Now that the first semester has ended after many events--both good and bad--have happened this year, it's time to reflect and gather 'round the proverbial Yule log for another edition of Cheers and Jeers.

A recent hate crime in Champaign, and other memorable crimes quickly remind one of the importance of the Second Amendment for protecting individual freedoms. Contrary to popular belief, many studies show that allowance of concealed and carried firearms reduces violent crime, and has other positive effects. What crimes in Champaign could be prevented with the legalization of concealed-carry firearms in Illinois?

As November drew to a close, NaNoWriMo participants desperately churned out their last pages. To celebrate another month of novel writing, Gargoyle Staff Reporters Samah Ahmed and Alana Rosenbaum put together a video of excerpts from several Uni student's novels.

As the holiday season rolls around, the Uni High Madrigals are busier than ever.

When Assistant Director Sue Kovacs retires on Dec. 31., she leaves behind a school full of memories. Here, Uni parents, students, and faculty share their favorite stories of Kovacs.

Throughout the years that she has been here, Sue Kovacs has been a key school event attendee, coming to everything from school dances to basketball games. When Kovacs leaves, there will be a definite hole in the climate of Uni. To show her involvement, the Gargoyle has collected pictures of Kovacs throughout the years.

At the end of lunch on Wednesday, Assistant Director Sue Kovacs made an announcement on the second floor hallway to make it known that harassment and discrimination is unacceptable and will result in dismissal hearings.

In reaction to the recent uproar over the final exam schedule, Director Jeff Walkington has formed a committee of students to advise him and the other administrators and teachers in order to keep everyone in better communication with each other.

We asked two students from each class and two teachers a common question: If you could have any superpower, what would it be? From invisibility to shape-shifting, these are their answers.

Of all those who teach at Uni, only one man can say that he has experienced Uni as both a teacher and as a student. Executive Teacher of Computers and Educational Technology Greg Smith's career has spanned everything from television production to engineering.

The release of a Zelda game is always an event in gaming. Zelda games have been some of the most influential in video game history. How does Skyward Sword compare to the pedigree of this action-adventure series?

Uni High history teacher Chris Butler discusses the reaction to the new finals schedule.

Gargoyle reporter Nikita Dutta and Class of 2011 alum Eleni Yannelis have taken the liberty of testing a recipe beforehand and working out the kinks to give you the inside scoop on how to succeed in your baking endeavor. This time around, they've chosen Gwyneth Paltrow's take on chocolate chip cookies.

Every year, the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) hosts auditions for District Festivals all over Illinois. From these auditions, a select few are chosen to go to the All-State festival and concert in Peoria. This year, seven Uni students will proceed to All-State.

On two November Saturdays, thirty Uni students traveled to Bloomington-Normal for the IMEA District 3 Music Festivals where they practiced and performed with other talented junior high and high school musicians from the area.