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News, Patrick Prifogle

Marching Highlanders place seventh at state

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By Megan Hardin and Patrick Prifogle

On Saturday, Nov. 3, the FC band marched their way to Lucas Oil Stadium, where they competed at state. “This was the most emotional performance for me, placement didn’t matter,” said senior Chloe Wassom. The emotional performance earned a seventh place finish.

Marching band performs on Saturday at the state finals at Lucas Oil Stadium. The band placed seventh in the state. This was the fourth consecutive year the marching band earned a trip to the finals. Photo by Sidney Reynolds.

“They did great, it was the best performance they have ever put together,” said band director Harold Yankey. Although they didn’t finish as well as they had hoped to they were all very pleased with their performance.

“I’m really happy about the performance. Our band improved greatly from last year, but so did everyone else’s,” said senior Christian Thomas.

“It was one of the best performances, everyone did really well,” said senior Maggie Staples. Many band members thought they deserved a higher place. “We couldn’t have done a show better than Saturday, we probably should have gotten sixth or fifth,” said Staples.

In the end, however, what really matters is the experience.

“It was a great ending to five years of band,” said Thomas.

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Online Only, Patrick Prifogle

LittleBigPlanet Vita falls short

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By Patrick Prifogle

The LittleBigPlanet franchise has been evolving since the original came on back in 2008. The PSP release was nice but could have used a little more. LittleBigPlanet 2 was the real peak of the franchise and while LBP Vita does bring a lot of what LBP 2 brought to the table, this portable entry is a bit underwhelming.

The game itself looks great, in the 20 or so hours I played I didn’t see one bit of slow down or screen tearing. Sackboy looks as cute and fluffy on Vita as he does on the Playstation 3.

The gameplay is just the same as LBP 2 as well. That’s not all bad but it means that jumping is still floaty and worst of all the level editor is maddeningly complex. You need not fret though, because people adapt, I know that I don’t understand how to make a great LBP Vita level, but there is always someone who will crack the code and make amazing levels for us to enjoy.

The biggest hook LBP Vita has to offer is the fact that, through User-Generated content, LBP Vita has the potential to give Sony an answer to the App store. If people buy this game and make levels, in a month or two, this game could have over 200000 levels after all LBP 2 has over 8 million levels.

Even with the loads of levels though this game could be so much better. It’s a good game for sure but is falls short of being great, maybe next time they will finally perfect the formula.

+ Endless levels

+ Great Graphics

– Lackluster level design

– Floaty jumping

(7.5/10) 

Michael Pepin, News

PSAT purpose discussed among students, staff

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By Michael Pepin

The PSAT was designed as a preparation for the SAT, explaining its name as “Pre-Standardized-Aptitude-test.”  However is the four hour test really necessary for students? How does the PSAT compare to the SAT itself, and do students who have taken the test consider it to be helpful or a waste of time?

The PSAT is actually a retired SAT that is being reused to help students get a feel for taking the test. “The PSAT is to help students familiarize themselves with the SAT.  Sophomores can use it for career exploration, and juniors can use it not only to prepare for the SAT but also to qualify for National Merit Scholarships,” said counselor Mark Clark.

Many students find the test unenjoyable, but necessary. “My opinion is that it is a good thing, because it will prepare us for the real thing even though it’s not very fun,” said junior Alexis Martin.

Though the SAT and PSAT do not differ much, the most significant difference is that the PSAT has no on-demand essay. Instead, they utilize multiple choice questions over sentence structure. “The PSAT does not have the essay portion, so I think that it is the only flaw because the essay is a good part of the SAT.  The questions about sentence structure and writing do not compare to writing an actual essay,” said English teacher Wallace Austin.

The PSAT however, has another benefit to the students to help prepare for the important test. “Because of the high stakes for the SAT, students need to prepare and receive experience with standardized test taking. In addition, with the PSAT when you get your results back from the PSAT it shows you your skills and weaknesses so that you can know what to study and be better prepared,” said Austin.  When the results of the PSAT return, you are able to look and see which areas you need improvement in and which areas you are assured of passing.

A lot of the stress that occurs during the test arises not from the questions themselves, but the pressure to do well.  “It adds the experience of taking a standardized test and performing under a time limit.  The PSAT is to practice and prepare for the SAT,” said senior Rick Ellis, who had taken the PSAT last year and went on to take the SAT in the spring.  The strain of taking a long grueling test under a time limit is one of the harder parts of the test, said Ellis.

The differences in setting between the SAT and the PSAT prevent an actual reproduction of the situation.  “It is different with the PSAT because you are already at school and ready, but with the SAT you have to get yourself up and prepare for the test, which takes place inside of an unfamiliar school,” said senior Austin Adams.

The PSAT does not have the essay portion, so I think that it is the only flaw because the essay is a good part of the SAT.  The questions about sentence structure and writing do not compare to writing an actual essay.

While the PSAT’s goal is to prepare students to eventually take the SAT, it is important for everyone. “Why not give yourself options? Colleges require SAT scores, and you should take the PSAT in case you later change your mind and find a college you want and need a high SAT score to get into,” said Austin.

 
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.”

Alyssa Book, Girls Cross Country, Sports

Girls’ cross country travels to semi-state

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By Alyssa Book

With leaves changing and fall starting, one team at FC wraps up a chapter of their season. At 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, the girls’ cross country team will travel to Brown County to compete in the Indiana semi-state competition.

The girls have advanced to semi-state, and the stakes rise this weekend as the state finals are now in close reach. Striding to the finish line could mean a possible state medal in the weeks to come.

With excitement and nerves surrounding the days leading up to one of the most crucial races of the season, coach Carl Hook said he tries to focus the girls by having them visualize the course, know their competition, and trying to keep them relaxed.

He has prepared the team mentally and physically for this tournament and feels like they are prepared.“The girls are ready and focused on running their best race of the season this weekend at semi-state and advancing to the state finals,” said Hook.

Hook sees Terre Haute South and Evansville North as the team’s biggest competition.

Junior Jamie Bierman thanks that Hook has prepared the team by leading them into this race with a positive attitude and workouts several weeks prior.

Bierman described this weekend as being a time for the team to prove themselves. “Winning isn’t possible for us at semi-state, but advancing to state is. Making it to state would prove all the hard work we’ve put into our running this season.”

Bierman knows she would not be where she is today if not for her teammates. “We think positive and encourage each other. Teamwork is a big thing in cross country because you can’t do this sport alone and have fun,” she said.

Senior Alyssa Moore is preparing for the meet by drinking enough water, getting enough rest, and eating right. With this being her last chance to race, Moore is putting forth her optimal effort.

Moore said there are certain people who have prepared her the most for this pivotal moment. “My coaches and teammates are ultimately the people who prepare and focus me the most. We push each other as teammates and the coaches have guided us here,” said Moore.

At 10:30 tomorrow morning, the results will show of the team’s goal can be fulfilled.

Bierman ended with saying what she wants the legacy of this 2012 season to be: “I want the legacy to be hardwork and dedication. This sport would be nowhere without these two things,” she said.

With the showdown so close, Moore said her team deserves to advance to the state competition. “We have been preparing since June 6. Everything we have done our whole season has all been for this moment.”