Goodbye Class of 2010

The past 12 (or more) years of my life have been spent with the same (almost) 60 or so people. That's a lot of time. With less than 2 weeks left of my senior year, I would like to take this time to thank that class - for challenging me, for making me a better person, and for sharing with me the best years (so far) of my life. From playing basketball at recess to making Mrs. Baker turn up her hearing aids to sharing in 9/11 to watching or playing at state basketball to space camp to neon dances to becoming the class with the most people ever in NHS to just spending countless hours with you all.

I have had the privilege to create the Senior Video and I have had fun doing it. I hope you all truly enjoy seeing how we have grown into the class that we are today. So to all those graduating seniors, CONGRATULATIONS. We have made our 12 years something to be proud of.

--Allie

Happy Mother's Day

With Mother's Day quickly approaching, I decided to use my blog article to thank my own mother. Now, my mom is not like any others. She is a stay at home mom. Most people don't realize how much work they really do, and neither did I until I started getting older and paying attention to how the household worked.

Although my mom doesn't have a work uniform or get a paycheck, she still works. She works 24/7 actually. She takes on the job of chauffeur, cook, cleaning lady, laundromat, nurse, psychologist, shopper, cheerleader, counselor, interior designer, best friend, gardener, among many others. Most people could only handle one of these jobs, but it takes a special kind of person to do all of them and even more special to excel at them all. I never have to worry about having my clothes being dirty or not having food in the house. If I'm sick in the middle of the night, its always Mom who gets up to help me. Mom takes care of these jobs on a regular basis with no complaints.

For all the moms out there, have a Happy Mother's Day! You deserve it!

AP Classes

The point of taking AP classes is to get a class out of the way for college. Just about anyone is able to take the class, but how many people actually get out of the college course? Here's how it works. You take a class by a certified teacher. During the year, you cover material that is "required" by the AP class. This material will help you on the AP test.

Come May, you take a 4 hour long AP test. The tests usually consists of Multiple Choice and Free Response. For Calculus, the Free Response are toughly graded and test your ability to show work. On English, you must write 3 essays in the given time. One of the essays asks you to write on a book you have previously read. It's tough stuff. On the test, you can score ranging from a 1 to a 5. Most colleges accept a 3 and above, while others will only accept a 4 or a 5 (being the best grade). Many people don't understand that although you may be taking an AP class, you are not automatically out of a college course. If, by chance, you do not get a high enough grade on the AP test, you have options. You can take a CLEP test once you get to college for a small fee. This can get you out of a class if you score well enough. That way you can skip some easier classes and go right to the interesting ones for your major. With our excellent teachers, St. Anthony students usually perform exceptionally well on the AP tests. Best of luck to all those testing in May!

*Also, many universities give preference to students who take AP classes (whether or not the student passes the class). The U of I is included in this category. There are so many benefits to taking an AP class--and I absolutely love teaching AP Literature. I'm really looking forward to teaching AP Language next year--I'm so excited that so many students have signed up for the class.

Good luck to everyone on the AP tests this year!

Prom Dresses

I'm about tired of all those boys out there who keep complaining about prom prices. "We have to pay for the tickets, flowers, a tux, and post-prom tickets." That is all fair boys, but us girls have to pay a lot, too. Do you even know how much prom dresses are running these days? About $300 for the average. And do you know how hard it is to find that perfect dress! Pretty hard! So if we add up all the money we spend on gas looking for a dress, I'm going to guess we spend more than you. So do us ladies a favor.. compliment us on our dresses. We spend countless hours and dollars looking for the right one! We don't really care how uncomfortable your tux is because we probably can't breathe in our dress either.

Advantages to Learning a Musical Instrument

Parents today typically encourage their children to be active in some kind of sport, but not all kids are cut out for athletics. Music is a constructive alternative. Below are 5 reasons to learn a musical instrument from Lifestyle.



1. Teamwork. Being in a band helps children learn how to work well with others. In order to succeed and perform a good show, teamwork is key.

2. Discipline. To excel at an instrument, one must practice often. They will learn to succeed at their own will. They are in charge of their success.

3. Creativity. Music is an art. By taking written music and making it their own, one can be creative through music. Writing one's own songs is also rewarding.

4. Academics. In music, one learns to multi-task and develops hand-eye coordination. By focusing on their music, students learn to focus in other areas of their life.

5. Scholarships. Monetary scholarships are offered to those who play scholarships. If one does not pursue music as a career, their knowledge of music serves as a basis for other learning techniques.

Basketball Seniors

Congratulations boys on an excellent season!

Softball Season

Finally the snow is beginning to melt and we can all go outside with a winter coat and gloves. Tomorrow marks the 3 month until senior graduation (but who's counting?). With the beginning of spring, softball is also beginning. Last week, we had a meeting to determine practice times and who is all going to be on the team this year. Due to the loss of several seniors, we are down in numbers, but definitely not in talent. We have 7 returning starters along with some talented freshmen. Coach Tipton and Coach Gray are back for their second year together and are expecting a great season, as they should. We start conditioning tomorrow, or Monday, and our first official practice will begin on March 1st! We have less than 3 weeks to prepare for our first game. My only complaint is that no one is allowed in the gym for basketball sectionals. So we have no place to practice. I'm hoping it warms up by then and we can go outside on the parking lot or something.

Members of the team include:
Seniors:
Mary Jo Bushur
Kelly Jansen
Allie Kabbes
Lieren Schuette
Juniors:
Ann Bushur
Yibba Jansen
Kelly McHugh
Briana Schuette
Sophomores:
Avery Gardewine
Naomi Gray
Freshmen:
D.J. Brummer
Brianna Siemer
Meghan Wohltman
Erica Runde

What a great group of talented girls. So come cheer us on this spring. We would love your support!

Allie K

Interview Tips

Next week Friday I will be interviewing at Missouri State University for a full-ride scholarship. I personally had no clue what to expect until my dad gave me a little heads up. He told me to be able to answer the following questions/statements along with more:

• Tell me about yourself
• Why should you be chosen for this scholarship?
• Why shouldn't you be chosen for this scholarship?
  
• What are your goals in life?
  
• What do you plan to pursue after college?
• Why do you want to major in ___?
  
• What are some of your struggles?
• What type of activity during high school served as the most beneficial to your success as a person?
• Why did you choose this university?
  
• What do you do on your free time?
  
• Explain certain aspects of your essay
• How do you plan to make a difference in the world?
  

Some of these questions may seem redundant, but an honest and well-phrased answer may be the key to your success. Always be prepared and have your answers for any and all questions that you may be asked. Whenever you answer the questions, do not simply respond "yes" or "no" but also do not ramble on. Know what you mean to say and say it. Preparation is the key.

Along with preparation, my dad encouraged me to be presentable. He said to wear professional dress and smile. When you walk into the interview, walk with confidence. Shake your interviewer's hand firmly and look them in the eye. An interviewer's first impression almost always sticks with them.

So next time you're interviewed... remember your three P's. Preparation. Professional. Personable

Allie Kabbes

"Haunted Walk"

Do you ever get the feeling that your being followed?

Well, being that tonight is the night before Halloween and the night T-Town celebrates "trick-or-treat," I decided to have a little fun. I picked up Lena around 9:30 and we couldn't find a thing to do. Knowing we had friends in T-Town probably hanging out, we drove onto the Main road. We stopped when we saw two of our friends' cars parked alongside the road next to the church. We were curious what they were up to. And then!! we saw a group of junior high kids walking across the lawn next to the church. The great idea of scaring them popped into my head. I talked it over with Lena, and after much deliberation, we agreed to attempt to scare them. After parking, we followed the sound of laughter to a monastery and a screen down. I started making ghost noises. Without any reaction from the kids who apparently did not hear me, I decided I needed to be closer. I stepped closer to the door and "woooooh'ed" again. All of a sudden, the door swung open and I hit the ground running. I didn't stop until I hit the next road. Lena and I were out of breath and laughing by the time we stopped. We had so much fun, we decided to do it again.




This time we took a different approach to the door. On our way there, we saw the same group of kids walking towards us. We hurriedly "hid" in the slide in the park by the monastery. The group walked by and did not see us. I heard one of them say "They were probably just trick-or-treaters." Lena and I got a kick out of this. Then all of a sudden, I hear Lena whisper, "Allie, some old lady is walking right towards us." I slowly moved my head to where I could see what she was talking about. She was right: an older lady looked like she was headed right toward our hiding spot, and before I knew it, poked her head over the edge of the slide. She said to me, "So you're the girl I saw in the purple coat." I smiled and looked at her. She shined a flashlight in my eyes so long I thought I would go blind. She finally turned it off and my vision was restored. We ended up talking for a good ten minutes about what she and the high school students do for the the junior high students at T-Town. I was actually quite impressed. I wish our high school was able to sponsor and chaperon events for the junior high. They would probably really enjoy that. I am graduating this year, but to all those who will still be here next year, here is some food for thought for you!


by: Allie K

Swine Flu

"And remember to wash your hands!" we all hear after our daily first hour announcements. Does anyone really take this advice to heart? Well, maybe it's time to begin listening. The swine flu and the 24 hour flu has been taking out students one by one in Effingham County. Over 90 students at T-Town are out and several others around the area. One may think, "being out of school doesn't sound too bad." But the swine flu is nothing to look forward to. In fact, by knowing the symptoms of swine flu, you will be able to detect that you have it earlier and get treatment sooner. Some symptoms include:

• headache
• runny nose
• sore throat
• shortness of breath
• loss of appetite
• cough
• aching muscles
• vomiting
• diarrhea
  

Doesn't sound like too much fun! If these symptoms pertain to you, stop going to school and see a doctor. You will only endanger the other students by being around them. The virus is spread through coughing and sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes and mouth and take advantage of the flu vaccine at the hospital. They are FREE! And remember to WASH YOUR HANDS!

by Allie K

Family Dinners

Weeks have gone by since I last talked to my brother, Steven. He is away at college in Champaign. We are both busy and understand that we do not always have time to talk as much as we would like. Today he returned home from college. In celebration, we are having an extravagant family dinner consisting of the following: turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, apple crisp, and ice cream.

Family dinners, whether superfluous or not, are about being together. At the dinner table, the family learns about each other and spends time together. In our rushed society, dinner is oftentimes eaten on the run or in a car.

Take time to sit down with your family and enjoy their presence. It is a time for remembrance and laughter, tears and cries. So next time you're going through McDonald's drive through, think about what you are missing at your family dinner table.

Musicals Around the Area

This past weekend, I attended the T-Town musical, Back to the 80's. I absolutely loved it!! The songs were all popular songs from the 80's. Most high school students should know them, and most definitely, their parents. I would highly recommend going.

One comment I have, though, regards their sound system. Most of the actors had head set microphones, but I still had trouble hearing them. I hope this doesn't also occur during our own productions. It just goes to show how important the microphones truly are. At St. Anthony, we have a limited number of personal microphones. I think 8 is our max. With that said, we have an extremely large cast for this upcoming musical, Into the Woods. We need more microphones. "Go out and buy some," most would say. But we aren't supported by the school. All Fine Arts activities (musicals, plays, band, and chorus) are required to find their own money somehow. It's very difficult to have nice equipment and costumes with no money. So, I am using this blog post to advertise for our musical.

Most of our money comes from the night of the performances. We charge for people to view the musical. Last night, at T-Town's musical, the seats were full. Why can't we have the same turnout for our musicals? Support your school and classmates. Take one night on your weekend to come see how much work has been put into the production. It will keep you laughing and crying and on the edge of your seat, I can assure you. Take your significant other, your best friend, or even your grandparents! They will love spending time with you! And best of all, you will be supporting your school!

by Allie Kabbes