Issue 4

ECHOES

Issue 4 December 2012

The Independent Voice of Abraham Lincoln High School | Council Bluffs, Iowa | ALechoes.com

, e y b d Goo

Hell o, 2 A look back at trends, 013!! !

photo illustration by Blake Willadsen

crazes from the past year “Personally I love the whole vintage

Reporter

style that comes from different decades,” Megan Funkhauser ‘13

As the new year begins to creep to the present, it is time to start remembering 2012 and the advantages (and disadvantages) that come with it. From music and fashion to technology and movies, the year has come and gone, but won’t be forgotten.

The musical trends of 2012 were just as sporadic as the others, changing from hip hop, to dubstep, heading into pop, and finally resting on foreign one hit wonders. According to apple.com, the Korean pop sensation, Psy, is in the top ten most sold tracks in almost every country

ALechoes.com

come.

Walking down the hall throughout this year, students also get a feel for how one another’s wardrobe changed in 2012.

Apparel from the past has crept its way back into the fashion world.

“Personally I love the whole vintage style that come from different decades. I think it’s great that they are coming back into fashion,” Megan Funkhauser ‘13 said.

Fashion has always been an identification of expression within one’s self.

“I don’t really concern myself with what is cute,” Thomas Black ‘15 said. “I just get things I like and if I have the cash, I get it.”

Dressing up and dressing stylish is proven to help some students

What’s Inside:

gain self confidence. How people dress can also depend on how others see you. It’s a given that people judge, especially on how presentable one presents themselves.

“It makes me feel good about myself and it’s just fun to look nice,” Kayla Beck ‘14 said.

Whether you love being a walking piece of art or you just want to feel comfortable in the clothing you put on, everybody has

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“I listen to a lot of things, I don’t focus on one genre,” Dillon Gibson ‘16

Google Android Academy students celebrate success of the program

PAGE

By Joe Vrenick Multi-Media Specialist

Apple is available in, such as Sweden, Switzerland, New Zealand, ano. This is much different than the widespread dubstep trend that seemed to escalate early in the year.

“I guess Dubstep stood out the most,” Sean O’Brien ‘13 said. “I see it influencing modern music a lot nowadays.”

The different trends in music hasn’t influenced the personal musical choices of some students, however.

“I listen to a lot of things, I don’t focus on one genre; I like to spread out,” Dillon Gibson ‘16 said. “I am a flower.”

Thanks to many different music outsourcing sites like Pandora, Spotify, and iTunes, music is now more accessible than ever, allowing the trends to shift just as fast as they seem to

PAGE

By Cody Self Reporter

Dark Knight Rises”, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, “Hope Springs”, “Les Miserables”, and “Flight”.

By this time of year we also reflect on what movies made the most money. In fifth place we have Disney/Pixar’s “Brave” ($236,943,843), beat by Marc Webbs’ “The Amazing Spider-Man” ($262,030,663). Coming in at third is “The Hunger Games” $408,010,692, with second going to “The Dark Knight Rises”, ending Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy with $448,042,358.

Finally, in first place we have “The Avengers”, making $623,357,910, breaking box office records, and becoming the third most successful movie of all time.

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Read our how-to guide on surviving the end of the world

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PAGE

By Brooke Criswell

a different perspective.

Just like anything else, fashion happens in a cycle; eventually every style has it’s way of coming back around.

Movies, like fashion, have differed greatly throughout the year. One group of people that look back are known as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The academy reflects on the movies that have gained the most critical acclaim, not just from critics, but audience approval as well.

The movies that have gained a wide respect of critical acclaim and audience acclaim vary in genre. Some titles we may expect to see in the best picture category this year (based on critical reviews) are “Argo,” “Life of Pi”, “Moonrise Kingdom”, “The

Students around the metro excel at sports

News

Suzanne Peterson | News Editor

Robbie Miller Math teacher

Erin Manifold ‘13

What are you doing for the holidays ?

Echoes Dannie Tolman ‘14

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For the holidays...

“I go to dance parties.”

For the holidays...

“I’m going ice skating.”

For the holidays...

“I’m hanging with family and friends.”

News Briefs Brothers Michael 42, and Matthew 39, Clark are diagnosed with a terminal form of leukodystrophy which ages them backwards. They are the real life Benjamin Buttons.

Ignore the “Copyright” Facebook post warning - it’s a hoax. Facebook doesn’t own your media and there is no such thing as the Berner Convention. Don’t bother copy, pasting, and posting it.

“Dora the Explorer” backpacks and guitars, toy food, Power Ranger helmets, and Incredible Hulk hands are among toys that consumer watchdogs have listed as their most dangerous toys of 2012.

Girls at a high school in Minnesota have been asked to dress a little more modestly after the principal noted that tight leggings and yoga pants are not that modest.

Plans are underway for five states that will add at least 300 hours of learning time to the calendar in some schools starting in 2013.

Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Tennessee will take part in the initiative, which is intended to boost student achievement and make U.S. schools more competitive on a global level.

Source: Yahoo!

Sference. (Some students are not pictured) Photo courtesy of Aim Institute

tudents from the spring Google Android Academy and engineering took part of a technology con-

Students attend Google Academy at Iowa Western

By Lauren Myers Entertainment Editor

Students who took part of a technology program, the Google Android Academy, were honored for their success and accomplishments at a celebration hosted at Iowa Western Community College. Students from the school, along with some from Lewis Central and Thomas Jefferson, took part of the program. This is the third academy offered to students in the Council Bluffs community

by Google.

“The Academy program is funded through a grant from the Google Tides Foundation to the AIM Institute,” Nadine Baker, AIM Institute educational grant manager said. “The Academy program consisted of two sessions, one in the spring of 2012 and another in the fall of 2012.”

The academy program that re-

cently went on included students with little background of technology but an interest of learning programming. There was a strong emphasis placed on exploring careers related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

Juniors and seniors enrolled in the class were also offered an opportunity to do a half day job shadow with a professional in a technology field. All the students were also invited to create an android application that would be judged by the AIM staff and used to set a record in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most used android app at one time.

One student took interest in the program from being involved with engineering.

“I got into the program when I was in engineering,” Christian Miller ‘16 said. “A speaker came in and spoke with us. I needed something to do after school. I learned a lot about technology. It was difficult but you have to be ready to concentrate. I’m more prepared to do more coding as a hobby now. I made a few more friends, one from Thomas Jefferson. We helped each other with a lot in the class.”

For one student, taking part of the program was both difficult and interesting. But by the time of the celebration, more friends were made and an understanding of coding was learned. Miller plans to continue coding with his game application which was with the game Pokemon. Many were in attendance at the celebration and the tone of the event was upbeat and happy and full of pride from students and their family members. Those who were in attendance were parents, students, past participants of the program, staff and administrators from Google, Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs Community

School District, Lewis Central and AIM. For those watching the students’ progress, it happens to be a wonderful opportunity to see.

“It is a wonderful opportunity see all the students who have participated and realized that these youth are the leaders of tomorrow,” Baker said. “Who knows, we may have a Steve Jobs or Bill Gates in our midst!”

For Baker, the students commitment and dedication to the program is heartwarming. The only wish she has for the program is more involvement of female

students.

“It has been heartwarming to see the commitment and dedication of these students to the program,” Baker said. “After attending a full day of classes at their high school they jump in a car or on a bus and get to IWCC to attend another three hours of class/lab time every Thursday night. They are totally engaged with the Android class.

My only wish is that we could recruit more girls to the program.

There are so many wonderful opportunities for all students who pursue careers in technology.”

News

Echoes

Suzanne Peterson | News Editor

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Photo illustration by Lauren Myers

Keep calm: cheer and dance on

Girls compete to earn best title

By Katie Hiers Reporter

By Danielle

Rambo Reporter

By Tiffany Ferrer Reporter Dr. Beth Rips, an English teacher took a major opportunity to go to Las Vegas to present a session at an English education convention.

Rips presented on “The Cat Ate My Gymsuit,” the presentation was meant to show the humor through a Jewish woman’s thoughts. While out in Las Vegas she represented the school, the Council Bluffs Community School District, and the state of Iowa.

“I think it is a huge honor for the English department to have Dr.Rips representing us at this conference,” English teacher James DeMott said, “Her presentation is about the book The Cat Ate My Gymsuit, I don’t know how to say it exactly. The book is about the nature of humor. Humor is healing. Life is a tragedy to those that feel, a comedy to those that think.”

The story is about problems all teenage girl deals with. For example popularity, body image, the way you dress, and boys. This wasn’t the only thing talked about throughout the entire conference though. Topics such as technology, literature, Shakespeare, and other items dealing with English.

“The thing that stuck out most to me was bullying”, Rips said.

The conference affected people in many ways.

“They were energized by it”, Rips said. “And all were ready to learn new things.”

At the conference new ideas were brought up for classrooms. This was not her first conference, but she was very excited to have been able to go to Las Vegas. About 3,000 people attended and the speakers were all very enjoyable, Rips said. Rips has been presenting since she got her master’s degree and she believes it is good for her personal and professional growth.

“I’m definitely willing to do it again,” Rips said. “Because it’s good for your exposure and to meet people.” What she was hoping to get across from her presentation is in the story she presented, this girl had problems to deal with and humor is a good way to cope with her problems.

“She joked about not winning any money,” said Patricia Harte-Maxwell ‘15, one of Rips’ students.

As far as the students were concerned, they didn’t know a lot about Rips’ trip to Las Vegas.

“Dr. Rips is very intelligent,” Harte-Maxwell said. “She knows a lot about literature and how it can be better.”

Rips said she saw friends, presented ideas and got a kick out of everything she learned there.

Above: Members of dance team dance during a basketball game.

Below: Cheerleaders Samatha Pike ‘13 and Jaidlyn Bookout ‘14 cheer.

Burgher ‘14 said.

Cheer is competing at the Centurylink center again on February 2nd. If they place high there that’ll depict whether or not they’ll go to nationals. Dance team will find out if they’re going to nationals depending on how they do at their Summer clinic. To advance to nationals dance team would also have to get approval from the school, and meet all the possible requirements.

Competition this year was a positive experience for both cheer, and dance team.

“My favorite part of state was placing. We have a really strong team this year and we were really successful,” Libby Burgher ‘14 said.

Both teams mentioned one of their favorite parts of competing is performing, and seeing how all their hard work has payed off.

Photos by Hayley Hochstetler

Teacher presents session at Las Vegas convention

Transitioning into Winter means one thing for the cheer and dance team, competition time. Both teams spend countless time, and are diligently working hard in perfecting their routines. In preparation for competition, cheer practiced three times a week. Starting practice with tumbling, and repetitively going over their routine. Dance team also practiced everyday in the mornings, and added extra practices after school if needed.

Brianna Harding ‘13, said that competing for dance team has much more of a significance because the judges are actually judging them on their dance, and technique. Unlike performing at games, and school assemblies where others don’t really understand what they’re doing.

Along with dance, cheer has the same mindset about competing.

“At competition you’re the main event, people are there to see you,” Monique Stuck ‘13 said.

For cheer, learning a routine for competition is timely. Typically cheer teams get six months to perfect their routine. Due to lack of funding, cheer only has had an estimated three months to practice. Although practice time was limited, the girls still felt like they’d do an exceptional job.

“I’m really excited to compete, I know we’ll do a great job,” Sara Dunn ‘15 said.

Being the first time competing for the cheer team, leaves some worried.

“I’m really nervous, since this is my first time competing; it’ll be the biggest crowd yet,” Shyann Vangerpan ‘15 said.

With all the hard work and practice, the dance team proved themselves at competition and placed highly. Performing four different dance styles, including pom, jazz, hip hop, and production. Dance recieved division one ratings in all dance styles; placing 3rd in production and 4th in hip hop.

“It was a really nice surprise to place in hip hop, because we never have before,” Libby

Making a difference by doing work Did you know?

Around half of those who become volunteers do so because someone asked them; about half begin volunteering on their own initiative.

The evolution and development of a volunteer career reaches milestones similar to those of a professional career but in a much faster time frame.

People with a higher level of education are more likely to become volunteers.

Approximately 25% of U.S. citizens volunteer.

Volunteers give without expecting anything in return yet they are rewarded in personal growth and development.

Facts collected from scoutmastercg.org

By Brooke Criswell Reporter

Many students have taken the time out of their life to help out the community in which we live and breathe in. They have decided to give back and make a difference in multiple people’s life.

One could have many different reasonings to begin volunteer work.

“I started volunteer work because I had a lot of free time and felt I could have spent it better than I was,” Daniel Cano-Pargas ’15 said. “I thought it was a good idea to try. I loved it and now here I am.”

Most college sponsors recommend teenagers to volunteer. There are many opportunities that can be explored. Usually, there is an opening in any field of study one would like to pursue in.

“I chose Jennie Edmundson because that’s where I go and I want to go into the medical field,” Leigha Stark ‘14 said.

Not only do individuals volunteer on their own, but right here at AL we have National Honor Society in which they participate it community services all year long.

“All we have done so far is the trick or treating and our second trimester project where we will adopt a family,” Hannah Goldapp ‘13, president of NHS said. “Also we will be bell ringing at the AL vs TJ basketball game to buy the gifts for the family.”

With continuing throughout the entire year, there will be many events that will help give back to the community.

“I would just hope that it brings out the spirit of giving in our group and that we could give

this family something that they can not give themselves. People participating in things like adopting a family is important,” Goldapp said.

Volunteering is a main point on college applications, This criteria could put one person ahead of the other.

“Some colleges want to have well rounded students who think of more than just their own little world. They want to have students that are concerned about others and realize the importance of giving back to their community,” Philip Hofreiter, College Access Program director said.

Not only is it benefiting others, according to United Healthcare, volunteer work has a double to advantage. One can help others, but also help themselves at the same time being. Studies have shown that helping others regularly have a mental and physical benefit.

Some physical well being advantages are; entailing a lower heart rate and blood pressure, enhance the immune system, and increase endorphin production.

Mentally, records have shown volunteering gives students a place to belong. Helping others can give a confidence boost and helps builds relationships and social idealism that can combat depression and isolation.

“All of the teen volunteers work together and get to know each other so we meet a lot of new people from being involved,” Stark said.

According to VolunteeringInAmerica.com, 886,900 people in Iowa have volunteered from 2008-2010. That means 37.9% of residents volunteer- ranking Iowa as the second among the other fifty states.

“I volunteer because I love helping other people,” Kelsey Cheney ‘15 said.

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Page Design by Jaidlyn Bookout | Opinion Editor

Opinion

Echoes

WINTER RIVALS: ULTIMATE CLIMATE FACE OFF

By Franscico

W

Franco Photographer

hen students think of winter they think of Christmas, presents, and snow, but I think that snow is useless. Snow is dangerous, it causes slippery roads, blinding weather when there’s a blizzard and comes out during freezing temperatures which makes it worse.

It makes you feel like a caveman in the middle of an ice age. I also think that it is bland and colorless which is horrible why can’t it be yellow or blue? I would rather see the dead leaves and grass than a colorless substance.

Snow also makes the common man do work like scooping the snow off the driveway. Snow can also make snow days for schools which causes school closings. School closings are always great, but it also has a drawback because those snow days have to be made up by making our holiday breaks shorter. Snow also makes it hard to leave the school’s parking lot because drivers want to slow down so they do not slide on the road. Who wants to spend an extra 10 minutes trying to leave school? If we didn’t have snow we wouldn’t have to worry about that.

Each year people buy new clothes for the winter but if there wasn’t any snow people wouldn’t have

By Nathan Vorce Reporter

to waste their money on big puffy jackets. If it never snowed they could just wear thin and light jackets. The city also spends money on snow plows to plow the snow off the streets so there is no trouble with traffic. They also spend money on the salt for the snow plows, so they can spread it around so the snow doesn’t pile up. All of the money that the city and Photo illustration by Jessie Adkins and Hayley Hochstetler people spend they could be used on necessities and things like presents and food for the less fortunate. crashing into another car. he day many have either Snow can also cause Snow is never a good been anticipating or disasters that can impact thing because it makes us fearing has arrived. The day families and towns. Snow happy until we have to make of the first winter snowfall. can become a blizzard if the those days up. It can sepaNow, I don’t understand winds are very fast and this rate us from our loved ones why people dread the first can cause a lot of trouble. and bring heartbreak. Snow snowfall of the year, or any Flights can be delayed which can take away our loved snowfall at all for that matcan cause cancellations to ones because it was a blizter. Snow is by far the most plans of visiting family. zard and they couldn’t see. interesting, yet controversial Blizzards also make it hard Finally it takes our money topic of winter. Some people to see, because of the wind from us because we need like it, others strongly hate and snow, which causes car heavier jackets, when we it, but I think snow is a crashes and pile ups. It also could have used the money blessing. Keep in mind, we has a tendency to make new for the needy and the homeare only talking about snow, drivers nervous because they less. Snow is the only frightnot the temperature associdon’t have a car built for the ful thing during the winter ated with it. Without snow, snow or they have a fear of so you better watch out. we would all just be walking

around in a frozen city, without leaves on trees, dead grass on the ground, and the earth itself looking bland.

Snow provides an opportunity for a pleasant looking outside during the winter season.

Sure, it’s a hassle to scoop it all out of your driveway, but it is a good exercise for your arm muscle... and it gives an excuse to go inside after scooping and have some well deserved hot cocoa. Also, snow is a building block of nature.

You can build anything you desire with snow within reason, provided you have enough of it. True, people do slip and fall every year, thus injuring themselves.

I’ve also heard of blizzards being harmful to people, but that also has to do with the wind and the temperature involved. Speaking of temperature, that is the reason most people dislike

snow. Well, you can have cold weather without snow, but you cannot have snow in warm weather (As fun as that would be.).

There’s also a certain tranquility that comes with watching a quiet, steady snowfall too. Imagine back when you were a kid, and the moment you saw the ground blanketed in the snow, you rushed to get ready to go outside. Also, think about how not all places get the experience of having snow.

There are some people who never get to have a romantic walk through the park on a snowy night or snowball fights. A good portion of the world never gets to live with snow. So those who have it should be appreciative of it.

Another popular reason some people dislike snow is due to the slickness that comes along with it. I disagree with this for two reasons. 1. This is partially due to ice, which comes with snow. The second, this could be a good thing. I live on a hill, so I have pleasant memories of sliding down my hill on sleds, snowshoes, and other things.

The overall personal experience with snow compels me to decide that snow is undoubtedly a gift from above (Literally.).

Facebook and Twitter feed every Saturday during the college football season.

Since we live so close to Lincoln, of course we are all Nebraska Cornhuskers fans here in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

It’s the only team we support here, so if you’re an Iowa Hawkeyes fan you should probably leave the country.

Actually, I love the Nebraska Huskers. I love them so much that I have a Nebraska flag hanging outside my house, I have a “Go Big Red” license plate frame, I dressed up as “Herbie the Husker” last Halloween, and I even installed a customized car horn to play the

Nebraska fight song every time I honk. And despite the fact that it’s been 15 years since the Huskers won a national championship, I know they’ll win next year.

As I’m writing this, I’m actually planning my next Halloween costume as Bo Pelini. I can’t forget the classic crewneck sweatshirt and headphones as well as the extra ten packs of gum that I will probably end up breaking my jaw on from stress chomping. I’ve been practicing my mannerisms already, too. When my mom asks me to take out the trash I have almost perfected the “Pelini rage face.” I’ve also been

practicing my sportsmanship towards the referees, charging towards them with my fists clenched, “good call, ref, good call,” while muttering swear words under my breath, but not really under my breath because every ESPN camera is pointed directly at my face.

Not to mention that I’m wearing my Pelini costume on Halloween as I pass out Big Red gum to children.

Who cares if the flavor doesn’t last, with a name like that it has to be good. Last year I yelled at a trick-ortreater because my dad told me “there’s someone outside,” when I thought he said

“there’s someone off-sides.”

That kid looked at me with a terrified expression and ran away faster than a Nebraska halftime lead. I even dressed up my dachshund as Taylor Martinez. Don’t worry, Bo Peweenie throws just as many interceptions.

When Nebraska loses a conference championship by 40 points it’s okay, because it’s clearly the refs’ fault. Plus the physicality of Kenny Bell’s block made up for the lack of offensive production for the rest of the team. When it comes time for the Capital One Bowl, playing the number 7 team in the BCS rankings is going

to be a piece of cake.

I don’t care if Nebraska is ranked or not, I know they could beat TJ’s second-string players easily. In the fourth quarter, of course. Besides, it doesn’t matter how good they are if they have cool merchandise. I always have a blast tailgating and flipping those hamburgers with my “official NCAA Blackshirt” spatula.

So go ahead, continue blowing up everyone’s twitter and Facebook newsfeeds with the nonstop “GO BIG RED” posts. Everyone really does enjoy them. After all, there is no place like Nebraska.

airport at 8:15 a.m. and I left at 8:30 am. At first I was fine because I rode with Eraldo Calderon, he’s from Sioux City. Anyway, I ended up falling asleep then woke up when we had to get ready to go on to the next plane from Newark.

Newark was where Hurricane Sandy just hit, so arriving there I saw the water damage and where buildings had fallen. The second flight we had to wait an hour and a half before getting on so we went and got something to eat. From Newark it was only a 39 minute flight till we finally landed in Washington, D.C. We then got our

bags and went to our hotel which was called the Hilton Mclean at Tysons Corner.

In our room it was just us three girls, Megan Hull from Creston, and Megan Sims from Des Moines and then me, from Council Bluffs. On the first night when went out to eat, got ready for our leadership conference, then unpacked and went to sleep.

The next morning we had to be up by three for breakfast then after we went and listen to kids tell their stories at the Marriott Tysons Corner. Around 3:00 we competed against other states in either the public

speaking activity which you give a speak memorized about your story in which iJAG has helped you. Or you can do the mock interview which is a job interview and judges ask you questions.

On Friday we had a dance and on Saturday we had a talent show. We were divided into groups by the names on the back of our name tags to meet different people. In my group we talked about our malls and schools. To meet different people and hear how different it is where they live compared to here was very interesting. Luckily, we were able to go sightseeing

both days. With much to see we went to the tomes of the Unknown soldiers and watch the changing of the reef. We also we were in front of the White house, but of course we weren’t allowed to go in.

We went and saw the Jefferson memorial, American History, Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Monument, World War II, Vietnam Memorial, State Capital, Kennedy Center, Korean War Memorial, FDR Memorial, and lastly a course the Fashion Center Mall of Pentagon city. Out of everything we saw I was the most touched by the Tomes of the Unknown Soldier. How all

these people died for us and yet they aren’t even recognized because know one knows who they are.

Out of all many the kids there, I met kids from 10 different states, South Dakota, South Carolina, Arkansas, Indiana, New Mexico, Delaware, Mississippi, Ohio, Virginia, Tennessee and then us from Iowa. Without the help of the iJAG program I wouldn’t of known about Washington and my story wouldn’t of been heard. iJAG has made a difference in my life for the best and I recommend being in iJAG to anyone willing to make a difference.

T

Taking pride and showing off your Go Big Red spirit

By Hayley Hochstetler

Graphic Designer Editor Warning: I would not recommend reading any further if you are a die-hard Husker fan.

“GBR.” Something that is seen up and down on my

Students hard work pays off in a trip to Washington

By Melloney Keller Photographer

For the most part, the majority of us haven’t been on an airplane before, I know I haven’t. For my iJag trip I not only went on one, but two planes. My sister and I showed up at the

Opinion

Echoes

Staff Editorial

Jaidlyn Bookout | Opinion Editor

Snowy season calls for winter attire

Illustration by Tiffany Ferrer

As the seasons progress not only does the weather change but the clothes students wear start to change as well. The short sleeves and shorts get pushed to the back of the closet and the warm fuzzy sweaters and boots start to become common everywhere.

When it comes to school, students dress to the weather--pairing boots and sweaters to keep warm and comfortable throughout the day. Recently, students are waking up to low temperatures. Now before you choose what to wear, everyone needs to know these simple tips.

First of all, dress warmly. Picking out a warm cozy sweatshirt is perfect for your lazy day. Or if you

want to be more dressy, a fashion scarf of any kind can add some cute style to your look while keeping you nice and toasty. Sweaters are also easy to pair with jeans or skirts as are coats, which can be bulky, light, fashionable and so on. No matter what your style, wearing a coat should be included. Some prefer big bulky coats, that keep them plenty warm against the cold wind of the winter.

Others might prefer to look fashionable with a peacoat, to stay stylish outside.

Furthermore, some students still think its warm outside, those shorts and tank tops, are not going to keep you warm throughout this declining weather.

Shoes can also tie a

whole outfit together. A change of season doesn’t need to affect your style, but essentially add to it. Boots are everywhere, finding a pair to match your outfit will keep your feet warm and enhance your look.

With many options for what to wear in the season, make sure you find warm, winter friendly clothes to ensure you stay on top of the weather. Add your own style, and be comfortable.

Winter doesn’t have to pay a price; adding a scarf, coat, sweater will keep you warm in this cold season.

So bundle up and make sure to still stay fashionable this winter.

(The staff voted in favor of this column 13 out of 13)

Insight into fatal results, impact of bullying

By Suzanne Peterson News Editor Imagine you come home from school one day and had another horrible day. You’re ready to give up. You go to your room, close the door, and take out that suicide note you’ve written and rewritten. You take out those razor blades, and cut for the very last time. You grab the bottle of pills and take them all.

Laying down, holding the letter to your chest, you close your eyes for the very

last time. Few hours later, your little brother knocks on your door to come say, “dinner’s ready.” You don’t answer, he walks in. All he sees is you laying on your bed, so he thinks you’re asleep. He tells your mom this. Mom goes to your room to wake you up. Noticing something is odd, she grabs the paper in your hand and reads it. Crying, she tries to wake you up. Your brother so confused, runs to go tell Dad that, “Mommy is crying and sissy won’t wake up.” Your dad runs to your room. He looks at your mom, crying, holding the letter to her chest, sitting next to your lifeless body. It hits him, what’s going on, and he screams and throws something at the wall. Falling to his knees, he starts to cry. Your mom crawls over to him, and they sit there, crying.

The next day at school, a

announcement is made.

The principal tells everyone about your suicide. It takes a few seconds for it to sink in and once it does, everyone goes silent. Everyone blames themselves. Your teachers think they were too hard on you. The mean popular girls, think of all the things they’ve said to you. That boy that used to tease you and call you names, can’t help but hate himself for never telling you how beautiful you really are.

Your ex-boyfriend, the one that you told everything to, he can’t handle it.

Your friends are sobbing, wondering how they could never see that anything was wrong, wishing they could have helped you before it was too late. Your best friend? She’s in shock.

She can’t believe it. She knew what you were going through, but she never thought it would get that

bad, bad enough for you to end it. She can’t cry, she can’t feel anything. She stands up, walks out of the classroom, and just sinks to the floor, shaking, but no tears come out. A few days later, at your funeral the whole town comes.

Everyone knew you; that girl with the bright smile and bubbly personality. The one that was always there for them, the shoulder to cry on. Lots of people talk about all the good memories they had with you, there were a lot. Everyone’s crying, your little brother still doesn’t know you killed yourself, he’s too young. You were his big sister, you were supposed to always be there for him. Your best friend stays strong through the entire service, but as soon as they start lowering your casket into the ground, she cries and doesn’t stop for days.

By Evan Giles Foreign Correspondent Lycée didn’t start for a few days but I had been dreading it every hour of everyday. I always imagined going to a different school in Iowa would be one of the most terrifying moments of my life but going to a new school in a different country without being able to speak the language or having any friends was a

girls... parfaite, magnifique!

The last major difference I noticed is that almost every single student smokes. This stereotype isn’t a lie in any way shape or form. During breaks in between classes students and teachers run out of the gates to smoke.

I see 12-year old-kids walking down the street smoking everyday!

As my life starts to settle down more and more all of the initial excitement is dispersing. I notice myself not necessarily getting homesick but thinking how nice it will be to finally come home. Ex-exchange students always say that this is the hardest part of your exchange so I think I’m doing fairly well. I don’t think listening to Christmas songs for the past three days has helped in the slightest but nothing will stop me from listening to a classic

Christmas carol by Vic Damone or Dean Martin.

Recently I’ve found myself being really bored but at the same time swamped with things I need to do most of this is probably from listening to people speak French all day. Things are always relatively busy as an exchange student but when you add applying to a university, taking the ACT, and putting an architecture portfolio together it gets to be a little much. But I think I will be able to take care of a lot of this because HOLIDAYS START TOMORROW! In France they have two-week breaks throughout the school year and thankfully there is one already! For the first two days I will go to Paris, from there I will go to Nantes to see my other exchange friends with Leo (the Brazilian) for a few days.

Editors-in-Chief Blake Willadsen Lauren Myers Section Editors Britteny Johnson Jaidlyn Bookout Suzanne Peterson Business Manager Emmalee Adams Advertising Staff Amanda Peters Arianne Boehme Brooke Criswell Photographers Alex Snipes Francisco Franco Graphic Design Editor Hayley Hochstetler Copy Editors Arianne Boehme Emmalee Adams Jessie Adkins Reporters Christina Rivera Cody Self Danielle Rambo Holly Jensen Joe Vrenick Josh Cross Kaylee Wiladsen Krystal Hopkins Megan Figueroa Melloney Keller Nathan Vorce Taylor Crinkclaw Tiffany Ferrer Tristan Agersea Victoria Holcomb

Two years later: Some teachers have quit their job.

The mean girls have eating disorders. That boy that used to tease you cuts himself.

Your ex-boyfriend doesn’t know how to love anymore and sleeps around with girls. Your friends go into depression. Your best friend?

She tried to kill herself. She didn’t succeed like you did, but she tried. Your brother finally found out the truth about your death. He harms himself and cries at night.

Digital Projects Co-Editors Your parents’ marriage fell Brooke Criswell apart. Your dad became a workaholic to distract Katie Hiers himself from your death.

Mom got diagnosed with Lead Bloggers depression and lays in bed Kristin Molgaard all day. People care. Things Scott Brown can’t get better if you give up. Bullying has the biggest Multimedia Specialist effect on people. If you have Joe Vrenick nothing nice to say, keep your mouth shut. Live your Foreign Correspondent life, and let others live their Evan Giles lives.

Finally settling down: a new life in Paris whole new story. Sitting in class from 8:00-18:00 while not understanding a word anyone said provided to be a great sleeping environment, unfortunately sleeping isn’t allowed so I had a slight problem. The first few weeks of school I noticed a lot of different things. I noticed how every single person is stylish in one way or another, you simply just don’t go to school in athletic shorts and a t-shirt or sweatpants and Uggs.

The second thing I noticed which I think is unbelievable is that there isn’t a social class. There isn’t a group of students that are “better” than others. The same thing applies to dating, it doesn’t matter if you play water polo or if you get good grades if someone likes you they will like you for who you are, not what group you’re apart of.

Speaking of dating, French

Echoes

5

After I leave Nantes I will go back to Paris with a friend from Croatia that I met at Le Mont St. Michel.

Whether or not if this place is amazing I’ve come to realize that I respect the United States much more after being abroad.

I thought it would be the exact opposite but after seeing it from a different perspective I have come to see that I never fully understood how easy we have it back in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Rather than always thinking of leaving where you are right now think about how you can make each day the best it can be. I know that an article in the newspaper isn’t going to persuade you to change your way of life, but enjoy everything you have now because you will look back and wish that you did.

Adviser Gerry Appel The Echoes is published by the newspaper staff of Abraham Lincoln High School, and exists to serve as an open forum for the students, faculty, administration and community.

All state and federal laws regarding the publications of student materials shall apply, and the Echoes will not publish materials which also fall under the guidelines established by the Council Bluffs Public Schools system, and are deemed libelous, obscene, or a material and substantial disruption to normal classroom activities.

The views expressed are not those of the Council Bluffs Public Schools, faculty, or administration.

Any student, faculty, or staff member wishing to contribute materials will need to submit a letter to the editor within deadline restriction; however, final publications is at the discretion of the staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged, and must be 400 words or less in length and signed; letters will be printed as received. Every attempt will be made to verify the authenticity of the author, and no anonymous letters will be published.

Advertising will not be accepted for all products or services that are illegal for minors to possess or utilize. Advertisers wishing to reserve publication space should call 712-328-6481 ext. 425.

Member Publication

6

Feature

Britteny Johnson | Feature Page Editor

Diving into the world of dreams

By Sydney Wilson

Crimson & Blue Yearbook

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night from a peculiar dream or frightening nightmare? Do you often wonder what they might mean or if they even have a meaning?

You’re definitely not the only one.

Many people go to dream interpreters so they can know what their dreams mean.

According to dreammoods.com,- a website that has a lot of information about dreams- research has shown that a single interpretation doesn’t mean the same thing for different people.

This means that if two people have a similar dream, it doesn’t exactly mean the same thing, they will most likely mean two totally different things. Also, the average person has 3-5 dreams per night but might not remember them all

or even not remember any of them.

Within the first 5 minutes after waking up, you have already forgotten 10% of your dream and after 10 minutes, 90% is forgotten. Mallory Rief ’16, thinks that dreams aren’t long enough to remember them.

“I don’t think dreams last for that long,” Rief said. “Or that you might have multiple dreams in one night... I also think people have dreams because they are trying to understand something more.”

Marina Galaska ‘16 thinks that some dreams aren’t as important to remember and that’s why we don’t remember them.

“I think people dream because it’s something you want to do or something that might happen in the future... Maybe the dream that someone had wasn’t important enough,” Galaska said. “Like, it wasn’t that important so it was just erased from your memory.”

Deb Schwiesow, the school’s psychologist, said that there are many

different theories on why people have dreams.

“There’s a lot of theories of why we dream, why we remember dreams and why we don’t remember them,” Schwiesow said. “One theory is that when our brain is relaxed, like when we’re asleep, it tries to process the events of the day and that becomes a way to problem solve. Another theory is that it’s a way for the brain to process things, whether it being something direct, like something stressful, and it’s a way for our brain to sort through things and organize thoughts.”

According to dreammoods.com, research has shown that if you write down your dreams right when you wake up, you are more likely to remember most of your dream. If you don’t write it down or try to remember it, you will just forget it.

“Another reason why you would not remember your dreams is that when you are asleep,” Schwiesow said. “You go through sleep cycles and during REM

sleep or Rapid Eye Movement, your body freezes and you basically become paralyzed. Also, during this time your brain is “thinking” or processing information and seeing things inside your head and your eyes are moving back and forth really fast. The REM cycle only lasts for about 20 minutes to an hour.”

Everyone has different theories on why we dream, why we can or can’t remember them. Everybody has had that terrifying dream that wakes them up in the middle of the night and they wonder what it meant. Or that dream they didn’t want to end but they suddenly wake up in the middle of it.

Many people take their dreams as a sign for what might happen or they go to interpreters to see what they think they might mean. Nobody knows exactly why people dream or have frightening nightmares but they are working on it and maybe in a few years or so, they might have the technology to really figure out why people are dreaming.

7

Revealing your inner self through dreams During a dream, if one sees certain objects or figures, or participates in something, this is what it’s believed to mean: Animals- Being chased by animals may mean you are holding your fear and aggression inside Exams- Is a type of self-evaluation Death- represents change and new beginnings

Nudity- Feeling vulnerable People- Believed to portray our personalities Teachers- Represent those who enlighten you Being trapped- Your inability to make the right choice Water- Calm waters means inner peace, hectic waters means unease

Falling- Losing control over situations Food- Believed to symbolize knowledge

Information gathered at: world-of-lucid-dreaming.com

Facts about dreaming you may not know 1. You are paralyzed while you are asleep.

5. Not everyone dreams in color.

2. External stimuli (outer conditions) invade our dreams.

3. Quitters (of smoking) have more vivid dreams.

6. We only dream of what we know (such as faces; our minds cannot create faces. If you have seen someone for even a split second, they can end up in your dreams).

4. Dreams are not actually about what you think they are about (hidden meanings).

7. Dreams prevent psychosis (a severe mental disorder that causes loss of contact with reality).

8. Everybody dreams.

9. You forget 90 percent of your dreams.

10. Blind people dream.

(Those who go blind after birth dream in images, those who are born blind dream in all other senses).

Information gathered at: listverse.com/2007/11/14/ top-10-amazing-facts-aboutdreams/

Photo illustration by Jessie Adkins

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Britteny Johnson | Feature Page Editor

Feature

Echoes

Students expressing themselves in speech

By Blake Willadsen Editor-in-chief

In high school there are many different opportunities for students to get involved in. There are not very many activities where the power of words determine how the competition is won. The AL speech team does just that.

There are a variety of different categories and students choose which areas to compete in. Just a few of those topics include a radio broadcasting presentation, a readers theater group, improvisation, mimes (which is by far the quietest event), as well as many others.

Natalie Carlon ‘14 has participated in speech since her freshman year. She has done a variety of different topics since she started, but has done improvisation (improv) since she joined the team.

“I like having a variety of events because you are not stuck in one box,” Carlon said. “You have the freedom to do what you want and I guess that just embodies what speech is. You get to

express yourself in different ways.”

For those not familiar, watching a improv group can be confusing. Carlon likes the freedom allowed in Improvisation.

“At the beginning you draw two situations and two characters that you get to pick from. You have to set up where you are, who you are, what the conflict is, and how you are going to resolve it,” Carlon said. “I guess the beauty of improv is you yourself do not really know what is going on until the end and in most cases you don’t know what just happened when you get done. That is where the comedy comes into play, because things will just happen.”

Improv group is just one small section of all the different events in speech.

Choral reading is another popular group event where a group of students will read a script out loud while using props and/or costumes. Last year, the AL team performed an original skit that parodied “The Night Before Christmas” in a speech style.

It took a look at the night before a speech contest and the experience there, but with a Christmas twist. Noah Larsen ‘15 portrayed Jolly old Saint Nick for the choral reading group. He prefers group speech instead of individual acts. “(I like) group speech,” Larsen said. “It’s fun working with other people and being involved in the group. It’s kind of just a fun feeling.”

Larsen enjoys the freedom to express himself and not worry about being calm while at speech practice or competitions.

“You don’t usually get the chance to be hyper like that.

In class you are supposed to be more calm and relaxed to do the studying you are supposed to. People know I’m a tad on the hyper side, and in the play that I was doing it was actually bad to stay quiet,” Larsen said.

There are two seasons of speech; one is for group competitions in late fall and one for individuals in the winter. Individual events have just as much variety as the group competitions,

but it is only one person performing.

Maddie Kinney ‘15 participated in speech for the first time last time after being encouraged by her siblings.

“My sisters did it and I like the coaches. When (my sisters) Jordan and Bailey did it they seemed like they had a lot of fun so I decided to do it too,” Kinney said. “My favorite event was musical theater because I Speech like performing and reading singing.”

K i n n e y performed the song “Good morning Baltimore” from the musical “Hairspray” for her first individual speech competition. This was after participating in the same skit that Larsen performed in earlier in the year for group speech. That is the kind of variety that speech brings to the table. From Santa Claus to “Hairspray”, there will probably be something

waiting for us to indulge in.

According to the American Heart Association, on average people gain five to ten unwanted, extra pounds from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.

“We usually eat more because our parents are busier this time and there are sweets everywhere.” Alex Jones ‘15 said.

Eating more unhealthy foods, and just eating more over all is obviously very conventional throughout this time period. How can this affect one’s health?

Nutritionist Jake Fauble says it can cause many health problems that continue to get worse over time.

“80 percent of people are overweight now because they are eating too many sugars,” Fauble said. “Sugars turn to fat, carbs turn to fat, that’s what most people eat during this time.”

Avoiding these delicious foods can be very difficult

along with watching your sugar intake. Most of the time, people don’t even know what’s inside of what they are eating. That could lead to some unhealthy choices. Being aware of what you need and what you get can be very beneficial.

“Everyone needs 90 essential nutrients everyday and people aren’t getting anywhere close to what they need.” Fauble said. “Some of them include calcium, iron, and all of your vitamins.”

Health problems can occur when people aren’t fueling their bodies with the nutrients it needs. Obesity is a major issue in America’s society today. According to Businessinsider.com, around 72 million American adults are obese and the numbers continue to rise.

“One of the main effects from obesity is the likeliness of getting a heart disease or having many strokes,” Fauble said. “Diabetes is

students gather together to work on choral and readers theater. Photo by Francisco Franco. new every time you watch a performance.

While every piece may be different, there will be one thing that they share in common. When performing, the speech kids all have to break out of their shell and beat some nerves.

Carlon will attest to this after doing three years of speech.

“Well, over the last few

years I used to be really quiet and really shy,” Carlon said. “I wouldn’t talk that much but I’ve noticed that personally I have grown.

I’m not afraid to voice my opinions now.”

The first group speech competition will be Jan. 19 at Glenwood. If you are interested in trying speech, talk to Speech Coach Dirk Waller in room A-219.

Staying healthy and eating right important for some

Photo illustration by Francisco Franco

By Brooke Criswell Reporter

Cookies, cakes, and pies, isn’t that what the holidays

consist of? For many, people use food to celebrate the holidays together with loved ones. It’s a tradition that this time of year one would have feasts. Everywhere someone goes, there are high calories and fatty foods just

another disease caused because the pancreas can’t handle all of the sugar that’s going into the body.”

Although resisting the temptations may be challenging, some prefer to make sure they eat healthier during this season.

“I eat healthier around this time. I eat salads, broccoli, corn and tend to stay away from pop and candy the most I can,” Jamie Cash ’14 said. “By eating healthier my risk of gaining weight decreases.”

During Thanksgiving and Christmas, most traditions are to eat turkey and ham or some sort of meat. What if you are not one who eats meat, such as a vegetarian?

“It (being a vegetarian) really doesn’t bother me too much during the holiday season,” Emma Preston ‘14 said. “My mom doesn’t eat much meat either, so my family is generally very supporting. One year

for Thanksgiving I tried ToFurky, but it turns out that stuff is nasty, so now I just avoid the traditional main courses and stick to sides that don’t have meat.”

From preparing the gettogethers to attending them and everything in between, can surely take time away from the day that could be used to exercise regularly.

“Winter means basketball season and, being on dance team, I dance at every game.

Being busy means less time to work out and keep in shape.” Cash said.

There are many different habits one could do to help stay healthy and stay active throughout this winter season. A recommendation is to keep in mind your daily calorie intake and cut back on portion sizes. Exercise is another need our body must receive. One doesn’t want to forbid itself to eat, just take what your sweet tooth loves and eat it in moderation.

Lynx enjoying different celebrations this holiday season

By Tristan Agersea Reporter There are many beliefs, cultures, faiths and religions that people all over the world have and need in their lives.

America especially has a large range of cultures. There are many of these religions that have celebrations in the winter. Christians, Jews, Buddhists, and even Atheists all have some kind of celebration during the winter.

According to religions. pewforum.org/reports, the Christian society takes up 33% of the worlds population and a whopping 78.4% in the U.S. celebrate the birth of Yeshua of Nazareth but

more commonly known as Jesus Christ. Christmas is celebrated by the activity of giving presents to family, friends, and loved ones. This is popularly known as the day that Saint Nick a.k.a.

Santa Claus comes to each and everyone’s home to give them presents.

“It’s the time to get with family and have a big potluck and open presents and sing karaoke and just have a really good time with my family.”

Sydney Beck ‘13 said.

The Jewish society, which takes up only a 0.2% of the world’s population and 1.7% in the U.S., celebrates the miracle in the Jerusalem temple during a war fought by the Maccabees in the

cause of religious freedom.

Temple candles only had enough oil to burn for a single day, yet they burned for eight days. Jews light candles on a menorah--two on the first day, three on the second, to nine on the eighth day. This celebration is called Chanukah or more commonly known as Hanukkah or the “Celebration of Lights.”

Hanukkah is an 8 day celebration that starts this year at sunset on Dec. 8 and ends December 16. Jewish holidays occur on different days each year.

For Hanukkah, one student has a unique tradition.

“I adopt a family and deliver presents on their front porch on Christmas

morning,” Shelby Mcfadden ‘15 said.

The Buddhist society, which takes up 5.9% of the world’s population and a 1.6% in the U.S., celebrates the day in 596 B.C., when the Buddha sat beneath a Bodhi tree (a type of fig tree) and is believed to have achieved enlightenment, thus escaping the repeating cycle of reincarnation. This celebration is called Bodhi Day a.k.a. Rohatsu which is on December 8.

The Atheist society takes up 2.5% of the world’s population and a 5% in the U.S. and celebrates the longest night of the year.

Winter Solstice is celebrated on Dec. 21 this year. 2012 is

going to be a special year for the Winter Solstice because the Mayan calendar starts a brand new cycle on that day.

Some authors are making a lot of money feeding on people’s fears that some form of massive destruction will happen on that day, perhaps terminating all life on Earth. Other authors predict some form of spiritual development by all humans.

“I celebrate Christmas with my family, but I think it’s (Christmas) funny--a holiday about “Christ’s” birth, mixed in with other Pagan holidays...The Mayan calendar did not account for leap years, if it did, and the world was going to end when the calendar stopped it would

have already happened, like seven months ago.” Austin Thonvold ‘13 said.

People that celebrate Kwanzaa, which is a nonreligious celebration, take up 1.6% of the U.S. population, celebrate the African heritage. Celebrated on Dec. 26, most just have a traditional African feast with family and close friends.

Many religions, faiths, cultures, and belief systems exist all over in the world with all different kinds of people. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Rohatsu, Winter Solstice or any other celebration, many students will be relaxing this holiday season.

Entertainment

Echoes

Lauren Myers | Entertainment Editor

Surviving the end of the world Follow the echoes how to guide to survive any disaster

By Jessie

Adkins Photographer

By Jaidlyn Bookout Reporter

By Tiffany Ferrer Reporter

By Suzanne Peterson News Editor

Get your weapons ready--whether it’s a gun, axe,

9

photos by Hayley Hochstetler

With the end of the world comes the high possibility

or a baseball bat. When the end of the world comes,

that millions of people will die; leaving you alone or

you have no choice but to protect yourself from enemies and any other freakshows that come your

Stay away from possible atomic

way.

bombs, wild fires and explosions that can happen at any time. Grab your fire blankets and stop, drop,

in small groups. Remember, it’s better to have brains than nothing at all. Keep yourself sane, keep yourself busy and read up on how to survive. Save this paper, you never know when you might need it.

and roll.

When the world ends, people go crazy, zombies rush to attack and you’re going to want the most experienced, intelligent and strongest people to protect you.

Pick your team and choose wisely. Look for the ones that know what they are doing. Be sure to find the one person you can sacrifice if times get rough,

Keep your brains together and band together with your friends.

Grab all the weapons you can hold and get ready for the oncoming living dead. Anything can be used as a weapon.

Remember, aim for the head.

Disclaimer: The Echoes are not responsible for any serious injuries from misuse for weapons, 3rd degree burns, dead friends, or any zombie attacks. Good luck surviving the end of the world. We gave you the best advice we could.

Commentary

Movie about Abraham Lincoln: a must see

By Britteny Johnson Features Editor On November 16 the movie Lincoln hit movie theaters everywhere. Set in the 19th century, the film shows the inner workings of Lincoln, his cabinet, and the House of Representatives. In the movie, Daniel Day-Lewis plays a witty, powerful, and a very realistic Abraham Lincoln. Throughout the movie we follow Lincoln on his journey to getting

the thirteenth amendment adopted through the House of Representatives as well as ending the war. To help him achieve this goal, Lincoln requests that William Seward(portrayed by David Strathairn) hire men to gain the Democratic votes needed.

In between meetings about how to end the war as well as the ones about getting the thirteenth amendment adopted, we get a glimpse of Lincoln’s family life. Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, is portrayed by Sally

Fields, while his two living sons, Tad Lincoln and Robert Lincoln, are brought to life by Gulliver McGrath and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. During the movie we see Lincoln showing more affection for one son than the other. Robert Lincoln was one of the very few men old enough to serve, who was not serving in the war, this was one of the many things that caused tension within the Lincoln household, another being the death of his other son, Willie.

Throughout the movie

each character was made their own, from Daniel DayLewis making a specific walk, voice, and wit for Lincoln to Tommy Lee Jones (who played Thaddeus Stevens, a frontman in the race to equal rights) portraying Stevens with a bad leg, causing a limp. The characters were played so well it was hard to keep track of who was on Lincoln’s side and who wasn’t, leading to great suspense.

Mingled with the great acting is the strong speeches

and dialogue put in place by the screenwriters. Let’s take Lincoln’s dialogue as an example. Lincoln easily transfers from determined to powerful to entertaining when he speaks. In one scene, everything is tense, and we suddenly hear Lincoln give a chuckle. He proceeds to tell a enjoyable story to lighten the mood, yet seconds later, everything is tense again.

That’s how the entire movie is, back and forth and back again.

The movie flowed on,

getting dull only one scene out of the entire movie, at a pace that had your brain twirling with immense interest and readiness to know just what was going to unfold. Though it was meeting after meeting, it truly didn’t seem like it.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Lincoln was two and a half hours of wit, suspense, and intrigue, not just a movie for history junkies, but everyone. Lincoln is definitely a must see movie this holiday season.

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Entertainment

Lauren Myers | Entertainment Editor

Echoes

The Echoes Holiday Recipes

By Britteny Johnson Features Editor

By Krystal Hopkins Reporter

Gingerbread cookies

Ingredients: 3 c flour

directions:

1. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well mixed 2. In a large mixer bowl beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.

1 1/2 Tbs baking powder 3/4 tsp baking soda

3. Add the molasses and vanilla. Mix until completely blended.

1/4 tsp salt

4. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until dough is smooth.

1 Tbs ground ginger

5. Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic and leave for 2 hours.

1 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground cloves

6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

6 Tbs unsalted butter

7. Place half of the divided dough on a floured surface.

3/4 c dark brown sugar

8. Roll dough to a little over 1/4”. Flour your work surface and rolling pin as needed.

1 large egg

9. Cut out cookies with cookie cutters.

1/2 c molasses 2 tsp vanilla extract

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus recipe from: http://www.momswhothink.com/cookierecipes/gingerbread-cookie-recipe.html

10. Place cookies 1 1/2” apart on prepared cookie sheet.

11. Bake one sheet of cookies at a time for 7-9 minutes, do not overbake.

12. Remove from oven, allow the cookies to cool than move to a wire rack. Decorate your gingerbread men with icing, candies, or colored sugar when fully cooled.

potato latkes Ingredients:

directions:

2 c peeled and shredded potatoes

1.Place the potatoes in a cheesecloth and wring to release moisture.

1 tbs grated onion

2.In a medium bowl stir the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour and salt together.

3 eggs, beaten 2 tbs all-purpose flour

3.In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Place large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the oil, pressing down on them to form 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick patties. Brown on one side, then turn on the other. Let drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

1 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 c peanut oil for frying

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus

recipe from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/potato-latkes-i/

Review

Babel features upbeat, fast style of music

By Cody Self Reporter

Breaking through the modern day rap and hip hop scene with their critically acclaimed debut album, “Sigh No More”, Mumford and Sons are rekindling a new fire for the folk rock genre.

According to Billboard.com, “Babel”- an electrifying new interpretation of this new musical concept- set the band at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, selling over 600,000 albums in its first week alone. It is easy to see how this new English quartet

is giving the previous modern day music scene a run for its money.

Mumford and Sons begin the album with the title track, “Babel”, introducing a new style of upbeat and fast acoustic strumming patterns.

This, along with a poetic lyrical composition and a very large lead up with single, “I Will Wait”, sets a high standard for rest of the album.

With pieces displaying this same technique, such as “Whispers In The Dark” and “Hopeless Wanderer”, the band has yet to disappoint.

The band also brings the mood down with a few slow paced songs focusing primar-

photo from tumblr.com

ily on musicality. With songs such as “Ghosts That We Knew”, “Below My Feet”, “Lovers’ Eyes”, and “Reminder”, the group begins to delve into their previous styles that were expressed in their last album, using extreme changes in dynamics and tempo to start the song slow and build to an almost celebratory state.

This new album displays the bands musical talent through very different styles, showing life in the darkest of times and celebrating it through the brightest. The band has taken their own form of folk rock and have really begun to evolve it into

a genuine, original sound.

It shows that Mumford and Sons is more than just a few instruments playing in a simple key with a driving bass beat: they are deeper than that. They display emotion in their work that we all feel everyday, such as love, fear, anger, happiness, etc.

It will tear us down just to build us up again with hope, show the importance of love in everyones life, and show the necessity of gratitude.

The combination of talent and passion create a whole new form of expression to the Folk Rock genre that will never disappoint.

Sports

11

Blake Willadsen | Sports editor

Echoes

Metro sports profiles

By Suzanne Peterson News Editor

Chuck Weaver ‘13

Kristen Hemmingsen ‘13

Nicholas Billings ‘15

You may know some of these metro-area student athletes!

Hometown: Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Hometown: Council Bluffs, Iowa

School: Lewis Central

School: Creighton Prep

School: Thomas Jefferson

Specialty: Bowling

Specialty: Cross Country

Specialty: Wrestling

Nicholas Billings has been doing XC for 6 years. Billings started running because his parents realized that he was pretty fast. He finished in 34th place at state this year, and even set the mile record. He has also won four other races during the season. “The hardest part about cross country, is the conditioning,” Billings said. “Staying in great shape, and know how to watch what you eat the hard. The sport is just so entertaining and it just helps me relax from daily life stress.” Billings hopes to go to Harvard University after high school, receive a XC scholarship there and become a lawyer.

Zach Blair ‘14

Hometown: Council Bluffs, Iowa School: Abraham Lincoln High School Speciality: Basketball

“I play basketball to show off,” said junior Zach Blair. Blair has been ballin’ since he was six years old. “I like to show off all the time. I saw my brother dunk, I saw David Callaway play, and that’s when I started to play,” Blair said. During the ALHS boys first varsity basketball game of the 2012-2013 season, Blair scored 22 points. He is best at 3 pointers, which also makes his favorite player Ray Allen. “He’s (Zach) backs up the saying, “If you work hard, you can achieve anything” perfectly. He has a bit of a cocky attitude, but without it, he wouldn’t have shown his true greatness,” close friend of 5 years, Julian Henning ‘14 said. Taking the position of shooting guard, practicing 6 to 7 hours a day, showing off and being able to dunk at age 16, Blair hopes to go to Iowa Western, continue playing basketball and become a teacher. “Having a team to play with and winning,” Blair said, “is the best part about playing basketball.” Playing basketball his freshman year at T.J, and now playing at AL certainly gives the team an advantage.

Chuck Weaver, a wrestler at Thomas Jefferson High School, has been wrestling for 8 years, and started wrestling in fifth grade. Weaver has also wrestled at state and has won city two times. He went to state last year at weight class 145, and will continue to stay at 145 this year. His future goals are to study business at Buena Vista University and also wrestle there. “I like wrestling because it tests you mentally and physically when you're on the mat with your opponent,” Weaver said.

Hometown:

Kylie Ferguson ‘14

Kristen Hemmingsen has been bowling since 4th grade, with the after school program. She has always bowled at Thunderbowl and will always prefer it. She likes to bowl because its an easy sport, and tons of fun. Hemmingsen has a varsity letter for bowling and received it her junior year. “But the biggest reward is to be bowling with my team,” Hemmingsen said. After high school she plans on going to Iowa Western for General Studies.

Neola, Iowa School: St. Albert High School Specialty: Volleyball and basketball

Kylie Ferguson has been competing in both volleyball, and basketball, since she can remember and couldn't imagine life without them. Her parents push her to excel in everything she does and has really found a love for competition. Basketball, being her ultimate favorite, excites her even more. “I feel like it's a very rewarding sport and there's never a dull moment. I think it's so important to have a passion for everything you do it life because without it you're performing emotionless actions. I really have a passion for basketball,” Ferguson said. She made first team All-City every year, for both sports so far. She also made first team all conference for basketball.

Ferguson hopes to continue a collegiate basketball career at a four year school and study something in the health sciences field. “Whatever I end up doing,” Ferguson said, “I just want to be happy.”

Wrestlers ‘determined’ to meet goals

By Megan Figueroa Reporter As the wrestling season begins, there is a lot of preparation. Wrestlers take the time to prepare by doing preseason workouts and cutting back on junk food to cut or maintain their weight. Being a wrestler takes many skills, like the ability to have a strict diet, to have endurance and to keep focused, according to Jaime Huerta ‘15.

“It takes a lot to be a wrestler, it’s hard to cut back and have a strict diet. We do conditioning that takes a lot of hard work and endurance.

It’s sometimes hard to stay focused, but if you want to become a better wrestler, it’s

worth it.” Huerta said.

Many wrestlers are optimistic about the season, realizing they have a fresh start this year with wrestlers that are ready to work hard, and make it to state tournament. They have a full team with the potential to go far, and two coaches that will be leading them, coach Brian Moore and coach Matt Daniels. Some of the wrestler’s goals are to go to state and place, however some realize they may need more than just talent. Eli Rankin ‘15 knows hard work is the key.

“We have a lot of wrestlers that have the potential to make it to state, two obvious wrestlers would be Jordan Peterson and Jordan Bywater, but anyone has the opportunity to make it to state if

they put in the hard work and effort,” Rankin said.

For freshmen that have decided to go out for wrestling it is a whole new set of challenges and way of practicing from Kirn to AL. The coaches have different techniques for training the athletes to make sure they are ready for the season. For some, it was a new sport to try and to learn. For others like Kyle Ziemba ‘16 they have had years of experience before moving up to the high school level. Ziemba sees the difference in the practices and how they are set up, but he knows he still must keep his focus and stay determined to reach his goals.

“The practices here are a lot more intense and we focus more on technique. I’ve done

wrestling since I was little, and I’m hoping to wrestle at the varsity level and qualify for state. I’m determined and ready to work hard,” Ziemba said.

This year, most wrestlers are optimistic of how the season will go, they believe they will have wrestler(s) qualify

for state and they will be successful because most wrestlers have wrestled at varsity level before, Jordan Peterson ‘12 explains this and makes it clear that everyone is working their hardest.

“I think it will be a great season this year because most of the wrestlers have

wrestled at varsity level. As far as qualifying for state I think I will be able to make it, along with Jordan Bywater and possibly Robbie Finch.”

Most of the wrestlers agree that this year they will have a good season, they are ready to work hard and put in all of their effort.

Echoes

Blake Willadsen | Sports editor

Sports

12

Swim team growing, girls finish strong

Photos by Hayley Hochstetler

By Krystal Hopkins Reporter

Swimming is not just a fun summer activity, when winter rolls around it turns into a serious competition.

The girls’ season finished in late October and the boys’ team started Nov. 5. Both the girls and boys team include

students from AL, TJ, and Saint Albert. All three are one team, not only in practice but also in competitions.

AL and TJ have a history of working together, they have been combined since 1988 with St. Alberts on and

off the team throughout that length of time. The teams were originally combined because they would not have enough swimmers to support separate teams. This also eliminates the added cost of separate coaches and facili-

ties.

The girls bonded very well as a team this season.

“My favorite thing about swim team was just getting to hang out with the girls,” Rebecca Barker ‘14 said.

“We’re just a bunch of crazy fools, so we always made the most of the meets by singing and just having fun.”

There are many new or first year swimmers on the boys’ team this season for various reasons, many find it is a good way to stay in shape for spring sports.

“I started because my dad used to swim,” Jared Holcomb ‘14. “Also because I already did cross-country so I wanted to stay in shape.”

The team bonded very well even though some may not be used to working side by side with TJ, or St. Albert.

“Once you get in the pool you don’t know where anyone is from, we’re all one team,” Kyle Decker ‘15 said.

The boys’ swim team practices everyday after school, as well as Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning practices. They start practice by warming up with a 200 swim, 200 meter kick, and another 200 meter of

their choice. The rest of practice consists of different freestyle drills, working just their hands and kicks. They also do endurance work and practice individual strokes as well as relay starts and turns.

There is not only competition between the opposing schools but between each other. Brothers K. Decker and Nick Decker ‘13 both decided to join the swim team this year.

“We push each other to do our best,” K. Decker said.

All of the swimmers have been making improvements, whether they’re working on their form or shortening their lap times.

“Our team is full of new swimmers so we are focusing on improving week to week and not necessarily focusing on how the team does against an opponent,” Adam Moon, boys’ swimming coach said.

“Swimming allows for us to track our own progress and not worry about what the opponents are doing.”

With both teams working hard, the girls recall their successes and improvements while the boys continue towards the possibility of being city champs.

Basketball teams optimistic with fresh start

By Christina Rivera Reporter

After weeks of offseason workouts, basketball season has finally begun for the boys and girls teams.

Practice officially started on Nov. 5 for girls, whereas for boys, practice didn’t start until a week later on the 12th.

Prior to having practice, both teams were meeting before and after school in the gym for conditioning. However, with games now in session, practices fill in the gaps when the players are not playing in competition. With games scheduled every week, Taylor Volentine ‘12 has set personal goals for herself to work on, as well as for her team.

“I would want to get better at my dribbling skills,” Volentine said. “We have a really good team this year, so I hope to win most of our games.”

The girls’ varsity team,

coached by Chad Schaa, played their first basketball game on Nov. 20 against Atlantic taking a win of 65-37.

The next game, following their first win, was against St. Albert on Dec. 1, 43-29.

“It’s going well. Everyone is focused and having fun,” Olivia Leisinger ‘13 said. “I think it would be great to have a winning record for the first time. I like winning close games and having really good games with our team.”

This is Leisinger’s last basketball season with the team before she graduates.

She mentioned that their team’s biggest competition is Sioux City Heelan, who they will play on Jan. 11 and then again on Feb. 8 for Senior Night.

“We will probably be watching films and working on plays to go against their defense (because) we’ve never beat them,” Leisinger said.

As for the boys’ varsity team, Nov. 27 marked their first home game of the season

against Treynor. They won with a close score of 69-61.

“It was good to get the first win and there’s more to come,” Alex Barrett ‘14 said.

“That win set the tone for the rest of the season.”

Joe Northup ‘15 , another varsity basketball player, hopes to have a better season this year with new head coach Jason Isaacson.

“Different coaching staff means different expectations,” Northup said. “(The coach pushes the team) in every way, both mentally and physically.”

Their training consists of close out drills, defensive drills and running through plays.

With three long months ahead of them, both teams will be practicing everyday leading up to districts.

“I hope to get past the first round of districts and possibly go to state,” Northup said.

Both teams will be going to playoffs mid-February and will be paying for a shot to advance.

(Left) Billy Coats ‘13 passes to a teammate .(Right) Lauren Meeker ‘13 shoots over TJ defenders. (Bottom) Brian Johnson ‘13 drives to the basket photos by Hayley Hochstetler