photo illustrations by emily baudouin; photos by emily baudouin, sean doyle

and marcella brooks

Staffers review winter picks: the film Whip It, the TV series The Office, the restaurant Il Vicino and Relient K’s CD Forget and Not Slow Down.

The controversy of lowering the drinking age is assessed, with both sides’ reasoning and predicted outcomes.

The psychology of handwriting is analyzed, with its significance in legal cases highlighted.

NEWSbriefs

news briefs by hillary sevart

Red Ribbon WeekStudents Against Drunk

Driving (SADD) sponsored Red Ribbon Week Oct. 19-23 to inform students about the harmful effects of drinking and driving. During the week, members of SADD made posters and tied red ribbons onto students’ cars Oct. 19.

Powder Puff, Man Puff scheduled

Student Council began to plan Powder Puff and Man Puff at its meeting Oct. 20. The girls of each class will compete against each other in football after school Nov. 10 and the boys will play volleyball Nov. 11. COTY points will be awarded to the winning class.

Market DayYouth Entrepreneurs of

Kansas (YEK) held Market Day in the commons during all lunches Oct. 28. The class divided into ten groups that each sold the food and drink of their choice.

Students take standardized tests

Freshmen, sophomores and juniors took either the PLAN or PSAT Oct. 14. The tests are used to help prepare students for the ACT and SAT and to qualify juniors for National Merit scholarships.

“Student Survivor” contestants take part in a leaf-pile challenge, in which they searched for an exempt ballot.

NEWS4

OPINIONS9

FEATURE10

STUDENT12 LIFE

SPORTS16

Winter sports teams, including boys and girls basketball, boys and girls bowling, boys swimming and wrestling are previewed.

paladin

AFTER MARKET DAY, junior Taylor Floyd picks up pizza bozes Oct. 28. Students in the Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas class vended food to students. Floyd and his partner junior Marissa Schuett’s business Pizza Planet earned $778.

2 news november

Stock Market Challenge

Four teams of students from the accounting and YEK classes participated in the annual Stock Market Challenge held at Wichita State University Oct. 15. A total of 70 teams competed and the team “Vanek’s Angels,” consisting of veteran YEK students senior Jeff Knott and juniors Matthew Hullings, Ryan Zwick and Eric George, placed seventh. The other KMC teams placed 11th, 17th, 24th and 27th.

Quill and Scroll children’s book drive

Quill and Scroll organized a children’s book drive Oct. 26-Nov. 9. The club is asking for the students to bring new and gently used books to English classrooms or to Room 215. All books will be given to Head Start and Via Christi charities.

National Hispanic Scholar named

The College Board and The National Merit Corporations named senior Alex Fondaw a National Hispanic Scholar. To receive this honor, Fondaw had to receive a high score on the PSAT test he took in Oct. 2008 and have a GPA of a 3.5 or above. He was one of approximately 5,200 Hispanic scholars to be given this award out of the 200,000 juniors who took the PSAT.

marcella brooks

paladin

3november news

Drama department to perform Lucky StiffKATIE GILBAUGHbyonline editor

IN REHEARSAL, senior Dylan Rogerson, sophomore Rachel Conrad and senior Patrick Pirtle check their lines for Lucky Stif f, the fall musical. Rehearsals started during mid-October. The play focuses on a common Englishman, Witherspoon [Pirtle], who conditionally inherits millions from his uncle and tries to fulfill his uncle’s last wish. Performances will be Nov. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m.

Harry Witherspoon, played by senior Patrick Pirtle, is a British shoe salesman down on his luck. His dull life is interrupted when his uncle leaves him an incredible fortune in his will, but there is a catch. Witherspoon must take his dead uncle on one last vacation, following directions without error. If he fails, the money is given to his uncle’s favorite charity, the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn. This is the plot for the upcoming musical, Lucky Stif f, which plays Nov. 19- 21 at 7:30 p.m.

“Our goal is to take the show to state conference,” Pirtle said. “If we are chosen as one of the three main shows to perform at the Thespian Conference, we might get the opportunity to perform in front of 1,500 people at the Century II Concert Hall.”

Two years ago, Nunsense was chosen to perform at Century II. Pirtle said the expectations are high this year. Main characters in this show are Witherspoon [Pirtle], Annabel [sophomore Rachel Conrad], Rita [senior Heidi Hurtig] and Vinny [senior Sean Doyle].

“I think it is going to do well,” Conrad said. “It is my first show, I was shocked I got the role I got.”

Songs in the musical range from upbeat to slow and touching. Conrad said it is a great show for both teen and older audiences.

KMC waits for H1N1 vaccinations; absences continueEMILY LUTZbyasst. copy editor

The beginning of October was supposed to be when Kapaun Mt. Carmel was hosting an H1N1 vaccination clinic. Instead, the vaccinations are on delay, and students continue to miss school due to illness.

“In August they sent out an e-mail asking if schools were interested in a clinic,” KMC nurse Jane Hagan said. “And of course, we were.”

Since then, Hagan has been working to organize the necessary papers that would enable KMC to be a vaccination site. Unfortunately, because of a delay in the production of the vaccine, factories announced that they would be giving out 10 million fewer doses than expected. KMC is now on a waiting list for the vaccine.

“Originally, we were supposed to get one shot per student, in addition to extras for others who might utilize the clinic,” Hagan said.

If KMC is chosen to be a clinic site, it will set up a day when each student will have

the opportunity to get a shot. From 4-6 p.m., parents of feeder school children would be able to bring in their kids to get shots.

Principal David Kehres said that Oct. 1, 128 students were missing due to illness. He said that compared to other years, this is an unusually high number of students to be missing for early October.

“This followed a normal pattern of what we’re seeing across the nation though,” principal David Kehres said. “Other high schools had many flu-like symptoms early on like we did.”

Kehres said that the information experts have been giving to schools across the nation indicates that there will be recurrences of many students missing throughout the rest of the winter season and through the early spring.

Teachers, meanwhile, continue to feel frustrations associated with the H1N1 Virus.

“We’re seeing a few more kids gone

each class period,” math teacher Ryan Burr said. “The sickness isn’t shutting anything down, but it is slowing things up.”

Junior Maria Egger is one student who has missed school because of H1N1.

“Two days before Homecoming I was at work and started getting a headache and feeling achy,” Egger said.

After returning home, she developed a 102 degree fever. She said that for the first few days, she had chills and aches. Egger also developed a cough and sore throat. She returned to school a week later.

“I went ahead and got vaccinated for the regular flu even though I had already

had the swine flu,” Egger said. “I don’t want to get sick again.”

Hagan advises that students be vaccinated for the regular flu. Unfortunately, it may be a while before an opportunity to receive the H1N1 vaccine comes available.

“We’re seeing a few more kids gone each class peri-od. The sickness isn’t shut-ting anything down, but it is slowing things up.”math teacher RYAN BURR

“There are a lot of costume changes which could get hectic,” Pirtle said. “The set is very elaborate and the music will be a challenge. Overall, everyone is fairly optimistic; there is a lot of potential.”

This is the second small-cast musical since Nunsense, with a cast of 11 people. The director is Michael Parker and the music

director is Emily Pirtle (class of 2008), Patrick Pirtle’s sister. Patrick Pirtle is excited to have to chance to work with his sister and get to know the cast.

“We have a good director, music director and a dedicated and determined cast,” Patrick Pirtle said. “It is a fun show, come see it.”

kelsey prather

4 news november

paladin

Due to deaths, 100 col-lege presidents argue against current drink-ing age’s effectiveness

HILLARY SEVARTbyasst. news editor

At 18 years old, a United States citizen can legally adopt a child, vote in an election, get married, purchase a firearm and go to war, but not legally drink alcohol.

CNN reported that last fall, a group of 100 college presidents – including the heads of schools such as Dartmouth University, Duke University, Syracuse University and Virginia Tech University – signed a petition stating that the 21-year-old drinking age is not successful at preventing underage drinking and has lead to dangerous situations for students.

K-9 detective Jesse Hancock of the Wichita Police Department has seen the results of underage drinking.

“Teen drinking is a constant problem,” Hancock said. “Literally every weekend somebody’s life is changed because of it. People are affected through drunk driving accidents, DUIs, loss of scholarships and punishments at school.”

Although an older drinking age has had positive effects in the past, it is now being scrutinized because of the amount of alcohol-related problems that society is facing in the 21st century. Although the United States has the highest legal drinking age, it has more

alcohol-related issues than most countries. According to the National Alcohol

Beverage Control Association (NABCA), in 2008, binge drinking, the drinking of five or more alcoholic beverages in a short period of time, was responsible for over 1,700 deaths of young adults ages 18-24. Drinking was also a factor in 600,000 injuries, 97,000 sexual assault and rape crimes and played a large part in 66 percent of student suicides.

People who support an 18-year-old legal drinking age believe that the new law could lead to a decrease in binge drinking because young adults would no longer have to drink multiple alcoholic beverages before going out in public because they are not legally allowed to drink.

These people also think that by lowering the drinking age to 18, fewer teenagers would drink for entertainment.

“I think that if alcohol is legally available to students it won’t be such a game to them,” junior Katie Marney, president of Students against Drunk Driving (SADD), said. “Right now, teens see drinking as a game where they have to try to not get caught. If there is no danger of being caught, it won’t be so fun so teens might lose interest in it.”

Hancock said he does not think a lower drinking age will make teenagers more responsible.

“I think that if the drinking age is changed at all, it should be raised,” Hancock said. “This is a general statement and there are a lot of good kids, but I think that our youth in today’s society make enough bad decisions without adding alcohol to the situation. A lower drinking age will only raise drunk driving and binge drinking rates.”

Staffer considers possible effects of lower drinking ageA bill has been introduced to

lower the drinking age to 18, and along comes the controversy.

Being 18 can mean one is a mature teenager, but not quite a mature adult. With being 18, a legal adult, one can join the army, purchase tobacco products and vote, among other privileges. This scenario would be different between certain people, but there has to be a line of division somewhere.

If it becomes legal for 18-year-olds to purchase alcohol, there would be more temptation to sell to minors. More teenagers would be able to

purchase alcohol opposed to just 21-year-olds buying and therefore it would be easier for minors to get it as well. With the driving age being raised to 17 in Kansas and the drinking age being lowered, there would be more inexperienced drivers able to legally drink.

According to the Century Council, 65 percent of teenagers get their alcohol from friends

and family. If more of their friends are able to buy it legally, I would not be surprised if the

percentage increased.This bill also comes into conflict with

the Kapaun Mt. Carmel Code of Conduct. If alcohol is legal for students, the restrictions will remain the same at KMC. Many seniors are involved in sports teams and activities at the school, and with the Code of Conduct still being enforced, those people will just be hurting themselves as well as the teams and activities they are participating in. The temptation of consuming alcohol will be higher than it already is if it becomes legal.

Lowering the drinking age just encourages teenagers that drinking is morally acceptable. With the government saying it is OK to do, more teens will have that mindset.

ERIKA REALSasst. student life editor

poll of 120 students; infographic by sean doyle; photos by emily baudouin

arthead by sean doyle; photos by emily baudouin

5november news

paladin

infographic by bea tretbar;photos by kelsey prather, marcella brooks,

emily baudouin, zach holland;photo illustrations by emily baudouin and sean doyle

information obtained by danielle valliere

please patronize our paladin advertisers

6 news november

paladin

infographic by sean doyle; photos by emily baudouin and marcella brooks

EDITOR IN CHIEFkatie mooreDESIGN EDITORSbea tretbar, sean doyleONLINE/COPY EDITORkatie gilbaughPHOTO EDITORemily baudouinONLINE PHOTO EDITORkelsey pratherADVERTISING/BUSINESS MANAGERvictoria gillamNEWS EDITORdanielle valliereOPINIONS EDITORmeredith osborneFEATURE EDITORanna leSTUDENT LIFE EDITORalyssa bambickSPORTS EDITORbailey buerASST. NEWS EDITORhillary sevartASST. STUDENT LIFE EDITORerika realsASST. SPORTS EDITORmadeline engelASST. COPY EDITORemily lutzCIRCULATION MANAGERkatelyn realSTAFF PHOTOGRAPHERSmarcella brooks, tiana chin, anna gonzalez, zach holland, mattie lonergan, cindy nguyen, brian norris, kim pham, alex scobee, maddie sleconich, scott southern, lindsey weixelman, emily wittlerADVISERashley perkins

COVER

shot

EDITORIALpolicy

Effect of H1N1 on students lasts longer than illness

The Paladin is a monthly, student-produced newsmagazine, published to inform and entertain the Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School community and educate journalism students. Each issue is produced with the guidance of a faculty adviser. Student staff members will be offered opportunities to inform, investigate, entertain, interpret and evaluate: all accepted functions of traditional American press.

Included materials will be those of responsible journalism, including restraint by the students and adviser in matters such as libel, privacy, obscenity and copyright.

The staff chooses to reflect the mission of Kapaun Mt. Carmel, a diocesan Catholic high school, to serve the interests and needs of the community and to provide fair, objective, accurate and truthful materials. Opinions do not necessarily reflect views of anyone other than the Paladin staff.

Digital photos have not been altered to manipulate reality. Photo illustrations are labeled to reflect any technical alterations.

Anonymity may be given in the following cases: the information is unable to be presented another way, the information warrants anonymity, the source’s privacy and/or reputation requires protection and the source must be protected from damages.

A student or faculty member death during the coverage period will be covered with a short obituary.

Advertising must meet the same guidelines as editorial content. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the school. Students pictured in advertising must sign a release and accept no monetary compensation. Advertising rates available on request. School organization discount rates are available.

Corrections of errors will appear in the appropriate section of the next issue.

PALADINstaff

paladin8506 E. Central

Wichita, Kan. 67206Phone: (316) 634-0315, ext. 232

Fax: (316) 636-2437kmcjournalism@kapaun.org

KAPAUN MT. CARMEL

Contributing to several deaths across Kansas, hundreds of absences in schools and businesses and thousands of dollars being spent towards protecting students’ health, H1N1 has yet to scale back in severity.

As November begins, flu season is in full swing. This is a problem every year, but the threat of H1N1 makes this year more severe. That is why Kapaun Mt. Carmel will be hosting a clinic where people can receive the H1N1 vaccine.

Also, posters have been hung up in the halls, cafeteria and bathrooms to remind students to perform simple tasks to stay healthy, like hand washing. Hand sanitizer dispensers are now in every room. The school has been doing as much as it can to prevent more absences, going as far as requiring the football team to drink water out of individual cups instead of water bottles because they are more sanitary.

Despite the school taking steps to ward off the H1N1 threat, students are still getting ill. It is important that students protect themselves from H1N1 individually as well. To prevent from getting sick, one should carry hand sanitizer with him especially when he is in public places where people are more susceptible to germs. Also, when a student is sick, he should stay home until he has gone 24 hours without a

LETTERfrom the editor

Dear PALADIN readers,

The arrival of November brings excitement among students who realize the holiday season is underway. This means one thing — Thanksgiving break. Relaxing images of spending time with friends and family fill one’s head, but something has been forgotten.

Not only does November bring about the holiday season, but also preparations for finals. Teachers decide the material for the test, and students realize the need to improve their grades. Now is the time to catch up in classes if one is falling behind or has been ill. It can also be a time to get involved in winter clubs and activities, shown on page 5.

As always, we invite your ideas, input and letters. All letters should be under 150 words and signed. We reserve the right to edit or omit any letters. Baseless accusations, libelous statements, insults or unsigned letters will not be considered for publication. Take letters to Room 215 or mail to the address below.

Sincerely, Katie Moore, Editor

in Chief

7november opinions

paladin

fever to prevent from spreading the flu. Above all, staying informed of what can be done to avoid catching H1N1 is vital.

The flu virus also causes students emotional stress. It is possible that students who get H1N1 could be out of school for up to a week. This leads to enormous stress on the student to stay caught up with school work,

especially for honors students. The pressure to stay caught up with class material, schedule times to make up tests and complete all homework hardly gives the student time to focus on getting well.

To some, it might seem like H1N1 has been given more press time than it deserves and is not an important issue anymore. The truth is that, according to The Wichita Eagle, swine flu cases have been confirmed in 71 of the 105 Kansas counties and absences in schools have increased. False rumors that KMC would close for a day if there were enough absences have started also. H1N1 is not an old issue. It is still a threat as it was before.

Staying healthy can decrease the risk of H1N1 and student absences. It is still important, now more than ever, to take action and do what one can to ward off the flu. Acting like it is not a real issue does nothing but add to the H1N1 problem getting worse.

PALADINeditorial

leah grant

“The pressure to stay caught up with class mate-rial, schedule times to make up tests and complete all homework hardly gives the student time to focus on getting well.”

cover and photo by sean doyle

No use in thinking about what I could’ve done, I have homework

to catch up on.

Although boys are usually the ones to reach for their girlfriend before he sends her off to her next block, recently, girls have as much to do with the PDA problem.

Girls, whenever you give in to kissing your boyfriend in public, you are telling him that it’s OK. I suggest taking some self defense classes to fend off your partner’s hand when he starts to reach for you, or finding an empty janitor’s closet in which to hide.

Just when I think I have reached my PDA quota for the day, I walk to the parking lot. As I look around, I see a few couples kissing. I sigh, and get into

my car. I begin to think of all the ways to get

them to stop: pretend like I am dead, back into their car, honk my horn obnoxiously. I decide it’s not worth it and speed out of the parking lot.

To all the couples at Kapaun Mt. Carm-el: yes, you have a right to be a couple. If you are doing things in the hallway and/or park-ing lot that you would not want your mom to see you doing, chances are you should not be doing them. No one enjoys your publicly displayed affection. I have never heard any-one say, “Oh my gosh, seeing Joe practically maul Jane after lunch was so cute!”

To those that are able to restrain them-selves: thank you.

I mostly sleep when I’m home sick because I want to get better, but sometimes I will catch up on home-work.

8 opinions november

paladin

Overheard in the halls of KMC...

Just Smile Back is a monthly column

LAUREN GENGLER

senior

”

DANIEL HULLINGS

freshman

“”

TAYLOR CONNOLLY

junior

”“

information obtainted by madeline engel and and

hillary sevart

MAX HAGAN

sophomore

“”

How do you spend your time when you are home

sick?

illustration by maria lopez

MEREDITH OSBORNEopinions editor

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I began to call to mind things to be thankful for: spring, a good ballpoint pen, sushi, you know, the usual. My list quickly turned into things I am not so thankful for: chapped lips, rainy days, reaching the end of a book only to read the awful ending.

No matter how hor-rid those previous things sounded, there is one thing that tops my list. One thing that makes me squirm and dream of permanently po-sitioning myself in a dark corner, gouging my eyes out and listening to Nickel-back for the rest of my life: PDA.

Public displays of af-fection, or PDA, have not always been a major problem for me. I remember in grade school, when I did not have to worry about walking down the hallway and seeing cou-ples getting a little too frisky.

As I progressed into middle school, there was some hand holding at recess, but nothing came close to the horrors I have wit-nessed in the halls lately.

Boys, I know that your girlfriend looks really smokin’ in her school uniform. It is hard to resist that 100 percent polyester skirt paired with an oxford button down. However heartbreaking she looks in her sweater vest, is it really that hard to refrain from giving her an impromptu massage after third block, especially in front of a certain senior girl who is painfully aware of her lack of a boyfriend?

“ When I’m sick, I like to watch movies and eat.

When I’m home sick from school, I watch really old Disney movies.

I play Mario Kart on Wii when I’m home sick.

“I always think a good costume for a baby would be a giant bot-tle.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m completely straight...”

“Does Sr. Veronica have a last name?”

“You know what’s worse than junior year? Being a parent.”

It is causing everything to change. Noth-ing has had such an impact since the Indus-trial Revolution. It is social media.

When I first heard of social networking sites such as You-Tube, QuestionSwap and Xanga, I decided to join and was soon ad-dicted and joined more sites.

According to http://social-nomics.net,hundreds of millions of people have joined and con-tinue to join social networking sites. MySpace, Hulu, Twitter – these sites are attracting more people than one may realize. The numbers are astounding.

According to http://web-strategist.com, there are 76 mil-lion people on MySpace in the United States. Twitter is growing quickly with about 8 million new users each month over the last

The Il Vicino in Bradley Fair has qualities similar to the College Hill location without being a replica, including its atmosphere and high food quality. Upon entering, comfortable seating, large windows and a wood oven help me feel right at home. Some popular dishes include the traditional wood-oven pizza or a panini. I ordered the pepperoni pizza for $6.50, and it did not disappoint. Because of the affordable prices,

dessert is a must. Cheesecake or tiramisu is a perfect way to end the meal.

Il Vicino serves lunch and dinner, at affordable prices. I would recommend the restaurant for any occasion, it never fails to serve great food in a comfortable atmosphere. I feel lucky to have such a superb restaurant nearby.

For months I had awaited Tuesday, Oct. 6, the release date for the sixth Relient K album, Forget and Not Slow Down.

With excitement, I opened the album packaging, and placed the disc into my stereo, preparing for the greatness to ensue.

Matthew Theissen, lead singer and composer, takes the listener on an intense journey.

The song topics range from love to break ups; from forgetting regrets to being unsure.

The contrast found in the music is refreshing. While some songs have explosive lyrics matched with light music, others have quirky lyrics paired with darker music. No song lacks passion.

After journeying through Theissen’s mind in this album, I was speechless. Take the journey with the band. It may be the most insightful 42 and a half musical trip you will ever take.

The Office, a popular TV show since 2005, has followed the love lives of Jim and Pam for six seasons, and their wedding day has arrived.

The wedding episode is exciting for even the least romantic viewer. Jim and Pam’s sweet moments mixed in the hilarity of the other characters perfectly complimented the show.

The following episode did not include Jim and Pam, who were

away on their honeymoon, and the office did not seem the same.In the next episode, the office was a normal workspace, then

Michael revealed to Jim that he is dating Pam’s mother, making Pam very upset.

These three episodes of The Office had moments ranging form sentimental to comedic to sad, but the show never fails to entertain the same dedicated audience as when it first began.

When faced with the choice between seeing the comdedy The Invention of Lying and the roller derby film directed by Drew Barrymore, Whip It, I chose wrong. I wasn’t expecting Whip It to be spectacular, but the movie didn’t even live up to my low standards.

The movie follows Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page) who stops competing in pageants to join a roller derby team. Though the movie was better than

expected, a few aspects could have been better. The relationship between Oliver (Landon Pigg) and Bliss was unnecessary. I’m sure this was trying to portray an emo teenage relationship, but the sub-plot lacked charm.

I would recommend this movie to fans of Juno and Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist. It isn’t worth the $10 to see it in theatres. Until the DVD release date, I suggest reading the novel the movie was based on, Whip It by Shauna Cross.

9november opinions

paladin

Effects of social networking far-reachingyear.

Another popular social networking site is Facebook. Facebook is my most visited

web site and makes it easy to find and meet new people. Obviously, my opinion of Face-book is shared by many others, because, according to social-nomics.net, it is the biggest social networking site in the United States.

Facebook President Mark Zuckerberg said that there are more than 250 million people on Facebook. If it were a coun-try, it would have the fourth largest population in the world.

Checking Facebook every day is routine; however, now I feel that I am just following the popular trend. I pride my-self on being unique. I have been proven to

be just one in the crowd of millions posting updates and adding photos on their Face-book profile.

Even though social media is a big part of our world, the repercussions can be scary.Newspaper sales are beginning to decline, email addresses are becoming old standards and people are having less face to face inter-actions.

People are mobile, which means news is able to reach people everywhere.

In a way, it is making us disconnected. The rise in social media seems to be chang-ing how we interact with each other.

Maybe, I am not just part of a trend. I am just doing what is necessary to stay alert in this century. I am making the appropriate choices.

I am just one person in this social media revolution.

CD TV Show

Movie

Restaurant

Experience November entertainment

review by katelyn real

review by katie gilbaugh; photos by brian norris and

review by katelyn real

emily baudouin

review by katie gilbaugh

BEA TRETBARdesign editor

“My handwriting is pretty unique,” Staats said. “I started writing in all caps about a year ago and I’ve been writing that way ever since. It looks a lot neater and it made it easier to write.”

Staats says her handwriting sometimes attracts attention since it does not look like that of a typical girl.

“I think my handwriting would say that I am very organized, precise, hard working and like to get stuff done,” Staats said. “This is very true about my personality.”

McNichol states that our handwriting reveals who we are, how we think, feel and behave.

For example, someone with a lot of pride will write his name big. This person walks tall, holds head high with shoulders back and chest forward. His handwriting will reflect this, for people put the same feelings into their writing.

Someone with a lot of vitality will put more pressure in writing; the more intense the feeling, the more he will bear down with writing.

Having several hooks and tics at the

A ransom note left at the scene of the crime, the murderer caught and jailed due to the evidence left on the note. The capture of the man was not due to DNA or fingerprints, but the analysis of his handwriting.

According to the Forensic Examiner, handwriting signifies negative behavior that might not be detected otherwise.

Handwriting, being closely tied to one’s brain and emotional responses, illustrates a person’s state of mind at the moment pen is placed to paper. As mood and circumstances change, so will the writing.

“When analyzing handwriting for a case, you are looking at every detail such as size, slant, spacing, connecting strokes, letter construction, punctuation, margins and baseline placement,” forensic document examiner Barbara Downer said.

Through handwriting, a person’s personality can be discovered, according to Handwriting Analysis by Andrea McNichol. Junior Katie Staats agrees that her handwriting says a lot about her.

paladin

10 feature october

Analysis of handwriting offers insight in court cases, every day life

ANNA LEbyfeature editor

beginning of many strokes is a sign of inner frustration and overly angular letters is a sign of aggressiveness. Facts such as these can be used as a tool to assist in investigations.

Downer said forensic document examination helps in court because it assists the judge or jury in determining whether a signature on a will, deed, contract, check, etc. is genuine or a forgery; whether a document has been altered, by addition, white out, crossing out, cut and paste; or identifying the writer of an anonymous note.

“Document examination is beneficial to the court system and it actually is the only forensic science that was established specifically to do so,” Downer said.

Other cases that would involve handwriting analysis include anonymous letters, contested wills/contracts, falsified financial records, forged checks, graffiti, murder cases and stolen credit cards.

11october feature

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beginning of many strokes is a sign of inner frustration and overly angular letters is a sign of aggressiveness. Facts such as these can be used as a tool to assist in investigations.

Downer said forensic document examination helps in court because it assists the judge or jury in determining whether a signature on a will, deed, contract, check, etc. is genuine or a forgery; whether a document has been altered, by addition, white out, crossing out, cut and paste; or identifying the writer of an anonymous note.

“Document examination is beneficial to the court system and it actually is the only forensic science that was established specifically to do so,” Downer said.

Other cases that would involve handwriting analysis include anonymous letters, contested wills/contracts, falsified financial records, forged checks, graffiti, murder cases and stolen credit cards.

“I have testified under oath 35 times, a few of these are depositions or arbitrations,” Downer said. “Some attorneys will call to let me know the judge or jury’s decision and so far, all that have contacted me have reported that my opinion prevailed and that my testimony was

the deciding factor in the outcome.”

Judge William Kehr, however, believes handwriting analysis to be of very minimal value in the courtroom.

“It is at best a science in its infancy as the standards are not always objective and there is no consensus on the validity of the analysis,” Kehr said. “It is worth what weight

that may be assigned to it by the judge. I have seen it used in court and it had no bearing on the case. I have had no one present it as something for the court to consider.”

Handwriting analysis cannot determine the intention of the writer even if the idea of the analysis was believable, Kehr said.

I give handwriting analysis the same merit as spells, warlocks, palm readers and other snail oil salesman,” Kehr said.

“When analyzing hand-writing for a case, you are looking at every detail such as size, slant, spac-ing, connecting strokes, letter construction, punc-tuation, margins and baseline placement.”examiner BARBARA DOWNER

graphics by sean doyle; infographic source from handwriting analysis by andrea mcnichol

paladin

12 student life november

For this month’s “Student Survivor,” six students participated in a physical challenge to get one step closer to the title. An exempt ballot was buried in a pile of leaves, and the student who found the ballot first was safe from elimination.

Say good-bye to Bobby

Moore, who was eliminated

this month.

Who do you think should be eliminated? Bring this ballot to Room 215 by Nov. 13.

Mesfin Small

ShaNiece Pyles

Sarah Frangenberg

Laurel Lujano

Sam WescottDIVING IN, “Student Survivor” participants compete in an elimination round. Students had to dig through leaves to find an exmept ballot. “It surprised me,” freshman Sam Wescott said. “But, it was pretty fun.”

SENIOR SHANNON O’NEILL celebrates finding the exempt ballot. This was the second month that O’Neill was safe.

Since the age of 10, she has lived away from her family during the summer to train with Olympic riders. At home she is in training six days a week, competing in dressage and cross country all day Saturday and show jumping on Sunday—this is the dedication that sophomore Perri Fisher has to horseback riding competitions.

“My mom did [horseback riding] growing up,” Fisher said. “Since I was little, her trainer would put me on the horse with her. I’ve always loved it.”

Mary Fisher, Perri Fisher’s mother, said she was competing and showing horses while she was pregnant. When Perri Fisher was born she began riding on horses with her mother. Perri Fisher has been competing in horseback riding competitions since she was seven. She rides her horse, Cinderella, six times a week at her family’s barn. Perri Fisher participates in eventing, which is a competition that includes three phases.

The first phase, dressage, is when the rider is given a test and together with the horse must complete the movements of the test. Phase two, cross country, consists of a rider memorizing a course and completing it

in a certain time. A variety of jumps are put together for this stage.

“Cross country is my favorite phase,” Perri Fisher said. “I never know what is going to happen. I have that thrill in my stomach.”

The third phase, show jumping, takes place in a more scenic jumping setting. There are fewer jumps in this stage and they are closer together. Horses are collected in between jumps.

Since there are not many eventing competitions around Kansas, Perri Fisher competes on the East coast with a trainer that lives in Virginia.

“There is not the opportunity to be successful around Kansas,” Mary Fisher said. “All of the top Olympic riders live in Virginia.”

Summer 2009 was the first summer that Perri did not go away for competitions. She, however, has high hopes for 2010.

“I am in the training level/pre-lum and I am trying to make it to Young Riders,” Perri Fisher said.

Perri Fisher said Young Riders is the young Olympics of horseback riding. The best 16-21-year-olds are eligible to be part of the competition. Cinderella, Fisher’s horse, may be too small to take her to Young Riders.

“In [other] sports it is just up to you,” Perri Fisher said. “How you do in this competition depends on the horse.”

She said horseback riding is her passion and she enjoys the friendships she has made at competitions. She has also had

some frightening experiences. During one competition, Cinderella slipped and Perri Fisher rolled into a ditch with Cinderella’s front feet on top of her. Ultimately she was eliminated because

Cinderella was scared to jump over the ditch, therefore, could not complete the event.

“Some [competitions] have been so much fun when I’ve won,” Fisher said. “Sometimes it can feel bad [losing]. It is heartbreaking because you spent all the time and money.”

Perri Fisher plans to compete in East coast competitions during summer 2010. By this time she hopes to have made it to Young Riders. Beyond Young Riders, she does not know if she will pursue the career of horseback riding.

“There are not a lot of chances to do amazing in Young Riders,” Perri Fisher said. “If I do well I would like

to go to the Olympics.”

ALYSSA BAMBICKbystudent life editor

Student sacrifices summer, time with family to compete in horseback riding

arthead by bea tretbar; photo illustration by emily baudouin

paladin

13november student life

1kelsey prather

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2. DECORATING BOXES, seniors Madeline Hesse and Zack Reed prepare for the annual Quill and Scrool children’s book drive Oct. 21. The drive started Oct. 26 and all books will be donated to Headstart and Via Christi.

marcella brooks

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zach holland

emily baudouin

1. FOR TOGA DAY, sophomore Charlie Brooks recites lines from Julius Caesar. The sophomore Honors English class said Antony’s famous “Friends, romans, countryman...” speech in various classrooms Oct. 27.

3. RED RIBBON IN HAND, junior Kealy Tully puts the finishing touches on student cars Oct. 19. Red Ribbon Week was Oct. 19-Oct. 25. This is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country according to http://www.Imdrugfree.com.

4marcella brooks

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4. WITH SCHOOL SPIRIT, students participate in the “blackout” during the Kapaun Mt. Carmel vs. Bishop Carroll football game Oct. 9. “I think [the team] did well on executing the plays,” senior Chase Dempsey said. “The defense really stepped up.”5. IN CERAMICS, seniors Heather Connelly and Sarah Long and art teacher Lori Sprague experiment with the pottery wheel Oct. 22. “We jump in and start the projects,” Sprague said. “The students have to be hands on to learn.”

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INSIDE THE LINESACTIVITY: Senior Hilary Cosgrove dances with the pom squad in their routine at the football game Oct. 2.

On the pom squad, senior Hilary Cosgrove is not only known as being a leader, but also as a confident dancer and a dependable teammate.

“Hilary is always very enthusiastic about dancing,” coach Tiffany Cohlmia said. “She is always very upbeat. I think this makes the girls feel like they can approach her at anytime.”

Cosgrove had been dancing for about 10 years at Movement Authority in Wichita, but she has not always been as enthusiastic about it as she is now.

“When I was little my mom put me in tap and ballet classes,” Cosgrove said. “Back then I didn’t have much of an interest in it, so I quit. I grew up watching my older sister perform and that made me want to do it again.”

Junior Leslie Carrillo said she can tell Cosgrove is doing something she loves when she is dancing.

“Hilary has a way of presenting herself when she dances,” Carrillo said. “People can tell that she is truly enjoying every moment.”

Being a senior, Cosgrove has a major role in preparing the squad for routines, including making up dances, teaching and making sure everyone is prepared for games.

Colhmia said Cosgrove brings a lot of experience, talent and personality to the squad along with her leadership skills.

“She knows when it is time to be a leader, and when she needs to be a part of the squad,” Carrillo said.

HIL

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OSG

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15november sports

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Boys Wrestling Boys Basketball Girls Basketball

emily baudouin

madeline engel

12/37p.m. @ North

12/5Southeast JV Wrestling Tournament9a.m. @ Southeast

12/107p.m. @ East

12/4 7:30p.m. vs. Southeast@ Southeast

12/87:30p.m. vs. West@ KMC

12/117:30p.m. vs. Heights @ KMC

12/46p.m. vs. Southeast@ Southeast

12/86p.m. vs. West @ KMC

12/116p.m. vs. Heights@ KMC

infographic by sean doyle; photos by emily baudouin and marcella brooks

paladin

16 sports november

CHRISTIAN KEHRsenior swimmer

LAUREN BAKERjunior bowler

DYLAN MATHENYsenior wrestler

Sport Coach’s outlook

Games to watch

Key players

2008-09 record

Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball

Wrestling

Boys Swim

Boys Bowling

Girls Bowling

“The girls here are good to work with and a lot of fun,” Thomas

said.

Bishop Carroll Jan. 9 and Heights Feb. 3

Senior Alison Huffman and junior Lauren

BakerSixth in City League

“We have a strong team,” Chris Erickson

said. “Expectations are pretty high.”

East Dec. 3

Seniors Zack Reed, Christian Kehr and Cody Lonergan and

juniors Matthew Louis and Ryan Zwick

Third in City League

“[I expect] an improved season with experienced players,” Bernie Pearson said

Heights Dec. 11 and Bishop Carroll Jan. 5

Seniors Mesfin Small and Dyllon Knox,

junior Keaton Lewis and sophomore Michael Martin

Second in sub-state

Second in regionals

Senior Alexandria Ro-driguez, junior Emily

Lantz and sophomores Katie Anderson and Courtney Gahagan

Heights Dec. 11, Bishop Carroll Jan. 5 and the new Topeka Seaman

tournament Jan. 28-30

“[We’re] a young team,” Damian Smith-hisler said. “It’s hard to tell where we’re

going to be.”

“It will be a rebuilding year,” Marie Thomas

said. “We need to find players fill the shoes of the bowlers we lost.”

Carroll Jan. 9, Heights Feb. 3 and Northwest

Feb. 16

“We are starting form scratch at the varsity level,” Thomas said.

Third in regionals

Fourth in City League

Seniors Jonathan Truman and Dylan Matheny and junior

Tyler Dryden

Northwest Jan. 16 and Carroll Jan. 21

“[How we do this season] is up to the boys,” Tim Dryden

said.

We have ev-eryone returning, and a lot of boys practiced over the winter. We did well in city and should do really well in state.

I expect that returning players [will improve]. It is hard to tell what the season will be like because I’m not sure how good the incoming play-ers are.

Most individu-als have been work-ing hard. I hope we can become a force in City League - beat Carroll, beat Northwest and win City League.

Varsity Quotable

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““

” ”

arthead by bea tretbar

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17november sports

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1andrea munevar emily baudouin

emily baudouinkelsey prather

perry tretbarandrea munevar

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18 advertising november

w

boys Opponent KMCFOOTBALL VARSITY West 10/2 0 63

Bishop Carroll 10/9 36 34

Arkansas City 10/16 14 71

Winfield10/23 21 28

CRUSADERscores

girls Opponent KMCVOLLEYBALL

VARSITY Bishop Carroll 10/6 2 0

East 10/6 0 2

Southeast 10/8 0 2

North 10/8 1 2

South 10/13 0 2

Northwest 10/13 2 1

West 10/20 0 2

Heights 10/20 2 1

paladin

19november sports

boys Opponent KMCSOCCER VARSITY Heights 10/1 4 1

East 10/6 3 2

North Cup 10/17 Second

West 10/22 0 7

girls KMCTENNIS

VARSITY GWAL Tournament 10/3 First

Class 5A Regionals 10/12 Second

Class 5A State 10/17 Sixth

girls KMCGOLF

VARSITY GWAL Golf Tournament 10/6 First

Class 5A Regionals 10/12 First

Class 5A State 10/19 Second

team Boys GirlsCROSS COUNTRY

VARSITY OSU Cowboy Jamboree 10/3 Second Second

El Dorado Invitational 10/10 Twelfth Eleventh

GWAL Meet 10/17 Fourth Third

Class 5A Regionals 10/24 Third Second

Athletes recognized at senior nights

1. ON SENIOR NIGHT, seniors Jonathan Truman and Dylan Knox kneel at Cessna Stadium Oct. 23. KMC beat Winfield 28-21. “I’ll miss the experience,” Knox said. “It taught me a lot of life lessons -- be on time and do things the right way.”

lindsey weixelman

marcella brookslindsey weixelman 32

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2. SENIOR JOHN DOAN plays during senior night against West at Stryker Oct. 22. KMC won the game 7-0. 3. THROWING HER HANDS IN THE AIR, senior Leah Grant celebrates on senior night Oct. 20 at KMC. The Crusaders won the match against West but lost versus Heights. “It seems like I was just a freshman,” Grant said. “It hasn’t set in that I’m a senior yet.”4. GATHERED TOGETHER, the senior soccer players pose for a picture with their parents at Stryker Oct. 22.

4 lindsey weixelman

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