As the school year winds down and summer begins, student athletes at Urbana High School are gearing up for the fall sports season. “The Echo” has assembled everything you need to know about tryouts and how to prepare for each of the seven sports.

*To be eligible for all sports, student athletes MUST register for the fall sports season and pay the fifty-dollar athletic fee to be eligible at tryouts by AUGUST 21, 2010 in the Main Office. A current physical must also be presented in addition to signing an Athletic Participation Form and confirming the student has valid health insurance. Don’t wait until the last minute, and be sure to make sure you have all necessary information filed for eligibility.

1. Football

Players: Male and Female

Tryout Date: August 11, 2010

Summer Opportunities: It is suggested that players attend the strength and conditioning sessions that will run from June 7, 2010 from 4-6 p.m. and finish on July 29, 2010 in addition to the contact practices that begin on June 14, 2010 from 8-10 a.m. and end on July 29, 2010. Other summer options include seven-on-seven games at Rantoul High School every Wednesday in July and various football camps are offered by colleges in the area for players to improve their skills.

Coach Contact Information: nwatson@usd116.org

“The main difference between this year’s season and last’s is this summer we will offer two sessions of training a day to allow maximum time on the field and on the track and in the weight room,” Head Coach Nathan Watson said.

2. Soccer

Players: Boys

Tryout Date: August 11, 2010

Summer Opportunities: Starting June 15, 2010, practices will be held every Tuesday through Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. until July 22, 2010 for aspiring players.

Coach Contact information: rblackman@usd116.org

“Players should be at tryouts on time and ready to get in shape…Most of all, show up and be ready to try hard,” Head Soccer Coach Randy Blackman said.

3. Tennis

Players: Girls

Tryout Date: August 11, 2010

Summer Opportunities: Players are expected to play during the summer, whether through the Atkin’s Tennis Center, the Urbana Park District, or private lessons. Hitting with a friend or teammate is also suggested. Girls should additionally train so they are able to run a mile in under ten minutes.

Coach Contact Information: mwelch@usd116.org

“I expect the girls to know how to keep score and be able to run the mile in under ten minutes at tryouts,” Head Tennis Coach Melissa Welch said.

4. Cross Country

Players: Boys and Girls

Tryout Date: August 11, 2010

Summer Opportunities: Workouts for Cross Country will occur every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6-8 a.m. starting June 15, 2010 and ending July 30, 2010.

Coach Contact Information: rhunt@usd116.org

“Be ready to work hard and give one hundred percent at Cross Country,” Head Cross Country Coach Renee Hunt said.

5. Golf

Players: Boys and Girls

Try Out Dates: August 11 and 12, 2010

Summer Opportunities: Players should practice over the summer by playing rounds of golf and improving their general skills and knowledge of the game.

Coach Contact Information: cmmcfarl@yahoo.com

“I expect players to have a thorough grasp of the game of golf and its rules and to be very coachable,” Head Golf Coach Chad McFarland said.

6. Swimming

Players: Girls

Tryout Date: August 11, 2010

Summer Opportunities: Practice every Tuesday and Thursday from June until the end of July; time to be announced later.

Coach Contact Information: StephHouk@davis-houk.com

7. Volleyball

Players: Girls

Tryout Date: August 11, 2010

Summer Opportunities: To Be Announced

Coach Contact Information: aschweighart4887@gmail.com

Student Senate elections were held on May 18, 2010 to elect officials for the 2010-2011 school year. To run for office, students had to gain approval from their class sponsors and teachers via a rating system between 1-5 (bad to excellent) that judged their attendance, respect, academic achievements, etc. to make sure they were qualified.

“Being in Senate is fun but hectic for students” Student Senate Advisor Yvonne Alvarez-Cortes said. “Senators must have organizational skills, leadership qualities, and should be willing to make Senate a priority when it comes to extra-curriculars.”

Election results were announced on May 27, 2010. Elected officers for next year’s Student Senate are:

Student Senate:

President: McKenzie Kirby
Co-Vice President: Maya Patterson
Co-Vice President: Lexi Johnson

Seniors:

Class President: Mandy Facer
Class Vice President: Will Elect NEXT Year
Representative: Amanda Jacobs
Representative: Kori McGraw
Representative: Chris Harrington
Did Not Attend Urbana School: Danielle Fontaine
Thomas Paine: Shelby Armstrong
Leal: Tiffany Walker
Yankee Ridge: Korrine Spears
Wiley: Chris Harrington

Juniors:

Class President: Jessa Johnson
Class Vice President: Tess Allen
Class Press Secretary: Meredith Headtke
Representative: Melinda Mendoza
Thomas Paine: Lexi Johnson
Prairie: Meredith Headtke
Yankee Ridge: Tess Allen
Wiley: Anwen Parrot
Didn’t Attend Urbana School: Piper Harvey

Sophomores:

Class President: Cate Hummel
Class Vice President: Mary Donahue
Class Press Secretary: Will Elect NEXT Year
Representative: Myles Kelley
Representative: Shaniqua Durgan
Representative: Kayla Estes
Thomas Paine: Jordan Patterson
Yankee Ridge: Ellen Beverly
Wiley: Sophia Ruiz-Gehrt
Didn’t Attend Urbana School: Sylvia Haas

Next year’s Student Senate ventures include summer car washes, the annual Thanksgiving Dinner, the Beef-House Rolls fundraiser, Tail-Great, Harmony Week, the Student Vs. Staff Basketball Game, and annual Talent Show.

With summer just around the corner, girls at Urbana High School are on the hunt for the season’s hottest swimsuits. From neon colors to polka dot bikinis, there’s sure to be a trend that will suit your style. This summer though, be sure to purchase a swimsuit that is not only fashionable, but also flattering to your shape. While some styles of swimsuits may look great on retouched, Amazonian supermodels who don’t eat, they might not have the same effect on everyone. Rest assured though, this article isn’t here to tell you to starve yourself to “look good;” here at The Echo, we believe in embracing who you are. The goal of this guide is to help each girl at UHS find her perfect swimsuit, no matter her shape or style preference.

For the Athletic Girl

Do you have a lean frame and long, skinny legs? Are your shoulders more on the broad side from working out or playing sports? If so, you’re an athletic body type! Athletic shapes look great in almost everything, especially bikinis that highlight your toned tummy and long torso. If you want to add softness to your frame, ruffled tops can boost your bust and give you an air of femininity. Monokinis also look exceptional on the athletic body type: the side cut outs give you the illusion of having hips while showcasing your slender figure.

For the Curvy Gal

In the past, fuller-figured women were considered the most beautiful because eating decadent food was a sign of wealth. While being healthy is important, it’s important to remember that “healthy” for everyone doesn’t necessarily mean skinny. If you’re a curvy girl, that’s just who you are and part of what makes you gorgeous! Don’t shy away from swimsuit shopping or lounging at the pool because you don’t look like the girls in “Seventeen;” instead, flaunt what you’ve got. One-piece suits with spandex and shapewear fabric can help smooth over areas you may be self-conscious about, but don’t limit yourself to dowdy suits that hide you! Bold colors and feminine details can transform a one-piece into a showstopper. And just because you’re curvy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear a two-piece: opt for suits with sturdy tops that will support your bust and shape it nicely (basically, underwire and straps are good, and spaghetti halters and no padding triangle tops are not).

For the Hour-Glass

If your chest and hips are the same measurements, but your waist is six to ten inches smaller, you are an hourglass! The suits I have found to look best on an hourglass are either bikinis with plain tops (no ruffles) or bandeau one-pieces. Bikinis show off your shape, and don’t look trashy as long as the top doesn’t look busy or leave you spilling over. One-pieces on the other hand highlight your tiny waist and help keep your chest in check because of the bandeau neckline. Red and black colored suits will give you a bombshell vibe and help expose your inner starlet!

For the Girls with Junk in the Trunk

Hey, some girls have it going on in the bottom department. If such a statement applies to you, shop for swimsuits where the pieces are sold separately to allow you to buy the correct sized bottom and top (not a single-size set). If you want to add a touch of femininity to your look, opt for a skirted bottom. Swim-skirts are very trendy this season, and will offer more coverage in the bottom department if you want it.

I wish you luck in your swimsuit shopping adventures, and have a great time flaunting your final purchase at the pool!

What did you think of Mandy’s suggestions, UHS? Did these tips help you? Comment below

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is back and better than ever in “Iron Man 2.” With his boyish looks and quick wit, it’s hard not to love him despite his massive ego and generally lacking judgment. With a power-keg cast, outstanding special effects, and a fun, though predictable storyline, this sequel is certainly worth a trip to the theater.

In the second installment of the “Iron Man” franchise, Stark realizes he is dying due to an increasing level of blood toxicity caused by excessive use of the suit. If that’s not enough to keep this Marvel hero busy, there’s a new villain in town to shake things up: Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke). Vanko struts around wearing a suit powered by the same time of energy generator as Iron Man, but his outfit is enhanced by super-charged electric whips, hence his comic book name: “Whiplash.”

Another addition to the “Iron Man” cast is Scarlett Johansson (Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. the “Black Widow”). Johansson is the epitome of a super heroine; her fair complexion and spy stunts will be sure to have plenty of fanboys drooling. The other main female character of the film, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), reprises her role as Stark’s better half and is promoted to CEO of Stark Industries.

Despite some critics’ accusations that Tony doesn’t spend much time in the Iron Man suit, he actually gives us plenty of superhero action onscreen. Don Cheadle, who replaced Terrence Howard as Lt. Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes in this installment, even gets a chance to try out the famed “War Machine” in a crazy CGI-enhanced final battle. While “Iron Man 2” does delve deeper into the mind of Tony Stark, it still delivers on the visual/action spectrum.

All in all, “Iron Man 2” is a decent comic book/action production. While it’s not better than the first film, it actually keeps up and doesn’t fall into the disappointing sequel category like the “Transformer” or “Spider-Man” series.

Reviewer’s Note: Make sure to stay in your seat until the credits finish for a sneak peek at the next “Iron Man;” it looks like another one of Marvel’s superheroes has left a mark and is ready for some screen time with Tony Stark.

One of my fondest memories of my childhood was May 1. Every year, the “May Fairy” would put a May basket on my front porch, ring the bell, then scurry away before she could be seen. I was always amazed to rush to open the door and see my gift, but not the fairy. Now I found out the fairy was my grandmother when I got older, but those special May baskets always held an air of mystique…I never knew when she was coming or what she would bring.

The May Basket tradition started with Louisa May Alcott’s novel, “Jack and Jill.” In the novel, Scott describes how girls would agree to make and deliver May baskets if the boys would search and collect the flowers. The eve of May 1, girls would quietly deliver their baskets to spread spring cheer to their friends and neighbors.

While my grandmother has grown too old to be the fairy anymore, the tradition still lives on. My mom makes May baskets for neighbors, and with this guide, you too can create a May basket surprise for someone you know!

Here’s What You Need:

*A basket or pretty bag
*Colorful Tissue Paper
*Fresh Flowers (Tulips and Chrysanthemums are my favorite)
*Candy (Hershey’s Kisses in spring colors, Fannie May Mint-Meltaways, etc.)
*A DVD (Avatar or Princess and the Frog might be good choices)
*A Magazine (Seventeen, Sports Illustrated, The New Yorker, etc.)

Here’s What to Do:

1. Assemble your basket: Put the colored tissue paper in first, then place items based on the receiver’s personality in the basket (example: if a girl, put in lip gloss and fresh flowers). You can also include a note that explains the tradition for good measure, but make sure to leave out your name!
2. Go to the receiver’s house, locker, workplace, etc. If a doorbell is available, ring it then run away so the person can’t see you! If you’re leaving it on your friend’s locker, make sure it’s a time when people won’t tear it down (passing period=not a good idea).
3. If the person asks if you sent the May basket, you can either play coy or admit it. Don’t worry if this person doesn’t realize you gave the gift- part of the fun of giving out May baskets is the sense of anonymous love.

Have you ever received a May Basket? What did it contain? Are you going to make a basket with Mandy’s directions? Comment below!

The following time-logs are documentation by Co-Editor in Chief Mandy Facer about her experience at the 2010 IHSA Sectional Competition for The Echo. For more information about Sectionals or the upcoming State competition, please visit http://www.ihsa.org/activity/jrn/index.htm.

—————————————————————-

9:00 am: The Urbana High School Journalism team arrives at Gregory Hall for the 2010 IHSA Journalism Sectional Competition. Team members today include:

*Sophomore Meredith Headtke, our Advertisement and Political Cartooning entrant
*Sophomore Alyanna Balanay, our Sports Writer and Headline entrant
*Sophomore Gwen Childers, our Copy Editor and Yearbook Copy Writer
*Sophomore LaShaya Jackson, our Feature Photographer
*Junior Lily Smith, our Review Writer and Editorial Writer
*Junior Mandy Facer, our News Writer and Feature Writer

9:10: Echo Advisor Sydney Azzi registers the team. We all accept our press passes, maps, and schedules then head into the Auditorium to await a briefing from the University of Illinois’ Journalism Department Head Brian Johnson.

10:00: Mr. Johnson gives a brief outline of the day’s events and wishes all of us good luck in our blocks.

10:15: After a few words of wisdom and encouragement from Mrs. Azzi, we each take off for our individual blocks. Most of us are located in the basement of Gregory Hall where the Journalism labs are, though LaShaya will be all over campus to take her photos. Walking to my lab at the end of the hallway brings nervous butterflies, but also a desire to start. Our staff has worked so hard this year, and I’m excited to see how we’ll do.

10:30: Proctors in each room hand out the prompts and we begin. Live blocks (categories with a live person to interview for quotes) begin the ten-minute interview process, while the regular blocks start writing/taking pictures/drawing right away.

10:45: I’m in News Writing right now, and the roar of keyboards tapping away is a bit unnerving. All the competitors around me sigh, yawn, and click their mouses to the beat of competition.

12:00: The first block of competition is over. All entries are sealed in an envelope and given to the site director for the judges to read.

12:15: The second block of competition begins. I hope everybody on the team is doing well and not having any problems…. I talked to Meredith in the fifteen-minute break, and she’s made a friend from Homewood during her Advertisement session, which is reassuring.

12:40: Somebody in my Feature Writing block just got up and turned their article in and has exited the room…it looked like two pages, and I’ve only just finished my lead which is alarming.

12:55: My stomach growls loudly and the person next to is yawning so much I’m worried she’s going to fall asleep…

1:45: The second and final block of the competition is over: time for lunch on campus!

1:50: All of our team assembles to talk about how we think it went, and nerves begin to brew as we wonder about the results. Swarms of students are strolling about on campus: there’s one group of suited men that keep milling about, in addition to a large set of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle shirt-clad college students.

2:00: We enter Empire, a delicious Chinese restaurant on campus, and settle in at a circle table. We talk about our favorite moments of the year, Mrs. Azzi’s adorable new puppy, and how far we’ve come as Journalism staff in the past year while dining on rice, tofu and sesame seed chicken.

2:45: It’s time to return to Gregory Hall for the awards ceremony, and Mrs. Azzi tells us fun facts about the U of I campus as we walk through the Quad.

3:10: Mr. Johnson addresses us again, but this time it’s for the presentation for awards. Our team fared really well, and I’m proud of all of our contestants. Echo staff members who will move on to the State Competition on April 30 are:

*Lily Smith who earned first place in Editorial Writing
*Mandy Facer who earned first place in News Writing
*Gwen Childers who earned second place in Yearbook Copy Writing and third place in Copy Editing.
*Meredith Headtke who earned third place in Advertising.

As a Journalism team, we have everything to be proud of. Each member of our staff has significantly improved their writing ability, whether they have an award to recognize it or not. I am deeply grateful to be a part of The Echo, and to have the chance to work alongside so many talented and wonderful people. Here’s to a great year full of learning, new experiences, and camaraderie!

With just about three weeks until Urbana High School’s Prom on May 1, it’s time to make last minute preparations for the big night. Here are the top five things UHS students need to accomplish now in order to have a stress-free and enjoyable time at the “Red Carpet Affair.”

Step One: Establish Your Group

If you haven’t done so already, talk to your friends and decide how many people will be in your group for the big night. Some people prefer big groups, while others want a romantic evening with their date only. No matter your preference, it’s important to make the decision of who will be escorting you in order to avoid last minute stress.

Step Two: Make Dinner Plans

For students who want to dine out on Prom night, it’s imperative that you make your dinner reservations NOW. Fancy restaurants such as Biagiis, Kennedy’s, and Milo’s will probably require a reservation (especially if you’re in a big group), so book your table now to keep from going hungry on Prom night. If you want to save money however, try a traveling dinner party: each member of your group can serve one dinner course at their house, and once each course is done, you move to the next house. While this dinner plan can take up time, it’s a fun way to try different foods. This option also allows every group member’s parent(s) to take pictures.

Step Three: Make Alterations on Attire

While Prom night is about having fun with friends and dancing, it is also about looking good and dressing up. To ensure you are red carpet worthy, consult a tailor or alteration’s shop to make any necessary changes on your attire to ensure a flattering fit. For example, girls may need to tighten straps or hem gowns, and guys may need to rent coordinating colored vests to match their date.

Step Four: Plan the Picture Spot

This step is really important for those who are attending Prom in a large group: to allow every group member’s parent(s) the chance to take pictures, make sure everyone meets at a specific time and setting for pictures. In the past, larger groups have planned successful photo shoots at the U of I Japanese Gardens, Lake of the Woods Pavilion (you would have to allow extra time for the drive), and favorite Urbana spots (Meadowbrook Park, group member’s backyard, etc.). Prom is a night you’ll want to remember, and pictures will help capture the moment.

Step Five: Purchase Flowers

If you are going with a date, it’s customary to give them a flower (girls receive corsages, and guys receive boutonnières). Flowers can be purchased at local floral shops (Blossom Basket is a good choice) or super markets with floral departments (County Market and Schnucks). Make sure to color coordinate with your date to avoid having an out of place flower (a yellow flower with a red dress might not be what your date was going for…).

The most important thing to remember about Prom is you should have fun. Don’t stress over details; if something in your plan snags, don’t freak out. This guide is just helpful tips to avoid last minute issues before they happen.

On April 10, 2010, I woke myself up at 6:30 a.m. It was a beautiful Saturday morning and all was quiet except for the birds chirping in the tree outside my window. Instead of cuddling with my quilt or going for a run however, I got to take the American College Test (ACT) like thousands of other high school juniors around the country.

When I arrived at Centennial High School at 7:30 a.m., a few students were milling about on the stairs inside. A steady flow of adolescents continued to flood inside the building as the clock drew closer to our 8:00 a.m. start time. Finally, the test site director separated the small herd of students into two groups: Writing and No Writing.

The ACT is broken down into four required test sections: English, Math, Reading and Science. There is an option though, to take a Writing examination after you have completed the first four tests. I, along with many others, opted to take the Writing portion. Many ACT test prep classes advise against taking the Writing test because most colleges don’t use it when considering your application and it doesn’t affect your composite score. However, if you want to see how your writing skills fit on the ACT grading scale, this might be an option you should take.

Once everyone was in their assigned room, proctors read the directions and the test began. The sound of pencils bubbling in tiny circles and a feeling of stress and determination palpitated the air.

After completing the English and Math tests, we were allowed a ten-minute break to use the restroom and mingle in the hallway. When we returned to our rooms, it was time for Reading and Science. Once done with those tests, we stood up and stretched and then the Writing prompts were handed out. We had thirty minutes to compose an essay that fully answered the prompt while showcasing our best writing abilities.

Finally, it was over. We all filed out into the sunshine, our bellies rumbling and minds exhausted. It wasn’t horrible like some people say: nobody fainted or threw up and the test went just like the ACT website said to expect.

Here’s the thing though: I get to take the ACT again, and so do you (if you’re a Junior at Urbana High School)! On April 27 (date check!), as a part of the Prairie State Examination, all of the UHS Juniors will be taking the ACT with Writing.

To help you prepare for the test, check out The Echo’s very own ACT Prep Package for helpful tips from UHS teachers, counselors and students.

1. Study. Just a Bit.

While the ACT is a test designed to cover the information you’ve learned so far in high school, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to brush up on areas you may be shaky with. For example, if you don’t remember the formulas you learned back in Algebra and Algebra 2, review them to help you out on the Math portion. Or if you aren’t a fast reader, practice by timing yourself while you read an article similar to one you might find on the ACT.

UHS Counselor Ray Miner suggests purchasing or borrowing from the library one of the ACT prep books. “Some of the new ACT books have cds for the computer that are interactive for studying,” Miner said. “They also have practice tests with the correct answers, so you can take them and see a projection of what you’ll probably get on the ACT.”

Echo Pick: The Real ACT Prep Guide, from $15.00 at Amazon.com

2. Pay Attention in Class

Many classes at UHS have ACT prep material as part of the class curriculum. In Mark Freedman’s AP Prep English classes, students practice taking the Reading portion of the ACT by using past articles used on the test. “What we are trying to do is prepare the students for the test as much as possible,” Freedman said. “We teach them test strategies, language arts skills, and see their progress by giving practice tests with time constraints to recreate the real test environment as much as possible.”

In a way, UHS is giving you a free ACT prep class through the curriculum: take advantage and listen up!

3. Calm your Nerves

Junior Anna Freyfogle will be taking the ACT at UHS in April, and she’s feeling a bit of stress. “I’m a little nervous because there’s a lot of pressure around the test because people say your score is the deciding factor of getting into college,” Freyfogle said.

If you share Anna’s concerns, don’t worry. While the ACT is very important, if you aren’t pleased with your score you can always take it again Miner says.

It’s also important to put the ACT into perspective: yes, it does affect your college choices, but it doesn’t make you a better or worse person. “Your ACT score is just one part of who you are,” UHS Math teacher David Dutton says. “Plenty of great people have gone on to contribute to society who scored low or didn’t even take the ACT at all.”

In the end, the ACT is a necessary step to getting into college. Not everyone will get a thirty-six though…and that’s okay. Try your best, give some time to preparation, and you’ll be just fine.

Have you taken ACT yet? What do you think of Mandy’s advice? What would you add? Comment below!

Photo Credit: Mandy Facer

With clear blue skies and fresh breezy weather, it seems spring may finally be upon us. This Sunday, April 4, marks the religious holiday Easter. For those of you who celebrate Easter (or for those of you who want a festive craft), The Echo has composed an easy how-to guide for dying Easter eggs. Whether you attempt a dozen or a hundred eggs, these instructions are sure to help you create a colorful spring display that will brighten your house.

Materials:

*A dozen eggs (or more if you want to increase your fun)

*Egg dye tablets (available for purchase at drug stores or groceries; I always go for the kind that include little cups big enough for the eggs to be dropped in)

*Stickers

*White Crayon

*Scotch Tape

*Newspaper

*Spoon(s)

*Paper Towels

Instructions:

1. Boil your eggs so they are hard and easier to dye.

2. Spread newspaper (two or three thick layers) all over the surface you’ll be using (the Easter bunny won’t appreciate spills on the new kitchen table…).

3. Place all of the little cups that came in your dye tablet package out on your dye surface. Fill each with water then place a tablet inside each; once the tablet has dissolved, stir it lightly for good measure.

4. Take an egg and GENTLY drop it into one of the dye bowls with a spoon. Leave it in for a long time if you want a rich, deep color, or a short period if you want a light shade.

5. When you fish your egg out with the spoon, place it on a paper towel and lightly rub it to ensure the color spreads evenly and doesn’t spot; be careful of rubbing too hard though: the color will come off.

Some Unique Tricks

*Take an egg and write a message or draw a doodle on it before dying it. Once the color sets in, the wax will remain and your design will appear!

*Place a sticker (hearts and stars are a personal favorite) on your egg before dying it. Once the egg has COMPLETELY dried, peel off the sticker and enjoy the cool shape left by the adhesive.

*Rip small sections of scotch tape off and make stripes around your egg. Once the egg is dyed, you’ll have cool white stripes to contrast with the color.

*With your fingers, soak one half of your egg in a cup of dye. Once it’s reached the shade you desire, hold the un-dyed end in another cup of color to create a half-and-half effect.

*To create a pastel color, soak the egg in a color like blue, and then place it in the purple die later. This makes a really cool periwinkle shade!

What egg dying traditions do you have, UHS? Did you try one of Mandy’s ideas- how did they work? Comment Below!