Beauty and the Beast Enchants Crowd

By Houston Hilton

The Goddard High School Mane Stage Theatre wowed the crowd on March 1, 2, and 3 from the astounding performance in every field ranging from costume design to acting. The cast also held a character breakfast with children March 2 before the show.
 The cast was only allowed three instead of five rehearsals before the performance because of the snow storm from February 22 to 26.

Jazz Concert to be Held March 12

By Darah Witherspoon

                On Tuesday, March 12, the Goddard High School Jazz Band will have a concert at 7:00 PM. The concert will be at Goddard High School in the auditorium.

                The band will be performing several pieces including “Hey Jude” and “Brass Machine”.

                Two guest performers will also be featured in the concert. Scott Strecke and Daryl Batchelor are both professional trumpet players that will join the jazz band’s performance.

“There will be two guest jazz trumpet players. It will be really awesome,” said junior Jeremy Brake.        

A lot of hard work goes in to preparing for a concert.

                “Students have been working hard all semester; they have already had two performances at jazz festivals this semester,” said Band Instructor Mr. Dane Danielsen.

                Students in Jazz Band are excited about the upcoming performance.

               

GHS School Shooting Drills are Redundant

by Houston Hilton

The Goddard USD 265 administration recently discussed the issue of school lockdown drills –drills that are to be run periodically, just as with fire and tornado drills, but are designed to keep students safe from intruders with a violent disposition. Such drills haven’t been performed for more than a startling five years – as such in-school violence at Goddard High School is minimal when compared to that of other schools - such as Wichita East High School. However, because of the relatively recent incident in Newtown, Connecticut, which involved a gunman murdering multiple elementary students, new controversy has spurred discussion on the subject at GHS. Such popular discussion involved making it mandatory for having recurring school lockdown drills – just as with the fire drills.

It’s a pretty hot topic right now, one could agree, based on the recent incidents of school violence that have occurred in the past three months alone. But are these additional school security efforts necessary to be put into GHS.

The extra efforts are futile in prevention of such a potential tragedy. Thus, it is not really necessary to have a school lockdown drill. An event as likely as a dangerous person entering the grounds of GHS is just as likely as an asteroid landing right on the campus and killing all in the area – obviously it is very unlikely. This tragedy has occurred once in this school district’s history¹, but the district has been in existence for over 100 years - so something like that would be bound to happen after a whole century.

The only importance of this drill is to give the student body “something to do” to make it seem like their efforts have a point – like when children were advised to duck down by a wall during the nuclear holocaust crisis in the 1950’s.

1.        James “Alan” Kearbey shot Principal James McGee on Goddard school grounds on January 21, 1985.



Student Book Club to Join Faculty Book Club

by Houston Hilton

            The GHS Book Club has evolved into many different forms over the years at Goddard High School. The club name was renamed from “GHS Book Club” to “Page Master’s Book Club” at the beginning of last year. This year, the Page Master’s Book Club features not only a new instructor, Ms. Desiree Moore, but also the joining of this book club and the faculty book club to discuss a novel relevant to both age groups.

Ms. Marylee Ramsay discusses Ender's Game in preparation for

the April meeting.

            “It might be fun to do something together, and it gives multiple perspectives,” Moore said. “The movie will be coming out and we’re planning to all see the movie together.”

            The faculty book club and the Page Master’s Book Club will both discuss Ender’s Game on April 10.  There is much anticipation for the meeting.

            “I think a lot of ideas will be agreed upon by both sides,” sophomore Marcy Lartey said.

The two book clubs plan to house similar, combined meetings in the future.

“We are planning on doing this at least two more times next year,” Moore said. “We’re going to have at least one in the beginning of the year and the other near the end.”

Top 10 Places to Give Back

1)       Red Cross

The American Red Cross prevents and lessens human suffering during emergencies by putting into movement the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

www.redcross.org/

 

2)       Toys for Tots

Toys for Tot help the less fortunate children throughout the U.S experience the joy of Christmas by collecting toys during a three month period, and then distributing near Christmas time.

www.toysfortots.org/

 

3)       Goddard Mitten Tree

Business, churches, and individuals help provide food, clothing and gifts to families in need.

Mittens are available at Pizza Hut in Goddard, cash contributions can be sent to the Goddard Mitten Tree at Emprise bank, P.O. Box 318, Goddard, KS 67052.

 

4)       Goodwill

Goodwill works to raise the dignity of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, removing barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their opportunity through learning and the power of work. 

www.goodwill.org/

 

5)       Make-A-Wish

Grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to add to the human experience with joy, strength, and hope.

www.wishks.org/

 

6)       Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides people with essentials for living.

www.salvationarmyusa.org/

 

7)       Kansas Food Drive

Provides comprehensive and compassionate HungerCare whenever and wherever needed.

www.kansasfoodbank.org/

 

8)       Wichita Children’s Home

The Wichita Children’s Home is to assure the safety and well-being of children and to create healthy families by proving assessment and intervention services; a temporary home for children at risk of abuse, neglect or homelessness; and education preventing and advocacy initiatives.

www.wch.org/

 

9)       Big Brothers Big Sisters

Provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relatio0nships that change their lives for better, forever.

www.kansasbigs.org/

 

10)   Children’s Miracle Network

Children’s Miracle Network generates funds and awareness programs in partnership with and for the benefit of member hospitals/foundations and the children they are privileged to serve.

www.cmnwi.org/

Cold Weather

By Allie Craig 

                Cold weather. Like anything else, there are several people who have different opinions on it. Goddard High School students are no different. Some students like it, and some students dislike it.

                Some students have reasons to express why they dislike the cold.

                “I hate cold weather, except when it snows; then I like to go sledding,” freshman Anita Taylor said.

              Other students have contempt for the cold; due to health reasons.

“I don’t like it because it makes my joints hurt,” sophomore Emma Hislop said.
Senior Armando Valenciana likes the cold weather sometimes.

             “I sorta like it, but it’s the time when everyone gets sick,” Valenciana said.

              Even though some students despise cold weather, there are some who like it. Junior Janelle Wetta likes the snow that comes along with cold weather.

             “It needs to snow. It’s not a true Christmas without snow,” Wetta said.

Freshman Chandler Hansen also likes cold weather.

             “I like cold weather because I get to wear jeans, boots, sweaters, scarves, and other cute cold weather clothes,” Hansen said.

              Even though there are reasons to like cold weather, and reasons to dislike it, it comes every year to Goddard. The winter wouldn’t be the same without a few snowflakes and some cold and cloudy days to curl up with a good book and drink some hot chocolate.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Decks the Halls



Senior Rena Brainard and junior Bailey Pankratz rehearse for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which showed on December 13, 14, and 15.

              This year is the start of a tradition, one made by the Goddard High School theatre department. Mrs. Jamie Oettle, the director of the theatre department, chose The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for the winter play.

Oettle  previously taught at Goddard, and from then she put on The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for the first time in 2005. During her first year back, she is reintroducing the play.

“I chose it to try to build to program back up, partly by getting kids interested at a younger age and by having a bigger audience because of the little kids,” said Oettle.

The majority of the actors in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever are between ages three and middle school. Multiple high school actors performing this year also played parts when they were in elementary school.

“I think it’s great for them to come back because it lets them see it from a different perspective,” said Oettle.

The returning child actors are junior Bailey Pankratz, sophomores Amanda Brooks and Sydnie Randolph, and freshman Malori Bridwell.

“It’s weird as a high schooler because I have to take care of the little kids, and they had to take care of me,” said Bridwell.

Oettle chose this play for many reasons. For one, it was because it has a deeper, biblical message about Christmas. Secondly, it tells about how stereotypes can cause people to misjudge people. Lastly, because characters change from the beginning to the end.

“Anytime a director can get a character [to] change in a play, it’s always a good choice,” said Oettle.

 

Young Golf Team Struggles to Find Swing

By C.J. Hall

The Girls Golf teams are considered to have a rough season ahead of them. The only returning varsity players are senior Shelby Hooper and sophomore Taylor Schlyer. The lack of returning varsity players challenges the team and pushes them to achieve something good.

"The girls might look up to me more since I am the only senior," senior Shelby Hooper said.

This year is a rebuilding year for the team. This puts new expectations and goals in place for them.

"My expectation for the team is for them to get better at practice and get lower scores," Girls Golf coach Ms. Rita Smith said.

Along with a set of team goals, the girls also have their own personal goals.

"My goal is to get a college scholarship and go to State," Hooper said.

The team’s other returner, sophomore Taylor Schlyer, wants to see personal improvement in specific areas of her golf game.

"I want to get better at putting because I have bad eyes and cannot see the putting line," Schlyer said.

New freshmen players this year are Haley Bloom, Bethany Cocklin, Tiahna Hernandez, and Dakota O’Dette. There are only 6 sophomores and juniors. The 4 sophomores: Lauren Wedel, Riley Stearns, Morgan Shobe, and Taylor Schlyer and the 2 juniors: Amber Freemen and Tori Watkins have already had some chemistry together. Smith sees a bright future for Girls Golf.

"The loss of many varsity players resulted in the loss of team skill, but added things like better team chemistry," Smith said.

Soccer Makes Comeback

By Karina Medrano

This year’s soccer team is making a comeback with Mr. Ryan Rooney as its coach again. They have trained to be able to win for the Lions.

"The soccer team is doing good, inconsistent, but so far it’s been really good," said Mr. Rooney.

He said that last year he had trouble with the players needing to step up and be leaders, but this year, a lot of players want a leadership role in the team. Although it has been a rough start, he has confidence that they will get through all the hardships. He has high hopes for the team.

"If only the offense could score more goals," Mr. Rooney said.

Mr. Rooney also said that mental toughness was also a weak point but it will strengthen in due time.

Some have said that everyone is cooperating and that they all have fun, are laid back, and have alot of fun.

Cross Country Lacks Seniority

By Mandy Brooks

 

The Goddard High School Cross Country teams are finding themselves challenged with a startling lack of seniority. Young runners are being looked at to achieve more, push themselves harder, and be role models for the freshman this year and the underclassman to come.

"I think there’s going to be a lot of runners that find out they can do more than they ever expected," assistant coach Ms. Marylee Ramsay said.

Ms. Ramsay also said that she expects her runners to push themselves out of their comfort zones in order to grow as runners. The runners use goal setting in order to achieve the things that they wish to accomplish. Not only have they set individual goals, but they have set team goals as well.

"My goal for this season to go to state as a team," sophomore Austin Winder said.

By setting goals, the runners know what to work towards-along with what their coaches expect out of them.

With the lack of seniority, it is considered hard for the runners to have someone to look up to. Although senior Mackenzie May has run for four years in high school, he isn’t the only inspiration for these young runners.

"I look up to Kacey Duncan and Kendra Young because they’re really fast, really good, and have a lot of endurance," sophomore Alicia Dirks said.

"I looked up to Lincoln Lemon last year, because he always seemed to do well in Cross Country," Winder said.

Not only do the runners have these current and previous Cross Country stars to look up to, they can also look to Ms. Ramsay for encouragement and tips for success.

"I started coaching in 2000, so I’ve been coaching for 12 years," Ramsay said.

Head coach Mr. Mel Hussey is also in his second year as the returning coach for these runners. Ms. Ramsay has said that although the two coaches have had different personalities, the transition from coach to coach has been fairly easy due to the fact that they both have similar coaching styles.

　

Is Sex Discrimination Justified?

By Houston Hilton

Whenever the topic of discrimination is announced, it seems to me that several people think of some of the most unoriginal words ever – namely racism. But if it is really thought about, discrimination does not necessarily pertain to stuff like racism all the time. In fact, discrimination can relate to many other factors, such as how rich somebody is – trust me, I have experience with that first hand. But perhaps one of the most prominent bases of discrimination today is sexism – discrimination based on either the sex or gender of person – and yes, there is a difference between gender and sex, technically. Don’t believe me? Well, gender is actually defined as the "role" of a person when comparing him or her to the rest of a culture or society. For example, if what many consider to be a man physically were to perform, say, raising his children and staying at home, he would be considered to have a gender of a female. Sex, on the other hand, is the factor that most of us consider the difference between a girl and guy as being…that physical distinction…need I go on? Anyway, getting back to the main subject, this sort of discrimination seems to have its own fair share of publicity these days. But is this publicity justified? In my opinion, it is not. Let me elaborate…

For starters, I don’t think that this new publicity about sexism is justified because there are still plenty of other modes of discrimination that still generally go about unnoticed. If it is really thought about, some of the most seemingly innocent happenings can technically be bits of discrimination – as known in that typical offensive sense. Take post-school systems, as an example. When someone receives a degree after completing a certain number of courses, they become eligible for more higher-paying jobs than someone who doesn’t have such a thing. As a result, there is discrimination on who can and can’t work in this respect. Some may rebut – arguing that this is not discrimination, but instead a reward system for achieving so much. But this probably isn’t so, as some of those ineligible people maybe had other reasons for not going into college besides effort – namely money. Sometimes people are forced to be inapt for acquiring a degree simply because they do not have money to pay for college in the first place! And where can that stem from? A lack of feasible, household income as a result of parents not having those higher-paying, "college only" jobs in the first place. Basically, it’s a cycle of keeping the "lower" members of that aristocracy at their current place – strikingly similar to how African Americans used to be considered lesser than White Man in the archaic Colonial American Era. But at the same time, similar to today, such discriminations pretty much went unnoticed as a political problem.

And speaking of the socially unnoticed methods of discrimination that happened throughout history, here’s another argument against the modern, comic exaggeration of popular feminine sexism: what about its opposite bit of discrimination that still widely goes out unnoticed? I mean, it is heard all of the time about women being denied jobs because, well, they’re women, but what about the men? Do not men, at times, be discriminated against for wanting to, say, do a girly job? And even if there’s not direct discrimination on the matter, there is still a general, societal conform that causes many boys to only do boy things much more often than girls - I am perhaps one major exception, as I deliberately to beat this conform by wearing pink shirt at least once every one to two weeks – anyways, getting back to the point, take Goddard High School as a local example for what I mean. Though GHS volleyball technically allows men to join the team, it still doesn’t seem to be part of GHS Volleyball culture to have some testosterone on the volleyball court - aside from managers. In fact, it wasn’t until quite recently that more estrogen was added to the, say, wrestling team was it?

So, with that said, it can be seen that sexism can, and does, go both ways. Furthermore, it can also be reasonably said that the exaggerated publicity of feminine sexism as a standalone mode of discrimination is essentially Ludacris. However, the possible publicity of that mode of discrimination, in combination with masculine sexism, and all other possible bases of discrimination is not ridiculous. I am not favoring either party on this matter. I am just stating my belief on sexism and discrimination in general.

Student Council Improves School

By Mandy Brooks

This year, Goddard High School Student Council is making numerous amounts of efforts to improve the school."Student Council is taking on new tasks, such as the Homecoming Dance, Class of the Year competition, and Crush Cancer competition," senior Jake Meister said.

This is just the beginning of what Student Council is doing to improve and help our school.

This was the first year Student Council was in charge of the Homecoming Dance

.

"There was a good outcome; a ton of the students showed up," said Meister.

There was no DJ; members of the council went around at lunch and asked students what songs they wanted to be played. With all the effort from Student Council, the outcome was great. The Student Council put a lot of effort into the dance. They only found out they were in charge a month before.

"Some of us got to school at 7 AM and did not leave until 12 AM," Meister said.

The Class of the Year competition is between all of the classes at Goddard High. You can earn points for your class by attending different school events. You can find out about different ways to earn points on the bulletin board. Keep your eyes open and help contribute to your class.

"The Class of the Year Competition is to see which class is the best in the school," Meister said.

The Crush Cancer competition is an all-year competition between Goddard High School and Eisenhower High School. It is to see who can raise the most money for the Cancer Research Foundation.

Teams are "Family"

By Jackson Koger

A group one would run sprints with until one’s lungs were splitting, a group you would stand up for against opponents twice one’s size, a group who one would give every last ounce of effort and determination for.

A select handful of people in their lifetime will experience an unexplainable commitment to a brotherhood (or sisterhood, ladies) of people who have no blood relation to them. These sets of people carry no obvious benefit of being loyal, but have something worth treasuring nonetheless.

The handful to be blessed by this are some of the luckiest in the world, and I am beginning to consider myself among them.

For years, I have played competitive sports and multiple other clubs’ activities involving the quintessential "teammates" that many of the students have all had; teammates so average that you barely remember their names a year after playing with them.

The people I met there were great and all, but would I go out of my way to sacrifice my time and energy for them? Yeah, no thanks.

As of late, my situation has almost felt movie-like to an extent.

Many of the students, even as outside observers, can see the strong ties in other team sports in our school.

Football is easy to notice. If one does not think they would defend one another proudly and want the absolute best for the team, then that person and I would have a slight disagreement.

Volleyball has had an extremely tough season, but I don’t think I have ever seen a group happier to be around one another than they are.

All of these great moments in team sports are built solely on trust.

Having to trust and depend on someone other than oneself changes such a person.

Your personality (if you let it) can be changed to a less selfish quality, and you can begin to experience the magic of camaraderie.

At the beginning of my soccer season, I felt there were many egos and attitudes that some of the guys had that I could never get along with.

That all changed the moment when I saw that they were willing to stand up for me, and they recognized I would do the same for them.

If one has not ever been a part of something like this, find it. If one never does, I honestly feel sorry for him or her.

It is the stuff great stories are made of and memories are cemented by.

Earlier, I said the brotherhood wasn’t blood, but in reality, they are about as close as it gets to family.

UNICEF Raises Funding

By Allie Craig

Can "pocket change" change the world? UNICEF could be the one way to find out. UNICEF is a great way to get involved. It stands for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. It provides medicine, food, shelter, and other utilities for third-world countries.

UNICEF itself isn’t actually a club; National Art Honors Society does various things for UNICEF throughout the year.

"I’ve just always done it, and I like helping out. I think it’s good to teach my students about it, too," said Mrs. Melanie Huffman.

UNICEF‘s next event is a fundraiser. From Monday, October 22nd to Tuesday, October 30th, students can bring in money to their 2nd hour class. It will be a contest between each 2nd hour class. The class that brings in the most money will receive donuts as a reward.

If interested in becoming involved in UNICEF, students should also be involved in NAHS. To be in NAHS, one must have taken at least one art credit and maintain a B average. Applications are available in Mrs. Huffman’s room.

Black Ops II to Come Out

By Joseph Newman

Activision will release their new Call of Duty: "Black Ops II", the sequel to "Black Ops", on November 18, 2012. Plenty of "C.O.D." fans are anticipating the release.

"I’m looking forward to the zombies," sophomore William McGuire said.

The zombie operation has been a continued trademark of the Activision game series. The upgrades to the op include 4 player co-op and a few different game modes.

The successor of "Black Ops" includes some old faces. The game is narrated by Alex Mason, who explains the Cold War segment of the game where he fights for the U.S. in proxy wars. The antagonist of the segment is Raul Menendez. Menendez is a Nicaraguan narco terrorist and leader of the "cordis die."

"I’m expecting great things, host switching wait time, ability to quick-scope reduced, improved weapons, kill streaks, and most of all zombies," junior Logan Talbott said.

The new game is expected to have several other upgrades as well.

Foreign Exchange Student Feels at Home

By Taylor Bulla

Different countries have different cultures, beliefs, lifestyles, and traditions. But there are many similarities.

Senior Robin Kerjosse is a foreign exchange student from Bry-Sur-Marne, France. He will turn 18 on February 19th. Robin is just like any other average teenager; he loves to hang with friends, listen to music, read books, and get on social networks.

"I love going to parties with my friends, but in my spare time I’ve read all the Harry Potter series," Kerjosse said.

Schools in France are very different than Goddard High with the class structure and schedules not being organized the same way.

"I don’t find any of my classes here very difficult because I have already graduated back home, but our classes are much different in France. At my old school we weren’t allowed to pick our own classes. We also go by a week schedule, here at Goddard it goes by day schedule, and I got to pick my own classes," he said.

Each class was much longer than the typical seven-hour schedule at GHS - very similar to that of a block schedule.

"Back in my old school we would have two-to-three hour-long classes, but now I only got 52 minutes for each class," Kerjosse said.

Robin plays soccer for the Boys Junior Varsity Team and was invited to the team part way through the season by a handful of current soccer players. He never has played for an organized team or club before.

"I’ve never played on a competitive team. It has always been just kicking the ball around with my dad in the yard.But now that I’m on an actual team, it is super fun, and the pressure gets intense," Kerjosse said.

So far, all of Robin’s experiences in the U.S. have been positive.

"I really enjoy all of the people here; they’re super friendly compared to back home," Kerjosse said.

Robin has also enjoyed the very different cuisine he has been exposed to, but he found the fast-food to be less desirable.

"Outback Steakhouse was very delicious and I hope I go again before I leave, but McDonald’s in France is better and the menu is different from here," Kerjosse said.

Robin would like to continue with school and go to Paris Descartes VI Law School and become a lawyer when he goes back home June 24th, 2013.

　

Zombies Invade Goddard

By Darah Witherspoon

People celebrate Halloween differently. Some go trick-or-treating, some go to parties, and some people hand out candy to kids. This year, how about trying something new: running away from zombies.

On October 27, Consumer Credit Counseling Service will be hosting a 5K (3.1 miles) Zombie Run at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.

"Consumer Credit Counseling Service is a non-profit agency that councils people with financial issues," executive directer Mr. Jeff Witherspoon said.

The run is a benefit for Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

People can sign up to run in the race, to be a zombie, or to volunteer. Runners can expect obstacles and zombies throughout the course. The runners will be given a flag football belt before the race begins. The zombie’s objective is to pull as many of the flags from the runners as they can. The runner’s objective is to try and finish the race with as many flags as possible.

After the race, zombies and runners are invited to the after party at Tanganyika. There will be a DJ and three local bands. The after party goes from 12 PM – 5 PM.

Prizes will be given to the zombie with the best, oldest-looking, youngest-looking, and scariest costume. Runners will be eligible for prizes if they finish the race with at least one flag. The top three men and women in each age division will win prizes. The age divisions are 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, and 40+.

There is a $50 registration fee for the race. The registration fee will go up to $65 after October 12. The fee includes getting a t-shirt and medal, and admitting one to the after party. Zombies have to sign up, but do not have to pay a registration fee. However, zombies will have to pay to get into the after party.

The race is October 27. Registration begins at 11 AM .The first heat of the race will start at noon. Heats will run every 15-30 minutes. Awards will be given out 30 minutes after the last heat is finished.

Tradition Trots Forward in October

By Joseph Newman

"The Turkey Trot has been going on for about 10 years," Mrs. Crystal Schneider said.

The race usually involves 25 teams and each team has 4 or 5 individuals. The price has still yet to be determined for admissions. The prices might end up being the same as last year’s.

"We still have yet to hash out the prices; we don’t know what will happen," Schneider said.

The events of the race are never known until the day of. The Competitors’ goals are to outwit and outperform their opponents. The games require the competitor to think with an open mind in silly events.

These events are to test ones physical abilities and mental abilities. The individual must solve a clue and do what it says to do.

"We had to use a softball in a sock to hit a basketball around," said junior Morgan Bohanan

Individuals who are having difficulties with the clues can call the "King or Queen Turkey."

The King or Queen can give easier hints or slightly solve a clue, but he or she cannot directly give the answer.

"Students have to act pretty clueless to get help with a clue," said Schneider.

This being the second year for Mrs. Schneider to "run the show" has been difficult. Mrs. Schneider has been trying to get plans figured out with the other school. She has recently been talking with Eisenhower High School’s Outloud members to try and figure out if the turkey trot will be combined this year. This would make a tremendous difference for returnees from last year - whose majority consisted of Eisenhower students.

"We had to eat a cherry berry frozen yogurt with sardines," junior Morgan Bohanan said, whose team consisted of three Eisenhower students: Mikala Thomas, Marrissa Stubbs, Meggan Craig, as well as two Goddard students: Gabriella Casenove and Bohanan.

If one is a competitive person or just someone who wants to have a good time, he or she should join and participate in the fun. And if he or she has any questions, be sure that he or she talks to Mrs. Schneider before the end of October.

"I’m definitely returning this year; last year was my first and it was awesome," senior Court Roland said.

Are Horror Movies Desensitizing Teens?

By Morgan Hart

 

October is a time for the late night horror flick marathons, but does anyone even know what horror movies do to people after that TV shuts off?

Unlike the horror movies from a few years ago, which were based mostly on suspense, horror movies today, like Saw and Scream, revolve around violence and gore to scare the audience. A Common Sense Media report shows that this may actually be desensitizing teens today. Teens realize that the screen is fiction, so they become used to it.

In 2004, Michael Hernandez, a fourteen-year-old boy, admitted to stabbing a classmate to death, and it was later found out that he used methods he had seen in American Psycho and Silence of the Lambs to try and become a serial killer himself . The 21^st century generation has to learn that even though the violence and crimes in movies are made up or dramatized, there are real things that happen in this world that should make them shudder.

Will death still be as shocking in the future? Or will people shrug it off, saying they saw that in a movie once? These are some things to consider the next time someone presses play.

Costume Shopping and Halloween

By Daniel Ramirez

The students of Goddard High are hurrying to get all of their costumes ready for Halloween. The costumes they are getting are from some of the most popular stores: Party City, Halloween Express, and Spirt Halloween. Party City is now selling costumes that are only $10 and lots of supplies for spooky parties.

"Once my Spiderman morph suit gets here, I’m going to be studding it up." Students are also planning to work for The Field of Screams.

"I wear whatever my work makes me dress up as," said sophomore Ashton Brown.

Lots of people plan to wear Hulk, Spiderman, and Iron Man masks for Halloween, too.

"It’s a mask that looks like a monster," said sophomore Brooke McBride.

McBride’s costume is considered to be quite common in Goddard.