Windsock

Track and Field

EMHS showed an impressive performance at the track meet last Tuesday.  Although the team lost by 2 points, this is due to lack of participation in some key events, including all of the throwing events (Javelin, Shot-put, etc.).  EMHS dominated in the distance events, but was beaten out in the shorter distance events.  A somewhat notable exception was the 4x400 relay, which the EMHS team won by a fair margin.  Not bad for a bunch of Mennonite distance runners!  Still, the impression was that they weren't really racing each other, but just trying to top themselves, which made it very relaxed.  Overall, a solid meet.

Boys results

3200m Relay

1st-Team A          9:00

2nd-Team B         10:13.4

100m

1st-Blosser, L.      24.3

1600m

1st-Zook, A.         4:49

2nd-Shenk B.        5:22

4th-Bender, J.      5:51

6th-Yoder, A.        5:59

7th-Eshleman, T.   6:07

800m

1st-Akerson, N.      2:21

2nd-Souder, J.       2:35

3rd-Yoder, A.         2:42

1600m Relay

1st-EMHS               3:59.3

Girls Results

100m

4th-Rimer, S.         16.9

200m

4th-Rimer, S.         36.1

3200m

2nd-Hampton, R.    21:23

1600m

2nd-Hostetter, B.    6:02.8

800m

4th-Clymer, V.         3:34.6

5th-Pusey, J.           3:57.6

Unisex Results

400m

2nd-Hostetter, B.     58.5

6th-Oberholtzer         105.5

- Joe Phillips

Soccer Preview

The snow is melting, the sun is out, and spring is in the air.  This means different things to different people, and to some, it means girls soccer season.  The Varsity girls team has been practicing for some time now, and has already played a couple scrimmages and one game.  According to Coach Sherman Eberly, "It's a young team, but they have experience."  There are only 3 seniors on the roster, and most of the players are sophomores.  "We have a lot of sophomores on the team."  agreed senior keeper Julia Johnson (pictured left).  Despite this, all the players have soccer experience.  "All of them have experience playing at the club level or the school level," said Eberly.

The coaches this year are Eberly and Jim Lofton.  Eberly has coached college mens soccer for 9 years and high school boys for 4 years, but has never coached girls.  "They are not as intense as other coaches," said midfielder Jessica Hostetter, "they let us take the initiative."  According to Eberly, he and Lofton are not designating either one "Head Coach," instead co-coaching the team.

There are a few issues this early in the season.  "We are struggling a bit with team dynamics," said Hostetter.  Still, there is a lot of potential on the field, and expectations are fairly high.  "I am cautiously optimistic," said Eberly, and that seems to be the general consensus.  "It's a new year, and we are pretty hopeful," said Johnson.  It will be an exciting season, and well worth paying attention to.  (Angelina pictured above)

NAME                                            YEAR           POSITION

Lucy Baker                                     10               Fwd

Emma Beachy                                 10               Mid/Def

Hannah Bell                                    12               Mid

Caitlin Bucher                                 10               Keeper

Haley Chico                                    10               Mid/Def

Sarah Grace Fitzimmons                  11              Def

Meg Hertzler                                   8                Mid/Def

Jessica Hostetter                            12               Mid

Malia Hostetter                               10               Def

Leah Jacobs                                     9               Fwd/Mid

Julia Johnson                                   12             Keeper

Kara Lofton                                      10             Mid/Def

Leah Moore                                      9               Def

Emily Myers                                      8               Mid

Kristen Myers                                   11              Def

Angelina Pardini                                9                Fwd/Mid

Ranita Shenk                                    10               Mid

Kaitlin Stauffer                                 10               Fwd

Vaughn Strickler                                11               Fwd

Kierra Stutzman                                10               Mid/Def

Rebecca Suter                                   11               Fwd/Mid

Manager:               Kendra Miller

Coaches:               Sherman Eberly and Jim Lofton

- Joe Phillips

Why Were Exams Cancelled?

Exams. Just thinking about them is enough to make some people’s blood pressure rise. The stress that goes with that twice yearly event is enough to make men weep. However, this year, EMHS managed to catch a break. A large amount of snow closed the school for two days, the Thursday and Friday of exams. For some, this was news for rejoicing, for others, cursing. One thing about exams; although they can be extremely difficult, they are also very useful for raising one’s grade. Some teachers even curve them to create a greater boost for students who need it. With two of the exam days lost, some are left without this needed boost. However, for the administration, the need to move on into second semester outweighed the need for exams. According to Mr. Martin, the second semester is significantly shorter than the first, which means that the school would try to avoid losing any days. Still, exams are an important part of certain class grades, and if the little extra was needed, some students are feeling abandoned.

Questions or Thoughts? Post a comment. I will endeavor to answer to the best of my ability.

- Joe Phillips

Milk in Crisis

A horrible atrocity has occurred at this fair institution, one which has shaken our beloved community to its very core. The screams of protest ring loud and clear, torn from the throats of the suffering masses, all crying out "Where is the 2% milk?"

If you didn't notice(you boorish philistine), the standard, wonderful purest 2% milk has been replaced by a gross, putrescent imitation, that is 1% milk. The very appearance of it disgusts me. Under the guise of being more health conscious the overbearing lunch staff hegemony has decided that the 1% milk being lower in fat, is more healthy than the 2%. Even if this were true (highly unlikely- Has the lunch staff ever been really concerned about your health? Consider Breakfast for Lunch. Yeah, I dont want to either) aren't we we losing something precious and integral to the our school experience? 1% just doesn't have the same aesthetic appeal that 2% has. Lunch doesn't feel right without 2% milk. 1% milk is not even half of what 2% milk is (despite the mathematical evidence). This is why I hope you join me in a mass protest of this travesty. 2% milk is the only milk that is fit to drink (can I get an Amen? Post it in the comments).

- Joe Phillips

Musical Review: Like a Dream

At the opening to this musical, the narrators ask if you would like to hear a story. You may wonder at this point if it was worth spending your money on. My answer to that question: yes, very much so. It is a crime not to. For all its flaws, this is a well done musical adventure, full of humor and fun.

Now, to get those nasty flaws out of the way. I will spare you the plot summary, and go into the review itself (the story is that of Joseph, son of Jacob, in the book of Genesis. It is all there for your reading pleasure.) Now, as can be expected from a school that emphasizes its choir program, the singing was great. Tucker Wheatley, in the title role of Joseph, performed superbly, clearly enunciating, hitting his notes well, and with good volume (how much of the volume was the sound technicians, I am not sure). Laura Anderson and Brook Hostetter as the narrators also had sterling performances (good endurance). Aaron Brydge has my vote for the most memorable solo not featuring Tucker, with “Canaan Days.” The singing was superb. However, the dancing wasn’t. True, it did show practice and effort, but it still felt forced at times. Especially the rainbow scene, which was synchronized well but didn’t feel natural. It felt like the dancers were put onstage just to do something to fill space (the fabric wheel certainly added to the feel of the musical though). The period dancing felt like all period dancing: dated (do you ever do "The Monkey" anymore? Yeah, I thought so). Still, it felt less jarring the second time I saw it, so it still works pretty well, and adds to the somewhat “strange dream” quality that the musical emits. During Pharaoh’s number, the bodyguards provided a nice contrast to the crazy 50’s theme.

Costumes were well done, with the narrators' “oooo, sparkly” sequin shirts being the most eye grabbing. The period costumes fit well, with the best being James Souder’s Elvis costume (one problem with Pharaoh: no Elvis lip! True, it is pretty hard to do right, but that would have completed the look for me). One thing to note is that (Egad!) Tucker’s midriff is visible through a large portion of the play (Again, Egad!). Considering our rather strict dress code, and other complaints leveled at the production, this surprised me a little bit. But it fits perfectly, so kudos to you, Tucker. Last, but not least, the Calypso number. I will tolerate the song (good job, James), but the sombreros made me gag. Enough said.

As much as I bashed it, the musical is a solid production, and deserves to be seen. We may not be doing one next year, so you should show your support for this type of theater at the school.

-Joe Phillips (pictures by Sarah Schaeffer)

Soccer Flames Stunned

There was complete silence in the crowd after Hargrave's soccer team scored the winning goal in the game on Tuesday, leaving the score at 2-1 in double overtime. The Flames had been pressing Hargrave hard, keeping the ball on Hargrave's side of the field for most of the game. However, the only goal scored was by accident, a pass across the field that turned into a surprise goal in overtime. Hargrave soon tied it up, and pushed the game into double overtime. Still, hopes were high, and several near misses by the Flames had everyone thinking of a Flames victory. However, a defensive mixup saw the ball rolling into the Flames' goal.

This puts EMHS out of the VIC tournament in the quarterfinals, a major upset considering how highly favored the soccer team was. Still, the season is not over, and the team is getting ready for the state tournament coming up soon. Hopefully they will be able to make a better showing there than at this game.

- Joe Phillips

Strat-O-Matic: Club or Cult?

Four people are gathered around the glowing screen, staring intently. On the wall, a poster displays symbols that are incomprehensible to the unenlightened. These boys are playing baseball, but not in the traditional sense. They are managing fictitious teams in the baseball Strat-O-Matic computer game, as members of the club of the same name.

Strat-O-Matic baseball is a virtual interface for Fantasy Baseball, where members pick real life players and place them into imaginary teams, which they run themselves. Due to the complex and sometimes frustrating nature of the game, the membership is fairly small, but dedicated. This is not a club you join for kicks. On any given day, you can visit Mr. Leonard's classroom and see at least two people sitting in front of a laptop, playing the game.

The level of commitment to this club is fairly extraordinary, considering the level of commitment found in other clubs. This level of commitment led to Mrs. Johnson's "cult" comment, which she could observe first-hand because Mr. Leonard's room is just across the hall. Interestingly enough, by one of the definitions of "cult" (a great devotion to something), the Strat-O-Matic club is, technically, a cult.

This is not a religion, but it is definitely an obsession. This is a game that can transcend hobby, a game that the players can really become attached to. When they play, they sometimes deride their virtual players, or cheer them on. (Stefan can be heard yelling "Hobo!" from time to time.) There are inside jokes specific to the club. Of all the clubs at EMHS, this is one that comes closest to what an actual club is: a group of people who have mutual interests that tightly bind them together. If that is considered a cult at this school, then sign me up.

- Joe Phillips

Tutu Speaks at JMU

I am sitting at the press conference in a plastic folding chair, next to a large sign with the Gandhi Center Logo on it. It is overcast and many are concerned about the rain. I see a black sedan pull up, and a slightly hunched figure in the back seat, flanked by several escorts. He is wearing a rumpled cap and through a gap in his jacket, I can see a large, Anglican cross. This was the first time I ever laid eyes on Desmond Tutu, the famous and influential Noble Prize winner, whose brave actions led to the end of Apartheid.

He is old, but he moves a speaks with an energy that you would hardly expect from someone of his age. He retains a sense of humor, comparing himself at this press conference to "a lamb before slaughter." He spoke about "the world's deep hunger for peace," and praised the Gandhi Center for not giving up on human beings and their common sense of decency. He commented on inter-faith peace, saying that he could think of no faith that "promotes war, that promotes injustice and oppression." he also said that religion itself is morally neutral, and its adherents are what make faith good or bad.

On the subject of peacemaking in general he had this to say; "Frequently, it is not what people say; it could be a gesture or a smile...I have considerable faith in humans and we should not discount every little victory...soon like it is the sea, made up of little drops of water."

On the subject of AIDS in Africa, he said, "I think the gains we have made could be easily subverted by AIDS."

His speech was full of humor, and teachings that were targeted at peacemakers and Christians. He asserted that this is indeed a moral universe and that goodness and virtue do indeed win out over evil. He cites the recent struggle for supremacy of General Musharaff in Pakistan, and the crumbling of his power base, even lowering himself to the point of trying to negotiate with the very people he overthrew. He mentioned Milosevic, who was powerful, but eventually was tried before the Hague, a broken man. Archbishop Tutu called these men and others like them "the flotsam and jetsam of history." He closed by saying, "We are indeed made for goodness, for laughter, for gentleness, for caring, for sharing, for compassion, for we do indeed inhabit a moral universe and, yes, goodness is powerful."

- Joe Phillips

Our New Internet Firewall

A new policy has been put into practice this year concerning the schools computer access; an internet firewall has been put into place. The administration has thought it prudent to do so, due to the trouble  last year with viruses and slow processor speed. When asked why, Mr. Leaman said, "Last year the computers ran really slowly, because they had to scan all the websites as we were visiting them... Now the firewall sever scans the websites first, so the regular sever is not working as hard." The new firewall is using what Mr. Leaman says is the standard school package that the supplying company provides, blocking social networks, blogs, shopping websites, websites involving weaponry, and other websites deemed appropriate. "if something is heavy in sales, that type is blocked," said Mr. Leaman.

However, there are some initial problems with the new firewall. According to Mr. Leaman, the new firewall has 100 slots, or licenses, that allow different profiles to access the internet. This would not be  a problem, but according to Mr. Leaman, "Once logged on, its counts as a slot even once the profile is logged off, so what we've found is that we are capping at 100 licenses too easily, and people are unable to access the internet at all, even emhs.net," Mr. Leaman said. Another 100 profiles have been ordered, but until then, the problem has to be manually corrected.

Another point is the student opinion. At the beginning of the year, a point was raised that the popular internet encyclopedia, Wikipedia, was blocked by the firewall. Many students use Wikipedia as a research tool, and were angered by the lack of access. The issue was quickly corrected, but had raised doubts in some over the overall usefulness of the firewall. "There's no consideration of the fact that you have different age groups and maturity levels...There's no consideration of the fact that a 12th grader may need to look at questionable content for a paper versus a 6th grader  looking at questionable content" [just because they can], said Student Body President Dustin Crummett. Opposition to the new firewall may shift policy slightly, but for right now, the administration seems dead set on maintaining the current restrictions on internet access.

-Joe Phillips (Photo by Annie Brunk)