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As the warm breeze of the summer weather begins to fade away and the explosion of oranges, reds, golds, and yellows begin to set in, there is absolutely no doubt that fall is just around the corner; waiting to unfold what it has to offer, not just in terms of environmental beauty, but also when it comes to the sphere of entertainment. The hysteria that was caused by the most awaited movies last summer–Transformers, Harry Potter etc. have now calmed down and it’s now time for this season’s lineup, which is nowhere near the definition of being uninteresting, ordinary, and outdated. So having said that, below is the rundown of fall movies summed up at its best. Enjoy and may these movies also match up with your top picks for this fall!
1. Paranormal Activity 3 (Oct. 23) – During the release of the first two movie episodes of Paranormal Activity, there is no denying that there have been much blurbs going on about the movie. It took quite some time before the wave of excitement died down. Now that there is a third part, high expectations has been set for the upcoming movie. The plot of the third Paranormal Activity revolves around a young girl named Katie and her sister who may have summoned the demon that haunts them for the rest of their lives. “I’m looking forward most to Paranormal Activity because the past ones were really good, so I’m hoping this one will also have the same standards,” said Junior Adam Awayda.
2. The Three Musketeers (Oct. 21) – A much-prepared movie and another re-telling of the classic Alexander Dumas novel, the movie centers around three former legendary but now not-so-lucky Musketeers and the young D’Artagnan who must help each other to defeat a double agent from seizing the French throne and drown Europe in war.
3. Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 (Nov. 18) – Following the very successful movie releases of the popular vampire book series by Stephanie Meyer, here comes the most anticipated part of the story. Finally, the wait is over. In this movie, the Quileute and the Volturi monitor the expecting parents: Edward and Bella with their unborn child. Bella’s unborn child poses different threats to the wolf pack and the vampire clan. “I feel like Breaking Dawn is the most anticipated movie this season! It’s the most exciting part of the saga, so it’s definitely worth watching!” said Junior Delase Kayede.
4. Puss and Boots (Nov. 4) – Are you feeling some animated films this fall? Well look no longer, this animated film will sure match your taste! This film is about the journey of Puss in Boots who became the sword-fighting cat hero before meeting Shrek and his friends.
5. Abduction (Sept. 23) – After Taylor Lautner’s tremendously appealing performance in the Twilight series, Lautner is now on to his major film Abduction. Lautner, as a young man sets out to uncover the hard truth about his life after finding his baby photo on a missing person’s website.
6. Happy Feet 2 in 3D (Nov. 18) – This heartwarming and whimsical computer-animated film will soon remind the public why the first movie became so successful. Due to the movie’s charm and ‘playfulness,’ it is only fitting to say that this movie is definitely one that should not be missed! The movie’s story is about Mumble the penguin who has a problem in regards of this son Erik, who is reluctant to dance. Things get worse for Mumble when the world is shaken by powerful forces, which causes him to bring all his penguin allies to settle things right. “The first one was funny, entertaining and family-friendly!” said Junior Hannah Kahai. “It’s the kind of movie you can watch over and over again, so a second part is just superb!”
So there you go! There are absolutely numerous movies that are much awaited but above are just a variety of some movies that you should be looking forward to this fall!

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If you’re a student that is enrolled in one of Urbana High School’s Advance Placement classes, then you might have recently taken part in the most widely accepted AP Exam that would ultimately build your confidence to succeed in rigorous courses in college.
AP classes provide students with an opportunity for learning that goes beyond just the facts and figures. The classroom discussions and the demanding assignments typical of AP courses are not just put into wasteful uselessness, but students will be able to develop the content mastery thinking skills expected of college students. Students will also gain confidence to tackle the academic challenges that are expected in college. Not only will they gain confidence but also credit. AP credits give students a chance to move into upper-level courses in the field of their interest.
Week One of AP Exams started on May 2-May 6. Week Two started on May 9-May 13. Each day, there are different time slots that are corresponded to whatever AP Exam students chose and paid (students have to pay $87 for each exam) to take.
Many UHS students took advantage of the opportunity to test their AP skills that they have mastered throughout the school year by taking the AP Exams. After taking the exams, a mixture of feelings surrounded UHS students. However, a majority of the students thought that their all-year AP course properly prepared them for the exams.
“Overall, I think the material was well-organized and challenging enough to accurately evaluate how well a student learned the material,” said Senior Myisha Howard who took the Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, and Calculus BC AP Exams. She said that to prepare for the exam, she simply studied by looking over past notes, taking practice tests and mini quizzes.
Senior Laura Orozco, who took the AP U.S. History AP Exam, also thought that it went well for her. “Although the class was a lot of work, I felt very well prepared for both the multiple choice and essays in the exam,” said Orozco. “I feel I did better than I had expected, but that was mainly because the essay topics were about things that I felt I knew a lot about.”
Orozco’s strategy to do well on the exam, she claimed, was that she read over outlines on subjects that she didn’t feel so confident about, and she also reviewed lots of ID’s two weeks before the exam to make sure she was well prepared.
Both Howard and Orozco thought that their performance met their expectations. “Out of the three (AP Exams), I feel that my performance met my expectations on two of them,” said Howard.
For students who will take AP exams in the future, Howard gives out a piece of advice. “To future students I would say practice makes perfect so go to the College Board website and take practice exams in addition to your studying.”
While Howard encourages students to do early practices on the course, Orozco also gives out some advice; don’t procrastinate. “I would advise them to work hard the whole year, not just right before the test, because it really pays off on exam day,” said Orozco.
With qualifying AP Exam scores, students can earn credit, advanced placement or both at the majority of colleges and universities in the U.S. “Taking an AP Exam in high school can potentially save you so much money when you enter college. Money that, as a college student, you could most definitely use,” said Howard.
However, there are also the downfalls on taking these kinds of exams. “The disadvantages are the stress that comes with taking an AP Test and it does cost a lot but, like I said, you can save a lot more money later on,” said Howard.
Orozco also said that a disadvantage would be that each test is a bit costly. “I you don’t get a good enough score, then universities probably won’t give you credit for having taken the test.”
Overall, taking AP Exams will always be rewarding for people who have experienced it. Although it might have its own downfalls, the exposure and the training AP courses apply to high school students will be something that will be carried all through the future college life of high school students.
The AP Exam will more likely discipline high school students to somehow adapt on how the classes will be like in college and will make them more eligible to adjust smoothly in dealing with Advance Placement classes in future purposes.

There’s no doubt that there is certainly a lot to love about tennis. Chattic, most especially loves being the head coach of UHS’ boys tennis team. “I like coaching a sport that I am very passionate about and helping these young men get better at it, or introduce it for the first time to those that have never played before,” said Chattic. “I like to see improvement and learning happening, and it starts in our practices.”
He says that so far, he has seen much learning and desire to become better. “My hope is that the intensity that these young men have shown in practice is present and grows when they play on the courts in April.”

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In the past two years, UHS was successful in its yearly blood drives. In an estimate, UHS collected 90 pints of blood in 2009 and 70 pints of blood in 2010. “I’d like to go up to 90 pints [of blood] or above this year,” said UHS Assistant Principal and Athletic Coordinator, Greg Hall. “We’ve been the best in the area the last few years, so I hope we’ll be able to maintain that.”

Hall has been active in the recent years UHS has hosted a blood drive. “I’ve been a part of the last four years,” said Hall. “But the school has already been hosting blood drives for the last 15 years I’ve been here.”

There will be three to four UHS students who will be working and helping out every period during that day. Medical staff from the Community Blood Services will also be involved in the blood donation procedures.

In order to participate in the blood drive, one must be in good health, and weigh at least 110 lbs. “People that are donating should take care of themselves before and after they donate,” said Hall. “They have to make sure they are hydrated and they should not overdo themselves.”

If you are planning on donating blood, remember to eat a meal within 4 hours prior to donating; drink extra water day before and day of donating; bring an ID to the drive; and turn in consent from which is only applicable to 16-year-olds.

To promote the details and importance of the blood drive, UHS has been doing announcements, and there are advertisements and flyers distributed around the school. “I make sure that UHS students and staff will see how important it is,” said Hall. Two to four people benefit from each person that will donate. “It can save a life and it’s also a good way to give back to the society and to help the people that are in a less fortunate conditions than you.”

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Developing leadership skills, understanding the importance of responsibility and promoting international awareness are just some of the opportunities a member of Urbana High School’s Interact Club would benefit from. For over six years now, UHS’s Interact Club have tirelessly served and made a difference in developing local and international service projects with the help of its sponsor, The Urbana Rotary Club.

The club gives students 14-18 years of age a chance to make new friends, improve the community, develop leadership skills, and most importantly, make a difference in the world.

“One new goal for the club is to do more collaboration with other Interact Clubs in the area surrounding Urbana,” said UHS Senior and Interact Club president, Rita Haber. “Being the president of Interact created opportunities for me to work with our community and made me realize the importance of thinking locally in terms of volunteer work.”

So far this year, the club has served its purpose locally and around UHS. They have been actively participating in whatever events the school has hosted and outside events as well.

“The Interact Club has done quite a few activities this year,” says Interact Club’s advisor, Grace Mitchell. “During the holidays, they donated three baskets to three families who needed it, the members also adopted families during the winter break; families of students who go to UHS that are homeless.” The club was also involved with Tailgate, in which they welcomed new members and encouraged students to participate.
The major event that the Interact Club hosted this year is the sixth annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A Day of Service to Our Community Program, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. This took place at the Ikenberry Commons on January 17.

UHS’s Interact Club helped plan and run the event; they were also the one who planned the theme, “Remembering the Dreamer”. The students worked with various agencies like the American Red Cross, Vineyard Food Pantry, and many others, to participate in a number of service projects around the community.

Mitchell, who is retiring this year, has been the first advisor and has since then managed the club for the last six years. She has quite a few reasons why she likes her role as the club’s advisor.

“I’m a community oriented person,” says Mitchell. “I used to be a social worker here in UHS that’s why I can better understand what it’s like to reach out in community and help others.”

“Working with Grace Mitchell, the club’s adviser, has also been great,” says Haber. “Ms. Mitchell is one of the most inspirational people I have met, and she has a very kind and generous spirit.”

All in all, the Interact Club does not only specialize in getting students involve in the community, but it also provides a lasting impression to the young generation, that they are capable of contributing and making a change on some of the flaws that the society possesses.

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Although it might be just the middle of the second semester at Urbana High School, the Drama Club’s behind the scenes preparation for the school’s musical production this spring is already in full swing. In just a couple of months from now, the UHS Drama Club will be doing what it does best: showcasing what UHS has to offer when it comes to theatrical skills. For the last three weeks, the crews and the casts have worked hard in organizing, and creating the stage for the upcoming musical “The Little Shop of Horrors.”

“For the most part, we have been rehearsing and focusing on music,” says UHS Drama Club advisor, Timothy Broeker. “The tech crew will be coming in to work with the lighting.”

One of the biggest challenges the club has been facing is getting the casts and crews together to rehearse and work things out together. “At Urbana, students have different activities that they are involved in and getting all the people together is hard because of our different schedules,” says Senior and cast member, Annie Valocchi, “Everyone’s so important in each scene, so it’s necessary to fit our schedules together.”

However, with all the challenges and the overall mumbo jumbo going on, Broeker is definitely still looking forward for the musical. “The opening night would be one of the things to look forward for,” says Broeker. “That’s when I’ll finally let go of the show, and watch it transform.”

Valocchi agrees. “The opening night is something to look forward for because the show will definitely transform when the cast perform at the real show.”

The play centers around a plant shop who may be forced to close its doors due to hard times. The store clerk coincidentally discovers a strange plant; a plant which he can’t grow. He discovers by accident that the plant only grows when it is fed human blood.
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here are a lot of reasons why this play is a must-see. “What the crew is cooking up for the sceneries is something to look forward for,” says Junior and cast member, Danyelle Clements. “It goes from a flower shop, to a dentist’s office, so it’s really exciting to see how it all turns out.”

The future audiences for this musical should definitely be ready for what it’s about to showcase. “It’s a really unique musical and expects audience participation,” says Broeker. “Definitely look out and watch everything because things will be coming out from all directions!”

Clements spills out some of the exciting details. “To all around audiences, be prepared to go through a few changes of emotions: be prepared to laugh, to cry, and to say ‘That girl/guy can sing!”

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As the New Year rolls in, unfolding its own great wonders, it is only fitting to acknowledge and look back on the entertainment of 2010. Flashing back on how the past year has been, there can be no doubt that it brought ups and downs. There were tons of blasts and a great amount of excitement to the people from the all around the world. The sphere of entertainment, delivered a good amount of movies that scored either a thumbs up or thumbs down. There were a large number of movies released in 2010, some of which gained the praises of critics and others that did not. So, below are my top 10 picks for 2010’s best movie releases. Note: These movies might not be movies that interest you. But these ones seemed to be the ones to stand out most not just for me, but also to other watchers. So, read on.

10. Lovely Bones: The special effects in the movie were probably the first aspect that made the movie stand out. The movie itself was okay. Some times there were parts in which the plot kind of got a little bit dull. However, it is still worth watching, but probably renting it would’ve been a good idea instead of leaving the theatre unfulfilled.

9. The Last Song: A movie based from the book Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. It’s pretty predictable that you’re going to be getting a mix of drama, romance, tragedy, and tears. If you love Nicholas Sparks movies or books, then you’ll probably dig this one. Although it’s probably too intense and dramatic for tween girls used to seeing Miley Cyrus in her Hannah Montana persona.

8. Avatar: Avatar, a movie by James Cameron, the director of the movie Titanic, received a thumbs up. This is definitely a must-see movie. It was best in theater because the home theatre experience won’t even come close to the theater. It is much more in-depth and then you’ll be able to appreciate the effects even more.

7. Step Up 3D: In this movie, I got exactly what I expected, not the least of which was some truly accomplished dancing, photographed impressively in 3D. The most impressive thing about Step Up is that the enjoyment and action it delivered. It’s fun.

6. Dear John: The movie Dear John would not really be considered as ‘epic’. However, the love team of the movie, Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, (who looked really good together, by the way) captured the true essence of the characters from the book. Fans of the book or any of Sparks’s work know what they’re in for, and they will not get disappointed.

5. Alice in the Wonderland: Tim Burton converts Lewis Caroll’s tale, into a fantastical, eye-popping 3-D joy ride for the attention-deficit “Avatar” loving generation. The most notable thing about the movie is that the visual stimulations never stop. The appearance of the movie and the special effects seemed real and very believable. Alice in the Wonderland definitely received a thumbs up for the special effects.

4. Iron Man 2: Without watching this movie yet, I could tell that the special effects and the big action sequences were well handled. It was flashy, the effects were impressive However, not a lot of people seemed to approve that the movie was a hit. “The appearance was good, but the plot was not as good as the first one,” says Urbana High School Junior, Erin Smith.

3. Toy Story 3: For Toy Story it always means feelings are the center of the story. I walked out of Toy Story 3 feeling as if my heart was too full, as if at any moment it would burst. Pixar has already given us two utterly perfect Toy Story movies, and yet this may be the best one yet.

2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: The movie was definitely the most satisfying Potter film. The film transported me into the story’s world and has me eager to experience the conflict that will shortly come to a boil.

1. Inception: “Inception is visually stunning, amusingly acted and richly layered. It’s a film that deserves immeasurable praise and multiple viewings. Christopher Nolan delivered a thoughtful, compelling, vividly woven film that may prove to be his opus”, said Hollywood Bites. There have been a lot of praises said of this movie. It almost sounds like it’s the best movie ever made in a long time! It’s definitely a must-see!

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Many of us have probably heard the Hanukkah holiday. It lasts for eight days, during the Gregorian months of November, December, or often, early January. But only a number of people actually know what Hanukkah really is. What is Hanukkah? Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is also known in English as the “Festival Of Lights” or the “Festival of Rededication”. It is a holiday celebrated by Jewish people from the 25th day of the Jewish month Kislev to the 2nd or 3rd day of Tevet.
“I like Hanukkah because it’s a casual holiday. It’s all about having a good time and eating good food, you get a little taste of it each night,” says Urbana High School Junior Eli Kling.
The term Hanukkah reminds people that this holiday is a remembrance of the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C.E. With the celebration of the holiday comes a different tradition that is practiced and remembered dearly. Here are some of them:
- Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah: Since Hanukkah is also known as the “Festival Of Lights” the wicks of the Menorah is lit for eight days at a stretch. This is the reason why lights and lighted decors play such an important part in the observation of the celebration. “One tradition my family does is we light the Menorah at sundown,” says Kling.
- Hanukkah Gift-Giving: the gift giving tradition is growing popular as time passes by. It is a new concept that has evolved out of the gift giving tradition of the Jews. In the past, the children were tested about their knowledge on Hanukkah. “Basically, Hanukkah is a holiday for kids, so it’s a good thing to have presents,” says Kling.
- Hanukkah Food: It is customary to eat baked or fried foods with olive oil used to bake these foods. This custom is based on the miracle that took place during the rededication of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. When the Macabees won, the Temple was rededicated and the Menorah had to be lighted. But the Jewish High Priest, Kohen Gadol discovered that only a small quantity of olive oil was there. “Usually in the last day of Hanukkah, we invite family friends over and my grandma would make a traditional Hanukkah food for dinner,” says Kling.