The Bird`s Eye View

The Bird’s Eye View
Inside this issue:
Cut-Loose for a Footloose Homecoming
New Teachers
2
Soccer and Cheer
5
Exchange Students
8
By: Hunter Kahl
This year’s homecoming week will be held September 28October 3, with a few changes in the schedule of events. The
biggest change is that the parade will be held on Wednesday
night instead of Friday. Medora will be hosting the parade.
The football game, which used to be scheduled for Saturday
afternoon, will now be played on Friday night. The Birds will
take on conference rival, the Staunton Bulldogs.
The powder puff games will be held on Monday, Sept. 28,
at 6 p.m. with the freshmen vs. juniors followed by sophomores vs. seniors. The championship game will be played on
Friday after the pep assembly.
The annual bonfire will take place after the parade at the
old Medora Elevator.
Southwestern’s Student Government will be hosting the
homecoming dance on Saturday, October 3, from 8-11 p.m.
2015 Homecoming Court. Front (l to r): Malea Bailey,
in the SHS Multipurpose room. The theme this year is
“Everybody Cut Loose, Footloose.” Tickets will be sold dur- Madison Greeling, Karlie Green, Samara Parker, Meghan McNear, Taylor Nixon, Samantha French. Back
ing lunches for $10 each which includes drinks and snacks.
to r): Cody Catlett, Brad Spurling, Pat Wieneke,
Students will be required to take a breathalyzer before enter- (l
Jesse Arnold, Ryan Paslay, Kaeden Kessinger, and
ing the dance. Coronation of the Homecoming queen and
Evan Lowis.
king will be held at 9:30.
When asked what excites him most about homecoming this year, Student Government Co-President, Evan Lowis,
replied, “The dance of course! Footloose is everything I’ve always wanted. It’s a good theme that fits the personality
of most at Southwestern.”
New Teachers: Mrs. Burns
By: Christine Fisher
Mrs. Saxton retired last year as the
Special Education English teacher and
Southwestern now welcomes Mrs. Janice
Burns who took over the open position.
Mrs. Burns taught 4th-6th grade special education at Brighton North for the
past 26 years .
She said that a big difference between
the elementary and high school is that the
students are a lot older and taller. She
also stated that she is learning about new
subjects and brushing up on her Algebra and Geometry to help
in Learning Resource Classes.
Mrs. Burns commented, “It’s exciting! It’s making me feel
like a new teacher even though it is my 33rd year teaching.”
She added, “I’m enjoying meeting new teachers and students,
but the best part is reconnecting with former students. Many of
them I haven’t seen since elementary school.”
Principal Mark Bearley, stated, “I am very excited about the
new teachers. They bring new ideas and ways of doing things.
While we miss the teachers who have left, we are excited for the
new ones.”
News
Three Familiar Faces to the District Now Teaching at SHS
Mrs. Behl Added to the High School English Dept.
By: Alyssa Payne and Shauna
Faulkner
Mrs. Amanda Behl is the newest
addition to Southwestern High’s
English Department. She has been
teaching in the Southwestern District
for 10 years, six of the years she
taught at the middle school as the
seventh grade English teacher, the
next three years she taught at Brighton North as an RTI teacher.
Mr. Brian Borkowski resigned
last May and when the high school
English position became available,
Mrs. Behl was assigned the courses
that Mr. Borkowski previously
taught (English 1, English 1 Honors,
and English 3).
Mrs. Behl graduated from Jerseyville Community High School
exceeding in English, which was
always her favorite subject. She
attended Western Illinois University and intended to become an
orthodontist. After a couple years,
she decided to become a teacher.
Her mother, who taught junior
high math for many years, was her
inspiration. Mrs. Behl earned her
B.A. in English and received a
secondary certificate.
“I would strongly encourage my students to try their best and learn as much as
possible while in school. What you learn
here really does transfer over into ‘real
life’,” stated Mrs. Behl.
Ms. Spencer Joins the High
School Special Education Dept.
By: Carmyn Gust
Southwestern High
School welcomes Ms. Christy Spencer who has moved
from the middle school after
teaching Algebra and Geometry. She ran the LRC program for 22 years. She will
continue to teach the same
subjects in the high school.
Ms. Spencer commented
that she enjoys working in
the high school because she
is able to see how her students have grown over the
past few years since she taught them in the middle school.
Ms. Spencer earned her college degrees from SIUE and
Rockford. She said that she considers Southwestern to be
her second family because she has worked here throughout
her entire teaching career.
She noted, “It was hard to leave the 7th grade teachers,
who I absolutely loved and were awesome friends, but now
I’m making new long-lasting friendships with the high
school teachers.”
Mrs. Louise Oleson, LRC teacher, commented that she
is “very excited (Ms. Spencer) is here” because Mrs. Oleson and Ms. Spencer were friends and worked together for
years in the middle school.
Outside of school, Ms. Spencer spends a lot of time
with her two girls Breanne, who is a freshman, and Karissa, who is in the 6th grade.
Outside of school, Mrs.
Behl has four daughters,
ages 7, 5, 3, and 10
months old, who keep her
very busy.
Mrs. Behl concluded,
“I have had a pleasant
experience so far at the
high school. Mr. Bearley
and the staff have made it
an easier transition. I truly
enjoy teaching and coming to school every day to see my students. I am here to guide them and help
them be successful. I aspire to continuously improve in my role as a teacher.”
Mr. French Is the Newest
Member of the CTE Dept.
By: Brandon Wyatt
As a new school year begins
Southwestern welcomes the new
industrial arts teacher, Mr. Stephen
French. He is replacing Mr. Joe
Buttitta who retired last May.
Mr. French said that he always
considered teaching and when he
saw the open position he applied.
Mr. French worked multiple years
in construction.
When asked what is his favorite
class to teach Mr. French said “The
freshmen, because I’m new and
they’re new.”
“There’s a connection,” Mr. French added, “We’re both
figuring things out.”
Mr. French attended college at St. Louis Christian College
and is a minister at First Christian Church in Granite City.
Many students already recognized Mr. French because he
has been the boys and girls soccer coach for the past three
years.
Mr. French has two kids in high school, senior Sam French
and sophomore Jonathan French.
The French family enjoys the extra time together. “[My
kids] are good help,” commented Mr. French.
Sam said that it’s awesome having her dad in the building,
“I get to see him every day; before I only saw him for a couple
of hours before bed.”
Clubs
FFA Has New Ideas & New Officers
By: Paige Stahling
Southwestern’s FFA is always
making the community “Proud to be
Piasa,” and they didn’t let anyone
down this summer. The FFA team
won the state competition for display,
and will be going to national competition in October. Ashley Egelhoff, senior, is a state chair holder. Junior
Adlai Schetter and sophomore Julie
Bennett competed in the Ag. Science
competition.
Mr. Tim Reed, FFA Advisor, said
he is most looking forward to, “A
great officer team, and lots of new,
exciting plans that are top secret at
this time.”
Mr. Reed stated that this year will
be more student led, due to the new,
larger officer team.
Recently, FFA members volunteered at the Olden Days Festival
where they parked cars for community
service hours. The next community
service event will be parking cars at
the Carlinville Heritage Days Festival.
2015-2016
FFA Officers
FFA president Jamie Moore (left) and
vice president Ashley Egelhoff.
Egelhoff said that she was looking
forward to working with new members
and getting the younger members excited about joining FFA.
Both Mr. Reed and Egelhoff want
students to know that FFA is not just for
farm kids, and there is something for
everyone. They added, “FFA works
perfect with other sports or activities,
because it is year round.”
Changes Made to Student Government
By: Hunter Kahl
Student Government is a
committee of
students who
plan homecoming activities
and other school functions. Students
from every grade participate but this
year the officers are all seniors. Copresidents are Evan Lowis and Samantha French, while treasurer is Nathan Beilsmith, and secretary is
Kaeden Kessinger.
This year, Student Government has
new sponsors Mrs. Kelly Goetten,
English teacher, and Mrs. Kari Burns,
school nurse. Mrs. Jennifer Borkowski, science teacher, led student government for the past two years but
resigned last May.
“Mrs. Borkowski is very busy
working on her masters in science at
Washington University. Mrs. Burns
and I want to help her and help the
students,” explained Mrs. Goetten.
Mrs. Goetten said she has time to
apply to student government since
Student Government co-presidents:
Evan Lowis and Samantha French.
she’s not coaching anymore. She added that she feels comfortable with the
position because she and Mr. DeLong
worked together years ago as the student government sponsors.
Both Mrs. Goetten and Mrs. Burns
look to bring about more student involvement and Piasa Pride to our
school.
“I like to see the students in leadership roles,” Mrs. Goetten stated is her
favorite part of sponsoring so far.
President: Jamie Moore
Vice President:
Ashley Egelhoff
Farm Plot Manager:
Tommy Wilson
Asst. Farm Plot Manager:
Adam Smiley
Reporter: Brett Schiller
Asst. Reporter: Emily Wolff
Secretary: Emme Hays
Treasurer: Baylee Scott
Asst. Treasurer: Andrew Ballard
Sentinel: Ethan Wilson
Asst. Sentinel: Michael Denham
Historian: Kassidy Cottingham
Asst. Historian: Sarah Richey
Chaplain: Mackenzie Wolff
Community Development Chairperson: Adlai Schetter
Chapter Development Chairperson: Payton Werner
Student Development Chairperson: Raechel Brandon
Learning Garden Chairperson:
Cody Catlett
Asst. Learning Garden Chairperson: Isabelle Wolff
Discovery Membership Chairperson: Taylor Graham
Asst. Discovery Membership
Chairpeople: Andrew Miller,
Julie Bennett
Clubs
SHS’s FMLA Hosts Blood Drive
By: Drew Fredrick
Southwestern’s annual blood
drive was held on Thursday, September 24, in the M.P.R. from at 8:30
a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students who were
16 years of age and older could donate. Those who were 16 had to have
a parent’s permission. Southwestern’s Future Medical Leaders of
America club sponsoring the event.
Students must weigh at least 110
pounds and are required to make an
appointment before donating blood.
An American Red Cross representative spoke to students in an assembly on Tuesday, September 15,
during SAS, and informed students of
the process and the need for blood.
Mrs. Kari Burns, school nurse and
FMLA sponsor, said that it takes about
8-10 minutes to draw blood, and after
donating blood a donor will get a snack
and drink.
“I recommend that anyone donating
drink lots of water and eat breakfast,”
advised Mrs. Burns.
Mrs. Burns said that FMLA’s goal is
to reach 144 units.
She added, “This blood drive will
help cancer patients, accident victims,
and many more. Everyone is encouraged to be a part of this blood drive.”
New Clubs In the Works
By: Paige Stahling & Hunter Kahl
Mrs. Michelle Ernst, Special Education teacher,
has been working with Ms. Debbie Gaffney, science
teacher, to revamp the Recycling Club. Mrs. Ernst’s
students and those interested in Recycling Club will
form a new club, “Piasa Pride,” that will focus on
community service. Please sign up to join the Piasa
Pride Club (on Mrs. Ruyle’s door).
Mrs. Ernst said that she hopes to get a group of students who want to help
with projects around the area. She explained that this will not only benefit the
community but students can also get community service hours for graduation.
Another club that has taken flight is Military History Club. Last spring, senior
Kaleb Kruse wanted to bring back the club and asked Mr. Eldred to be the sponsor. Mr. Jeff Eldred, social studies teacher, went to the board of education and
requested that Military History Club be available to high school students and the
board gave its approval. The club has been meeting and had a float in the Homecoming parade.
Art ClubAdvisor: Mrs. Ruyle
Astronomy ClubAdvisor: Mr. Allen
Chemistry ClubAdvisor: Ms. Gaffney
FFA– Future Farmers of AmericaAdvisor: Mr. Reed
FCA– Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Advisor: Mr. Lansaw
FMLA– Future Medical Leaders of
AmericaAdvisor: Mrs. Burns
Future Teacher’sAdvisor: Mr. Mosley
International ClubAdvisors: Mr. Mosley, Mr. Hasquin
Military History ClubAdvisor: Mr. Eldred
NewspaperAdvisor: Mrs. Goetten
NHS– National Honor SocietyAdvisor: Mr. Reed
Pep ClubAdvisor: Mr. Henry
Scholar BowlAdvisor: Mr. Hasquin
Spanish ClubAdvisors: Mrs. Hasse, Mrs. Brown
Strategy ClubAdvisor: Ms. Gaffney
Student GovernmentAdvisors: Mrs. Goetten, Mrs. Burns
YearbookAdvisor: Mrs. Ruyle
Sports
Boys Soccer Team Scores an Early First Win
By: Karlie Green and Kelsey
Rhoades
Coach Stephen French returns
for his 3rd year as Boys Soccer
Varsity Coach. “I have a feeling it
will be a great season, I’m hoping
to end the season with at least 4-5
wins,” stated Coach French.
Coach French explained, “With
having no seniors this year, the
juniors are going to have to step
up and be the leaders.”
Although 80% of the team is
Junior Troy Evans dribbles past a forward
juniors, incoming freshmen Car- for North Mac.
los Macias and Jaypeth Trevino
have helped at the Varsity level.
The Varsity team has been working on a new formation similar to the
Junior Joseph Watson said, “The
World Cup style played this summer,
freshmen are mixing very well with our
and Coach French believes this forteam.”
mation is working great.
Opening up the season with a home
Coach French commented on jungame against Carlinville, the boys fell
iors progress, “For their 3rd year,
short 5-3; however, the next game the
they gel together on and off the field.
boys overcame Litchfield with a score of
They’re really starting to look like a
7-5. Junior Trevor Keil had his first Varteam.”
sity ‘hat trick’ (3 goals in one game), but
didn't stop there and scored a 4th one.
Cheerleaders Bring Spirit to Knapp
By: Kelsey Rhoades and Karlie
Green
Coach Amanda Madson is returning for her 3rd year as head coach;
however, early this season she will be
on maternity leave, and registrar Tammy Seymour will be filling in.
Junior Taylor Bozarth said that there
are no seniors on the squad but the
freshmen are mixing very well with the
returning girls.
“It was a little weird for them at first
and they felt a little out of place, but
after a week it was like we’ve been
cheering together for years,” commented Bozarth.
“Our favorite part of the season is
competition season when
we’re able to compete
against other squads and
see what they bring to the
floor. And it’s great feeling
your adrenaline when you
hit the mat,” said Bozarth.
Competition season will start on
October 1, but the girls won’t compete
until November 3.
The cheerleaders will host a Pom
and Cheer clinic and participants will
be perform on Sept. 23, at the home
football game.
“We love working with
the younger kids, and
showing them what it’s
like to be in our shoes,”
stated Carrigan Barnhart.
In the second week of the season, the
boys beat back to back SCC champions,
Greenville in a close 2-1 score.
“It felt great; we came out and had
nothing to lose. I couldn't ask for more of
my team,” said Keil.
As for post season, Coach French hopes
to receive the 3rd seed in regionals. He
added, “In previous years, we’ve always
received last, but I believe that we can get
a lot higher seed this season.”
Cross Country
Season Off to a
Running Start
By: McKenna Harper
The Cross Country
team started the season
with a meet in Edwardsville on August 29.
They competed against
50 high schools, and 20 middle
schools. In total there were over 1200
athletes participating.
When asked how he thought the
team did, Coach Gary Bowker responded with “I thought we did super.
We exceeded our expectations.”
Coach Bowker wants the team to
continue to improve throughout the
season, and wants everyone to have
fun.
When asked who he considers as
this season’s top runners, he said,
“Freshman Caden Bohn will move into
our number one spot and I expect
sophomore Grant Seniker to follow
close. Senior Evan Lowis will be following in third.”
As for the top girl runners, Bowker
stated, “Senior, Erin Laubsher will be
leading the way, with junior Ashley
Moore and freshman Mackenzie Lane
not too far behind her.”
Bowker was asked what his number
one goal is, and he responded, “I hope
everyone at the age of 30 will still
enjoy the values of running.”
Sports
Refinished Gym Floor Brightens SHS
By: Karlie Green and Kelsey
Rhoades
Last spring, Superintendant Brad
Skertich proposed the idea of refinishing the gym floor to Principal
Mark Bearley, Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Steve Wooley, Varsity
Boys Basketball Coach Jason Darr,
and Varsity Volleyball Coach Julie
Kinser.
The group agreed on the design
and Mr. Bearley said, “It was a real
team effort; we bounced ideas off one
another.”
The volleyball, and girls and boys
basketball teams organized a golf
fundraiser and had 14 teams, and 23
hole sponsors. Mr.Bearley said he
thought the turn out for the golf tournament was very good and it helped
raise a lot of money to go towards the
floor.
Mr. Bearley explained that over
After basketball and volleyball games, Mr.
Bearley has
asked people to
socialize in the
bleachers or in
the hallways.
“We’re enforcing the rules
After: the updated gym floor
to keep the floor
Before: the old gym floor
nice, since it has
taken a lot of time and money, and we
the summer the company, who was hired
hope to keep it in great condition,” comto redo the floor, had to sand, paint, and
mented Mr. Bearley.
focus on little details to make the floor
Coach Darr commented on the floor,
look like it does today.
“The new floor brings life to the gym; its
With the new floor comes new rules for
something our school should be really
school days and also for extracurricular
proud of.”
activities. PE classes have been asked to
Senior volleyball player, Taylor Nixbring in tennis shoes and no boots are alon was excited to start playing on the new
lowed on the floor. All freshmen and
floor. “It looks great, I’m glad we get to
sophomores must stand on the upper level
enjoy it for our senior year.”
of bleachers in the morning.
Volleyball Team Sets High Goals for 2015 Season
By: Karlie Green
can happen, and we have
Coach Julie Kinser returns for
to look forward to our
her 11th year as head volleyball
next games,” commented
coach. Assistant coach Sue Long
outside hitter, Greeling.
returns for her 2nd year. Both
The team placed third in
coaches have set high expectations
the
Alton Tournament.
for the team.
They
defeated Granite
“I want others to remember us
City in two games, folas the true definition of a team in
lowing with a win against
all capacities. I want the girls to
Orchard Farms. The girls
inspire future players and establish
lost to Triad and Alton in
that being a part of our program is
three games. Ending the
an honor and privilege,” comtournament out, they beat
mented Coach Kinser.
Gillespie in two games.
With ten freshman, and four
Setter Stephanie Korte,
Seniors L to R: Maddy Greeling, Karlie Green, Erika Daube, and
sophomores, Coach Kinser exand
Greeling received all
Taylor
Nixon
plained that the JV team struggled
tournament
team honors.
early on but they all have a posiThe
girls
continued
the
season
with an
Junior Jenna Moore explained, “Last
tive out look on the season ahead
away
game
at
Greenville,
and
won
in
year,
we
faced
a
lot
of
adversity,
and
“As for Varsity, we have four senthree
games.
“After
the
tournament,
we
almost everyone on our team suffered
iors who will bring leadership both on
needed
this
win
to
boost
our
confidence,”
with injuries. Our biggest goal is to keep
and off the court and are great playstated Moore.
everyone healthy.”
makers,” commented Coach Kinser.
Coach Kinser commented ,“We had
The team started the season at BrusThe seniors are Maddy Greeling,
40
kills
at Greenville, which is possibly
sels and won in two 25-17, and 25-22.
Taylor Nixon, Erika Daube, and Karlie
the
most
kills in a match for SouthwestThe
home
opener
was
on
September
1,
Green.
ern
history.
Moore and Greeling had 11 a
against Pana. The Birds lost in three
“We have the skills to go far, and
piece,
Hannah
Blumstein and Green had
games by 2 points.
that’s what we are working towards,”
8, and Nixon ended with 4. I was ex“It was a rough game, but anything
stated libero, Daube.
tremely proud of the girls.”
Sports
Football Tackles a New Season
By: Grant Francis
Before the first game of the
year, 2nd year head coach Aaron
Fricke said that he had been
looking forward to the new season since week 9 of last year,
and that missing the playoffs this
year would be “unsatisfactory.”
In the beginning of the game,
Southwestern surrendered a 14-0
lead early, and at halftime were
The student section rushed the field
down 21-6.
after the 52-44 upset over Greenville.
But the Birds would not go
Seniors (l to r): Josh Manns, Jesse Arnold,
down so easily. Junior Michael
Braden Whipps, and Brad Spurling prepare for
Nolte would run a kickoff back for a
school record in touchdowns
Litchfield.
touchdown and Sophomore QB Caleb
thrown per game, putting up 5
Robinson would put up a couple of
touchdowns.
touchdowns; one of them was a pass
They beat the Comets 52-44.
to Scott Kasting and the other RobinOn Sept. 11, the Birds traveled to
8/28 Hillsboro
A L 29-22
son took himself to the end zone.
Litchfield to take on the (0-2) Purple
Suddenly Southwestern had a 22-21
9/4
Greenville
H W 52-44
Panthers. It was a close game from
lead in the 3rd quarter.
start to finish, but Litchfield came out
9/11 Litchfield
A L 15-14
In the end, Southwestern could not
on top 15-14.
hold on to the lead and for the third
Southwestern got back on track
9/18 Gillespie
A W 40-13
year in a row Southwestern would
when they played in Gillespie the
start the year with a record of (0-1).
week after, beating them in blowout
In their next game the Piasa Birds
Current Record: 2-2
fashion 40-13. Josh Manns scored
pulled a major upset against a team
twice in the game. After the first four
that had dominated the conference for
games Southwestern is (2-2).
two straight years.
Robinson tied Andrew Fry for the
Golf Tees Off Another Season
By: Dalson Cummings
The golf team has started off strong with a record
of 11-2. Junior Collin Baumgartner and senior Reid
Nixon earned Southwestern 1st place medals.
The home course for the Birds is Rolling Hills in
Godfrey, Illinois. Volunteer Coach Gary Ballard is returning for
his fourth year.
In addition to Nixon and Baumgartner, juniors Alex Watts,
sophomores Andrew Ballard and Jacob Fryman, and freshmen
Chase Stahl and Tanner Werts complete the team.
Baumgartner medaled at the Staunton match on August 19,
making it the second time he has medaled in his high school career. He stated, “It felt great to medal.”
He said that he is “looking forward Conference and Regionals
and hopes to medal there.”
Sophomore Andrew Ballard stated, “Collin is a very smart
golfer.”
Andrew Ballard
has been playing golf since
he was 4 years
old.
Buy your Southwestern
Piasa Birds sun glasses!
Available for $10 at any
home Southwestern
football game.
The SHS Sports Booster
Club has hoodies,t-shirts,
and other items for sale.
Entertainment
Mrs. Naugle Hosts Senior Lauren Waller
By: Kaylee Fisher
Southwestern welcomes foreign
exchange student Lauren Waller.
Waller is a senior from Switzerland
who came to the U.S with a love of
traveling and interest in the country.
She is also a member of the Cross
Country team.
When asked about the differences
between our school and her school in
Switzerland, she replied that the people and teachers are nice, but she was
surprised by how strict the school
rules are.
Waller is staying with the Naugle
family in Carlinville.
Mrs. Laura Naugle, Southwestern
librarian and hostess of Waller, commented about Waller’s personality,
“She is very giggly, outgoing, loves
running, and the outdoors.”
Mrs. Naugle said hosting an ex-
Lauren Waller is an exchange
student from Switzerland.
change student is very rewarding. She
added, “You learn so much about other countries and their cultures and the
students becomes part of your family.”
Waller keeps in touch with her
family and friends with Skype and
texting and is head back to Switzerland in one year.
Phumin Brings a Bit of Thailand to SHS
By: Christine Fisher
This school year, Southwestern
students will see and hopefully get to
know sophomore Phumin
Lertpredanan from Thailand. He is
staying with the Dankenbring family
in Shipman. He said that he was surprised when he found out last February that he was selected to be an exchange student.
He explained why he wanted to
be in the exchange program, “I never
got to go out of my country and I
want to see new things.” that he is
very excited that he got to come to
America and experience a new culture. He prefers to be called “Kong.”
Lertpredanan pointed out that a
big difference between Thailand and
the U.S. is in physical appearances
of students. He added, “In Thailand,
students must have their natural hair
color, girl must have shoulder length
hair, and wear uniforms.”
He commented he was very surprised when he saw a girl with blue
hair because in Thailand they weren’t allowed that privilege at school.
In the Halls
On Sunday morning, June 6, former
band teacher Mr. Elwyn Mielke along
with 46 students, and several parents a
-With
Alyssa
&started
Shauna
boarded
a charter
bus and
their
long ride to Orlando, Florida.
Once the band arrived in Orlando they
was
your
favorhadWhat
the first day
to part
into groups
and
explore
the “land you
of magic.”
Theover
parks
ite thing
did
they could enjoy were Magic Kingdom,
the
summer?
Hollywood
Studios,
Epcot, and Animal
Kingdom.
Meghan
McNear:
vacaAfter
day one
was done2the
band took
rd
daytions,
two, June
3
,
to
perform
and particiAlabama and Florida
pate in a workshop. The students perKarlie
Trip
Florida
formed
fourGreen:
songs that
hadtobeen
practiced
over and over again. The songs played
Rhoades:“Pacifica”,
Playing“Glory
wasKelsey
“The Thunderer”,
of The
Yankee Navy”, and
basketball
“Denbridgeway”. These were played in
Taylor
Nixon:
EuropeandTrip
Downtrip
was
the workshop
being
able to
Brittany Hand: Went to Ohio
for my Dad’s wedding
Hunter Kahl: Car shows
Nathaniel Vandygriff: White
water rafting
Diana Watson: Going to
Meramec Caverns
Alyssa Payne: Midnight
Madness and Kansas Trip
Austin Hastings: Getting a
new truck
Phumin Lertpredanan is an exchange
student from Thailand.
He also explained that his school day
was different in Thailand because he
stayed in one classroom all day and the
teachers switched rooms.
Lertpredanan plans to return home at
the end the school year but keeps in
touch with his parents and sister by calling them once a week or every two
weeks.
Mr. Bearley said that it is always a
positive to have foreign exchange students in the school because they introduce the students to new cultures that
they wouldn’t be exposed to otherwise.
Brandon Becoat: Riding dirt
bikes
Deyton Smith: Going to Six
Flags
Kayla Holman: Hanging out
with friends
Entertainment
Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, and
Switzerland, OH MY!
By: Brittany Hand and Brandon Wyatt
From June 8 to June 18, the International Club took 44 travelers (28 students, 12
parent chaperones, and four teachers) to these far off places. The teachers
accompanying the group were: Mr. Matt Hasquin, Mr. Darren Mosley, Mr. Corey
Pace, Mr. Jeff Eldred, and Mrs. Shannon Bowman. This was the largest group that
Southwestern has taken on a trip, where the average group size is around 25. While
this is the third trip Mr. Mosley, has taken himself, Mr. Hasquin, history teacher,
estimates that this is Southwestern’s seventh or eighth trip to Europe. Mr. Hasquin
and Mr. Mosley took over the International Club after the previous teachers left
Southwestern.
When asked if Europe has started to bore him after going so many times, Mr.
Hasquin responded, “There’s always something new. I’m not even close to being
bored yet.”
“The trip was blissfully void of any transportation issues, unless you consider lots
walking to be one,” Mr. Hasquin jokingly commented.
Many of the travelers purchased souvenirs to commemorate their trip to these
marvelous places. Clothes, perfume, hats and more were brought home. An item
nearly every person bought was chocolate from Switzerland. Mr. Hasquin stated that
he still has some left over, while Mosely said that his niece ate all of his foreign
chocolate.
When asked if they would visit again, each person said they would.
Senior Kaeden Kessinger simply said, “Oui.”
Words of Inspiration for Class of ‘16 Found on Instagram
By: Brittany Hand
At the end of July, an Instagram account was made in honor of the Southwestern
Class of 2016. The account has a photo of every senior, excluding the seniors who
have become a part of Southwestern this year.
In the description of each photo is a short paragraph recognizing the person for
who they are; this celebrates everyone’s individuality and how we all come together to
make an extraordinary senior class.
The accounts purpose for this is to “combat negativity that approaches in our
school” and to “flip the script and make everyone feel recognized and appreciated
here at Southwestern.”
The account currently has 71 followers. To follow this account, a personal Instagram account is needed to then request to follow “wordsofinpiration16”.
Abby Mueller, senior, was asked her thoughts on the account. She commented,
“It’s really cool that someone is trying to bring more positivity into our class.”
Other seniors, such as Josh Nagel and Evan Lowis, said that their description was
fairly accurate, and full of positivity.
As for the person or persons who created this inspirational page, there have been
several guesses between those who have seen the account and read most of the descriptions. Senior Brandon Wyatt guessed that senior Karlie Green or senior Juliet
Wooldridge created the account. Both Green and Wooldridge said that they are not the
creators. Green commented, “I thought Brandon made it.”
It has also been debated that multiple people collaborated to create this account.
Mueller added, “It has to be someone who knows everyone, at least sort of, and is
nice and dedicated enough to put this account together.”
The final post in the page is a picture of a yin yang, with a description that reads:
“It is so easy for people to become cruel over social media or even in person. This
account will remain anonymous until the user speaks up and wants to reveal their
selves. Hopefully this will counteract other negativity going on in people's lives and
give them some inspiration to push forward and help them. They will look back on
this and see what people actually think of them. Spread positivity, my friends. Be
well!”
In the Halls
On Sunday morning, June 6, former
band
teacher
Mr. Elwyn
Mielke
along
-With
Shauna
and
Alyssa
with 46 students, and several parents a
boarded a charter bus and started their
What
long Seniors:
ride to Orlando,
Florida.do you
Once the band arrived in Orlando they
look
forward
to into
thisgroups
year?
had
the first
day to part
and
explore the “land of magic.” The parks
they could enjoy were Magic Kingdom,
Carson Ford
-Graduating
Hollywood
Studios,
Epcot, and Animal
Kingdom.
Erika
Daube
Prom
and
After day one was done the band took
rd
Homecoming
day
two, June 3 , to perform and participate in a workshop. The students perSamantha
French
- Going
all
formed
four songs
that had
been practiced
outand
forover
Spirt
Week
over
again.
The songs played
was “The Thunderer”, “Pacifica”, “Glory
Kahl
- Graduation
of Hunter
The Yankee
Navy”,
and
“Denbridgeway”.
These
were
played in
Reid Nixon - Friday
night
Downtrip was the workshop and being
football
games
able
to
Aleah Cohrs - Prom
Jesse Arnold - Graduation
Jacob Brefeed - Winning football games
Brianna Large - Homecoming
Week
Malaki Nicolini - Graduation
Cheyenne Slack - Food
Tim Watts - Nothing
Lily Matthis - Getting out of
Illinois
Braleigh Sigite - Trips
Scott Kasting - Graduation
Brittany Hand - Finishing the
year
Elizabeth Adcock - Getting out
Extra
S TE M S t u d e n t s a re “ P i c k i n g
U p ” t he Ke y s t o S u c c e s s
By: Brandon Wyatt
Two years ago, Southwestern
High School’s science department
added Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math class which has
become a popular elective. Ms. Debbie Gaffney, STEM instructor, recently challenged students to “think
outside of the box” and create prototypes of “prosthetic” arms that could
perform a simple task.
The students worked in groups
and were allowed to use wire, Popsicle sticks, binder clips, duct tape,
cardboard, and rubber bands. The
arms had to be able to pick up a plastic cup with a set of keys inside.
Ms. Gaffney said the purpose of
the project was to get students to design, build, and work together. The
project took a week.
Seniors Christopher Breitweiser
and Thomas Casalino made a two
pronged fork design that gripped the
cup well. Casalino said that he
wished their design moved more.
“Other designs had moving parts
and ours didn’t,” added Casalino.
“Building it was fun,” commented
Breitweiser.
David Stalhman, Ms. Gaffney, Lily
Mathis, Malaki Nicolini, and Grady Davis test their mechanical arm.
Brenden Bollini and Trevor Kiel
work on their invention.
The Bird’s Eye View Staff:
Editor: Br ittany Hand
Entertainment Editors: Shauna Faulkner and Alyssa Payne
Sports Editor: Kar lie Gr een
Copy Editor: Br andon Wyatt
Clubs Editor: Paige Stahling,
Staff Writers: Dalson Cummings, Chr istine Fisher , Kaylee Fisher ,
Grant Francis, Drew Fredrick, Karlie Green, Carmyn Gust, Brittany
Hand, McKenna Harper, Hunter Kahl, Andrew Nixon, Kelsey Rhoades
Advisor: Mr s. Goetten
Printing Supervisor: Fr eida Ricoh
The Bird’s Eye View is published by Mrs. Goetten’s Publications 1
class. The newspaper is available on www.piasabirds.net/highschool.
Artist of the Month:
Elizabeth Addock
By: Andrew M. Nixon
September’s Artist of the Month
is senior Elizabeth Addock. When
asked about her artwork, she said that
she has been making art “pretty much
all her life.” She sees art as her escape
from the world whenever she is upset.
She mostly sketches her works and
doesn’t tend to use other mediums
unless she is asked to.
Her favorite artist is Picasso, although she does not tend to find inspiration in his work she still appreciates
his very unique style of art. She does,
however, find inspiration for her art
by looking online for images. She
usually looks to tattoo shops and
sites.
During last year’s art show she
won second place in watercolor. She
also won in the Art Club’s pumpkin
carving contest last year.
Mrs. Susan Ruyle, art teacher,
commented about Addock, “She is a
very talented and reliable student.”
Join Art Club!
See Mrs.
Ruyle for
more
information