because
they know their
behavior is
good.”
--Valerie Kelly
teacher
OPS Features 2-6-16:OPS Sports Template copy 2/4/16 3:49 PM Page 1