The Billie Bulletin
Pleasant Hill High School, Pleasant Hill, Oregon
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Issue 2
Mr. Billie Profiles: Eight to Make Great
F
JORDAN FISHER
Editor
or the last decade Pleasant Hill parents and students have taken a group of senior boys and transformed them into
performers for the Mr. Billie Pageant. Mr. Billie is a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network, a charity that provides
funds for Sacred Heart Hospital’s Neonatal Unit. Each year a group of girl assistants help the boys learn dances, fund raise,
and develop into the showmen and salesmen necessary to raise nearly $20,000 by April. Here Jordan Fisher introduces these
lads to the community.
Q: What are your motives for being a Mr. Billie contes- James Gaughan: My favorite talent was in 2003 when because I love kids. I feel like we are big role models
Marcus Chase did a comedy skit about a nerd in a movie for them and it makes me feel good.
tant?
Noah Broome: My main motives for being a Mr. Billie theater. It was classic! That skit is what stuck with me and Dylan Buley: The Mr. Billie activity that I am looking
forward to the most is Breakfast with Santa, because it
are that I have heard that the Pageant and activities are made me want to be in the Pageant.
such fun and unique experiences. I am also grateful that Shane Bruington: It had to be Jessie D’Agosta’s dance will be fun to get together and help out for the first Mr.
the Mr. Billie Pageant is not just about having fun but routine with Darrell Fairbanks and Lewis Laney. That Billie event.
Shane Bruington: The coast trip is definitely going to
through all of our actions we help provide for Sarcred was a pretty funny act.
Ben Letaw: In last year’s Mr. Billie
be a memorable time! Even though it is going to be
H e a r t
Hospital.
cold we can make anything fun with this group of
James Gaughan: My motives contest Levi Davis danced to “Sinmen!
are to put on a great show for gle Ladies” for his talent. He did an
Ben Letaw: I look forward to doing my talent on
our community and raise a lot awesome job and I was laughing
stage. I’ve always thought that
of money for the Children’s the whole time. I liked it because it
performing in front of
Miracle Network. I am a moti- seemed very original.
people was a lot of fun
vated person and I’ve wanted Jakob Hazel: Marc LeJeune in
and I can’t wait to show
to be in this show for a long 2010. He did the most amazing
everyone what I’m good at.
time. This show takes a lot Michael Jackson dance I have
Jakob Hazel: Probably the
of effort and our community ever seen. I think I will remember
it forever.
hospital trip because we get
loves it.
to see who the money we
DYLAN BULEY: My motives Q: Who are your assistants?
J
akob H
raise is directly affecting. It
azel
for being a Mr. Billie are Noah Broome: My assistants are
seems like it will really put
that I want to help out all of Lydia Berkshire, Kaitlyn Sledge, and
Hannah Hamovitz. I picked them because I knew they everything into perspective.
the
sick
babies.
Also
it
is
goome
ing to be fun watching every- would be a fun team. If anyone can make writing dona- Cosmo Cole: The Mr. Billie
Noah Bro
activity I am looking forward
one learn the dances and do all tion letters fun it would be them.
of the activities with everyone. It’s just going to James Gaughan: My assistants are Chelsea Doak, Car- to the most is the hospital.
lee Huff, and Caroline Strek. I picked them because they The ability of being able to go
Dyan Buley
be a blast!
are heavily committed to Mr. Billie and will put 100% to the NICU is a huge thing. My aspirations lie in the
Shane Bruington: I want to
effort into the pageant and activities that we do. I have medical field and that combined with my appreciation
help out the sick kids in the
known them for a long time and I know they will assist and compassion for little kids leaves me sincerely lookNICU. My motives are, basime well.
ing forward to this.
cally, if I had a baby in this
Dylan Buley: My assistants are Heather Way, Tayler Kyle Bushman: I am looking forward to writing letters
situation then I would think
Smith, and Keanna Ebaniz. I picked those three wonder- to bring in as much money as I can raise for CMN. I
someone would do this
ful ladies because I’m pretty good friends with them. I’ve also feel like I have a very strong group of helpers and
contest to help my child
known Tay Tay and Keanna pretty much since I started
look forward to spending time with them.
as well. This has a great
going to school. I haven’t known Heather as long but I
impact on the commustill feel like she is such a good friend.
Q: What is going to be your biggest Mr.
nity and lets people know
Shane Bruington: I picked Dani ChamBillie challenge?
what this is all about.
bers and Mikaela Griffiths because I am
Noah Broome: Fundraising. I want to
Ben Letaw: In 1997 my
good friends with both of them. They get
make as much money as possible for the
younger sister was born.
along with each other, and I know they
Children’s Miracle Network.
She was several weeks Shane Br
uingto
would be great helpers to me if I get stuck
James Gaughan: Learning how to
premature and had to
n
when doing something. They would be able
dance, because I’ve never done it bebe put in the NICU. My
to help me out and they are both smart and
fore.
family was very scared for her, but
beautiful ladies. I also learned that Sidney
Dylan Buley: The biggest chalshe pulled through. That experience made me relenge for me is probably going to be
alize that without the NICU my little sister might have Davie is my third assistant and I get along relearning all of the dances, because I
died. Mr. Billie is a really great way to help contribute ally well with her and I know she’ll be a great
swear I have two left feet. I mean I
to children like my little sister. That is what makes me helper as well.
Ben Letaw: My assistants are Kelleen Richins,
can slow dance, but that’s about it.
happy to help.
Shane Bruington: I think finding my
Jakob Hazel: When I was born I spent ten days in the Annelise Jaschek, and Kristina Roberts. I picked
ghan talent and dancing will be my biggest
u
a
G
NICU at Sacred Heart so raising money for this really them because I knew they would be willing to
James
challenge. I have no idea what I’m gohits home
for me. I also want to help help and be friendly. Caroline Strek is also going
ing to do either but I think I’ll get some great ideas
our community any way to be helping me, which will be super cool! I’m exfrom my assistants.
that I can and Mr. Billie is cited to work with them this year and I know we’re
going to get a lot done.
Ben Letaw: My biggest challenge will definitely be
a great way to do that.
was never very adept
Cosmo Cole: I’m in it for Jakob Hazel: Cassy Harris, Shanda Zettle, and Lauren trying to learn the dances. I
the babies. Well okay, the Bowman are my assistants. I had been talking to Cassy at dancing but I believe I
win too. The pride and and Shanda about being my assistants all year. Lauren am in good hands this year
was a surprise, but I am very and I can’t wait to learn.
honor of participating
lucky to have all of them.
Let’s all hope that Dani is
in something like this in
Cosmo Cole: My assistants a good teacher.
our community makes
are McKenzie Johnston, Sara Jakob Hazel: Probably
this competition worth
LeJeune and Tiffany Olson. the 6 AM dance practice.
every ounce of my
I’m looking forward to working I am not really a morning
time and energy. Ever
with all of them to successfully person and that is REALsince attending my
create a fun, satisfying, and LY EARLY!
first Mr. Billie compeamazing
Mr. Billie experience.
w
a
Cosmo Cole: I think the
t
e
tition
I
have
looked
forward
L
Be n
Kyle Bushman: My assistants biggest Mr. Billie chalto being up on that stage on
are Claire Peters, Sierra Soren- lenge will be the preparathat wonderful day in April. The clear glory
son, and Kayla Dean. I feel like tion that go along with a
that goes along with Mr. Billie and the joy of particiI could be life-long friends with Pageant like this. Despite Cosmo Cole
pating in such a great cause is the greatest motive for
all
of them so that’s the main rea- this being the greatest
Kyle Bushman
me.
son I picked them. But at the same challenge I know that all
Kyle Bushman: It all started when I moved here in the
6th grade. I heard about Mr. Billie but I was out of town time I feel like they each bring something special the efforts will be more than worthwhile
that weekend so I couldn’t go. But in the 7th grade I went to the table in a fun, out-of-the-box sort of way. I look in the end. This experience will come to define my senior year better than anything else.
to my first Mr. Billie Pageant and from that time on I forward to spending time with each of the girls.
Kyle Bushman: I feel that the entire Mr. Billie program
knew I wanted to win Mr. Billie.
Q: What talent was your favorite in the past Mr. Billie Q: What Mr. Billie activity are you looking forward to most? is going to be a challenge in itself. But I am willing to
Noah Broome: The hospital visit, because I will get to take it on with a positive outlook and a smile on my
Pageants?
face.
Noah Broome: The performance of the “Doctor Who” see first hand what I’m contributing to.
theme song by Solar Jazz, because it was amazing and James Gaughan: I’m looking forward to learning how
to dance. But I’m also looking forward to the Breakfast
written by Jai Broome.
8
Billie Behind
DESIGNED BY HEATHER JENNESS
CAR OF THE MONTH
Our New
League Rivals
Joey Ward and his Mustang leave a trail of smoke in this graphic.
MARIAH HARDY
Reporter
Among the many changes Pleasant Hill High School
has encountered, being in a different league is a big one.
We don’t play our long-time rival Marist anymore, but
are faced with nine different contenders instead. Here are
some interesting facts about the new competition:
Salem Academy:
Crusaders
*17 2A league championships
Harrisburg:
Eagles
*288 students
*Harrisburg school district is debating whether or not a
4-day school week is suitable for the district
Blanchet:
Cavaliers*
*33% of students receive financial aid
*A dress code is enforced
Chemawa Native American School:
Braves
*Students can earn up to $350 a school year by: maintaining a 2.5+ GPA with no failing grades, not missing more
than 5 school days, and having no academic/residential
incident reports
Toledo:
Boomers*
*374 students
Santiam Christian:
Eagles
*252 students in high school; 51% male 49% female
Jefferson:
Lions
*308 students
Creswell:
Bulldogs
*335 students
Waldport:
Fighting Irish
*217 students
QUINN STEARNS
Special Opperations
A rumble in the distance is usually the first clue that Joey Ward’s Camaro is not far away. You can hear the roar
of his 1970 Camaro long before you can see it.
Ward has put a lot of work to get his car to run the way it does today. When he first got his car in 2006 it didn’t
even have a motor in it. Since then he has put in a new 7.4-liter Big-Block Chevy engine, redone the interior, and
prepped the outside for painting. Today you can barely recognize the car he got 4 years ago.
Even with all the modifications Ward’s car still needs a little bit of work. Next he plans to fix the transmission,
which only goes into second gear, and after that finish the paint job.
Once he finishes all this work his final goal is to sell his Camaro. Ward has enfoyed building his Camaro, but he
wants a more practical car eventually.
“The Camaro is fun, but it only gets about 5 miles per gallon. I wouldn’t mind having a newer Mustang.”
THE HISTORY OF SANTA CLAUS
LYDIA RICHINS
Who really is Santa?
Several nights later the middle child was about to be sold when anChristmas is around the corner. The old man in red is about to fly
other bag of gold came flying through the window. This time the farmer
around in his deer driven sleigh. He’ll travel all around the world,
rushed outside but no one was there. Finally the youngest was to be
climb down the chimneys and deliver presents to nice children. This is
given away, this time when the bag came flying through the window
the story…but we know it to be just that, a myth.
the farmer was ready, he ran and caught the man who threw the bag of
How did this myth come to be a highlight of each child’s year? Where
gold in his home. This man was Saint Nicholas.
did it begin?
There are many other legends about the amazing feats Nicholas supIt turns out there are a lot of people who have no idea at all “I dunposedly accomplished. Reportedly, he had saved a crew of sailors from
no… elves?” said Sara Lejeune (12). Some people are on the right track
a storm, provided grain during a famine, and brought two boys back to
“Oh, uh Saint Eve!” said Rachel Sullivan (10), but Natalie Jensen (9)
life after they were killed by a butcher wanting to use them for meat…
and a few others seemed to have the basic idea “Saint Nicholas!”
yeah, you might want to be a little skeptical about a few of the stories.
Yes, Saint Nicholas is father of America’s modern day Santa. Born
The basic idea is this: Saint Nicholas was superman. Everyone wanted
about 1700 year ago, his story started when an elderly couple was fito hear about him. His stories spread like wildfire all around the world.
nally able to give birth to a child. They named him Nicholas meanSoon each country had there own little Saint Nicholas coming to their
ing “victorious” in Greek. He was well known for his compassion and
houses at night delivering presents
kindness. He eventually died at sixty-five years of age and was buried
Then came America, the “melting pot.” People from all over the
in Italy. Though Nicholas was made a bishop early in his life, he wasn’t
world came with their traditions. Holland and Belgium brought their
made a saint until he was over eight hundred years old. That’s right, old
‘Sinter Klaas’, Germans brought their Nicholas all dressed in fur. All
‘saint’ Nic wasn’t a saint until after he died. His bones were dug up and
around the world they started mixing stories. Then in 1822 The Ameridedicated by the pope simply because he led a saintly life.
can Santa Clause really came into focus. Dr. Clement Clarke Moore
Not a whole lot of facts are known about Nicholas, historians have
was inspired by other writings, so he decided to write what was then
turned to the many stories told about him. One of the most famous
called “A visit from Saint Nicholas.” It was later changed and called
stories is the dowry of the three girls. A dowry is the price a girl had to
“Twas the night before Christmas”
pay to be able to be married. As the story goes, a poor farmer had three
Finally, this Christmas, after the hustle and bustle of lights, songs,
daughters, and he couldn’t afford the dowry for any. So he was going
and standing in line comes to an end, you’ll know who is the mysterito sell the each into slavery to earn their dowry. On the night the oldest
ous visitor who comes eats your cookies or gives you coal. Good old
was going to be sold, a bag of money flew into the house from the open
‘Saint’ Nicholas, and remember, he’ll be watching.
window. The money was enough to let the eldest be wed.
down the stairs.
Christmas
morning, creeping down the stairs. Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero
too. There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage. I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage. I can see me now on Christmas morning, creeping
Alix Leavitt
Reporter
Getting together as a family, seeing people you haven't seen in years, sharing
laughs, getting some time off school, and of course all of the tasty food, Are some of
the things that make the holidays so great!
One of our students (Seanar Letaw, 8th grade), has a recipe that she loves to
make, especially during the holidays!
Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe!
Before mixing all of your ingredients into the bowl, preheat the oven to 400 Degrees
F. Now it's time to mix everything together. Get a large bowl and pour 2 cups of all
purpose �lour, 1/2 a cup of white sugar, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 a
teaspoon of salt, 3/4 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, 3/4 cup of chocolate chips,
2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of white sugar, and 1 egg into it.
Mix until all "clumps" are gone. The mix should be a light golden brown color.
Now, pour the mix into a muf�in pan, sprayed with butter spray. Or put muf�in
papers in each cup.
Put the muf�in pan into the oven, and after 15 minutes take the muf�ins out
and poke a toothpick in the middle of a muf�in to make sure that its �inished. If it is,
then take the muf�ins out and let them cool for about 10- 15 minutes. If not, then put
the muf�ins back in the oven for about 5 more minutes. (if muf�ins are still not
�inished, then keep repeating the last step until muf�ins are �inished.)
After the muf�ins are cooled, Seanar likes to drizzle brown and white sugar on the
top, to give it a sparkling tasty look. Good luck and Happy Holidays!
a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy. I want a hippopotamus for Christmas. I don’t think Santa Claus will mind, do you? He won’t have to
Christmas Recipe
He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue. Just bring him through the front door, that's the easy thing to do. I can see me now on Christmas morning, creeping down the stairs. Oh what joy
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas. Only a hippopotamus will do. Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy. I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy. I want a hippopotamus for Christmas. I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas. Only a hippopotamus will do. Don’t want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy. I want
CAROLINE STREK
Editor
Why do we put lights up for Christmas?
It’s all part of a very old celebration. In early times in northern Europe, even farther
north than we are, the days getting shorter and nights longer were fearsome. But after
December 21st, you could tell that the days were getting longer, the sun was a little higher
in the sky and so spring and summer WOULD return. Many groups had Winter Solstice
celebrations for this event and the Germanic peoples decorated evergreen trees with red
balls and candles to signify the fruit on green trees that would come. Later, in A.D. 325,
the Council of Nicaea moved the date of Christmas to Dec. 25th from March and so the
two celebrations (Solstice and Christmas) combined.
Is there a reason to put out milk and cookies on Christmas Eve?
Only if you want to figure that Santa is a “Jolly Old Elf.” Putting milk especially out
for the hobgoblin and elves kept them from souring the milk from your cow. But even if
you don’t have cows, you need to keep Santa in cookies so he can keep in shape. Round
is a shape.
Why do we consider red and green to be Christmas colors?
This is from the celebration of the returning sun I talked about in the first question.
By the way, THIS Winter Solstice will feature not only a full moon, but that moon will
turn red as a lunar eclipse takes place. If you can see the moon. If it isn’t raining. Or
snowing. See, even in Oregon your thoughts turn to the return of spring and summer in
the depths of winter.
Why do we put presents under Christmas trees?
This one comes from several traditions but in many Christian countries it’s done on
January 6th (the 12th day of Christmas) to commemorate the Day of Epiphany when the
Wise Men showed up with gifts. In the original Greek version of the Bible, it speaks of
Jesus as a “blepheros” – a toddler. And toddlers are really into Christmas presents. So
the wise teen doesn’t forget the younger sibs. At least you don’t have to travel slowly by
camelback to get to the family celebration. And who can afford “myrhh” these days? By
now, of course, you’re probably also beyond lying there wide-awake at 3:00 a.m. waiting
for morning presents. Probably.
use our dirty chimney �lue. Just bring him through the front door, that’s the easy thing to do. I can see me now on
and what surprise when I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there. I want a hippopotamus for Christmas. Only a hippopotamus will do. No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses, I only like hippopotamuses and hippopotamuse like me