stop Kony cover

Making Kony famous

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
March 8, 2012

A non-profit group, Invisible Children, released a 30minuite video [Kony 2012] on YouTube on March 5th, which has gained over 26million views and nearly 300 thousand comments.  This video is meant to inspire common people around the world to join together for a single cause. This cause is... (more...)

What’s keeping us ‘Awake’

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
March 6, 2012

A new cop drama has been added to NBC that has sparked some interest. Unlike most TV shows dealing with cops and the like, “Awake” is one that has a unique twist where reality is taken out of the equation for the life of the lead role Michael Britten (Jason Isaacs). Britten recently experienced... (more...)

‘Underworld 4′ should not be ‘Awakening’

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
January 29, 2012

High expectations were held for the release of the new Underworld 4; Awakening. This series never fails to be full of action and great effects but, unfortunately, this movie was a disappointment. Kate Beckinsale (wife of the Underworld creator Len Wiseman) is back as Selene, a vampire among... (more...)

Poisal announces retirement

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
January 18, 2012

Over the past few years, the senior class has seen a lot of their high school teachers retiring or transferring somewhere else. This year, too, will also be a last for multiple members in the administration staff.Dr. Virgil Poisal, currently the high school principal, will be among those... (more...)

senior stress

The grass isn’t always greener for the senior

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
December 21, 2011

Years are spent eagerly anticipating becoming a high school senior. There’s an idea that with it comes more freedom and fun nights. Between being able to own a car, nearing the final days of having to go to school, the idea that they will for sure get a job by then and make their own money... (more...)

cropped2

It feels like Christmas in the choir

Naomi Ellifritt, photo editor
December 15, 2011

As the holiday season has neared most have put up decorations, spent time with family, shopped for gifts and the list continues. However, for the BHS choir students they have not only done all that but also have prepared for this years annual Holiday Choir Concert.Though the concert started... (more...)

cropped2

It feels like Christmas in the choir

Naomi Ellifritt, photo editor
December 15, 2011

As the holiday season has neared most have put up decorations, spent time with family, shopped for gifts and the list continues. However, for the BHS choir students they have not only done all that but also have prepared for this years annual Holiday Choir Concert.Though the concert started... (more...)

Glee volume 7; Standards not reached

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
December 15, 2011

In their third season, the Glee cast released yet another album. Unfortunately, this time the album does not reach its full potential. Though full of old favorites and more recent popular songs, it lacks originality and talent. To benefit the album, more attention should have gone into the... (more...)

Courageous

‘Courageous’ makes an impact

Naomi Ellifritt, photo editor
December 13, 2011

Cleaning up the streets is a tough job; Officers deal with the worst of society and too often they get little thanks and a bad rep. For some, an even tougher job awaits when they get home. Trying to balance their work with a marriage or fatherhood can be overwhelming. These are some of the... (more...)

the ACT

Practice ACT test scores factor if students can take the test

Naomi Ellifritt, photo editor
November 22, 2011

For most colleges, an ACT score is required. It’s in most students’ interests to take the test; most teachers emphasize and encourage this throughout high school. Some students actually complain that too often they are being pulled from crucial class time to be asked to take the test. Counselors... (more...)

A Stolen Life book cover

Dugard returns 18 years after her kidnapping

naomi ellifritt, photo editor
October 16, 2011

The book is mostly told from the viewpoint of the kidnapped victim, not the woman who’s finally free. It may not be a good choice in reading for everyone. Readers need to be aware that what they are going to read is the telling of actual events and the content may be difficult for some. The... (more...)

toddlers and tiaras

Child beauty pageants: creating ugly

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo/media Editor
October 5, 2011

Hair extensions, a fresh layer of dye, more make-up than a grandmother needs, provocative clothing, waxing, teeth corrections and dieting. I’m not talking about getting ready for prom, a wedding or a night at the club. This is the schedule for some children, practically babies, who are involved... (more...)

Kylr Yust

New hope for the Kopetsky case?

Naomi Ellifritt, photo editor
September 8, 2011

Kara Kopetsky was last seen leaving the Belton High School in 2007. Since, little to no clues or conclusion has been made on the case. Now, a new possibility has come to light that offers some hope to those searching for Kara. Twenty-two year old Kylr Yust, an ex-boyfriend of Kopetsky’s,... (more...)

‘Iron Queen’ makes a comeback for the series

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
June 3, 2011

The lovable characters have continued to develop in the third book of the Iron Fey sequel, “Iron Queen.” I was expecting this to be the final book of the series but it left me hanging in the end and ready for the fourth book, “Iron Knight”. Julie Kagawa has allowed events and characters... (more...)

Travel to India in “Tiger’s Curse”

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
June 1, 2011

“Water for Elephants” has been a big hit once again among teens, with the release of the film based on the book, which takes place in a circus. “Tiger’s Curse,” by Colleen Houck, brings a similar setting with a whole new kind of story. In the beginning, readers are introduced to an... (more...)

Mistakes distract from school annual

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
June 1, 2011

Like every year, the yearbook arrives and a mix of excitement and disappointment follows shortly after. From names not matching pictures, to blurry pictures being used, to quotes used that the people didn’t even say and more. The list of complaints goes on. In one class, a yearbook staff... (more...)

Falling into “City of Fallen Angels”

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
May 19, 2011

Clariss Clare, author of “The Mortal Instruments” series and “Clockwork Angel”, pulls readers into a world where shadow hunters (Nephilim), vampires, werewolves, warlocks and other mystical creatures live hidden among humans. “City of Fallen Angels” is the fourth book of “The... (more...)

The Iron Fey live on in “Iron Daughter”

Naomi Ellifritt, photo editor
May 6, 2011

The story of Meghan Chase continues in “Iron Daughter” (the second book in “The Iron Fey” series), by Julie Kagwa. Meghan is quick to claim she found love for Ash, the winter-prince who helped her rescue her brother and made her prisoner to his Queen of the Unseelie Court. While held... (more...)

Journey through Nevernever

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
May 2, 2011

Meghan Chase has just turned sixteen– an event that turned her world upside down. She returns home from an odd day at school to find a stranger watching from the woods, her mother passed out on the kitchen floor and her kid-brother acting very strange and hungry enough to take a bite... (more...)

Auto tuning has reached Britney Spears

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
April 27, 2011

Already being overplayed on the radio, “Till the World Ends” and “Hold it Against Me” are only a couple of the songs from the new CD from artist Britney Spears. Although catchy and not completely tasteless, this new CD, “Femme Fatale”, has failed to bring Britney back into fame... (more...)

College Fair open to students, on the 12th

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
April 11, 2011

The school year is near its end and some students are getting ready to go into college, others are trying to find a college and some have not even thought about where they will go when they graduate. College fairs are a great way for students to learn about colleges near by that are available... (more...)

Jackson makes it to regionals for gymnastics

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
April 7, 2011

Some students take to sports at a young age in hopes to shine in something they have an early interest in. Joining early helps build great skills that will hopefully only get better. With sports comes competition, skill, practice and hard work. For a high school student, being competitive in... (more...)

For the people, by the people

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
March 11, 2011

Many students, and teachers, have complained about the newspaper not getting printed on paper. Likewise, the (hardworking) BHS Cutlass staff are concerned with the fact that plenty of people don’t even know the newspaper is available online. In an attempt to get the word out, as well as get... (more...)

‘Crossing Oceans’ pulls on heart strings

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
March 9, 2011

Diagnosed with cancer and given only a year left to live, Jenny Lucus accepts that she is near death’s door. She knows she is not ready yet and there is a lot she needs to do before she crosses over. Crossing Oceans is a beautiful piece of work by Gina Holmes that touches the hearts of its... (more...)

Lind becomes Crandall

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
February 21, 2011

A new face on stage for “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,”  performed by BHS Thespians,  was one many didn’t expect to see. Students usually surround themselves with the same group of people. This is most comfortable to them. Often times they do not expand themselves or become involved... (more...)

Must the show go on?

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo editor
January 27, 2011

Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul have left the judging seats of “American Idol” behind. Season 10 has begun and in their place is rock star legend Steven Tyler, from the American rock band Aerosmith, as well as actress and singer Jennifer Lopez. They are more well known by today’s generation... (more...)

To tell, or not to tell

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
December 21, 2010

Due to the old military policy, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, homosexual men and women are able to serve in the military as long as they do not engage or display in their sexual interests or reveal it while serving. This also kept their commanders, or Sergeant, from being able to ask if the... (more...)

Many talents show at Coffeehouse cabaret

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
November 19, 2010

Many students showed up to this year’s Coffeehouse Cabaret to watch as their classmates showed multiple talents on stage. Teachers and parents also joined the audience as the lights were dimmed and the show began. Seniors Suzy Replogle and Colby Brock were the hosts of this years event. Getting... (more...)

Traditions change in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
November 11, 2010

The first show put on by the theater of the 2010-2011 year was a performance of the musical, “Fiddler on the Roof”. “Fiddler” is set in Russia and focuses on the Jewish group and even more so on Tevye and his daughters who are of age to marry and tradition falling to the times. The... (more...)

A Gay-Straight Alliance club accepted into BHS

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
October 14, 2010

A new club has started that is ran by students and for any students who want to take part. GSA Club was finally approved, but with more restrictions than other clubs. For starters, they can not meet during school hours. It has to be done before school. Also, if they want to put any posters... (more...)

Joyce makes her own success

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
October 13, 2010

When asked to write down their goals, many students whined and complained at such a “pointless” task. But making goals isn’t as pointless as many seem to think. Goals allow individuals to see what it is they want and figure out how they are going to get there. When the time is taken just... (more...)

Student returns home after an electical fire

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo editor
October 1, 2010

Its been over six months since junior Charice Scott was able to return to her home. On the morning of April 22, an electrical fire started soon after Scott left for school and her mom to work. Now, in late September, Scott and her mom are able to move back in. They have freshly painted walls,... (more...)

‘You Again’ isn’t a movie to see again

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
October 1, 2010

Imagine finding out your sibling is getting married to the girl or boy that made high school a living hell for you. Now imagine the guardian of the said hell-maker, being the same person who made your parent’s high school lives miserable. That’s what “You Again” is all about. Unfortunately,... (more...)

Alcohol takes the life of student’s older sister

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo Editor
September 22, 2010

Misti Spinks did not get the chance to live a full life, she didn’t even outlive her parents. Spinks left the world at the age of 29 leaving behind her husband, grandparents on her mother’s side, her mother, father, step-mom, older brother and younger half-siblings 2008 BHS Graduate Mathew... (more...)

“Vampires Suck” didn’t satisfy most viewers’ hunger

Naomi Ellifritt, Photo editor
September 7, 2010

Laughter filled the theater from an early start and continued as the movie progressed, although not everyone was finding the movie’s humour a success. Most of the laughter was from the younger teenage girls, although adults and the other teens got a laugh now and than too. The movie made... (more...)

Yearbook sales going further into debt

Naomi Ellifritt
May 26, 2010

Yearbooks for 2010 were recently sold to many excited buyers who had been waiting all year to see this year’s yearbook staff’s work. Unfortunately, many this year were not as excited or willing to pay the $60 for a yearbook. Of the 750 books ordered, barely over 600 were sold.... (more...)

Travel in Time With Choir

Naomi Ellifritt
May 26, 2010

Pops is a major event for students involved in choir. It’s an event that not only shows the progress the students have made through out the year, but also allows some students to perform solos. Friday May 7, was performance day and the room was full of family, friends and classmates.... (more...)

Tragedy burns the Scott family

Naomi Ellifritt, Reporter
May 4, 2010

April 22 is a day that Sophomore Charice Scott will have a hard time forgetting. A fire took place and much was lost that morning and it was a morning that changed life as she knew it. Charice was called out of her second hour class where she than discovered the news. Estimated that within... (more...)

Cheerleaders scout out new members

Naomi Ellifritt, Reporter
April 17, 2010

Another year of school is soon to end. However, some students are getting prepared to take part in a Belton team, such as cheerleading. Cheerleading tryouts took place over a course of several days.  Students who had been involved in previous years and some who have not taken part at all... (more...)

Secrets unfold in ‘June Bug’

Naomi Ellifritt, Reporter
March 3, 2010

“June Bug” is a beautifully told story that takes it’s readers into the mind of a nine year old girl who lives in an RV with a man, John Johnson, who for the last seven years has claimed to be her father. Then one day she finds a picture in Wal-Mart that closely resembles her... (more...)

‘Gateway’ provides a great read for mystery lovers

Naomi Ellifritt, Reporter
February 9, 2010

Released in January, Gateway, is a fantasy romance story that takes it’s readers into other worlds created from the brilliant mind of Sharon Shinn. The story is about Daiyu, a teenage girl just under the age of 18 who was adopted from China as a baby and is now living in St. Louis. One... (more...)

Pep Band supports the basketball team

Naomi Ellifritt, Reporter
January 22, 2010

For sophomore and freshmen band members, this was their first year to experience Pep Band. The band was able to be a part of the girls basketball games on Friday, Jan 15 and Tuesday, Jan 19.  They are also planning to make it for the home game on Friday, Feb 5. The band played a variety of... (more...)

BHS alums help at homeless shelter

Naomi Ellifritt, reporter
October 6, 2009

BHS graduate Mathew Ellifritt has a couple of his friends to go with him to Kansas City, Mo for two days with nothing but a video camera, $10, the clothes on their backs and a vehicle to sleep in. While he was there, Ellifritt made a video and interviewed homeless people that where staying... (more...)

Exciting trips available for students and parents

Naomi Ellifritt, Reporter
September 28, 2009

Many trips are being offered by teachers at BHS for students and adults. Journalism Teacher Jim Carter is offering a trip to California over Spring Break. The students and adults will be going to San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and with the extension option, San Diego. During day... (more...)

BHS students experience military base life

Naomi Ellifritt, Reporter
September 24, 2009

Many students are planning on joining the military after high school, and some may eventualy be living on a base with their family. Other students are already experiencing life on base. Junior Bri Bruner said she has lived on a base throughout all her life except for two years. Because she... (more...)