Volleyball Stars Take a Trip to State

by Claire McMannes

 

Bump, set, spike! The Platteville Hillmen girls’ volleyball season has come to a close with 40 wins and only 6 losses. Through all the sweat, hard work, dedication, and long practices, the girls’ hard work paid off. Yvette Updike is the coach and also Briette Updike (‘15) and, Brelynn Updike’s (‘17) mom. On Friday, November 7th in Green Bay, our very own Lady Hillmen went to the WIAA Division 2 State Tournament for the first time in almost twenty years. The girls played a hard three games. Losing the matches by only 25-19, 25-23, and 25-19 in the semifinals at the Resch Center. The student section was almost completely filled. Ashley Budden (‘15) says, “It was really great to see everyone come out so far to support the team. Also, seeing everyone participate in the spirit games was always really cool.”

The trip to state was bittersweet, as the the seniors and team captains, Budden and Updike’s very last Hillmen volleyball season has ended. But more is possibly to come in college for the two very talented athletes.

In all the Platteville volleyball girls made the Hillmen proud with their amazing season. Noah Tashner (‘15), and brother of varsity player Claire Tashner , says “It was really cool to see everyone come out for the game; our student section was huge compared to the opponents. It was really exciting to see the girls work so hard and give it their all. Go Hillmen!”

Punk's Not Dead, It Just Went Pop

by Anna Skubal

Remember the 80’s? Mullets, shoulder pads, acid washed jeans, Chernobyl? Unless you’re one of our sage, elderly teachers, you probably don’t remember that part. Maybe you know more of the pop music: Madonna, Prince, Duran Duran, Michael Jackson? How about the more hardcore-punk side: The Misfits, Dead Kennedy, T.S.O.L., MDC? Well, punk’s making a comeback, and it’s coming back strong.

In the early 00’s the band Blink-182 started to join other pop sensations on the charts with a style known as pop-punk. Other bands such as Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco soon followed them and drew many people into the other genres and bands that are part of the underground alternative music scene.

Four Australian boys in particular loved the pop-punk genre. Loved it enough, in fact, to start posting cover videos on YouTube from bands such as A Day To Remember, All Time Low, and Blink-182 under the name of 5 Seconds of Summer. The videos soon got noticed by major record labels and producers. This caused the boys to move from Sydney to London where they got some serious attention from another popular group based there… One Direction.  

They've been touring alongside teen heartthrobs One Direction since February 2013, but as Alternative Press said, “The massive major-label infrastructure pushing this band is highlighting the fact that they’re pop-punk—not trying to change them into a boy band.” 

Could 5SOS’s fanbase look more into the genre’s origin with the progression to We Are The In Crowd to Escape The Fate and possibly all the way back to The Misfits or Blink-182? There’s a very good chance, and it’s likely we’ll see more of this style trickle on to the mainstream radio.

How I Met Your Vampire

by Matt Schaefer

The story of Dracula is certainly not a new one, and since Bram Stoker penned his original novel, it has been the subject of countless adaptations. On October 10th, the latest adaptation Dracula: Untold was released to movie theaters, doing fairly well at the box office but failing to leave fang-like impressions on the critics.

Released by Universal Pictures, who intended it to be a reboot of their 30s and 40s monster franchises, Dracula: Untold spins an origin tale of the infamous vampire, attempting to couple the fictional Stoker tale with the real life inspiration Vlad the Impaler, though it shouldn’t be credited with being historically accurate. When Vlad’s kingdom is being attacked by an army of Turkish soldiers, he seeks the assistance of a cave dwelling vampire for the strength to vanquish his enemies, but needs to decide whether or not he wants to be a bloodsucker for eternity.

The story of the film is surprisingly solid and well thought out. Luke Evans does a great job as Vlad, being one of the only adaptations of Dracula to make the viewer sympathize with the internal struggle Dracula goes through. The action sequences are well paced and always entrancing, often accompanied with astounding visuals and larger than life set pieces. The gothic castles and spooky woods put you in the mood for a good ol’ fashioned monster movie.

There are flaws, though. The action is intense but in a PG-13 sort of way. This leads to a lot of sloppy cuts and nauseating shaky cam to hide the bloody impalings. The first third of the film is painfully slow, being burdened with too much frontloaded exposition. Also, the dialogue is far too heavy. It’s all loaded with cliched philosophy, and it seems like every trivial conversation transforms into a battle of wits.

In the end, Dracula: Untold is pretty good but nothing spectacular. If you’re a gore hound looking for some brutal violence or if you’re looking for an intense horror movie, you’ve come to the wrong place. But, I can guarantee that Dracula: Untold is a fun little monster movie that can be enjoyed for what it is. Plus, it makes the vampire movie something worth going to see again. That’s right: no sparkling.

They've Got a HUNCH: PHS's New Extracurricular

by Adam Roberts

 

For some PHS students, being on a research team for NASA has come a lot sooner than they may have thought.

Just this year, Platteville High School has been added to the short list of schools participating in the HUNCH program. HUNCH (High schools Uniting with NASA to Create Hardware) is a program that was created in 2003 to give high school students real-world hands-on experience while developing cost-effective hardware for NASA. Students participating in the HUNCH program design and test hardware that will aid astronauts in zero gravity.  “Our primary goal is to make life better for astronauts,” says Mr. Matt Heer, advisor for the HUNCH team.  

Platteville High School’s HUNCH team is comprised of 15 students hard at work to create hardware for the program.  The team began tackling their herculean task earlier this year by creating a proposal, which involves creating a device that will stabilize a GoPro camera in zero gravity.  With the proposal being submitted and approved, Dean Loeffelholz (‘15), Mike Donovan (‘15), Max Frommelt (‘15) and Katelynn Quario (‘15) will have the opportunity to test the prototype this April in Houston, Texas.

After testing in April, a symposium will be held with astronauts and engineers to review the top 8 schools’ experiments.  A maximum of three schools will be selected to test their prototypes at the International Space Station.  

While the HUNCH program is already in full swing, the team can still use support and encouragement as they continue to work on this project. Says Mr. Heer, “There are kids at Platteville working really hard to put something thing on the Space Station.”  So PHS, be aware of the efforts of the HUNCH team, and get involved!

You can follow Platteville’s HUNCH team on Twitter (@PvilleHUNCH) or on their website https://sites.google.com/site/pvillehunch2014/

Want to watch the full interview? Check it out here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDIsF58FeD8

Rachel Holder Held Up the House

by Max Frommelt

Through the WGLR radio station, PHS got to see one of the newest country artists on November 14th. Rachel Holder, along with her guitarist, paid a visit to the school, and  while she demoed some of her new songs, she explained the purpose of her tour. 

The twenty-two-year-old singer is running for Miss Tennessee, and her trip to Wisconsin was a perfect chance to promote the Don’t Text & Drive program, which she hopes will be a hit in Tennessee, too. 

Tiana Gile (‘16) says of Holder’s performance and message to aspiring artists, “She was inspiring!” It takes a positive outlook on life in order to succeed in the music business. Even someone like the Chattanooga native  struggles with internal confidence. “I’m trying to find myself everyday of my life,” Holder admits. One of the best things that you can do is “have a great support system” as you go through life. 

Holder even shares about her younger years, “I got picked on a lot.” But, she maintains that this his should not deter you from making decisions. “If you feel like you're at a crossroads, make a decision and go with your gut.” While life is not always simple and kind, Holder says it’s imperative not to let things get to you.  Because, when it comes down to it, “Success is the best revenge.”

While the past two presenters, Holder and the up-and-coming Nashville sensation Tyler Barham, have been country artists, our future guests could bring anything. Mr. Engh explains,“The radio station is a reason for the musicians.” 

These presentations are not for the purpose of skipping class, according to PHS’s administration. They allow students to see what they can do with their future as they plan for college or whatever comes beyond high school.“Life has a lot of possibilities, not just what you see here in Platteville.” 

While some of the student body may not be interested in music, PHS will be having a special presenter come the week before winter break: Jerry DeClaire. While the name may not mean much now, wait ‘til you hear that he is a Marvel comic writer. He has written hundreds of comics for Marvel, including all of the X-Men series, Hawkeye, Ironman, Silver Surfer and Thor. He will be showing us the art of drawing comics and just how much science is involved. So, music is not the only tune that will be hitting our High School!

Ideas for Favorite Treats With a Fall Twist

by Allie Serres

As seasons change, so do our taste buds. Well, not really, but we start to crave those tasty fall foods like pumpkin pie and apple crisp, and although those are most people’s fall food favorites, there are so many more yummy things that you can indulge in.

    Everyone loves desserts, and chocolate chip cookies are delicious and quick to make. But, why not spice things up a bit and add a fall twist? Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are fast and fun while they add a little bit of autumn to your snack time.

    Something yummy that is a less common food is pumpkin pancakes. With pumpkin pancakes, there are so many different ways to branch off. For starters, you could just eat them plain and pile on the syrup, but you could also add chocolate chips and turn them into pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes. However, that’s not all you can do with pumpkin pancakes. Try making some really thin pumpkin pancakes, coating the tops with cream cheese frosting, and then rolling them up. Now, you no longer have pumpkin pancakes; they’re pumpkin rolls. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can add chocolate chips to your pumpkin rolls, as well.

    Alright, enough about pumpkin. Another fall favorite is apples. There is apple pie, apple bread, caramel apples, and so much more. But, nothing beats biting into a nice, crisp apple that is fresh from the tree. And, of course, if you aren't into just plain apples, there is the absolutely delicious and nutritious spiced apple sauce.

    With every season, there are new opportunities to try new foods, and every culture is different and has different seasonal recipes of its on. Branch out, try something new, and at the very least, make one of these fabulous fall foods for a friend.

PHS English Department Offers New Elective: Media Literacy

by Melanie Schaefer

    Along with a new school year comes new teachers, new students, and even a few new classes. If you’re interested in writing, you might find yourself drawn to the electives that the English department has to offer. Creative Writing and Writing for Publication are offered as early as freshman year while Speech & Drama is open to juniors and seniors. But, what many students don’t know is that this year a new English elective was offered: Media Literacy, which is a one semester elective taught by Mrs. Kies. To teach this class she surrendered her Creative Writing class to Mr. Statz, leaving Mrs. Keleher to teach Tech English.

   Media Literacy was introduced to the course list because there isn’t another class like it at PHS. The curriculum focuses on interpreting the media and how it affects us psychologically, emotionally, and even physically. Media is a huge driving force in our daily lives, though sometimes we don’t even realize it. There’s a name brand for everything imaginable. Take your clothing for instance. I can bet that the brand you’re wearing has been on TV or in magazines a time or two. Your favorite song? You probably heard it on the radio. Media is anywhere and everywhere.

  So far this year, students started filming their own documentary film about life at Platteville High School. They have also just finished filming Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) for the Msg 2 Teens competition that Fox 47 is currently holding.

   If you think that watching and reviewing movies is interesting, or if you enjoy filming your own movies, Media Literacy should definitely be a consideration when you’re picking out classes for the next school year.

Ready or Not, Here It Comes! One Senior Takes on College Applications

by Beth Gardiner

    “What are your plans after high school?” Every high school student has heard this question countless times. When responding, some are able to give a confident answer because they are pretty sure where their journey will take them after graduation. Others have no clue what the future holds. Then, there are students in the middle that have a general idea of what their post-high school plans will include but aren’t sure how it will all unfold. Senior year is the time for students to start taking advantage of opportunities and making choices for life after PHS.

    One of the biggest lessons I have learned in high school is that it is just fine to not have your whole life planned out. I have found freedom in this and instead, have learned that life is just about taking steps that grow and stretch me. Just like many other students, I have begun the process of applying for college.

    Leading up to senior year is a great time to stretch yourself and learn more about the things you enjoy doing. This is very helpful in deciding what your next step after graduation will be. If college is for you, junior year is the perfect time to start taking college visits and getting an idea of where you would like to go after high school. ACT testing becomes a part of junior year in preparing for applying to colleges. It is fine to be working on these things at the beginning of senior year, too. Every senior has a conference with Mrs. Foote where he or she discusses how the school helps in applying for colleges. It is a great time to ask questions and to figure out how you are doing academically.

    So, where is the senior journey at for me? I just started my applications to two colleges! It is a little surreal. High school has flown by, and I can’t believe how real college is becoming. I took one college visit in the summer and am excited to tour one more in October. I’m enjoying every minute with my friends at school as I keep working on those long application processes.

Voyage to France: PHS Students' Journey Over the Pond

by Pauline Justal

     In the summer of 2014, an opportunity was offered to some students taking French at PHS, such as Matt Schaefer (‘15) who said about his experience, “It was awesome.” The trip to France was a chance for students to learn about French language, culture, and history up front and in person. In addition they got to see their friends from Spring. These students are from Lycée/High School Baudelaire  and came to visit Wisconsin in May. This time the French students hosted the PHS students during their French trip for six days to give everyone the full experience of living for a few days in a true French environment. Even if they did not all have the same experience since every family is different, they all enjoyed learning ways of life in France. They visited pleasant places such as the Monet garden, many churches and cathedrals, the beaches of D day and when they got to Paris they visited almost everything talked about in Mrs. Peters’s class.They climbed up the Eiffel Tower, had a boat ride on the Seine and did an awesome bike ride. They were lucky to have incredibly good weather in Paris compared to the weather Parisiens are used to. It allowed everyone to have a great trip.

Week of September 19 to September 26

1. "Sprint to the Finish"-- PHS Cross Country girls kick it into gear at their dual meet with River Valley
2.  "Wow, These Seats Are So Nice!"--The student body enjoys the newly renovated auditorium at their first function in the venue. 
3. "Cool Stuff"--Special guest country sensation Tyler Barham's merchandise is sold after his performance.
4. "Catching Some Rays and Shakespeare"--AP English students smile for the camera on their visit to see Much Ado About Nothing at the American Players Theater. 
5. "Hard At Work"--Fall Play cast rehearses away.
6. "Feel Your Lunch Yet?"-- Members of the Marines stop in during lunch sections to let students test their strength at the pull-up bar. 

Week of September 12 to September 19

1. "Good as New" -- Endzone of the newly reconstructed football field at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer stadium in Platteville

2. "Smile and Wave...Your Flags"-- PHS Colorguard leads the band at the Belmont Parade

3. "Oceans of Pink"-- Spectators enjoy the quick maneuvers of the volleyball team on game night 

4. "It's Good to Be Home"-- Pioneer football team storms onto the new field

5. "Walking in Time"-- PHS marching band struts their stuff at the Belmont Parade 

6. "They Know How to Bucky"-- Badger marching band shows everyone how it's done behind Bucky at the Belmont Parade

Recap: Amid Tornado Destruction, Platteville Comes Out On Top

by Beth Gardiner

     Students just returning to Platteville from their summer vacations would not be able to imagine the damage and destruction that came upon our community shortly after school got out. Severe storms rolled through Platteville late June 16th and early June 17th, which included two tornadoes, an EF1 and an EF2.

     The EF1 tornado, a half mile long and 50 yards wide, was sighted near the Platteville Golf and Country Club. It destroyed the roof off of an apartment building and also damaged trees. The EF2 tornado was sighted two miles west of Platteville at 120 mph winds and rolled through the UW-Platteville Campus. This caused severe damage to several buildings including the Engineering Hall, Rountree Commons, Bridgeway Commons, Southwest Hall, the greenhouse, and Pioneer Stadium. Several houses near Harrison Park were also damaged and destroyed. Most areas not directly impacted by the storm still had power outage for several long hours and even days.

     Governor Scott Walker visited Platteville and said, “The duplex just at the end of the side of the house behind me, that`s completely gone — flattened entirely. That`s where at least one of the individuals who was severely hurt was at. The rest of the folks here — bumps and bruises. A lot of folks more than anything now are just trying to figure out what’s next.” The best part about living in Platteville is the community. The members did not just try to figure out what’s next, but chose to do something. Volunteers met at Platteville High School to go out in work sites to clean up the debris and everyone did their part to start rebuilding the community. The people that our community has impacted came to help us. The Bears football team donated money to help fix the stadium and we should be able to finish out our season there. In the face of a disaster, Platteville came together and is stronger than ever.

Innovative Chemistry Website Ready for Use

by Pauline Justal 

     Did you miss a day of chemistry? Do you need extra practice? You’re in luck: there is now a website created by Mr. Molle that can help you! 
     Mr. Molle made this website to help students be successful in his class.  This website includes many things that will be of use to students, such as lessons, labs, worksheets, and problems sets with answer keys. In addition to being informative, it is entertaining, as it includes chemistry jokes.With the availability of iPads for this year's sophomores, Mr. Molle took advantage of the handheld technology and created the website. There are also textbooks available online, allowing parents to have access to the content of the class and giving  them the opportunity to help their children. The chemistry website is available to everyone and a great tool to use to reach success.     

Mr. Molle, PHS chemistry teacher, created a website for his students this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit Mr. Molle's Website