Issue 11, 2009

From Homberg to Hoover

German exchange student finds friends, fun, love she doesn’t want to leave behind

-pg. 3

INSIDE

Truth about AIDS Information on virus that affects 33.2 million worldwide

Pg.2 Complyin with state expectations through core curriculum Pg.4 Unhealthy drinks in America Pg. 5 Athlete of the Issue: Kelsey Jespersen Pg. 6 Upcoming summer concerts

-pg. 4

CHALLENGER HOOVER PUBLICATIONS 4800 AURORA DES MOINES.IA. 50310 515.242.7313 5.15.09 V.42 I.11

IB program hits Central Academy Student reflects on International Baccalaurate classes first offered this year

Jessica Thrane staff writer

Eighth graders Kris�na Ryan and Jayna Wright look through a script in drama teacher Chelsea Cunningham’s play produc�on class.

The popular class is working on selec�ng ten minute scenes to perform for each other. “There were too many high school students reques�ng the class, and it’s all filled up,” Vice Principal Janine Schochenmaier said. ������ ��������� �����

Drama becomes exclusive Eighth graders no longer able to take heavily requested high school drama class students, changes have to be Michael Roby younger made to accommodate the older ones. staff writer “After the request came in for the In the 2006-2007 year, drama classes became available to Meredith eighth grade students. Next year, however, this option will no longer be available due to an increase of high school students interested in taking the class.

Vice Principal Janine Schochenmaier is in charge of the master schedule and helped determine this decision before Principal Doug Wheeler confirmed it. Schochenmaier said she did not necessarily want to make the class for high school students only, but came to the decision when she thought of how many students would be taking the class.

“There were too many high school students requesting the class, and its all filled up,” Schochenmaier said.

Although Schochenmaier has enjoyed opening up the program to

high school students to take drama, there were so many we had to make some room for all of them first,” Schochenmaier said.

Schochenmaier confirmed every drama class is full, and with around 30 students per class, another 15 students from Meredith couldn’t be accomodated for.

“Maybe some younger students are missing a little bit, but it’s a necessary decision to give the high school students first pick,” Schochenmaier said.

Director and drama teacher Chelsea Cunningham saw a new interest in the class after Peter Pan and The Wiz had such successful results, and is thankful more interest is showing up in her class.

Freshman Jay Jacobson took drama his eighth grade year, and was initially annoyed with the decision.

“I just think they should keep the eight graders; (it) gets them ready for

high school you know,” Jacobson said.

However, Jacobson came to better terms with the decision after learning it was because his favorite class had become more popular.

“The Hoover kids who are actually in Hoover should get to be in the class first,” Jacobson said.

While he enjoyed the class himself in eighth grade, Jacobson doesn’t think it will be a major loss for the middle school students; they can always just take the class their freshman year.

Although the three felt these changes can sometimes be difficult, it is important to accommodate the high school students first. This decision may return to its previous method if fewer students request the class the next year, but it already set in motion for the 20092010 year.

Despite what’s happening, Jacobson hopes to see a fuller and better class in his next few years.

“Sometimes you’ve just got to make sacrifices,” Jacobson said.

Teachers affected by s�mulus package Business teachers Judy Renoux and Leola Levy reflect on stimulus package money “I’ve heard that every school district will have op�ons on what they want to do with the money they receive.

Judy Renoux

“It won’t have a direct effect on my program, but it will definitely affect our building.”

“The s�mulus package (in a way) helped me get my job here. It’s opening doors to new educa�on programs.”

Leola Levy

According to edutopia.org, $100 billion in educa�on monies in the economic-s�mulus package aims to stem huge cuts by states, fund programs for special educa�on, low-income students, and early-childhood ini�a�ves and provide incen�ve to everyone, from teachers to state officials.

Under the bill, states will get $53.6 billion in what’s called the state stabiliza�on fund. About $39 billion goes toward helping states restore cut programs, which have included early-childhood educa�on, a�er-school programs, professionaldevelopment money and actual school staff. ������ ������� ������� ������: ��������.���

The International Baccalaurate Program (IB) is a non-profit international program through which Central Academy students take a series of extremely advanced college classes.

According to www.ibo.org, the program’s official website, IB “offers high quality programs for students of international education to a world wide community of schools.”

Junior Brenna Carlson is a part of the IB program.

“I really like that the program is really internationally minded,” Carlson said.

IB students hosted students from Poland this past spring, and they are going to get to go to Poland too.

There are 708,000 IB students at 608 schools in 135 countries around the world.

IB has three programs which focus on ages 3-19.These programs are supposed to help develop students’ international, personal, emotional and social skills.

But IB is a “really intense program,” Carlson said.

The program isn’t just intense for students but can also be intense for parents too.

“My mom seems to think that I don’t need to do things outside of school because she thinks I’m already too stressed out with the program. She wants me to do my best academically.

So she just wants me to focus on the program and not have too much of a life outside of school,” Carlson said.

In the IB program students take not just one or two advanced placement classes, most take six.

“The individual classes aren’t really hard, it’s just really hard to have six advanced classes,” Carlson said.

Carlson also said the IB program is very time consuming.

“My least favorite part of it is all of the homework; right now I have a lot of it,” Carlson said.

It might also cut into a student’s social life.

“I don’t really get to see my friends from Hoover, the ones I used to have classes with. I only see the ones that have band with me because that’s the only class I have at Hoover,” Carlson said.

To get into the IB program students just have to fill out an application.

“The teachers just talked to us about the program and gave us pamphlets, and then I just filled out an application,” Carlson said.

The IB program can open doors for students.

“Well, it definitely looks good on a college application when they see that you were trying to do this program,” Carlson said.

“Basically if you’re going to be in this program then you have to have a good work ethic. This program is a good program if you want to get the most out of your high school career and if you like a challenge,” Carlson said.

2 news

5.15.09.v42.i11

edward rodriguez page design

NEWS BRIEFS Commencement

Commencement will be taking place at Veterans Memorial Auditorium May 22. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. and senior friends and family are welcome.

At the event there will be performances by the Fine Arts department along with speeches given by seniors Jordan Taha and Dalton Jacobus. Jacobus plans to reminisce with and mo�vate his fellow graduates.

“I will be reflec�ng on the past and mo�va�ng for the future,” Jacobus said.

Harmony show

The Harmony Choir is pu�ng on their annual end of the year show.

In this concert, they will be singing all their songs from throughout the year and a few new ones and will be recorded.

The show will be held May 21 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets will sell for $5 for adults, $3 for students and $25 for a seat at the VIP table, which includes seeing the show up close, more comfortable seats and refreshments.

Director Anna Wolf is looking forward to her choir’s showcase.

“It’s a fun evening of Jazz where people can listen to a whole culmina�on of what they’ve worked on throughout the year,” Wolf said.

Dusty Awards

The Dusty Awards will be held Tuesday, May 19 in the small gym at 7:30. The theme this year is Emerald City.

The event is open to any students who have been involved in the drama department over the year and their parents.

Nomina�on forms for the award ceremony are due today in director Chelsea Cunningham’s room.

There is a mee�ng today immediately a�er school in Cunningham’s room for all seniors who have been involved in drama this year to discuss awards. There will also be a mee�ng Tuesday a�er school for all junior Thespians to discuss set up for the event. Talk to Edward Rodriguez, Alyssa Gourd or Carolyn Thorn if you are unable to a�end either of those mee�ngs.

Finals Underclassmen Finals Friday, May 29 – Regular classes un�l 1:05. Green block 4 final 1:10 – 2:35.

Monday, June 1 – Green 1 final – 7:50 to 9:35.

Gold 1 final – 9:50 to 11:35.

Tuesday, June 2 – Green 2 final – 7:50 to 9:35.

Gold 2 final – 9:50 to 11:35.

Family and consumer science teacher Keresten Conn helps senior Steven Murry whip up a pan of breakfast pizza. The Iowa Core Curriculum is providing schools with rubrics to standardize what Iowa students learn. ���� ������ �����

Schools to comply with state expecta�ons through core curriculum

������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

T

Jason Reichenbacher features editor

sees as a good thing, but what we have to realize is when we send kids out of Hoover with a diploma were saying we as a facility are sure you’ve learned these things,” Stockton said.

Stockton emphasized the point that teachers will not be handed a brand new curriculum “It’s not a new curriculum we’re looking at, its looking at a current curriculum in a different way,” Stockton said.

Science teacher Eric Hall agrees that the curriculum will standardize what people teach in various classes. Hall feels that this will improve education in the science department.

“Once you standardize what people teach then we can asses how well students are learning and how well teachers are teaching it,” Hall said.

Teachers in the science department have already been talking about how they are going to adjust to the curriculum.

“We have already had biology teachers talk about how they teach, and compare. This is making teaching unified,” Hall said.

Hall feels it is time for a standardized curriculum.

“It will hold teachers, buildings and school districts accountable to what we

he Iowa Core Curriculum is providing schools with what is essentially a new rubric for what teachers have to cover. The goal of the Curriculum is to objectify the things that are extremely subjective within public education.

English teacher Amy Stockton was asked by Principal Doug Wheeler to attend the Core Curriculum meetings.

“My job is to make sure the building, specifically my department has a clear understanding of the states expectations,” Stockton said.

Stockton recognizes the need for Iowa high schools to be on the same curriculum.

“There are certain skills that every student graduating from an Iowa High school should have, teachers will be held accountable to making sure those goals are met. The good thing is, most of us (teachers) are already covering this anyway,” Stockton said.

Stockton believes that having a common educational base is important.

College instructors are on the committee informing administrators on what they want to see with incoming freshmen. “(The new curriculum) will be more standardized which not every teacher

CORE C

U R

R

����� The goal of the Iowa Core Curriculum is to ensure Iowa students are engaged in rigorous curriculum

U L

����������������������� ������������������� ����������������������� ������������������� ����������������� ���������������� ����������������

”

��������������� ���������������

Thursday, June 4 – Gold 4 final – 7:50 to 9:35.

Senior Finals Friday, May 15 – Gold 3 & 4.

Monday, May 18 – Green 1 & 2.

Tuesday, May 19 – Gold 1 & 2.

C

“��������������������������

Wednesday, June 3 – Green 3 final – 7:50 to 9:35.

Gold 3 final – 9:50 to 11:35.

Make-ups will be each a�ernoon or on Thursday, June 4 un�l 12:00 p.m.

I

U

teach.”

Band director Randy Hoepker agrees that it is time for a core curriculum for the state.

“Iowa is the last state in the union to not have a core curriculum; some feel that this has been a good thing because Iowans have viewed local control as a positive thing. I personally prefer local control but the political environment is such that the move to a core curriculum is needed.”

Some feel that with the standardization of everything else that it will standardize music.

“The content of the curriculum itself will not have the effect of standardizing music education in the state. Iowa is the first in the nation to include music as a core subject. And this will increase public awareness of the value of music,” Hoepeker said.

Hoepker feels the curriculum will not change what they teach, “We are already in line with the national standards of music education.”

Hoepker feels the change will improve a lot about the music department.

“Hopefully its inclusion in the core curriculum will reduce staff cuts in music that typically come in times of economic hardship,” Hoepker said.

M ���������

�� ������

�

�� � � The Iow a C o re Curric the follo century wing as the Ioulum includes “the comframework. Thwa 21st and inn mon strands ese are informaovation; commof learning life and tion and techn unication, ology; a career s kills. nd,  em ployab

 Financial ility skills  health lite literacy  technolog racy y literac

y

������������������������������������������������������������ �������  ����������������������������������  ��������������������������� �������������������������� ���������������������������� �������������������������������  ���������������������������

�������  ������������������������������ ��������������������������� �������������������������������� ������������  ��������������������� ����������������������������������� ��������  ��������������������������������� ����������������������������

�������

��������

 ����������������������������  ����������������������������������� ����������������������  ����������������������������� �������������������������  ������������������������������������� ������������������������������  ��������������������������������� ��������  ���������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������: ���� ����

www.hooverchallenger.com

features 3

jason reichenbacher page design

From Homberg to Hoover

������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������� Bea Rendon Staff writer

Like any new student, junior Anna Behle had to spend her first day at a noisy, unfamiliar school clutching a schedule in one hand and a map in the other. In her last school, though, the schedule was in German.

Behle, who is living in Des Moines with her maternal grandparents for the semester, is from Homberg, Germany.

Since her mom is American, Behle already knew English, although her family speaks mostly German at home.

Still, there were some hurdles to jump before she was totally assimilated.

“It was not really easy because everybody had their friends already, but then people were really interested in the new exchange student,” Behle said. “I found friends quite fast.”

Junior Cassie Tant was one of the first people Behle met after their mutual friend, junior Katie Hawks, brought Behle to lunch.

“It had to be scary jumping into high school where everybody knows who their friends are,” Tant said.

Behle said it wasn’t easy making friends at first but that most people were intrigued by her background.

“I kind of had the fear that I would be sitting at lunch alone. But everybody just came up,” Behle said.

Behle met some friends backstage during the drama department’s production of The Wiz, which was a completely new experience for her.

Her school in Germany has a drama program, but it’s not as big or as active.

“It was an awesome experience, and that was definitely not my last play,” Behle said. “I’m going to try and bring theatre back to Germany a little bit more.”

Tant said she thought being involved in drama was a good way for Behle to meet people because of the department’s inclusiveness.

“Everybody there is so open-minded already,” Tant said.

One of the biggest things that has happened to Behle is senior Jordan Saltonstall. The two started dating several months ago, after Saltonstall saw Behle in the hall and decided to get to know her.

“He contacted me over Facebook and we chatted a lot and started meeting in school, hanging out during lunch,” Behle said.

They found out they have a lot in common that first day.

“We talked for a good three and a half hours on the internet,” Saltonstall said.

“We think the same about a lot of things, about respect and how people should be treated…That’s probably one of the reasons why it worked—the way we think about people.”

Saltonstall asked her out that same night.

“It actually went pretty fast, I must say,” Behle said. “But I don’t regret it at all.”

Saltonstall was first attracted to Behle’s eyes and unique sense of fashion, but her attitude stands out most.

“She stands up for herself; she speaks her mind,” Saltonstall said.

“She has, probably from the way she was raised, not old-fashioned, but a really respectable way of thinking about things.”

Behle said Saltonstall has made a significant impact on her experience in Des Moines.

“It’s great to have him,” Behle said.

“I spend a lot of time with him and maybe a bit less with others, but that’s ok.”

Although Behle speaks fluent English and has been to the United States several times, there are still a few cultural communication barriers.

Saltonstall said he enjoys introducing American things to Behle, from her first taste of eggnog to understanding his humor.

“Because she doesn’t understand American sarcasm, she doesn’t

Senior Bucket List Before seniors graduate they still have a couple things left to

-“I want to go to California on a road trip,” senior Zack Calvert.

Junior Anna Behle works on a project in art class. Behle moved to Iowa second semester and will most likely be returning to Germany by the end of the semester. “I kind of had a fear that I would be si�ng alone at lunch but everyone just came up,” Behle said. HALI DOLDER PHOTO

understand when I make a sarcastic But Behle has a different plan—a joke,” Saltonstall said. new plan that’s contingent on her There’s a shadow cast on their parents’ approval. relationship, though—the semester is “I kind of called last week and asked almost over, and Behle is scheduled to if I could stay longer—for my senior return to Homberg year,” Behle said. in August.

“It’s not sure at all yet, but at “I just think it would least they’re considering it.”

“Sometimes I think that Behle is getting attached to Des be really hard to maybe I shouldn’t Moines. leave all this,” have done this,” “I’m kind of starting to get Saltonstall said.

-junior Anna Behle used to all this and being better “I’m not just friends with people,” Behle said. having to lose a “I just think it would be really girlfriend, but a friend, someone who hard to leave all this.” actually listens and respects me.”

Wherever Behle does spend her Saltonstall said, though, that the senior year, though, she knows she two are not afraid to talk about the won’t forget her junior year. end and are willing to make the best of “I just really loved this experience,” what time they have left.

Behle said.

�

Fun summer jobs

Looking for a summer job? Try

Adventureland Skating rinks Iowa state fair

-“ I want to pass all my classes with an ‘A’ or ‘B’,” senior Jesus Sanchez said.

-“I want to throw a party or a little gathering,” senior Patrick Murphy said.

Lifeguard

-“I want to get my grade up in math,”

Ice skating rink

senior Reniqua Dawson said.

-“I want to study for finals and try to get the most out of my high school experience,” senior Viana Nguyen said.

�����������������������

Dairy Queen

����������������������

4 health

5.15.09.v42.i11

dillon whalen page design

Truth about AIDS ����������������������������������������������� ����������

Chloe Gamble staff writer

School nurse Jeanne Mark has had a 24 year health career. Throughout that career she has encountered HIV and AIDS virus cases and accumulated medical knowledge about the risks and prevention.

“The virus will kill you and can lay dormant before you even start having symptoms,” Mark said.

Transmission of HIV and AIDS can happen a few ways. HIV can be in the blood hereditarily or can be transmitted by exchange of blood or through sexual intercourse.

“It can be transmitted from mother to baby, through blood transfusions and through unprotected sex,” Mark said.

Mark believes AIDS is much more common in America today because of a

shift in societal tendencies. Americans, particularly teens, are increasing their number of sexual partners.

“To me it’s very scary. Children, especially now, seem to be more. They seem to have numerous partners,” Mark said. “Most people tend to forget that you’re exposed to anything the partners have encountered.”

Taking precautions is a necessity which Mark said is vital to staying protected from HIV and AIDS. Mark realizes high school students are sexually active and encourages regular HIV testing.

“Abstinence. That’s the only way to protect yourself fully. Even if you use protection there is always a chance you may get it (HIV),” Mark said. “If you get in a monogamous relationship I would say you should get tested. Then, stay in that monogamous relationship.”

Ways To Prevent AIDS

Facts About AIDS 1. Approximately 700,000 to 900,000 Americans are currently infected with HIV. 2. 33.2 million people now live with HIV or AIDS. 3. 5,700 people die from AIDS every day.

4. African Americans account for 48% of new HIV infec�ons.

5. The number of women living with HIV has tripled in the last two decades.

6. At least half of all new infec�ons are among people under the age of 25.

7. At least 40,000 people are infected each year.

1. A - bstain, B - e faithful C - ondomize.

2. Prac�ce abs�nence.

3. Use safe-sex material, such as condoms.

4. Always use new, unused needles.

5. When ge�ng a ta�oo or piercing, use a professional ta�oo ar�st or piercer who sterilizes all equipment, uses disposable needles, and new ink in a disposable container.

6. If you are HIV posi�ve, and you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about preven�ng your child from contrac�ng HIV/AIDS.

Places To Get Tested For AIDS

How Teenagers Are Affected By AIDS

���� ������ ������������

1. The effects of HIV and AIDS among teens in the United States con�nues to be an increasing concern.

2. African-American and Hispanic adolescents have been dispropor�onately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic 3. The propor�on with an AIDS diagnosis among adolescents and young adults has increased from 3.9 percent in 1999 to 4.7 percent in 2003.

1. Hospitals and clinics can help you with ge�ng tested for HIV/AIDS. 2. There are also home test kits for HIV/AIDS. You can get home test kits at a pharmacy or order them from the internet.

3. Local health departments allow tes�ng for HIV/AIDS. 6. For informa�on on where to find an HIV tes�ng site, visit the Na�onal HIV Tes�ng Resources Web site at h�p://www.hivtest. org. ������ ������ �������

Unhealthy drinks in America 7 drinks to watch out for 1.

Jamba Juice Peanut Butter Moo’d Power Smoothie (30 oz)—1,170 calories, 169 g sugars

2.

Baskin Robbins Large York Peppermint Pattie Shake (32 oz)—2,210 calories, 281 g sugar

3.

Baskin Robbins Large Heath Bar Shake (32 oz)— 2,310 calories, 266 g sugar

4.

Rockstar Original (16 oz can)—280 calories, 62 g sugar

5.

Pina Colada—625 —625 calories, 75 g sugars

6.

Baskin-Robbins Pomegranate Banana Fruit Blast Smoothie (32 oz)—1,020 calories, 232 g sugar Cosi

7. oz)—1,033 calories, 35 Gigante Double OH! Arctic (24 oz)— g fat ������ ���� ������� ������ ��������� ����� ������: ��� ��� �����!

5.15.09.v42.i11

heaven slye page design

sports 5 sp HUSKY BRIEFS So�ball

Jor dan

Ho s kin s

Girls prac�ce daily a�er school, Monday-Friday.

The team’s first game is May 28 against Marshalltown at Hoover.

Some girls feel that they will have a good season, including freshman Ka�e Steingrabe.

“I think we’ll have a good season because we have new coaches. (I think) they’ll show us how to play the game be�er. Everyone’s excited to play, (too).

There’s a lot of enthusiasm,” Steingrabe said.

Baseball

gn n Si o d n Bra

s

Baseball will begin May 26. The season opener will be in Mason City.

Sophomore A.J. Hawxby is excited for this year’s baseball season.

“We’re all excited and pumped to play,” Hawxby said.

Athletes have prepped for the season by working on the fundamentals of the game.

“We’ve all been ge�ng in shape and hope to stay in shape,” Hawxby said.

Boys tennis Sophomore Aus�n Damm has been playing baseball since the age of five and now faces opponents such as the ba�er from Dowling Catholic High School above. At a young age Damm learned more by watching other players. “When I went to games when I was young, I would always watch the catcher,” Damm said. ������� ���� ������

Going for the gold Tanner Buckley entertainment editor Sophomore Austin Damm has taken part in sports since he was five years old. Austin’s first experience with baseball was at Beaverdale’s t-ball league. Since then, Damm has grown up and become a full time athlete.

“My dad got me into sports by taking me to I-Cubs games,” Damm said.

Damm is currently playing baseball at Hoover but has taken part in many other leagues including Beaverdale Littler League, Raccoon Valley Riders (AAU) and the Des Moines Zephyrs.

Damm played on the Zephyrs with his fellow teammates at Hoover, Ben Markey, Nathan Brown and Brandon Signs.

Damm knew that he wanted to be a catcher after his first baseball game.

“When I went to games when I

30% off hair services w/student I.D.

Jord

����������������������������� ���������������������

was young, I would always watch the catcher,” Damm said.

Damm was inspired late last year while playing “fall ball.”

“I got to learn some stuff from Grandview’s catcher which helped me out a lot,” Damm said.

Damm believes that working hard is the only way someone can be successful in any sport.

“You have to play hard and do your job,” Damm said.

Damm hopes to make a career out of baseball.

“My coaches said that I will probably be getting letters from colleges next year,” Damm said.

Damm has been known around school for keeping the crowd pumped up and keeping them into anything involving with athletics.

“A lot of people thing I’m taking it too far, but I like to keep fans pumped

myspace.com/coolist_ coolist_mom myspace.com/

up, Damm said.

Damm has brought spirit to the school that many haven’t seen in decades.

“Teachers that have been here for a long time have said that I have spirit that they haven’t seen in years,” Damm said.

Damm’s teammate and friend Ben Markey has always supported Damm’s school spirit.

“People say he’s crazy, but I think it’s cool,” Markey said.

Markey thinks Damm’s hard work will make him successful.

“Austin works really hard. He’s serious about what he does,” Markey said.

Sophomore A.J. Hawxby has played baseball with Damm for years.

“People love Austin, they say he makes things more interesting,” Hawxby said.

Athlete of the Issue

Girls tennis There will be a varsity tennis regional team meet May 16.

The other regional tennis meets are May 21, 23, 25 and 26.

State tennis meets are June 4-6.

The top six girls will get to go to regionals.

Girls prac�ce from 3:15-5:30 every weekday and some�mes make Saturday prac�ces.

Senior Tran Dang hopes for the best thing possible.

“I’m hoping we’ll win all our games and the girls go to regionals,” Dang said.

Soccer Boys soccer will have a game against Roosevelt May 18.

May 23 is substate quarter finals.

Time is to be announced.

Varsity and JV girls soccer will have a game against Ames at Ames. The games are at 6:15 and 7:30.

Varsity has a game May 24 against Glenwood for the ADM tournament.

KELSEY JESPERSEN

Age: 16 Height: 5’9’’ Year: Sophomore Sport: Dancing

Bio 2312 university ave. des moines 274.1577

an H oski ns

Senior Ben Lockin plays on the varsity boys tennis team. Lockin feels good about the tennis team this year.

“The team is rapidly expanding,” Lockin said.

Lockin feels the team has been able to compete with other schools this year.

“Our record doesn’t reflect our talent but all of our matches have been really, really close,” Lockin said.

The team is prac�cing hard with upcoming meets against O�umwa and Roosevelt, along with regional meets and state.

“Prac�ces either consist of challenges for posi�on or drills on ball placement,” Lockin said.

The tennis team is going to districts next week.

Sophomore Kelsey Jespersen has been dancing since she was five.

Kelsey stared dancing because her mom thought it would be a good idea.

Before Kelsey started dancing she played so�ball and basketball.

“I started to dance because my mom thought it would be a cool idea for me (to dance),” Jespersen said.

Game dates

Awards Jespersen has received lots of awards for dancing and other sports as well.

“I have received an award for a solo firstplace grand champion. Also, I have received an award for top five, and I got seconc place,” Jespersen said.

Jespersen has also received an academic award which she got during volleyball season.

Future

Jespersen is planning to dance in college but not go on any further than that.

She is also planning to go to DMACC because she will receive six free masters.

KEONNIE WARREN SIDEBAR

Girls TennisMay 16- @TBA May 21- @TBA Boys TennisMay 15- @TBA May 21- @TBA Girls TrackMay 15- @TBA May 21- @Fort Dodge Boys TrackMay 15- @TBA May 21- @Drake Girls SoccerMay 15- @Hoover May 18- @Cownie Boys SoccerMay 18- @Hoover May 23- @TBA

6 entertainment

informa�on compiled by: Dillon Whalen health editor

5.15.09.v42.i11

tanner buckley page design

S T R E C N O C G N I M UPCO ������������

����������� ��������������������������� �������������������������

COLDPLAY

– JUNE 127:30 P.M. TICKETS $104.35, $75, $53.50, & $35. WELLS FARGO ARENA. OPENING ACTS: SNOW PATROL & HOWLING BELLS. DOORS OPEN AT 6 P.M.

KEITH URBAN & TAYLOR SWIFT JUNE 27, 7:30 P.M. TICKETS ARE $76, $56, $20.

WELLS FARGO ARENA. DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 P.M. P.M

TWISTA

LAZERFEST

DESTROPHY12PM HALESTORM1PM THE VEER UNION1:50PM REV THEORY-2:40PM DUFF MCKAGAN’S LOADED-3:30PM SALIVA-4:20PM SAVING ABEL-5:15PM COREY TAYLOR & THE JUNK BEER KIDNAP BAND6:25PM

MAY 28,9 P.M. TICKETS ARE $27. VAL AIR BALLROOM. DOORS OPEN AT 8 P.M. OPENING ACTS: RETRO KIDS & DRASTEK

THIRD EYE BLIND JUNE 2, 8 P.M. TICKETS ARE $22.50. VAL AIR BALLROOM. DOORS OPEN AT 7:00 P.M. OPENING ACT TBA.

EDWARD RODRIGUEZ ILLUSTRATION ILL

SMOOTHIE NATION

Fresh, fruity finds and where to find them

Mars Café (5/5) Location: Drake neighborhood (2318 University Ave.) Atmosphere: College and high school students come to study, eat, drink and listen to live music in this coffee spot with a cool vibe.

Also available: organic coffee and tea, lunch Bea and Chloe’s favorites: Strawberry mango smoothie Comments: Clearly the best of the four, the smoothies here are smooth and fruity without tasting like chemicals.

The Juice Company (5/5) Location: Roosevelt Cultural District (845 42nd St.) Atmosphere: local scene inside a quaint little strip mall with bright colors and art adorning the walls Also available: Lite smoothies, organic snacks, juice, protein shakes and organic wheat grass shots Bea and Chloe’s favorites: Strawberry banana smoothie with energy supplement Comments: With a wide variety of imaginative blends of fruit, fat-free yogurt and soy milk, the smoothies at The Juice Co. are always healthy and fresh.

Village Bean (3½/5) Location: East Village (400 E Locust) Atmosphere: Spacious coffee shop w/a courtyard Also available: coffee, tea, pastries Bea and Chloe’s favorites: Pineapple mango smoothie Comments: The smoothies with cranberry were more bitter than I expected. All the smoothies I’ve tried left me with a weird aftertaste, but if you say ‘yes’ when they ask you if you want oatmeal in your smoothie, the taste greatly improves—something I didn’t expect.

BEA RENDON/CHLOE GAMBLE SIDEBAR

Is College in Your Future?

EdCo�wants�to�help!!��

The Iowa Credit Union Foundation is offering up to $1,500 for qualifying applicants The Requirements? … 1. Must be a senior graduating in 2009 AND 2. must have an account at a credit union. If the 2nd one is holding you back come to EdCo and open an account to jump start college planning. Because doesn’t a $1,500 scholarship sound like a good deal??

Stop by the EdCo website to print an application

609 38th St Des Moines, IA 50312 � 515-274-4100 � www.EdCoCU.com

Iowa Bakery Cafe

free* bagel w/cream cheese

*w/purchase of beverage

“Taking a bite out of your normal lunch routine.”

4040 University Avenue, Des Moines 50311 515.274.8994

EXPIRES 6.5.09

www.hooverchallenger.com

opinion 7

keonnie warren page design

Teens need to show respect for elders

�������������������

CHALLENGER

������������������������������������� �������������� ��������������������� ������������

����������� ���������������� ���������

������ �� ������������� ���������������� �������� ������������������� ������� �������������� ������ ����������� ������ ������������� ������������� �������������� ������������ ����������� ���������� ������������� �������������� ������������ ��������������� ���������� ������������ ������������ ������� ����������������� ��������������������������� ��������� ������������ ������� ���������������

������������������������������� ���������������������������������� Children used to be regularly told to respect their elders. But these days more and more youth are disregarding what they’ve been told and disrespecting those older than them.

Today, we live in a society where we are wrapped up in youth and celebrity worship.

Looking young is in and being old is out.

Although this is not true for all kids, it is becoming widely noticeable. They lose a sense of respect toward the older generation.

In order for kids to respect other people, they have to be raised to respect other people, instead of growing up thinking that the world revolves around him or her. Kids need to grow up acknowledging that they must respect anyone who is an authority figure.

In the news, there have been more cases where elderly people are being ruthlessly harmed by youth. It seems almost like the kids Kids can also be highly disrespectful are dehumanizing the elderly and think that toward their teachers and it’s blasphemous they can get their way with them. because the majority of The causes for this can teachers teach because be interpreted in various The Challenger staff they sincerely want to help ways. It could be the media voted 12-0 their students succeed. in regards to violent video for this editorial Kids will feel like they games, TV shows and have authority over their sporting events validating teachers and when the it. However, these reasons Teens should show a teacher does not have should not be legitimate control in disciplining causes to violently attack con� nuing apprecia� on the students, it becomes or disrespect elders for their elders a problem not only for There are many children the teacher, but for the who have absolutely no learning environment as a whole. respect for their parents when they talk back It is common for a child to test their or disregard their feelings. It’s sad to see a parents’ authority and test their limits, only to child repeatedly tell their mom or dad to value their efforts and parenting values as they “shut up” or swear at them.

Publica�on dates for 2008-2009:

���� ����� ������������

mature into adulthood. Elders deserve respect because they have taken care of and contribute to the successful formation of the younger generation.

Although elders may seem too outdated or socially inept to the new generation, they have accumulated a lifetime of experience and must be respected and listened to.

Since America is a melting pot of different cultures, many people of the older generation who have immigrated here have faced prejudices and countless hardships that are often hard for the younger generation to fathom. There needs to be a continuing appreciation for what the older adults have dealt with to make this current generation better, and show what they can provide for society.

Student Sound Off

“

How do you think teens should treat elders ?

”

�������� �����������������

�������������������������� ����������������������

Chloe Gamble

��������� �������� ����������������

������������������������� �����������������

������� �����������

��������������������������� ����������������������� �������������������� ��������������

������ ����������������� �������������������������� �������������������������� ����������������

It’s my time to shine

Staff Writer

��������������� �������������������������� As I sat down to select which of my cliché senior pictures would best suit my graduation party invitations, I came to the striking realization that my time had come. It became clear to me that I would be leaving behind the world of hall passes and homeroom in exchange for an abrupt introduction to the adult world. I was now under the obligation of moving on with my life and figuring out what in the world I was going to do with it.

After I took a hesitant glance into the future I spent a few moments looking back on my time at Hoover. I thought of all my classmates and recollected the freshman in all of us. I remembered feeling the same way walking into high school for the first time

as I did shuffling through senior pictures: tremendously excited and unbelievably terrified.

From the very beginning of our high school careers the class of 2009 dispersed themselves amid many different groups and took part in a variety of activities. I realize now that even though we were divided by our interests we were never far apart. Regardless of individuality, we were all being tossed about in the same boat.

From my own personal experience I found that being involved in extracurricular activities with my peers was a wonderful opportunity which afforded me several cherished friendships.

Whether it was at an athletic event, a performing arts production or a day on a publications staff, I continuously discovered new truths about myself and ultimately about life. I found that through my interaction with others I learned to develop a self assurance which would define my personality.

Looking back on all the trials and tribulations of high school I discovered that the most important lesson I learned was how to be myself, and how to relate to others who were finding that to be just as hard as it was for me.

Without a doubt my most challenging experience in high school has been this past year. There is no other obstacle like letting go of the security of what has always been and preparing to set out into the world of the unknown. I am sure my fellow soon-to-be graduates will agree with me when I say, you will never know how difficult senior year is until you are knee deep in “describe yourself in the space provided” college applications, competitive scholarships and an endless succession of deadlines.

Though the past four years have been challenging ones they have also been rewarding. I have accumulated so many unforgettable memories with such a variety of people that I can never be sorry I attended Hoover. I only regret not sharing more time with all my peers.

My time in high school has convinced me of my generation’s potential and determination. The class of 2009 is so rich with creativity and independence of mind that I have no doubt in our ability to succeed in all our aspirations. So from one apprehensive senior to another I say let us not be afraid to break the mold and surpass the world’s expectations of our capability.

• august 21-orienta�on • september 26-homecoming • october 15 • november 7 • wednesday, november 26thanksgiving • december 19-winter break • january 23-semester 2 • february 13-black history month • march 6-spring break • april 3 • thursday, april 24-prom • may 15-gradua�on

Ad rates for 2008-2009: 1/16 page (2.5” x 2.75”) $25 1/8 page (5” x 2.75”) $45 1/4 page (5” x 5.75”) $80 1/2 page (10” x 5.75”) $130 full page (10” x 11.75”) $230 banner (10” x 1.75”) $80 (across bo�om of page) 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.

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

8 informa�on

5.15.09.v42.i11

michael roby page design

Catch Korn , Saving Ab more at La le, Sa Indianola Bzerfest, May 31 alit va and the alloon Grou nds Study for th aren’t fre ose finals! Y ou e yet!

But on the other hand, get someone in the family to talk to your travel agent and see about taking a trip this summer.

Set aside som eekend to just ea and have somee w se up fun.

Juniors, college is coming at you like a speeding bullet, give it some thought people!

Call your summer friends and make plans.

Double check with your counselor about your schedule.

May

THINGS TO DO

Monday

18

9/JV/V B Soc Roos (H) Band awards 8 pm

Saturday Sunday 16 15 comedy fest 7:30 17 B/G track p.m. district V B substate Tn V G Tn regional team 21 22 23 24 Commenc- V B Soc quarterfinal emt 7 V G Tn pm Vets Auditorium regional

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Drama 19 awards 7:30 p.m.

Senior

senior 20 breakfast 7 am 90 min early dismissal

B/G Track state B Tn

3 PEOPLE TO KNOW

lfe Parker Wo

Jason D anielso n

Thao Pham

sfully anics succes and The M nds at the talent fe ol W er Ba Park �le of the won the Baweeks back. show two

Thao Pham will be receiving the Ma�hew Shepard Gold Scholarship, an LBGT scholarship in honor of Ma�hew Shepard for $35,000

Social s has be cience teach er Jaso en wo r suppo r�ng la king giving in n Danielson st wee fo k’s Rela rma�on an d y for L ife.

Friday

5

Places to go

Any business you may want to work this summer; get those applica�ons in early.

Hit the Iowa Speedway for a race you’ll never forget.

Seniors, get out and enjoy that freedom.

Waterworks Park: miles of natural beauty all around.

Any state park for recrea�on and beauty

EDWARD RODRIGUEZ BOARD DESIGN EDWARD RODRIGUEZ BOARD DESIGN

IF YOU DREAM

YOU ARE

���

���������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������� �� ��� ����������������������������������� �� ���� ������������������� �� ����������� ������������������������� �

���� �����

�� �������������������������������������������������������������������

�

�

�� ���� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������

�� ��� ������������������������������������������������� �� ������ ����������������������������������������� * Based on average awards ** Source: Iowa College Student Aid Commission # CLA Learning Report, 2007

800-553-4150