Dear Yo-Yo,

Whats the big deal with me standing in the hallway and hanging out with my friends between classes? Teachers and principals are getting so up-tight about this, but I need my time to catch up with everybody. Sincerely, Conversation Cramped Dear Conversation Cramped, Lately I have noticed an increasing number of people who take great pleasure in lingering in the hallways between their classes. I have also noticed a great number of teachers and administrators who are absolutely perturbed by this, particularly teachers and administrators with a certain sway in the happenings of the Octorara Outlook itself. As a result the question was humbly submitted to me, the moral high ground, why are these students so insistent on keeping their temporary territories in between classes? The answer is simply that sheep are herding creatures. Personally I fully support their staking claims to individual locations, if only for the sake of rebellion itself! Who are these staff to tell the student body what to do? We have every right as human beings to linger and loaf around anywhere we please. After all, the intricate social queues involved in the day to day workings of modern life cannot be taught in any classroom. Theres no elective for loitering, no AP course on conversation. In fact, I call upon every person who has ever been reprimanded for standing around, do not let your wool be pulled over your eyes any longer, and see things for what they are; do not let yourself be pushed out of the way by those whose authority stems from your presence. Linger in the corridors as long as you like, after all you always reach your destination eventually. Take a stand against teacher oppression, waste as much time as possible with mindless chatter, both literally and figuratively. Alas, for we as the American-no, the YO-YO Youth, have nothing else to stand for! So continue to form your clots in the stream of the hallway, so that one day the heart of education itself will cease to oppress and command you onward. Imagein...moving onward. And if a staff member tries to beat back the hand of liberty, tell them Yo-Yo says hello, and calmly continue with your business. Only these drastic measures will clarify once more that there is not a single group on earth as focused on what matters most, freedom, as the Yo-Yo Youth.
Advisor: Mrs. Watson Editor-in-Chief: Meghan Miller Writers: Rachel Anderson Troy Alfelt Ann Donnelly Austin Ellis Kalyn Kerr Bayard Leach Rosendo Lopez Rachel Aliya Makansi Alison Markmann

Yo-Yo Advice Column

So loiter on you murmuring heroes! Only in the halls of Octorara will you learn the skills youll need later in life when you find yourselves gathering around the trashcan-fires of freedom in between occupy protests and the local soup kitchens opening time. Loiter on and plant your roots in the fertile ground of American freedom so that you may grow, tree-like, into a better person, in a better, more stagnant tomorrow. Congratulations to the Students of the Month!! January - Meghan Miller, daughter of Phil and Debbie Miller February - Joe Mattis, son of Jon and Debbie Mattis March - Mauriece Bowers, son of Mauriece and Brenda Bowers April - Amanda Billig, daughter of Marshall and JoAnn Billig

The

ctorara Outlook
in the High School?? Where?? By: Troy Alfelt and Rosendo Lopez

Volume 9, Issue 3 Spring 2013

Toddlers

Congratulations to these art students!! Winning entries for the Lancaster County Young Artist Competition 38 pieces in the show (Gold, 1st Place; Silver, 2nd Place; Exhibition, Honorable mention) Amy Achenbach 1 Exhibition Linzy Amen 2 Exhibition Ryan Amey 1 Exhibition Hannah Anderson 1 Silver, 1 Exhibition Rachel Boldt 1 Gold, 1 Silver Valentina Brucchieri 1 Gold Bryar Bullock 1 Exhibition Hannah Dieringer 2 Exhibition Roy Engel 1 Silver, 1 Exhibition Sasafras Gingrich 1 Silver, 2 Exhibition William Graber 1 Silver Alexis Gwizdak 4 Exhibition Trokon Hufnagel 1 Exhibition Rachael Jones 1 Exhibition Jesse Kelly 1 Exhibition Sergei Lapp 1 Exhibition Emily Maxwell 1 Exhibition Gracie McDonough 1 Exhibition Allison Mowrey 1 Gold, 1 Exhibition Julya Nichols 1 Exhibition Bailey Peterson 1 Gold, 2 Exhibition Deborah Pillitteri 1 Exhibition Erika Schaefer 1 Exhibition Cassandra Triplet 2 Exhibition

Octorara's CTP Child Care Education Program is a class in which students from our school are able to learn to improve their skills and knowledge of child development. This is done under the supervision of the teacher, Miss Pitts, as the students are divided into two groups one that will interact with the children for that day and one that will observe the activities of the day. This ensures that the high school students are able to get a grasp for hands-on interaction as well as get a view of how everyone works with the children. Though this class is based around learning how to take care of young children, the children only attend about two days out of a five day school week and the children who attend are not always the same. Parents can sign their children up to attend this program, for a fee, and their children will then be able to socialize and learn with children of the same age range, which can also free up a parent's schedule. This program helps the students learn about the steps of child development and the children, ages 3-5, socialize with other kids every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:15-11:45a.m. Spots are limited so parents are encouraged to reserve a spot that will give their children a great experience. We observed a day in the classroom and a typical day is something like this: the morning starts with preparing the room. Desks are rearranged so that the classroom becomes a daycare center in no time. The kids then begin to arrive and start a general play-time. Castles, racetracks, and mansions are built and destroyed. A rather heated argument began over whether a horse should appear on a race car track. Next, the children were assembled for attendance, which was done in song form (something that should be implemented in the high school). Then they sang the days of the week song. Upon being asked what was on the ground that snowy morning one child replied carpet. One is always reminded just how carefully questions should be worded when speaking with toddlers. cont on page 3

An Inspiring Season for Octorara JV Boys Basketball By: Amma Prociuk

It is Thursday night at 6 p.m. in the high school gym. The JV boys basketball team is in a heated battle with Kennett, both teams sprinting back and forth on the court taking shot after shot. Coach Ralston is alternating players at key positions as needed. The team is pushing the limits of their energy and endurance. And Garry Peace buzzes in to the game. Shouts of encouragement and applause thunder from the student section on the Braves side of the gym. Parents and community members collectively nod and silently applaud the coachs decision to showcase Garrys abilities and award him game time on the court with his friends, after the team all put in a season of hard work. Page 1

Newspaper Staff:
Meghan Miller Erin Murphy Amma Prociuk Amelia Ventura Brittany Wier Photographers: Hannah Anderson Rachel Anderson Ann Donnelly Mrs. Watson

Outlook Equal Opportunity Statement

Octorara Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and handicap in activities, programs, or employment practices as required by Title VI, and section 504. For information regarding civil rights, grievance procedures, or service, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by handicapped persons, contact Director of Special Services at: Octorara School District 226 Highland Road Atglen, Pennsylvania 19310 (610)-593-8254
Inside this Issue: Inside this Issue: Handball 2 Word Search 2 Adderall 3 Spring Musical 5 Sleeping in Class - 6 College Expectations 7 Yo-Yo Advice 8 Students of the Month 8 Art Awards 8

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Handball Tournament: Diving, Flailing, Smashing Success! By: Ann Donnelly

The Octorara Handball Tournament, organized by the National Honor Society, made for quite an eventful Thursday afternoon. The ten teams, ranging from freshmen only to solely faculty members, competed head-to-head to win the title of handball champion. Four consecutive games and sore muscles did not stop the wildlife-themed team, Were Not Cheetahs, from a welldeserved victory. The team, consisting of seniors Bo Graber, Zac Cornell, Max Gallagher, Marc Reilly, Kevin Carr, Joe Mattis and sophomore Daulton Pointek, beat out the previously undefeated power team of Patrick McHenry, Derrick McHenry, Adam Schenk, Anthony DiNorscia, Ray Stiles, Nathan Reynolds, and Jacob Dagney for the title of handball champion. The game remained even throughout the six-minute period, ending at two goals for each team. After the six-minute regulation period, a two-minute sudden death overtime occurred and ended with a buzzer-beater goal by Zac Cornell. Fierce competition and support from the student spectators definitely made the first NHS Handball Tournament a smashing success!

The Expectations of College Are Simple By: Alison Markmann and Amelia Ventura
Is college education a better investment than it was in the past? Is a college education priced between $45,000 and $55,000 a year really worth it? As more Americans enter into a post-secondary education that does not promise them a job after graduation, the value in obtaining a college education (that does promise upwards of $200,000 in debt) is being called into question. From a parents perspective, this price tag is ludicrous. Their children go to school only to come back with a still-average intellect. The students would argue that this price is worth the investment because included in the tuition, fees, room, and board, are essential amenities that they cannot picture college life without; and why should they have to? Seeking nothing more than a credential, over 50% of graduates are unemployed. According to an article in Newsweek by Megan McArdle, a diploma is nothing more than a certificate testifying that they are smart enough to get into college, conformist enough to go, and compliant enough to stay there for four years. Needless to say, college students strive for this piece of paper regardless of the price, claiming to know exactly what they are doing because they are well-practiced grownadults who are independent enough to make their own decisions. Hey, if going to class a couple times a week means that they have full access valet parking and a concierge desk, why shouldnt they take advantage of these extras offered at colleges across the country including Westminster and University of Southern California? Take Scripps College (California) for example nearly every student has her own room with a balcony and walk-in closet, and each living area features a fireplace and a grand piano! Slightly closer to home, George Washington University offers eight theme-based apartment-style houses to cater to the students interests, and Boston University has spent $200 million on its fitness and recreation center, which features an indoor track, rock climbing wall, and lazy river. Heading further north, we find Bowdoin College in Maine which provides housing residents with a budget that covers student activities including parties, concerts and shows, among other activities. It just seems standard that students of a first-world country should have daily access to a five course meal (Bowdoin College), a jacuzzi (Washington State University) to relax in, and free ice cream (Davis and Elkins College) for when things get emotional (college relationships can be tough!). And why should students have to clean their own rooms and do their own laundry when universities such as Claremont McKenna College and Davidson College will do those services for you? A degree and possible employment are really just the cherries on top to the college experience for students who seek enjoyment more than security. When you look at what our colleges are providing for students, the expectations of colleges really do seem simple! Some colleges are not ranked based upon the value of their education, but rather which is the best party school. So vital is this that each year a list of the top ten party schools is published by top news contributors like CNN and U.S. News. Although parents are oftentimes concerned with which school offers the major that their child wants or where their child will best fit in, the more accurate measure of universities is what amenities they offer. If students were truly concerned about the long-run, they might reconsider the price tag that comes with the education. As the population of students going to college redefines their education, parents and students alike must reconsider what is most valuable to them: a college education or a four-year vacation? Despite this reputation gained by many, for students serious about earning a college education, the time and price ultimately pay for themselves as expensive is subjective; the previously discussed perks only serve as additional ways for top colleges to attract these top students. According to Radhika Singh Millers article, Finding Value in a College Degree, the average college graduate earns $650,000 more over a lifetime than a non-college graduate and has a more stable employment. Also, college affords these students the opportunity to discover what they love and get paid to do.

Valentines Day
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Across Hershey, PA is the ___________ capital of the world Sometimes on Valentine's Day, a secret _______ will give you an anonymous present Type of flower and one of the main characters in the movie Titanic Fictional character with a bow and arrow Roses, Carnations, and Daisies Stuffed animal named after a former U.S. president The act of being overly friendly to get ones attention A girls best friend "Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here's my number so________________"

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Down Leonardo Dicaprio film Famous Hershey's candy Type of movie girls usually make their significant other take them to see A nickname for someone who is loved. Also, made by bees How you feel after you and your significant other break up

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 Sleeping in Class: The Angelic and Demonic Views By: Austin Ellis and Bayard Leach
ZZZZZ Whats that sound? Just another kid wasting his parents cash and stressing his parents out. What an expensive, uncomfortable pillow! We live in a free country (kind of); one must be educated up to a certain level, but after that, its your choice to do what you want. There are exceptions to this rule, as Ben Franklin spoke the truth some two hundred years ago: In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. Whether you enjoyed your naps on the pseudo-wooden tabletops or not, you have chosen to spend your life in Atglen. This hyperbolic generalization may be just that, an exaggerated vague view of a large diverse body of people, but, studies have shown that people who spend more time listening to their teachers earn more degrees and subsequently earn more money over time. If one earns more money through hard work and effort, he is more able to choose the life he wishes to live; more able to go to the places he desires to visit. If you have not wasted your four years yet, PLEASE! Pick your head up off of the table and listen to some of the great staff at Octorara. The administration and staff here at OHS wants to help you succeed and accomplish your goals, only if you have them. This is the reasoning behind the student portfolios counselors want you to focus and orient your classes around a final goal be it a high school diploma, bachelors degree, military post, or other goal. With this focus on the future, your teachers and you should remember the present. Teachers care about you and are not so happy when you waste their livelihood by only caring about your sleep schedule. They have worked so hard to present lessons that are worthwhile to students, so dont be that guy. The matter is not just focus but manners as well; be a polite, respectful human being. Take care, demonstrate some effort to your teachers and yourself, and dont get any drool on the desks; the next student coming in after you has to contend with that! While the above angel may have some thoughtful points, let me take a few moments to demonize them.. With activities, homework, church groups, and mountains of other things to do, sometimes people just have to prioritize. In some situations math class might be the best place to sleep, I mean students cant sleep at night; we have too much math homework! Students nowadays are overworked and overstressed to the max. Lack of sleep acts as a bigger drain on focus and attention than anything else in a students day. Sleeping through one class gives the person the ability to focus and actually learn something in another instead of being in a haze for the entire day. And people who sleep in class are tired, not stupid. Nine times out of ten people will sleep through a class theyre doing well in to prepare themselves for a course they have more difficulty with. What right does a teacher have to be angry about students sleeping in class? The teachers are really to blame here. They need to realize that you can lead a horse to water, but you cant stop it from falling asleep while its drinking, falling in, and drowning. It could always be worse: faculty, would you rather have your students miss class because they fell asleep walking down the hallway? At least theyre in the room, right? Sometimes the best lesson plan you can hope for is a subconscious one. Another fact not considered: allowing sleeping in class is the number one way to boost interest in a subject. When a student awakens from a peaceful sleep at the end of class the first thing theyll do is turn to the person next to them and say, Whatd I miss? Now THAT'S good studentship. Sleeping in class may not be the best thing for someones grade, but sometimes its a necessary evil. If you liked this article then don't miss next quarter's article on sleeping while reading the school newspaper!

Adderall and all that comes with it may not make it such a smart drug By: Meghan Miller
In a society where we compete for first, many college students nationwide have resorted to the use of Adderall. Adderall is a drug customarily prescribed to people with ADHD and narcolepsy. Composed of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, Adderall works to focus the brain. Often referred to as the colloquial smart drug for its academic enhancement, Adderall is used by college students not prescribed to the drug to gain an academic edge, reported USA Today. Adderall changes around the brains normal chemicals and helps increase focus. Its a stimulant which puts you on point, said Jessica Kaczinski, Pharm D. This issue is that you find kids in college taking it because it helps them stay up all night. The negative side is people abusing it in college, even when they dont have ADHD, said Kaczinksi. Lisa Laitman, director of a drug and alcohol assistance program at Rutgers University, told USA Today that college students use Adderall in two ways. One is a sort of performance enhancement [which] would mean that someone is simply using Adderall to study better and stay up. The other way, obviously, is to abuse the drug to get high, said Laitman. Said a Wharton student at the University of Pennsylvania, who uses Adderall, in an interview with Melanie Bavaria of 34th Street Magazine: I can bang out a paper very quickly. But if people showed the same concern for their body that they do schoolwork, they may find the drug isnt wholly helpful. Short-term symptoms caused by Adderall include decreased appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Some patients suffer with psychotic issues like restlessness or hallucinations. But the long-term effects awaiting heavy, prolonged users are more serious. In chronic use, we worry about the cardiovascular system, and enlargement of the heart, said Kaczinski. In addition to the medical implications, legality also comes into play. Students who have been prescribed the drug for medical reasons say they are regularly accosted by friends, roommates, and classmates who are looking for a quick Adderall fix, wrote Dan Reimold with USA Today in his article College Adderall boom has unintended
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Source: parentsunited.org cont from page 1

The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited and story time followed shortly after. The book was There was an old lady who swallowed a fly, a pointed tale on the culture of consumerism. The kids were given cards with animals on them and when the old lady swallowed their respective animal the kids would place them on the board. The children were rewarded for their diligence with snack time. Since it was Valentine's Day the kids cut cheese slices into hearts whilst hungry journalists were forced to watch. Overall though, the ability of those in the high school class was evident and well-rehearsed. After snack time music and motion time began. The children were given instruments: all percussive, all loud. In a cheesefueled frenzy they smashed, clapped, and shook their various instruments. They were unresponsive to repeated requests for Free Bird. Beyond a doubt, the work being done by these high school students is impressive. If for one moment, someone thought that the world of caring for children was simple or boring, they can rest assured that that is a fallacy. The work done here was inspiring and the journalists themselves left exhausted.

This issue of the Octorara Outlook is printed in-house, right here at Octorara Area High School with help from Mr. Laulettas Graphic Design & Printing club. Front Page design created by 2011 graduate, Chris Kremski Page 6 Page 3

cont from page 1 Those who witnessed the game and the time that Garry had to grace the court witnessed a moment in time that captures the meaning of goodness. Garrys uninhibited excitement, the teams supportive stance around Garry, the coachs calls to help position and manage Garry as he would any other player and the way Garry watched his teammates and responded to their moves on the court all came together to remind those in attendance that each of us has the chance every day to be a team player. Winning is nice. Being the highest scorer is admirable. But bringing people together those on the court, those on the bench, those in the stands is far more lasting. Garry's presence on the team helped them to realize this. When asked how he had affected their views on what "team" means, the other players said, "It isn't about who's better or who's worse. It's about winning and losing together. Garry may not play a lot but when he does he definitely gives it his all and has fun while doing it." Garry's constant enthusiasm and sense of humor showed his teammates that you can do whatever you want, no matter who you are or what the circumstances. Even when they weren't winning, he managed to keep a positive attitude. All of this inspired the team to appreciate every moment of the basketball season together with the team. Coach Ralston also watched his team come together with Garry's presence. He saw them help Garry to make sure he knew what they were doing and how to do it; he "didn't have to coach Garry much because the players did." Starting on the first day when the team was doing its warm-up stretches, they all jumped in to teach Garry when he didn't know what to do. Coach Ralston also saw Garry grow as a player and an individual. "He has made some new friends and he is part of a team and a program that will help him whenever he needs it. Garry has improved his ball handling and his shooting. He didn't make a basket in a game but I am sure next year he will." Garry's experience with the team was an inspiring one for his coaches, his teammates, and himself. He learned how to be a part of a team and push himself to play as hard as he could. The most enjoyable part of the season for him was playing basketball with the other boys, and being part of a team. Their support helped him to succeed, just as his enthusiasm brought them all together. As for his future plans with basketball, he said, "I will continue to play and to get mad skills." There were many memorable moments during this year's season for everyone. For the team, the biggest highlights were watching Garry make four baskets in a row at practice and seeing his energy the first time he entered a game. Coach Ralston said, "The moments I remember are all his enthusiasm and effort. Garry loves the game of basketball and he shows it every day. I remember thinking and hoping we could make this work and I know it worked for everyone involved!" Garry's own favorite memories were playing in some of the games and almost making a basket. Though they won some games and lost some, this season was a truly unforgettable one. The game against Kennett was one of those key memories that the team will never forget because win this team did! Yes, the game ended in a breathless moment, with a score of 51-50, to overcome the Kennett players. Everybody else won too...leaving the court perhaps with a reaffirmation of why we do what we do.

The Hills Are Alive! By: Rachel Anderson, Erin Murphy, and Hannah Anderson
This years OHS Spring Musical will be Rodger & Hammersteins The Sound of Music, and rehearsals for the production are in full swing! The cast and crew are busy preparing for the show, which will open on Friday, March 15th, at 7:30 p.m. This year, for the first time ever, there will be a sing-along matinee of the show! The sing-along will be performed on Saturday, March 16th, at 2:00 p.m., and the cast invites the audience to get involved and sing along! The production will close on Saturday, March 16th, at 7:30 p.m. The cast includes Sara Fiscus as Maria Rainer, Beau Chase as Captain von Trapp, Erin Murphy as Liesl von Trapp, Roger Williamson as Rolf Gruber, and Phoebe Harnish as the Mother Abbess. The cast also includes seniors James Supplee, Kelsey Bullock, Jeremy Miller, and Rachel Anderson, as well as some surprise members youll just have to come out to the show to see! Please come support your peers and enjoy an event of spectacular music and fun for the whole family! Ticket information is available at http://oahstheater.wikispaces.com/OHSPAD

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side effects. Although sellers may make some profit during finals season, for example, when academic tensions are especially high, selling the drug still remains illegal. People not prescribed the drug face possession with intent to distribute, said Officer Murtagh of the Parkesburg Police Department, Selling it is a felony. Because Adderall has become more popular and used illegally more frequently, it has spread to high schools. The New York Times conducted a study of teenagers in high school using Adderall, and received responses in shocking numbers. Students who were previously self-motivated in school finally succumbed to Adderall when their workload increased because of its academic performance enhancement. Said a 16-year-old sophomore from Minneapolis, Something inside of me that sparked the drive to be independently successful died, and I swallowed the pills. An 18-year-old from Sarasota, FL responded that Adderall causes reliance, memory problems, and harsh mood swings. But she continues to use the drug because, said the girl, Adderall hasnt become a study drug to me, its become a way of life. Said Kaczinski, Adderall is a narcotic, class 2 scheduled prescription meaning it is a highly addictive medication. After a patient uses it chronically, they can become drug-dependent and go through withdrawal. Once on the drug for four weeks, the person needs to be weaned off or they could become addicted, said Kaczinski. An antidote for Adderall has not yet been developed. If a person overdoses, doctors can only treat the specific symptoms. But major concerns in these cases are heart problems and seizures. Have we become a society reliant on pills to solve all our problems? Pills to stay awake, pills to fall asleep, pills to stimulate hair growth. And now people cant complete course work on their own without a pill helping them along the way? Furthermore, wouldnt the use of Adderall count as a form of academic dishonesty or cheating, as are performance-enhancing drugs in sports? Will the use of Adderall ever end? Can a person honestly say that he will only use it in college to maintain good grades and manage his workload, and after graduation that will be the end? Or, will the use continue once he lands a job so he can compete for promotions and bonuses in the same way he competed to boost his GPA in college? By the end of his life, can he truly be satisfied that he accomplished anything for himself? Page 5