Gulf concerns still continue after oil’s flow stops, years of cleanup ahead

Written by Jake Hamilton

On April 20, an oil rig owned by British Petroleum (BP) in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico exploded. Two days later, the oil spill was discovered and the worst spill in history started. On day 87 of the oil spill, the oil ceased to spill out of the massive... Read more »

August 19, 2010 • Filed Under News

Top Ten News: Prop 8 defeated; Wikileaks releases Afghan war info; Escaped convicts in Glacier National Park

Written by Ellie Kanaskie

1. An unprecedented leak of classified Afghanistan war documents has left more than 91,000 U.S. records open to the public in one of the “largest unauthorized disclosures in military history.” While the documents hold very little information that... Read more »

August 19, 2010 • Filed Under News, Top Stories

After a hot and sunny summer in O’Fallon, school returns with a mass of changes

Written by Bryce Radick

DRESS CODE After endless problems with dress code grey areas, an updated policy was published on the school webpage over summer. If you haven’t heard, shirts must have sleeves covering both shoulders, none of your clothes may contain holes, and leggings... Read more »

August 19, 2010 • Filed Under News

...a group of teenagers can really make a difference against something as huge and threatening as cancer."

Answer to Cancer 5K for ‘Relay for Life’

Written by Ellie Kanaskie

Summer is quickly approaching, and students are gearing up for all sorts of adventures. Whether it be hanging out with friends, swimming in lakes or vacationing out of the states, it seems as if everyone has already started putting their plans in motion. For... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under News

Earth Day: Mother nature takes center stage on vital environmental issues

Written by Ashleigh Jackson

Planting a beautiful vegetable garden or recycling an empty soda bottle may seem like hobbies set aside for the less adventurous in life, but, in all actuality, are the shared obligations of each individual inhabiting the earth. Each year on April 22,... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under News

Students volunteer as mock jury members

Written by Bryce Radick

On April 19 and 20, the Mock Trial Team joined with American Legal Systems and American Government classes to attend Washington Law School’s Trial Advocacy class’s final trials. The students, who volunteered to participate, learned about the inner-workings... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under News

Model UN models success

Written by John Davis

Countries from around the globe were represented by high school delegates at McKendree University to discuss many different topics. On April 13-15, the Model United Nations club participated in its annual Spring Conference. The competition was comprised... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under News

Anaya Duncan: Senior wins Illinois Junior Miss program

Written by Janelle Pfeifer

In January, senior Anaya Duncan was awarded the title of O’Fallon Junior Miss. Due to this success, Duncan had the opportunity to travel to Bolingbrook, Ill., in order to compete for Illinois Junior Miss, which was held on April 10. She was among... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under News

Top Ten News: European airlines suffer from Iceland’s volcanic eruption, no lives lost

Written by David Colbus

1. An Icelandic volcano erupted on April 14, causing hundreds to evacuate, rivers to flood and plumes of ash to fill the sky, closing down airports in several European countries. This was the second eruption of this volcano in a month. No lives were... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under News

AFJROTC wraps up good year

Written by Kira Worthington

On Saturday, April 24, O’Fallon’s AFJROTC unit made their final statements as a corps. In the morning the Colorguard, Inspection team and Drill team competed in their last tournament for the season while the corps as a whole saluted the year goodbye... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under News

Surber cannot be beaten: O’Fallon wrestler wins Senior National Championship

Apparently, a state championship was not enough for senior Keith Surber. On March 27-28, Surber competed in the prestigious National Wrestling Championships, held in Virginia Beach, Va. Surber won all five of his matches to capture the Senior National... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Sports, Wrestling

Spring Athlete Profiles

Written by Caitlyn Coon

Nick Fleming For 12 years, senior Nick Fleming has been dominating the tennis courts. Fleming has been on the varsity team all four of his years here at OTHS, and with his talent on the court, it is no mystery as to why he is currently a team captain. While... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Sports

Baseball seeks winning season, State

Written by Tessa Dockins

The baseball Panthers have set goals this season to improve upon certain skills and techniques, and to try to further their chances of going all the way to State once again. “Our goals are to improve each day as individual players and to grow and... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Baseball, Sports

Lax teams play tough

Written by Tessa Dockins

There is no State tournament for girls lacrosse, but that does not stop the girls’ varsity lacrosse team from trying their very best. Coach Doug Riddle has higher hopes this season to set a better record. “They are stronger this season because... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Lacrosse, Sports

Boys, girls track prepare for strenuous postseason run

Written by Katy Maness

This year’s girls’ and boys’ track team has put in a great effort so far. “A lot of people want to work hard and succeed. We all work hard and push each other during practice,” senior Michelle Lay said. The team practices every day after school... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Sports, Track

Tennis knows how to bring the heat

Written by Ashleigh Jackson

Embracing the hot asphalt court with a hunger to win, the boys’ tennis team plays with passion. Although its level of intensity is, at times, overlooked, tennis is nothing short of vigorous. With heavy drilling, playing and running, intense practices... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Sports, Tennis

‘Great teamwork’ helps boys’ volleyball defeat conference rival Belleville East 21-15, 21-19

Written by Jennifer Bailey & Chad Bartholomew

Currently, the boys sit at 16-2 record this season and are 7-0 in conference play. While Coach Tim Gagen is proud of the boys’ performance, he does not want the boys to get complacent. He believes, with some improvement, the team can go far this year.... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Sports, Volleyball

Lady Panthers atop SWC: Soccer in midst of one of school’s best seasons

Written by John Davis

Neither a tough conference schedule nor a key injury can slow down this year’s girls’ soccer team. As of press time, the Lady Panthers held an impressive 10-2-1 record with a 3-0-1 mark in Southwestern Conference play. After a 5-0 loss in the season... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Soccer, Sports, Top Stories

Panthers off to solid start: Softball currently 16-5, ranked 16th in Class 4A

Written by Jake Hamilton

The girls’ softball team hit the season off with a great start and now stands 16-5 with plenty of the season remaining. So far, the team has played the season well with a few stand-out members. Senior centerfielder Dagmar Ralphs, junior catcher... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Softball, Sports, Top Stories

Get Fit, Stay Fit: Fitness race rakes in $1,100 for Haiti Relief, club

Written by Jennifer Bailey

The Sports Medicine Club held its second annual 5K race on Saturday, April 17.  The race started at 8:30 a.m. in the Weber parking lot at the OTHS Smiley campus. The day was sunny with a nice, cool breeze – perfect for running.  There were 104... Read more »

April 19, 2010 • Filed Under Sports, Top Stories

Miss O’Fallon shows off nine of O’Fallon’s best senior girls

Written by Elaine Andell

On Friday, July 23, nine senior girls took the stage at the Milburn campus auditorium to compete for the title of Miss O’Fallon 2010. Erica Cain, Morgan Schulte, Maddie Cunningham, Tarina Crook, Kaitlin Wolf, Kendall Panger, Rebecca Clover, Natalie... Read more »

August 19, 2010 • Filed Under Features, Top Stories

The Pop Culture Showdown returns: Newspaper adviser Ms. Heady takes on senior Nathan Lowe

Written by Jacob Fussell

After a summer of entertainment, scandals and risque bussiness, we asked our new adviser Ms. Ashlee Heady and senior Nathan Lowe if they knew the Hollywood and Saint Louis dirt. 1) Which starlet went to jail for violation of probation? Heady: Lindsay... Read more »

August 19, 2010 • Filed Under Features, Top Stories

Mr. Bickel: The man behind the principal’s desk

Written by Jake Hamilton

In the wake of Mr. Steve Dirnbeck, a new principal arises along with the opening of the new Milburn campus. He is none other than Mr. Rich Bickel. To start off, Mr. Bickel has an extensive career here at OTHS. He was first hired here in 1992, which is... Read more »

August 19, 2010 • Filed Under Features, Top Stories

The O’Fallon Bucket List

Written by Elaine Andell

Go on a Lifesavers retreat Buy a fresh donut from Wood Bakery Go to the Mr. Irresistible pageant Go to a cross country meet Go ice skating in Forest Park in the winter Watch fireworks under the arch for July 4 Attend an event opposite to what you usually... Read more »

August 19, 2010 • Filed Under Features

A survival guide for newbies, veterans, and every student in-between

Written by Bryce Radick & Jacob Fussell

FRESHMEN So freshmen, you’re now isolated in your shiny, mint-condition campus. You don’t have the same worries as former classes, but that doesn’t mean to avoid caution. It’s a mad world at OTHS, and you’ve got to learn how to stay alive. Okay,... Read more »

August 19, 2010 • Filed Under Features, Top Stories

Senior Spirit Week: Dress Up Days

It’s Senior Spirit Week time! Monday – Once a Panther, always a Panther! Wear Blue and Gold this day! Tuesday – Revenge of the nerds! Dress like a nerd this day! Wednesday – Sports Senior Day! Wear your favorite sports team jersey, shirt,... Read more »

May 7, 2010 • Filed Under Features

Hopeful wishes for graduating seniors

Written by Jake Fussell

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. No matter how one views it, it is easy to admit that we will miss the seniors. The class of 2010 is making its way from high school to college, and, for the rest of us, from our lives to our memories.... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Features

Arnold ‘graduates’ with Class of 2010

Written by Alexis Hardy

Each of us has a teacher who has impacted our lives in a big way. A teacher who brightened our day, made us laugh or taught us a life lesson. For me, that teacher is Mrs. Sue Arnold. Mrs. Arnold has called OTHS her home for 33 years while teaching Physical... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Features

Gucci of all trades bids her farewell to OTHS

Written by Chad Bartholomew

After 35 years, Mrs. Joan Guciardo is well known for her fun antics during class time. Mrs. Guciardo has enjoyed every minute of teaching at OTHS. During these 35 years of teaching, she has had a huge range of students and has taught a variety of... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Features

Ben Folds rocks at Chaifetz

Written by Janelle Pfeifer

Ben Folds might as well be considered one of the great entertainers of our time. He might not have the fan base of musicians like Lady Gaga or The Killers, but he does have talent that could be compared to Elton John or Billy Joel. On April 16, Folds... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Features

Challenge Day: Removed for now; Changes, praises needed if the event is to be brought back to OTHS in future

Written by Elaine Andell

As the 2010-2011 school year starts off, there is no shortage of changes in the OTHS way of life. Among these changes is the absence of Challenge Day. Challenge Day, an event designed to help students relate to each other and to prevent bullying, was... Read more »

August 19, 2010 • Filed Under Opinions

Letter from the editor

Written by Bryce Radick

Dear OTHS, As always, the times are changing. This could not be truer, I’m afraid, for newspapers. Just like major papers throughout the country, The Prowler staff has been hard at work to increase readership. This is done by satisfying three primary... Read more »

August 19, 2010 • Filed Under Opinions

Groups need members who uphold club morals

Written by Janelle Pfeifer & Jake Fussell

LifeSavers during retreat weekend only? The goals of the LifeSavers retreat are to break boundaries with fellow classmates, make new friends, and learn about making good decisions and helping others. As a naive sophomore, I was selected for the retreat... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Opinions

Seniors: Ready, mature enough for real world?

Written by Natalie Buch

As we count down the last days of high school, the members of the senior class, myself included, cannot wait to graduate. We are ready to move on to the next chapter in life, whatever that may be. We have completed our legal quota of years under our... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Opinions

Letter from the Editor

Written by Jennifer Bailey

Dear OTHS, With one week left for seniors and about two for underclassmen, I think it is safe to say we survived another crazy year of high school. However, before we mentally check out for the year and forget everything we have learned since August,... Read more »

May 6, 2010 • Filed Under Opinions

Disney Channel does not produce good role models for young girls

Written by Janelle Pfeifer

Disney Channel is a huge staple in most children’s lives. I think we can all remember running home to watch shows such as “Even Stevens” and “Lizzie McGuire.” Nowadays, younger kids look forward to shows such as “Hannah Montana” and “Wizards... Read more »

April 9, 2010 • Filed Under Opinions