Category Archives: Peter Hyle

A&E, Peter Hyle

Latest Disney animation goes beyond expectations

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By Peter Hyle

For years, Disney has been known for their warm and lighthearted animations. Being the 52nd film in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series, Wreck-It Ralph seems to be keeping up the tradition. With the constant blasts of noise, color and laughter, the film is a true “feel good” movie that continues to impress.

The story centers around the rebellious arcade game villain, Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly), who one day hopes to be a hero. In pursuit of his dream, he travels through multiple games throughout the arcade via plug-in cords.  On his journey, he runs into multiple characters from other games in the arcade, including Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) and Sergeant Tamora Jean Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch), and inadvertently poses a dire threat to the entire arcade.

Along with the nostalgic feel throughout the entire film, there are some serious twists that caught me off guard. There are intense, heart-breaking scenes that aren’t expected from a Disney movie. Filled with moments that can make you laugh and frown, this movie goes way beyond my expectations.

With stimulating, colorful animation for children, and an interesting plot and character developments for adults, anyone can easily enjoy Wreck-It Ralph. Obviously, director Rich Moore was determined to give the film an authentic feel to it, adding real characters from real video games, making it even more enjoyable for older gamers.

As for the box office, Wreck-It Ralph was a definite hit, grossing over 127 million worldwide so far. On opening day, the film hit an above average mark of 13.5 million.  As for the opening weekend all together, the movie topped the box office at 49 million dollars. This was the largest debut for Walt Disney Animation Studios since Tangled’s 48.8 million dollar opening.

But this isn’t the end for the character Wreck-It Ralph since Disney announced a tie-in game based on the film for the Wii, Nintendo DS, and the Nintendo 3DS. A game was also released as an app for the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. As if that wasn’t enough, Disney recently released browser-based versions of some of the featured arcade games in the movie, Sugar Rush and Hero’s Duty on their new official website.

As for a sequel, Moore has stated in an interview that he and Disney have ideas about another movie. Whether a sequel is released or not, the movie Wreck-It Ralph is a clever, familiar Disney movie that has impressed me more than I thought it would. This movie casts a very wide net and attracts an audience of all ages. Based on my experience, a movie as well put together as this one will not disappoint.

Features, Peter Hyle

Sophomore Madeline Coffey pursues theater dream career

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By Peter Hyle

Standing on stage in front of hundreds, sophomore Madeline Coffey sings as loudly and clearly as she possibly can. Having a love for theater, performing comes naturally to her. Coffey’s enthusiasm for theater arts is palpable as she goes over her countless lines.

“I have such a passion for singing, as well as acting,” said Coffey, “I can’t imagine my life without theater.”

Thankful for their helpfulness, Coffey’s family provides a tremendous amount of encouragement.

“Words can’t even express how much they support me. They’re at every single show and concert. All the love and support I get from them is truly unbelievable,” said Coffey.

Showing signs at an early age, Coffey’s family realized her love for performing.

“I remember when she was in a kindergarten talent show she stood on her head in front of everyone, in a patriotic costume, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance,” said mother Suzanne Coffey.

But her first major performance came later in her life.

Sophomore Madeline Coffey goes through her lines for “The Music Man” at last week’s play practice.
Photo by Keevin Sakai.

“When I was younger, I had a friend who was into theater and she asked me if I would like to come and audition for a play called Joseph and the Amazing Techni-Colored Dreamcoat at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre. And that actually turned out to be my first big performance,” said Coffey.

After Joseph, Coffey realized how much she loved being on stage.

“That first show was a lot of fun, but my passion for it started when a few prominent people gave me a lot of applause and encouragement,” said Coffey.

For Coffey, she could not ask for a better program to help her gain experience in this field than FC’s.

“It [the FC theater department] is a family. I’ve gotten so close to everyone, and they’re all just so supportive.”

Generally, the upperclassmen gain the lead roles due to their experience in the school plays.

“I don’t think age or experience should be an indicator of the part someone gets,” said Coffey. “It’s all about your talent and perseverance. You just have to fit the role.”

Coffey has fit a countless number of notable roles in her few years here at FC, including the Ghost of Christmas Past in The Christmas Carol and Kate Keller in The Miracle Worker.

As for her future, Coffey is confident that theater will be a major part of it.

“I would absolutely love to turn this into a career,” she said. “I’m not sure which field, but there’s nothing I would love more. It’s actually kind of scary to think about not doing it.”

Coffey could not be happier with her time spent on stage, and she only hopes to gain more talent and experience as she continues to pursue her passion in theater.

“Even if I wasn’t a lead, that wouldn’t discourage my longing to perform.”

Features, Peter Hyle

Freshman artist gains inspiration from family

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By Peter Hyle

Freshman Julia Bays stares at a blank sheet of paper as her mind searches for something to draw. Starting out slowly, she sketches the picture in her mind. With art being such a big part of her from an early age, a life without her talent seems unimaginable.

“I started drawing ever since I picked up a pencil; it just came naturally to me,” said Bays.

With a family full of talented artists, it is hard not to pick up an interest for art. Gaining all kinds of encouragement and inspiration, Bays’s family plays a crucial role in her own artwork.

“I give her a lot of advice and tips,” said Bays’s older sister, sophomore Olivia Bays. “I like to raise the bar and challenge her with all of her art.”

Despite the support she receives from her entire family, there is only one person who is credited for her initial spark in art.

“My dad is an artist and he is my idol. He really inspires me and makes me want to be as good as him one day,” said Bays.

In the past, Bays’ artwork has helped create new friendships, and even strengthened existing ones.

“I really like how she can take a lot of different artist’s styles and use them in her own, unique way,” said sophomore Dakota Arnold.

Not only with friends, but family as well.

“She encourages me with my artwork, too,” said Olivia, “We collaborate a lot and share some ideas and styles.”

Because art is so important to her, the strong arts department at FC mean a lot to her.

“I really enjoy the art program, because at my old middle school, we didn’t even have one,” said Bays. “There’s so much to do here with my art.”

In the future, Bays plans on taking advantage of the classes offered.

“I’m only in Intro to Art right now, but I hope to take drawing and painting classes for the rest of my years here,” said Bays.

Not only does she have plans to use her talent in high school, but she hopes to use it in the years following.

“I think it would be amazing to draw for children’s books, or short animations,” said Bays.

Bays’s passion for drawing is evident in every picture she creates. Whether she’s sketching something out in class, or at home working on every last detail, her artwork plays a huge role in her life.

“Drawing helps me express myself,” said Bays. “It’s my life.”

Features, Peter Hyle

Teachers plan for the next week’s fall break

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By Peter Hyle

For students, the upcoming week is a much-needed break. Due to the balanced school calendar, this year students and faculty have an entire week out of school. Though students have the entire time out, some teachers, however, do not. With the first nine weeks coming to a close and the second just about to begin, there is a lot of work to be done while the students are away.

Social studies teacher Suzanne Moss grades papers in her classroom. Moss is among many teachers who may be using the next week to catch up on paperwork and grading in preparation for the new nine-week grading period. Photo by JT Samart.

“I’ll be working on various little projects [over the break], and I would guess that a lot of teachers are updating and working on grades for all of their students,” said principal Janie Whaley.

For most teachers, before they can take their break, they have to get their lesson plans and student grades put together.

“I need to get caught up and get a lot of paperwork together that I’ve been putting off,” said social studies teacher Suzanne Moss.

Most staff members think that the break is a good idea, and necessary.

“I think that this will be good for a lot of the students and their families,” said assistant principal Rob Willman.

In the past, what would be considered fall break was the three days off from school around Thanksgiving time…the day before, the day of, and the day after Thanksgiving. But this year, FC will have that short break along with next week of no school.

“I think any time you can step back from your normal routine is a good thing,” said Willman.

In the future, FC will put more use into its fall break. Lengthening to two weeks next school year, students will be offered more opportunities to raise their grades in several classes.

“We’ll move more towards intercession periods. Not this year but the next year, students will have a chance to make up school work during the second week of fall break,” said Willman.

Just about all staff members will agree that this is time well spent for the school.

“I think it’s a good idea to give kids the extra help they need,” said math teacher Rusty Cecil.

Some staff members are required to stay at FC over the break. With the numerous sporting events taking place here, it is necessary.

“I’ll be here for most of fall break,” said assistant principal Jeff Cerqueira. “We still have a lot of student athletic activities going on here.”

Over fall break, the cross country team has its

sectional, the volleyball team plays against Providence, and the football team has a home game against New Albany.

“There’s still a lot going on. With all the games and practices, there will have to be some staff members here to watch over everything,” said Willman.

For some staff members, the week-long break for students can end up being only a two or three-day break for them. It takes time and is important to make sure that all work is graded, and things are organized and set up for the start of the second nine weeks. Faculty and staff make sure that things here at the school run smoothly while the students are both here and away on break.

“I always say that it’s a building that never sleeps,” said Whaley.

News, Peter Hyle

Celebrate My Drive event proves to be a success

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By Peter Hyle

Many new drivers at FC can agree that the Celebrate My Drive event, sponsored by State Farm was held  at FC on Saturday,was successful. Filled with games,  food, and lots of excitement, the event was everything it promised to be.

All of last week, State Farm agents and volunteers worked hard to promote the event and make sure everyone had their chance to vote.

According to sophomore Tanner Nifong, the promoting was effective. “They put a lot of signs and tables up to grab our attention.”

All the promoting had a sincere reason behind it, a point that they wanted to get through to new drivers.

“I think it created awareness, and we did a lot of relevant and important activities to help new drivers learn as much as they could,” said the State Farm representative in charge of the event, Theresa Lamb.

The location of the event had a major part in its overall success.

“It was a really good space because it’s spread out and in a comfortable environment, not crowded. And it was amazing weather, so they picked a great day to do it,” said junior Caroline Wiseman, a volunteer  at the event.

FC staff members also took their part in making this event possible.

“The whole staff was great, the idea was well received to them. They helped me with the planning and setting up and the timing of the event,” said Lamb.

Aside from benefiting the new drivers themselves, the event was beneficial to many others in different ways.

“Teens in general have to deal with inexperienced driving. It’s a benefit to everyone because these kind of programs will hopefully increase safety among teens,” said Lamb.

Being the first year for The Celebrate My Drive event to take place, it is sure to be seen again in the years to come for FC.

“They are our future, they have to be prepared for the road. We have to spread awareness now,” said Lamb.