Friday, October 20, 2023

The October Shelbyville High School Courier is here!

ABOVE: Kathy Nolting and Jane Huber meet new Grover Center executive director Cathy Richardt, right, at an event earlier this month. BELOW: A picture of the incoming pickleball courts at Blue River Memorial Park. | photos by JACK BOYCE

Editor's note: The following articles appeared in the Oct. 24, 1995 Shelbyville High School Courier. Staff members were Erin Rees (editor), Liz Applegate, Beth Barnard, Jim Burns, Luci Pettit, Courtney Smith, Tracy Solomon, Adam Vassar, Beth Werner and Jennifer Williams.

SHS Student Council Update

by JENNIFER WILLIAMS

With Homecoming '95 a success, the S.H.S. Student Council is already hard at work on their new project: collecting items for children at Riley Hospital. The council is collecting items to donate at their state convention in Merrillville. New items for any age are asked to be donated. This project is one of the many that this year's Student Council is focusing on to help the community as well as the state.

Service-A-Thon was a project that the council participated in last month. Members sought pledges, and then in return for the donations, spent six hours volunteering at local businesses such as the Grover Museum, the public library, the Heritage House, and others including the elementary schools. The Service-A-Thon raised almost $2,000, with the majority going toward a donation to SCUFFY.

Another highlight of the council was the collection for Heath Ewing. Collection buckets were passed at the three lunches as well as the home football games.

This year's council is hard at work for the benefit of the community as well as the state. Hopefully, this will be a spectacular year for the S.H.S. Student Council.

And the Band Plays On

by JIM BURNS

Another season has ended for the SHS Marching Band. The success attained by the group of dedicated musicians was a great tribute to band director, Mr. Russell Smith, and the band's hard work.

Jaime Margason, Drum Major, led the marching band at four different half-time shows and seven pre-game shows. Other events that the entire band attended included IU Band Day; Butler Band Day, which features the tubas and euphoniums; the Bears of Blue River Parade, and the Seymour Oktoberfest Parade.

When looking back on these events, Mr. Smith stated that the continuing goal of the band is to "push each individual instrumentalist to the edge of his musical ability to broaden experiences and the ability of each musician."

As the season ends, an awards program will be held on Wednesday, October 25. A concert ends the season, as well as the reign of Jaime Margason. Next year, Suzanne Walton will lead the musicians as Drum Major. As a final statement, Mr. Smith wanted to express his feelings about this year's group: "We had a great season, and I'm really proud of them. It takes a lot of dedication." That sums up another great season for the band. March on!

Speaking in Tongues?

by ERIN REES

Having fun, eating, learning, dancing, and eating some more. Where can one find all of these activities? Some SHS students already know: at a French, Latin, or Spanish Club meeting. Many times the 50 minutes allotted for class aren't enough time to show students the entertaining aspects of a foreign language and culture. However, by becoming active in one of the three foreign language clubs, students can make new friends, improve their knowledge of a second language, have a great time, and eat some wonderful meals.

The largest foreign language club is Spanish Club, with approximately 105 members. Spanish Club began in 1967, and it has continued to thrive when many other clubs have disappeared, according to sponsor Mr. Jerry Rice.

The club meets each month, and in a typical meeting, they eat dinner, conduct a brief business meeting. Listen to a speaker, play games, dance, or sing, and have a culture presentation. Mr. Rice hopes simply to gather together students who have a similar interest and to share an evening of activities related to Spanish. Spanish class is serious business, but Spanish Club is for fun, and each meeting is really enjoyable, stated Mr. Rice. He and all the Spanish students are already anticipating the International Banquet this coming March.

Senior Cory Speece is the president of this year's Spanish Club, and senior Matt Haehl is the vice president. Senior Eric Knecht is the treasurer, and juniors Chakeyla Anderson and Craig Speece are the secretaries.

The French Club has about 15 to 20 members and also meets monthly, Sponsor Mrs. Thoma Bastin said. “I enjoy the relaxation and fun we share together, and I hope to make our projects (especially Adopt-a-family) a success.” However, Mrs. Bastin would like attendance to improve.

Besides the usual monthly meetings where French students eat, watch movies, and play games, other interesting activities have been planned. Currently, the club plans to have a Christmas party and Adopt-a-family project in December; also, a tentative lock-in is scheduled for January. The French Club also plans to dine at the restaurant Chez Jean sometime in March or April. At press time, the officers for French Club had not yet been elected.

The third foreign language club, which also meets each month, is the Latin Club. Approximately 35 students are participating in the club this year. Each Latin Club meeting begins with a short business meeting, then dinner, and then a social activity that varies depending upon the month and the season. "I enjoy spending time with students outside of the classroom. The club serves as a social function," stated sponsor Mrs. Kris Schwickrath. Mrs. Schwickrath would like to establish a few traditions with the club.

The president of Latin Club is senior Denise Sethman, and senior Gretchen Miller is vice president. Senior Melissa Winkler is the treasurer, and the secretary is senior Roxanne Goforth.

Students who enjoy learning about foreign languages and cultures have fun with Spanish, French or Latin Club By becoming a member of one of these clubs, students realize that there is more to reading, speaking, and listening to a language than just conjugating verbs.

A Mark of Rebellion

by BETH BARNARD

Didn't that hurt? How much did it cost? Where did you get it? What will your parents say? You're not 18, how did you get that thing?

These are often the questions you might hear after receiving a rebellious tattoo. Opinions about getting a tattoo are varied. Some think it's great; some think it's awful; other people want one but are too scared. Last, but not least, there are the few but proud who take the plunge and go to the tattoo parlor.

Parents are the most thought about issue when going against getting a symbol for life. All teenagers' parents hate to think of their little babies coming home with non-washable tattoos. They think it's really cute when you get a rub-on tattoo of roses or cartoon characters out of the bubble gum machine. But when the day comes when kids come home with the real thing, WATCH OUT!

The few but proud that roam our school with tattoos are seniors Kelly Critser, Amber Beikman and Heather Dover, and juniors Matt Hardin and Beth Barnard.

Kelly Critser has two tattoos, which she got at the ages of 15 and 16. She has a rose on her stomach and flowers around her ankle. After asked what her parents thought she answered with, "It's my body: I'll do what I want with it." After saying so, she added, "Don't ever get one; they hurt."

Heather Dover got her tattoo when she was 16. She has a rose on her ankle. Her mom didn't really care at all; she went with her to get it. (Imagine that!) 

My response to the situation is, don't waste your money. I got both of mine at the beginning of the school year, and I regret them.

Even though tattoos might look cool, they are something that will be with you forever. People have different opinions about tattoos; either you want one or you don't. The pain might last a while, but the tattoo will be with you for life. 

The guy at Don's Tattoos says, "Your body is a temple, why not decorate it?" So whether you agree with the situation or not, it's all about freedom. Always take the time to think, is it really worth it? Your parents might be mad at you for a while, but remember this: WHAT THEY DON'T KNOW CAN'T HURT THEM. TOO BAD!

The View From My Locker

by TRACY SOLOMON

As if the youth of Shelbyville weren't bored enough, we now have one less thing to do at night. For the past month or so, K-Mart parking lot has been closed. And if you didn't know, this was the only place to hang out at night. Of course, people could always go to the Shelbyville Cinema and catch a flick with the middle school crowd. Other people prefer to kick back with the parents or lay motionless in front of the television all night. Some of us even get so bored that we purposely get lost on a country cruise hoping that we'll end up somewhere other than Shelby County.

The only constructive activities there are available are to drive out of town, and find something to do in Indianapolis. K-Mart parking lot was a place where everyone gathered to be mellow all night and avoid any intentional trouble. Besides, the business has been closed since earlier this year, so it wasn't like this nightly gathering was scaring away any customers. They were all gone.

When I attempted to find out the reasoning behind this parking lot outrage, I contacted the Chief of Police, Chief Khert Etherton, who informed me that the police department had nothing to do with closing the K-Mart parking lot. He said that he knew nothing about its closing or who was in charge of it now. Whoever thought a parking lot could mean so much and bring out so much controversy?

Mount Slushmore: The Eighth Wonder of the World

by ADAM VASSAR

They drove a few miles, turned a corner, and encountered a building. The sign resembled the logo on everyone's favorite refreshment. Ryan had reached Mount Slushmore, the home of the Vita Pup. "My sister wouldn't tell me where we were going. When I saw the sign, I thought BAD!" Ryan recalled. 

The very famous Vita that Shelbyville students enjoy each and every day is made at Mt. Slushmore. Ryan's sister had found out by accident that Mt. Slushmore was in Cincinnati. Knowing what a big fan of the Vita Ryan was, she went to great extreme to get him a world class tour. As Ryan stepped out of the car, he saw an electronic billboard with his name and a birthday greeting. From there, he went into the guts of the operation. Ryan said that the smell of Vita in the conveyor room was sweet, but the sight was definitely sour. “The workers had Wita stained arms all the way up to their elbows," Ryan remembered. 

Ryan learned information from his tour that the average Vita consumer would maybe never find out. He found long-lost flavors that Shelby doesn't have: strawberry and watermelon. He even met the owners. The president is Will Rutcliff and his sister, Phyllis Rutcliff, is co-owner along with him. Ryan learned that Slush Puppie Inc. also produces Softserve Ice Cream, Thelma's Old Farm Frozen Lemonade, and a margarita mix called Lanikai.

Ryan made it home with shirts, pictures, cups, and a Vita newsletter called Paw Prints. When asked if just anyone could visit Mt. Slushmore he said, "My sister had to beg and plead for my tour. I think they give tours to schools though." Sounds like a great idea for Shelbyville High School.

New Members Join the Teaching Team

by LUCI PETTIT

MS. ANGELLIQUE LEVELL

Ms. Angellique Levell, the new music teacher at SHS, has been teaching music for sixteen years. She attended Martinsville High School and Butler University. Before she came to teach at SHS, she taught at Shortridge Junior High for the Performing Arts in Indianapolis. Ms. Levell's overall impression of our high school is that we have nice students. Ms. Levell enjoys listening to jazz and classical music. She used to play the piano and violin, but not since she injured her left hand. Ms. Levell is also active in equestrian sports. This year she hopes to increase the involvement of male students in music and also provide a variety of music and performance experiences.

MISS ELLEN ETIENNE

by BETH WERNER

Miss Ellen Etienne, a business teacher, has journeyed from Danville, where she went to high school, to join the SHS teaching staff. She got her teaching degree from Hanover College. She ran cross country at Hanover and now she enjoys running in her spare time. She also coached soccer in the fall, and will be coaching track in the spring. Miss Etienne said, "SHS reminds me of my home town, except it is bigger." When asked what was the biggest lesson she learned in high school, she said, “I should have listened to my teachers!" So, listen to Miss Etienne, because she is ready to teach all the students here at SHS.

Halloween Memories

by LIZ APPLEGATE

Halloween is just around the corner, and many people are remembering their favorite Halloween. Many people enjoy dressing up in costumes and others prefer going to haunted houses. This is what a few people had to say:

Jenny Beal, junior: Last year I went trick-or-treating with about five of my friends. I wore a toga and carried a sword and shield. It rained so hard that night we were all soaking wet! 

Sarah Courcier, freshman: Dressing up like Barbie!!

Molly Pouder, senior: Last year, a group of friends and I went trick-or-treating as the Village People. I was the Indian, and it poured down rain and we were soaked! We had fun singing YMCA and running from house to house getting tons of candy!

Kyle Qurazzo, junior: "My favorite memory would be when I dressed up as a Pound Puppy and ate candy until I got sick!!" 

Nick Pollitt, sophomore: Dressing up like a clown! 

Jaime Margason, senior: I went with Jessica, Ellen and Kelly to a haunted house. I was chased by a guy with a chainsaw and I tripped! Then I was trapped in a room with Freddy!!

Nick McClain, sophomore: Eating lots of candy!!!! 

Stephanie Weintraut, senior: In kindergarten I went to a haunted house with the Girl Scouts. Donkey Kong was in his cage but then he ran out, and all of us ran out of the haunted house! I was so scared!!

Natalie Amos, junior: My favorite memory is dressing up in silly costumes! 

Amber Beikman, senior: Going to haunted houses with Jessica Oldfather and Denise Sethman and getting way lost!!!

This year is sure to bring even more good times with friends and great memories. Have a great Halloween!!!

A special "thank you" to this year's sponsors, which will be posted - and updated - weekly: Torres Torres, Thunder Restoration, Huntsman Foam Spray Insulation, Larry & Sylvia Spurling, Sharp Trophies by Mack, Kristol Muñoz (REMAX at the Crossing), Lori Creech, Mark Hensley, Rita Kemple, Krista Ketchum and Kristiaan Rawlings.

Please consider advertising with us ($55 business card ad or $22 to be listed as a booster). Contact squib@shelbycs.org, or checks can be mailed to Shelbyville High School Courier, 2003 S. Miller St., Shelbyville, IN, 46176. Again, thank you so much for your support! - Kristiaan Rawlings, advisor