Kelly Wachtel: Athlete of the Month (Volleyball)

By Chantal Meacham Staff Writer

 

 

 

 

 

Athlete of the Month

Kelly Wachtel

   Kelly is a senior outside hitter for the Chargers Volleyball Team.  During the 2010 season, she was awarded with All-Conference and First Team All-Area.  She received the News Gazette Athlete of the Week this year along with being on two All-Tournament Teams at Lincoln-Way and the Charger Invite. She plans on playing volleyball at IUPUI on a full-ride scholarship next year. 

What is your best memory of the season so far?

-          Beating Central

When did you start playing volleyball?

-          5^th Grade

Who is your favorite athlete?

-          Peter Black

If you could go anywhere in the world it would be:

-          Italy

What’s your favorite food?

-          Mashed Potatoes

Who’s your favorite artist?

-          John Mayer

Who’s the funniest on the team?

-          Libby Cocagne

What’s your favorite color?

-          Blue

Where was your last vacation to?

-          Hilton Head, South Carolina

Who is your dream date?

-          Finn from Glee

Jalen Anderson: Athlete of the Month (Football)

By:  Chelsea Cross Staff Writer

 

 

 

 

Athlete of the month:

Jalen Anderson

             Jalen Anderson plays Free Safety for our Centennial football team. He’s a senior who led the team in forced fumbles and interceptions.  Jalen has not yet decided what school he will be attending but, he wants to major in Education or Psychology.

 

 

 

 

Who’s the funniest person on the team?

“Steven Rhoads” 

Who’s your favorite athlete?

Kobe “Black Mamba” Bryant  (NBA Basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers)

What’s your favorite part of the season?

“Getting two interceptions against Central”

Finish the sentence….

If I could go anywhere it would be…

“Los Angeles”

 My favorite color is…

“Red”

 My favorite artist…

“Kanye West”

If I could describe myself in one word it would be…

”Confident”

K-pop Finds a Champaign Audience

By Faith Middleton

Champaign-Urbana is, without a doubt, a college town. With the popular University comes the wide-spread diversity of cultures, languages, ethnic groups and tastes. One such taste is the genre of “K-pop”, or Korean pop music.

 Korean pop is deeply rooted in electropop, hip-hop and R&B. The most frequently used instruments are vocals, drums, drum pads, electric bass, keyboards, pianos, and synthesizers.

 The genre of K-pop is said to have begun in the early 1990s with the debut of Seo Tai-ji & Boys, who incorporated aspects of techno and hip-hop into their music. These pioneers were followed by the founding of talent agencies; S.M. Entertainment was founded by Lee Soo Man in 1995.

 The practice of talent scout and agencies is one held onto in current times. Coaches and agents train future debutantes in voice, dance, language and physical fitness. The coaches ensure that their clients are at their best in stage presence and are likely to succeed in the music industry.

“K-pop is a very unique form of music that is completely unheard of elsewhere,” Michael Park, Centennial Junior, said. “Also, K-pop is a type of music that obsesses over how catchy it is and how good-looking the singers are. Everyone likes catchy tunes and good-looking people with fancy dance moves.”

In order to extend an artist/group’s popularity and influence, they often sing in more than one language. For example, BIGBANG and Girls’ Generation targeted the Japanese audience by singing and giving interviews in Japenese. Many groups also sing in English, recording even whole songs in English.

 ”BIGBANG and 2ne1 [are my favorite groups] because they’re unique and unpredictable,” Annie Roh, Sophomore, said.

Perhaps the greatest factor in the spread of K-pop has been the internet. Even though American news and pop culture is generally centered around English-speaking artists, one may still listen to Korean pop on websites.  News also reaches foreign audiences quite easily through sites such as allkpop.com and mtvk.com.

Because of the high concentration of Korean students walking the halls of Centennial, many students of other nationalities are influenced by their peers’ musical preferences. Rachel Berner, a native of Champaign, expresses interest in the genre.

  ”I like the different language, and it’s really fun,” Rachel Berner, Sophomore, said. “It’s a different kind of pop [than usual].”

 K-pop is similar to American techno and electronica. Many girl groups emphasize an upbeat mood, which can be found in American pop as well. However, there is much contrast between American pop and Korean pop.

Unlike American pop, young hopefuls in Korea must audition to even set foot in the music business. They go through several try-outs, and if one doesn’t make the cuts: back to training. Agents then form groups from these soon-to-be stars, ensuring that they each complement the others’ abilities. After a while of being in a group, members may launch solo careers, meanwhile staying a part of the band. Since some group members are more popular than others, this gives fans insight into individual artists’ creative potential.

When asked how K-pop differs from its American counterparts, Annie Roh stated, “It’s Korean.”

iPhone vs Droid

By: Andrew Warner   Staff Writer

Technology these days is moving forward at a faster rate than we are able to keep up with. With all of these new 3-D TV’s, and electric cars and what not, it is making it harder for us simple-minded folk to decide on some of our necessities, such as our cell phones. Upgrading to a smart phone is a huge decision and a big leap forward in the technological world, so you want to make sure you are getting the best of the best. Sooner or later you will be asking yourself, iPhone or Droid. This will be a great debate that with whomever you talk to, you will definitely hear a biased opinion. The point of this will be to lay out the raw facts and let the buyer beware of what they are getting themselves into.

            Let’s start with the iPhone. Now as soon as you see that little under case “i” you already know what you will be dealing with. Apple has been around since the 70’s and since blown up in our faces with all their fun toys and gizmos coming out every 3 weeks so it is impossible to keep up. Through all that time, one thing about them has stayed the same and that would be their reliability. People tend to go with what they know, even if it is not what is the best. This has become most recently apparent in the iPhone.

            Apple has had huge breakthrough innovations that have changed the way we communicate in our modern world, hence the face time talking ability. The iPhone was the very first smart phone on the market, starting in 2007. Since then, other big electronic companies have built around the base of the iPhone only trying to compete. So yes Apple has originality, I will give them that. Some things Apple has finished first in is they were one of the first to make a multi-touch and what some would call “heat censored” touch screen. Although the mechanics behind it are much more than a heat transfer, the preciseness of the touch screen is much compared to a heat censored board. This was a huge change from the typical grid patterned touch screen, which was much harder to calibrate and caused many issues. Probably Apple’s biggest breakthrough was the ability to face time talk with another person, via their cell phone. People could see their loved ones from across the country and have essentially face-to-face conversations with them at the touch of a button. This was a huge creation that was a big reason why Apple is loved so much.

            Now comes time for the Droid. Apple has just set down the foundation for the smart phone market and all Droids have done is come in and built upon it to make it better. All Apple has done is given Droids a gateway to better phones. This applies to any and everything. Whenever Apple comes out with a new feature or add-on to the iPhone, Droid just takes that, and makes it better. The App market for example, which Droid now has more apps and not to mention almost all of the ones you would pay two dollars for on the Apple market, are free on the Droid. Another benefit, Droids 4G capability. iPhone really let their loyal costumers down this past month with the iPhone 4s. This highly anticipated phone was not even close to what it was expected to be. Without 4G capabilities, Apple will soon fall behind in the technology world. iPhone has been at a steady downward trend while droids have been creeping on up.

            So the question arises, what DOES the iPhone actually have that is better than the Droid. Coming from a technological standpoint, the answer is nothing. What they do have to offer is reliability and the brand name. If its advanced, top of the line, state of the art technology you want in a phone, Droid is the way to go. If it is guaranteed reliability and the little apple on the back so that people know the brand, that you want, well, the iPhone is for you. It all depends on the buyer and their priorities in their phone and overall well-being.

A New Additon to Centennial: Middle Eastern Club

By: Abrar Al-Heeti Staff Writer

One of the greatest ways to connect with fellow students is through clubs and organizations. Fortunately, we have a wide array of such organizations here at Centennial. From different hobbies to varying cultures, there is sure to be a club to support shared interests among members.

            This September, several Middle Eastern students at Centennial decided to start a Middle Eastern Club, with the help of Social Studies teacher Mr. Hasenstab, who originally approached the students with the idea of creating the club. Previously, nothing in our school represented people of Middle Eastern background, and students were looking to change that.

 Member and Junior Tara Ibrahim says that they, “wanted to have a place at school to teach people about Middle Eastern culture and add variety to our school’s after school activity selection.” Potential members came together in a meeting to, “discuss with Coach Has what the club would be able to do,” and, “take suggestions from those interested in the club.”

            The club members meet every Tuesday in Room 212 to participate in activities such as games, discussions, and planning for future events that relate to Middle Eastern culture. Ibrahim says, “My favorite aspect of the club is being able to talk about Middle Eastern culture with those who have that background and those who are interested in it.”

            The group also participates in community service. “Our club does have a social aspect. We are going to be volunteering for the canned-food drive and try to participate in other volunteering opportunities throughout the community,” says Ibrahim. “We are trying to be proactive in our community.”

            Unfortunately, the Middle East is one of the most poorly understood regions of the world. However, the hope for members in the club is that they can try to eliminate misconceptions. With events planned to celebrate traditional holidays and presentations given on different parts of the region, the goal is not only to provide a medium for fellow Middle-Easterners to collaborate, but also to expose people of other backgrounds to the many positive aspects of the Middle East.

Anyone of any background is welcomed and even encouraged to join – the club is by no means only for Middle Eastern students. In fact, it is the desire of members to share their customs with those who are unfamiliar to the background, which will hopefully create better understanding among different people.

            These concerns that the members possess are demonstrated by Ibrahim when she says, “My hope is that I am able to get information about other Middle Eastern cultures and help raise community awareness about Middle Eastern culture, as well as erase other misleading and incorrect stereotypes while helping to serve our community.”

With strong will and dedication, she and other members of the Middle Eastern Cultural Club may be able to make these hopes a reality.

Chicago Bears: Taking Down the Competition

By Will James Staff Writer

The Chicago Bears are one of the most known teams of the NFL and they are usually a favorite amongst the students of Centennial. Last year the Bears ended their regular season with an 11-5 record. They won the NFC north division but lost the NFC championship game to their rival and soon to be Superbowl Champions the Green Bay Packers.  Even though they finished with the NFC North division title they clearly still needed some improvements.

            The Bears opened to some pretty tough competition and have a record of 4-3 that leaves them third in the NFC North division. This shows that the Bears are still in needed of some improvements. When asked how the Bears could improve this season, senior, Brent Anderson answered “The biggest thing the Bears would needed to improve on would be their Offensive Line, without a offensive line Jay Cutler as no time to make the throws he needs to make.” Jay Cutler is currently leading the NFL in sacks with 52 and no matter how good a quarterback is in the NFL he cannot complete any throws if he does not have the time.

            Something that the Chicago Bears acquired this off-season was a long wide receiver who would go up and get the ball. During the 2010 season the Chicago Bears leading receiver was a running back, Matt Forte. This made it impossible to have any down the field plays and handicapped the Bears’ offense so during the off-season the Chicago Bears went out and got Roy Williams. “He’s able to stretch out the defense and he is also a good fit for the Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz” Archie Williams responds after being asked about the impact of Roy Williams. Now that the Bears have this tall receiver accompanied by Devin Hester and Johnny Knox they will be able to balance out the run game.

            The Chicago Bears won their last game played in London against Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There were a lot of improvements shown in this game including the offensive lines blocking. Jay Cutler was only sacked once and even though sacks are considered bad having only one is a bright sign for the Bears.

Next week the Bears will play Philadelphia Eagles for a Monday night game. The Eagles are 2-4 but the game is still predicted to be a good one. Chicago’s offensive is starting to pick up with the balance of a great running game and a good game through the air. Michael Vick will definitely be an obstacle for the Bears but with Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher, and Lance Briggs on their defense he should be able to be contained.

Centennial Boy’s Golf: History In the Making

By:  Alex Wallner

            As the season came to a close, the Centennial Chargers golf team seemed to be looking even stronger than they did at the beginning of the season.  With an undefeated season in matches, three tournament wins (Central, Danville and Champaign County) and multiple top ten finishes, the Chargers were looking to make history and make the state tournament as a team for the first time in over two decades.  It all culminated at the Big Twelve Conference Championship which was at the Chargers’ home course.  There the Chargers led by junior, Ryan Hunt, who fired a 79 earned third place only losing to Normal West and Mattoon.  Things were looking great again going into Regional’s which were also hosted at U of I Orange Course.  The Chargers’ tied with St. Thomas More, but lost in a scorecard playoff to receive second place, but were led by yet another junior in Grey Schultz who won the individual crown edging STM’s Richard Harrington on #1 at the Orange course.

 

            As the Chargers were heading to Sectionals, there was only one thing on their minds, getting to State.  Sectionals turned out to be more than just getting to State though; instead it turned out to be the main highlight of the season.  The Chargers won the Sectional Tournament beating Galesburg by four strokes to advance to the main stage, the stage that the Chargers were looking forward to for the whole entire season.  The State Tournament which was not just for an individual, but instead was for the team.  Going to State as a team is a remarkable feat, as the Chargers have not seen State, team wise, since 1989, when Jamie Fairbanks’ Charger team, who didn’t even win Sectionals went on to State and eventually won it.

            The Chargers were on top of the world heading into the State Tournament.  With a pep talk from former Chicago Bear head coach, Mike Ditka the night before, the Sectional Champs, who were the #1 seed and the favorite to win were looking for another highlight to an amazing season.  The nerves seemed to hit them the first day though as the Chargers found themselves dug into a hole they could not get out of.  Under awful conditions at Weibring Golf Club in Normal, the Chargers were looking to get out of the first day trying to not finish in last place, but finished in tenth place far behind leader Belleville Althoff, won Centennial beat at Sectionals.  The next day turned around though as Centennial jumped three places to finish at seventh led by seventh place finisher, Peter Black who fired a tremendous 69, his third of the season and 27th place finisher, Grey Schultz who finished with a 79.  The Chargers did not give up and showed that the second day when they battled hard and finished at seventh place on one of the hardest courses in Illinois.

 

            The experience turned out to be great in the end as the Chargers learned how the course was formatted and as a team respected each other more and more because of their tremendous play and accomplishments throughout the season.  When asked how state as a team impacted you as a player, Schultz responded, “It was a great experience and was a great time.  I feel like if I go next year I will be way better prepared than I was.”  Making an immediate impact to State, Schultz will indeed be more focused than ever to try and capture a State title next year.  When asked if he could work even harder over the off season in order to gain another birth in the State tournament, Schultz answered, “Yeah I will be playing in more tournaments before the season so hopefully that will make me a better player.”  Losing talent like Peter Black is hard to come by, when asked if he could go further next season, Schultz said, “Yes I think our team next year has a lot of potential to be as good if not better next year.”  With the loss of one of the greats in Centennial history will not be easy, but the Chargers will be focused and determined to get back to the place where they want to continue to go for years to come, Normal and Weibring Golf Course.

Dave Cornthwaite

By: Connor Metcalf

        Life is all about taking chances. This is the philosophy that professional adventurist, Dave Cornthwaite, lives by. Most of you probably have not heard of this dare devil because he does not have a show on the Discovery Channel, but Dave Cornthwaite makes Bear Grylls look weak. Cornthwaite is an englishman that wanted to break out of his “nine to five” life style and start living for a purpose. He now travels the world by several different means, raising money for charities, and raising interest among young people about sports such as skateboarding, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc.. “The world needs brilliant, imaginative and determined people like Dave.”-Bear Grylls.

      In 2005, Cornthwaite was living in Wales as a graphic designer. He decided that this was not the life for him, so he picked up a longboard and started making a plan: a plan to go on a big journey. He quit his job and conducted the idea of “BoardFree,” a long boarding trip across Australia. However, being fairly new to long boarding he decided he needed a warm-up. How do you warm-up for such a crazy idea like that? Long board across Great Britain of course! By 2006, Cornthwaite was on his journey from John O’Groats, Scotland to Land’s End, England. This trip did a number on his mentality and not to mention his feet, but that did not stop him; for shortly after he set off on his second trip from Perth, Australia. Upon entering Sydney, he became the world record holder for the longest skateboarding journey, but that was not enough for Cornthwaite. He left Sydney to finish his trip to Brisbane, a journey of a total of 3618 miles. “That’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever heard. I’ve wanted to do something like that, a big trip, but I could never even imagine going all the way across a continent.” Says senior and long boarding enthusiast Joey Wolske.

      BoardFree Australia was just the first of many projects Dave had in store. Expedition1000 is sort of a project for Cornthwaite as he has set a goal to complete 25, 1000-mile journeys all around the world, all by different non-motorized means of transportations. In addition to his skateboarding trip, Cornthwaite has kayaked the Murray River in Australia, Tandem Bicycled from Vancouver to Las Vegas, and most recently he paddle boarded down the Mississippi River. Projects in the works are journeys  via horse, paraglider, wheelchair, and a unicycle.

      To learn more about Dave and Expedition1000, you can check out his website Davecornthwaite.com or look at his videos posted on YouTube.

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Amanda Knox: Case Closed?

By:  Jewel Goodly Staff Writer

Imagine being the lead suspect in a murder. This may sound like a nightmare, but for Amanda Knox it was reality. This is the Amanda Knox story.

Amanda Knox lived in Seattle where she studied foreign language at the University of Washington.

For her junior year, Knox decided to study abroad inPerugia,Italy. Amanda rented an apartment with three other girls; one of them being Meredith Kercher. Knox was later accused of murdering her.

On November 1, 2007 Amanda and her boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, called the police to report a break-in into the girls’ apartment. When Italian police arrived, they found Kercher’s dead body in the bathroom. Amanda became the prime suspect: she was the only roommate that was in town.

Police said that they could tell Amanda was guilty based off of her demeanor. Her alibi the night of the murder also changed and did not match up with Sollecito’s alibi, who was also a suspect.

Knox, her boss Patrick Lumumba, Sollecito, and a man named Rudy Guede were all the suspects involved in the case.

On November 6, 2007, Knox, Solleciteo, and Lumumba were arrested.

 Guede was also arrested shortly after.

After fifty hours of questioning, lasting a period of four days, Knox being without a lawyer, told police that Lumumba killed Kercher when she and Sollecito were in the apartment. She signed a document stating this.

Later, Knox told the court that during interrogation, police had hit her, called her a liar, and supplied her with false information. However, because it was not recorderd, it was her word against the police.

Although forensic evidence was lacking to prove Amanda Knox guilty, she changed her own story numerous times making it harder to uncover the truth.

On November 19, the fingerprints on knife the used to kill Meredith were identified as Rudy Guede’s, and Patrick Lumumba was released. 

On October 29, 2008, Guede was sentenced to thirty years in prison.

 On December 4, 2009 Amanda Knox was sentenced twenty-six years in prison for murder, sexual assault, and slander. Solleciteo was sentenced twenty-five. No legitimate evidence was found against them.

On October 3, 2011, an Italian judge overturned Knox’s conviction. She currently resides in Seattle, Washington.

 After four long years, Knox is back home, busy with talk shows, and deciding who gets first rights to her story for a movie and book deal. She also plans on going on an “epic hiking trip” and to fulfill everything on the vast bucket list she made while in prison.

Although Centennial history teacher, Karen Klebbe, did not specifically follow the trial of Amanda Knox, she is familiar with the story. When asked why she thought it took so long to declare Knox as not guilty, she responded, “Apparently the Italian court system is as clogged as ours.” Klebbe thinks this story got so much publicity because, “Amanda is a young American that was accused of doing something awful in another country… and because Americans like kinky stories.”

Klebbe brings up an important question “when, if at all, does American step in?”