THE CREST ONLINE

   This year’s prom has been different from all the rest at Mandeville High School. To some, the change is “ridiculous”, but some agree to the new change. The main change has been the no front-to-back dancing rule. To enforce the rule, there were teachers walking through the crowded dance floor. The teachers that enforced the rule the most were Mrs. Holliday, Mrs. Tonguis, and Mr. Bundy, according to junior Carly Allison, who disagrees with the change. “I just think that students should know when they are taking it too far.” 
   Despite the teachers staring students down to see whether the dancing was appropriate or not, students still danced. Some people were worried about the rules on how strict the rules would be and how they were enforced, but only a few people were actually thrown out. When asked what the worst part of prom was Carly Allison said, “…when the teachers were coming on the dance floor and constantly correcting students. The students pay to go, so let them have fun!” 
   Another disappointment was the bad music, which was, in fact, another attempt to decrease and stop the dirty dancing. Some disagree with the song choices and were unhappy with them, while others agreed or just didn’t care. 

 by Marina Cacho

   On March 24th, numerous students from Mandeville High School participated in the 2012 District Literary Rally held at Southeastern Louisiana University. Each of the students was nominated by his or her teacher to compete due to exceptional strength in a specific subject. At the Literary Rally, the students completed an written test in their specific subject and were then able to explore rows to booths outlining the many opportunities offered at SLU. This year, Mandeville High had twenty-five students place, and of these, the following will be advancing to the State Rally held at Louisiana State University on April 21st: Dennis Den Hartigh placed 3rd in Advanced Math II, Bryce Lunney earned 2nd in Algebra I, Kathryn James took 5th in American History, Corey St. Romain grabbed 3rd in Biology I, Lauren Trahan was awarded 1st in Art Exhibit Category 3 and 6th in English IV, Josh Van Houten earned 7th in Biology II, Matthew Ducote won 2nd in Calculus, Michael Denham received 3rd in Chemistry, Christopher Abadie took 2nd in Chemistry, Mary Catherine Emory snagged 4th in Civics, Patrick Flanigan took 1st in Civics, Nathan Loll was awarded 4th in Environmental Science, Hayes Jones received 3rd in Environmental Science, Kortney Chiapetta grabbed 6th in Free Enterprise, Daniel Ducote took 2nd in French II, Aaron Reed won 1st in French II, Christopher Klein placed 5th in Geometry, James Harbison took 4th in Physics, Adrian Andre grabbed 1st in Sociology, Rosario Cazarez received 1st in Spanish I, Ashley Paysee earned 3rd in Spanish I, Josephine Homer won 5th in Spanish III, Michael Rockwell placed 3rd in World Geography, and Alex Price received 2nd in World Geography.  
   Assistant Principal Kelley Brondum said, "I am very please at our results from District Rally this year. We have so many talented students at Mandeville High School, not only in the classroom but on the court, field, and stage. I am proud of everyone who participated."

 by Brittany Zowadniak

 

   On April 11th, nearly one hundred and eighty-five Mandeville High seniors and twenty faculty chaperones set off towards "the happiest place on earth."  The students and teachers met at 9 P.M. to begin their trek toward Disney World for the annual Senior Trip. The students occupied four buses, planning to stop in Gainesville, Florida at 8 A.M. on April 12th for breakfast before continuing to Orlando. While minor mechanical breakdowns of two buses delayed the group from this original plan, the eager Skippers were undeterred in their excitement, and arrived to Disney World safe and sound after the buses were repaired.  
   In the past, Mandeville High has offered the Disney Trip opportunity to seniors as a part of the "Grad Bash" hosted by Disney World itself. Seniors from all over the country were invited to the park for a celebration of their upcoming graduation. While Disney World no longer offers the "Grad Bash," Mandeville High Senior sponsors Pam Simon, Jennifer Donewar, Ara Forrest, Sean Esker, and Rusty Gregoire were determined to make this senior trip just as fun.  
   Upon arriving to the park, the students spent the crux of the day at the water park before checking into their rooms at the All-Star Movie Resort. Then, Mandeville High hosted its own "Senior Grad Party" in the Fantasia Gardens Convention Room, complete with food and DJ to replicate the Grad Bash parties of previous years. 
   The students spent the remainder of their time exploring the many wonders of Disney World before heading back home on the night of April 14th.  "Disney was great! I've been to the park with my family, but this experience was so unique because I got to share it with all of my friends. It was one last time to really be together before graduation." 
   While the students jumped immediately back into their school routines two days later, the experiences of their Senior Trip are not forgotten.  Simon said, "The Disney Trip is a wonderful experience for our seniors that they will never forget. I still have past students messaging me about the fun they had on their own senior trip. It's something that sticks with you."

by Brittany Zowadniak

 

           After six weeks of rigorous building, the Mandeville High Robotics Team 2992 competed with their robot, Artemis. After two days of battle against robots from other schools, our team placed second seed in alliances.

           The Bayou Regional took place from March 15^th-17^th. The team had to build a robot (in six weeks and on a budget of less than $3500) designed to compete in this year’s event, the “Rebound Rumble.” The game requires the bot to be able to shoot foam basketballs into hoops with different scores and heights. The bot also had to be able to cross or balance on a bridge which was placed in the center of the field. As if building one robot wasn’t enough, our team also had to build a practice bot, to be used for preparation when the final robot was shipped off on the six-week deadline.           

           Aside from the building, our team had to design shirts, and analyze their opponents’ robots and teams to see which alliances they could make to boost their chances of success. Along with all of this, members could also submit videos and essays to judges.

           At the beginning of the competition, the team had to compete in eleven qualifying matches, getting fourth seed (the highest rank of any Louisiana team). They formed an alliance with the St. Paul’s team and a team from Pearl River County in Mississippi for elimination rounds. They placed third seed in this, and went on to place second seed after losing to the first seed alliance, which consisted of two teams from Houston, Texas and one from Lafayette (two of these teams individually were ranked first and second seed. The Skipper team was bumped up to second seed when the two joined in alliance).

           Though it wasn’t first, the team has high hopes for next year. When asked about the plans for next year, club sponsor Ms. Duhe’ responded, “We never really stop working toward building a better robot. For the remainder of the year, we will be providing demonstrations and perhaps hosting an expo for the area’s teams to show off their robot[s].”

           The team will also be hosting Computer-Assisted Design workshops for members, building up funds for next year, developing new a new build system, and learning as they try to spread they word about science, technology, and engineering.

           “Building robots was great,” says sophomore programmer John Croxton. “And we had food.”

           While competition for this year is done, new members are always needed and welcome. Along with builders and programmers, the club also needs artists, managers, and writers. So look into joining up with the Mandeville High Robotics Team!

ABBY JENNINGS

 

    Evening of the arts is an annual event that takes place in the Mandeville High gym. This event traditionally takes place in March, this year it will take place Wednesday, March 28^th. Evening of the arts was created to showcase all of the Mandeville arts programs. It not only includes the talented and regular art classes, but also talented theatre and music. The Mandeville choral group, Encore, show choir. An elite group called eight is enough has previously performed and might possibly do so this year. ‘We are excited about the showcase! Our students work so hard and are extremely talented. It nice for others to see how their work pays off,” says 3D talented art teacher, Mrs. Beaullieu. This year’s showcase will be juried, meaning that students have the opportunity to achieve a ribbon beside their work. “Evening of the arts is a great way for parents, teacher, and students to see what talented persons are at our school,” says Coach Belou. Junior talented art student, Lucy Oprea says, “It’s fun to see your art work hanging up. It is very satisfying.’

Evening of the arts is a free exhibit and every entertaining, so come and support all of our talented programs, Wednesday night in the gym!

KAYLA MILLER

 

On March 1-3, Mandeville High's Youth and Government attended the 2012 Louisiana Youth Legislature Conference (LEG) in Baton Rouge. This year, five MHS students served on the conference State Board after being elected to their positions at the previous year's conference. Samuel Ingalls served as Governor, Elise Ferrer was Lieutenant Governor, Lindsay Edwards was Senate Floor Leader, McKenzie Elliot served as House Floor Leader, and Ashton Avery acted as Paper Press Editor.  Thirty-eight Skippers attended the conference. Of these, five were elected to the 2013 State Board, including Ferrer as Secretary of State, Brady Duncan as Chief Justice, Patrick Flanigan as Speaker of the House, Jack Mierl as Senate Floor Leader, and Ellie Young as Video Press Editor. In addition to these successes, Flanigan and Trevor Colbert were awarded Best Bill of the House, and Colbert was named Bested Debater for House. Mandeville High's students were pleased to pass a total of four bills at the conference.

For seniors, this will be the last LEG Conference of their high school career, and responsibilities at the conference and within Mandeville High's club are passed on to their younger peers. Ingalls said, "As I stood up there at the podium, I couldn't help but tear up. This program and this club have given me so much over the years and it breaks my heart to know that this is it. I have the utmost faith in my club and the students across this state to stand up and lead this program for generations to come."

Brittany Zawodniak

 

During the week of March 12-16, Mandeville High celebrated its First Annual Skipper Challenge Week. PrincipalBruce Bundysaid, "I think the Skipper Challenge is a great event. It's always great to get the students involved, and it definitely promotes school spirit." The Challenge Week, comprised of Boy's Volleyball, Challenge Night, and Powderpuff football. This series of events was organized by the Student Council, with PresidentLindsay Edwards, Vice PresidentKathyrn James, SecretaryLauren Wenzel, TreasurerAllison DeRoche, ParliamentarianZach Belou, and HistorianBridget Price.The students kicked off the week with daily dress up days, donning camouflage on Monday, Western attire on Tuesday, wizard’s robes on Wednesday, Hawaiian clothing on Thursday, and Skipper blue on Friday.  

 

On Tuesday night, the students began the excitement with the first event, Boy's Volleyball. Each grade competed in a series of volleyball games under the guidance of student coaches from Mandeville High's girls volleyball team. On Thursday, the activities continued with Challenge Night, a new addition among Skipper competitions. Each grade competed in a variety of events, including dodgeball, pingpong, tug-a-war, and more. During halftime, participating seniors performed a "step show," clapping and stepping in rhythm. Finally, the week ended with the traditional Powderpuff football games, with girls from each grade competing with the help of student coaches from the MHS football team. The overall winners of all three events were presented with the Challenge Week Grand Prize, a bedazzled chalice. 

 

Edwards said, "It's so exciting to have our first ever Challenge Week! Thanks to everyone who signed up!"

Brittany Zawodniak!

 

         Spring Break is April 2nd-9th this year. This year, Easter Sunday will fall on the 8^th. Many teenagers go on vacation for Spring Break, many heading off to the beach to start off their summer by getting outrageously tan or, for some, red, and cooling off in the nice water.

           “I’m really excited about Spring Break this year; it’s a great time to take off and get some sun down by the beach,” says Rachel Howie, a senior at MHS.  Spring Break has always been a much anticipated break. Not only do many students and teenagers look forward to going on vacation to the beach with their friends, many adults enjoy this break as well. “I love Spring Break. It gives people time to relax,” says Mr. Bell, Mandeville High’s sociology teacher. 

           Spring Break symbolizes the coming of summer and what it brings. Junior Jenna Maitre says, “The hot weather reminds me so much of summer. There are only a couple months till school’s out for good!” So buckle down to finish out the school year, and then get ready to lather on that sunscreen, Skippers!

MEIGHAN LAMBERT

   Mandeville High School's Youth in Government: heaven for people who love to voice their opinions louder than the next guy. In an orderly fashion, of course. If you're the kind of person who loves the way government works and loves debating with other people, then you've hit the jackpot with this club.
   The club is led by co-presidents Sam Ingalls and McKenzie Elliot, the vice-president Elise Ferrer, the treasurer Kathyrn James, secretary Satchie Snellings, publicist Lindsey Edwards, and parliamentarian Patrick Flanigan. Meetings are held every Thursday night at seven.
   "We meet weekly to debate various issues. There's a lot of fun and laughing," says Ms. Marina, sponsor of the club. "It's good if you're interested in government and like to argue. Outstanding members tend to be very dramatic."
   Youth in Government is sponsored by the YMCA. Members learn parliamentary procedures and debate in an actual government-like setting, where they may have the opportunity to present their own, home-made bill to Louisiana law. Not to mention it looks great on a college application.
   The club attends conferences every year. There's the Louisiana Youth Legislature Conference, where members can be in either the 'Supreme Court' or 'the Press' and debate over various bills written by the students themselves. Bills drafted here have the potential to be given to the actual legislature of Louisiana and passed as official law. There is also the Model United Nations Conference, in which members will be assigned a specific country. They then will have to learn about the statuses of their country and be able to argue a bill like a representative from that country would, which can get a bit crazy with the more dramatic members.
   "I enjoy debating for or against different topics, and everybody gets to voice their opinions," says Ashton Avery, a third year member of Youth in Government. "It has definitely helped me speak publicly and articulate better. And it's helped me be more open-minded to other peoples' opinions."
   So if you're interested in Youth in Government, then be sure to show up and get your debate on. All in all, if you love arguing, join Youth in Government, because there are at least fifty people in there who love it just as much as you do, and they aren't afraid to show it.
ABBY JENNINGS

   Most kids don't exactly jump up at the idea of writing. The majority of the
time,when someone says,"Ok, let's write," the wide response is a collective
groan. That's definitely not the case for Writer's Club. Ms. Plesh (also
known as 'Master P'),the sponsor of the club, is an author herself. "I'm a
writer," she says, "and I know how it feels to want to be with other
writers." The whole point of the club is to be able to express yourself and
your opinions to people who will listen and give their thoughts, too.
This is basically a kind of eclectic pow-wow for kids who love to think and
express their opinions to anyone who's willing to listen. It's really just
putting any thoughts you might have together onto a piece of paper in
whatever way they come to you. You don't have to be a fantastic writer,
either. You just have to be willing to think about whatever's on your mind at
that moment, whether it's the meaning of life or the next big football game.
Give and receive feedback when you want it, or just let yourself get random.
Original and/or crazy ideas are more than welcome (expected even) and
feedback is always constructive.
So what are the plans for the club this year? "Aside from just meeting and
writing, we'd like to create another volume of the'Hesperid', the club
magazine," Ms. Plesh replied.
The club meets every Monday right after school in Ms. Plesh's room, and the
meetings last until about three thirty. There's no hassle, no extra work.
Just show up and get thinking. Members will have the opportunity to express
themselves whenever they want, and possibly get their work published in
the 'Hesperid'.
If you like writing or just sharing your own personal view of the world, this
is the club for you.
ABBY JENNINGS