Issue 5

ECHOES

Issue 5 January 2013

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

Students start seeing lunch changes

National programs to make impact over next several years adequate attempt at making kids have all the spectrums of the food pyramid, but I don’t think it is going to be affective,” Kelly McElroy ‘13 said.

According to foodservicedirector.com, for the first time in 15 years, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made significant changes to school meals in an attempt to stop and prevent childhood obesity.

Accoring to charitysub.org, today’s youth is the first generation to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents due to obesity.

The federal government has also attempted to change the guidelines of what the school can serve for lunch.

However, according to obesity.net, a school lunch’s nutritional value doesn’t always match up with the government’s guidelines.

AL has not had many changes--some of the few alterations are things such as serving sizes of fruits and vegetables, as well as having to have one or the other on one’s tray before leaving to eat. Along with new vegetable and fruit requirements, one no longer has the option of shredded cheese and croutons at the salad bar.

“We just have more fruits and vegetables on hand.

There is more fresh fruit prep, as far as cleaning and bagging fresh fruit. There

By Britteny Johnson Features Editor

By Krystal Hopkins News Co-Editor

Diamonte Hill ‘16 and Ricker Rudd ‘16 finish off their meals (above). Keegan Cudmore ‘13 (below) enjoys some pears. Photos by Francisco Franco

In the past few years, school lunches have changed in numerous ways: the food on the trays is different, as well as the amount of food that is mandatory to be on the tray.

In the upcoming school years, there are expected to be many changes put into effect. According to foodservicedirector.com, the new requirements mandate that high school students must be offered five cups of vegetables a week (fresh, canned, or frozen), which would be one cup a day, two ounces of grain a day, along with two ounces of meat or meat alternative, and milk (fat-free flavored, fat-free, and low-fat non flavored milk). All of these things must be offered to each student in high school. Though not all is mandatory to be taken by the students, such as beans and peas may be substituted for the meat and meat alternatives. Though there is a limit to how many calories are allowed to be given to all grades, high schoolers are maxed out at 850 calories.

“I think it was a relatively

are also juices on Mondays and Thursdays, because the price of fresh fruit is outrageous, they did not take that into consideration, the cost that it was going to be,” Ronda Buchta, kitchen assistant manager said.

According to fns.usda. gov, these new changes are a large part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which First Lady Michelle Obama sponsored as part of her “Let’s Move!” campaign.

“I think it(the changes) will take awhile to work. I don’t think everyone will be very open to it, and there will be a lot of complaining, but I think if they keep it up, it will help,” Kristine Campbell, school nurse, said.

With these changes many students would like the option of off-campus lunch, however, AL does not allow it.

“Safety is the main issue,” Principal Todd Barnett said. “You can’t keep track of kids leaving, and with all of the things that have been going on across the nation...if we just start letting people come and go as they want the building becomes very insecure.” (see “Recent shootings” story on page 2) Though some may not like the new lunch changes-the portions will be smaller and one has to get fruits or vegetables--these are the steps being taken to get children to eat healthy.

ALechoes.com

Sean O’Brien ‘13

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Latino Success Club offering students many opportunities

“Crispitos.”

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Students anticipating upcoming concerts, games, tv shows

PAGE

What’s Inside:

“Mashed potatoes and chicken.”

PAGE

“Grilled cheese and tomato soup.”

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Olivia Leisinger ‘13

Taylor Volentine ‘13

“What is your favorite school lunch?”

IWCC football team wins national championship

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Krystal Hopkins & Victoria Holcomb | News Co-Editors

News

Echoes

Recent shootings increase school security

By Taylor Crinklaw Reporter As the years go on, it seems that tragedy is more and more an everyday occurrence. It seems that nowhere is really safe. School is the one place students are supposed to be themselves and learn freely, but students can not even go there and be perfectly safe. One after another, shootings appear to be happening everywhere. One of the worst recent occurrences is the Sandy Hook shooting; 20 young children lost their lives, along with six staff members.

Many students state that they think something like Sandy Hook could happen here in Council Bluffs, even here at Abraham Lincoln High School.

“With the possibilities it could, it’s a scary thing to think about, but honestly it could,” Breanna Waugh ‘16 said.

School should always be a place where students can feel safe.

“I think we should feel safe, but I don’t think people actually do,” Waugh said.

Most students do feel safe at school, but knowing that shootings have happened a lot of places there is always a small amount of fear.

“There’s always that thought in the back of my mind, that ‘what if,’” Flenker said.

Parents have a different outlook on the safety at the

school their children attend.

“I feel pretty confident.

Is there always that danger?

Yes, but the chances are slim,” English Teacher Michael Mcintosh said.

“I believe they’re safe because I think the school does all they can to keep the kids as safe as they can. If

is putting new rules and policies into action to help insure the safety of their students, but at Abraham Lincoln there is a discussion about putting in maglocks, which requires visitors to be buzzed in, but that’s hard with students constantly leaving, whether it be for Tucker Center or leav-

already have in place, and some areas where we need to get stricter. Some of the things that they’ve already done are only have one enter and exit door, and having all the offices and officers located up front, across from the doors.

What needs to be done to make this the safest place for the students and staff?

“Rebuild what students feel and know what’s safe and not safe. You can put as much safety regulations and safety things in your school, but if they don’t think it’s okay to go to an adult with a problem then that’s not going to do anything,” Principal Todd Barnett said.

After these national trag-

“There’s always that thought in the back of my mind, that ‘what if.’”

-Kaitlyn Flenker ‘16 something does happen they inform us, whether it be by letter, email, or a phone call,” said Dawn Shafer, special education teacher.

Every school obviously

ing just to leave. After the events that have happened at Sandy Hook, Von Maur, and the Colorado shooting, the school system has reviewed all safety regulations that we

edies, some schools around the world are even letting students have phones in the classroom incase of emergency they can respond and get help. Also according to richmondregister.com, Virginia schools are discussing the fact that, everyone needs to follow the check-in rule, where one must show identification before being able to go anywhere besides the main office. “(The check-in rule) is one safety measure that should be routine, no matter how inconvenient,” says an officer told the Richmond Register.

The safety of students while at AL, as well as all schools across the country, will forever be in question by the events that have happened in the past months.

Students participating in alternative P.E. options

By Tristan Agersea Reporter Ivan Fuentes ‘15 and Salvador Martinez ‘16 work together on English Photo by Francisco Franco

Latino Success Club emerges

By Nathan Vorce Reporter There are many things that help a high school feel more connected. One of those things is having good assortment of people from different cultures. In a high school, it is very important to maintain a level of diversity. There are many ways to help make a school diverse. One way is by making a club, like AL has. It is for this reason that AL has started a Latino Success Club.

Elpidio Saldana ‘15 attends the Latino Success Club meetings regularly. He was also one of the students that helped create the club. “I helped create the club, and give them some ideas.”

The club has many different

activities that they participate in.

“We gather and give each other ideas and make posters promoting the club,” Saldana ‘15 said. “The club has enough people, but anyone is invited to join.”

The club is student run, with ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher Sarah Gillman and Counselor Larella Rangel as the co-sponsors.

“The students came up with the name, motto, purpose, meeting times, sponsors, and activities they want to do,” Counselor Larella Rangel said. “A group of students got together and created a club that could help promote their background. The club is a way they can show their uniqueness. The students want to promote an inclusive environment for all.”

The Crimson & Blue won a “first class” award from the national scholastic press association, which is the second highest designation. It is the first time since 1988, the staff has won this award. The staff also won a mark of distiction for photography.

Both co-sponsors were approached by the students to help be sponsors for the club. Both are happy and impressed at the students will to run the club.

“Currently, the club is watching a documentary that they can compare to their stories,” Gillman said. “The purpose of the club is to help Latino students become more involved in the school, to teach about Hispanic culture and tradition. To empower students to identify and stand up for discrimination, and to promote an inclusive environment for all.”

The Latino Success club is one of many emerging clubs at AL, similar to the A.L.L IN club that helps give the school a feeling of connection and accepting diversity, traits important to the together feeling at school.

Physical education has always been full of games and exercises that show the students’ attributes such as speed, strength and agility.

P.E. teaches the basic fundamentals of many sports and physical activities through exercises and games, but now this class may no longer involve any kind of physical activity at all. For decades, physical education has been a part of the elementary and high school curriculum, but maybe not anymore.

The reason for this change is a computer class called Apex.

Apex learning seems to be expanding in all classes and now even into P.E. Taking P.E. on Apex is now present in the Council Bluffs Community School District. Apex is a class for all students to choose and put into their school schedule. Some find this a smart move towards a bright future, but there are others that find it completely ludacris.

Many find this as an easy pass out of exercise and even a whole class, some find it as an insult to not just physical

education but also to teaching as a total. Both students and administration members have conflicting opinions towards this step into what a lot of people are referring to as “Technology Land”.

Whether this is a step forward or a step back is up to those whom both make this class and those who take this class. Those who make and/ or enforce this class into the school curriculum and scheduling seem to believe that it is a good thing since they are infact enforcing and putting the class into students schedules as well.

Many do think the Apex learning program is a step forward and should be even more dominant in the educational system.

Administration members aren’t the only ones who seem to be enjoying the idea of P.E. on Apex. Some students are finding this class as an exciting opportunity into an easy A. “If I had the choice between actual P.E. and Apex, I’d choose Apex everytime,” Savannah Conaway ‘13 said.

Though many like it, some are finding this neither fair nor acceptable.

“Good or bad, either way, nobody is going to actually

News Briefs Justin Bieber surpasses Lady Gaga becoming the most followed person on Twitter with 33,333,554 followers and counting.

U.S. Education Department study says high school graduation rate nationally is the highest since 1976.

exercise and that defeats the purpose of P.E.,” Tad Nelson ‘14 said.

Both student and teachers alike are having some conflicting feelings and opinions.

“I think it’s a step back especially with childhood obesity being at the all time high that it is... it is a choice for students, but maybe not the most healthy choice... It is fine in some circumstances but I feel those who don’t actually NEED to take the class on Apex shouldn’t be able to,” said Holly Demarque, Physical Education Teacher.

Physical education is now in Apex and it seems that it’s not going to be the last class that Apex adopts into its expanding learning program. Some people find this opportunity as a blessing and some find it insulting, but either way it is an opinion.

Whether you find this leap into Technology Land good or bad is something that everyone is going to have to learn how to cope with regardless of ones own opinion because it seems that Apex is not only going to be around for awhile but may also be a large part of the future of the educational system, including physical education.

Snow and slick roadways caused multiple pile-ups involving at least 86 vehicles in Ohio. Causing one death and at least 20 people hospitalized with non life threatening injuries.

News Briefs courtesy Google News

News

Echoes

Krystal Hopkins & Victoria Holcomb | News Co-Editors

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Next year bringing new school calendar New schedule will bring new start date, new end date, shorter breaks

By Brooke Criswell

Digital Projects Co-Editor

Every year, there are inevitable changes that are decided throughout the school districts. This upcoming school year of 2013-2014 there will be new calendar schedule changes. The major effect is mainly that students will be starting later such as in early September or the end of August; along with ending

later than usual in June.

“Dr. (Martha) Bruckner gets ideas then gets together the pros and cons and comes to us,” JJ Harvey, a member on the school board, said.

Since the district has arranged the schedule into trimesters, they don’t have to worry about finishing the first semester before Winter break.

The Iowa Legislative lawmakers have been discussing that they require school districts to begin the school year no earlier than the fourth week of August.

That is the reason the school year will be extended until the first week of June.

“We’re being proactive in

adjusting our start date in line with that decision,” Diane Ostrowski, District Spokesperson, said.

It has also been said that the Iowa Legislature is making this a law now because of the Iowa State Fair that happens during the usual time students start school back up.

“The fair shouldn’t have too much effect on the Council Bluffs area, but since it’s statewide, we are changing the days,” Harvey said.

The major changes that are going to take place besides the start and ending dates are the breaks in between that students and staff get will be held during different weeks. Winter break will

be a little shorter by getting out Dec. 23 and lasting until Jan. 3. Instead of ending the second trimester in February, to make sure each trimester is 61 days, It will be ending March 4. Students and staff will then get the next two days off if there aren’t any snow days that could be put into play. March 10 would be the start of third trimester.

During April, there will be another six day break.

Throughout the year, there will be days here and there between months that students will be getting off.

“Of course it’s always going to have an affect on someone, they can’t benefit everyone by changes,” Harvey said.

With the year starting later, many students are used to the starting in Fall. On the other hand though, getting out in what already feels like summer could raise some attention.

“I’ll be ready to go back, but I’ll be ready for summer in May and so it will feel like the year is dragging out,” Brittany Hutchens ‘15 said.

Other complications that have been brought up are vacations, summer jobs, and the weather.

“My family goes on vacation in June and nobody likes to be inside all day when it’s nice outside,” Hutchens said.

This year, the summer will be extended for twelve

weeks instead of the average nine to ten. There are many opportunities during this time for students to take advantage of.

“We hope students take some time to get involved in activities to keep their brains active to reduce what is often called ‘summer slide’ in learning,” Ostrowski said.

The many effects a new schedule can inhibit may impact the summer lives of many students, faculty, and the attitude towards the school system. With a new schedule arriving at the end of August, this upcoming, longer summer break may be exactly what the students need.

DECA hosts superhero themed winter formal

By Danielle

Rambo Reporter

Everyone’s back from winter break and students at Abraham Lincoln were ready for the Winter Formal dance on Jan. 12 to hang with friends and have fun.

The theme was “Heroes of the Night” and even though Spider-Man or Batman didn’t show up, about 250 students did show up. Students’ impressions of the dance were that it would not be as good as homecoming. This was the seniors’ last Winter Formal and they spent their time dancing by the DJ. The students that were on court

for King and Queen had great attitudes towards everything and would have been happy for anyone of them to win.

“I’m flattered that people like me and want me as a representative,” Isabella Taylor ‘13 said. “If I had to pick someone to win, it would be my best friend.”

Some people went with dates to the dance, while other’s decided to go by themselves or with a group of friends.

“I like to go to hang out with friends,” Tori Albertus ‘16 said. “And it’s fun to go dress shopping.”

Many freshman had fun at the dance, and it was a positive experience for them.

“It was fun and I think my group had a lot of fun,” Deana Roth ‘16 said. “I might go next year if they played better music.”

Some students think there could have been some

changes to make the dance more exciting such as better music, more people, the theme, and where the dance should be held. The decorations at the dance consisted of door streamers and cutouts of superheroes.

“I think there should be more slow songs,” Hunter Sachs ‘16 said. “So I can dance with more girls.”

Others thought the theme would be more fun if they stuck with it throughout the whole dance.

“I think they should change the way they do the crowns,” Jade Thomas ‘15 said.

“They should have the crowns go with the theme.”

Deca has to do lots of things to prepare for winter formal.

To come up with decorations, they look through books from companies that make

decorations. For the date, they work things out with Activities Director Jeff Novotny to make sure there’s no activities or sporting events going on. To find the theme, they look through a

dance book and choose 5-6 themes and come up with one that they think everyone will like.

“Since I’ve been helping for sixteen years,” Deca adviser Kristy Courter said. “It isn’t

so stressful anymore, if something like a snow storm happens then it’s stressful.”

Deca has hosted winter formal every year for the past 16 years, and many more to go.

ConAgra holds skating activity to cure hunger

By Brooke Criswell

Digital Projects Co-Editor

With the season being cold and snowy, there aren’t as many outdoor activities available compared to during the summertime. Conagra Foods is teaming up once again with The Food Bank for Heartland to create an artificial, chilled ice rink.

“The ice rink is located on the ConAgra Foods campus.

ConAgra Foods is the lead sponsor of the Shine the Light on Hunger campaign and the ice rink is just a portion of the overall campaign,” said Brian Barks, Director of development for this food bank.

There is a five dollar admissions unless you’re five years of age and younger. All

of the proceeds go directly to the Food Bank of Heartland.

Up to one hundred thousand dollars, ConAgra Foods will match the amount in which is raised.

With the Food Bank for Heartland being the largest non profit organization in Nebraska and Iowa to start this up; since 1981, they have been very successful with their collections for families.

The goal for this year is to gather a total of 1.1 million meals to feed those in need of a little help.

“I look forward to the experience and to spend time with friends.” Jessica Roane ‘15 said. “It’s just fun to skate, take pictures, chat, and drink hot chocolate with a bunch of close friends.”

By every dollar donated, they are feeding three meals to those in need. With the economy being in such a struggle, many who come for help are in poverty.

Along with ice skating when one goes, the public is encouraged to bring nonperishable foods.

On their website, they have a mission statement for which Food Bank of Heartland believes in.

“Our mission is to continue helping those in need and to stop hunger. This is done in our community by those that donate their time, money, and food.”

According to Foodbankofheartland.org in 2012, they distributed nearly nine million pounds of food to local nonprofit agencies.

They have touched nearly 250,000 lives in the past fiscal year.

“Food is a basic necessity of life. We believe every walk of life, young and old, should have access to nutritious food,” said Barks.

Thirty- seven million americans seek for food assistance each and every

year. 4,420 of them are children in Pottawatomie county. By enjoying a winter activity, the five dollars admission fee everyone will be feeding a family of four for an entire day.

“I’m not big into snow or ice skating but I go every year and even took my cousins just for the fact they donate all their proceeds,” Jamie Cash ‘14 said. “That makes me feel good knowing I’m helping others while enjoying time with my friends and family.”

The food bank of Heartland is very involved not only throughout the winter time. They serve more than 325 food pantries, emergency shelters, after school programs, and senior housings.

This event had ended on January 6th 2013. People are still capable of donating on Shinethelightonhunger.org throughout the year.

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Page Design by Jaidlyn Bookout | Opinion Editor

Opinion

Echoes

Speaking about religious views in school

Religion should not be involved Denying religion in schools is in government funded schools simply close-minded ignorance

By Cody Self Reporter Religion in schools has always been a very heated topic to discuss. From the teaching of evolution to classes on creationism, we have always walked a thin line between incorporating or not incorporating religious ideals in public schools. Religion should not be a topic that is discussed in our public schools simply because of our nation’s ideal of separating church and state.

Don’t get me wrong, however, because I understand that our country also prides itself on freedom of

speech. Instead of thinking there are only radical options, there should simply just be guidelines. Public schools are exactly that: public. If people want to practice their religion, that is fine and completely within their rights. If this practice starts to offend someone, however, the person practicing said religion should respect the opinions of others and stop. The whole premise of the separation of church and state is that the government should not interfere with public relations based on religious ideals, so the fact that public schools are funded and basically run by the government means that religion shouldn’t be a part of it at all.

Now, all that being said, I believe it is simply a matter of balancing both sides of the issue. As I stated earlier, students should be allowed to practice their religions as long as it doesn’t disrupt or offend others in the school.

This makes it so people can express themselves through their religion while not offending those of different religions as well. I also

believe that teachers should not be able to practice religion in public schools.

This isn’t biased because of age or anything like that, but more on authoritative status.

Teachers are role models and influences on many of the students they teach, so they shouldn’t be practicing religions in front of students they could potentially be influencing. That doesn’t mean that students can’t join special clubs based on religion, but these clubs shouldn’t be school sponsored.

The point is that school is governmental, which should imply that anything religious should be exempt, which basically brings this argument to a close anyway.

I do understand, however, that this radical viewpoint is just that--out there. This isn’t an issue that should be debated with simple one sided viewpoints, though.

Guidelines should be used to regulate certain aspects of the issue to fit everyone’s needs. This will make both sides happy through the power of compromise, which is what should have happened long ago.

By Tristan Agersea Reporter God, gods, martyrs and spiritual saviors; all of these things are not accepted or even allowed in almost all school settings. Many think that the subject of any kind of religion or faith being expressed in school should be seen as inappropriate and even somewhat taboo, but does anybody know why? Maybe this question is something one should give a ponder.

Religion has been taught, learned and practiced all throughout history and is the base of every single kind of society since the begin-

ning of civility. If faiths are such a large part of history and cultures all over the world, why can’t the U.S. public school systems allow it in school settings? Without religion there would be no society to begin with and the fact that the public schools don’t allow the practice of any kind of religion or faith in school is simple deprivation of knowledge.

The First Amendment is something that comes to a lot of people’s minds when it comes to the subject.

Freedom of expression is a natural born right that is supposed to be shown with pride and dignity. Unfortunately there is still so much ignorance in a lot of the adult figures in this society that make it almost impossible to do so. Now that ignorance is starting to show in younger social groups such as teens and even preteens due to this. It seems as if that part of society is scared and doesn’t want their children to learn about something that could make them question the opinion of their authority figures which is a rational fear for the fact

that it’s a sense of lack of control, but if we don’t teach tomorrow’s adults to question, our society will never move forward.

The counterpart to this argument is stating that because everyone is different that it might offend someone but that dictation of no religion in school was set in a somewhat close-minded part of time and the truth is that in our society there are openminded people (especially children) who go to school to learn so why not learn about religion? People are suppose to cross lines, they’re supposed to offend the norm; if nobody challenged the norm of ignorance, there would still be slavery, sickness, poverty etc. Having any kind of serious confrontation because they think differently is simple ignorance and that is what shouldn’t be tolerated. Ignorance is an epidemic that needs to be cured throughout all of society and this is a good start. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and beliefs.

Regardless of what you believe, everyone should at least respect others.

The imaginary fingerprints of the internet life

By Tiffany Ferrer Reporter

Imagine being tracked by every single thing you do.

That’s quite simple to do, it’s all just a click away. Online media has become a popular “spark” to people around the world. Everything you do, whether it be from your computer to your phone, leaves one more “imaginary fingerprint” from you. It’s a pretty big world out there, and now with the new power of technology, anyone can see every detail you put out there. Whether it be your address or your personal life

written as a diary, it will be seen. A lot of people join in the social networking, and new media sites to become in the loop with their friends.

Just one thing you do is everywhere. Now if you think about it, all your personal information and pictures, even videos you make, are in the hands of everyone. As much as you wanna say that is an invasion of rights, it really isn’t, because, one, you put it out there for everyone to see, and two, because it’s in the

digital world. I find it funny though, that people would think of putting things up that cause so many problems. One thing you hear walking through our halls is, “Where’s the popcorn?” or “Time to sit back and watch.” If you realize that it doesn’t mean a thing you just look like you crave the attention. A lot of people don’t realize the stuff they put up on their web pages and sites is seen all over the place. By all over the place I mean it--it could even be

your next stalker. However, everyone has something that goes out there.

I know I have done it because of a big thing on Facebook. I posted a picture of my party night and my fun time, to even putting up exactly where I live to remind my friends and show off my life. Knowing me, I have a tendency like most teens to have “bad language”, adding people I don’t know, and tend to put up a lot more pictures of my fun time then I really needed

to. I didn’t know that my boss had the idea of looking at my profile causing me to have a “wonderful” day of work after that. What happened was that I didn’t like my boss and it caused me to get a pink slip for several reasons like language indecency, causing trouble with the work environment, and inappropriate behavior. After that it really got me thinking that I’m not gonna get a better job like this and even at that, I won’t even get into a major college.

Student notices a daily problem amongst peers

By Kate Hiers

Digital Projects Co-Editor Something that has always bothered me throughout grade school until now

is when people don’t take advantage of their academics. Why do so many not even strive to be successful?

It always leaves me puzzled, you’re handed a free education yet so many decide to let it go to waste. It wouldn’t surprise me if ten years from now that most of my peers would be flipping burgers or homeless. Of course a lot of people don’t know what they want to be when they’re grown up or are indecisive, but that’s not an excuse to neglect your education. Going to class, paying attention to the curriculum and getting

the best grades you can doesn’t seem to be an interest to anyone anymore. It’s not that difficult. Of course everyone learns at their own pace, but if people would stop being so lazy and meet deadlines, they’d realize how easy it really is.

When you have the privilege to be educated at your fingertips, why would you simply not take advantage of it? Most of us who actually want to go places in the world and soak up knowledge have to strenuously sit through classes where teachers spend more time putting

up with enraged students than teaching. Having these occurrences even in college level classes is extremely petty; you obviously have the potential for a better future and you simply waste it away by ticking the teachers off or by being completely obnoxious. Going to class shouldn’t consist of listening to people discuss all the parties they’ve gotten “wasted” at or watching idiotic students that can’t even sit in their desk because they’re so intoxicated with substances.

It’s completely ridiculous, and I can’t stand it.

How could you go to school everyday knowing that you’re failing all your classes, skipping every period to go smoke behind the track’s shed, or dealing hydros and adderal in the hallways? Throwing your future away is something I could never do, and I don’t understand why anyone would. When you excel in your education, anything is possible.

Why would you want to repeat your freshman classes as a junior? If you really could care less about your education, why would

you even go to school?

You’re really just ruining it for the ones who actually strive to be successful and work their butts off in the process. If you’re going to come to school high and make a scene or start fights with everyone, then don’t even come at all. School is strictly for learning, developing skills, and obtaining knowledge to help/use in the future. School’s supposed to be somewhere you can enjoy going, a safe sanctuary. Now all it seems to be is an ashtray for idiocy being taken over by apathetic students.

Echoes

Staff Editorial

The staff voted in favor of this column 25 to 0.

Opinion

Jaidlyn Bookout | Opinion Editor

School continues bringing a winter chill

Photo Illustration by Tiffany Ferrer Weather has been a temperamental enemy this year, from the burning summer, to the strange fall-like beginning to this winter. One thing that hasn’t been strange this year is the

constant chill we all feel in the school. Whether the temperature outside is 90 degrees or 27, our school has been cold...very cold.

Sometimes, it’d be nice if, just for once, the school

temperature worked with the outside weather.

Oh, alright, if it’s necessary, let’s mention that some places in the school are just fine when it comes to the weather. Let’s take right here in the Journalism room as an example: one half of this large room is the perfect temperature, making you feel just great after walking in from the chilly outdoors, but, the other half makes you freeze your booty off. The Journalism room is (most days) one of the very few places in this school where the temperature is somewhat nice, but the other parts of the school are freezing.

This chilly temperature makes you want to bring a giant fuzzy blanket to school (which we all know would be an awful idea-- everyone would be asleep all the time,

but bring them anyways).

Some even have a hard time getting out of bed knowing that once they leave the warm confines of their covers, they will be in the chilly world, and soon in the chilly school.

Now, unless we all decide to pack up and ship out to somewhere warm and lovely, we will need to remember that our weather and our school is cold, and not just cold--freezing. In the previous issue of the Echoes, our staff editorial was about wearing appropriate attire for the winter season. Take this seriously, the weather is changing yet, so neither is the temperature in this school. All of us here are in serious need of large jackets, thick socks, and thermal underwear. Maybe, just maybe, then we would be

comfortable. Though I doubt we’ll be seeing those fashion crazes jump into popularity anytime soon, so until things change, both inside and out, let’s just dress warmly, bring blankets, and snuggle your favorite teddy bear.

A message to our readers: We would like to apologize for an opinion column which was published in our previous issue. The column was copied from a blog and printed in the Echoes without consent of the author and without the approval of our staff or adviser. We take the issue of plagiarism very seriously.

We pride ourselves in the original work that each member of our staff puts out and will continue to give you the best coverage possible.

Expecting royality: The Middleton Baby

Photo Illustration by Tiffany Ferrers

By Lauren Myers Editor-in-Chief April 29, 2011: the day the whole world watched in awe as Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, got married. Before and after their marriage, numerous questions were brought up in the media, including,

“when will the couple have their first child?” News in early December answered that question. Kate is not only pregnant with her and Prince William’s first child--or Prince Charles and the Middleton’s first grandchild--but with Queen Elizabeth the II’s first greatgrandchild. According to dailymail.uk, if Elizabeth

still sits on the throne when the child is born, it will be the first time in over 120 years that a reigning monarch will meet a greatgrandchild, which I think it fascinating. Also, regardless of gender, the child can eventually succeed to the throne because of changes in the rules of whom can retrieve the throne that came late last year. The changes mean that if Middleton gives birth to a girl, the child will take precedence over younger brothers in the line of succession and will become Monarch. In that incident, yet again, another queen would reign over England (go girl power!).

I know that I happen to be not the only one wondering how it would be to be born into royalty: from being lavished with gifts and all that my heart desires to even being depressed from always being in the spotlight and chased by paparazzi. But as we all know, the buzz

A new perspective of the stereotyped nerd

Photo by Jessie Adkins

By Joe Vrenick Multi-Media Specialist In almost every high school out there, you have your usual cliques.The majority of the school falls into categories of jocks, preppy girls, hipsters, anime fanatics, punk rockers, choir kids, drama folk, and the very small section called nerds. I happen to fall under in the category of nerd, believe it or not. Like I said, its a very small section sadly, because there aren’t very many here. So, just what does it really mean to be typecasted as nerd?

Well, first off, most of us aren’t everyone’s stereotypical perception on what a nerd looks and acts like. We don’t all have greasy hair, or have big, old glasses fixed with tape. We’re not all shy and social outcasts. We aren’t all on the chess team and not all of us are math and computer experts! That’s just something you saw on television that made you believe that all nerds are like that. It’s a common stereotype that’s a really bad example. It’s very hard to find a good example of what nerd is really like on TV and in movies. The only real good example of a nerd we

before the child arrives is the mother’s pregnancy.

I have came across some interesting things surrounding Kate’s pregnancy. First off, if Kate feels overwhelmed as a mother to be in the spotlight she can surely ask for advice from fellow American celebrity moms, such as Snooki (true fact, in an interview Snooki offered Kate some pregnancy advice). No matter what the child’s name ends up being, we won’t have to speculate its looks because of photos dailymail posted on its website of how their child may look. If you are interested in keeping up with the fetus, you can turn to various Twitter accounts

made for it, “#FollowFetus.”

You will surely see an infinite amount of Kate’s gradually expanding “bump” thanks to things called magazines. Lastly, rumor has it that people are placing bets on what the child’s name will be. From Elizabeth, Charles, Diana to even Frances. But the name game is one of many bets.

Bets are also being placed on the child’s hair color, eye color, and even date of birth.

Whether the child has all its heart desires or hates that it is always in the spotlight from the time it’s born to adulthood, based on all that the pregnancy has stirred up, for surely, this is not the last of (insert first name here) Wales we will hear of.

see in media is a character we’re all familiar with.

That would be the Amazing Spider-Man himself, Peter Parker. While yes, he wears glasses and is quite shy when it comes to Gwen Stacy or Mary Jane, he’s not your stereotypical nerd. In fact, everyone can relate to him some way or another with the many morals we can learn in the many adventures of Spider-Man. An example would be of responsibility when given a powerful choice of change.

Hence the moral catch phrase, “with great power comes great responsibility.”

Now some of the readers may question why I didn’t use the characters from “The Big Bang Theory” as an example! While they are nerds, yes, they are not the best examples of what a nerd actually is. I mean sure, there are maybe people like them in reality, but they were written for silliness.

Being a nerd maybe silly in places, but it’s also very serious at times. Hence, it being a bad example.

Here’s really what a nerd is! They can be normal people, they can be weird

people, they can be popular people, or they can be angry people. It doesn’t matter who you are! All that matters is that you have a passionate love for fiction! There’s a festival where nerds go to express their love for fiction and then get excited for something new! This festival is known as Comic Con and it happens every year in New York, Chicago and San Diego, once every three months. Yes, we are a little angry about “Star Wars 7” and are excited to see “Pacific Rim” and “Iron Man 3” this summer! But that doesn’t mean we’re not funny, or incredibly intelligent, heck, some nerds don’t even love Star Trek.

Not all nerds have to love Star Trek you know.

So, I know it’s kind of a round about way of saying it, but I guess being a nerd is not only what one would consider a social class, but its also something you feel spiritually either being in the social class of nerd, or not being in it. You just have this huge love of fiction and you don’t care about what everyone else thinks. That’s what being a nerd really is!

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Editors-in-Chief Blake Willadsen Lauren Myers 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 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 Megan Figueroa Melloney Keller Nathan Vorce Taylor Crinklaw Tiffany Ferrer Tristan Agersea Digital Projects Editors Brooke Criswell Kate Hiers 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

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Page Design by Britteny Johnson, Krystal Hopkins, Victoria Holcomb, Lauren Myers, Blake Willadsen, Jessie Adkins

Underage smoking gateway to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine

By Lauren Myers Editor-in-Chief

According to drugfacts.com, an addiction “is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted individual and to those around him or her.”

To some, an addiction is to those of drugs and alcohol. But there happens to be other things one may become addicted to: texting, plastic surgery, or shopping. When looking at statistics or around the school, to some there seems to be an addiction with students: an addiction of tobacco use.

“I think it is terrible and it gives the school a bad image,” said Sarah Steinmetz, Talented and Gifted Strategist. “We want a clean and inviting environment to others. I think it is wrong that students go outside between classes to go and smoke. I think some of the students are under 18 and some may not even go to this school. Something should be done about it. I don’t know what though.”

So is there a connection between smoking and adolescents? According to drugabuse. gov, there is. Tobacco use in teens in not only a result of peer pressure but biological reasons for being in a period of their life where there is an increase in vulnerability. Adolescents may also be more sensitive to the reinforcing effects of nicotine in combination with other chemicals found in cigarettes increasing susceptibility to tobacco addiction. For one student, tobacco use is a way to relieve stress.

“I’ve been smoking for the past two years,” an anonymous student ‘13 said. “My mother has smoked since she was 16 years old.

(Smoking) is just a way for me to relax and forget about everything.”

One student may use tobacco as a stress reliever but some think that tobacco use is negative because of many reasons.

“It closes doors for many people,” Scott Brown ‘15 said. “I think that they are ruining

their lives, their body, and hurting others around them from second hand smoke.”

School campuses in the district are tobacco/ nicotine-free. Meaning, there will be no use of smoking or use of tobacco or nicotine products in any district building, vehicle, or on school grounds at any time. According to the policy, these prohibitions apply to students, employees, and visitors. The prohibitions also apply at all times, including non-sponsored and non-school activities. Visitors who fail to abide are required to immediately leave the premises or their tobacco/nicotine products will

“On my end, a student would receive a citation,” said Matt Kuhlmann, Resource Officer. “The first offense is $50, the second offense is $100, and the third is $250. If a student is 18, they can receive a citation.

The school can give them up to a three day suspension” No matter what opinion one may have about adolescents and tobacco use, if a student is found with or using them on school grounds disciplinary actions can be taken.

Students who have questions or concerns regarding tobacco use or addiction can contact

“It closes doors for many people, I think that they are ruining their lives, their body, and hurting others around them from second hand smoke.”

Scott Brown ‘15 be seized. Students and employees violating the policy may have disciplinary action. It is the responsibility of the administration to enforce this policy.

“It is hard because students who are of the age (of smoking) go across the street to smoke and the ones who are underage see that and go join them,” said Michael McLaughlin, Assistant Principal. “What we do if we find a student with tobacco on school grounds is we have them go to Officer (Matt) Kuhlmann. If a student is of the age of 18, we give the tobacco (back) to them after school (because it is a legal right), if they are under the age of 18 we take it from them.”

Students who are the age of 18 or under, if found using or possessing tobacco products on school grounds can be fined with a ticket due to violating the school district’s policy. The only difference between students who are the age of 18 and those under is that students who are 18 are given back their tobacco products because it is a legal right since they are of legal age to purchase and use tobacco.

their school guidance counselor or one of the following below: Alegent Health Tobacco Treatment “I can” program - Group Classes 1-800253-4368 Tobacco Free U - Individual Tobacco Counseling Lisa R. Fuchs, MHA, RRT, CTTS Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist 402-960-2903 Tobaccofreeu@gmail.com Telephone Counseling: Help within the state: 1-800-784-8669 American Cancer Society National Quitline: 1-877-938-7848 (24 hours a day) American Lung Association: 1-800-5488252

The truth about underage smoking

By Lauren Myers Editor-in-Chief

*More than 80 percent of smokers begin before the age of 18. *Each day, 3,000 teenagers begin smoking; nearly 1,000 die as a result. *Adolescents are 13 times more likely to smoke if their peers do. *One out of five teenagers who are addicted to cigarettes smoke 13 to 15 a day. *If both parents smoke, adolescents are more than twice as likely to smoke than adolescents with nonsmoking parents. *Teenagers who smoke are three times more likely to use alcohol, eight times more likely to smoke marijuana, and 22 times more likely to use cocaine. *Forty percent of teen smokers who have tried to quit smoking have failed.

Information gathered from: Dosomething.org

Breaking the habit: Tips to help quit smoking 1. Be ready to completely commit.

2. Plan your course of action. Set up a support system, have someone to call when you are falling, and have a reward system.

Plan what you are going to do if you have an urge. Have it written out and placed in places you would normally smoke.

3. Know why you are quitting. Make a list of why you are quitting. Keep it in a place you will always see it.

4. Have a reward plan. Plan a reward for the first three days, maybe the fourth, also the first week, second week, first month, second month, sixth month, and a whole year. Make the rewards things you can look forward too.

5. If you fail, it is not the end of the world. You can just get back up and try again. You will learn what makes you break into your old habits and learn how to cope with them.

For more tips visit zenhabits.net/10-tips-for-quitting-smoking/ Information gather from zenhabits.net

Silhouettes by Jessie Adkins, Cigarette image courtesy MCT campus

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Britteny Johnson | Feature Page Editor

Feature

Making the right choice in resolutions

By Jaidlyn Bookout Opinion Editor

With the passing of New Years day, comes the very first days of New Year’s resolutions. People all over the world, young and old make resolutions to start the year off fresh. A new year means forgetting about the past and to some people this is an opportunity to become a new and better person. Although there are many similar or popular resolutions, they vary from person to person. Personal experiences and goals push

someone to want to make a life-changing commitment and the New Year is the perfect time. Whether it be wanting to start eating healthy, not talking to an ex, or saving your money for something important like college, the possibilities are endless. While some people spend time finding the perfect resolution some students didn’t think making a change in their life was necessary. “I didn’t make a resolution because I couldn’t really think of a good one,” Savanna Beaman ‘13 said.

“I’d rather just live the year

how it goes, not by it being planned.”

While some students choose to let the days go by without a significant goal to strive towards, others found their resolution and are dead set on sticking to it for the rest of the year .

“My New Year’s resolution is to spend more time with my friends,” Lexie Bates ‘15 said. “I chose that because my friends are the most important thing to me, they are there whenever I need help or advice.”

For others, making resolutions can be easy, you

think of something you want to change and plan to do so, but keeping those resolutions is the hard part. Breaking a habit can be harder than what most people anticipate. These first few days may seem like a piece of cake but as the months go on, sticking to a new commitment for a whole year or even longer can get challenging. According to StatisticBrain.com, 64 percent of people who make resolutions last past one month but only 46 percent of people had maintained their goal past six months.

Although the majority of

students and staff members might have already made new resolutions, remember not to make them too difficult.

Don’t follow friends and make the same commitment just because it seems like everyone else is doing it as well. Make sure that you truly care about what you want to change about yourself.

Think reasonably and start out small. By carefully choosing your resolutions and thinking reasonability, you are creating a smaller possibility of failure. The tradition of making New Years resolutions has been

Echoes

around for over 4,000 years.

So for those of you who may have already broken your resolutions, you are only one of the tens of thousands who have also broken a commitment.

“For people who have broken their resolution, next year they should make sure their resolution isn’t too hard for them to commit to.”

Sierra Soch ‘14 said.

It’s important for one to remember that just because you slipped up you can always continue with your resolution, taking it one day at a time.

Moritz takes long road to teaching career

Photo by illustration by Hayley Hochstetler

By Krystal Hopkins News Co-Editor Biology teacher Brian Moritz didn’t always know he wanted to be a teacher,

he dealt with many odd jobs before he discovered teaching was his ultimate career choice. He first went to college at the University of Nebraska in Kearney.

After two years in college he had decided to study to work for the wildlife service, although six months after graduating he was still working as a pizza delivery person. He got a job testing cups of soil that farmers would send in to the company to find out how fertile it was and if it had any chemicals in it, though he didn’t like how boring the job could be.

One of Moritz’s more unique jobs was when he was hired by parks and game to work on a migratory bird project. The job consisted of him moving a lot and living in tiny shacks that were in poor condition, in one case he was living at an abandoned missile bunker and was only paid $7 an hour.

However, about 12 years ago he was laid off. With little money to pay the rent for his apartment, he started pawning his stuff to manage the bills and was searching for a job. He saw that the city was hiring and decided

it was worth a try. He was interviewed and asked to come back to work the next day. The next day was the start of one of the worst jobs he had.

“The manager told me I was the garbage man,” Moritz said. “I had only wore a sweatshirt and jeans, so I was freezing. Right around lunch time we picked up some trash and threw it in the back of the truck, when the truck started to crush it, the bag exploded. The bags come from a business that didn’t have a bathroom so they had been throwing away their waste, and I was covered in it. This is when I decided to do something else.”

Moritz went back to UNK for teaching. He has now been teaching for about nine years.

“I like that each day is a different day and that it’s a new experience. You never know what will happen, so it’s an opportunity to start over,” Moritz said.

Although he doesn’t

work for the wildlife service like he had originally wanted to do, he still likes to go canoeing, hiking, camping, and backpacking. Moritz also plays the drums, so every once in awhile Moritz and some of his friends will “get the band back together.”

He has been married to preschool teacher Bekka Moritz for the past six and a half years. They have two boys, the oldest being two years old and the other is 9 months old.

At the end of the school year, Moritz takes his AP Biology class on a trip to Preparation Canyon State Recreation Area, in Menona County, Iowa. On the trip, the students apply what was learned in the classroom to a real world experience. The class did quality testing on water, soil, and air. They also surveyed plants and animals as well as geocaching, which is finding certain items hidden in parks and other outdoors areas. One would find the geocache using

latitude and longitude. For this trip, Moritz hid boxes before the students went on the trip. In the boxes there were slips of paper, once all the papers were collected they became a riddle.

During his time here, Moritz has made classes more enjoyable for some students.

“He was a great teacher,” Garrett Lee ‘14 said. “We did a lot of hands on labs, he just made the class fun.”

Moritz is also a sponsor for National Honor Society (NHS) with Bob Hanson.

As a sponsor they help the students organize events and plan group meetings.

“I wanted to become more involved in school events,” Moritz said. “Mr. (Bob) Hansen asked if I would consider being Cosponsor, and I accepted.”

Moritz has lived a very interesting life thus far with his many jobs leading up to teaching. Now, being at AL, he makes the most out of every class he gets to teach.

Q and A with the“Iowa Nice Guy”, Scott Siepker

By Kate Hiers

Digital Projects Co-Editor Scott Siepker known as “Iowa Nice Guy” became quite viral over the past year.

Calling themselves the Iowa Filmmakers, Siepker and his fellow filmmakers Paul David Benedict, and Brendan Dunphy are climbing up the ladder of success. Alongside Disney and ESPN, Iowa Filmmakers have been given various awards, and also do a weekly update on “College Football Daily” including their response on the weeks plays. The Echoes spoke with Scott Siepker about his journey throughout filmmaking.

What’s your biggest goal for the Iowa Filmmakers?

To make Iowa a destination for film television and web series.

That’s ultimately what we want to do, we want to fill in that void that was left after the tax credit scandal that happened replace it with a really strong infrastructure,

that can not only do one project a year but multiple projects throughout the year, to create jobs for some really talented artists that are in the state but are not doing filmmaking since the tax credit scandal. So that’s ultimately what we want to accomplish.

What are your biggest awards and achievements so far?

After “Iowa Nice” (released), Rachel Maddow called “Iowa Nice” the best political ad to come out of Iowa. Iowa nice got a webby honoree. (oscars of web videos) We were right alongside with Disney and ESPN. Which of course ESPN extended an invitation to do twice weekly videos about college football for them, now all of sudden we are partnering with them.

We not only want our stories to be epic, humbling, and humane, we want to tell that story in the best quality possible.

We went from three guys with a camera, to now being recognized on a national

statewide scale. So we’re much closer than we were a year ago, but of course there’s still a long way to go.

What’s been most successful?

“Iowa Nice”, because it’s the genesis of everything else. The Iowa Nice video had well over a million views on Youtube. It’s also nice to see that NBC used Iowa Nice for a news story. The “Hawkeye Nice” video put us on ESPN national.

What’s your favorite football team?

Shameless love for the Buffalo Bills NFL team. I went to ISU but was raised as a Hawkeye fan. I’ve gone to a bowl game for the Hawkeyes, but I’ve also taken off my shirt and painted my chest for the Cyclones. To borrow a phrase, I am “Scott divided” What was your first feedback? Was it controversial sense you’re so one sided?

The first thing that came out was where the computer was invented. People did take our video to be kind of liberal leading, and that wasn’t

necessarily an intention.

What were just trying to do was state facts that were true in a hysterical and comedic way. Of course people put their own interpretation on the facts.

What does the Sport fans of CFD have to say?

We always defend Iowa and ISU of course, but we always make fun of Nebraska. A majority of Nebraskans are great and get the joke, but you always get those people that do get upset, you’re always going to make someone mad. If you’re making at least 10% of the population mad then you’re obviously being funny.

Have you ever thought about going back into the psychology field?

The plan was that I’d go and get my PHD and become a counseling psychologists.

However, I took a very happy and enjoyable detour, I don’t see myself ever getting back into that higher education of psychology. One of the cool things about acting is that you can experience

Filmmaker Scott Siepker and his hit Youtube video have reached over 1,000,000 views. every role in life, whether it be a doctor, a lawyer, or a firemen. There’s only one job in the universe that you can do all of those things, and that’s being an actor. Granted you’re only going to be that for 6-8 weeks, whatever it may be, but I love diving deep into those characters.

Really exploring those lives and learning about them.

Obstacles?

Nobody thinks it’s possible to do what we’re trying to do in Iowa. Getting your foot in the door to show them what makes you different from the rest is the key. Also financially committing yourself to your projects. Iowans want to help you make your dreams come true. We stand on their shoulders especially when we’re moving forward.

Entertainment

Echoes

Lauren Myers | Entertainment Editor

9

Upcoming entertainment in popculture

Students anticipate books, games, movies, tv shows

By Holly Jensen Reporter Welcome to the new year! With the new year comes fresh opportunities, bright horizons, and exciting plans. To ring in the year the students at ALHS talked about what they are looking forward to, anything from video games to their favorite television series, soon to come back and hit their screens.

Upcoming video games are a big topic buzzing around school, whether it’s another part to their favorite series or something completely new and ready to give gamers a new adventure.

Bioshock: Infinite, Gears of War: Judgement, and Dead Space 3 are a few of the highly anticipated video games.

“There’s a lot I’m looking forward to,” Garrett Smith ‘14 said, “Dead Space 3, Gears of War: Judgement,

Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Bioshock: Infinite, Rainbow Six: Patriots, and the next generation consoles.”

Gamers aren’t the only ones who are looking ahead to the future months. Readers are ready to revisit their favorite authors through their new stories. Stephen King, a popular horror novelist, has a highly anticipated sequel to his famous novel, The Shining. This sequel is called Doctor Sleep and tells the story of Danny Torrance, a surviving character from the first book. Another book to be looking out for is the third novel in the Divergent series.

Though it is still untitled at the moment, it is expected to be released this fall.

The film industry also has a big year ahead of them filled with superheroes, book-to-movie adaptations, and classics being brought back to life. For many fans Avengers left them hungry for more, and hopefully Thor

Judgement Halo

and Ironman can keep the sated for a moment. That’s right, Iron man 3 is expected this may and Thor: The Dark World is expected to arrive on the big screen this November. The classic tale of Dorothy and her adventures in the Land of Oz is brought back and given a fresh start as Oz: The Great and Powerful, it plans to release March 8. Some of the students are also looking forward to the possibilities that film has to offer.

“I want to see the Host, Hangover 3, Grown Ups 2, and Enders Game,” Cheyanne Johnsen ‘15 said.

Theaters may have big screens but the television series have fans patiently waiting during their mid-season breaks or the never-ending space between seasons. One dedicated fan is ready for the wait to be over.

“I watch The Walking Dead,” Rachel Cottone-Dungan ‘14 said. “American Hor-

Blacklist

Gears of War

The Walking dead

ror Story, Teen Wolf, Once Upon a Time, Ink Wars, and Awkward.”

If anyone is feeling the pain of a mid-season break, it’s the fans of “The Walking Dead”. The television series has gained popularity and is expected to return this February after a cliffhanger that left fans stunned. Speaking of cliffhangers, those who watch Awkward know the painstaking wait as they still don’t know of their season premiere date but on the plus side they will get twenty episodes instead of twelve like season one and two.

There are plenty of new things to look forward to in 2013 and the year shows promise to be a great one and since the world didn’t end, we can keep making plans for the year and hope another apocalypse doesn’t come and try to spoil the fun.

American Horror Story

Ender’s Game Hangover 3 Warm Bodies

River Riot

IRONMAN 3

Dead Space 3 Awkward

Ink Wars

Once Upon A Time

Austin Powers 4 Teen Wolf

Grown Ups 2 Supernatural Across

2. If it’s hanging over you and someone of the opposite gender, you might have to kiss them.

4. The precipitation that is received when the temperature is 32 or below.

6. It is very slippery. Watch out for it when walking. It’s frozen water.

7. It’s the ____ season. And Happy ______s!

8. A nasty combination of water and snow that splashes everywhere when stepped in 10. Scolding hot, yet sweet beverage, can include marshmallows if you so desire

Down 1. A creation, usually consisting of 3 snowballs, a carrot, and other possible accesories.

3. A dessert, consisting of a common birthday party food, and a nutritious group of foods that includes the apple, orange and cherry.

5.The name of the season after fall and before spring..

9. The northernmost place on the globe. Residential area of Santa..

11. Can put this on your driveway and street to alleviate it of ice and snow.

12.This driven machine will clear the streets of snow and move it ever so conveniently into the front of your driveway.

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Lauren Myers | Entertainment Editor

Entertainment

Echoes

Filmstreams hosts variety of movie events Review

Photos by Hayley Hochstetler

By Blake Willadsen Editor-in-chief

Just a short walk from the beautiful new TD Ameritrade ballpark in Omaha is a small independent theater.

The Ruth Sokolof Theater or “Film Streams” is home to a variety of events that are as they put it “devoted to the presentation and discussion of film as an art form.”

Events ranging from classic or silent films (with live piano accompaniment in the theater), A live streaming of an Opera, a variety of independent films & documentaries, as well as several other events.

From the minute I walked

up to the theater I was intrigued. On the walls of The Saddle Creek building there are several pieces of street art. As you walk in the door Its easy to notice the unique approach that Film streams takes to film. In one corner of the lobby is seating and a bookshelf with lots of reading material, In the other corner is a very modern concession stand, and on the wall is an exhibit dedicated to Ruth Sokolof, an educator and advocate for visual impaired kids who battled cancer for 30 years. The concession stand has all the usual theater snacks, but I had to chuckle when I saw they’re selection of wine available to purchase along the counter.The projectors they use seemed to be smaller but where a higher

Cartoon by Tiffany Ferrer

quality picture.

Also of note was the ticket prices. For one typical weekend price ticket at other local theaters you will spend $9.50 for a ticket. On any given day at film streams the most you are guaranteed to spend no more that nine dollars. Seniors and students pay seven dollars any day of year and If you are a member (or if you ride your bike to the theater) you only pay $4.50 for a ticket. The first of the month they also host a free movie night for students.

The movie I went to see was called “Chasing Ice”. It is a documentary that tells the story of Photographer James Balog and his journey to try and capture the melting of glaciers. Balog placed cameras in Alaska, Green-

land, as well as other places to try and capture physical evidence of climate change.

The movie went much deeper than just work that he captured, but told the story of all the dedication and perseverance of someone who is passionate about something.

The maintenance of the cameras alone was a considerable feat. It is always nice to have a reminder of the hard work that it takes to be successful every once and awhile. The pictures that Balog captures are incredible. You will see a glacier the size of the island of Manhattan (only 3x taller) melt and float into the ocean over the course of only a few years. Balog himself said before he started work on this that he didn’t even believe in climate change which I

identify with completely because this documentary has changed the way I look at the issue entirely. I highly recommend taking a trip down to watch yourself.

Film Streams is a much needed breath of fresh air to cinema that anyone can enjoy. In a time where fast cars, explosions, and sexy women are what brings the masses the movie theater, Film Streams is trying to make film an art form again. I

was impacted by the fact that there was people from many walks of life in the theater watching with me; old folks, teenagers, and families. As I walked down the street to the theater, a group of moviegoers had organized a discussion in Blue Line Coffee just down the street.

“Devoted to the presentation and discussion of film as an art form.” What a perfect slogan for this theater. I give it 3.5 stars out of 4.

Sports throwing the curve

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Page Design by Blake Willadsen

Josh Ryan ‘13 and Mackenzie Jones ‘13 are looking to finish their senior seasons strong.

By Victoria Holcomb News Co-Editor

During the winter months, Thunderbowl is used as an ally to the members of AL’s bowling teams. Athletes fill the lanes Mondays, Wednesdays and some Fridays from 3:30 to 5:00. When competing against schools all over the area, practice is key.

Before practices can start there are tryouts. During

the three day tryouts everyone interested bowled five games. The lowest game was dropped and the remaining four were averaged out to determine placements.

This year’s bowling team has some new members.

Starting just this year, Hailey Epperson ‘14 and Josh Ryan ‘13 tried out for various reasons.

Epperson started bowling a few years back then for the first time tried out this year, “I started because I missed doing it,” she said.

Following in his dad’s

footsteps Ryan said, “I started when I was ten, on a league, with my brother and sister.”

Some bowlers go out to have fun with their friends, and others try out to complete goals they have set.

“My favorite part is being with my bowling friends,” Mackenzie Jones ‘13 said.

Goals can also be met through hard work and practice.

“A goal is to make it to state like every year, there is a lot of experience,” Philip

Swimming

Upcoming events Feb. 2 8:30 PM, MRC Championships @ Johnston summit pool Feb. 9 12:00 PM ,District swim meet @ Marshalltown High School

Jan. 31 6:00 PM, Varsity vs Denison-Schleswig| Lewis Central|

Wrestling

Harlan |Denison HS

Feb. 6 7:00 PM,

Varsity vs Regionals TBD

Feb. 9 12:00 PM,

Varsity vs District Meet, LeMars HS

Feb. 14 9:00 AM,

Varsity vs State Tournament , Wells Fargo

Arena

Basketball

Boys Jan. 31 5:45 PM/7:30 Varsity/JV vs Harlan

Girls Jan.29 5:45 PM/7:30 PM JV/Varsity @ Omaha Duchesne

Feb. 1 5:45/7:30

Jan.31 5:45 PM/7:30

Varsity/JV vs Lincoln East

Varsity/JV vs Harlan

via lynxpride.org

Dickinson ‘13 said.

“My goal is to get a 200 before the seasons up,“ Epperson said.

With goals in mind, everyone wants to earn strikes and break scores. Each member has their own way of earning those strikes with the technique they prefer.

“The preferred style of bowling is curveball, everyone on varisty does curve,” Dickinson said. “Consistent and easier to get strikes.”

“I prefer to throw it with a little curve but mainly straight. I earn spares all the

Echoes

photos by Hayley Hochstetler

time and I get strikes at least 4 times.” Epperson said. “(I bowl) Straight with a little hook at the end,” Jones said. “Although I like learning new ways to throw the ball.”

Girls and boys alike, all bowl at Thunderbowl as one bowling team, unless a meet comes up, this separates them.

“We all get along really well, but I don’t hang out with them or really talk to them that much,” first year member Ashtyne Madsen ‘14 said. “Some of them intimi-

date me because they are so good.” “(Bowling with the boys) Is pretty awesome, we’re like a family. We support each other in what we do,” Epperson said. “If we get done before them we cheer them on and they do the same for us.”

With the official bowling season coming to an end, the members of the team will take with them the experience they have gained, the things they have learned, and the “family” they have made.

Winter training programs start up

By Josh Cross Reporter

During the Winter months, people usually don’t think to run because it’s too cold or there is snow or ice on the ground, except for a few girls; Anna White ‘13, Olivia Navarette ‘14, Bri Waugh ‘16, and Cecilia Saldana ‘16. They are in the winter running group that is being coached by Don Schwartz, a physical educator at Kirn Middle School. These girls are battling the cold weather to get themselves ready for for the upcoming track season.

What exactly is the winter running group? It’s a group of a few girls trying to stay in shape for the upcoming track season. The group has been going on since two weeks after the cross country season was over.

The workout they do is the same consistent format for each day.

“First we do a warm up

then a sprint or a long run.

After that we will do plyometrics.”

Plyometrics are workouts that involve the use of jump ropes or medicine balls.

With these tough workouts they will really get you in shape.

“You will be ahead of everyone else,” Saldana said.

The older girls in this running group are the young girls’ motivation to get better.

The girls look up to the veterans to get better and to reach their goals.

There is also another running group called The Bluffs Track Club. They aren’t associated with the school, and it is ran by AL’s former cross country coach Mick Freeman. The club was started back in 1973 when the only race was a 13 mile run. Now they do a 2 mile run and a 6.2 mile run with the 13 mile run only being on March 2. Another reason for the starting of the Club was to get high school and adult athletes something to do to stay in shape for the offseason. Anybody is welcome

to come, you don’t need a membership, but you will have to sign up on the day of the race and pay a fee of $4. The top five finishers in each of the several men’s and women’s age groups receives a medal.

“On a good day there can be up to 36 runners and bad days up to only six runners,” Freeman said.

On their best day they had 59 people running. Most of these runners are people from Nebraska even though it is at Lake Manawa. If anybody wants to come down and run, it’s at 10 a.m. on the north side of the lake in a large parking lot.

Running in the winter sounds pretty crazy to a lot of people, but for these dedicated runners it’s just another day and another run. The weather doesn’t affect them nor does it persuade them from quitting out on their run to get better and stay in shape. The next running club at Lake Manawa is Feb. 2. If you are interested just contact Mick Freeman at 712328-3298.

Sports 12 IWCC FOOTBALL FINISHES STRONG

Echoes

Page Design by Blake Willadsen

2012 NJCAA national champions

By Brittany Johnson &Megan Figueroa like I was apart of a fantasy team,” Harris said.

In high school, Thomas and Harris both were star playThis football season,the Iowa ers, leading the team and Western Reivers came out making everyone apart of on top, winning the national their football family. Both championship, and finishplayers, after playing a full ing the season undefeated. season in college for Harris, A pair of Council Bluffs and two seasons for Thomas, High Schools had an influmake it clear there are many ence on this year’s IWCC differences between playing football team, bringing in at a high school level and a Devin Thomas and Cleo Harcollege level. They establish ris from Abraham Lincoln, that the maturity level of the along with Jake Waters, the people they play with differs, star quarterback from St. Aland also the experience level. bert.

“It’s completely different Being on an undefeated team than I ever expected. The for any sport is important to competition is way tougher. most athletes, but to be naA lot more talent all around. tional champs is also some’s And you’re playing with dream. For Iowa Western, grown men instead of teenthey have achieved that agers,” Thomas said. dream. Finally, they made it Kammrad said that both to the national championship Thomas and Harris always where they played Butler played 100% and kept their Community College in the head in the game.

University of Northern Iowa “They were extremely hard dome and again they came workers,that was the number out on top. AL graduate Cleo one thing, they never took Harris made it clear that it a day off, they were always had been his dream to bewilling to put forth an effort come a national champ, and and get better every day,” it makes him feel great. said Justin Kammrad, physi“It’s always a football playcal education teacher and er’s dream to become a nafootball coach. tional champ. Knowing that Though the boys have moved I played for the best team on to college and have left in the nation makes me feel their high school football

Reporter

careers behind to start anew, they will take with them the things they were taught at their High School’s.

“What helped the most was the great coaching by Coach (Justin) Kammrad and his staff. He showed me how to win games and I think that helped a lot on my journey to winning a national championship,“ Thomas said.

According to NONPAREILOnline.com, along with being apart of the undefeated and national championship winning team, Thomas received honorable mentions from the College Football All-American Football Team for his role as return specialist.

Many will remember these national championship winners by the work they did right here in high school, and many more will remember them for what they have achieved this year. Either way they will no doubt be remember by those who have been there to experience the great football they have played.

“We are very privileged and proud that they went through Abraham Lincoln High School,” Kammrad said.

Devin Thomas, return specialist, graduated from AL in 2011 after helping lead the Lynx to a perfect record in the regular season. photo submitted

TD Ameritrade hockey: Unique outdoor hockey

experience comes to Omaha in new ballpark

By Melloney Keller Reporter

“The UNO Mavericks and the Omaha Lancers both have outstanding hockey traditions and the battles on the ice will showcase these two great teams as never before,” Mutual of Omaha Vice president John Hildenbiddle said.

most of them will have a really good time and enjoy the game a lot,” Morgan Naberhaus 14 said.

There are others who don’t quite feel the same about the game and how much it clearly affects each player.

“Yes I do think the change in the arena will affect the players. Some play-

“ The UNO Mavericks and the Omaha

Lancers both have outstanding hockey traditions and the battles on the ice will showcase these two great teams as never before.”

John Hildenbiddle Mutual of Omaha VP The two teams will each take the ice in a doubleheader on Feb. 9. With the games being held at Ameritrade park, that could affect the amount of fans who will attend the game. This will likely affect how the players play. This is the first year they’ve held an event like this at TD Ameritrade. Officals said they want to use the stadium in more creative ways like the Red Sky music festival.

“From past experiences with the Lancers, I think

ers say that they didn’t want to move, that they liked the other arena better. Also the fans don’t get into the game as much when the arena is at a different place,” Tyree Collins 13 said.

Playing at TD Ameritrade is not only new to the fans, but to the players as well. With the game being played at a different venue than both sides are used to, it might change up the way the players play. It mak also make it harder for the fans to

attend the game. For others, the difference might be just the fact that the game is outside instead of indoors.

The NHL usually

does this once a year. If this works out great this year, they might start to use it more.

“I think having the game

outdoors is a good idea so that the players can experience something different,” Morgan Naberhaus said.

Tickets range from

$28.00 up to $78.00.Tickets can be purchased either at the game or at ticketmaster.