The Bird’s Eye View Second Annual Snow-Coming is a Success

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Snowcoming Pictures

2

Cheerleading

3

Bowling

4

Artist of the Month 6

By: Kiara Simmons During the week of January 27, students participated in the Second Annual SnowComing. Again, Mr. Darren Mosley and Mr. Matt Hasquin organized the event in order to promote school spirit and recognize winter sports teams and extra(Left) Cheerleaders perform at Snowcoming pep assembly. (Right) Junior Alex Baldcurricular activities. Students participated win and senior Shawn Rutledge show their school spirit on “White Out” day. in dress-up days includdress up as Ariel from the Little Mer- and students were recognized for sports, ing: Monday- Team Spirit Day, clubs, and activities. maid. Tuesday- Dress for Success, Students were encouraged to wear Senior Amber Freeman said, Wednesday- Heroes vs. Villains white to the boys’ game on Friday night “Heroes vs. Villains day was my faDay, Thursday- Fictional Characand girls’ game on Monday to show their vorite day because it was funny to see ter Day, and Friday- White Out support and to get in free. The boys’ game who people were.” Day. was cancelled due to inclement weather. On Friday afternoon a pep assemSenior Ricci Flannery stated Mr. Hasquin encouraged students to that Fictional Character Day was bly was held where the cheerleaders performed their competition routine watch a Scholastic Bowl match so they her favorite, because she got to can see what a match is like.

S H S We l c om e s N ew We l di n g Te a c h e r, M r. B e i l sm i th By: Rebecca Vogt Southwestern welcomes Mr. Dan Beilsmith, a graduate of Southwestern High School and Ranken Technical College, as the new welding teacher. He is replacing Mr. Rodney Knittel who resigned at the end of first semester in order to pursue a career as an Environmental Compliance Manager for Oros and Busch Application Technology Co. Mr. Beilsmith, who taught at Ranken for one year, said he is impressed with how polite the students are. When asked how his year has started off, he commented, “Good! The faculty is very polite and I be-

lieve the kids are getting a great education.” Mr. Beilsmith said that he decided to become a welding teacher after he started working in the industry training coworkers. He said that he realized a teaching environment would be suitable for him. “I want to contribute to the industrial arts program here at Southwestern,” commented Mr. Beilsmith. Outside of teaching, Mr. Beilsmith enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and riding his bike. Senior J.P. Mueller, welding student, commented that it has been a smooth transition and this semester the class is very project-oriented.

Mr. Beilsmith recently took over the welding program at Southwestern.

Mr. Beilsmith is requesting project ideas from faculty and staff.

Snowcoming Week

Josh Jorden, Brian Heineman, Shawn Rutledge, and Tyler Skelton (l to r) “White Out” for Snowcoming Week.

Juniors Megan Kirby (right) and Sarah McCoy participate in fictional character dress up day.

Chelsey Milligan and Jimmie Naylor dress up as Flintstones characters for fictional character dress up day.

(l to r) Seniors Morgan Crane, Josh Jorden, and Lora Fritsch Dress for Success to show support for the Snowcoming Week.

Morgan Cates, senior, goes all out for White Out Day.

(Above) Chelsey Milligan dressed up as Poison Ivy for Heroes vs. Villains Day.

(l to r) Seniors Sky Carroll, Corey Moore, and junior Tyler Skelton participate in Heroes vs. Villains Day.

Seniors Brendan Schiller and Morgan Crane participate in Heroes vs. Villains Day

J.P. Mueller (left) dresses up as Captain America and Corey Moore dressed up as Iron Man for Heroes vs. Villains day.

News Varsity Cheerleaders Stunt Their Way to State By: Danielle Churchich After qualifying and placing 2nd at the Civic Memorial cheerleading competition in December, the Southwestern High School cheerleading squad competed at the Illinois Cheer Coaches Association state competition at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield on Saturday, Jan 4. The competition routine consisted of cheer, tumbling, stunts, and dance in a three minute routine. Senior Rachel Meisner said, “The squad has worked very hard and I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished.” Since competition wrapped up, the squad will be focusing on the Snowcoming pep rally. The cheerleaders’ new coach, Mrs. Amanda Madson, has focused more on dance technique due to her dance background. The squad is also working on various new stunting sequences to show

and get the crowd involved in the excitement. Meisner said that the cheerleaders have received many compliments on the overall presentation of the squad at games and tournaments. Senior Amber Freeman commented, “The cheerleaders are really good and play an active role in games.” The squad will be losing two seniors, Meisner and Maddie Pilkington, at the end of the season. Senior night will be on Feb. 18, at the boys last home game. Cheerleaders huddle before competition at Civic Memorial.

case at basketball games and at the pep rally. Along with the new stunts, the cheerleaders also learned new sideline cheers, floor cheers, and chants to show their support for the home team

Prom Plans Underway for 2014 By: Breanna Fowler and Hayley Neibel This year’s junior-senior prom is approaching faster than we think. The event will be held on Saturday, May 10, from 8-11 p.m. in the LCCC commons. The prom committee has selected a “Great Gatsby” theme. Promenade will begin at 7:30 p.m. Mandatory Breathalyzer tests will be administered at the entrance. There will be a photo booth this year, and junior class officers’ parents will be planning after prom soon. Seniors are free and juniors must purchase a ticket. Freshmen and sophomores will be allowed to attend the prom as a guest of an upper-classman, with the purchase of a ticket. Outside guests are required to fill out a permission slip and must be approved by the administration. They must also be under age of 21. Before buying a prom dress or tick-

et, students should be sure that they are allowed to do to the dance. A rule in the student handbook states (p. 62), “a student who has met or exceeded more than 10 absences will not be permitted to attend dances/ prom unless approved by the administration.” Students can check with the office or make an appointment to speak with Mr. Bearley or Mrs. Mitchell if they are unsure as to whether or not they can attend prom. Mr. Bearley advised, “Don’t wait until the last minute to find out. Check before you buy a dress or rent a tux if you’ve missed 10 or more days.”

SHS Volleyball Banquet Wraps Up Season By: Breanna Fowler The SHS volleyball banquet was held Monday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria and was catered by FEMA’s. Coach Julie Kinser welcomed and thanked numerous people and the Booster Club. After the meal, Coach Michelle Walden spoke briefly about the JV season and how she enjoyed coaching her first year of high school volleyball. Coach Kinser recapped the Varsity season saying that she was pleased with everyone’s efforts and the turnaround the team made compared to the last two seasons. “The program is back on the right track and we look forward to continual improvement for the next season too. The Varsity went from finishing last (0-9) in the SCC in 2012, to 2nd (7 -2) this year and finished with an overall 16-9 record. The JV finished 10-6,” stated Coach Kinser. She introduced all the players and distributed their letters, pins, and certificates. Coach Kinser announced that Ashlyn Ringhausen, Karlie Green, and Lauren Jenkins were selected to the All-Conference Team.

Sports Scholar Bowl Continues Buzzing to the Top By: Emily Bowman As the season continues, the Southwestern Scholar Bowl team rises in numbers. Continuously answering the next toss-ups, the team has risen to their rank of seventh out of all class A schools in the state. Winning tournaments and matches left and right, the team has conquered the South Central Scholastic League Tournament with first place, the Macomb Rotary Tournament Consolation with second place, and becoming Cumberland Fresh/Soph Tournament champions. Along with winning matches and beating last year’s percentage of wins, the team has earned a spot in several tournaments such as: the Greenville “Comet Open” 30 team invitational, the Masonic Sectionals hosted by the Masons of Ill., and the Macoupin County tournament on Feb 24, which Southwestern will be hosting this year. Accomplishing such feats causes the

members to go above and beyond, one student being sophomore Kaeden Kessinger. Acquiring a spot on the Alltournament team, Kessinger became one of the top 10 scorers at matches like the Springfield tournament and the South Central Fall League Tournament. Senior Daniel Woodman was also named to the Alltournament team at the fall tournament. With such a busy year, and other activities influencing the (l to r) Daniel Woodman, Kaeden Kessinger, schedule, the South Central Fall Sarann Boker, Darby Jones, and Brandan Tournament—which was origiThomas holding the trophy from the Springnally scheduled for Dec. 7—was field Conference Tournament. rescheduled for the 25th of Januthe Illinois Masonic Tournament, which will ary. Even with the rescheduling, the also be Southwestern’s senior night. The team team rose to the top, winning first at will also be preparing for the National Small the fall tournament. School SB Tournament in Minneapolis, Minn. As the season comes to a close, the on the first weekend of May. Scholastic Bowl team will be hosting

Bowling Team Strikes Again and Spares a Great Season By: Brittany Means The Southwestern’s boys bowling team has ended the season with an overall average 173 for the twelve boys that are on the team. The boys started their season with a second place finish in the Alton Invitational Tournament, and had only one loss against Alton in the regular season matches. The boys’ varsity team had record of 6-1, and the JV following not far behind with 4-3. Senior Adam Keene had the highest average with an average of 203. Senior Shawn Rutledge had the highest score bowled in a match, his score being 258. Regionals were held in Peru, Ill., and only seniors Shawn Rutledge (202 ave.) and Brian Heineman (194 ave.) qualified for sectionals. Sectionals were held in Belleville, but neither boy qualified for state. Heineman stated, “I am really sad

Senior Adam Keene finished his career with the highest average for the team.

that it is my last year on the bowling team. It was very eventful and wish I didn’t have to go.” Freshman Joey Gaither commented, “I enjoyed my first year on the team. It was fun and the best part is that everyone gets to be involved.” The girls’ team ended their season

with regionals in Bethalto on Feb. 8, and the eight girls on the team had an overall average of 98 for the season. The Varsity girls’ record was 0-6 with the JV girls going 0-5. The highest average for the girls bowling team was senior Lindsey Snyder with a 139, and she also had the highest game bowled with a 193. The team was coached by parent volunteers, Mrs. Elaine Grothaus and Mrs. Patti Heineman. “We had a team of new bowlers this year with Lindsey Snyder being the only returning player,” commented Coach Grothaus. “I hope the girls who came out this year will be back next year. Then they can take all those basic skills they learned and perfect them.” “We have loved coaching the bowling teams and are really going to miss it. They are an awesome group of young men and women,” added Coach Grothaus.

Sports Boys Basketball Team Shoots for Successful Season By: Amber Freeman and Ricci Flannery This 2013-14 boys basketball team’s slogan “We’re back” is holding true with the season going good so far with an overall record of 11-9, and conference record of 3-1. “The boys have improved a tremendous amount this year, and the younger players have gotten stronger and more skilled as far as shooting and dribbling,” commented Coach Jason Darr. Coach Darr said that this year, the underclassmen have brought nothing but good things to the team. He continued, “There is a current freshman, Collin Baumgartner who plays on the varsity team, along with all the other underclassmen who are a great addition to the team and who all play and practice hard.” When asked what some of the plans

were for the rest of the season, Coach Darr stated, “We’ll try to win our conference, we’re in the top two with one loss, and then eventually play in regionals.” The most memorable game of the season was on Dec. 27, during the Carrollton Christmas Tournament, when Southwestern beat Carrollton, 62-60. The boys placed second in the Christmas tourney and Tyler Rose was named to the All-Tournament.. The Birds placed third in the Macoupin County Tournament and two players from Southwestern were named to the Macoupin County AllTournament team, senior Ethan Gallaher and sophomore Tyler Rose. Coach Darr commented, “The boys who made all-tournament team deserved it. They both score a lot of points and play well, but other players are very deserving as well.”

Lady Birds Record Winning Season and Ready for Post-Season Play By: Amber Freeman and Ricci Flannery The girls’ basketball team has soared to the top winning first place in the 16th Annual Southwestern Thanksgiving Tournament. The girls also placed second in the 7th Annual 2013 Jerseyville Holiday Classic playing Alton, Carrollton, Hillsboro, and Civic Memorial. The Lady Birds recorded victories against every team but the CM Eagles defeated them, 45-33. The girls faced Mount Olive, Gillespie, and Carlinville in the 35th Annual Macoupin County Tournament during the week of Jan. 18. The girls placed second place when Carlinville rallied to win the championship game, 33-32. Coach Steve Wooley commented about the girl’s progress this season, “I have seen improvement from last season to this season, mostly from players physically developing which allows

Senior Ethan Gallaher, named to the Macoupin County All-Tournament team, quoted, “We had a good tournament, and it was more of a team effort than individual.”

“Overall, the season has been satisfying,” quoted Coach Darr. He said that you always want one more win, but overall the season has been pretty good.

Football Banquet Wraps Up Season By: Rebecca Vogt The 2013 Southwestern football team ended their season with a record of 0-9. The banquet was held on Friday, Dec. 6, in the high school cafeteria and was catered by Fema’s.

Junior Ashlyn Ringhausen (left) and Madison Greeling were named to the Macoupin County AllTournament team with Greeling awarded the MVP.

some of our younger kids to be more physical during the game, especially when we are competing with teams that have a lot of upperclassmen.” The girls will play in the Hillsboro regional on Feb. 11. Coach Wooley added, “I think our team as a whole is ready to give our best effort going into regional play.”

Coach Brian Borkowski spoke about the team and recognized the following players: JP Mueller for “Most Valuable Player” and “Best Special Teams,” Corey Moore for “Offensive Player of the Year,” Shawn Rutledge for “Defensive Player of the Year,” and the “Mr. Hustle” award was given to Andrew Fry and Joe Carrigan. Mueller said, “Getting the MVP award was very fulfilling. Seeing great players like Walter Mitchell and Steven Fritsch get the same award in the years previous gives me a great feeling to think that the players and coaches hold me in the same regard as them.”

Entertainment Library Gets Fired Up About Kindles By: Austin O’Heron Southwestern Library purchased two Kindle Fires from Amazon.com at the end of November. The Kindle Fires are for student to check out E-Books for two week periods. “Students are allowed to use the 3M Cloud library to check-out books and read them for two weeks,” stated Mrs. Laura Naugle, district librarian. The devices were purchased by Mrs. Laura Naugle with school Mrs. Naugle holds one of the new Kindles introduced to the library. funds. She said that Southwestern Once a Kindle is returned, Mrs. is part of the Library Consortium and Naugle checks the device to make new books are added every Friday to sure everything is operational and to the E-Book collection. make sure the student’s login inforThe students are only able to mation is removed from the device. check out books from the 3M library The library plans to get more of system. Students and parents have to these devices next fall. sign an agreement document and then return it to Mrs. Naugle for approval.

with Hayley & Breanna

What is your New Year’s Resolution? Ailee Manns- Become a better person Jacob Rich- To stop world pollution Hannah Greeling- To end world hunger Kelly Uzzetta- To graduate high school Tyler Mayhew- To study harder Mr. Redfern- To eat healthier Lydia Zini- Listen to more music Kayla Holman- Workout more Josh Kelly- grow a MASSIVE BEARD! Caylin Beeman- To be nicer to people Ashlyn Nash- Have fun Samantha French- To talk to long lost friends Kyle Spurgeon- Get along with everyone

Artist of the Month: Evan Lowis By: Leah Cohrs January’s Artist of the Month is sophomore Evan Lowis. Lowis started focusing on art when he was in kindergarten and continues to create work today. He mainly likes to paint, but also enjoys drawing. Lowis is currently taking ceramics with Mrs. Ruyle and has taken both 2D and 3D art classes. When asked if he had anyone who inspired him, he stated, “Nancy Goetten really inspires me. She used to work as an art teacher at Jerseyville and she helps me a lot with the fundamentals.” Lowis said he’s not really sure if

In the Halls

he wants to make a full time career out of art, but he hasn’t thought about it a lot. He also commented that art has really impacted his educational life. “Art really helps me relieve a lot of built up stress from school and other things,” Lowis explained. Lowis also commented that the only advice he has for aspiring artists is, “Don’t let anyone bring you down and make sure you show your personality in your art work.”

Tyler Dorris- To get through the year Braden Whipps- Swearing less Willow Patterson- No chocolate Isaiah Barnett- To be a better boyfriend Leah Cohrs– To be Beyoncé

5 Most Popular New Year’s Resolutions 1.

Lose weight/

Get fit 1.

Save money

2. Quit smoking 3. Volunteer 4. Spend more time with family & friends

Entertainment Frozen Makes An Ice Storm In Theaters

In the Halls With Hayley On Sunday morning, June 6, former band teacher Mr. Elwyn Mielke along with 46 students, and several parentsand a boarded a charter bus and started their long ride to Orlando, Florida. By: Hayley Neibel Once the band arrived in Orlando hadthetheDisney first day to part into was groups and explore the “land ofBreanna magic.” The parks they On November 23,they 2013, movie Frozen released in could enjoy weretheaters Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom. and follows the plot of the main rd character, Elsa. As the kingWhat is your favorite After day onedom was prepares done the for band day two,she June 3 to , tohide perform and participate hertook coronation tries her powers. When in a workshop. The students performed Christmas present? four songs that had and over again. kingdom The songsinto played wasshe “The Thunderer”, “Pacifica”, “Glory of The herbeen fearspracticed take overover she turns the whole ice and runs Yankee Navy”, and These were workshop and being able to- Cowboy boots Sarah Dupont off. “Denbridgeway”. Anna, her sister tries to get herplayed to putin anDowntrip end to thewas ice the spell and she meets Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf Leah Cohrs - My new phone on the way as they battle to save Emily Jones - Yadier Molina jerthe kingdom with a surprising twist sey at the end. So far, the movie has made $810 million worldwide Cody Catlett - St. Louis at the box office and $347 million was just earned in Cardinals Blanket the U.S and Canada. It was nominated for a Golden Natalee Roberts - Laptop Globe- Best Original Song “Let it go” and it won a Golden Globe award for Best Animated Feature Film. Jamie Brockway - Clothes Critics stated it was a “Masterpiece” and “An AbBriana Gillespie - A Keurig solute Blast”. Also, critic William Bibbian claimed, “It’s Disney Animation’s best since Darby Jones - Owl slippers the Lion King.” Juniors Ashlee Wittman and Janina Vomund agreed their favorite character was Olaf, Elyzabeth Colburn - Sweaters the snowman. Megan Kirby - Books Junior Chesley Milligan quoted, “I love the singing and my favorite song is ‘Do you wanna build a snowman’.” Kristen Doerr - Sketchpad Sophomore Leah Cohrs commented, “Frozen was very powerful towards women, and Janina Vomund - Chocolate it was not like your normal Disney fairy tale.” Chris Hawk - A Car Frozen has come out with a sing-along version which is in theaters now. Frozen will be released on DVD on February 25. Jimmy Chestney - Money

SHS Students Pledge “Not to Use Cells Phones While Driving” By: Juliet Wooldridge Starting on Jan. 1, 2014, it became illegal to talk or use hand-held cell phones and other communication devices while driving in Illinois. Gov. Pat Quinn signed the legislation in August. The only cell phone usage accepted is during an emergency situation. Under the law, first-time offenders would face a $75 fine. That cost rises to $100 for a second violation, $125 for a third and $150 for each subsequent offense. After four violations, the Illinois Secretary of State would have the power to suspend a driver's license. If one must talk on the phone, devices like Bluetooth and speaker phone will be allowed. This law bans

Sydney Walden - 4 Wheeler Maggie Carrigan - Cotton Candy Machine Emily Bowman - A Guitar Brandon Murphy - A Sword

Senior Brittany Means signs the “No Texting and Driving” pledge.

the cell phone when it is in the hands of the driver. Southwestern Student Government is making the student body aware of this new law by asking them to sign a pledge to “not use their cell phone while driving.” Over 100 students and 30 faculty

members signed the pledge. Student government member Samantha French stated, “I think people should pledge because it shows that they are aware of the new law and they will do everything in their power to not use cell phones while driving.” Students who wish to pledge can sign the large poster which is hung outside the cafeteria. French encourages students to sign their name and take the pledge to not text and drive. Student Government sponsor Mrs. Borkowski said she hopes that students will stop and think about others on the road.

Extra FFA Debates Their Way to Districts The Varsity team ended the night with a first place score of 928.16 and advanced on to the district level competition. The novice team ended the night with a first place score of 898.66 and will compete on February 12, at the district level competition which will be held at John Wood Community College.

By: Rachel Meisner

On January 23, twelve FFA members competed in the Section 15 Parliamentary Procedures competition which was held at Southwestern. Parliamentary Procedure is the professional way to handle a business meeting. These twelve skilled members had The FFA is also competing in the meat ten minutes to debate a topic. There were judging C.D.E. and job interview competitwo teams from Southwestern, the varsity and the novice team. Six schools competed tion on January 30. The FFA will also be holding a murder and Southwestern received first place.

December Students of the Month

mystery play on March 1, at St. Alphonsus

The varsity team was made up of, Catholic Church Hall in Brighton. There Leighton Grothaus, Keely Egelhoff, Rachel will be a steak dinner before the play proMeisner, Jon Loy, Ashley Egelhoff, and vided by Chef Bob. Emme Hays. The novice (freshmen) team was made up of, Adali Schetter, Kassidy Cottingham, Brett Schiller, Rae Brandon, Baylee Scott, and Ethan Wilson.

Freshman Emma Greenwell

SHS Welcomes Foreign Exchange Student By: Leah Cohrs Southwestern welcomes sophomore Jonatan Menger as this year’s foreign exchange student. Jonatan is from Frankfurt, Germany, and is staying with the Rayson family in Brighton. When asked about differences between our school than his school in Germany, he replied, “Back home we don’t have the same classes every day.” Jonatan said he’s never been to America before this, but it is everything he expected it to be. He also stated he likes that our school is smaller than most. He enjoys all of his classes, but said Forensics is his favorite. “It’s a really fun class and it’s interesting,” he quoted. When asked where he’d like to visit, he said, “I would really like to visit New York, but it’s a little far. I would also like

Sophomore Jared Hines Jonatan Menger is a foreign exchange student from Frankfurt, Germany.

to go to an amusement park.” Jonatan will be staying with the Raysons until June, and then he will return home. He informed that everyone has made him feel very welcome. Jonatan said that he is really excited to be at our school and he knows it’s going to be a lot of fun.

Bird’s Eye News Staff:

Junior Brad Fiene

Co-Editors: Emily Bowman and Casey Moore Copy Editor: Austin O’Heron Entertainment Editor: Leah Cohrs Sports Editor: Rachel Meisner Staff Writers: Danielle Churchich, Ricci Flannery, Breanna Fowler, Amber Freeman, Brittany Means, Hayley Neibel, Kiara Simmons, Rebecca Vogt and Juliet Wooldridge Advisor: Mr s. Goetten The Bird’s Eye V iew is published by Mrs. Goetten’s Publications 1 class. The newspaper will be available on www.piasabirds.net!

Senior Casey Moore