Fashion Friday: The Legacy of Denim

Rachel Chase

    Denim and the legendary blue jeans have been some of the most popular clothing items in the world since 1873. American fashion is defined by the classic blue jeans. From the color to the fit of the jeans, there is a pair for anyone. The ongoing legacy of jeans continues because of their versatility, as many different clothing items can be made from denim. Jeans have evolved over time into the famous boyfriend jeans, wide leg jeans, and skinny jeans, but the classic blue denim still remains in style.

The famous boyfriend jeans have been worn by fashion icons, such as Marilyn Monroe and Gwen Stefani. The jeans are designed to look baggy at the bottom, with a slim silhouette at the top, for a great fit. The wide leg jeans first emerged during the 1970’s, when Farrah Fawcett often wore them, giving them a tomboy style. The more modern versions of wide leg jeans can be worn with a simple, white t-shirt and fedora. These jeans are known for their play on volume, as they are big on the bottom and tiny at the waistline. The skinny jeans have recently been in style among younger women and teens, but they first emerged during the 1950’s. These jeans were often seen in movies, such as on Audrey Hepburn and in Grease. They are famous for making legs look longer and thinner. More modern versions of skinny jeans include zippered details on pockets and pant legs. Bright colors were also introduced to the skinny jean last season, and they have become extremely popular.

Other denim clothing items that are legendary include the denim dress and denim jacket. The denim dress is great for casual wear, especially when it is paired with tights and boots. The denim jacket can also be worn casually, with a baggy shirt and rolled-up sleeves. Wearing denim is a great way to dress comfortably. It’s easy to express a unique style with so many options of denim clothing available today.

(Rachel Case is a senior this year. She has a big interest in the fashion industry, and she hopes to major in fashion at college, next year. Her goal in writing these articles is to give a background and history about the fashion industry and the past, recent, and upcoming trends.)

Wonderful Town Cast and Crew

Homer High School announces the cast of  THE New York City musical Wonderful Town with music by Leonard Bernstein, set in 1935, the era of jazz.  "Wonderful Town" will be performed Thursday, February 28 at 7pm, Friday, March 1 at 7pm, and Saturday, March 2 at 2pm in the High  School Auditorium.

Cast:

Ruth Sherwood -         Lucia Helgren

Eileen Sherwood-       Lexington Swartwood

Bob Baker -                 Josh Apker

Frank Lippencott-       Richie Howell

Wreck-                        David Perfetti

Chick Clark-                Jake Elkins

Officer Lonigan-         Jimmy McLorn

Appopolous/Chef-      Tyler Holcomb

Helen-                         Bailey Kote

Tour Guide-                Erik Gustafson

Speedy Valenti-          Briahna Reynolds

Mrs. Wade-                 Eden Dodge

Emcee-                        Mara Waligurski

Violet-                         Jordan Green

Ensemble:

Tori Anderson             Nate Apker

Wyatt Bush                 Sara Everts

Josh Frenia                  Kaige Gailor

Leigha Gailor              Nick Petrie

Lara Pluemer               Zach Randall

Dan Schenck               Shannon Spencer

Hannah Whalen          Evan Ulrich

Kenian Ulrich

Costumes:

Lucia Ferro, Stephanie McGory, Tasha Robertson, Halie Atkins, Sarah Denkenberger, Tayler Peck

Pit Band:

Flute-                           Molly Ulrich

                                    Jordan Laundry

Clarinet-                      Grace Stupke

                                    Nikea Ulrich

                                    Sarah Willsey

Alto Sax-                     Jennifer Griffin

Tenor Sax-                   Alexander Fisher

Cello-                          Kaige Gilor

Bari Sax-                     Gunner Brennan

Horn-                           Julia Brazo

Trumpet-                     Nicholas Barnard

                                    Nicholas Dentes

                                    Nicholas Petrie

                                    Andrew Potter

                                    Nathaniel Ulrich

Trombone-                   Julia Fouts

                                    Brian Mitchell

                                    Alexis Settineri

                                    Gideon Stupke

Euphonium-                Kennedy George

Tuba-                           Andrew Snogles

Percussion-                  Michael Morse

                                    Eric Petrie

Piano-                          Mrs. Marina Gorelaya

Tech Crew:

Dallas Butler, Ellie Anderson, Adam Dangler, Christine Stadler, Peggy Maus, Shannon Horak

Cross Country Highlight

 

Kennedy George  

On November 3rd, the cross country sectionals took place, in which both a boys’ team and girls’ team participated. Jade Auchmoody qualified for states, which took place on Saturday, November 10th. She ran in the Class B section and placed 52nd out of 126 girls. Jade finished with a time of 19:44.7 minutes for her 5k race. Great job, Jade!

Wildlife Wednesday: Winter Preparations #2

Mary Cope

Many of us enjoy watching the birds at our feeders during the winter. By placing feeders out, we provide the birds with a reliable source of food. Sunflower seeds and suet are good foods to put out for the birds due to their high fat concentrations; this fat provides the birds with long-lasting energy. You will find that some birds will not eat from a feeder; this is because they prefer to ground feed. One of the most common ground-feeding birds is the mourning dove. Woodpeckers like to hold on to things that are vertical, so if you put suet in suet cages, you are more likely to attract these birds. You may notice blue jays swallowing large quantities of seeds before flying off. They aren’t actually eating these seeds; they are simply storing them for a later date. Although it may seem as though the birds count on you to feed them, they only consume about ten percent of their daily food intake from your feeder. So, if you go on vacation, don’t worry about the birds; they aren’t dependent on you, but they will certainly be there when you get back! 
(Mary Cope is a junior whose interests span from dog shows to falconry. She particularly enjoys flying her hawk, Theron, in the woods behind her home. Mary’s immersion in the natural world for her various hobbies has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the environment and the many creatures to which it is home.)

Cross Country Ends Season

Kennedy George

This year’s cross country season has come to an end. On November 7th, the Friends of Homer Runners held its sixteenth annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the Homer Elks Lodge. Then, on November 16th, the Cross Country team held its annual ice cream social at the high school. At this event, the coaches, Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Graves, handed out the MVP, MIP, and Coaches’ Awards. The MVP Awards go to the most valuable girl and boy runners on the team. This season, they were given to senior Luke Tesoriero and junior Jade Auchmoody. The MIP Awards go to the most improved players of the season. This year, they were awarded to junior Liam George and freshman McKayla Crawford. Both of these awards are designated by the team; the Coaches’ Awards, however, are picked by Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Graves. This year’s recipients were senior Nikea Ulrich and sophomore Griffin Langhans.

When asked how, in his opinion, the season went, Mr. Baldwin replied that he thought it was great that the girls had a full team this year. He said that the girls won three out of five meets this season and managed to place at multiple invitationals. He also mentioned the accomplishments of Jade Auchmoody and how excited he was that she qualified for states. The boys had a large team, which was good because he feels that it is important to include many students in the sport. He was also enthusiastic about the amount of improvement he saw in the boys’ team this year. Mr. Baldwin also mentioned that he was glad that the majority of the team attended the Lime Hollow cleanup. The students participated in the event to thank Lime Hollow for allowing the team to use its trails for practices and home meets. When asked about his experience with the cleanup, runner Liam George answered, “I had fun.” The 2012 season was an overall success.

Students Moove from School to Dairy Farm

Julia Fouts

Got Milk? Fouts Dairy Farm does! On Wednesday, November 14th, FFA members and an animal science class from Homer High School took a field trip to Fouts Farm. Mrs. Pratt and Mrs. Whitlock chaperoned the event. Mrs. Pratt is the advisor of FFA and the animal science teacher at the high school. About twenty students went on this trip to tour the dairy farm and learn about agriculture. Kassy Delia, a member of FFA, said, “It was a fun and interesting trip. I learned a lot of different things about farming!” Paul and Laura Fouts were the hosts of the field trip and are part-owners of Fouts Farm. Paul Fouts gave the tour and explained how farms work while answering any questions the students and teachers had. Students interested in farming got a first-hand look at today’s agriculture.

Wildlife Wednesday: Winter Preparations #1

Mary Cope

As the first snow falls and you are packing away your summer clothes before pulling out your winter coats, many of the animals outside are making their own preparations for the cold winter months! They, too, have to prepare their homes and stock up on food to survive the toughest time of year!

You may hear scratching in your walls, find chewed boxes, or uncover collections of seeds in your garage or basement. The most likely culprit of these activities is the white-footed mouse, or deer mouse. These critters are professionals at adapting. During the summer, they live in the fields and woods, where they eat nuts, seeds, berries, and grains. During the winter, however, when food becomes scarce, deer mice move to places where food is readily available. Unfortunately, this is often our homes, barns, or garages. These mice can chew through almost anything, are fast, can jump high, and, worst of all, are nocturnal. Nocturnal animals are awake all night, making noise and keeping us awake. Many people want to get rid of these pesky mammals, as they present health hazards and are noisy. There are many ways to remove them from your house; one of the easiest ways is by using traps. To prevent any mouse problems, minimize the accessible food, such as bird or pet food. By doing this, you and the mice can keep a safe and comfortable distance from one another and can enjoy the winter in peace.

(Mary Cope is a junior whose interests span from dog shows to falconry. She particularly enjoys flying her hawk, Theron, in the woods behind her home. Mary’s immersion in the natural world for her various hobbies has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the environment and the many creatures to which it is home.)

Canned Food Drive

Coming Up...
THANCS is hosting a can food drive for the hungry. Bring in a non-perishable food items to your homeroom teachers from November 13th to 20th and November 26th to December 7th. All donations will be going to the Spafford Food Pantry. The homeroom with the most food will win candy for all of the students!

Blood Drive

Coming up...
Student Government is having a blood drive through the American Red Cross. Sign up in your homeroom to come to the Auditorium on Wednesday, November 21st between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM to donate. You must be at least 16 years old to donate and have a signed permission slip.     

Students Raise Money for and Awareness of Cancer

Ali Jenkins

On November 9th, junior and senior girls faced off in the fourth annual Powder Puff Football Game, organized by Mr. Nasiatka. The teams were composed of enthusiastic, generous students who donated their time for the fundraising event. The teams were coached by varsity football players, who imparted their wisdom of the game to the players. Both juniors and seniors displayed excellent skills and sportsmanship on the field, and the seniors were victorious, winning 35 to 21. The game was followed by a dance hosted by the high school Link Crew.

In the weeks prior to the event, students sold pledge cards and bracelets to raise money for the game. Through the various fundraising activities undertaken, the players raised a total of $1,848. This money was donated to the More Than a Game Foundation and the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. The More Than a Game Foundation is an organization dedicated to the fight against cancer. Through local events and fundraisers organized by schools and sports’ teams, the foundation raises money for cancer treatment and research in New York State.

Special thanks to the individuals at Homer High School who made the event such a success: Mr. and Mrs. Carboine, Mr. Cortese, Mr. Nasiatka, Mr. Podsiedlik, Mrs. Lang, and Mrs. Whitney, as well as many others!

The Silent Clamor

Jared Pace

Hear the music cease to play

In the land to man forever lost,

Where the skies are comprised of cloudy gray

And the trees are covered in rigid frost.

The roads are silent; no sound is made.

No rustle do the woods contain,

Past stone, past pond, past river frayed:

Only silence that leaves none too sane.

I walk past all these taciturn sights,

With thoughts malicious and feelings grim,

When, suddenly, down a lane, I hear

A church bell chanting its melodious hymn.

I walk, with fear, to the tolling sound,

Past house and marketplace decayed.

I stop and pause to look around,

But the silence makes me more afraid.

I must continue to the roaring bells

Before I fall into the snow

And never reach this fallen land

And the secret that I need to know.

Again, I trudge to the icy town,

Although my muscles tire,

For entranced is my entire being

By this booming, but soundless, choir.

Finally, I reach the city wall,

Its gates still guarded on either side

By frozen bones dressed in formal cloth,

The men that were once the city's pride.

They seem to stand immortally,

But by simple touch, they fall aside

And allow me to enter a wicked place

Where tremendous evil must reside.

As I opened the frigid gate,

I wonder what terrors lie behind

Or if this is phantasmagoria

From the deep recesses of my mind.

Looking up, with timid delay,

I quickly mutter a silent prayer

And, repudiating my rising fear,

I make my way to the center square.

As I walk, I see what the village was

During its famed and memorable prime.

For a moment, I see a hint of good

In an evil defined by a much darker time.

Lightsaber Club

Meghan McGrath

Lightsaber Club is dedicated not only to lightsabers, but to Star Wars as a whole. The club was started last year, when several members of Comic Book Club wanted to share their interest in Star Wars. Club members focus on the plot and characters of the popular movies. Mr. Wallace, the advisor, says that the club has started a book on the history of the lightsaber and plans to make a book on the art of handling lightsabers. The technique is based on samurai sword work and includes a mixture of other cultures, as well. Students in the club can make their own lightsaber out of sink parts. The club meets Tuesdays in Mr. Wallace’s room during ninth period.

Comic Book Club

Samantha Shephard

In Comic Book Club, students have the opportunity to design and create their own comics, meet new people, and look at different artistic styles. Comic Book Club meets every Tuesday during ninth period in Mr. Wallace’s room, but students can come in during any ninth period to work on their comics. There is no need to work alone on a comic; members can work with a group of friends. Students who only want to write or draw can pair up with someone in need of a writer or artist. The members of Comic Book Club also create a joke with a picture for The Potty Pages each month. Remember, members do not need to be extremely artistic to join this club! Comic Book Club is a great way to be creative in a relaxing environment.

Welcome to the New Olympian!

Ali Jenkins

Welcome to the new Olympian! We've created this blog to share news about Homer High School and the community through the pictures and articles students submit. In the past, we have published a traditional issue of The Olympian each month. By transitioning to a digital format, we are aiming to be more current and informative for all students.

We hope students will use this resource to learn about the newsworthy events of our school. The Olympian covers news on everything from sports to the arts, clubs to events, students to teachers. Be sure to check it out and stay updated!

And remember, there are many ways you, too, can contribute. We would love journalists, photographers, poets, columnists, and guest writers; do not hesitate to get involved! See Mrs. Andersen or Ali Jenkins if you are interested in contributing!

Key Leadership Breakfast

Ali Jenkins

On October 18th, the Communities That Care Coalition held a Key Leader Breakfast for prevention groups in Cortland. The Coalition aims to create “a safe, stable community that supports positive values, education, diversity and investment in youth.” Those who work in conjunction with Communities That Care hope to achieve these goals through preventative measures “to reduce adolescent alcohol and other drug abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, school dropout rates, and teen violence.” The breakfast was held to recognize members of the community who have exhibited dedication to the prevention of these prominent community issues.

Homer High School’s SADD was among the groups invited to attend. The advisor, Mr. Massenzio, and the club’s officers represented SADD at this event. Homer students Jasminique Harris, Richie Howell, Ali Jenkins, Rachel McNeil, and Tamsin Smith attended. The group gave a presentation on SADD’s work within our high school, focusing on its preventative measures. The students highlighted the club’s events throughout the year, including game nights, movie nights, SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon, and the Pre-Prom Assembly. The group also discussed The Potty Pages, SADD’s monthly educational newsletter.

SADD officers were able to learn about other prevention efforts in the community, as well. Additional speakers included the police chief for the City of Cortland, the captain for the Country Sheriff’s Department, a speaker from Social Host Legislation, the Mayor’s Youth Council, and a speaker from the Cortland County Youth Leadership, as well as many others. The breakfast fostered a sense of enthusiasm and unity, and attendees were able to share their passion for bettering the community.

Varsity Field Hockey

Julia Fouts

The Homer High School varsity field hockey team experienced a great season this year! The season started on August 29th with a scrimmage in Marathon and ended on October 22nd with a home game against Cato-Meridian. With its final game, the team ended the season well with a 2-1 win! The team members also won two other games and, despite several loses, became very close friends.  The three captains were Maria Urban, Braeden Sharer, and Kayla Cargen. Kayla Cargen said the varsity team this year had good defense and fast offense. “This is this closest team we have ever had; we really bonded,” said Braeden Sharer. Homer Varsity field hockey had a hard, but fun, 2012 season!