Final Friday Deal Deadline

Last chance, folks! This Friday, October 11 will be the last day to purchase the 2014 yearbook for the discounted $40 price ($70 for 2). After this Friday, that incredible deal will raise to the standard $50 ($80 for 2). The 2014 yearbook will be sold Friday night at the Homecoming football game at EHS. A table will be set up at the entrance for your purchasing convenience, and cash or check will be accepted at that point. You can also purchase the 2014 yearbook online at http://www.yearbooks.biz/, but remember, the $40 rate closes after Friday!

You can also purchase the 2013, 2012 and 2011 books for $50 that same night. But, wait! There’s more! Yearbooks dating back to 1989 (although not every year will be available) will also be available to purchase for $10. You will finally be able to pick up that book you have been missing from your high school yearbook collection. If you have any questions, please e-mail yearbook co-sponsor Ms. Courtney Lowe at lowec@district140.org.

On a National Scale

Eureka is just one small town in this great country, but for being a small school, EHS sure does make a name for itself on the educational scale. This year, EHS was awarded a bronze ranking from U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools Rankings for 2013. The criteria all schools were graded on was college readiness, math and reading proficiency and student/teacher ratio. Out of over 21,000 schools in 49 states, EHS made the rank. Eureka administration, faculty, staff and students should be proud of themselves and should be proud to call EHS home. To read more about Eureka's national success, visit the website below. Way to go, Hornets!  

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/illinois/districts/eureka-cud-140/eureka-high-school-6728

Los Ninos Educado

Teaching kindergarten students their colors and numbers in English is hard enough, but on Thursday, September 12, Mrs. Axelson’s Spanish III classes had the determination to teach Mrs. Gustafson’s Kindergarten 3 classes their Spanish colors, numbers, animals, and body parts. The Spanish students were broken up into four groups, and each had a specific category to teach. “I had never thought about doing this presentation for actual children before,” commented Mrs. Axelson. Although this was a first time event, it definitely was a success. Kindergartner Gage Gavin said he had so much fun, and his favorite thing was, “the talking part!” Also in K3 is Isabelle Axelson, Mrs. Axelson’s daughter, who was a part of the inspiration for this project. “I always say Isabelle makes me a better teacher, and this is just another example,”  said Mrs. Axelson.The Spanish III students didn’t only have to teach the kids Spanish words, but they weren’t allowed to speak in English at all.  “I think everyone got something out of it. My students worked harder than ever before because the kindergarteners were definitely added pressure,” added Mrs. Axelson. Overall, the students did a great job teaching and learning! Junior Madison Plattner thought it was a great experience commenting, “It was definitely my favorite thing I have done in Spanish so far!”

Written & Photographed by: Senior Darci Eastman, Journalism staff

Juniors Allison Hunt, Alex Millett and Maddie Plattner teach colors as an interested class looks on.

Smiling as they instruct the students, Juniors Zac Schoch, Matt Rohde and Nathan Sylvester lead the lesson.

Sold!

Learning to Do. Doing to Learn. Earning to Live. Living to Serve. This is what the Eureka Future Farmers of America do. The FFA hosted their annual Labor Auction on Thursday, September 12 at the Reel Sale Barn in Congerville. The Auction started off with a hog roast and silent auction at 5:30 p.m. Then the live auction started at 7:00 p.m. FFA members were sold for eight hours of work to the highest bidders. The FFA auctioned off 69 students and a variety of donated items, ranging from plants to shop equipment and t-shirts. At the end of the night, they sold the new AG teacher, Ms. Amanda McClure, to finish the event. It was a great way to round off the night. The FFA would like to thank all the buyers and donors for their generous support of the Eureka FFA chapter. The FFA is grateful for all the people who helped make it possible. The money raised will be used for CDE’s, conventions, local events, meetings, and for the end of the year banquet. Thanks again, all!

Written by: Senior Phil Schmidgall, Journalism staff
Edited by: Junior Olivia Robinson, FFA reporter

All FFA members group together for a snapshot in the auction ring.

Junior Aaron Schmidgall is SOLD!

No Place Like Home

The Hornet's football team will be playing on familiar turf this Friday, September 13 as they come into the week (1-1) with their nail-biting win against Rantoul High School. The Hornets are looking forward to beating their upcoming opponents, the Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs, as they come to Eureka undefeated. With only a day until game time, Senior Offensive Tackle Alex Evans said, “If we keep confidence in each other and focus in practice, and as long as the defense and offense get the job done, we will surely give them a run for the money. We just have to treat them as every other team, and play hard.” Fellow senior and Middle Linebacker R.J. Lorenz said, “As long as we play the full four quarters, it will be a good game.” The freshman team will start at 5:00 p.m., and the varsity will play at 7:00 p.m. Come and support the EHS football team, and enjoy the open concessions as the EHS booster club will be there to cook those always delicious and flavor blasting pork chops and other goodies.

Written by: Senior Garrett Cadieu, Journalism staff

Hornets "Shock the Nation"

This past Friday night, September 6, the EHS football team traveled to Rantoul and played one heck of a game. Though the papers predicted a Eureka loss, the team pulled ahead early in the first half with a 15-7 score at halftime. EHS Senior Daniel Johnson and Roanoke-Benson Senior Lane Henkins both ran the ball in for a touchdown in the first half. After half-time, the Rantoul Eagles scored, making it a close, 15-13 game. During the duration of the fourth quarter, Hornet fans were on the edge of their seats hoping that their team could keep their lead. With less than three minutes left in the game, the ball was in the Eagles' possession. In three consecutive plays, Eureka's defense fought hard to hold the Eagles behind the ten yard line. The Eagles, in an attempt to win the game, lined-up for a field goal. The Hornets were not prepared to lose, though. Right after the Eagles kicked, EHS Senior RJ Lorenz blocked the ball allowing the Hornets to ease into a victory. The crowd went wild! Senior Geoffrey Miller said, “Without that block, we might not have won the game. A wave of relief washed over me right after the play ended.” The Hornets now have a record of 1-1 and will be continuing their season with their first home game this Friday the 13th starting at 7 p.m. against the Bulldogs of Mahomet-Seymour.

Written by: Senior Kylie Alwood, Journalism staff
Photos by: Kylie Alwood

Hornet offense gets set to make a play.

Coach Eric Seim, Sophomore Andrew Hoelscher 

 and Juniors Brett Charlton and Dustin Brandon

watch as the offense moves the ball.r

Giving the Hornets their play, #4 Lane Henkins leads the huddle.

IVC'n Ya!

Taking the field, a shut-out is what the RBE Varsity Soccer team was hoping for. Turns out, a shut-out is just what they got on Thursday, September 5. In the chilly air, they pulled an amazing game, earning what they deserved and making it seem like a breeze. Junior Seth Rieke said, “In the cool air, the whole team plays better.” And compared with the heat from a game before, it sure felt cool. The temperature was just right for both players and fans. Sophomore Bailey Bachman scored one of four goals, helping them to a 4-0 victory against Illinois Valley Central. The JV team played a great game also. Freshman Daniel Grady scored an amazing goal from a tough corner kick and ended the game with a 1-0 win. When asked what the best part about the team was, Junior Mckenzie Funk said, “We never give up, and no matter what, we always have a good time.” If you haven’t been able to make a game yet, come out Monday, September 16 for another home game.

Written by: Junior Abby Shoemaker and Senior Hannah Ogg, Journalism staff

Find a Helping Hand--Eureka FFA Annual Labor Auction

Looking for someone to take care of your yard or babysit all while supporting a good cause? On September 12, 2013, the Eureka FFA chapter will be hosting their annual Labor Auction. At the Labor Auction, FFA members advertise their skills and volunteer to work eight hours doing various jobs for the highest bidder. Various items donated by local business will be on the live and silent auction. This is a great way to support the FFA and get some work done around the house and farm. All proceeds support the numerous Eureka FFA activities throughout the year. The FFA would like to invite everyone to the Reel Sale Barn in Congerville, IL. The evening will begin with a hog roast starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by a live and silent auction starting at 7:00 p.m. Thank you to everyone who has donated and bought FFA members in the past. We look forward to seeing familiar and new faces this year!

Written by: Junior Olivia Robinson, FFA reporter

Another Two in the Bag

The second game of the season came and went for the EHS volleyball team, and they brought it strong. Only letting the middle match go to El Paso, the girls fought back and won on Monday, September 2. Eureka and El Paso compete against one another only once a year, and every year, it’s a neck-and-neck game. Marcey Hunt, a spectator at Monday’s game, commented, “El Paso loves to come beat us, and we love to go over there and beat them.” The rivalry between Eureka and El Paso isn’t anything new. Varsity Coach Tracy Heffren has been coaching these Eureka girls for five years, and she said, “Every year has been a battle.” The rivalry goes all the way back to middle school. With every match, though, they “fight all the way to the end,” said Coach Heffren after Monday’s game. Junior Haley Rokey, a varsity player, said, “We are odd, but that makes it interesting. We’re working well together.” And these ladies certainly are working well and playing well together. Both teams also won last night's game, Thursday, September 5, against Tremont, and their next home game is Tuesday, September 17 against Rantoul with a Freshman 5:00 p.m. start time. Come support the Lady Hornets.

Written by: Junior Quincy McSweeney, Journalism editor

Photos by: Quincy McSweeney

Freshman Lauren Rokey lays down a spike.

Preparing to beat El Paso, the Lady Hornets huddle and listen intently to Coach Heffren.

Juniors Haley Rokey and Kylie Davis jump for a double block.

A large crowd watches as the Lady Hornets beat El Paso.

The World's Biggest Food Fight

Ready, set, TOMATINA! Last Friday, August 30, Mrs. Axelson’s Spanish III class celebrated the annual Tomatina event with water balloons! La Tomatina is an event that takes place in Bunol, Spain, during the first Wednesday in August. The event started in 1945 and involves 20 thousand people throwing 90 thousand rotten tomatoes at each other.“It was fun just getting to experience what people do in other countries,” said Junior Allison Hunt. The event is kicked off every year by having a race to see who can touch a pig first. Wait, though! There’s a twist! This...deceased...pig, is placed on the top of a greased pole that stands over 20 feet tall! Whoever reaches the pig first gets to throw the first tomato, and the World’s Biggest Food Fight will commence! For obvious reasons, Mrs. Axelson’s class uses water balloons instead of rotten tomatoes; although Hunt thought it would have been a lot of fun if they got to throw real tomatoes. “It was a great way to start off the year,” Senior Ashton Matthews commented, “and it was a lot of fun!”

Written by: Senior Darci Eastman, Journalism staff

Photos by: Mrs. Axelson

The Tomatina balloons await to be thrown.

Successfully staying dry, Allison Hunt gives a thumbs-up while a soaked Alex Millett looks dejected.

The class is action with Junior Bridgette Davey ready to attack!

Lady Hornets Open Strong

First game jitters were nowhere to be found in the Lady Hornets as they opened their season this past weekend at EHS. The volleyball team broke out their new uniforms to take on seven other teams in the Eureka Invitational. Eureka went 3-0 in pool play and stung their way to the championship game to play a very talented Illinois Valley Central team. The Hornets lost in a very intense three set match to take home a well-earned second place. Senior Darci Eastman was very excited about the season opener. “I think as long as we all keep up our intensity, our season is going to go really well this year,” said Eastman. Senior Kylie Alwood added, “We started off very well, but we do need to improve on staying positive and keeping our heads up when things don’t go quite right.” Come out and watch your Lady Hornets this fall, and cheer them on to a winning season. Their next home game is this Thursday, September 5 against Tremont with an early 6:30 varsity start time.

Written by: Seniors Connor Steffen and Kody Silverthorn, Journalism staff

RBE Soccer Heats Up

Tuesday, August 27, at the peak of mid-afternoon--a day when the temperature reached a heat index of 103 degrees--was the Roanoke-Benson-Eureka soccer team’s first home game of the year against Bloomington Central Catholic. Sophomores Bailey Bachman and Dustin Littell explained that they dealt with the heat by drinking lots of water, putting cold bandanas around their necks and pouring icy water on their necks and wrists. “It is probably some of the hottest games we have ever played,” said Bachman. Instead of focusing on the heat, the players focused on playing the “beautiful game.” When asked what the team’s main goal for the season was, Senior Brandon Ellis said, “Shut up Peoria Christian. Not shut up, no. Shut out, meaning they can’t score any goals.” Littell responded simply by saying that they need to “win more games than we lose.” Unfortunately, they started off their season with a 3-1 loss, but the team will be ready to fight back for a first win at home on Thursday, September 5 at 4:30 p.m.

Written by: Hannah Ogg and Abby Shoemaker

Photographs by: Hannah Ogg

Sophomore Dustin Littell fights to keep possession.

Senior Brandon Ellis waits for the next play.

Stepping out of the shade and into the heat, Sophomore Bailey Bachman walks onto the field.

The Band's New Angle

The Eureka High School Marching Band performed at the Reagan Festival last Saturday, August 24 under the direction of Mr. Todd Stalter and drum majors--Senior Amanda Wright and Junior Anna Williamson. The band played music for this year’s show, Tangents Angular, with featured soloists Senior Constance Moushon and Junior Nathan Sylvester. When asked how the band was doing this year, Mr. Stalter replied, “Doing very well. We will surprise some people with how good we are.” Most people relate a small band with a small sound, but this year’s small but mighty band is sure to surprise! The band’s first competition will be at the Washington Panther Invitational on Saturday, September 7.

Written by: Seniors Ashton Mathews and Katie Schwanke, Journalism editors
Photographs by: Mrs. Julie Zehr

Junior Nathan Sylvester plays his featured solo in Tangents Angular.

Junior  Anna Williamson conducts one of her first performances as Drum Major.

Falling for the Showcase

The fall teams kicked off their season at the Fall Showcase last Friday, August 23. A large crowd stood on the bleachers, buzzing with excitement as all of the students were introduced on the football field. Parent Lisa Connolly said, “I think they’ll continue with this instead of the old scrimmage because there seems to be a lot of people here.” Sophomore Tyronia Gresham stated that she liked the idea because “there were a lot of people, friends, fun, and food!” Gresham said that if she wasn’t in volleyball, she still would have gone because it sounded fun. If you missed this year’s Fall Showcase, hopefully with all this positive feedback from last Friday, you will be in for a treat next year.

Written by: Juniors Brieana Dingledine and Tiffany Newell, Journalism staff

EHS Ladies Tee-off

The Eureka High School Girl’s Golf team played their first match of the season on Thursday, August 22 at home against Metamora High School’s JV team. When asked how the match went, EHS coach Stephanie Kool replied, “Very good! I saw improvement and promise in every player. I think the rest of the season will be even better because all the players are past the first match jitters.” One of these team members, Senior Marlo Glass, is looking forward to the rest of the season as well in hopes of getting a golf scholarship for college. And even though all the girls played well, the match ended with Metamora winning by four strokes. The final score was 224-228. The next home match will be Tuesday, August 27. Come, and show your support!

Written by: Bridgette Connolly, Journalism staff

Musical Auditions Tuesday!

Big bangs. Billy Idol. Car phones. Cut-off sweaters. Leg warmers. Scrunchies. Power-suits. Perms. Parachute pants. Wedding singers. Eureka High School is blasting back to 1986 with the fall production of the musical comedy, The Wedding Singer. If you want to be a part of this amazing show, auditions will be held this Tuesday, August 27 from 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Mrs. O'Donnell, Mrs. Roorda and Ms. Lowe--the triumvirate of directors--are looking for students who love to sing, act and dance to bring this hilarious, high-energy show to life. Sign up for auditions, and pick up the audition music and scripts from Mrs. O'Donnell's room, room 112. Come prepared to sing and read, and leave everything you've got on stage! See you all there.

Got Hornet Pride?

Come one, come all to the Showcase this fall! The Booster Club is sponsoring the first ever Fall Showcase this Friday, August 23. This inaugural event was created by Athletic Director Mr. Jason Greene, Mr. Jason Bachman and many other district coaches. The purpose is to “recognize the many students that are involved and to ignite ‘Hornet Pride,’” Mr. Greene said. Kicking off the event is the volleyball scrimmage at 5:30 p.m. in the gym. Afterwards, the nine Fall teams will be presented at 7:00 p.m. on the track. “We wanted to create something where students would feel welcome,” said Mr. Greene, “and an atmosphere of support between all programs.” To jump start their season, the entire football team will scrimmage at 7:30 p.m. following the presentation. Come hungry! The Hornet Booster Club will be selling their famous pork chops along with other classic concessions. Great food, exciting games, and free admission--what’s better than that?

written by: EHS Journalism class

CUSD #140 staff gets CPR certified over the summer

Thanks to the local rescue squad for providing CPR training for head coaches, secretaries, teachers, administrators, and custodians before the beginning of school.  At this time every school in the district has multiple people trained in administering CPR.

EHS gym gets repainted

Assistant Principal's Office receives a facelift