The Hoofprint – May 11, 2007

The Buffalo Police Department recently developed a program to increase traffic compliance. This program will establish Intense Traffic Enforcement Zones (ITEZ), which will include targeted and increased traffic enforcement in defined areas, as well as a public education campaign. Beginning May 11, specific staff time will be directly allocated for increased traffic enforcement in these areas. Officers will be encouraged to issue citations to offenders committing violations in these zones, even if the violations are relatively “minor” in nature.

These zones will be easily distinguishable by a neon green sign, which notes: “Intense Traffic Enforcement Zone.” While citizens are always encouraged to obey the traffic laws, motorists operating in these zones should be particularly mindful of strict adherence to all regulatory signs, including speed signs, and their overall driving behavior.

Please do your part to make our roadways safe. Be sure to obey all traffic laws and watch for an ITEZ near you. Being aware of these zones will not only help you be a better driver – it may just save you from a hefty fine!

“Team Booyah,” a robotics team consisting of Matt Gallagher, Ryan Gallagher, Ross Pyka, Michael Pyka, and Adam Carlson competed at The Bots IQ Nationals in Miami Beach, Florida on April 10th through 15th. The team ended with a third place finish out of 60 other high school and college teams. Team Booyah will be competing at the state competition on May 5th in Wisconsin. Having a bit of repair work to do after Nationals, the team’s focus shifts to the state contest.

“We’ve gone undefeated and won our last five local competitions, and most of the same bots will be at this one,” said Matt Gallagher. “We hope to place in the top three at least. Our robot is still damaged from Nationals, so we’ll have to see how we do.”

“I’ve been wanting to do it all year,” said Senior Chris Banek, “fourth quarter my schedule finally allowed me to pursue it.”

Speaking of the news show, broadcast throughout the high school in years past, Bison Bits began again last Thursday.

Banek, along with Seniors Ben Fouquette, Kate Dehmer and Logan Hoffman gathered together during multiple AAAs to discuss possible ideas, worthy of recognition to Bison Bits Adviser and Tech. Ed. Teacher Troy Hanson.

After getting the okay to take up the challenge of recreating another year of the broadcast, they began the pursuit of unveiling their first episode.

“For our prom episode, we took an angle with a sense of humor,” said Banek. “Poking fun at the ordeal of finding a date, we made a mock episode of the show ‘Next’ from MTV.”

Following the humor and keeping up with student interest, the new directors of the show made sure their audience was full by keeping seniors at school for the extra twenty minutes.

With positive from seniors, other students, staff and administration, Banek, Fouquette, Dehmer and Hoffman discuss their decisions for future episodes.

“During the episode, students were laughing at all the parts made to be funny,” said Banek. “The next couple we’ve decided will be more people oriented and we will definitely be continuing the humor.”

Obesity in America has developed into a widely controversial issue, especially concerning kids, a result of this is the Wellness Program, a new standard of physical and nutritional policies and practices that schools must follow, due to a law passed in 2004 to reduce the growing rate of obesity in children.

“We really do believe it is a significant problem, and school is the perfect place to deal with it,” said Principal Nicholas Miller. “I don’t know if it will change, but schools have certainly made a concerted effort to try.”

Although it was passed two years previously, the program remained unofficial until the start of this school year. Therefore, students can expect to see changes in the school’s physical and nutritional areas.

“This year things will be happening,” said District Director of Food Service Marilyn Splinter. “People think that the program is just with food and it’s not. First you have policies, then you have practices. The board passed a Wellness Policy last month. It’s really extreme and they’re finding they have to go back and redo things.”

The “extreme” policy can include action like the withdrawal of anything that has more than 35 percent of calories from fat, such as many of the dessert items offered at lunch, and possibly the ice cream machine.

“I would cry,” said Freshman Rachel Maghrak. “I love ice cream, can’t live without it. And the Little Debbie things, well you’ve got to have treats once and a while.”

While designed mainly for students, the program may elicit other participants by extension. The option of more physical education, including in classes besides P.E., would largely involve teachers.

“I think I could make it work,” said Social Studies teacher Cynthia Khalil. “Eighty minutes is a long time to sit for students. If it was mandated, I would do it, but I’d have to know more about it.”

However, the possibility of that happening appears unlikely right now.

“Some teachers and classes are very busy and have a lot they need to get done,” said Splinter. “It is more of a choice based thing, so I can’t say that I see that happening. We all have to take responsibility for our own wellness and practices as well.”

Whether or not the program will lower obesity rates remains unseen. The prospect of what kids will do physically and nutritionally outside of school still prevails.

“Kids are more unsupervised at home now than ever,” said Miller, “and what you have in your house is what you eat, and those become your habits.”

“I’ll still eat what I want,” said Maghrak. “No one can tell me what to eat you know. They can’t shove it down my throat, or anyone else.”

The last few months have been full of many behind-the-scenes changes for the school. Beginning with the selection process for fi nding a new principal, which didn’t produce a principal, and onto Jim Bauck naming Assistant Principal Rick Toso as the interim principal. With the transition of principals, the teachers are working from a Miller to a Toso perspective. “Being principal gets you a little farther from students and that’s the only thing I’m apprehensive about,” said Toso. “Being an assistant principal is great too [though].” The administrative staff is very excited for this selection and are all looking forward to what it will bring. “I think he’s a wonderful guy, experienced, calm, and been here a long time.” said Principal Nick Miller. “He’s been a part of everything we’ve been here.” All the Administrators expect things to stay for the most part, the same. “If kids are looking for someone to come in and shake things up,” said Assistant Principal Matt Lubben, “they’re going to be disappointed because that’s not him.” All of the administrators have said that they don’t see any major changes happening. Toso and Miller’s personalities may be different, but their view on the school and where they want to see the school going are much alike from them having worked together for so long. Toso already knows what’s going on, and knows all about our culture. The Administrators all agree that this is the best thing that could have happened at our school. They feel that it is the best transition from the current Nick Miller to the “next Nick Miller.” “It’s pretty easy when one of us steps up into this position because we just click,” said Activities Director Tom Bauman. “I’m not saying someone else can’t because we are approachable, but Rick and Nick have a lot of the same qualities.”

T E A C H E R / S T U D E N T REACTION Not only are the Administrators happy about this selection, Teachers and Students seem to have a positive outlook on it too. “I have only known Mr.Toso to be a very fair person so I expect students here will continue to be treated with respect and dignity,” said ELD Teacher Shana Bregenzer. “I’ve known him to have a kind heart and cares about them [students] he holds them to a high standard and that’s what makes BHS such a good school.” “I don’t think things will change much except for the name,” said Junior Jessica Blauert.

A DIFFERENT OUTLOOK Some students feel that it may be hard to adjust to anyone but Miller running this school and being their principal. “My freshman year I didn’t like Mr. Miller because I was a bad kid,” said Senior Eva Lira. “But afterwards I liked him because he truly wants the best for you and for this school. He has done so much for this school since the beginning and I just can’t picture this school functioning with out him. For minority kids, when some other kid makes a stupid comment, he’s not afraid to be like, ‘Are you stupid?’ because they are by making those types of comments, and I like that.” The administrative team expects nothing but the best from teachers and students and hopes that next year will prove true that Toso is truly the best choice. “I think the students overall are going to be happy,” said Administrative Assistant Bob Driver. “Because they know Toso and know BHS is going to remain, for the most part, the same.” “I think kids will be positive. If you’re a senior, you got a good life [with senior privileges] and juniors want that too,” said Lubben.

From studying to styling, jeans to gowns and a change of their life, this years 2007 Miss Buffalo competition has begun. There are ten girls involved including a Buffalo High School graduate Maria Freund. Girls from ages 18 to 25 can participate. “I was iffy about it, but my best friend Laura is running and I grew up in buffalo and I love the town. So I thought “Why not represent it?” Said Senior Kailee Trogstad. The candidates will be able to participate in parades, selling buttons, attending to the rodeo, volunteering at nursing homes, children’s parade, carnivals, and many other great activities. The winners will also get to receive a $1,000 scholarship. “I am really excited for the chance to get a scholarship and just being in the parades and hanging out with friends” said Senior Katrina Cordes. All of the candidates will be selected by an organization or company in Buffalo for scholarship. Each sponsor will support their candidate by providing their needs. If the sponsor were a salon, they would provide what ever the candidate would need, such as hair or make-up. “The last two people who won were sponsored by Exhilaration, so hopefully that will bring me luck,” said Senior Laura Ackmann. Miss Buffalo represents their town; the winner will be able to participate in parades throughout Minnesota and will be able to meet many people in our community. “I am running for Miss Buffalo because I am a good representative for Buffalo, I love Buffalo and I have lived here all my life,” said Senior Caitlin Scott. The candidates do not only get to meet people of the community but they also get to know each other more. “The girls are going to get really close and I am really excited to get to know them better,” said Trogstad. Even though this competition is for girls, the question has risen of what if there was a Mr. Buffalo? “I think they should have that because all the guys are making fun of me,”[for participating] said Senior JaRae Ellefson. “I would be fine with a swimsuit competition. I would definitely go to see the guys,” said Sophomore Celeste Laws-Lundgren. There was also an idea of the boys participationg in more physical aspects in the competition. “They should have weight lifting competitions,” said Ackmann. The candidates are running around trying to get their dresses, shoes and Vaseline for that big bright smile to win that crown. “This isn’t a pageant that is all about world peace, its where you can just be yourself and represent Buffalo well.” said Ellefson

For the past 60 years, each summer a new girl has been crowned Miss Buffalo. Along with her, two princesses were chosen to represent the community. Before becoming a candidate, the girls must be chosen by the committee in charge that year. “I simply filled out an application, sent it in, and waited for a response,” said 2006 Candidate Megan Otten. “It was a very simple process.” Once becoming a candidate, the girls find a sponsor to financially support them. Meetings and a Royalty Tea, prior to Buffalo Days, along with selling buttons at the Home and Garden show, allowed the girls the chance to get acquainted with one another. “The whole purpose for the week is to get out, get exposure and get involved in the community,” said Otten, “to participate, have fun, and help others.” During Buffalo Days, the girls are introduced to the town and are part of the annual parade. At the end of the week, the crowning of Miss Buffalo and two princesses starts their year long journey. “We do multiple parades and community service activities,” said Current Miss Buffalo Jerika Comee. “From serving ice cream at the nursing home to helping at the Special Olympics, which brought in $500,000.” This opportunity brings the girls to meet many other citizens and royalty around Minnesota. “We travel around the state while representing Buffalo by letting others know our traditions as well as things going on within the community,” said Current Princess Amy Jo Jensen. Although there are expenses which include clothing, gas, and food; the girls found the experience to be worth it. “The relationships that were made that year are really what I have been rewarded with, not only the relationships with the princesses, but with other communities royalty,” said Former Miss Buffalo Liz Abbas. Through their reign, many memories were made. “I will never forget the time we got kicked out of McDonald’s for taking pictures in the parking lot,” said Jensen. “It was hilarious; they thought we were taking pictures of the menu.” Even without being awarded a title, they still captured everlasting memories. “My favorite moment was seeing all the little girls looking up to me and the other candidates, as the princesses that they wanted to become some day, just like I had once wanted as a young girl,” said Otten. Being a part of this program gives the girls and their families a new perspective, not only seeing through their own eyes; but the community’s as well. “It was well worth the time and money,” said Amy’s Mother Nancy Jensen. “Amy has had good exposure out in the communities, was given the chance to make new friendships, and learned beneficial skills such as speaking in front of others.” Not only do the participants saw themselves growing, but they also shared the appreciation of where they came from. “Throughout the year I realized how important community is and just how great Buffalo is,” said Abbas. “It was great to be a part of something that was bigger than me. I was not just representing myself when I was wearing the crown and sash; I was also representing the community of Buffalo.” With or without a win, the candidates found that the adventures of being involved with Miss Buffalo to last forever. “It was a once in a lifetime experience, definitely worth my while. I would encourage others to participate and remember that it is crucial to stay positive, have fun, and to never stop believing in ones self,” said Otten.

Toward the end of the school year, the Pegasus staff will release the BHS literary magazine’s 26th edition. The year’s effort begins with submissions.

“We accept artwork, fiction, prose, paintings, and drawings,” said Editor-in-Chief Senior Heather Cherry.

The staff receives hundreds of submissions each year, which enter the selection process.

“In the beginning of the year we get together and decide the cover design and the title,” said Art Editor Senior Heather Kachel. “Right now, after we’ve gotten all the poetry and poems, we have to go through and select everything that we want in, and then retype it and place it in InDesign.”

With its small staff, members need to be organized to complete their work.

“People have specific jobs,” said Cherry. “Everybody gets assigned something in the beginning of the year. Some people are poetry editors versus prose editors. In the end, everything kind of gets jumbled up.”

The disorganization of staff responsibilities mirrors the chaos of the selection process, which usually includes few actual submissions. The Pegasus staff gathers most by other means, most notably the mine of creative writing generated in Advisor Dave Robinson’s English classes.

“A lot of times, if you’re in Mr. Robinson’s class, your stuff automatically gets submitted, and I look through it,” said Cherry.

Pieces also come from other courses.

“Teachers sometimes recommend poetry from a class,” added Kachel, “but ultimately the students have to agree to put it in. It’s the same thing with art teachers. A lot of art teachers will recommend things, and then we get in touch with the students.”

In past years “getting in touch” with writers was a misfiring process.

“This year was kind of unique because it was the first year that we got around to sending out confirmations,” said Cherry. “In previous years, a lot of people were upset with being put in the book and not told about it.”

In recent years drama has also evolved over commitment, because although many people initially sign up on the staff, most quickly lose interest. Currently, only five students are involved: Seniors Cherry, Kachel, Grace Holthaus, Becky Froelich, and Freshman Rebekah Jacobson.

“The biggest downfall of Pegasus is that no one cares about it,” said Froelich, “including the staff. I feel like the only people who ever do anything are Heather Cherry and Heather Kachel.”

One excuse lies in the sporadic nature of the Pegasus timetable.

“Our work schedule is not constant,” said Kachel, “so it’s difficult for people to plan their time accordingly.”

Still, Cherry focuses on the members who contribute.

“I don’t mean to sound like I’m whining,” she said. “People really do help. Like Grace would stay after and type stuff up for hours, and Heather will help me out with InDesign, and Becky always ran errands for me, which was really nice. So it’s not like nobody helped, it’s just that towards the end everyone would kind of sit around.”

Sitting around or not, the Pegasus staff will end the year aiming for a pre-Tatanka release in hope of avoiding inter-publication competition.

As posters go up, invitations are sent out, and yearbooks await to be signed, the familiar signals of the end of another school year are beginning to be displayed. Multiple examples of sig- nificant events take place in this last month. With the help of ad- ministrators and Freshman Class Cabinet, Social Studies Teacher Tracy Hulley and World Lan- guage Teacher Nancy Eiynck advised the Junior Class Cabi- net as they spent countless hours throughout the school year to plan prom and Grand March. The Academic Excellence Program, organized and presented by administration, gives par- ents and other guests a chance to reward students excel- ling in different academic fields. The All-Night Grad Party, run entirely by parents, gives seniors a chance to relax and enjoy a night they’ve earned after four years of hard work. On Student Appreciation Day, as the Yearbook Staff makes sure everyone receives their yearbook, the Student Council arranges for students to enjoy music, refreshments, and time to sign yearbooks. Seniors Kory LaCroix, Danny Anderson, and Jason Hohl, along with others volunteered to design and put together the Graduation Program distributed to parents, students, and other guests at graduation. Beyond the program, administrators, student speakers, teachers and parents gather their efforts into a final presentation of the senior class on graduation day, their final day as seniors.

Each event is covered and planned down to the smallest details. Run solely by small groups of admin- istration, teachers, students, and parents, untold hours are put into the process of putting everything together. Somehow, through the chaos, each aspect is completed, but even though the majority of the students are af- fected by one experience or another, almost all the little details seem to go unnoticed.

“Those people that aren’t involved, don’t under- stand the details that need to get taken care of,” said Assistant Principal Rick Toso. “We have meetings where we, as administration, talk about what we have accomplished and touch base with what is to come and the teachers and students that are involved. We spend hours on a one hour event to make sure all the small details are covered.”

Though many hours go into planning and execut- ing each encounter, and volunteers realize their efforts going overlooked, each person has their reasons for their involvement and different views on what recogni- tion they deserve.

“I don’t really care,” said Junior Michael Lunde- brek. “I am in it for the students. I hope that every- body’s like that. That’s why you are in it.”

Despite the difference between the appreciation they deserve and the appreciation they desire, count- less people are increasing their involvement and, of- tentimes, their stress levels just as the rest of us are winding down.

As the Hoofprint Staff also prepares for closing the end of the year, we would like to thank everyone in- volved with the end of the year preparation.

Both of my brothers were adopted from Korea. Matt, who is now eight, was adopted when he was six months old and Ben, who is now seven, was adopted when he was twenty one months.

I was in third grade when my mom first told me that my family was going to adopt a child from Korea. At the time I didn’t understand the concept of adoption, all I knew was that I’m going to become a big sister. Just like any other families expecting a baby, we helped pick out clothes and decorated his room. I remember seeing Matt for the first time in the airport when he arrived to the U.S. It was an overwhelming feeling and a relief at the same time. Everyone wanted to see Matt and hold him. We adopted Ben two years later and this time, my mom and aunt went over to Korea for two weeks and then brought him home to the U.S.

I frequently have people asking me “Are they real brothers?” It’s a hurtful question if you don’t ask it in the right terms. Like always, when people ask, my family replies, “Of course they are brothers, do you mean are the biologically related?” I sometimes feel like when people look at my family they see my mom, dad, sister and me and then my brothers as a separate unit to my fam-ily.

Senior SunMee Sandusky was adopted two different times from two different families by the age of four.

“My family is as real as it gets.” said Sandusky. “They have always been there for me, just like any other family would be.”

The truth of the matter is that family is not defined by the person who gave birth to you, it’s also about the parents and siblings that raised you and supported you.

“Emotions are deeper then blood.” said Counselor Kristen Lane, who was adopted when she was six months old as a domestic adoption.

When you see someone for the first time you notice their heritage (genetic background, physical features, and etc.) Everyone is guilty of judging whether it’s by the way they dress, talk or their physical features. Sophomore Nicole Heberling, who was adopted from Colombia when she was six months old, experienced this first hand.

“I went shopping; this lady looked at me and said ‘Can I help you with anything?’ I replied: ‘no thank you I’m just looking around.’ The worker replied, “I don’t think that we have anything that will fit you or will be your style.”

Culture is something that everyone is born into. Culture defines what you expect to eat for breakfast, how you sit in a chair, etc. The ideal American culture consists of a single family home with a two working parents, celebrating American holidays and eating American foods. My brothers came from Korea where they were living in an apartment, eating Korean foods and celebrating Korean holidays. Going from living in Korea and moving to the U.S. is a huge culture shock, and the older you are the harder it is to adapt to the new culture.

“I was fluent in Korean because I was four years old when I was adopted,” said Sandusky, “So My mom choice to learn Korean.”

For adopted children, the culture they came from is something that is important to stay apart of.

“I think it is important to know where you came from and who you came from.” said Sandusky. “To retain your culture there are many steps. My mom and dad brought us to camp Kim Chi, also they would bring us to the city where there are more Asians, and my dad learned to cook Korean food.”

People don’t understand that adoption is a positive way for a child to join a family who is looking to add on a family member. When I see my brothers, to me, they just look like my brothers. I don’t look at them any differently or love them less because they came out of Korea and not my mom’s womb. I know when people look at my family for the first time they notice that my brothers are Asian and have different skin tone, but my mom, dad, sister and I look at my brothers skin tone in envy and wish that we could be that tan.

Although they may look different on the outside, their insides are no different then you and me. If people would hear my family speak to each other with out seeing us, no one would ever know if any of us were different from each other, let alone adopted.

This is in response to Joel Schmitz’s letter in the April 6 issue.

What justifies killing? In your letter that appeared in the last issue of The Hoofprint, you argued that the human fetus had the potential to become a living, breathing human and thus it would be wrong to take away that op-portunity. And later, you express how proud you are of your own brother. who your mother “chose” not to “kill” with an abortion. I fi nd it funny how the two main points in your letter contrast so ironi-cally.

You show your pride in the war effort and how it is a act of defense for democracy. I ask you, how many of innocent, human lives are you going to sacrifice? With 3,316 American soldiers, 266 other Coalition forces, 98 journalists, 6,502 Iraqi Police and Military, and a staggering estimated 50,000 – 100,000 civilians are all dead. How many more people need to die to defend us? You might shrug off the deaths of the Iraqis, but don’t for a minute think they aren’t innocent. We have trapped the Iraqi people in a war they didn’t want. We did it wrong.

So look at the facts, they’re right in front of you. I wouldn’t bother trying to argue when a fetus should be considered alive as almost all major scientific organizations disagree. I haven’t soli-dified my stance on abortion but the second you say one kind of killing is justified and the next isn’t your stepping over a line. That same line most people these days don’t see as very defined.

No killing is justified. The death penalty, unnecessary wars, genocide, they all end life and thus are all murder.

When I see my fellow classmates complaining about Silent Sustained Reading (SSR), I get a little disheartened. Whether it makes them tired for fourth block, messes with their senior privileges, or they feel it just plain sucks… I rarely – almost never – hear anyone that has something good to say about it. To me, SSR is a great program we’ve set up.

I love reading, and SSR gives me that time to do what I love. I don’t have a lot of free time left between competing in school sports and doing my homework, to read for fun, so I really look forward to the twenty minutes of reading I can get done on Wednesday and Friday. My SSR advisor, English Teacher Joel Squadroni, is also really passionate about books, and I look forward to getting to hear him talk about his favorite books and sometimes about the book he is currently reading.

I also like having time between my third and fourth block. Everyday, I seem a bit rushed to get from class to class. SSR gives me time to relax and take a breather before jumping right back into learning. A lot of SSR classes (not mine personally) are allowed to work on their homework, too, so it doesn’t seem to vary too much from what we could get done in AAA.

I think the main reason students aren’t overjoyed to go to SSR is because they don’t want to read. Is it really too much of a bother to be asked to read for twenty minutes? I don’t think so. As for some of the other complaints – such as the classroom they’re being assigned to is the farthest away from their locker – I see just as little kinks that need to be eventually worked out. Students need to remember that this is the fi rst year of the SSR program, there are obviously going to be some problems.

The warning bell serves two purposes. First and foremost it signals students to head to class, its second purpose, however, is less practical. It tells high school sweet-hearts to commence excessive displays of “affection.” In more realistic words: making-out.

Thus the warning bell was recently affectionately nicknamed, “the make-out bell.” Whether students and teachers want to or not, chances are they have seen a couple getting some kissing on between class periods.

Students and teachers have responded differently. Most students simply avert their eyes and avoid the party of two, then arrive at class and depict in gross detail what their eyes failed to avert. On the other hand, teachers have taken an, “If I don’t acknowledge it isn’t happening,” stance with these actions. Often, teachers only shufffl e away from the more extreme displays, forming faculty huddles of safety. In said huddles they may discuss all things pleasant such as fi elds of daffodils, unicorns, rainbows and the freshest of Colombian coffee brews.

Though the embarrassment that these couples will likely feel when their relationship plummets, or they hear a gross depiction of their actions, may make them seem like the most unfortunate victims of the make-out bell, there are others that suffer far more. They are the awkward friends which stand quietly beside the couple, staring at a wall or their feet. These are the friends that were there before a boyfriend or girlfriend. The friends that played catch or made cookies with them, before they wanted relationships beyond a good time with baseballs or sugary snacks. These awkward friends are the ones that wait for a break-up to offer a shoulder to cry on and reclaim their friends, the ones that sit loyally like a sad puppy waiting for acknowledgement.

On a lighter note, the make-out bell has signalled something new. That being, the beginning of an era of spectator and competitor sports, with various scoring and participating methods.

This sport begins with a group of friends standing about their hallway. These gentlemen and ladies will chat casually until the make-out bell rings in the beginning of their sport. Glancing around they each search for a rough estimate of couples, choose one, and begin scoring. Time is of course limited, and scoring depends on the game type chosen by the group. Some examples include:

1. Which couple can lose the most dignity in the shortest amount of time? 2. Which couple blocks the most people from their locker? 3. A guessing game of which couple will break up the soonest. 4. Exactly how many students avoid the couple or make faces of disgust. 5. How long the couple’s awkward friend(s) will sit silently before heading to class. 6. How many awkward friend(s) a couple has accumulated.

Scoring goes by the couple chosen, but no real victory is given away. Instead each spectator or competitor walks away more disturbed than preferred, and with a better idea of the atrocities caused by the warning bell.

The stereo blasts “Safety Dance” and you’re rocking out on the air guitar, wearing an orange hard hat. Your friends are sprawled on couches around the room, empty beer cans scattered on the fl oor and a half-smoked joint hangs between their fi ngers. One guy lounges on a sofa in the back surveying the scene and decides for some reason that this average Friday night would be a hit on YouTube. He grabs his phone and captures it all on video, everything from the cans, to the joint, to all of your faces. Busted!

YouTube is a free online video hosting website. It has been named Time Magazine’s Invention of 2006 and has become widely popular. Whether in the news for copyright scandals or by word of mouth around school. As a student, you’ve heard of the infamous amateur videos such as “Shoes” or “Muffi ns”. Basically an off-the-wall ploy to get your 15 minutes of fame. But how far are some people willing to go? In the U.K., Jeremy Parrott, 37, strapped a video camera to the handlebars of his motorcycle and videotaped himself driving recklessly at speeds of up to 100 mph in 30 mph zones. He uploaded this onto YouTube and was later arrested when police stumbled upon the video. The original was pulled from the site after Parrott was arrested, but a copy remains with over 4,100 views in only two weeks.

The video “Shoes” has been viewed over 13,248,000 times, not including all the copies that have been uploaded and watched. Do we even consider who all the people tuning in could really be? I’m sure the police were not Parrott’s target audience nor are they the target of many young people in America, but these videos are available to everyone and can be used as evidence in a court of law. By putting these videos on the internet we make them available to people we don’t even know.

I believe that this new trend can be a great source of entertainment as long as we think before we act. Next time you sit down to upload the latest rendezvous you caught on your camera or phone, just take a minute to consider who could be watching.

Dresses, shoes, tuxedos, hair, make up, is it worth the hassle?

Prom is a busy time of the year. It costs a lot and some people think it’s not worth it to spend all that money for a dance.

“It’s pointless to spend hundreds of dollars for just one night,” said Junior Aaron Naser.

The majority of people going will spend around $400 on just the attire for prom. Then, you have to add the cost of tanning, and the men have to buy tickets, and dinner. Some parents help out with paying for it but then again there are some who don’t . It gets to be expensive for parents as well. Its not just about the money some students don’t want to go because they don’t like to dance at all.

While some people think it’s not worth it, most people think it is worth the money because you only get a chance to go to prom twice in your lifetime.

“You get two proms in your life,” said Junior Kendyl Grahm. “Why not go all out?”

For the Juniors that aren’t going to prom this year will go next year because its their last year to go to prom and it will top off their senior year.

“I went when I was a sophomore and I didn’t like it that much because my friends weren’t there with me, so I’m just going to wait until next year,” said Junior Karina Holmquist.

Students believe that senior prom will be more exciting because its their last year in high school and why not go?

“The last year of high school is something to remember, and you cant forget about prom,” said Junior Donnie Mans.

Students that aren’t going are going to fi nd something else to do with friends, family or just act like it’s a normal Saturday.

“I’m just going to kick it at my place.” said Mans. “Then I’m going to go to the after parties.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 48 American teenagers are killed on any given prom weekend. IN 2005, 676 youths under 21 died in alcohol-related traffic fatalities, 31 percent of which happen during April, May and June, prom season. Luckily, Buffalo High School has not experience such catastrophe.

“The only problem we’ve ever had is someone’s car wouldn’t start after Grand March,” said Spanish Teacher Nancy Eiynck.

“There was a snow storm about three years ago,” said Head Director of the Delano High School prom. “Kids had a little trouble getting home, but that was it.”

Last year in Fosston, Minnesota students weren’t so lucky. Three teenagers were killed on their way to their Grand March. This event resulted in the school cancelling prom.

“At noon, on the Sunday after prom, if I haven’t heard anything,” said American History teacher Tracy Hulley. “That’s when I’m not worried anymore.”

“Prom itself I have no concerns about,” said Eiynck. “Our biggest concern are car accidents on the way back home from the dance, and, are kids going to get home safely.”

“Prom itself I have no concerns about,” said Principal Nick Miller. “Back in the old days there were issues with drinking, but those have all gone away.”

This is the thirteenth year that Eiynck and Hulley have worked together on prom. During that time they have not experienced problems with alcohol or car accidents.

“Students know that if they’re going to be bad, they are not going to be around teachers,” said Hulley.

Other Minnesota schools do not give their students the liberties Buffalo students enjoy on prom weekend. To alleviate the drinking problem in some schools, buses bring students from Grand March, to dinner, to the dance and back to the school afterwards.

“Kids want to go some place else to eat,” said Hulley. “They want their own prom. If we had a bus it would limit their fun, kids like that they’re in control.”

In such a situation all students attending prom would be riding school buses and eating dinner at a restaurant they did not choose.

“The freedoms that we have here you won’t fi nd anywhere else,” said Hulley. “Kids know what we expect from them, and they come through. [There’s] special, unique feelings of mutual respect at our school. Probably just because of the leadership in the office, and student leadership, and the student body following their lead.”

Chin up, head to the left, tilt a little right. Perfect! Some schools have their seniors wear black and white tuxes with black drapes, while others allow their seniors to wear what they want.

Schools including: Thomas Dale High School, Manatee High School and Hebron High School, have the senior pictures all the same, with matching clothes and matching backgrounds.

“It is a tradition,” said Thomas Dale Teacher Scott Young. “So we keep it going.”

While other schools such as: Buffalo, Delano, and Rockford, let their seniors have the option to use different studios for their pictures.

“The openness is great in a way,” said English Teacher Ryan McCallum. “But also creates problems.”

“I think it’s sweet that we don’t have to all look the same,” said Senior Kory Kranz. “We can show who we are and what we are like.”

Buffalo, however, is not completely open to wearing whatever.

“We still have rules,” said McCallum. “But the rules are there for everyone to look good.”

Some of which include, no usage of props, no hand(s) on your face, no full body shot, and must have a solid background.

While some seniors are paying anywhere from 100 to 1000 dollars, others barely pay anything.

“We still have some that use our studio because it’s less expensive,” said Young. “But we also have quite a few students that go to outside studios to get pictures for their friends and family.”

From June to November most studios are packed with Seniors wanting their pictures taken.

“We have a lot of neat personality type of people,” said Lunderby Photography Assistant Kathy Lunderby.

Thomas Dale High School has a studio that comes in and has all sorts of different sizes for everyone.

“Instead of some of the students being off sided, shaded, big head, or blurry. We’d rather we all use the same studio so we all look the same,” said Young.

Others agree.

“That way you also can’t pick out the wealthy from the poor, everyone is equal,” said McCallum.

Thomas Dale has done formal pictures for more than 15 years.

“We haven’t even had many complaints from the seniors about having to all look the same,” said Young. “They’re fine with it.”

While others have a different opinion.

“That would suck,” said Kranz, “everyone looking like each other.”

“Seniors like the freedom and how they can include their personality,” said McCallum.

Your senior picture is your final high school picture. Enjoy the memories.

Over a quarter of a century has passed since the tradition of showcase started.

Showcase is not only a concert with the senior ensembles, but a way for the music department to show appreciation to its seniors.

“It’s been four years and you spend so much time. It takes a lot out of you and it’s great to get recognition for that,” said Senior Grace Holthaus.

Showcase honors its seniors by picking pieces that showcase the players and having an awards ceremony. Beginning with a power point presentation on each senior, the students walk on to stage as two pictures, a baby and a senior photo, are displayed on the screen. After crossing the stage, they receive an award and say goodbye to their directors.

“For me, it’s really hard to say goodbye to the seniors. We become, in our music department, a family because the kids are here for four years,” said Band Director Lee Kjesbo.

Since Showcase is held the week after prom, it’s tradition for the performers to wear their prom attire.

“You get a second chance to wear the dress you spent so much money on.” said Holthaus.

Like traditions, memories are an important part of showcase. The musicians remember and tell stories about the past concerts, their directors, class, trips and other pieces of music. This is a concert to remember, it will be held tonight at 7:30 pm in the PAC.

The doors to the Voltage Fashion Amplified show on First Avenue opened at seven o’clock pm on Wednesday, April 11. The models, designers, make-up artists, and hair stylists had already been there for three and a half hours. Their stress built up as it got closer to the fi rst step onto the runway, but not for Asha Stanford, a model of three and a half years.

“I am never stressed,” said Stanford. “Well, not anymore at least; it was three years ago when I fi rst started modeling. I used to get worried because I didn’t know exactly what to do, and I was scared that the hairstylists might dye my hair.”

Upon arrival, the models found themselves immediately escorted to their fi rst designer’s hairstylist. The models were sent down the line to the make-up artist then back to their fi rst designer to get dressed and make any last minute changes. All the models met with the Assistant Stage Manager Heidi Frohardt to review the choreography for each segment before the show starts. They received a “good luck” and “work it ladies” as the make-up artist applied colored lipstick and gloss on the models just before they hit the runway.

All of the models, stylists, and designers congregated in a tightly-packed, quick-thinking area. The aroma of the hairspray completely fi lled the room, while the curling irons and blow dryers on full blast heated it to an uncomfortably warm temperature. The rumbling and hissing of an air compressor was an ongoing sound throughout the night as selected models got their bodies painted.

Because of limited space, people rubbed against each other every time they tried to move. Others were dancing to the beat of the hip-hop music blasting out of the radio. Once word hit that the food had arrived, all of the models, designers, and stylists quickly rushed to get fi rst dibs on food and energy drinks.

“In the beginning it seemed like the stress levels were okay,” said BHS Graduate Robbin Amundson. “But when a few of the band members came in late, there was a tremendous feel for the tension going up because every one had to rush to try to get the band’s make-up and hair done.”

For each segment of the show, the models received a totally new look - a different hair style, change of make-up, and a new outfit - then they head right back onto the runway. After the show, clothes became available at Cliché, an uptown store in Minneapolis.

“I’d absolutely be willing to buy some of the clothes to support the designers. I’d be willing enough to spend a couple hundred dollars,” said Amundson.

All of the profit made from the show goes toward MN fashion, an organization dedicated to helping out designers on the rise by providing professional development and resources.

“I think it’s important to be a part of a good cause,” said Amundson. “Not everything should have a monetary value. Sometimes doing things for the community will come back and benefit everyone.”

At Cliché, the pricing of the designers’ clothes featured at the show all depends on what is being purchased and the designer, as well as the cost of the fabrics used to make the clothes.

“Spring and summer fabrics are normally cheaper because designers can buy more of the light-weight material,” said designer Meghan Brace. “I normally spend around $500 on my fabrics, but also the price could range from anywhere between $200 and $500.”

Looking for fabric is always an ongoing task, just like modeling.

“Last year I was able to dedicate myself to the full extent of being a model,” said Stanford. “Whenever I got a call, I was there whether it was in state or out of state. This year, however, I’m only a part time model so that I can focus more on my senior year at high school.”

The range of experience; some have done this for numerous years while others are just beginning.

“I’ve been a designer for fi ve years now,” said Brace. “The thing I love most is the reward of seeing my clothes on the runway. The fi nished project makes it all worth it.”

While the audience sees only the fi nished project, the view for the models is a different perspective; they go through the whole process leading up to the creation of the fi nal show.

“I love the adrenaline rush right before I step out onto the runway,” said Stanford.

This is Voltage Fashion Amplifi ed’s third show, and its most successful yet. It brought in 1,827 people, not including the participants of the show.

“I have fun helping people develop themselves professionally in a creative environment,” said Producer Anna Lee. “I would love for Minneapolis to someday become its own hub for independent fashion design.”

Buffalo: some would call it a boring town.

“There isn’t much to do in Buffalo,” said Senior Alex Henrichs, “but now there is a new attraction in our town for local music lovers and up-and-coming musicians, and its coming in the form of a venue.”

The Vault will be place for not only people who like to hear new music styles but also for local aspiring musicians to get their sound out and recognized.

“It’s in Buffalo so local musicians in Buffalo can totally get their sound recognized,” said Junior Ben Sibley, “And it will be the perfect place for me to start out; it’s close to home and I’d be able to perform a lot.”

“It’s an open place,” said Senior Nick Sisco, “it’s very free for anyone to just come in and listen. I’ll usually just pull people in off the street that look in so they can see what the place is all about”

However, right now the owners of the venue still have a lot of work on their hands before the venue can offi cially open. Problems like city codes and regulations have caused set backs in the remodeling process.

“They thought they were going to be done a lot faster,” said Sibley, “but then they found out they need two handicap accessible bathrooms and these take a long time to build; but when you look at other venues, they don’t have two handicap accessible bathrooms.”

They have had problems with fi nances and have had to pay for almost all of the remodeling and equipment out of their own pockets.

“The legion lets them do shows to help them raise money,” said Sibley, “on the other hand the city doesn’t like the idea. Though it’s kind of cool because we’re being rebellious, right?”

Despite all the problems, The Vault hasn’t been deprived of guests.

“Right now people just jam there and chill,” said Sibley. “I hang out there like everyday; a lot of cool people live there.”

The venue will feature a large variety of music at their shows, and the music style could change by the night.

“Total mix, there are a lot of screamo/hardcore bands that would bring a lot of versatility,” said Sibley. “There is some really light indie rock bands and then there is the hip-hop side so you would see a lot of genres. You would see a lot of new sound because Buffalo is a very odd town music-wise”

This new music venue will be called “The Vault”, a name thought up by the owners.

“There is a vault downstairs because it used to be a bank back in the day-izzle,” said Sibley, “and its pretty creepy down there ‘because its like, ‘Wow. This is old school, what if there is like a dead body or something?’ They brought the cage door up from downstairs and are putting it where the bands will go in and out on the stage.”

The owners have some ideas of what they want to do after they get things going, but are mostly focused on the things they need to do to get it open.

Professional sports teams offer their community the fun and excitement of being represented by a professional team. Many people love the suspense of a close game during a storied rivalry between their hometown team and their foe. There just is something about how entire communities can be pulled to- gether: race, gender, and age no longer matter, everyone unites as one because of the success of their team. The Min- nesota Twins are an example of how op- posite genders have different reasons on why they come together as one fan base to cheer for their Twins.

“On the stage of professional sports, males generally pay more attention to the actual scores and statistics of teams and players rather than just the game or the players themselves,” said Junior Jack Thompson. “They tend to get caught up more with the wins and losses column of their team and how they are performing rather than just enjoying the game itself.”

“I actually am not sure at all how the Twins are going to do this season,” said Junior Trenton Fabel. “I mean they are in one of the toughest divisions in the entire league with the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, and Detroit Tigers. If Santana returns to his Cy Young form of last year the Twins should be compet- ing for a division title for the fi fth time in six years.”

But not all people who are interest- ed in professional sports teams, such as the Twins for example, concentrate just on the stats of their team.

“I like how the Twins are always a pretty decent team every year, but yet they are one of the lowest paid teams in the league. The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees have so much more money that they spend than the Twins to get all of the best players. The Twins have to rely on guys that will work hard day in and day out,” said Junior Steven Kiputh.

“Males generally get into the game a lot more than females,” said Thomp- son. “They forget that the real reason for sports is to provide entertainment. Females generally don’t get as worked up over a game like males do, but rather enjoy the experience.”

“I don’t really follow the Twins that closely like a lot of other people I know,” said Sophomore Miranda Speckel. If I have the chance to go to a game I will though. They are a lot more exciting to be at in person than just watching them on TV. Of course I get to see Joe Mauer in real life then too. I really like Joe Mau- er a lot because he is really good-look- ing and he is also a really good baseball player too. He is just an all around guy I guess.”

Just as the students of Buffalo High School came together as one to sup- port the boys basketball team during the state tournament; the same kind of unity is shown by the fans of the Minnesota Twins by there overall support through- out the year. Just like at the Target Cent- er during the state tournament, genders, age, race and class didn’t matter. The many different ways of life present at the game, joined together to become one and cheer their team on to victory.

There isn’t a right or wrong way to enjoy a professional sports teams. Whether the reason for watching a game is to socialize, to watch your favorite player, or whatever reason you have to watch, professional sports and the Twins have a way of bringing people together of all ages, colors, and interests.

The community has debated for awhile if people should consider Lacrosse a real sport, for both boys and girls. Now the coaches are trying to make a difference and step up the game.

“Up until now I didn’t think it was considered a sport,” said Boys Head Coach Dustin Roberts. “Buffalo has never had a good coach. If you don’t have a good coach people are not going to want to play. The coaches embarrassed the team on and off the fi eld. I volunteered to change everything. This game is all about respect and being proper. There is no swearing and you have to respect everyone and attend the practices.”

The coaches are trying to get the players more focused and more experienced about Lacrosse, compared to previous years.

“I think we will do better this year because the players have more experience and they are taking it more seriously,” said Boy’s Lacrosse Manager, Sophomore Katie Aase.

Boys Lacrosse has been around for five years. While the girls team started only last year.

“I would like to play through senior year because it is something to do. The players are cool, the coaches are great to be around, and it’s an activity where everyone gets along in and outside of school,” said lacrosse player Sophomore Danielle Vetrano.

Throughout the years students have seem to have shown more interest in lacrosse.

“I don’t know what it is about lacrosse, but the game strikes interest and players are always ready to play,” said Roberts. “Buffalo has some of the best players in state, but we need to be taught lacrosse as an entire team.”

Although not everyone thinks that Lacrosse should be considered a sport.

“The school doesn’t even consider it a real sport so why should I?” Said Sophomore Jacob Dick. “You also have to be rich to play it. It is so much money just for the equipment. Not everyone has that type of money, I would have to sell my house just to play.”

Lacrosse equipment costs on an average of 40 to 50 dollars more than football equipment.

Whether it is the lack of a school team or Lacrosse being so new, people feel that Lacrosse doesn’t get very much support.

“Lacrosse as a whole doesn’t get support from the community nor from the school,” said Roberts. “Other coaches don’t even believe it’s a sport, although Lacrosse has some of the best athletes.”

Compared to the more known collision sports, football and hockey can be just as gruelling of an experience.

As the sport grows, so likely will the acceptance into the high school world. The question no longer is whether Lacrosse will become a sanctioned high school sport, but rather how long it will take?

Another ordinary day filled with various activities, starting at dusk until dawn. Waking up, going to school, going to a game or practice, trying to do homework, and finally going to bed. Trying to make everyone happy is a struggle with so little time to do anything. When star players try to get good grades, keeping a healthy life makes it hard to maintain. Balancing a schedule makes it difficult to have a life outside of school and sports.

“Sometimes it’s a matter of making time even when you are tired,” said Sophomore Danielle Krolak. “Sometimes you are pressured to get good grades.”

Depending on the sport, the amount of time to get school work done varies.

“During ski season it is hard because we go to Kimball everyday and it is far away,” said Sophomore Samantha Hanson. “But I still manage to get my homework done.”

While students participate in sports all year long, it can become difficult if they don’t know what they are getting themselves into. They need to expect late nights and less time, if any, to do other hobbies. The time they devote into both sports and their education must equal out, if not more in education.

“School usually comes before any sports. If I can excel at sports, than I better be able to excel at school,” said Junior Andrea Parsons. “Throughout the day I plan what I need to get done in my head so I know what I need to do that day.”

Great opportunities come from being in team sports. They allow athletes to make new friends that share the same interests.

“I like to meet new people,” said Parsons. “The girls on the team are like my sisters; those are my best memories. Every year the hockey trip to Hibbing is the highlight of the season from making up songs to pulling pranks, along with the summer parties…skinny dipping. ”

The effort put into sports takes up a lot of time when having other things to do.

“Sports are time consuming,” said Junior Brandon Ordorff. “I have a job too so it takes up a lot of time.”

Parents are also a big part of the sports their children play. They are always there to watch their games and to cheer them on.

“It’s my choice to play what I want and my parents are always there even though I can drive,” said Krolak. “They still want to drive me and come watch all my games.”

But also there are the parents that act as if they are the one playing the sport. They are pressuring their child to do something that they might not want to do; putting way to much effort into it for their own benefits.

“If I wanted to quit hockey, my parents would support me, but they would also be disappointed because they put so much money and time into it,” said Parsons.

While most parents support their child and help with financial wants and needs, some would rather have their child work and get ready for the future. In that case the athlete would not be able to continue in the activities they are in.

“My parents cut me off and said I needed to pay for everything by myself,” said Junior Katherine Camargo. “I quit the sports that I was in and now I work an average of 30 hours a week at Polo.”

Balancing athletes’ schedules may cause great effort at times. Even though making it work is hard, students find ways around it and still have fun.

“I have been playing sports for a long time,” said Krolak. “I have grown to love them.”

The end of the year is approaching fast. With the weather getting nice enough to be outside all day long some seniors may be coming down with a case of “Senioritis.” Coming in late with an unexcused pass, slacking on homework, letting grades slip, or just not even coming to school at all can be signs for this end of the year sickness.

Some seniors have been taking it easy the whole year with “slacker classes” while others are preparing for college with CIS prep classes.

“If the seniors don’t have any challenging classes to keep them busy it makes the last quarter go by even slower, and colleges have been looking at the last quarter performances more,” said English Teacher Mr. Squadroni.

Senioritis is becoming a national concern according to Bill Gates, who states that high schools need to be revamped when it comes to their students. Tom Pawlenty has addressed another issue.

Statistics show that students are entering college with inadequate reading and math skills. The number of students who could read proficiently dropped from 40% in 1992 to 35% in 2002. Some seniors confessed that as soon as third quarter came around they started to relax and slack off in their schoolwork.

“It just doesn’t really mean anything anymore because we’re almost done,” said Senior Ben Pecarina.

While some were “slacking”, others were actually trying to keep up the good grades.

“I can’t afford to fail another class,” said Senior Dustin Henke. “I failed classes in 9th and 10th grade so I need to do well.”

Of 42 students surveyed 27 said that they were starting to slack off now that it is the end of the year. Forty of those students said that when they were absent from school, because of skipping.

Some seniors do not feel the need to arrive at school on time any more and are often tardy to their classes.

“The seniors in my class aren’t gone a lot but they are late almost everyday,” said Junior Emily Mueller. “The teachers are more relaxed about them being tardy just because it’s the end of the year.”

“About 60% of my students are seniors,” said Squadroni. “I see more absences than tardies in my classes. Some kids just might not work as hard as others to get to school.”

Students often save “slacker” classes during their senior year, so they can have fun and not have to worry about homework. Therefore, the need to go to school is not as important as other students in more challenging classes.

With graduation around the corner, some seniors seem to not care about their grades anymore and slack when they are accepted to college. Although some colleges may reject students if they have bad last term grades, others, like two-year and technical Minnesota colleges, do not look at the last quarter grades, but only that they passed and received their GED.

“I think the seniors can afford to slack off,” said Mueller. “They’ve already been accepted to colleges but they just can’t get into trouble so they can graduate.”

The side affects of Senioritis are creeping up again like they have for so many years in the past. With the weather being nice and graduation close, the seniors are catching the bug.

It’s been a long, frozen winter.

For most, signs of ice melting off lakes still mean a good month or so before approaching the frigid water. Still, there are some who are drawn to the freshly thawed lakes and look forward to jumping into whatever open water they can find.

“I want to get out there as soon as possible,” said Senior Cody Mastel. “I just can’t wait; I’ve been waiting to get out there since January.”

Wakeboarding is a sport often associated with summer, but riders in Minnesota expanded the season to early spring and late fall when the waters are well below comfortable temperatures.

“We want to do it this early because our season is so short,” said Senior Kailee Trogstad. “We can’t ride all year round like they can in Florida, so we try to get out there as much as we can, as early as we can.”

Feet first into the icy water, the chill hits like a cold shower in the morning. The only thing keeping your vitals safe is a wet suit. Your face is exposed to the harsh winds, your hair starts to freeze, and your feet go numb. Your muscles so tense you can hardly react. When you’re done, ice forms on the bottom of your board.

“When my feet hit the water I immediately regretted my decision to jump in,” said Junior Davis Ackmann. “It felt like my lungs were collapsing when the water got up to my neck and once it went over my head I didn’t think I had any air left. It was a really uncomfortable feeling, but once I got up and was riding I completely forgot about the cold.”

New boarders should take caution to entering the waters in the early season.

“I don’t recommend going out early,” said Junior Tony Ralph. “You could get hypothermia really easily. But, if you love it enough, why not?”

There is something about this sport for each rider that makes them want to go out and ride in these conditions.

“It’s not something a lot of girls do,” said Trogstad. “You don’t see any girls riding, so I like being one of the few who are out there doing it.”

“I love the feeling of being on a wake board,” said Mastel. “It’s an amazing feeling, like riding on butter. I like chilling’’ on the boat with friends and some boat babes too.”

Wakeboarding brings something more for the rider then just good times with friends; it brings a passion for the sport. For some riders there can be more to the experience then just riding.

“The best time to ride is right around sunset,” said Mastel, “there is nothing better then a sunset butter session. It’s just gorgeous to see the sunset while you ride.”