For her 16th birthday, Laura Dripps' parents said she could get a pet. Eight months later, she's still looking. Somehow the whole turtle thing didn't work out, but some new prospects are on the horizon. Join Laura as she recounts her quest for a compatible creature companion.

[AUDIO included] Experience working with an independent and innovative faculty is considered the most important quality in a new director/principal of Uni High, according to a survey that more than 500 members of the Uni community took earlier this year. On April 23, the Parent-Faculty Organization held its Spring General Meeting, at which Director/Principal Steve Epperson interpreted the results of the online survey. Check inside for the highlights.

[AUDIO included] Building renovations, security improvements, even higher faculty salaries: These are some of the changes likely to result from Uni's postponement of its search for a new director/principal. Alex Zhai spoke to Associate Provost Keith Marshall at the April 23 PFO Spring General Meeting about these topics and came back with this update.

Indie rock not your style? Looking for intellectual and though-provoking music? Today's selection might just be your cup o' tea. Lupe Fiasco's a cool dude with even cooler lyrics and they are most certainly poetic in nature. Look inside to read the lyrics of "Theme Music to a Drive-by," they are sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Afraid of sending your date to the emergency room while trying to pin a simple floral arrangement on him or her? Avoid awkward moments and unnecessary blood loss with this simple how-to for prom.

Though selective mutism is an uncommon and complex disorder, and most of us do not have it, we can still relate to it in many ways. For those of us who don't have it, having selective mutism feels like every conversation is full of the same anxiety as giving a speech unprepared to a large audience. Imagine if you had butterflies in your stomach every time you tried to talk to someone. Check inside for an in-depth look at selective mutism and how it has affected one of our seniors.

[AUDIO included] Senior Shara Esbenshade scored a pair of goals in the first half to lead Uni to a Class A sectional quarterfinal victory Tuesday over visiting Monticello. Junior Joy Shapley assisted on both goals. The Illineks will play No. 1 seed Williamsville (a 9-0 victor over No. 8 Athens) in a 4:30 p.m. road game Thursday.