2009 Issue 1

INSIDE

ST-Dont

THIS

New STD awareness group focuses on spreading knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases

ISSUE:

From childhood to motherhood

Student views on gym clash

Sophomore Ashley Kasper deals with raising a daughter and balancing school

Despite receiving over a $100,000, gym department continues to struggle with unmotivated students

[ PG. 2 ]

[ PG. 3 ]

[ PG. 4 ] Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press or of the right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances

HOOVER PUBLICATIONS 4800 AURORA DES MOINES.IA. 50310 515.242.7313 9.25.09 V.43 I.1 WWW.HOOVERCHALLENGER.COM

Change in date sparks ques�ons Many aspects play part in later graduation for class of 2010 BY PAYTON QUINN NEWS EDITOR

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New code in eﬀect year-round Recent change to extracurricular code of conduct monitors students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week BY ALEKSANDRA VUJICIC SPORTS EDITOR

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he recent update to the code of conduct for Des Moines Public Schools includes the rules being in effect all year, not just during the season. Students involved with extracurricular and co-curricular activities will have added violations and consequences to consider before risking their ability to play or participate. Activities director Dan McClannahan helped create the changes to the policy, in order for Des Moines schools to stay consistent with surrounding schools. “I felt that there was a need for students in extracurricular activities to be more representative of their school and community throughout the whole year,” McClannahan said. The need for an alcohol or drug assessment (counseling) before being able to return to the sport or activity has also been an update. Only three situations are exempted from the code including consuming alcohol in a foreign country where the activity is legal.

Code of conduct Violations include mere presence at a location involving illegal activity or committing any act that is deemed unlawful, regardless of whether the student was cited, arrested, or convicted of the act(s).

As for consequences, a student’s first offense will get them suspended from participating in one third of the season. If a student gets up to four offenses, they will be suspended from competition for the rest of their high school careers. Sophomore Mary Stewart believes that students will most likely rebel against the policy rules, though she believes the consequences are reasonable. “I think the consequences are fair because people should get punished for the rules that are made clear,” Stewart said. Evidence may be given by witness reports, police reports, information posted on MySpace or Facebook or students may report themselves for a lesser consequence. “I think there’ll be a lot of police reports but mainly self reporting because the consequences are put down to sitting out for 10 percent of the season instead of one third. But people might be scared of the police reports so they’ll fess up,” choir teacher Anna Wolf said. The policy affects choir, drama and other fine arts activities as well. “All the fine arts teachers are on a committee to decide what a fine arts student, that violates the code, will sit out

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s: Violation Assault Robber y Arson Theft Weapons

on. Consequences will not include graded things,” Wolf said. Sophomore Nick Clark is involved with the drama department and feels that the code has its positives and negatives. “As for positives, people involved with extracurricular activities shouldn’t drink or smoke in the first place, but the negative is that it affects all the other people involved with that activity,” Clark said. The question that remains is whether students will actually make an effort to follow the code or if they’ll learn to be more secretive. “Students will become more secretive because they’re not just going to stop their bad habits if the school board tells them to,” Stewart said. McClannahan disagrees and feels that students work hard and don’t want to miss out on any activities or games. “Our hopes are that it will deter by peer pressure and knowledge of the consequences. Students have been informed, and after being informed it will be up to them to make decisions,” McClannahan said.

PURPOSE Students in the Des Moines Public School District who are involved in extracurricular and co-curricular activities represent themselves and their school whether they are away from or at school. The must understand that they are expected to conduct themselves in a way that serves as an example to others that will favorably reﬂect on their school...

Seniors have a minor graduation setback this year. Graduation will be June 4 at Vets Auditorium instead of the end of May. Vice Principal Mel Green helps the seniors plan and deal with senior events and fundraisers. “Seniors will be graduating a little bit later this year because school started later. We had a verbal agreement with the state fair that we start later and Vets had a prior event. We couldn’t get the auditorium until that date,” Green said. Senior Cody Sargent thinks it’s a big deal because seniors want to get out of here. “I honestly think we are graduating later because we started later but it’s ridiculous our class always gets this crap,” Sargent said. Although it may seem like a big change, Green doesn’t seem to think so. “I don’t think it’s a problem. The main thing is that you guys (seniors) are graduating,” Green said. “You will still have time to go on vacations and do the things you do in summer.” Senior Mariah Goodson doesn’t think it will matter when it comes to prom planning and even planning. “I don’t think anything will change. We just graduate later,” Goodson said. Green clarifies that it will make no change to prom plans and that actually prom is actually earlier this year than it was last. “It’s just a little bum in the road of May vs. June. Some people may look at that and think June is summer and graduation is normally the end of May,” Green said. “What matters is the hard work of the senior class and their cooperation through this; it will make the year go by smoothly.” Sargent thinks it’s not that big of a deal it just might mess with some things. “Every graduating class has different goals and things they want to achieve,” Green said. “They choose what legacy they want to leave behind.”

Seniors

Seniors have showed much cooperation in the change with graduation things, and what they are willing to accomplish,” Vice principal Mel Green said. “The year should go smoothly and with the seniors working hard to get things done, it’s exciting working with them. PAYTON QUINN SIDEBAR

CONSISTENCY Any penalty will travel with a student transferring within the District. It is the responsibility of each school to deal with all violations at the school. Non-enforcement issues will be handled by a committee of district athletic directors. Any violations will also transfer with a student moving into the Des Moines Public School.

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Band members up early to prac�ce As fall sets in, marching band students arrive at school at 7 am each day for rehearsal. Band director Randy Hoepker is happy with the 2009 marching band. “Marching band is going very well with one of the most difﬁcult shows we’ve had,” Hoepker said. All-state music auditions will take place Oct. 25. “We have 12 people auditioning for all-state, including former all-stater (senior) Katie Hawks,” Hoepker said.

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Common STIs HIV/AIDS

Syphilis

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Top op states T of people living with HIV

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Gay-Straight Alliance sets higher goals October is LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) history month. “We’ll be posting ﬂiers around school that portray queer people from history and the media,” senior Stephen Boatwright said. “Coming-Out Week” is also in October. The group will also be getting new club T-shirts. So talk to the group to order.

group. Logan is excited for the STD awareness program to get underway. “We got together with a group called ‘1’ last year which mostly consisted of speakers coming in to talk about the dangers of STDs,” Sanders said. After collaborating with them, Sanders and other GSA members felt motivated to start their own group. “We wanted to get the STD awareness group to meet annually,” Sanders said. Sanders also thinks that the group has room for success. “I think that if things are thought out thoroughly and not waited till the last minute to be planned out, the group will

Chlamydia

The jazz combo is an eightpiece performance group that meets every other day during fourth block. Director Randy Hoepker is passionate about teaching the class “The people who come to the class have a love for music that should be developed. Everyone in the class is going above and beyond the basic requirements of music performance,” Hoepker said. Hoepker enjoys the fact that the class performs for more than just the aspect of performing music. “Live performance is a skill in itself, beyond the act of playing an instrument, facing an audience is a challenge within itself,” Hoepker said. The next jazz combo performance is Oct. 4 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium.

“Hopefully a cure will be found as soon as possible,” Boatwright said. Boatwright wants students to know that they aren’t invincible, and that any student can get an STD. “You’re a lot more vulnerable than you think. STDs in teens are at an all time high,” Boatwright said. According to www.cnn.com, Syphilis cases were at an all time high this year. From 2006-2007, the syphilis rate went up 15.2 percent in young adults. STD health care costs also hurt America’s economy this decade, costing over 15 billion dollars annually to treat victims. Junior Logan Sanders takes part in GSA and has enjoyed her time with the

Genital Warts

Live Music by jazz combo

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Syphilis

Twelve Angry Jurors will be performed in the Denis Hildreth Auditorium Oct. 1-3 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and $3 for children 12 and younger. Rehearsals for the play started early September and the cast has been rehearsing ever since, with double rehearsals every other day. A reminder that the next Thespian meeting will be Sept. 29 at 2:45 for all general Thespians. Be sure to remember Thespian folders.

Another new group has been added to the school’s class of nationality, diversity and pride. The STD awareness group was brought together by senior LaTasha Porte. The group includes members of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and members of Husky Talk. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also refferred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Senior Stephen Boatwright has been a member of GSA since eighth grade. “The new group’s main focus is to get STI awareness out to the youth and inform them on the true dangers of sex,” Boatwright said. Boatwright believes the group will show a lot of success this year. “I expect this group to succeed, we truly want to get the knowledge out there,” Boatwright said. America’s most common STDs found with teens include herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. Although a cure hasn’t been found for HIV, most STDs can be treated with medication prescribed by a doctor. Boatwright hopes that the U.S. will find a cure for HIV in the near future.

Hepatitis

12 Angry Jurors hits stages next weekend, Thespian mee�ngs con�nue

BY TANNER BUCKLEY ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

HIV/AIDS

Homecoming will take place tomorrow night at the school. The theme is What Happens in Vegas.

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Crabs/Pubic Lice

What happens in Vegas this weekend

ST-Don’t -Don’t ST

Gonorrhea

NEWS BRIEFS

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Herpes

2 news

Chlamydia

Gonorrhea

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From childhood to motherhood ��

features

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As the months continued to pass, Kasper’s stomach began to grow along EDITOR IN CHIEF with her and Bennett’s eagerness for their daughter to be born. Sophomore Ashley Kasper was “I was really anxious all the time and spending the night at her cousin’s when I just wanted her to come out,” Kasper she woke up at four in the morning with said. a peculiar sensation. She thought she That day finally came June 13. Kasper was having contractions…and she was woke up to contractions early that day right. but did not go to the hospital until a Months earlier Kasper had been riding couple hours later. She packed her bags in a car contemplating how she would and eventually headed to the hospital. tell her mother about her unplanned “It (the contractions) hurt,” Kasper pregnancy. Kasper was scared at the time said. “I was happy and scared.” and eventually mustered After 16 hours (and 16 the courage to tell her mother on the way home �� minutes) their blue-eyed �� daughter was born. She was from their counselor. �� named Isabella. “I told her I thought �� “I was very happy,” Kasper I was pregnant and she �� said. “I was crying (when I started to cry,” Kasper �� held her for the first time).” said. �� Since her daughter’s birth, Her mother had Kasper decided to return to her take an at home pregnancy test and it turned out negative. school and is discovering the difficulties that come from being a teen parent. A trip to their doctor, however, proved “I have more responsibility,” Kasper the exact opposite. said. “I can’t do all the things I used to “Once I found out that I was pregnant do like hang out with my friends.” I was really scared and I was thinking Bennett, who generally gets Isabella ‘how is this going to work?’” Kasper during the weekends, said he didn’t find said. the situation to be difficult. Kasper, on Kasper told senior David Bennett, the other hand, finds it difficult at times her boyfriend at the time, about her to juggle both school and a child. Her pregnancy through a phone call. Kasper drive to continue on with school comes said that it took others a longer time to find out about her pregnancy because she from her now three month old daughter. “It’s the best thing for Isabella,” didn’t want them to know just then. Kasper said. “I don’t just want to quit “I felt that people would think of me because it’s not fair for her.” differently than what they did before,” So Kasper continues her daily routines Kasper said. “I was nervous.” consisting of feeding, changing and Over the next few months Kasper caring for her daughter as well as her went through periods where she felt homework from school. And at the sick the majority of the time. Bennett end of some days Kasper goes to bed said he was there throughout, going to thinking about her daughter and the act the doctor with her and even seeing his that brought her into this world. daughter for the first time on ultrasound. “I love Isabella,” Kasper said. “I don’t “They’re pretty cool—ultrasounds,” want to say I regret it, but if I could go Bennett said with a smile. “It was kind back I would not have done what I did.” of interesting seeing my daughter.” BY EDWARD RODRIGUEZ

Sophomore Ashley Kasper holds daughter Isabella Benne�. Benne� was born June 13 and Kasper has decided to return to school. “I can’t do all the things I used to do like hang out with my friends,” Kasper said. ��

4 health

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Student views on gym

�� BY JASON REICHENBACHER FEATURES EDITOR

There are differing opinions on whether gym is a productive or unproductive class among students. Gym teachers are doing what they can to make gym a more serious class. Physical education instructor Carrie Harjes believes strongly in the physical education program. “I think we have one of the best in the district,” Harjes said. The school receives a three year grant called the Carol White Grant which brings in $50,000 per year for three years toward brand new equipment for gym and sports. “Our gym is starting to look more and more like a fitness center,” Harjes said. Teaching physical education is a very serious task to Harjes. “You live in your body. Without your body you don’t have anything else,” Harjes said. Harjes feels that she is accomplishing her goal as a gym teacher. “My goal is to get students moving, and to be active,” Harjes said. Harjes does not understand why students do not take the class seriously. “It makes me wonder what their goals are, what their expectations are, what they think of PE, or maybe they had a bad experience in the past,” Harjes said. According to Harjes, not dressing, participating, or even communicating with others in the class is a definite problem in the gym class.

Senior Iesha Quinn sits out during gym class while her classmates con�nue their workouts in the weight room. Physical educa�on instructor Carrie Harjes believes the current program is one of the best in the district. “My goal is to get students moving, and to be ac�ve,” Harjes said. KIRA HERRON PHOTO

With Ryan Baldwin Clinical Administrator at Urbandale Family Physician

About “Food poisoning” is really easy to get if food is not processed right or prepared right. Anyone can get it from poultry, eggs, unprocessed meat, milk and water. Food poisoning can also be transmi�ed from animals such as turtles and birds. The infec�on aﬀects a person’s stomach and intes�nes. It’s a lot easier to get it if the person is already sick.

Food poisoning-salmonella bacteria infec�on

Prevent

Symptoms

In this case food should be prepared correctly and thoroughly. If symptoms last more than twenty four hours the person should contact a doctor or go to the emergency room.

Diarrhea Headaches Stomach cramps

Numbers

Nausea Fever In severe cases food poisoning can cause death edward rodriguez art

According to the Center for Disease Control, food poisoning causes: About 76 million illnesses in the U.S. each year 325,000 hospitaliza�ons in the U.S. each year 5,000 deaths in the U.S. each year

PAYTON QUINN/EDWARD RODRIGUEZ SIDEBAR

In brief:

Get the story in 100 words or less

Freshman Rena Knutson does not remotely look forward to going to gym class. “There is no one in the class who I am friends with and it’s dumb,” Knutson said. Knutson feels that there is no real point to her gym class. “It’s a complete waste of my time,” Knutson said. The gym class creates an uncomfortable environment for Knutson. “I don’t feel comfortable around the people in that class. I feel vulnerable,” Knutson said. But Knutson also admits that her distaste of gym class stems from her own laziness. “A lot of people hate gym class because they are all lazy like me,” Knutson said. Knutson has no fear of gym affecting her health, and is unhappy about being required to take gym by law. “It won’t change anything about our health even if we are required to take it,” Knutsoa said. On the other hand, sophomore Cameron VanGundy looks forward to going to gym class. “It can be fun,” VanGundy said. VanGundy has a positive opinion on the physical education program. “They really focus on the fitness aspect of gym,” VanGundy said. VanGundy feels students can be productive with gym class but it depends on the person. “One half of the school cares and really likes gym and there is another half that just doesn’t care,” VanGundy

The school has been receiving $50,000 in a grant each year for a total of three years. Physical instructor Carrie Harjes said the gym is looking more and more like a ﬁtness center. Despite all the incoming money,

some students like freshman Rena Knutson ﬁnd the class a “waste” of their �me. Others look forward to it. “One half of the school cares and really likes gym and there is another half that just doesn’t care,” sophomore Cameron VanGundy said.

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sports

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naked choke

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Seniors Patrick Wa�ers and Brandon Richmond demonstrate an MMA move. The UFC (Ul�mate Figh�ng Championship) was banned from 30 states several years ago, but now MMA is making its way into high schools.

w A i t & h MMA Q ��

�� Q: What was an experience you had with mixed marital arts (MMA) training?

Q: What do you think parents will say about the club?

A: My favorite ﬁghter will have to be Anderson “the Spider” Silva.

A: Well, I was sparing with a guy at my gym, and then I kicked him, and he fell over and later found out that he had torn his ACL and so that’s just something I remember.

A: Some parents are for it but others aren’t. Like my dad likes it but doesn’t think that I should do it.

Q: What is your style of ghting?? ﬁghting

Q: Who do you think MMA club is for?

With Junior Max Wissler Q: How do you think Hoover will be affected by the MMA club?

A: I like ﬁghting with jujitsu and kick boxing.

A: I think it’s for athletically active people and people who like to ﬁght.

A: I think that this club will have a positive inﬂuence on Hoover.

BY NEFI TORRES REPORTER

Jordan O’Brie n

With Junior Nathan Brown Q: Who’s your favorite ﬁghter?

Athlete of the issue Age: 17 Height: 5’9’’ Weight: 200 lb. Sport: Football Year: Seni Senior

Bio

Senior Jordan O’Brien started playing football his eighth grade year at Brody Middle School. “My eighth grade year it was all about speed, but as I started high school, football became more of a knowledge to me,” O’Brien said.

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Goals

O’brien wants everyone to come together as a team and win a game this season. “My personal goal is to work hard at prac�ce. It’s not all about yards and tackles, all that stuﬀ will come together,” O’Brien said.

Future

O’Brien plans to go to Iowa Central College in Fort Dodge to play football as a walk on.

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Football team deals with loss The varsity football team is on a 2-0 losing streak, but that can change when facing North for homecoming. Against Johnston, varsity threw a 91 yard touchdown pass from junior Ben Markey to junior John Joy, for a ﬁnal score of 52-7. The sophomores also have a 0-2 record, but they have very few kids involved in the football team this year which pushes back the talent pool and poten�al to beat other state qualifying teams, such as the ﬁrst two losses to Indianola and Johnston. “I think that if more people went out for football, then it would be a really good team. And more people would come watch so it’d just be a lot of fun,” sophomore Hyrum Torres said. The upcoming game is against North tonight.

Swim team con�nues tradi�on The girls swim team is con�nuing a tradi�on of hos�ng a Green vs. Gold meet. The intersquad meet will be held Oct. 8. New or gently used stuﬀed animals will be accepted for admission. The stuﬀed animals will go to Mercy Pediatric ER. The meet consists of ac�vi�es such as noodle and inter tube relays. This year the “Don’t wet your pants” relay is coming back. Swimmers must swim across the pool with (clean) underwear on their head, without ge�ng the underwear wet. “I like the fun, goofy relays that let us forget about killing ourselves at prac�ce, and just having a good �me,” senior Amber Anderson said.

Volleyball team gears up for upcoming game Varsity has a tournament at Southeast Polk Sept. 26 at 8:30, followed by a Saydel tournament Sept. 28 at 4:30. The volleyball team has a big team but Senior Elizabeth Bourland thinks it’s going to be a great year. “The team works great together we just get along really well,” Bourland said.

Game dates Varsity Football Sept.. 25- Homecoming vs... North Oct. 2- @ Hoover vs... East Swimming Sept. 26- North Invite Sept. 29- @Hoover vs... East Sept. 1- @ Hoover vs... North

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Volleyball Sept. 26- Southeast Polk Tournament Sept. 28- Saydel Tournament Sept.. 29- @ Hoover vs. East Oct.. 3- Urbandale Tournament Oct.. 6- @ Hoover (Senior Night) vs. North. Golf Sept. 1- 2nd Conference Round @ Lincoln Sept. 2- Districts (Location TBA) Cross Country Sept.. 1- @ DMACC Ankeny Invite Sept.. 8- Augustine Invite (location TBA)

6 12 Angry Jurors entertainment

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A profile of each “juror” in upcoming fall play

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Actor

Description Juror number one is a guy who tries to be tough and handle the room but can’t.

Description Juror number two is shy and doesn’t have the guts to stand up to people very o�en.

Years in drama One

Years in drama Two

Freshman Jacob Wolfe Senior Drew Davis

�� Actor Senior John Preston Description Juror number seven is a jerk, ﬂashy, rude and a smart aleck. Years in drama Three

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Descrip�on:

The play is about 12 jurors who must unanimously he guilt or innocence of a boy accused of killing his father.

***junior Michael Roby will be playing the role of the guard and senior Carolyn Thorn will play the judge.

Dates

$5 Students $3 Children 12 and under

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�� Actor

Actor Sophomore Nick Clark Description Description Juror number four is Juror number three intelligent and stuck is very loud and demanding and wants up. to see the boy guilty. Years in drama Years in drama Two Three Junior Aaron Homard

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Actor Actor Senior Edward Rodriguez Senior Alyssa Gourd

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Oct. 1 at 7:30 Oct. 2 at 7:30 Oct. 3 at 7:30

Quote

“The he actors give the play more life. Each actor is doing a good job at becoming their character. I think the play will go great. It’s not the most exci�ng, but has some ac�on and is well wri�en,” senior Cassie Tant said.

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Actor

Description Juror number ﬁve is from the wrong side of the tracks.

Description Juror number six is honest but kind of slow and looks out for people.

Senior Sarah Bradley

Years in drama Three

�� Actor Senior Anna Swan

Senior Kyle Utke

Years in drama Four

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Actor Sop Sophomore Jay Jacobson Description Description Description Description Description Juror number eight is very Jurorr number nine is an Juror number ten is a Juror number eleven is Juror number twelve honest and good willed. old woman who wants to bigot, very forceful and a European lady who is nice, not strong He wants to examine see jus�ce, but isn’t very demanding. She likes to wants jus�ce and wants opinionated and works everyone to get a fair every piece of evidence. forceful. be heard. at an ad agency. He is chance. also an easy going guy. Years in drama Years in dr ama drama Years in drama Y ears drama Years in Y ears in drama Years Four Three Two Two Three Actor Senior Cassie Tant

Senior Alyssa Gourd, freshman Jacob Wolfe, senior Anna Swan, sophomore Jay Jacobson and senior John Preston (le�) sit in the jury room during a rehearsal. Junior Aaron Homard (right)is ﬁnishing a speech directed to the rest of the jurors at the end of the second act. Rehearsals for the play started at the beginning of September through Sept. 30. KASSIE BROWN PHOTOS

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CHALLENGER

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People that know me and have known me know that I’m always bubbly and happy or at least that I try my best to be. Last year was a different story. The day my best friend asked me why I always had this look on my face made me realize things. I went home that day, walked into the bathroom, looked in the mirror and realized something wasn’t the same. I refused to let myself say the “D” word. DEPRESSED. That was one word I was hearing quite

plenty of students still remain studying and genuinely trying to do the best work they can. Even if it isn’t perfect, it’s still theirs. We do live in a world where it’s becoming difficult to keep up with everything that’s changing and all too easy to fall behind. But if students can’t retain some integrity and originality in their work, then all they managed to learn in school is how to slip past the hardest of work while picking up the credit for something someone else made. If the world was full of cheaters, the people who work hard and deserve to be recognized will become little more than faces in the crowd. Without some decency and honor in school work, students won’t know how to properly function once the time comes to do something on their own or just go down with the ship. Cheating is still constantly on the rise, and it doesn’t particularly look like it’s ending any time soon. Still, it can be hoped a stigma and hesitation can inevitably be returned and the ideas of honesty and hard work preserved.

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personal column

BY PAYTON QUINN NEWS EDITOR

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ver since elementary school, schools have tried to put an emphasis on students doing their own work. In a lot of cases copying from another student could earn a failing grade if caught, and colleges once had a strict policy to expel any student caught plagiarizing. But in today’s society, a lot of those opinions have begun to change. While cheating is still widely frowned upon throughout schools, the stigma attached to it seems to have disappeared in a great number Apart from the pain of pressure from their of students. Students are pressured by their parents and teachers to get good grades and at teachers, family and peers, some students also do so just to get the assignment done one point some decide to do just that, just not quicker. Many schools enforce a policy in the way anyone else hoped. against allowing students with low grades to According to www.classroom-issues.com, as participate in sports. That in mind, trying to of 2007, 75 percent of students in a study juggle sports and school work admitted to cheating feels like an impossible task on a test in the last �� for some athletes, and to stay year while another 90 �� in the game, some feel like percent admitted to there’s no where else to turn copying on a paper. �� but breaking a few rules. Cheating is also �� Of course parts of the world common because itself have turned to cheating it’s become easier �� and it only proves for the and easier to do over �� better in many situations. In the years. There are the business and work world, entire websites where cheating past a few things and not getting students can download papers on virtually caught is the way to actually get yourself any subject for a nominal fee, or even higher ahead. other students over the internet to write and Still some students manage to retain their send a paper for them. Since the introduction idea of honor and hard work. Many students of the internet, a seemingly endless supply choose not to cheat, weather through fear of of information is just seconds away for many getting caught or a pride for what they do, students and it makes cheating all the easier.

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often. Tears poured down my face and I fell to my knees. I kept saying to myself ‘you will get through this.’ My family life started becoming rocky. My mom and I fought all the time. I thought my family wanted nothing to do with me. My grandma would call and say how much she missed me but at the time I didn’t care. I started becoming angry about everything for no reason. I started ignoring my friends and not caring about other people. I started skipping school and sleeping. I’d find every excuse I could to stay home from school. I even skipped the classes I loved. I became numb and crying was all I could seem to do. Depression is one thing I never thought I would deal with but so many things played a part in it. I had suicidal friends and feelings I chose to keep to myself. The worst feeling in the world for me is not being able to help someone through a problem they have. The only thing I could do for my friends was tell them it’s not right. I could only hope that what I said would actually mean something to them. I tried my hardest to stay in good spirits about things and push through everything. I remember calling one of my best friends and saying, “Jeremy, I don’t know if my life is worth it anymore. How could anyone want

�� someone like this to be around them?” He started crying which he never does and said to me, “Payton, I know you’re a fighter so do it. Take care of yourself, and don’t worry about anyone else except for yourself for three days and see how it goes.” I tried it for two days and realized it helped me so much. I worried about what made me happy and nothing else. I started praying and turning to religion at times, but in a way I knew this was a test. Either I’d be strong and get through this or I’d take my own life. I thought about that every day. Other factors helped such as my supportive family and great friends. If it wasn’t for people telling me I could do it and I could overcome this, I don’t know if I would be writing this. Depression should not be taken lightly. At first I thought I could get through it alone and battle it myself. I’m lucky enough to have overcome it. Some people don’t. I have great supportive friends and a great boyfriend that also helps me through times when I feel like things might slip back. Now waking up everyday is something I appreciate. I cherish every morning I get out of bed and say I made it through it all. Sometimes it takes a bump in the road to appreciate everything you have.

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�� The CHALLENGER is published by the newspaper staff of Herbert Hoover High School, and exists to serve as an open forum for the students, faculty, staff, administration and community. All state and federal laws regarding the publication of student materials shall apply, and the CHALLENGER will not publish materials which also fall under the guidelines established by the Des Moines Public School system, and are deemed libelous, obscene or a material and substantial disruption to normal classroom activities. The views expressed are not those of Des Moines Public Schools, faculty, staff or administration. All articles are researched, written, edited and designed by the staff, and are the result of editorial decisions made by the entire staff. Any student, faculty, staff, or community member wishing to contribute materials will need to submit copy within deadline restrictions; however, final publication is at the discretion of staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged, and must be 250 words or less in length and signed; letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling, etc. Every attempt will be made to verify the authenticity of the author, and no anonymous letters will be published. Advertising will be accepted for all products or services that are legal for minors to possess or utilize. Advertisers wishing to reserve publication space should call 242-7313 and leave a message.

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{THE CHALLENGER BOARD} } Events Calendar }

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 1 2 3 28 29 4 30 JV/v Girls Swimming vs East (H)

Forbidden Broadway @ Stage West at 7:30

9/JV Volleyball vs East (H)

5

12 Angry Jurors at 7:30

Girls Swimming vs. North (H)

Forbidden Forbidden Forbidden Broadway @ Stage Broadway @ Broadway @ West at 7:30 Stage West at 7:30 Stage West at 7:30

Mute Math, People’s Court @7

6

UNI vocal arts fest

12 Angry Jurors at 7:30

Picture Retakes

UNI vocal arts fest

Forbidden Broadway @ Stage West at 7:30

8

7

12 Angry Jurors at 7:30

9

Boys/Girls Cross Country at Pleasant Hill

SEPT/OCT

Boys Golf (State)

11

10 Boys Golf (State)

Miley Cyrus, Wells Fargo Arena @ 7

Dave A�el, Hoyt Sherman Aud. @8

Movie: The Damned United

}33 people to know}

Senior Parker Wolfe

Band Director Randy Hoepker

Wolfe received an endorsement oﬀer from Soultone Cymbals. Under the endorsement Wolfe would receive three free cymbals and up to 75 percent oﬀ any of the company’s products. Wolfe has not yet decided to accept the endorsement but was excited to even receive it. “I felt happy because they said I was good,” Wolfe said

As the director Hoepker has brought around new changes to the band, but has earned a spot on the board for his role in the Jazz combo class. Hoepker has found crea�ve ways to handle the class and is proud of the students. “Everyone in the class is going above and beyond the basic requirements of music performance,” Hoepker said.

3 places to go Grounds for celebra�on

Great service, delicious coffee and desserts are just a few of the things that have earned this local coffee shop a spot on The Board. Their Red Bull Fros�es are sure to generate a gra�fying sugar rush and their Peanut Bu�er Fudge Smoothies are sure to become your next guilty pleasure. Stop by this weekend and check out what they have to offer.

1 game to play

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l is the perf and moderate El Aguila Rea ican food nt, but its quick ex M c � en auth ice is dece ere earned it rv se e Th . prices atmosph d is an es m � �cket the board. The restaurant ca�on. lo on w ne s a spot it at eaver located oﬀ B

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Spanish teacher Mary Dycus

Dycus is the only teacher cer�ﬁed to teach the upper level Spanish classes. Many students enjoy her anecdotes and jokes pertaining to the class. She’s earned a spot on the board for ﬁnding a way to make learning the language enjoyable for students even on block scheduling. Dycus has also been the adviser for the Spanish club over the last few years.

c a r l c m s s e s d t t a j e o

w e i v e r t r e c n o c a s u o

n u c p q u i p t a n y c h g t u d t t d c u t n i l n o r u j c f o s f o o t o j i c e h o e d e e a o r c a c c e v s s i e c i o y -gym -code of conduct -std awareness -athlete of the issue -concert review

Husky Hunt

r o f e s s m e n t c l e r n d h d n e i s o a t o r g o w i y s n l a t t t i d r y r g n a e o e f o n n d l i s c e e a o i e s a p l o s s t d e p r e c c t d l f l t t o e l h t f o e t i s h f t r -mother -school dances -professional -chea�ng -twelve angry jurors

i o n a l s e l t c a i s s e e s n h c n s s e h u n r t e i t c n a v l e w t t e e s i e e q u n c t g h g c r h n m s s i o n r a t d o y h r h t e l h t a i t c y s -food poisoning -health -equipment - depression

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