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Volume 19Volume 19Volume 19Volume 19Volume 19Issue 6Issue 6Issue 6Issue 6Issue 6

January 28,January 28,January 28,January 28,January 28,20052005200520052005* * ** * ** * ** * ** * *

Visit us online at:Visit us online at:Visit us online at:Visit us online at:Visit us online at:www.oakwood.k12.il.uswww.oakwood.k12.il.uswww.oakwood.k12.il.uswww.oakwood.k12.il.uswww.oakwood.k12.il.us

Oakwood High School 5870 U.S. Route. 150 Fithian, IL 61844Oakwood High School 5870 U.S. Route. 150 Fithian, IL 61844

Volume 19Volume 19Volume 19Volume 19Volume 19Issue 6Issue 6Issue 6Issue 6Issue 6

January 28,January 28,January 28,January 28,January 28,20052005200520052005* * ** * ** * ** * ** * *

Visit us online at:Visit us online at:Visit us online at:Visit us online at:Visit us online at:www.oakwood.k12.il.uswww.oakwood.k12.il.uswww.oakwood.k12.il.uswww.oakwood.k12.il.uswww.oakwood.k12.il.us

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22 The Oakwood Times January 28, 2005

By Dixie SextonA new law was passed last spring making 17 the

minimum age for high school students to drop out, asopposed to the previous age of 16. This law, which waspassed in the General Assembly as Senate Bill 2918,took affect January 1, 2005.

“I think it is a good idea in principle,” said TimLee, OHS Dean of Students. “But, if we place thesekids in a place where they don’t want to be, are wehelping them, or are we hurting the students who wantto learn?”

Lee, like many other faculty statewide, is con-cerned with not only those who decide to drop out, butalso with the effect it has on the other students.

Many high school students stay in school onlyto get driving permits or to play sports. Should friendsand extracurricular activities be the only thing keepingstudents in school?

“I was pretty much staying in school to get mydriver’s license,” said an OHS dropout Jason Parrish.

Parrish left OHS in 1992 as a 17-year-old.“I had to go to work right away and go to night

classes to get my G.E.D. (General Education Diploma),”said Parrish. “By then I realized it wasn’t a good idea todrop out. Every time you try to get a job or fill out anapplication you have to relive the fact that ‘I quit school,’and I heard this but never grasped the concept.”

Parrish has learned that the job market frowns ona G.E.D. more so than a high school diploma.

Many high school students have already ob-tained jobs, but they may not suit their future aspects.

“I’ve thought about it (dropping out), but I wantto grow up and be big and rich and not work in the fast-food industry,” said junior Becky Goff.

Other students may aspire to a specific pathwaythat they’ve had their minds set on.

“I have to graduate to go into the military,” saidOHS junior Drew Dougherty.

OHS has a fairly high graduation rate of 85.9 per-cent but only 0.4 percent were dropouts of last year’sclass of 2004 (the other percentage was transferred stu-dents or any decrease in the class’s numbers from 2000to 2004).

OHS’ yearly dropout rate fluctuates but is still farless than Illinois’ high school dropout rate last year,which was 4.6 percent, according to the 2004 state re-port card issued by the State Board of Education.

Governor Rod Blagojevich passed this law withthe intent of lowering the high school dropout rate.

“I think the rationale behind this (the high schooldropout law) was to encourage students to stay inschool. We have very few students who have droppedout right at 16 so I don’t feel this law will affect us, atleast for now,” said OHS Principal Brenda Ludwig.

GeneralAssembly raises

dropout age

Ellis gets late Christmas present,named Student of the Month

Governor raises minimum wageGovernor raises minimum wageGovernor raises minimum wageGovernor raises minimum wageGovernor raises minimum wage

By Ashley CookChristmas may be over, but one OHS senior got a late

present. Stefany Ellis was named February’s Student of theMonth after coming back from break.

“I think I got student of the month, because I workhard, and I’m more involved this year,” said Ellis.

Ellis has been dancing since she was three years old,and she has been on the OHS dance team for three years. Sheis also the layout editor of The Oakwood Times.

Ellis has also been selected to be a DARE role modeland a Student of the Week for the Commercial News.

“Stefany does tremendous work for the paper and shecares,” said Mr. Tim Lee. “She has wonderful ideas and workshard.”

In her spare time she enjoys going fishing, playing putt-putt golf, and spending time with her friends, family, and boy-friend.

“I was excited when I found out I got student of themonth, now I know all my hard work has been recognized,”said Ellis. “Juice kind of gave it away by telling me congratu-lations before Mrs. Steffen told me.”

After high school, Ellis plans on going to Danville AreaCommunity College to study general education, then transferto Parkland College to become a dental hygienist. After get-ting her career started, Ellis would like to save up her moneyand open her own canine shelter.

“Stefany is a great friend and works hard at everythingshe does,” said senior Sean Ritter. “There is no other personthat I can think of that deserves this honor more than her.”

Ellis is like any other teenage girl, she likes to have funwith her friends and have a good time. But when it comes to

school and the newspaper, she works hard to get things done.“I like to have fun and goof off, but I know when I need

to crack down and get serious,” said Ellis.One of the awards for student of the month is being

able to decorate the display case in the outside hall.

Senior Stefany Ellis shows off her nails in journalismclass. Ellis was named February Student of the Month.(Photo by staff)

By Lyndi HarperAs of January 1, 2005 the minimum wage rose for people

age 18 and older to $6.50 an hour, and $6.00 an hour for peopleunder 18. The raising of the minimum wage has both pros andcons.

“When the minimum wage increases, it costs compa-nies more so they have to raise their prices and the consumerspends more money,”said OHS economics teacher NicDiFilippo. “It costs the consumer more to buy the product,

but the product has not changed.” Therefore, the value of our money is decreasing. One

way companies cut costs is to lay off workers, which causesunemployment to go up. The raise in minimum wage mainlyaffects high school students, because they are the ones whomainly work at jobs that start off paying minimum wage.

If the company has to cut back on employees in orderto be able to pay them, the first ones to go are usually theyounger employees, who are usually high school students.It is much harder to find jobs when the economy is like this.

“I don’t think that a raise in minimum wage is neces-sary right now,” said DiFilippo.

Senior Lauren Grove is currently employed at theDanville County Market in Towne Center, and is not in favorof a raise of minimum wage.

“I don’t think that it is fair for the people that haveworked there for two years, and then the people that juststarted working make the same amount as us other employ-ees,” said Grove. “I think they should have to earn the raisejust like I did.”

“The cost of living is going up so therefore minimumwage needs to go up,” said OHS Social Studies teacher Mr.Dirk Miller. “I personally don’t think it affects companiesthat much that they need to lay off workers.”

He says only time will tell though.

Senior Malinda Beaulier cleans at table at theOakwood McDonalds. Beaulier is one of many OHS studentswho could benefit from the increase in the minimum wage.(Photo by Jake Bough)

3The Oakwood TimesJanuary 28, 2005

By Erin DavisIf you are thinking of going into a vocational

career, you may have fewer options beginning nextyear.

Vermilion Occupational and Technical Edu-cational Center, VOTEC, the education building thatservices many schools in Vermilion County will beclosing its doors at the end of this year.

VOTEC is closing because of a decline in par-ticipation with the withdrawal of Danville District118 in 2003.

There were three shifts offered to meet theneeds of eight Vermilion County schools. WhenDanville dropped, a large majority of the entire firstshift was lost.

“I’m not saying that it was the entire shift,but nearly,” said Terry Goodner, the guidance coun-selor at OHS. “There was a lotof shuffling that had to be donein order to get the shifts equalonce more.”

Once District 118 pulledout, the cost of sending stu-dents to VOTEC rose consider-ably. The school picks up thefee to send the students, butthat became more difficult to doas the cost increased.

In February of 2004, theOakwood school district be-came one of the many schoolsto pull out of from VOTEC be-ginning in the fall of 2005. Thiscame as bad news for the 41 OHSstudents who are enrolled in theprogram.

There is a light at the endof the tunnel, however. Alterna-

tour would be nearly impossible with many differ-ent locations.”

Another prospective problem would bewhether or not students are reluctant to enter thecollege setting. There is also a likelihood that stu-dents may be working alongside college students.

The classes would be reserved for highschool students, but if there were still openingsand interest from college students, the classeswould almost certainly be filled by either.

An additional problem may be larger classsizes in the afternoon.

“If students don’t take the option of thealternative programming, then class sizes in theafternoon will grow,” said Principal BrendaLudwig.

Declining enrollmentDeclining enrollmentDeclining enrollmentDeclining enrollmentDeclining enrollmentforces VOTEC’s closingforces VOTEC’s closingforces VOTEC’s closingforces VOTEC’s closingforces VOTEC’s closing

Juniors John Pierce andMike Stiles work with a grinder inWelding class at VOTEC. (Photoby Jake Bough)

tive programming plans havetaken shape in order to continueto provide proper preparationsfor college, and the work force.

“With VOTEC, it puts the kids in a nearly real-istic environment, and in some cases, a truly realis-tic one,” said Goodner. “It also enables you to see if,‘Yea, this is really for me,’ or ‘Maybe this isn’t sucha good idea after all.’”

Beginning next year, programming will takeplace at Danville Area Community College, but twoclasses will be offered in the current VOTEC build-ing -- auto body and auto mechanics. Another op-tion in talks is having classes in the Rossville-AlvinHigh School building, due to its closing.

“Every year I’ve tried to give an annual tourof VOTEC for the sophomores, just so they couldsee what each class was about,” said Goodner. “This

By Amanda MartinThe OHS Student Council members have been selling silicon brace-

lets to support the search for Ryan Katcher. The purple bracelets have theofficial Ryan Katcher website, www.FindRyan.com, on each one.

The bracelets were paid for by donations from local businesses, andthe money collected from the sales will go to his mom, Linda, who willdecide where it will go for further use.

“I bought a bracelet because I wanted to support Ryan and hisfamily,” said senior Julie Sprouls. “It’s for a great cause.”

The Student Council ordered 1, 000 bracelets, and sold them all in

Bracelets keep Katcheron students’ minds

OHS Students model their purple www.FindRyan.com bracelets.The bracelets are designed to raise awareness and money in the searchfor former OHS student Ryan Katcher. (Photo by Amanda Martin)

“I bought a bracelet because I“I bought a bracelet because I“I bought a bracelet because I“I bought a bracelet because I“I bought a bracelet because Iwanted to support Rwanted to support Rwanted to support Rwanted to support Rwanted to support Ryan and hisyan and hisyan and hisyan and hisyan and hisfamilyfamilyfamilyfamilyfamily. It’s for a great cause.”. It’s for a great cause.”. It’s for a great cause.”. It’s for a great cause.”. It’s for a great cause.”

-- Senior Julie Spr-- Senior Julie Spr-- Senior Julie Spr-- Senior Julie Spr-- Senior Julie Sproulsoulsoulsoulsoulstwo weeks.

Along with the Student Council, Linda Katcher, the United Commu-nity Bank, and Mr. Trophy have sold the bracelets. One thousand morebracelets have been ordered, and should arrive near the end of January.The bracelets are being sold for $3.

Kendra Marsh, president of Student Council, took the bracelets tothe boy’s basketball game in Georgetown and sold a total of 48. Thebracelets were sold at the Georgetown-Ridge Farm game, because one oftheir school colors is also purple.

The website supported by the bracelets is full of information onRyan Katcher. Included on the site are pictures of Ryan, and a generaldescription of what he looks like. It also has a letter from Linda describingthe night he disappeared, and what has been done in the search so far.There are news articles about the disappearance and the search. You canalso learn about other missing people, and sign a guestbook.

“Selling these bracelets is a great idea because it’s an easy way forpeople to show their support,” said junior Carley Redman, vice presidentof Student Council.

There are currently 41students from OHS attendingVOTEC. The number of stu-dents generally fluctuates withclass size.

“The number is usuallysimilar,” said Goodner. “Iwouldn’t say it has shrunk.”

With the ending of theprograms at VOTEC, many cur-rent employees will be losingtheir jobs.

“Some people have otherfull-time jobs, and this is justtheir part-time job,” said ConnieYoung, the Career AwarenessCoordinator at VOTEC. “Forthe majority of us, however,we’ll be finding other jobs.”

Hank Miller has been thewelding teacher for 22 years,and hopes to continue teach-ing.

“If I didn’t enjoy workingwith kids, I’d have retired a

long time ago. It’s so fascinating to watch themgrow and mature,” said Miller.

Another thing that will be of no use will beall of the equipment in the classes.

“Most of the equipment will be given to otherschools that offer occupational classes,” saidYoung.

Although the bulk of the vocational classeswill no longer be held there, the building will stillremain open for other programs.

“(VOTEC) will be having new schools andclasses, with VASE, Vermilion Association of Spe-cial Education, and Middlefork Schools,” saidYoung.


By Erin DavisChristmas break wasn’t an enjoyable

time for everyone at OHS.Joe Lewis, a freshman, had a Christmas

break filled with surgery, tests, and worries.“I was shocked to find out about Joe. I

came home as soon as I could,” said Joe’soldest brother, David Lewis, a 2002 graduateof OHS, who returned from his station inJapan to be with his family.

Joe had felt a tender lump in his lefttesticle that caused him pain, but kept it tohimself, hoping that it would go away.

“To myself, I knew that it was cancer,but I was just holding on to the fact thatmaybe it wasn’t,” said Joe.

The thing that not many people know isthat testicular cancer is the most commoncancer in young men 15 to 35 years old,according to the Testicular Cancer Resource.

“I will only see about five cases in myentire career, but it’s the most common cancerin that particular demographic,” said BrianEarly, a physician at Carle in SoutheastUrbana.

Another problem is people’s inability totalk about testicular cancer.

“There are billboards up of breastcancer awareness, but it’s just taboo to talk abouttesticular cancer,” said Joe.

Joe had to overcome this taboo to get help.“At first I was completely terrified. I thought that

I was going to die,” said Joe.The first person Joe told was Travis Davis, a

sophomore at OHS. Travis encouraged Joe to tell hisparents.

“It was a really scary thing to know,” said Davis.“I thought that I could be losing one of my bestfriends.”

Once Joe had gathered his courage, he beganto discuss his fears with his parents.

Joe’s dad, David, convinced Joe not toworry about it until they could see a doctor.

Joe’s initial appointment was the dayafter finals, and two days before Christ-mas. After the appointment, it wasdecided that the testicle would have to beremoved.

“When I was first told ‘Son, youhave cancer’ I couldn’t believe it. It’s afleeting realization that all has gonewrong,” said Joe.

Cancer is the rapid division of cells,that are no longer listening to cell messengers.Cancerous cells can spread through all parts ofthe body, so when the cells were found to becancerous, there was a wave of panic to all with worry

of it spreading.“For me it was a gradual feeling, because I knew

about the tumors before I knew about it being cancerous,”said Jason, Joe’s older brother. “For everyone else it wasjust ‘BAM, Joe has cancer,’ but it wasn’t like that for me. Itwas scary, but I’ve made it through.”

Joe then underwent a CAT scan, a difficult experiencefor a young person.

The results of the CAT scan showed that cancer hadspread from Joe’s testicle to his lymph nodes, which are

OHS student diagnosed with cancerlocated near his kidneys. The lymph nodesare the first to be affected by the cancer,followed by the blood stream.

At first the doctors thought that theywere going to have to entirely remove thelymph nodes, but now know that there isonly a 15% chance that he will need to havesurgery at all. The tumors were caught earlyon, which made all the difference.

Joe will undergo chemotherapy foreight weeks, and hopefully the treatment willtake care of the tumors.

While many students were at homeenjoying Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Joebegan his first session of chemotherapy.

“I got him silk fabric for his pillowcase.It doesn’t pull on the hair so much,” saidJoe’s grandma, Ruth Thomas. “We tried tofind a manly color, but didn’t have muchluck with that and had to settle on a creamycolor.”

Each session of chemotherapy lastsabout five hours, and during the sessions,Joe can do whatever he wishes.

“When I’m at home, I’ll read or write,”said Joe. “It helps to pass the time. Butwhen I’m going through a session, I mostlyjust watch TV or sleep. It’s really hard to

concentrate during that time.”The chemotherapy has a lot of unpleasant side

effects, including hair loss, a weakened immune system,and a loss of appetite.

Every other week Joe will go through five ses-sions, followed by a week of one session. During thefive-session week, he will be staying in Indianapolis,where the treatment takes place.

Although cancer could be a depressing thing foranyone, Joe has kept high spirits.

“It’s easy to get bogged down in the wholesituation,” said Jason. “But it’s so much better for Joe

for everyone to keep high spirits.”Joe has been at home for the last few weeks,

and may not be returning for the rest of theschool year.

“If I’m out of school for too long, I’ll geta tutor,” said Joe. “Hopefully, I don’t get heldback.”

Joe plans on returning to school assoon as his treatments are completed. Thatincludes even if he is bald.

Hanging out and being with Joe is stillthe same, regardless of his illness. During his

one-session weeks, you can still find him seeinghis friends after school.

“I know it’d be a lot harder without them,” Joesaid. “ I’m really thankful for them.”

Freshman Joe Lewis begins chemotherapy

“When I was firsttold ‘Son, you have cancer’I couldn’t believe it. It’s a

fleeting realization thatall has gone wrong.”

-- Joe Lewis


By Kacie WilsonAfter months of planning and

fundraising, Kendra Rife and Ashley Edingtonhave finally made their trip and performed atthe Outback Bowl.

The halftime show featured over 5,000young people from around the country andwas nationally televised. The girls performeda routine they were taught by a professionalchoreographer.

Rife, Edington, and four other Comettesqualified to perform at the halftime show ofthe Outback Bowl during their summer dancecamp. Due to expenses and time, the otherfour girls decided not to attend.

Comettes returComettes returComettes returComettes returComettes return from Outback Bon from Outback Bon from Outback Bon from Outback Bon from Outback Bowlwlwlwlwl

By Leah ShepherdMr. Geoffrey Griffiths, OHS mathematics teacher, started

dance lessons on January 11 at OHS for whoever was interested inlearning how to dance.

“Dance is a really good social skill to have,” says Griffiths.Dance lessons have been on Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. and will

be held until Prom. Those who have not attended since the begin-ning will not be allowed to join.

Students who are attending will learn swing, cha-cha, night-club two-step, waltz, and triple swing.

“I think it’s a lot of fun. I’m really into the swing dancing,”said Jessica Whitington, junior and first year dancer.

Griffiths learned to dance at the Regent, a ballroom in Savoy,where in years past he and his wife, Dr. Rebecca Bryant, have alsobeen assistant instructors. Dr. Bryant plans on coming to help withthe dance lessons.

WYSE team chosen for 2005By Jake Bough

New members of this year’sWorld Youth Science and Engineer-ing (WYSE) team have been named.

Participants study specificsubject areas in preparation for tour-naments where they take tests andtry to score higher than other stu-dents in the area.

The WYSE team will competein the regional competition at DACCon Tuesday, February 8. If they dowell, they will advance to theSectionals.

“I think we have a goodchance to advance to Sectionals,”said Mr. Geoff Griffiths, WYSEcoach. “I think we have several

For Edington, this was her first year toattend the event. As for Rife, it was her sec-ond.

“I was glad Kendra was with me, Iwouldn’t have been able to do it by myself,”said Edington.

Rife was also glad to have a fellowsquad member along with her. Last year, shemade the trip with her mother and a friend.

“I was skeptical at first but it turnedout to be really fun,” said Rife.

Rife and Edington have been planningthe trip for months. Each of the girls had toraise roughly $1,000. They began fundraisingin the summer with car washes, pumping gas,

raffles, and collecting aluminum cans. Over1,000 local people and businesses donatedto make the trip possible.

“Earning the money was much easierthis year because we had a lot more time,”said Rife.

The girls left December 27 and returnedJanuary 2. During there stay in Tampa, FLthey enjoyed several other activities besidesperforming. They had a chance to visit DisneyWorld, Busch Gardens, and to hang out atthe beach.

“My favorite part was the dinnercruise,” said Rife.

The cruise took place on New Year’s

Eve and was a time for all the dancers to relaxand make new friends.

“There were fewer girls and they weremuch nicer this year,” said Rife.

As for Edington, her favorite part wasthe performance and she is already planningto go back next year.

Although Rife could still attend theevent next year, she says this will be her last.

Rife and Edington will hold an openhouse on March 6, 2005 at Main St. Fithianfrom 2-5 p.m. The open house will be a timefor the girls to say thank you to their spon-sors and to show off their awards, pictures,and a video of their performance.

Griffiths givesdance lessons

Mr. Geoff Griffiths showsJessica Whitington a new dancemove in the OHS gym before school.Whitington is one of many studentstakings lessons from Griffiths.(Photo by Leah Shepherd)

This is the third yearGriffiths has offered dancelessons.

Julie Sprouls, a seniorand second year dancer, feelsthat she has gotten a lot outof the dance lessons.

“I’m not a dancing per-son, so having somethingthat I know how to do makesit more fun to dance and givesme confidence,” saidSprouls.

The number of stu-dents attending this year ison average 18. This is nearlytwice as many people whohave attended in the yearspast.

“People have enjoyedit,” said Griffiths. “If peopleare willing to get up [and beat OHS] at 7:30, then theymust be enjoying it.”

The WYSE team is coached by Mr. Geoff Griffiths, pictured at left. The team members are, front row, fromleft, Brooke Stevens, Kendra Marsh, Megan Ward, Erin Davis, Christina Zitello and Kayla Verhoeven. In theback row are, from left, Kacie Wilson, Amy Bertilson, Leah Shepherd, Jake Fry, Jason Lewis, and Erin Pouilliard.Kyle Hill and Zane Youhas are not pictured. (Photo by Dixie Sexton)

people that could go onto State, per-haps the whole team.”

There are four seniors on thisyear’s WYSE team.

Jake Fry will compete in phys-ics and computer science, Kyle Hillwill compete in physics and engi-neering graphics, Jason Lewis inchemistry and biology, and MeganWard in chemistry and biology.

The bulk of the team will bejuniors. Amy Bertilson will competein math and chemistry, Erin Davis inEnglish and math, Kendra Marsh inbiology and English, Leah Shep-herd in English and math, BrookeStevens in math and biology, KaylaVerhoeven in English and engineer-

ing graphics, Kacie Wilson in En-glish and math, and Zane Youhas inbiology and chemistry.

There are two sophomores onthis year’s team. Erin Pouilliard willcompete in chemistry and biology,and Christina Zitello in chemistryand English.

“I think we are strong in sev-eral areas,” said Griffiths, “but theseare very difficult tests. In math, forexample, out of 40 questions 19 willget you first place. These are sometough questions,” said Griffiths.

Members of the team preparefor the exams by studying test fromprevious years and working withteachers in a specific subject.

The Oakwood TimesMembers of the staff are en-

rolled in Journalism Class. The pa-per is published by the OakwoodTimes staff.

Subscriptions are $8 per yearand may be purchased by contact-ing the staff at Oakwood HighSchool, 5870 US Route 150, FithianIL, 61844.

The Oakwood Times encour-ages signed letters, comments, art,or columns from its readers. TheOakwood Times reserves the rightto edit all submissions for length andclarity. No submissions will beprinted that are considered libelous,in poor taste, or are intended solelyas a personal attack. Opinions ex-pressed do not necessarily reflect theopinions of the entire staff or the dis-trict employees.Editor in Chief Jake BoughManaging Editor Jessie LinkCopy Editor Amanda MartinLayout Editor Stefany EllisGraphics Editor Kelly McNellisBusiness Mgr. Brooke StevensNews Editor Kacie WilsonOpinion Editor Josh BoughSports Editor Kendra MarshFeatures Editor Jenna JohnsonPhoto Editor Dixie SextonCopy Assistants Erin Davis

Leah ShepherdReporters Ashley Cook

Lyndi HarperBrandi HarrisCarley RedmanSean RitterNick VinsonMegan Ward

Advisor Mr. Tim Lee

5 In The Hall: Who was your very first Valentine?


Thomas ToshFreshman

“Courtney Ping”

By Megan Ward

Kimber HawkinsSophomore

“Donnie Martin”

Sam FryJunior

“Luke Smith”

Andy BeckSenior

“I called her Betsy.”

Mr. Dave MarkwellTeacher

“My first gradeteacher.”

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You know the feeling: your palms getsweaty, there are butterflies in your stomach,your mouth gets dry, and you don’t quiteknow what to say. No, I’m not talking aboutlove, I’m talking about when I met James Au-gustine and Warren Carter!

I have been a die-hard Illini fan since Iwas old enough to echo my dad’s chant of I-L-L with an I-N-I. I take pride in knowing notjust the players and the team’s record, buttheir stats, strengths and weaknesses, andthe skills of their opponents. On game days Ialways wear my Illinois attire, and anxiouslyawait the tip off from the minute I wake up.

The day they played Penn State wasno different. I got home from practice alreadyexcited about their game scheduled for threehours later. I had just sat down to make sureI could get channel 3 on my TV when thephone rang. My mom was calling to say thatshe got two tickets to the game at work, andshe was giving them to my dad and me.

We had gone to many games togetherin the past, but this one seemed a little morespecial. We had never seen the Illini play asan undefeated team, and we were planningon staying after the game to get my Dee Brownjersey signed.

The usual excitement built as we foundour seats in the Assembly Hall and watchedthe end of the pregame. As I waited for theIllini to run out, and the line up to be an-nounced, my anxiety continued to rise. I al-ways get a huge adrenaline rush when theIllinois War Chant is played as the Illini getready for tip-off; it’s the same feeling I getwaiting for the tip-off of my own games.

Finally the game started, and the Illinimore or less cruised to a 90-64 win over PennSt. Even though it was a great win, it was

only a little part of the adventure I had thatnight.

After the game, my dad and I made ourway down to the court to get a few auto-graphs. I was more nervous than I thought Iwould be as I waited for the players to comeout of the locker room. I was so nervous thatwhen I handed my pen to Roger Powell, Jr.,he asked me why I was shaking so badly!

We stayed to get a few more auto-graphs and pictures with the team and CoachWeber, but my favorite Illini, Dee Brown, de-cided not to sign any that night. I left theAssembly Hall feeling a little disappointed,but fate would soon take care of my disap-pointment.

After we left the game, my dad decidedto go through Wendy’s drive-up. He wasabout to order when he turned to me and said,“Look, either that’s another white, bald guythat looks a lot like him, or that’s James Au-gustine in that car!”

Of course I thought he was just tryingto get me to look stupid by getting out of thecar in a drive though, but I went anyways. To

my surprise it really was James Augustine,and Warren Carter was with him. His windowwas down, and so he just calmly said “hey”as I walked up.

To my surprise I carried on a prettynormal conversation. We talked about thegame, Dee Brown, my basketball team,Warren’s minutes he got that night, and ofcourse the fact that my best friend, JamiPichon, is in love with him. I am completelyserious when I say that he actually blushedat the thought!

I had gotten his autograph for Jami ear-lier, but that was no comparison to what I wasabout to do for her. I have no clue where I gotthe courage to ask him, but I actually asked ifhe would call her and leave a message on herphone. He actually agreed! I dialed her num-ber on my phone, (a phone I will never get ridof) and he left her a really sweet message.Among other things, he told her that he wasgetting a frosty at Wendy’s and he was think-ing about her!

After we talked for a few more minutes,Augustine shook my hand and told me that Inow had the “Augie power”, and I went backto my car.

The entire way home from Champaign Itold my dad everything that was said, andthen I retold him. When Jami got the messageand called me a few minutes later, I told mystory again. It’s been over three weeks, andI’m still telling people the story.

I still can’t get over the fact that I talkedto them for over 10 minutes, and that I gotJames to leave a message on my best friend’sphone. It’s an unbelievable story, but believeme, it happened!

Jami still has the message to prove thewhole thing!

No, really, I actually met James AugustineI have the message to prove it!


Editorial

By Josh BoughMany of you may recall my behavior in

earlier times.I was a strange, short, shy kid that was

scared of every other person in the world …except for my equally strange friends (of whichI had few).

I was silent in most every class, beingone of the youngest people in each class.You see, I was in classes with more upper-classmen than freshmen during my freshmanyear, which made me feel like if I were to talk Iwould, most likely, be assassinated. Now littledid I know, that this was not the case… it wasonly my crazy freshman brain running awaywith itself.

I believe that perhaps these thoughtswere brought on by my ever-present thoughtthat I am, in fact, the smartest person in theworld. Of course, my getting better gradesthan some, well most, of the juniors in thoseclasses did not soothe my feelings of fear …or the thought that since they were biggerthan me they hated me without reason.

This now gave them a reason to hateme: I was two years their junior and I was‘smarter’ than them. I don’t really believe thatI was though.

I think that they didn’t apply themselvesjust as most upperclassmen don’t now. Theywere merely tired of high school and prob-ably didn’t give a hoot what some stupid littlefreshman got in their class. It was irrelevantin their lives … that is, they made it irrelevant.

So, after my freshman year I grew up alittle, not much, but a little nonetheless. I hada few more friends scattered throughout goodol’ OHS. Some of them were even older thanme, God forbid. I was no longer scared ofeveryone.

Then, a drastic change came about. Idecided one day that since I was no longerafraid of every person I came about, and I

was obviously still the smartest person in allthe land, I would hate everyone. My reason-ing was this: if they couldn’t be as smart asme, they had no reason to be liked by me…oranyone else.

Well, the flaw(s) in this assumption canbe immediately identified. First of all, I wasnot smarter than most of the people I targetedfor hatred.

I tended to hate every person I met as-suming, naturally, that they were of a lessereducational status than I was, and that be-cause of this they should be shunned. And Ibelieved that I was the perfect person to startthis new trend of shunning innocent people.Innocent, you see, because all they did wrongwas walk near me.

This, it seems, was my ‘Dark Year.’ Iwas evil to everyone. I made some friends,but, well, how good could a friend I made inmy evil days really be?

There were a few good ones though,although I did tend to tick them off quite of-ten. In fact that is one of my favorite currentamusements.

But back to my evil sophomore days:this was the time that I caused many a fight

at, well, anywhere. Let’s reflect on one suchoccasion …

One day, as I was eating lunch with myfriends in the courtyard, a friend told me thatmy hair looked kind of like a cat nest. Well,this was a cruel, cruel thing to say (especiallysince it looked more like a squirrel nest), butmaybe she was just trying to help me … sinceit was bad hair. So, as you would expect, Icombated her evilness with my very own evil-ness. I told this girl, who sings and loves it,that every time I heard her sing it remindedme of cats dying a torturous death and alsothat I wanted to curl up in a ball and die whenthis ‘screeching’ came from her.

Of course, none of this was really true,but she cried and that made me happy. Wehated each other for months and that wasjust fine by me.

Well, thankfully as I grew older I alsogrew wiser … yet again. My mean behaviorbecame less wicked.

I now resort to petty name-calling. Forinstance, some female friends are men, andothers still are lumberjacks (or lumberjills,depending on how manly they are acting atthe time).

But I’d say that that’s pretty goodprogress after only one year. I have realizedthat I am not the smartest person in the world;I am merely one of the smartest, although Imay be the only person that thinks that.

I have also learned that no one is goingto assassinate me except maybe Megan Wardand/or her assassinators.

Life is well and good now. I get alongwith most everyone and that is a rare feat.

There are, of course, a select few peopleI dislike; to which I say congratulations! Youmust have done something really bad to beon that list … or maybe you just walked byme…

Just Joshin’Just Joshin’Just Joshin’Just Joshin’Just Joshin’By Josh BoughBy Josh BoughBy Josh BoughBy Josh BoughBy Josh Bough

I’m the smartest person in the world,and how this made everyone hate me

Orange should be found allover the University of Illinoiscampus, not hanging on hooksin our hallways. We, the staff ofThe Oakwood Times, aregetting tired of seeing all thoseorange cards (late passes) inthe hallways.

There were 25 tardyadmits issued in one day alone,and 633 for the first semester.

Most of these tardyadmits were issued to repeatoffenders from all four classes.

“There has been a muchhigher percent of late passesthis year,” said PrincipalBrenda Ludwig, “[Students] getin habits of being late. Thoseare hard habits to break.”

According to the studenthandbook, once you receivethree for Homeroom you couldlose your driving or ridingprivileges for 30 days. Ludwigexplains that this is the firsttime in several years that thispunishment has had to havebeen enforced.

If you receive four tardyadmits in one quarter, you willserve a Saturday School. Eighttardy admits during the entireyear will result in a letter senthome, and ten will earn you asuspension hearing with yourparents.

You are only allowed fourminutes to get from one class,to your locker, and to your nextclass. We know that sometimesit’s hard to accomplish all ofthis.

But, the staff of TheOakwood Times feels that alittle extra effort could elimi-nate the orange in the hallways.

Cut out theCut out theCut out theCut out theCut out thelate passes!late passes!late passes!late passes!late passes!


My Two CentsMy Two CentsMy Two CentsMy Two CentsMy Two Cents

My Two Cents is a monthly review of all thingsimportant to OHS students.

By Stefany EllisBy Stefany EllisBy Stefany EllisBy Stefany EllisBy Stefany Ellis

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JessieJessieJessieJessieJessie

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Spike’s Image, a new salon located on Main Streetin Oakwood, is the place for a great haircut, plus theopportunity for good conversation.

The salon’s interior has been decorated verynicely. Right away you feel relaxed and ready for the cutof your life.

The owner and operator of Spike’s Image is 2003OHS graduate Abby Speich.

Her previous work was at BJ’s Grand Spa Salon.

She was also hired at Kevin & Company, but receivedthe opportunity to open her own shop.

“I’ve always liked the thought of being my ownboss, making my on prices, and giving my client asmuch attention as needed,” said Speich.

Speich specializes in cuts starting for children 10and under at $10, $12 for men, and $15 for women.

Speich also colors, perms, and does special occa-sion hairdos. Color starts at $35, perms start at $45, andspecial occasion hairstyles are between $20 and $30.

Not only is Speich involved with the hair on topof your head, she also waxes facial hair.

“Cutting hair is a way to express my creative side,”said Speich, “because you can do so many things withcutting and color.”

Spike’s Image is opened evenings, and will alsobe opened all day on May 7 for Prom. Call for an ap-pointment at (217) 497-CUTS (2887).

For a free deep conditioning treatment with ser-vice bring in The Oakwood Times paper with a copy ofthis review.

Spike’s Image -The place to go

for a new do

Finally the season has come,you know the one. The one thatputs hope in every student’s andteacher’s heart that school mayactually be cancelled, the one thatmakes you want to go outsidewith 10 layers of clothes on justto lay on the ground opening yourarms and legs making an angelshape on the ground.

Yes, it is wintertime, andeven though I absolutely adore thehot summer weather, there is asmall part of me who loves to see

friends and spend most of my daysledding and making memories. Ican think of at least two great col-umns that have been written withthe help of a few great sleddingmemories, so why not make somemore?

Now don’t be fooled, westudents are definitely not the onlyones who love snow days. Englishteacher Judy Steffen says she en-joys them as well.

“I usually stay at home withsome comfy clothes on, cooking

Where have all the snow days gone?Where have all the snow days gone?Where have all the snow days gone?Where have all the snow days gone?Where have all the snow days gone?We need a blizzard!We need a blizzard!We need a blizzard!We need a blizzard!We need a blizzard!

something that I usually don’t have time to, and try tocatch up on school work,” said Steffen.

You can find students and teachers doing a widevariety of things on their snow days.

“I usually pull my sister on a sled behind my four-wheeler on the hill by our house,” said freshman EvanDavis.

I have always ended up spending my snow dayssledding with Stefany Ellis. We have had many sleddingaccidents; some we can remember and some we mayhave been knocked unconscious and can’t remember even

if we tried.I remember one day when we gotout of school early we organized a

big sledding party in KickapooPark. Joel and I borrowed a

sled, so we were going tobe extra careful with it.

However, on our firsttrip down the hill oursled broke into a mil-lion little pieces, andwe had nothing toreturn when wewent back to theowners of the sled.

So as you cansee it doesn’t really

matter who you are,you don’t have to be a

kid to love snow days. Butfor us seniors, we should en-

joy those snow days while westill have them whether they are few

or many.We have only a few more months of winter in

our senior year. That’s only 30 or so possible snowy days.It is important that we get a nice blizzard in there some-where so that we can enjoy that one last fling of totalfreedom.

Because, someday soon we will graduate and moveon to college and jobs and the real world, and I am prettysure that our bosses aren’t going to give us five snowdays.

I canremember when I

was a kid, we had so manysnow days it was ridiculous.

If it snowed I didn’t evenbother to wake up because

I just knew that schoolwould be cancelled

for the day.

a blanket of snow on the ground. I think that most high school students love to see

the snow come, because it is the one thing that gives usthe greatest chance of getting out of school for a day.

“It is the only time of the year that I am willing toget out of bed in the morning, and that it just so I cancheck the TV for school closings,” said senior SaraHyland.

There is one small problem that we seem to be fac-ing this year though.

WHERE ARE OUR SNOW DAYS??I can remember when I was a kid, we had

so many snow days it was ridiculous.If it snowed I didn’t even botherto wake up because I just knewthat school would be can-celled for the day. Nowhowever, things are verydifferent. We studentsgo to bed praying anddoing all sorts ofsnow rituals in orderto make enoughsnow fall for a schoolcancellation but wealways end up withbroken hearts in themorning.

For those of youwho don’t know already,the Oakwood school districthas five snow days that areadded on the to the end of eachschool year and if we do not use oneor any of those snow days, then they aretaken off and summer break comes a little bit earlier. A lotof people say that they would rather not use the snowdays and get out for summer break early — but not me.

There is nothing quite like your mom waking youup just to tell you that you don’t have to go to schooltoday, and then you spend the whole day doing whateveryour heart desires.

I personally prefer to get together with a few of my


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Class Clash!!Class Clash!!Class Clash!!Class Clash!!Class Clash!!

only stefonly stefonly stefonly stefonly stef

Do you watch the Super Bowl for the game, commercials, or halftime show?

SeniorsSeniorsSeniorsSeniorsSeniors

FFFFFreshmenreshmenreshmenreshmenreshmen SophomoresSophomoresSophomoresSophomoresSophomores

JuniorsJuniorsJuniorsJuniorsJuniors

By Carley Redman

Kyle Hill -- The game, to see 100 tough,sweaty men run around on the field.

Ashley Zorns -- The commercials and the half-time show because I don’t like football.

Stephen Watson -- Halftime show.Hopefully, Justin Timberlake will

lose his shirt this year.

Josh Bailey -- Dude, I watch it forJosh Bailey -- Dude, I watch it forJosh Bailey -- Dude, I watch it forJosh Bailey -- Dude, I watch it forJosh Bailey -- Dude, I watch it forthe game! So I can learn how tothe game! So I can learn how tothe game! So I can learn how tothe game! So I can learn how tothe game! So I can learn how to

hold onto the football.hold onto the football.hold onto the football.hold onto the football.hold onto the football.

Kyle Butcher -- The game,because we party hardy!

Amanda Wahlfeldt -- Both, because they’reexciting and fun to watch.

Emily Mulcahey -- The commercialsand the halftime show, because after last

year’s game it’s got to be more entertainingthan the game.

Jenna Hazelbaker -- The commercialsand the halftime show, unless

the Colts are playing!

Meghan Hohn -- Definitely thehalftime show and the commercials

because they’re funny.

Mike Palmer -- The game. I liketo watch the big hits.

Sam Fry -- The game,and for Janet Jackson.

Zane Youhas -- I don’t watchthe Super Bowl. It’s just an excuse for

me to chow down.

Most would think that my columns aremore on the humorous side.

I have talked about my bad habit ofplaying practical jokes on people and my funChristmas memories. Now, I would like writeon a more serious note.

I’m sure we all have an activity that wereally like to play. I do. I am involved in danceand have danced for over 13 years. I alsolove to go fishing, bowling, and play putt-putt golf.

Now, I know you are probably wonder-ing where I am going with this.

Well, my thoughts really started to de-velop when I was watching Channel OneNews one morning. I watched the story ofthe cheerleader who got an injury and thendeveloped a disease that led up to the ampu-tation of both of her feet.

This, something that could very wellhappen to anyone, really struck me hard andI felt tears gather in my eyelids.

It made me think how much I take ev-

eryday for granted. I go about everyday thesame. I do my morning routine, come toschool, go home, etc. There are sometimeswhen I don’t even think about it.

Most people don’t even think aboutthese types of situations. I don’t know if Iwould be able to handle the amount ofstrength it would take to get through an ill-ness or injury of this sort.

Then my thoughts continued to ex-pand when I started thinking about someother people that I know.

Many people I know have had cancer,are living with cancer, or have passed awayfrom cancer. Both my uncle and aunt havedied from lung cancer. Its hurts knowing thattwo people I cared about have passed away,but it really hurts knowing the reason theypassed away. Both were heavy smokers. Thiswas something that could have been pre-vented just by stopping smoking, or, notstarting at all.

Now, knowing that someone so young

at ours c h o o lhas tes-t i c u l a rcancer isreally up-setting tome. I’ll behonest, Ihave onlytalked toJoe Lewism a y b etwice, butI have somuch respect for him and look up to him be-cause he still keeps his head up high.

So, my question is, why do we put our-selves at risk for developing cancer by smok-ing when there are many people that can’tchoose to be completely healthy?

Besides going about everyday activities,we, or at least I, have a lot that I seem to take for

granted. I am healthy and by no means haveI missed a meal. But just think if you weren’table to eat, or you didn’t have any food toeat.

This is something that I don’t thinkmost students, or adults, think too muchabout. I feel like there are a lot of peoplethat are concerned with money and finan-cial standards, but don’t seem to be thank-ful for their health.

Maybe I am getting in way over myhead with this column, or maybe I am goingto change a few people’s outlooks on life.

Let me just tell you this, I plan ongoing about my day with a little more zestfor life. Instead of just going home and plop-ping on the couch to watch television,maybe I will find something to better mytime.

I hope that you will get a little some-thing out of this and my words to you: Don’ttake your cherished things for granted.

We shouldn’t take our lives for granted


In the Nickof TimeBy Nick Vinson

Poker craze istaking the nation,

and Oakwood

By Sean RitterThe Oakwood Comets finished 7th in the Vermilion

County tournament this year. Although they were hoping tohave finished higher, Coach Rick Bough was still pleasedwith his team’s effort.

OHS opened the tournament against a tough Salt ForkStorm team. The Storm came out playing pressure defense,and the Comets were unable to handle the ball. In the nextgame they met up against the Schlarman Hilltoppers, whowere playing in their first County tourney. OHS had lost tothem two times in the earlier season, and despite anotherhard effort, fell short in the end.

Although losing two games in a row, the Comets were

able to bounce back and pick up a win against Georgetown-Ridge Farm. Jenna Johnson posted a season high 18 points,and was named to a 10-person All-Tournament team.

“It can be very hard to come out with intensity afterlosing two games in a row,” said Bough, “but it was very niceto see them play as well as they did.”

After winning just four games a year ago, Oakwood seta team goal to get 10 wins this season. Bough said if theyplay the way they can, this goal can still be reached.

Oakwood received a number 10 seed in this year’s Re-gional Tournament. They will be traveling to St. Thomas Moreon Monday, February 7.

Bough pleased with team’s progressGirls basketball coach Rick Bough talks to his team in a game at Oakwood Grade School. The girls will play in the

St. Thomas More Regional beginning February 7. (Photo by Dixie Sexton)

Cheerleaderstake County title

Well, there’s a new sport sweeping the nation,and it’s called poker. I’m sure that you have heard aboutit or seen it on television, but have you ever tried toplay it, for real money?

There are a lot of people who actually play pokerfor a living, and earn a lot of money doing it. You haveprobably seen these people on ESPN, playing in theWorld Series of Poker at Harrah’s Rio Casino in LasVegas, Nevada. The winner walks away with a verylarge cash prize and a nice specially made golden brace-let.

There are many different types of poker that areplayed, like Five Card Draw, Seven Card No Peek, andIndian Poker for example. But the most famous pokergame of all is Texas Hold-em.

Not only is Texas Hold-em becoming very popu-lar nationwide, but it is also becoming a big deal inOakwood and the surrounding communities. Manypeople are learning how to play, and playing more of-ten.

The object to the game is to “be the last manstanding,” which means to have won everyone else’smoney and be the only person left.

Each player is dealt two cards and there will endup being five cards on the table that you can use also,they are turned over three cards “the flop”, then one“the turn”, and then the last one “the river card.”

You use the two cards that you have and the fivecards from the dealer to try and make the best handpossible.

The game is much more complicated than thatthough, you have to know about bidding, the smallblind, the big blind, and which combinations of cardsare the best and which ones your should fold on.

The different combinations of cards are as fol-lows (in order from worst to best): high card, two of akind, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house,four of a kind, straight flush, and royal flush.

This is a game of both luck and of skill, you mustbe lucky in getting good cards, but you also must knowhow to manage them and with betting. Plus you couldwin a few extra hands by bluffing (acting like you havesomething when you really don’t, in order to get youropponent(s) to fold their hand).

So if you are ever in need of some extra cash, youcan call up some friends and see if they want to playsome poker. When they arrive you can beat them in afew games and take all of their money, or at least that’show I do it.

By Dixie SextonThe OHS cheerleaders won the Vermilion County

cheerleading championship for the first time since 2001.“I was ecstatic when I heard (the announcer) Mr. (Terry)

Goodner announce that we had won,” said junior CarleyRedman.

The cheerleaders endured two-hour practices for twoweeks straight in preparation for the county competition.

The cheerleaders also performed all of their cheers atthe boys basketball games.

“I was more nervous in the time before we found outthan I was at the actual competition,” junior Ashley Cooksaid.

The cheerleaders also had a hindrance when Redmantore ligaments in her right ankle. Due to Redman’s injury, theywere not able to practice as a squad over Christmas break.

Following the OHS squad was Rossville-Alvin comingin second, Georgetown-Ridge Farm coming in third, andArmstrong /Potomac coming in fourth.

Tomorrow, the squad will participate in the IHSAregionals held at Bradley-Bourbonnais High School.

Freshman Amanda Cruse stands atop the cheerleadersmount at OHSl. The girls won the Vermilion Countytournament cheer competition this past weekend. (Photo byKendra Marsh)


Hoopsters stepping up asseason approaches endBy Brandi Harris

The seventh-ranked Comets boysbasketball team headed into the Vermilion CountyTournament with great expectations and endedup taking fourth place.

The tournament took place the weekendof January 21. The Comets defeated Bismarck-Henning as their first opponent. It was a closegame, ending in a 37-35 overtime victory.

“We got a decent draw with Bismarck-Henning as our first opponent,” said Miller. “Webroke their press and took care of the ball, andthen we took it one game at a time after that.”

Miller was also very happy with the im-provements his team made this season.

“We used to let our inexperience make usget executed in the fourth quarter, but not any-more,” said Miller.

The Comets went on to lose to Hoopeston

By Kelly McNellisThe young OHS wrestling team is off to a fine start this season

considering how inexperienced most of the wrestlers are. As of January19, they were 8-8 as a team.

They have one undefeated wrestler, junior Brenden Watson, 16-0.Watson was out of action for about a week because of a dislocated finger.Coach Dave Markwell said that the only thing that was affected was hisconditioning.

“I feel like there is more pressure on me to do better, coming intothese competitions,” said Watson, “because both my brother and myfather placed in State.”

The OHS wrestling team finished eighth of 16 at the CumberlandOpen Tournament before Christmas break.

“Our team this year is very young and inexperienced,” said wres-tling Coach, Dave Markwell, “but as the season progressed, individualsimproved.”

The team is preparing for the Regional competition that begins Feb-ruary 5 at Argenta. The top three individuals in each weight class advanceto Sectionals.

The Sectional competition will be held February 11 and 12 at Unity.The top three competitors at Sectionals advance to State, which will beheld at the Assembly Hall, the weekend following Sectionals.

The co-op is working well since OHS has two individuals fromArmstrong-Potomac on the team.

“I am looking forward to next year for having more individuals fromArmstrong-Potomac, as well as picking up more individuals from OHS,”said Markwell.

Area and Salt Fork, taking 4th place overall in the tournamentthis year.

“I am pretty happy about the upset of Bismarck-Henning.” says Miller.

Miller does feel the team needs to get stronger beforenext season.

“This summer we are definitely going to the weightroom,” said Miller.

Until then, Miller would like to win 14 or 15 games, andcompete with every team they play no matter what their repu-tation may be.

“A lot of the players have stepped up and taken a loton,” says Miller. “I can’t believe how much everyone hasimproved and how much better our team is as a whole.”

After the County tournament, the Comets played backto back regular season games taking on Armstrong/Potomacand Chrisman, the top two teams in the Vermilon Valley Con-ference. Senior night will be February 18, and Regionals be-gin on February 21.

Junior Brenden Watson is awarded the victory in a match atOakwood High School. Watson is one of the few upperclassmen on theteam. (Photo by Dixie Sexton)

Senior Nathan Pridemore goes up for the opening tip in a game at Oakwood High School againstWestville. The Comets will begin Regional action on February 21. (Photo by Dixie Sexton)

Watson leads youngteam to fine season

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By Jak

e Bou

gh

The Dos and Don’ts of:Men’s FashionMen’s FashionMen’s FashionMen’s FashionMen’s Fashion

Never wear pleated pants!Flat front pants are

slimming and look betteron almost anyone.

Don’t wearblack shoes with

navy slacks.Instead, optfor a pair of

chocolate brownshoes.

Cut your jeans. Transforma regular pair of jeans into

boot-cut style with a twoinch vertical cut.

Don’t wear athleticsocks with dress shoes,

even if you’re justwearing jeans.

Match colors withyour skin tone.

Powder blue looksbetter with lightskin, while navy

blue would flatterdarker skin tones.

Wear atie with

horizontalstripes with a

verticallystriped shirtjust because

you can.

If your jeans are soworn that they

have holes in theknees, crotch, or

other conspicuousareas, it’s time to

get a new pair(unless they weremade that way). Don’t

Do Belts: They’re not justto hold up your pantsanymore! With stylesfrom dressy black torope, there is some-

thing to go with everyoutfit.

oakwood high school 5870 u.s. route. 150 fithian, il ... · 22 the oakwood times january 28, 2005...

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