Issue 7

ECHOES

Issue 7 | Volume 112 Late March 2013

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

Bill addresses cyberbullying Administrators handling social-media challenges

Iowa House Study Bill 196 won initial approval in the first week of March and states that administrators would be able to deal with off-campus bullying throughout social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. Before the new bill was finalized, schools could not do anything about cyberbullying unless it occurred at school. Students have different opinions about the new bill.

“They’ve always tried to stop bullying, but they aren’t going to throw someone in jail for saying a mean word.

because of an increase in incidents or students becoming more likely to report issues.

Some students believe that cyberbullying is a cowardly act.

“I think cyber bullying proves that bullies are cowards that they have to do it behind a computer screen,” Patricia Harte-Maxwell ‘15 said.

According to dosomething.org, 81% of teens think bullying online is easier to get away with than in person.

In the Press-Citizen.com article, Ross Wilburn talked about how certain situations are harder to deal with then others.

“There are situations

where the district may not be able to respond with a consequence,” Wilburn said. “With cyberbullying situations, sometimes there’s a nexus between the incident and its impact on school. Is it creating a school disruption?

Then we have acted on that with intervention and consequences.”

Principal Todd Barnett explained that no two situations are the same, therefore the consequences of them can vary.

“No one talks about the good in our media and how we’ve advanced.

Whenever something bad happens, it gets blown out of proportion,” Barnett said.

Some students believe that they should be

Graphics by Hayley Hochstetler

ALechoes.com

For more social media coverage, go to page 2

PAGE

What’s Inside:

disciplined for things that happen off campus, because it’d bring more awareness.

“I personally don’t think it’d be a distraction because it’d make people more aware that cyberbullying does happen, whether being in school or not,” Hannah Raes ‘13 said.

English teacher Beth Rips says that students’ online presence represents who they are and is made visible for the world to see.

Students who use media to bully, slander, and threaten others should be held accountable for their actions whether it is inside school or outside of school. Using social media does not mean having carte blanche to say whatever you want.

2 9 12

3rd annual Job Fair offers benefits, opportunities to students looking for a job

Q and A with Kati Morton from“Healthy Mind, Healthy Body”

PAGE

Digital Media Co-Editor

I don’t think it’ll be too effective,” Eric Lerette ‘15 said.

According to an IS3 (Iowa Safe and Supportive Schools) survey administered in March of 2012, about 4% of AL students said they were bullied at least once in an email, on a website, on a cell phone, text messaging, or some kind of instant message.

In an article regarding the new bill on Press-Citizen. com, Iowa City Community School District Equity Director Ross Wilburn had some insight.

Wilburn said reports of cyberbullying in Iowa Cityarea schools have increased in the last few years, but he said he’s not sure if that’s

PAGE

By Kate Hiers

“No excuses” for football players during spring morning workouts

2

Krystal Hopkins & Victoria Holcomb | News Co-Editors

News

Echoes

President Obama asks for a decision on Gay Marriage

By Tristan Agersea Reporter

The President of the United States of America has done a full 180 on the topic of same-sex marriage. From October 2004 President Barack Obama stated that he believed that marriage was supposed to be an act before god as a man and woman.

President Obama has now confirmed during his campaign trail, he is completely supporting the legalization of gay marriage and is using his presidential status to fight to legalize throughout the entire nation. President Obama has actually instructed that the supreme court must reevaluate the topic of same sex marriage and make a clear decision on whether the nation should legalize it or not.

“Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.” President Obama said.

This statement established Obama’s stand on same sex marriage and is possibly giving it the pull it needs to win the general publics support. This could definitely be the turning point in the breakthrough to legalize

of legalization.

“They have the same civil rights as anyone else; they have the right to live as they wish and love whom they choose, but what they don’t have is the right to redefine marriage for all of society.”

“Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.”

-President Barack Obama same sex marriage in every state in the United States.

“If I’m allowed to get married, so should they. If you don’t want a gay marriage don’t get one.” Austin Thonvold ‘13 said.

Though the legalization is close, there are still those who disagree with Obama’s stance on the subject of legalizing same sex marriage. This party is led by Brian Brown, the president of the National Organization for Marriage.

Brown and his party hope to completely put this argument to rest by not passing the bill

Brown said.

This statement made by Brown certainly established his views and beliefs on legalizing same sex marriage.

“I don’t believe that gays should be able to get married because marriage is more of a religious thing,” Kolten Roenfeldt ‘15 said. “Politically speaking I think unions are fine just because it’s not religious but just a political standpoint.”

Though debates are sure to increase, with any luck this one will finally be put to rest for good soon. Whether

it end with the legalization or not, either way, the supreme court intends on deciding a definite answer for the citizens of the United States as soon as possible. Things that are going to be considered in the debate in the supreme court are going to be Proposition 8, the bill in California that attempted to legalize same sex marriage in California. This bill was shot down and of course not passed. The other thing that will be put back into the light of this debate is DOMA, also known as Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as an

act between a man and woman, signed in 1996.

Photos courtesy of MCT Campus

Job Fair prepares, benefits students looking for a job

By Christina Rivera Reporter The 3rd Annual Teen Job Fair will be held at the Council Bluffs Public Library April 3. This event will be open to teens: ages 15-19, who are looking to land a job.

Local companies will be hiring teens in the nearby area and offering them jobs. It is suggested to dress professionally, no jeans, and bring

a resume. In addition, bring any information that applications normally ask for (social security number, driver’s license, etc.).

Emili Davis ‘14 currently works at Lansky’s as a cashier and occasionally a waitress. She started working last year in November.

Davis suggests to come prepared and leave a good impression when applying for any job and that also means looking the part.

New Social Media Snapchat -Launched May 2011 -Has had 14 Million dollars in funding -10 Employees in the company

“I think it looks professional to wear black slacks and a no cleavage shirt, and adding some jewelry. ( Also), pulling your hair back in an updo is a classy look for an interview. (Looking) clean and well put together makes a great impression,” Davis said. “ Have full confidence, smile a lot, and make it seem convincing that you really want the job.”

Jonathan Florea ‘13 is also familiar with the work-

Vine -Launched by Twitter -Started January 2013 As opposed to..

Twitter -500,250,000 users Facebook -over 500, 000,000 users

It provided them with tips on job searching, learning and practicing interviewing skills, and working on their resume. Free lunch was also provided to all those who attended.

So, if you are searching to land a job with local companies who are looking to hire, the Teen Job Fair might be for you. It is being held Wednesday, April 3, from 2:00-5:00 p.m at the Council Bluffs Public Library.

Students, staff members react, share opinions on popular apps

By Kate Hiers

Wanelo company -11 employees -1.3 million products from 24,000 stores

and talk to someone,” Florea said. “If you’ve never had a job before the best advice I have for you is to be confident, be polite, and above all be ready to learn.”

To help teens prepare for the job fair a Munch and Meet session was held on March 16 at the Council Bluffs Public Library. This event ran from 11 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Saturday morning and was open to all teens who planned to attend the job fair.

New Social Media Trends Digital Media Co-Editor

-Investors spent 2 Million to start the

force. She has had several jobs over the past few years and is currently working at the Henry Doorly Zoo. He has been an employee for the Zoo for a total of three years now. He suggests that if you are new to the workforce, be sure to make good eye contact and give firm handshakes when you are called in for an interview.

“They show that you have good people skills, that you’re not scared to go up

Students have diverse opinions about the timely interaction Snapchat. Snapchat is an app for smart phones only. According to a recent Echoes poll taken by 104 students, 60% of students chose Snapchat as their new favorite interaction.

Snapchat is a fast way to connect with your friends through snaps (photos). The snaps have a manually adjusted timer on them and after the time runs out, the snap cannot be seen again.

IPhone users receiving a snapchat can save the image by screenshotting the image before the time runs out.

Although, screenshotting an image notifies the person who sent it.

Many like using snapchat

to be silly with their friends.

“Having humorous conversations with my friends with pictures that will disappear,” Samantha Pike ‘13 said.

Most students said they enjoyed using Snapchat during class because it was a fun and humorous thing to do, although it could be a distraction for some.

“I’ve told about three students to stop taking pictures, but honestly my classes are so crowded, I wouldn’t know if they were,” Art Teacher Heather Mauer said.

Along with the uprise of Snapchat another interactive site, Wanelo, has made a breakthrough.

Wanelo (“wah-nee-lo,” from Want, Need, Love) is a global platform for shopping organized by people. Wanelo allows you to look at a countless amount of products, and save the ones you are interested in buying later on.

Whether it’s making a

dream wish list or expanding your closet with already purchased items, Wanelo is said to very user friendly.

“I use it to look at things I want and save them so I can buy them later on, my favorite is that there are links to some of the websites where you can buy the items whenever you want,” Autumn Bettcher ‘15 said.

One student had said that purchasing products from Wanelo is different every time.

“Since your purchases are typically from different stores each time, the wait varies on getting them, some products can get here in four days, and others may take up to a month depending on their location,” Thomas Black ‘13 said.

Some students also mentioned that the quality of the product is hard to tell over the internet.

30% of students preferred Wanelo over Snapchat

and Vine. Since Vine is has just become available, many students didn’t even know what Vine was. Although Vine isn’t as viral as the other networks, it’s becoming more popular each day.

Vine is a new social interaction app that allows IPhone users to create miniature videos, and share them with others. It resembles Instagram, but instead of pictures there are only video segments.

Students say that they enjoy Vine, alike Snapchat for the humor, most videos posted are said to be very funny.

“I love watching other people’s Vines, and seeing how unique some people can be. I use it mostly for humor; there are some really funny videos on it,” Ali Heithoff ‘13 said.

With all these new social interactions trending, it allows people to stay connected with their friends and family easily.

Echoes

Krystal Hopkins & Victoria Holcomb | News Co-Editors

3

CB businesses undergoing renovations AMC enhancing movie-going experience

By Cody Self Reporter With the prominence of movies in our society’s culture, movie theaters are a popular place to enjoy free time through the wonder of the big screen. With the strong demand from consumers for these films, movie theaters around the country push to best suit the comfort of their customers. Just recently, the local AMC Theater has begun renovating and renewing their establishment for exactly this purpose.

This process has primarily changed the seating in the theaters, the main lobby, box office, and snack bar, creating a new and modern atmosphere for consumer experience.

“I will probably enjoy the movie more because I can relax and watch it instead of sitting straight up”, Alivia Bascue ‘14 said regarding the new changes in the theater seats. “I like the changes. I

Before

look forward to being more comfortable.”

These new accommodations affect more than just the customers, however. AMC employees are feeling the effects of these new improvements already.

“Right now we are halfway done with the renovations, and it has started to cut our attendance down pretty low, which also cuts our hours,” Hayley Hochstetler (‘13) said. “It’s also kind of hard with all the new construction going on.”

Most of the new remodeling is taking place in the theatre’s main lobby, where the company is planning to build a new and modernized box office, an alcoholic bar, and an improved snackbar. With this being the employees’ main area of work, construction is making it hard for them to effectively carry out simple tasks. This, along with the clutter of rebuilding and dust make the workers just as

excited as the customers for the job to be done.

While the construction areas have their downsides for the employees and management, they also present a lot of potential success for the theater. With all of the new arrangements made to suit the customers, AMC plans to make much more business, even if the new theaters cut theater population by nearly half.

“Overall, I think business will be better,” said AMC worker Kristine Swanson ‘13. “It is a lot nicer than what they were, and more people will want to come for the seats,” These new accommodations look to increase business in the theaters simply by advertising their renovations every chance they get. A quick trip to the theater’s lobby proves this statement, with signs promoting the newly renovated areas and even having two demo seats available to try out. Most of the theaters are currently undergoing construction, but AMC does have two theaters fully remodeled and available for public use, allowing them to dip their feet in the new waters of commercial modernism while getting initial feedback from the general public.

After

Before and after renovations to AMC. Photos by Hayley Hochstetler

Mall of the Bluffs purchased, revitalized

Mall of the Bluffs before the renovations are started. Photo By Alex Snipes

By Brooke Criswell

Digital Media Co-Editor The Mall of the Bluffs has been around since 1986, but the businesses started falling down around 2009.

It had been suggested that around the time Metro Crossing was first being built, is when businesses began leaving. A major reason stores and companies left was because they were offered money to start up again in this new location, along with tax breaks for a few years. The city wanted to get tax relief at that time.

One downfall of the Council Bluffs mall is that it was one of the highest tax payers throughout the entire city.

“I hope for it to get more business and to have some higher end stores such as Ralph Lauren, Macy’s, or some casual ones like H&M,” Thomas Black ‘15 said. “I want it to get a better reputation.”

On March 19, the listing contract was signed by Namdar Realty Group LLC, a company based in New

School adding monitors to stay connected

BY Jared Holcomb & Taylor Crinklaw Journalism Staff If any of the students or faculty have been around A.L. anytime during the past month, they probably noticed the new video monitors around the school.

The flatscreens are located anywhere from above the lunchroom doors ====to in front of the school’s counseling office. However, as common as they may be, many students are unaware as to what the monitors are for is and what administrators are trying to accomplish by investing in them.

“It was (principal) Mr. (Todd) Barnett’s idea about making sure the kids and the community members continued to stay connected, and to continually relate

not just the stuff that is currently going on and we’re achieving, but historically what we’ve done as a school,” said Tom Lowndes, School Administrative Manager.

Some students had the misconception that the funds used for the monitors could have been saved for next school year to support sports or the various arts, that might not get the a large amount of attention around the school as of now.

“I think they’re a nice little addition to the school, and it’s cool seeing them up there, but I know A.L. doesn’t have a lot of funding, so maybe instead of monitors no one is really paying attention to, we could invest in our fine arts, maybe buy a few more tuba’s that we really need,” says Kelly Mcelroy ‘13.

According to Lowndes,

the student council helped fund 2 of the 4 monitors, and the funds used for the monitors didn’t have any connection to other programs funds. No money was taken out of the arts or music programs to pay for the new monitors. The money used was from part of the school’s technology funds, and anything not used would have not been spent at all.

Other students held the same opinion on the purchase of the new monitors, not over their belief that the funds aren’t used correctly, but the belief that they won’t be useful throughout the school day, and will only prove to be a distraction to the students, as they saw them before the monitors were fully working.

“There aren’t as many miscommunications lately, after the monitors have gone up. Students might not check their email, but when they’re

in the commons, they look up and check out what’s going on,” said administrator Todd Barnett.

Even though some of A.L.’s students disagree with the purchase, other students do have a lot of ideas on what to put on them, to improve the boredom of the school day, or to use as rewards to motivate the school, rather than leave them either unused, or unnoticed in the halls. “(I’d like it) if they put on March Madness when the tournaments going on, I’d be pleased if they made that an reward for something, so that they’re not just expensive wall decorations, ” Andrew Jensen ‘14 said.

Stay tuned to the new monitors to catch the latest information around the school, important announcements and upcoming events.

York, and it’s official they have bought the mall.

“I’m excited to hear they purchased it. It will be nice to see it busy again,” Mayor Tom Hanafan told the Nonpareil newspaper.

Namdar Realty Group only buys old buildings that are no longer in use or that have gone downhill.

His company then tries to rebuild progress in the building. Most purchases are in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and the New York Metro area. “(The buyer) buys property all over that he believes will have potential.

His main goal is to get revenue started again, then go from there,” said Andrea Leinen, the Mall of the Bluffs manager.

The plan is indeed to keep the mall a 730,000 Square foot retail shopping center. The builders will start as soon as possible in the food court and branch out from there.

“This is not going to happen over night, it’ll probably take years to get up and going again. I think this is a really great thing though

for the mall,” Leinen said.

At the beginning of the restoration process, Namdar Realty Group LLC are going to be focused on getting more local stores involved.

After many years then, they might decide to try and get more national stores. This is also the only mall in Council Bluffs where all the stores are within one building. Unlike Metro Crossing which has many stories such as Target, Charming Charlie, and Rue 21. Although these stores are close together one still has to drive their car around to the store they would like.

“I’d much rather shop store to store rather than driving to each different store and having to get out every time,” Kelsey Cheney ‘15 said.

According to Namdarrealtygroup.com, some of their retail prominent tenants include: Fashion Bug, Peebles, Rainbow, and the Show Show. Those are not all though. Many stores that are in there today, have decided to stay. Some include: Victoria Secret, Aeropostale, Hallmark, and Hot Topic.

4

Page Design by Jaidlyn Bookout | Opinion Editor

Opinion

Echoes

The dedication of students: sports versus work

By Tiffany Ferrer Reporter

By Maddi Martinez Reporter

Teamwork and discipline are both excellent qualities to have, and they will help you in the future. They will help you achieve what you want and benefit you in multiple ways. This may be the only chance to play for your school and do sports with your friends. For some, it’s more in their interest to do sports rather than have a job. Maybe they don’t need to have a job and it’s their choice if they want one.

“Working drains you,” Alysha Camacho ‘13 said.

“Sports allows you to achieve something, and you can be aggressive.”

I’d rather play sports and hangout with friends after games and have a fun time.

We have our whole lives ahead of us to grow up and work. We see our parents do it everyday and we see how much they get stressed from it. So why not live out our younger years doing what we enjoy. We’re still kids at heart, we get competitive at a friendly game of basketball, volleyball, etc. We even enjoy the occasional

“race to the tree over there” competetion. Sports can be be a great way to start a future, some kids get lucky and score a scholarship from a college for sports which can help them in their future.

You can make some pretty memorable friends and have some great memories. Playing sports was something I’ll never regret, I had some of the best times of my life, both on and off the court.

Everything in life is not free. If you look at life, you even have to pay for the water you drink, which means you need money. Your parents pay the bills so your life will be easier, give and take there are people who live with their parents that are spoiled. People who don’t live with their parents can tell you of the difficulty it is to pay off the bills, whatever else you have to pay

for, and are having a smart choice life. Life in general is handed to most pretty easy, not including childhood traumas, not having to pay bills and or having money handed to you.

Looking around outside you see all these cool things you want, and all anyone can say is get a job because in the real world you can’t have it free. Jobs are useful and provide great skills to the mind that sports will never do. Having a job does a lot for your future, like helping you survive on your own and paying for your necessities.

You could become anything, and it helps you learn better skills for your life. Jobs are better than sports PERIOD! A major benefit of getting a job while in high school is that you can have a better future. Yeah, maybe you could get into sports and maybe get a job as a athlete, but that’s gonna end so fast you won’t see it coming. I don’t see you lasting that long playing sports unless you’re on top and stay on top. Your future should be

Figure it out before the dress departments at Dillard’s and JCPenney are all picked over. Trying on, pricing, and figuring out what type of dress you’re looking for now will give your date a better idea of what tux to rent. Remember ladies, it’s all about what looks good with your gown. Besides, going tux shopping with him would be a good idea, since he probably has no clue what colors or style to look for.

So, what’ll it be? A short or a long dress? To some,

short dresses aren’t appropriate, but to me, it’s all about the formality. “Personally, I prefer long, but I know there are some girls that can pull off short dresses for Prom,” Libby Burgher ‘14 said. You wouldn’t want to show up in a Homecoming dress-that’s too casual, even some Winter Formal dresses are too. One good thing to keep in mind is as the year progresses: the school dances get more and more formal.

At Homecoming, a guy can easily get away with jeans

and a button down shirt. At Winter Formal, it’s time to slap on a tie and buy some dress pants. Now for Prom, showing up in jeans is unacceptable, even dress `pants alone are barely cutting it.

It’s all about your suit and tie. “Nothing is too formal for prom,” Trent Kutchara ‘14 said. So when you’re looking to order your dress online, or standing in a sea of clothes racks at Yonkers, ask yourself, is this dress prom-propriate?

When you have your

Photo by Francisco Franco

High school is a time for friends, relationships, homework, and sports. From middle school to college and sometimes even further, kids compete for schools and clubs. Kids, teens and eventually young adults play sports. We even play them at a noncompetitive level in elementary school. All our lives we are taught to be competitive and do sports, but once we reach high school some teens are faced with the choice of sports or a job. I think teens should do sports in school. High school is a time to have fun and make friends. Having a job is important to get you ready for the real world, but it’s also an important time to do something you want, like play sports. You have your whole life ahead of you to have a job and work 40 hours a week. So why not spend your high school career doing something you may not be able to do after you graduate.

“I think sports teach discipline and teamwork,” Dustin Middlemist ‘13 said.

the biggest incentive to get things done in your life.

Your future holds the details of whether you will end up being a bum on the street because you didn’t care, or if you are to become a multibillionaire.

Oh I’m sorry, where are my manners? Don’t get me wrong, I play sports, but if it came down to having to chose, of course I would chose a job. Having a job keeps me financially fit.

With this economy I need the money to even survive.

A lot of people look at me and probably do not realize that I am a hard worker, not because of my lovely attitude but becasue of my looks. Without a job I would be stuck in circumstances that wouldn’t be fun for anyone. Having more experience helps you become what you want in life. Having a job really shows a lot of potential in a student. It shows: the responsibility, maturity, freedom, and dreams of a student. In all opinions its highschool, do what makes you happiest.

black tie attire set to go, it’s time to plan your ride! Are you driving yourself, showing up in style in a limo or pre partying it up on a party bus? Either way, one can’t go wrong. “I haven’t made specific plans, but I will probably just drive myself,” Burgher added. I myself, am going with a group of friends, and we’re splitting the cost of a party bus. What could be better than a dance party preparing you for the biggest party of your high school career?

Student anticipating preparation for prom

A

By Alex Snipes Photographer

lthough it may seem like a million years from now, prom will be sneaking up and smacking you in the face in no time. In other words, prepare yourselves! “I still need to get a dress,” Jamie Cash ‘14 admitted, “and book a hair appointment.” It takes so long for us girls to pick the perfect prom dress, so why not start shopping now?

Finding comfort in music Fighting against creating in and outside of school and accepting stereotypes

By Mitchell Myers Photographer High school is one big mess of just finding yourself.

You are making mistakes, making new friends, kindling old friendships, or throwing them away because they are poison to you. You try out your first radical hairstyle, you walk in the front doors afterwards, and it feels like you have everyone’s eyes on you. It is empower-

ing and at the same time, it scares the living crap out of you. High school is a place to make mistakes, it is a place to experiment, in many ways. Honestly though, the thing I experimented with in high school is music.

It went from me in my freshmen year, listening to bands like Alesana, All Time Low, or even Panic at the Disco. Music helped me leaps and bounds that year. Being a freshman I felt awkward and all around repellant, and music helped me see through that. Most of my teachers were not too fond of the kid with long black hair, covering his face, listening to music so loud everyone on the ramps could hear it.

I honestly think that music should be allowed in school as long as it is not distracting you from school, too much. Even now, four years later, I put in those

headphones and I go into my own world. Most people in high school are dealing with something, this month’s break up, yesterday’s lost boyfriend, or girlfriend, music can help people through that. I know of many songs that will get you through a hard time. Sometimes, a smile is just a song away.

Music can pump me up, it can make me cry, or it can give me hope.

Music even has the power to save a life, it can motivate more than think. It can make your day, or end your day. Music is the best thing to some people that think they have nothing.

Music is passion, music is life to some people. If that is you, keep your headphones in and keep your head up high. School is another activity in your everyday life, keep that music going. I promise you can get through this.

By Melloney Keller Photographer

No matter what, there will always be stereotypes.

Whether they’re because of where you live, what school you go to, how you dress, how you look, or even by who you hang out with. The list just keeps going on and on and on. There are stereotypes everywhere you go, even at Riverside. Riverside is a school out in Oakland,

about a 30-35 minute drive from Council Bluffs. We don’t know anything about Riverside and yet we give stereotypes just by where it’s at, as well as what time they start and dates for certain things. Though other than that, we’re all the same. Yes, there are a ton of boots and they do live in the “country”, but that is the only difference between them and our school. What I’m trying to say is, before you know the person, their family, or even their school, don’t judge them because one day the tables will be turned.

People are going to say stuff that you don’t like, and do stuff that you don’t approve of, but does it stop them from doing it?

Stereotypes aren’t always true, they are made because people are too scared or too shy to actually get to know the other person so they just judge them instead. Believe

it or not when people make stereotypes, they regret it in the furure. What I’m mainly trying to get at is why make stereotypes of others when they can easily make ones of you? Not all stereotypes are necessarily bad, but then again not all of them are so great either. You can go anywhere or do anything and there will always be stereotypes. So if people are going to make stereotypes about you, who cares. You know who you are, you know what you’ve done and that’s all that matters.

Never change who you are because of others, that’s not what classifies you as a person. Only you can create the stereotypes that are made for yourself. How you approach others and act towards them is how they’ll see you.

So don’t let stereotypes define you as a person, you know you’re better than that.

Opinion

Echoes

Staff Editorial

Jaidlyn Bookout | Opinion Editor

Echoes

Friends or frenemies

Editors-in-Chief Blake Willadsen Lauren Myers

Learning how to avoid those disguised people

When you’re surrounded by people for seven hours, you’re bound to meet people that you will adore and some who you wish never even existed. High school is both a learning and intellectual experience. You finish your school work in class and afterwards chat with the person sitting next to you. If people didn’t have friends, they’d be socially awkward.

By communicating with different people throughout the day, we start to realize who we enjoy spending our time with and those who we don’t give our full attention to. We all have our best friends, friends, acquaintances and sometimes even “frenemies.”

A “frenemy” is someone who portrays themselves as your friend but their

conversations about you could mean the opposite.

Some of us may not even realize we have a frenemy.

They could compliment your outfit at first but then the next moment they’ll be obliged to say how hideous it is to another person.

It’s as if these so called “friends” have a split personality and they just feel the need to come off so kind and innocent to your face but at the same time they would rather jump off a cliff than chat with you for awhile longer. You see a smile and someone who looks easy to get along with but their thoughts say otherwise. We all begin to realize who is really there for you.

Now you’re probably thinking, “How do I avoid these sort of people?” Well, as easy as it seems, keep

your true friends close. If you befriend someone who makes fun of another person, you’re associating with a bully. By staying away from someone like that, you’re saving yourself from getting hurt and being in trouble.

You prevent a lot of fights by doing so.

If you are acquainted with such a person, it’d be best to try make them change their ways. You may not persuade them easily on how they are in the wrong but maybe realizing how hurting someone’s feelings can get them into situations they don’t want to be in.

Even if you can’t stop them from gossiping and starting unnecessary drama, it may be best to just let go.

Focus on making room for the positive people, who aren’t trouble.

Section Editors Britteny Johnson Jaidlyn Bookout Krystal Hopkins Victoria Holcomb Business Manager Emmalee Adams Advertising Staff Amanda Peters Arianne Boehme Suzanne Peterson Photographers Alex Snipes Francisco Franco Mitch Myers Graphic Design Editor Hayley Hochstetler

The staff has voted in favor of this column 16 to 0.

Student realizes a bold passion for acting

By Joe Vrenick Multi-Media Specialist

If I haven’t told you already, I absolutely love acting! I’ve wanted to be an actor ever since I was a kid. Since then, I kept the dream of wanting to become an actor on the big screen, and I’m slowly trying to accomplish that dream. I’ve been doing as many shows as I can that A.L has put on

over the years, starting as a soda clerk in “I Remember Mama” my freshmen year, then ending up as Max in “Lend Me A Tenor” last fall.

It’s been quite fun, really!

My next big thing is trying to book auditions for short films. Just working my way up!

A question I got asked a lot when I did “Lend Me a Tenor” was “How do you memorize your lines?”

Well, obviously, you’re given a character and a script, and you have to memorize your character’s lines. How I managed to get my lines memorized is quite interesting. What I would do, is take about two hours out of my day, read the lines to myself in front of the mirror and say the lines two times through, the way I was supposed to say them, and a couple of other times while

using different accents. It makes practicing a little bit more fun and lets you explore different dialects.

Some accents I tried were South African, and Irish.

Another question I get is “What is it like to work with a big cast and have you ever been at each others throats?” As far as I can remember, the casts I’ve worked with have never been like that. We usually get mad if people screw up lines during practice, but that can be resolved easily.

And really, working with the cast is loads of fun! The best cast that I’ve worked with is a tough call. All of them are really good, but the two I just absolutely loved working on the most were “Tenor” and “Mama.” When I started out on “Mama,” I only knew a few people.

As the show progressed,

I knew everyone. We all got a long and it was very fun. I made four friends making “Mama”, and they’re huge influences to me. I won’t forget Austin Farwell, Elizabeth Beck, Elizabeth Ruckman, and most importantly, Erin Kinney (never met anybody as kind as Erin). They were all so welcoming, nice, and taught me a lot about acting as much as Mr. Mandelko has. I’ll never forget them despite I really upset one of them and I’ve not talked to the other three in a while!

“Tenor” was a bit of a different story. Almost all of us doing the show were friends before that and if we weren’t friends with one specific person, that changed a few days later.

An example, Daniel Pargas, never knew him before “Tenor” but we became

great friends while working on “Tenor”, and I really think he has potential as an actor. He’s really good! I’d love to work with him again on a show if I could!

I could go on forever about the people I’ve worked with, along with many techniques I find work when it comes to acting but I can only have so many words in a story.

So, my advice to this year’s freshmen and to many after this year is to audition for school plays. Senior One Acts are coming up and they’re really fun! Even if you’re skeptical about auditioning, do it anyway.

If you don’t get a part, ask to help in tech. Do whatever you can to help. You’ll make friends and work with the best director I’ve had the privilege to work with, Mr. Mandelko.

Etiquette advice from a working student

By Jessie

Adkins Photographer

Cartoon by Maranda Orth

You know what really grinds my gears? Rude people. I absolutely hate

rude people, especially when I’m at work. If I’m at work, you can bet I probably don’t want to be there, and someone coming along being rude and demanding, messing up my shelves, doesn’t help matters any.

When working in retail, you deal with some of the meanest, nastiest people you could imagine. So far I haven’t broken down into tears because of a customer, but I know many people that have. I mean seriously people, we are here to help you, but when you are snide

and demanding, you can forget getting good customer service from me. My job is to help you, not sit there and listen to you complain about how you think somthing is too expensive or gripe about how you think we should have a certain brand. Don’t complain, try something new.

I would think that when you’re out shopping, it’s towards the end of the day and you see all of the workers of a store cleaning and tidying up the store, that you would at least try

5

a little to not mess stuff up.

At least that’s how I am. I know there are some things that are inevitable to mess up with even one touch, like some makeups and deodorants. Like seriously, you knock over one deodorant and the domino effect destroys everything.

But other things like candy or something on a peg hook, they’re right there hanging in front of your face, you take one, or two, or however many your little heart desires, and you walk away.

There really no reason to

take them all off the hook and throw them on the ground just to get one in the back, do people think the one in the very back is better? Because let me tell you, it’s not, they are the exact same.

Going through the whole store making everything perfect, just to walk at 8:30 with a manager and get the stink eye because stuff is messed up, is severely irritating.

So I ask you AL, please get your chiz together and stop shopping like slobs.

Copy Editors Arianne Boehme Emmalee Adams Jessie Adkins Reporters Christina Rivera Cody Self Danielle Rambo Holly Jensen Josh Cross Maddi Martinez Megan Figueroa Melloney Keller Nathan Vorce Taylor Crinklaw Tiffany Ferrer Tristan Agersea Digital Media Editors Brooke Criswell Kate Hiers Video Production Assistant Jazmine Orellana Lead Bloggers Kristin Molgaard Scott Brown Multimedia Specialist Joe Vrenick Foreign Correspondent Evan Giles 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

Into the lives of everyday students

Josh Krabbe

*Erin will be leaving for Fort Leonard Wood Army Center of Excellence on July 2 for 19 weeks. *“I am excited and nervous about getting yelled at everyday and having to wake up at 4 a.m.”

*”I’m excited about the experience of being able to be called a soldier.

It’s a big honor. *Erin was part of the swim team for the Council Bluffs Community School District.

Britteny Johnson | Feature Page Editor

*”I

wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps.” *Erin is apart of the ALHS ROTC program. *Erin will be graduating this year.

Photo by Alex Snipes

*Josh’s older brother, Jake Krabbie, was the starting quarterback for AL in 2006. *Josh is now working his way up in the ranks to be the starter as well. “I guess you could say I’m following in his footsteps.”

Alexa Murphy

Photo by Alex Snipes

*“(Having a sister that is a senior) has its advantages because the teachers know her, so they know who I am.” * J o s h ’ s extracurricular activities include: track, basketball, and football.

Reported by: Katie Hiers, Alex Snipes, Jessie Adkins, and Britteny Johnson

*He is considering joining the student council in the future * Josh wants to attend college at Iowa State or Iowa for architecture or engineering.

“But I’m not quite sure yet.

I’m pretty open to anything.”

Photo by Jessie Adkins

Erin Manifold

*I have been shadowing a veterinarian in Shelby County at the Shelby Vet Clinic for about four years now.

So far I’ve done an autopsy on a calf. I have also punctured a hole in a bull’s side to release gas, because it was bloated.

it’s almost years old.

2

*My favorite sport is soccer.

I’ve been playing it since I was three. *Ever since sixth grade I’ve wanted to go to Iowa State U n i v e r s i t y, and become a Veterinarian.

*I have a cow named Missy,

*I in

also track,

am and

cross country so I prioritize them by their importance. *I also do 4H, so during the Summer I do a lot with my cow in preparation. I prepare my cow, by grooming it, training it for certain events, and doing certain things to improve its appearance.

7

8

Britteny Johnson | Feature Page Editor

Feature

Echoes

#Twinning in our school

T

By Victoria Holcomb & Jared Holcomb

Journalism Staff

hrough Abraham Lincoln, younger siblings are often asked by teachers whether they are related to one of their older brothers or sisters, or older siblings might take their younger brothers or sisters under their wing. But a small group of siblings are unique, even more so than in other families. Twins--both the more identifiable identical and the more common fraternal--attend Abraham Lincoln. Most students know at least one of the many pairs of twins that go to AL, but unless they have a twin themselves one might not realize what it really means

to be a twin.

“Being identical, you’re living with a copy of yourself,” Patrick Jones ‘15 said. “(It) can be bad because you have the same friends and interests.”

Patrick and Alex Jones, identical twins and sophomores, are similar in not just their looks, but their after-school interests as well. They have admitted to switching names on friends who can’t tell them apart, and when they are inclined, work extremely well as brothers. The Jones brothers have competed together on the Council Bluffs Swim team for the last two years, both swimming separate events, but still have a lot of competition between them. Patrick has also started running track, while both brothers have thought about running cross country next fall.

“It’s kind of intense, because its like a grudge match every day with your arch rival and the winner gets bragging rights,” Jones said.

Other twins in school have competition between them, and have fun with the perks of being twins.

Olivia and Lydia Navarette ‘14, are one of the many sets of identical twins that switched places, passing off as the other.

Although, switching during cross country (their common sport) would be more difficult than it was back in grade school. Olivia has had more experience on the team, entitling her to next season’s co-captain. While Lydia has had less, the two are less likely to be able to switch.

Although, this doesn’t give them less competition, it brings more bonding between these two.

Normally it can be

difficult, if not impossible to tell the difference between some of the identical twins at A.L. The opposite can be true with fraternal twins, as people can mistake them for being different ages, and sometimes they might be even mistaken for not being related. One of these sets of fraternal twins are the Coleman brothers.

Juniors Keowa and Uquallia Coleman are juniors that share a birthday, but they are two very different people.

“We do Organic Gardening Club together,” Keowa said. “At home he’s in his area, and I’m in mine.

We each kind of do our own thing. It’s kind of the same as any other sibling, we’re just the same age.”

Twins are alike and different in many ways, but most of all, they are connected in ways no one else can be.

Photo by Alex Snipes

Seniors preparing to make college decisions

By Brianna Harding Crimson & Blue

Ready or not, college is coming for seniors; maybe a little faster than they thought. Rushing to make final deadlines for scholarships, even admission into college may have been the last thing on their minds

with prom and graduation also approaching. Seniors have been anticipating their final days of high school all year long; how are some students managing the stress of making their final college decisions?

For Alexandra Heitoff, college has always been a must. But it wasn’t until recently did she narrow down her choices to a school she has favored throughout her senior year.

“The longer you wait,

the more stressful it is,” Heithoff said. “I know people who have dropped out (of college) within a year because they weren’t happy at their school. I’m pretty sure I will be attending the University of Northern Iowa.

It has always been at the top of my list.”

Another senior, Megan Funhauser, is taking her time making her final decision.

With plans to hopefully attend Iowa State University, there is plenty to be nervous

about as the end of the year approaches.

“I’m getting nervous for college. I put a lot of thought into it and I looked at other states and chose the best for me right now,” Funkhauser said. “You don’t know what the future has in store for you. The choices you make now determine your future.”

Choosing a college couldn’t have been easier for other seniors. After being offered scholarships in academics or sports, even

being influenced by older siblings could make the decision easier on students.

Seamus St. Clair began his searching early, during his junior year, after watching his older sister graduate.

“I started planning and visiting colleges junior year,” St. Clair said. “It has relieved a lot of stress to make the decision earlier and it gave me time to think. I’m planning on attending Luther College.”

Drue Cull, a film fan,

has a similar story. He may have been unsure about attending the University of Iowa at first, but majoring in cinema has been his dream.

Thought his decision might have come naturally, being prepared doesn’t hurt in the life changing decision of choosing a college.

“Choosing your college is one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever have to make in your younger life,” Cull said.

“Seniors want to take a while to make the right decision.”

Students eagerly awaiting Spring Break

During the 2013 spring break, students plan to spend time with family, friends, and have a good time. Photos by Alex Snipes

By Tiffany Ferrer Reporter Over the school year a lot of students look forward to the breaks that come. All year long the constant complaint that school goes on forever is heard most everywhere.

Students complain of having no time to relax. Being able to hang out, catch up with the news on the family, celebrate exciting things, sleep in, and have fun is what is on every student’s mind. Spring Break is a time to catch up on all these things.

“Anything I do will be a blast of fun. Nothing I do will exactly be memorable but very pleasing and it will last. Hanging with my friends, and chilling with my families, even getting to know the new people out there. Until then though I’m getting ready for the spring time fun,” Josh Ingrim ‘14 said.

This year there will be a four day break plus the weekend, giving several people time to let loose and welcome in the spring. With Spring Break coming up a

lot of students are hoping the weather will get better so they can start getting into the warm weather spirit that comes along with spring.

Some students have a lot to do for Spring Break but don’t exactly know what to do.

“I plan on hanging out with my boyfriend the whole time. We plan on doing interesting stuff and hanging out with his family. Driving around hanging out with my friends and chilling with my family,” Amber Mullen ‘15 said.

Hanging out with friends

is one of the frequent things students do when they are not in school. During this fun and exciting break, people plan on going places and hanging out with their best friends or even their significant other to make memories from the very start. Even with all that students plan on having a good time vacationing out in a whole ‘nother state.

“I don’t think I will remember Spring Break, but I may go to Colorado,” Dustin Middlemist ‘14 said.

Whether students are hanging out with friends and family or relaxing with a new friend on a vacation in a

different state Spring Break is coming and it’ll be a time to relax and let the new season come.

Entertainment

Echoes

Lauren Myers | Entertainment Editor

9

Q And A with “Healthy Mind, Healthy Body”, Kati Morton

By Lauren Myers Editor-in-Chief

Kati Morton is a MFTI (Marriage and Family Therapist Intern) who vlogs and lives in Los Angeles, California.

She shares information that she uses in her practice as a therapist: tips, coping skills, help, and guidance. In her videos she talks about eating disorders and self-harm.

Her YouTube channel is about working towards a healthy mind and a healthy body.

Do you feel there’s a stigma associated with not only the topics you touch base on in your videos, but therapy as a whole?

When did you first start your YouTube channel and putting out your videos? What were the reasons of why to start putting out your videos?

Definitely, a lot of people will think that I’m going to “Therapize” them. As if I have some mind jujitsu I do or pull on people. I don’t know what they assume by thinking that I’m a therapist. I definitely get the stigma that way.

It’s been a little over a year. It came about for a couple of reasons, the number one, I know a lot of people try to get help and go to treatment, then get booted out because of insurance. Or it is hard to reach out and don’t really get help until they’ve been hurting for a really long time.

Also, the people that I treat as well. Stigma is attached to getting help and coming in.

I had a client, during her first appointment she came in and said “my mom didn’t want me to come here because I’m only suffering from depression”. I thought, that’s a lot though. She said her mom was like “don’t tell anyone you’re coming.”

I remember thinking about that. A lot of people say “going to therapy is weak,” but actually, it is really hard, it is a lot of work. It would be easier to stay the way we are and not change, but that’s not what we want. I think reminding ourselves that going to therapy and getting help actually means that we are really strong and there’s no shame in it. When I do my videos, that’s what I try and say. I’m raising awareness. It’s okay everyone needs help.

What advice would you give to high school students about being comfortable in their own skin?

That’s something that takes time. I get a lot of questions from people struggling with body image, and sadly it comes along with self-harm and eating disorders. Looking back, in highschool I don’t think that I felt that good about myself. I don’t think many do because it’s a time of transition. As we get older, and work through the issues and learn to love ourselves or what it is that our bodies do for us - you’ll appreciate it.

Things we can do in the moment to make ourselves feel better, to help us along, is positive information. Every time you hear a negative voice, an eating disorder or self-harm voice, don’t take it at face value. You don’t have to listen to that. We have to learn to talk back and feed ourselves positive information. Otherwise, we only hear negative things all day and it starts to hurt us then we feel bad.

Because I worked in different levels of treatment, I saw the spectrum of it. There really needed to be a way for people to access healthy information by getting online. I started to put out videos and made a commitment to do one a week for an entire year then tried to see where it went. There seems to be a lot more need - it shows that we need to raise awareness and that’s been my goal from here on out.

What has been the most rewarding experience with all of this - both your career and YouTube channel?

There is so many. I remember going into this, I will do it for a year. Even if it helps one person, it is all worth it. Not a day goes by now, that I don’t read something that makes me tear up.

On Tumblr, I received an anonymous message from a mother. It was about her son. He got out of treatment, he’s doing really well, and he told her the reason he decided to get help and reach out to her, was because of me. It makes me all sad - but it’s a happy thing, it feels good.

For me, you don’t get into therapy for the money, you get into it because it’s so rewarding emotionally. To watch people grow, change and become the people who they’re suppose to be is just so brave and it is such a gift to receive everyday.

All of the hard work and hours are worth it.

Check out the full interview at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtwGaDv-Te0 Check out Kati’s channel and videos at: http://www.youtube.com/user/KatiMorton

An Echoes Original Story: ‘Time Jumper’ Part 2

Events to look Forward to: Disney’s the Lion King Orpheum Theater (till 04/07)

Echoes Entertainment presents an original piece of fiction

By Joe Vrenick Multi-Media Specialist

Time of day: October 12, 2009 12:32 P.M. I’m being followed. I need to wait 3 more minutes before I can jump. I need to keep these two distracted somehow. I walk down an alley on my right. I’ll see where it goes.

I have the upper hand since they’re far behind me. A minute and a half now to go. I’m now in an empty plaza. My JD reads 30 seconds. Roland and Greg are nowhere in sight. That’s not good. Then out of the blue right behind me, I hear the whistling noise of someone entering the time stream! They jumped

and caught up with me!

Five more seconds and I can Jump. They walk up a little close to me. Greg draws his gun. Three, two, one, press the trigger. They’re gone.

I’ve jumped back in time.

Still, no one in this plaza.

Good.

I need to plan my next move. I mark where I remember them standing and where I’m standing, then look around for something to use as a weapon. There’s a loose pipe on my right. I take it then go back to the markers.

Getting behind them would probably be the best option. I find my marker, stand over it, find the targets marker, move forward, then turn around.

I’m behind them. I press the trigger. I’m back in 2009. I swing the pipe across their

heads sending them both to the ground. That should keep them down for a bit. Need to keep moving.

Time: 10/12/2009 12:57 p.m. At the public archives, or as they were called in this era, libraries. I make my way in and find a way through to the back room. The restricted section. This is where they keep the files for every citizen in town. This helps the police with storage. Files are all sorted by last name. Skim through some and there it is. Warding, Gregor. A very young boy soon to be dictator of the former United States.

They say, if you kill someone in the past, the future remains either the same or it is rewritten. The screams I hear from down the hall says otherwise...

Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power The Durham Musuem (till 05/05) Nature Connects Lauritzen Gardens (till 05/19)

Up and coming Movies:

The Host (3/29) G.I. Joe: Retaliation (3/29) Tyler Perry’s Temptation (3/29) Jurassic Park (4/05)

10

Lauren Myers | Entertainment Editor

Entertainment

Echoes

Gallon Smashing, Harlem Shake videos go viral Harlem Shake: new dance craze, Gallon Smashing: dangerous, illegal

By Britteny Johnson Features Editor

Con los terroristas(with terrorists). These three words are the beginning to the newest dance video craze to sweep the nation, the Harlem Shake. This new craze is performed to the song Harlem Shake by Baauer.

At the beginning of the video one person starts out wearing some sort of mask, dancing alone. The song proceeds to say, “and do the harlem shake”, this is the point where everyone, wearing costumes, masks and props as well, joins in performing their own dance moves.

Some of the moves performed during the video may be : the Bernie, the Dougie, crip walking, popping, and many more.

Many students at AL have been pulled into the craze either by deciding to make their own Harlem Shake video or participating in a video others were creat-

ing.

“Honestly, I hadn’t heard of it or seen it, I was out of the loop. It’s cool though, it kind of connects people, you may not know the people (you are Harlem Shaking with), but the trend connects us,” Natalie Carlon ‘14 said.

Another popular video craze going around is gallon smashing. In the gallon smashing videos, a person hides a camera (either on the floor, or with a friend), takes two gallons of milk, water, orange juice, etc., and smashes them together before pretending to fall.

The comments on the gallon smashing videos vary, from “that is so funny” to “this is so dumb.” No matter if it is “funny” or “dumb”, those participating in the act of gallon smashing need to understand that it is an illegal act they are taking part in.

Assuming that the gallons of milk, or other liquids that are being smashed have not been purchased, those participat-

ing in the act of smashing could possibly be charged with destruction of property.

Officer Matt Kuhlmann said there are other consequences of gallon smashing.

“(Offenders can be charged with) criminal mischief for the destruction of property and disorderly Conduct in a place of business for the disruption that it causes for the business. Both charges could be a ticket and a court date or jail if 18 and up.” Kuhlman said.

Some may find it funny, but others think it is not worth the hype.

“I think it is a weak prank that is not worth the trouble you could get in,” Kuhlman said.

Both of these new trends have hit the internet world hard, bringing both intrigue and controversy.

Crimson and Blue ReporterEric Forbus help contribute to this story.

Graphics By: Hayley Hochstetler

Q and A with Elmer Ellefson, Orchestra Teacher

By Jaidlyn Bookout Opinion Editor

What made you want to teach at A.L?

My position is split between AL and Kirn.

Which means I get to start the students as brand new beginners in sixth grade and then watch them grow into high schoolers.

How have you enjoyed your time here so far?

Coming to Council Bluffs has been very rewarding!

When did your teaching career begin?

My first job was in 1997 teaching middle school vocal and instrumental music.

If there is anything you would like to add that you think students and staff should know about yourself?

Photo By Francisco Franco

My wife and I got married when we were only ninteen years old, this summer we will celebrate our 20th anniversary! We have five children between the ages of three and fifteen. My favorite sport is the Nordic Combine and I love photography.

11

Blake Willadsen | Editor-in-chief

No excuses:

By Blake Willadsen Editor-in-chief

The spring lifting program for AL football players has started, and that means the unofficial start of the 2013-14 football season.

While the focus is still about getting better, there are a few changes that sixth year coach Justin Kammrad is making to highlight areas where the Lynx want t o im-

prove in this coming year. With the slow transition into the new season comes a whole new group a seniors that will take the role as leaders of the team.

One of those seniors will be Brandon Colpitts ‘14. Colpitts is a wide receiver and kick returner who has seen lots of game action at the varsity level. He has noticed some minor changes with the lifting program this year.

“The speed track is new this year, it’s the system with a whole bunch of resistance bands attached to it. It has four different stations each with a different explosive

movement,” Colpitts said.

“Coach is trying to emphasize speed work since last year a big problem was we weren’t as fast as some of the other teams. Hopefully next year we will be fast if not faster than them.”

In addition to lifting in the mornings, strength and conditioning class workouts, and track practice after school, certain skill position players attend special practices to get attention to

skills specific to their position. Joshua Krabbe ‘16 is a quarterback who is about to finish his first full year under the high school football program.

“It’s a lot more work and dedication. We are putting in a lot more time this year.

We have to come in extra days (sundays and after track practice) and work on throwing and mechanics.” Krabbe said.

Some of the freshman

Sports

Echoes

Football spring lifting underway

are starting to realize just how much more work and time it takes to be a part of a high school team. For some students, morning lifting will be the first time they had a practice before the school day starts.

“In high school football You have to work hard every day. There is no room to slack off for a day,” Brendan Hartman ‘16 said.

The veterans of the program have had a chance to see the work they do in the offseason pay off in the end.

While it can be a struggle for some athletes to make a workout before the sun is up Colpitts explains that it can be worth it. “(Doing track and lifting) it is extremely difficult.There are those days when you just don’t want to do it, but you have to push yourself through it because it will help you to better yourself later on,” Colpitts said. “It will pay off once the season comes around. You just have to keep telling yourself that.”

The team will continue to lift into the summer in preparation for the upcoming football season. While the workouts will change the teams new motto will remain. “No excuses.”

David Lewis finishes his set on bench press. (above) photo by Hayley Hochstetler

Jimmy McEntee maxes out on squat.

photo by Hayley Hochstetler

Upcoming events Tue. March 26, 3:30 PM Wed. March 27, 3:00 PM

Thu. March 28, 4:30 PM

Tennis:

Co-ed Track:

Varsity soccer vs Sioux City West

Varsity @ Harlan

@LCHS- CB Relays

@ CB Stadium

Two sport athletes Athletes working hard in both track, soccer

By Megan Figueroa Reporter

Playing sports and balancing school can be challenging, but what about playing multiple sports at one time? Some students like the challenge, and embrace it with 100% effort. Most students who play sports only commit themselves to one sport at a time, but those who play more than one have the

opportunity to keep their schedule busy and meet more people.

Pushing to the limits is what high school sports are all about to some students, exceeding beyond what any athlete thought they could achieve. Along with doing that, being a student first athlete second, two sport athletes must juggle two sports and school work at the same time. Delaney Bolton ‘14, admits there are challenges of being a two sport athlete, she also makes

it clear that playing more than one sport at a time takes a drive that some people may not have.

“It can be exhausting to play multiple sports, but I don’t think it’s that hard if you have the mindset to do it, but sometimes you’re physically and mentally exhausted while playing all of those sports, but at the same time it makes you work harder,” Bolton said.

Some athletes dream to continue to play sports in college. This opens up opportunities for many athletes to receive scholarships to a variety of col-

leges, allowing them more options. Having the ability to work hard at more than one sport and balance school along with that looks good to colleges, according to Alexandra Heithoff ‘13.

“I think it will help playing two sports at once in high school because a lot of colleges will look at all the sports you have played and playing two sports at once will look good because if you can excel at one sport while playing another one it will get colleges to look at you

and coaches will have more respect you,” Heithoff said.

During high school, some students like to go outside of the norm for themselves, others like to stick to what they know.

Playing two sports doesn’t just come easy for some people, so playing more than one sport at a time usually takes a lot of time throughout the years. Danielle Rambo ‘16 has been playing soccer and running track for some time and plans to continue it in high school as well.

“I’ve played two sports since I was little.The two sports that I like are soccer and track, I like soccer more than track but track helps me stay in shape for soccer so that’s kinda why I do both.”

Two sport athletes don’t limit themselves, they show that high school is about dedication, learning more about yourself, finding out what they have a passion for, and embracing ones talents.

Echoes

Sports

Blake Willadsen | Editor-in-chief

How to be a tennis professional Echoes staffers share some tips on how they get ready for a tennis match

1

By Brooke Criswell

Digital Media Co-Editor

By Krystal Hopkins By Britteny Johnson News Co-Editor Features Editor

2

Dress for success. Every accessory can be used, glam it up.

You have got to look good, to play good.

3

4

Know your equipment, use it properly.

12

5

Make sure to keep in great physical shape.

Lift those weights! You need to keep your arms toned.

Girls golf season tees off despite weather

By Krystal Hopkins News Co-Editor

Like many of the spring sports Girls golf had to start their season with snow on the ground. Due to the snow, spring sports have been practicing inside. For golf the practices are much different inside than out. The smooth gym floor is different than the grass course they are used to, therefore the team has had to put mats down to get a similar surface. Also, hitting regular golf balls would be dangerous indoors, so they use wiffle balls.

“It seems like every year we’ve had golf we’ve had the first week inside,” Hannah Goldapp ‘13 said. “We’re kinda ready to get outside and play some holes, there is just not a lot you can do inside with a ball.”

Once the weather is better and they can work out-

side, the season will be in full swing. The team hauls their clubs over to the Fox Run Golf Club to practice and start working on multiple things to meet their goals for this season. Their biggest goal is to improve from last year both individually and as a team. However, there are some goals for the competitions they will be attending.

“Our team goals are to win the city tournament, the conference tournament, as well as finish top four at the state regional meet,” Coach Jas o n Smith said.

T will volve of many

his ina lot practice, golfers at these

competitions have been golfing for years.

“The teams that play at the state regional meet, all six girls have been golf-

ing since they could walk, its like they shouldn’t even be playing high school golf,”

Hannah Goldapp ‘13 said.

There are many difficult aspects in golf. Not only are there physical and mental challenges like other sports, it also has dozens of rules.

In golf the players have to be very precise in all their moves. There are also rules, for example, where one is not allowed to have their shadow in the line of play. If any of the rules are broken the ball has to be replayed.

Another hard part of playing is that the players have to carry all their equipment with them.

One misconception is that they get to ride a g o l f cart to each hole; however golf carts are not allowed in these games. The golfers carry everything with them: clubs, extra clothes, and water.

“You have to be very careful how you pack your bags,” Ellie Krabbe ‘13 said.

If you take too much you’ll end up being really tired, but you don’t want to take not enough so it’s learning what that happy medium is.”

Many may not recognize how difficult of a sport golf is because it is normally seen as a leisure activity.

“Golf has always been looked at as a pass,” Krabbe said. “Students watch rich people like Tiger Woods golf on TV and they’re good so they just think it’s easy. But you really have to be a golfer, I think its a lot more than people think it is. It’s a lot more physical, and a lot more mental (than people think).”

Although golf may not be as physically demanding as football or wrestling, it proves challenging for many because of the mental aspects of the game. The first meet will be March 28, the AL invite, at Dodge-Riverside golf course.