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
hoover high school publications 4800 aurora avenue des moines ia.50310 515.242.7313
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grievances.
The 2008 Campaign Bus pulled into the parking lot of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library. The bus’s program was launched in November 1993 to demonstrate cable’s commitment to education. Since then it has been to every states and all presidential libraries.
Inside: Cook’s new ‘hood’ p.2 Former principal moves downtown
Wake up call p.3
Senior Katie Taylor’s trip to India alters her perspective of life on the home front
Tech Ted p.4 Ted Mathews may know more about technology than trained professionals
Dub-Yah for the huskies p.5
Huskies get their first varsity football win in three years
‘You can’t live until you die’ p.6
Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx tells story of life struggles and addictions
Legalize love p.7
Gay marriage would bring equal rights
KYKER PHOTO
A boy named Bert Students get an enthusiastic welcome to a rare opportunity provided by C-SPAN
sponsored by Mediacom and Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network (C-SPAN) along with two other social studies teachers (Steve Koch and Stevens). Murphy used her break time at the workshop to talk to the host, Steve Roth, to see how she could get the 2008 C-SPAN Campaign Bus to come to Hoover. “He said he would talk to his people and get back to me,” Murphy said. After some phone tag, the idea of the bus coming to Hoover didn’t work out. But Roth was still enthusiastic about working with students, so he invited Murphy and up to ten other students to come to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum for a live taping of Presidential Sam Kyker Libraries: History Uncovered. “Unfortunately no football players, design editor cheerleaders, or band members could go because of the game. And I only had five days to organize the Bert could often be found fishing, hiking or whole thing,” Murphy said. exploring as a young child. Orphaned at the age of The students were asked, and seven decided to nine, by which time both of his parents had died, go along. he would grow to make a capital impact on the On Sept. 7 they left after fifth hour and headed United States of America. to Westbranch, Iowa. Among them were Junior Bert, or Herbert Hoover, was the 31st president Jordan Taha and Senior Adam Beaves. of the states. However, on Sept. 7, several students “I thought it was on the way to Omaha, not past who were willing to miss the football game got an Iowa City,” Beaves said. “The town was small. To opportunity to learn more than just which president us ‘big city kids’ that’s always such a novelty.” he was. Once they got there, they got a tour of the Accompanied by Maureen Murphy and Kirk library and a tour of the C-SPAN Campaign 2008 Stevens, a group of students experienced the Bus which has been to all 50 states, their capitals story of Bert in a way that few ever get a chance. and all presidential libraries. C-SPAN Marketing Murphy and Stevens provided an opportunity for Representative, Doug Hemming gave them the tour students. of the bus and informed them on the differences Murphy attended a teaching workshop between C-SPAN and other news networks.
C-SPAN prides itself in being an unbiased news network. “In my opinion, the only network that doesn’t present biased news,” Stevens said. They are a public service created to inform their viewers about the government. They don’t track their ratings. “It’s something to get used to,” Hemming said, “but students will eventually start making decisions for themselves.” In the museum, the students saw things that were exclusive to the institution. “Seeing the reading copy of Herbert Hoover’s inaugural speech was cool,” Taha said. The museum had a two story storage facility called the Stacks that housed 35 percent of Hoover’s presidential documents as well as hand written letters to his wife, workers and friends. The museum housed all manner of Hoover’s belongings. From his wife’s dresses to his office telephone. The students saw plenty of Hoover related things. “A replica of his office when he was older. I thought that was really cool.” “Being able to read and touch actual documents of president Hoover was cool. The films on display were interesting,” Taha said. “The people who worked there were really kind and enthusiastic about history, and they were willing to show us things that they would not usually show people.” These students got an opportunity that many didn’t. They learned about the connections of their school, community and country. “I thought it was a big deal to see these things,” Taha said, “because it’s not some thing that people normally get to see.”
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HUSKY BITES Orchestra Orchestra is working towards all-state on Oct. 20. Their first concert is Oct. 23.
Band
Band is preparing for the Beaverdale parade Sept. 22.
Associate Superintendent for the northwest region of the Des Moines Public School district Connie Cook checks out seventh grader RJ Toliver’s school work. Cook accepted the position in order to implement positive changes in the The Prodigious Snob performs Oct. 4, 5 and 6 district. Cook will still visit Hoover several times a at 7:30 p.m. in the Denis week when needed. GATES PHOTO
Drama
Hildreth auditorium.
Guitar Club
Cook’s new ‘hood’
Former principal moves downtown
Guitar club meetings will be held Wednesdays at 2:45 in room 211. They Bea Rendon are currently in need of opinion editor drummers to help keep The golf cart—and its driver—are gone. rhythm. Bassists are Former Hoover Principal Connie Cook no also welcome. They are longer inhabits these halls. putting together a set for “It was a really hard decision to leave because I Entertainment Tonight. really love Hoover,” Cook said.
Environmental Club
Students and staff found out late this summer that Cook accepted a job with the school district, and former Vice Principal Doug Wheeler would be taking her place as principal. Dean of Students Fran Graziano said she felt that although Hoover was losing Cook, the move would benefit the district. “I told her it was a tremendous loss for me since I loved working with her, but it’s a tremendous gain for the district,” Graziano said. Students also had to adjust to the idea of a new principal, although Wheeler’s years at Hoover meant many students were already familiar with him. Senior Eden Stokka was enthusiastic about Wheeler. “I was excited because I liked him last year as vice principal,” Stokka said. Cook is now the associate superintendent for the northwest region of the Des Moines Public School district, which includes Roosevelt and Hoover, as well as middle and elementary schools in the area. This means Hoover hasn’t seen the last of Cook. “I probably will be there several times a week,” Cook said. “Whenever I’m needed.” According to the Des Moines Register, the associate superintendents’ positions (there are three) were created as part of a move to “better focus on student progress from preschool through graduation.” Traditionally, the district has been divided by school type—elementary, middle, and high schools—rather than geographic region. “Bureaucracy is sometimes hard to deal with,” Cook said. “This is meant to try and break the structure down.” Cook hadn’t originally planned on applying for the position. “I was actually on the interview team,” Cook said. But she eventually saw it as a way to help
NEWsheriff inTOWN Wheeler has changes
Environmental club is looking for new Sam Rickie members. Anyone sports editor interested can contact Principal Doug Wheeler was a teacher here for four years and vice Maribeth Newman, principal for one year. Experience with Hoover was a huge advantage in Emily Tow, or Jesse getting the position. Benson. Members can “Knowing the students and staff allowed me to hit the ground running,” gain hours towards the Wheeler said, “I have a great working relationship with a lot of people.” silver cord and help Wheeler considers himself a leader not a manager. beautify the environment “Leaders respect the people, that work for them and the people they and Hoover.
in the works for Hoover
Student Council
STUCO is planning homecoming. The theme is CLUB H2S “Party like a rock star” T-shirts are being sold for $10 as a fundraiser for the dance.
Gay Straight Alliance
GSA meetings will be held every Tuesday in room 62. See Tom Foster for details.
serve,” Wheeler said. Sarah Hamilton is the new debate coach and speech teacher. Hamilton student taught for Nic Jackson second semester last year. “(Wheeler) is very much not only for the students of the school, but also for building support for the teachers,” Hamilton said, “I like that he has an ‘open-door policy’ so I feel if I have a problem I can go to him.” Senior Jamie Spina is glad to have Wheeler as the principal. “(I like) how he interacts with the kids. He takes charge of things. He’s kind of more laid back,” Spina said. Closed campus for sophomores and two lunches are just a few of the changes Wheeler has planned for this year and the years to come. This change was decided upon last year. “(The change was) not to impose another rule, there was thought behind it,” Wheeler said. “Parents like to keep track of sophomores.” “There are less kids trying to go out for lunch, it’s not as big of a traffic jam,” Spina said. Freshman Keenan McCullom has to stay on campus for lunch like in middle school. “It’d be more fun if more people in my grade were there,” McCollum said. Wheeler would like to work toward more project-based learning in the classrooms and making the overall classroom atmosphere more exciting. “In eleventh grade I decided I didn’t like to be talked at,” Wheeler said. “We need to get away from covering information to uncovering information
implement what she saw as positive changes for the district. “I really want it to work well. So I agreed to come,” she said. “I’m hoping that teachers and students and parents and schools will feel more supported by the central administration.” Graziano thinks the district will benefit from Cook’s decision to take the associate superintendent position. “I think she brings a huge body of experience and knowledge with her,” Graziano said. Stokka remembers Cook’s work to bring Hoover and Meredith together. “I know that she really tried to integrate Meredith and Hoover to make sure the transition was really easy for incoming freshmen,” she said. Stokka also mentioned she had good experiences with Cook when she needed to talk with an administrator. “[When] I came to her, she listened and tried to work the problems out,” Stokka said. “She’s good at solving problems and listening to both sides.” For Hoover staff members, the change from Cook to Wheeler was made easier by the fact that Wheeler has experience at the school. “It’s been an amazingly smooth transition,” Graziano said. “Mrs. Cook set a clear path and goals, and Mr. Wheeler followed through. It’s been a lot of fun.” Stokka noticed Wheeler’s ease around school. “He really seems to enjoy us. It seems like he actually likes the job and likes being around high schoolers,” she said. Cook also has some things to get used to. “The hardest part is going to an office and parking in a parking ramp,” she said with a laugh. There’s something else, too. “I miss everybody,” Cook said.
and students talents and abilities being determined by a test score...Teachers are working really hard to make classes more relevant and exciting.” The staff is cracking down on the attendance policy. Parents will be notified immediately when a student is truant from class. “We can’t teach people when they’re not here,” Wheeler said. “They’re cracking down (on attendance),” Spina said, “It’s about time.” Along with being more strict on attendance, teachers are going to work on bullying, but Wheeler doesn’t think this will be that much of an issue. “This year we’re going to attack bullying and harassment issues,” Wheeler said. “(Hoover is) not as cliquish. I see people getting along. There’s a place for everyone at this building.” Not all changes are going to happen this year. A major change for next year is switching from seven periods to eight with block scheduling. This change has been in process for a couple of years. “My challenge is to develop a block schedule that works for students and teachers,” said Wheeler. “I want fine arts to continue to thrive and grow.” “I think (block scheduling) will help students get more questions answered. I think students will like it, it’s a little more like college,” Hamilton said. “I’m not looking forward to it, I have trouble paying attention for 47 minutes,” McCollum said. Along with the new class schedule could come a longer lunch period. There are many possibilities up in the air as to how the lunch schedule will run with the new block schedule. Passing could be changed to four minutes with the extra time added to lunch, it could be separated into three lunches, or it could be changed to one 40-45 minute lunch. Wheeler would also like to bring back an actual study hall period. “It’s important in today’s society to have time to work on things,” Wheeler said. The future has many changes in store, but Wheeler is hitting it hard to accomplish a lot of things. “I think the year is going really well. (There are) a lot of great things going on,” Wheeler said. “I’m blessed to be a teacher here, it’s a great school,” Hamilton said, “I’m excited to see where the school goes under Wheeler’s leadership and direction.” “I’m looking forward to working with spirit group and getting information from the students,” Wheeler said. “I really enjoy being principal here.”
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payton quinn page design
Traveling between two cities, Puducherry and Chennai, Taylor met and saw a variety of people. Beggars were among these people. “I would have two or three beggars follow me just because I was white,” Taylor said. One day as she was standing by the road she encountered a small boy that appeared no older than six. He had no shoes or shirt and asked for 25 cents. Even though she was warned not to, she gave in to the little boy’s request. Such experiences were what made Taylor question her life in Iowa. “I wasn’t sure to feel grateful for what I have or guilty,” Taylor said. Her experience in India changed her relationships MUTHU CRICKET GUEST with her family and friends. PHOTO “A part of me feels more grateful to have the technology together to combat poverty in India. As relationship that I do with my family and friends one of only 12 students from across the country that because family is very important in India and to participated in the internship, she felt grateful to be me,” Taylor said. “But a part of me feels angry that a part of the whole experience. some people complain and don’t realize what they Although Taylor felt lucky about the internship, have.” being alone in a foreign country and surrounded by Taylor, along with Hoover Librarian Pamela unfamiliar faces was not easy for her. Pilcher, believes that her summer internship in India “It’s one thing to be in a foreign country,” Taylor was a life-changing experience. Pilcher was Taylor’s said. “It’s another to be in a foreign country alone.” faculty advisor for the World Food Prize Youth Edward Rodriguez Taylor’s main job in India for MMSRF was to Institute. entertainment editor work with self-help groups and study their success “She wasn’t a tourist in India; she was working A single trip to India was all it took to change in raising women’s status socially, politically and and living with real people,” Pilcher said. “You Senior Katie Taylor’s entire life. economically. A part of her job was to actually go can’t come away from that without seeing the world As a participant of the World Food Prize Youth out and interview women. It was one of the many differently.” Institute and the Borlaug-Ruan International ways that she gained a better understanding of the Pilcher attended the World Food Prize Youth Internship, Taylor was given a unique opportunity people in India. Institute with Taylor along with 80 to 100 other to spend eight weeks of her summer in India. There “After I had interviewed these women, one of students, mostly from Iowa, although some were out she learned about the country’s people, culture and them brought out this bowl of jasmine flowers and of state. problems with food supply. they put it on a strand and they put it in my hair,” “I would encourage any student at Hoover who As part of the internship, Taylor worked for the Taylor said. “It meant so much to me then. It made is interested in having a life-changing experience MS Swaninathan Research Foundation (MMSRF), me realize how generous they were with what little to consider participating in the World Food Prize an institute that brings environmentalism and they had.” Youth Institute,” Pilcher said.
Senior Katie Taylor posed for a picture with kids she worked with on her internship in India over the summer. Taylor’s trip to India on the Borlaung - Ruan International Internship was a life changing experience. “I wasn’t sure to feel grateful for what I have or guilty,” Taylor said.
A Mother’s Request
Wake up call
Senior Katie Taylor’s trip to India alters her perspective of life on the home front
Senior Katie Taylor’s experiences while in India where far greater than she would have ever expected. She was thrown into a completely different culture and then left there to see what would happen.
In between interviewing some women, Taylor would play with their kids. At one point the mothers would tap on their child’s head or shoulders, make a swooshing sound and then scoop their hands over their heads. Upon asking her interpretor what thier actions meant, Taylor grew a stark impression about the world around her. “They were asking me to take their children away to america.” RODRIGUEZ SIDEBAR
Driver Education For YOU!
Classes held at Deerfield Crossing 2741 100th Street, Urbandale Oct 22 thru Nov 28, 2007 (DFC0720) 6:00 to 8:30 PM M, W Oct 23 thru Nov 28, 2007 (DFC0721) 6:00 to 8:30 PM T, Th Classes at Urbandale High School Oct 29 thru Dec 13, 2007 (URB0704) 6:15 to 8:45 PM M, Th Class at Brody Middle School (LIN0733) Oct 29 thru Dec 13 2007 6:15 to 8:45 PM M, Th For more information log on to the web at www.drivetek.com or call Drive Tek at 515.327.1500
Saturday September 28th 8-11pm Hoover High School Dress to Impress Tickets $8 on sale September 24-27 at lunch & after school
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TECHTed Behind the technology
Joanna Welter information editor Senior Ted Mathews has been working with computers since he was six years old. At age nine he put together his first computer, and by the eighth grade he was building his own computers. During his free-time, Mathews enjoys messing with computers. “My basement’s full. There are boxes everywhere,” Mathews said. Close friends like senior Evan Wylson agree that Mathews’ basement is packed full. “He needs to get rid of some stuff. It’s all old,” Wylson said. Mathews does a lot more than just build his own computers. For years he’s been helping teachers like Kirk Stevens when they’re having problems with their computers. “Last year, Ted was Ms. Miller’s assistant. When she sent his down to me he was very helpful and willing to come whenever I ask, since,” Stevens said. Stevens believes that Mathews is also very helpful and knowledgeable. “He’s really generous with his time, which makes it easier for teachers to teach at this school,” Stevens said. Stevens has Mathews in class for government, and considers Mathews to be a very bright kid.
Senior Ted matthews is the Hoover technology student. “He’s almost a challenge as a student,” Stevens said. “He’s so knowledgeable that it’s difficult to challenge him in a normal classroom.” Sometimes, when Mathews is bored, he even likes to do research on topics such as theoretical physics, space anomalies, and quantum theories. “And I do this in my free time,” Mathews said. But not all of his time is spent with his eyes glued to the computer screen. Mathews also likes participating in rifle competitions, paintball fights,
and tennis. “I watch tennis all the time on T.V.” Mathews said. “I hope to play up at college too.” During the summer Mathews and his close friends take trips to Action Jack’s in Colfax to play on a paintball course. “We just mess around and try not to get shot,” Wylson said. “There’s usually about 25 people there.” Mathews has also had plans to start a new club at Hoover. Last year, former Principal Connie Cook had approved for Mathews to be in charge of a paintball club with Peter Wall as a sponsor. During class sessions, Mathews had hoped to be able to teach students everything they would need to know to win a paintball fight. “I’d teach them how to maintain paintball markers and stuff,” Mathews said. Mathews had planned to take large groups out about once a month to play on a paintball course. “(Teaching a paintball club) sounds like something he’d be good at,” Stevens said. After high school, Mathews has plans to Major in Computer Engineering at ISU. Then he’d like to be in the ROTC for air force intelligence. “I’d like to get a job working for the Department of Defense,” Mathews said. Mathews said that his is a research group working for the U.S. government. “They do research on defense and offense weapons. New armor, vehicles, everything,” Mathews said. From building his own computers, to maintaining paintball markers on the course, Wylson believes that Mathews is a well-rounded, college bound, senior at Hoover. “He’s fun to be around and he always makes something funny,” Wylson said. “He’s just a good guy.”
Truth about Ted
Born in Arkansas
He’s a senior
Knows
how to say ‘That’s what she said,’ in German
Works at Dahl’s
Plays
paintball
Does
research when gets bored
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HUSKY BITES Cross Country
Girls and boys have a meet in Indianola today. The next meet is at Ankeny on Sept. 27, then Oct. 4 at Sleepy Hollow.
Girls Swimming
Swimmers will have their next meet Sept. 25 at Lincoln at 5:30. On Oct. 2 they are competing at North. The Green and Gold meet is Oct. 4, for admission to the meet bring a stuffed animal to donate to the Senior Mike Kuhn runs the ball during the first game of the season Mercy Pediatric ER. on Aug. 30. The win was the teams first since 2004. The Huskies
pulled out the win in over time.
Boys Golf
Today the boys are competing against East at Waveland. Sept. 25 they have a meet at Waveland against Ottumwa.
Volleyball
The next game for volleyball is the Southeast tournament on Sept. 22. Then they will compete at Lincon Sept. 25 and Sept. 29.
Football
There’s an away game tonight against Ottumwa. The team’s excited for the long trip. Sept. 28 is the homecoming game against Lincoln.
Boys Basketball Weightlefting will be after school starting Mondays and Wednesdays at 2:50.
Dub-Yah for the Huskies
Senior Chase Anderson waved the Hoover huskie flag during the varsity football game against Council Bluffs on Aug 30. It was the first varsity football win in three years. The final score was 26-20.
Huskies get their first varsity football win in three years
Christine Attey co-editor in cheif With seconds left in the fourth quarter, Senior Stephon James tied it up. In overtime, Hoover won their first varsity football game since 2004. This win against Council Bluffs has left students wondering how the season will pan out. “I think will be more competitive with more teams and maybe win three or four games,” senior Co-Captain and quarterback Mike Kuhn said. Kuhn has been playing Hoover football for four years. Kuhn and James feel that the win over Council Bluffs will help improve the moral of the team and the school. “It was awesome to see the crowd stay for the whole game during Johnston,” said Coach Mitch Elbert. “It actually gave me goose bumps.” The number of players has gone up significantly. They have 112 players ranging from ninth to 12th grade. With more players their goal is to win three or four games. James feels that the seniors are the most productive class and that they have a lot of chemistry on the field. “The seniors have shown good leadership and they are starting to police them self,”said Elbert. Elbert thinks that the players understood what he and other coaches were talking about this and last year. That there is a reason for why they were doing things how they were. “I saw Tuesday when we got back that they were more focused in practice and starting to think maybe coach is right,” Elbert said. The academic standard change implemented last year has had an affect on the Huskies. They have six potential starters sitting out due to grades. “Now that we’ve gotten infinte campus it’s easier to check grades and stay more on top of players and their grades,” Elbert said. The team has new goals in mind. With not having a whole team for defense and offense, they are working on conditioning and just getting back to the basics of football.
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entertainment 6
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You can’t live ‘until you die 9.20.07.v41.i1
’
Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx tells story of life struggles Tanner Buckley and addiction staff writer
Nikki Sixx is a man known for debauchery, playing sold out arenas, and more than anything, excessive drug use. The Motley Crue bassist hooked up with singer/guitarist James Michael and guitarist D.J. Ashba to form a new band called “Sixx A.M.” This graphic album was inspired by Sixx’s diaries which dated all the way back to 1985. The album features 13 tracks, each setting the tone to a chapter in his upcoming book, “The Heroin Diaries.” Track one, “X-mas in Hell” is an excerpt from his first journal entry. It features evil sounding riffs from an orchestra, a choir, and dark lines of poetry from Sixx himself. The last line of the song states “30 minutes ago I could have killed somebody, or better yet, myself.” “Life is Beautiful”, track four of the album, is the heaviest song on the soundtrack. With great melodies from James Michael, it makes you think of how Sixx was feeling at this point in his addiction. At one point in the album, Sixx’s lyrics talk about all his attempts at rehab. Titled “Accidents Can Happen,” the track sends out a clear message. “It’s not your whole life, it’s only one day, you haven’t thrown everything away.” “Girl With Golden Eyes” is a song that compares his addiction to relationships with previous women. It’s almost sad to think that heroin was more important to him than love. The lyrics written by Sixx and Michael were moving. “And though I hardly know her, I let her in my veins.” “I wish I never kissed her, Cuz I just can’t resist her, Girl With Golden Eyes.” In Mid 1987, Sixx hit the peak of his addiction. After shooting up an excessive amount of smack, Sixx overdosed. “Courtesy Call” takes you back to the same room as Sixx as his heart stopped. The song brings out great imagery, featuring a phone off the hook with his maid knocking on his door, trying
to figure out what’s going on, and Sixx falling to the ground as he dies. It’s intense and admirable how well his life story translates to music. This track will definitely make you stop and think for a moment. Sixx was revived minutes after dying. The final track of the album “Life after Death” has a Trans-Siberian Orchestra sound. The lyrics feature Sixx summing up his life in about three minutes, featuring amazing lines of poetry and beautiful riffs from guitarist D.J. Ashba. “I turned it into my armor, my defense mechanism, and my weapon of self destruction. Yeah, I had a (explicit) up childhood and I was a troubled teen, those are facts. How I got there, that’s a story told by many, many voices. It’s not my job to blame anybody anymore, I just need to accept the path I was given. This is, without a doubt, my Life After Death” Nikki Sixx’s tell-all book “The Heroin Diaries” is set to release September 18th.
The Heroin Diaries is one of the most unique albums of the year. Sixx’s lyrics give an amazing flow to the music.
Iowa Bakery Cafe
free* bagel w/cream cheese
*w/purchase of beverage
“Taking a bite out of your normal lunch routine.”
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Expires 10.04.07
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9.20.07.v41.i01
Legalize love
Gay marriage would bring equal rights
AARON GOTTL ILLUSTRATION
they should not be allowed to wed. But what about senior citizens? Or infertile couples? Should fertility be a prerequisite to marriage? But the old question still remains: what about the children? According to a study by the Canadian Department of Justice in July 2006, “Research has consistently shown little difference in children’s social competence, parental socialization, and family functioning between families of heterosexual parents and families of gay or lesbian parents.” “The strongest conclusion that can be drawn… While we rile against the divorce rate and is that the vast majority of studies show that throw-away Hollywood marriages, we seem to children living with two mothers and children forget there is a significant percentage of the living with a mother and father have the same level population calling for their right to dedicate of social competence,” the study went on, adding themselves to each other. that some studies show that children with two Last month, Judge Robert Hanson struck down mothers are more socially competent that children the Iowa law prohibiting same-sex marriage. in traditional families, and very few studies show Approximately four hours later, he delayed giving the opposite, while most studies find no difference any further marriage licenses until an appeal of at all. the case could be heard. Within that four hours, The primary difference found in these studies however, about twenty couples applied for and women to wed violates the constitutional rights is that the children of gay couples are more likely marriage licenses, but since the process of applying of due process and equal protection. So basically, to be discriminated against by both peers and takes three hours, only one was issued. it violates the part of the constitution that says all authority figures such as teachers. But why are The “bride” of the only gay marriage to be citizens have equal rights that must be respected by they picked on? performed during the period of the lifting of the the government. “No person shall be ... deprived Unmarried couples having children, even ban, David Curtis Rethmeier said, “I started to of life, liberty, or property, without due process of straight couples, is a societal faux pas. Illegitimate cry because we so badly want to be able to be law.” children have always been discriminated against, protected if something Camilla Taylor, part of and their parents looked down upon. So when happens to one of us.” the Lambda Legal team we deny gay couples the right to wed, we are According to a 2004 that represented six gay denying them their right to have children without article in The Advocate, couples suing the state their children being ridiculed and without being “A new study by Harris after their applications ridiculed themselves. Interactive and Witeckfor marriage licenses Maybe if some of the cultural stigma against Combs Communications were denied, said in a homosexuality is removed by allowing them to shows that 30 percent of statement that the lawsuit marry, the discrimination that children of gay the nation’s gay men and was “about fairness and parents face will decline. lesbians have no health equality.” Maybe if a couple has the love and the insurance, compared with She said that “Since dedication to each other to make a lifelong 14 percent of nongays. marriage is the way the commitment, we should respect that and allow One possible reason: Only government provides them to make that decision. three percent of gays and lesbians are covered protection, support and respect for families, it is “This is kind of the American Dream,” one through a partner’s health plan.” only fair that these couples be able to marry.” of the plaintiffs in the Lambda Legal case, Jen Many health plans only cover the policySome argue that marriage is simply legal BarbouRouske said in the New York Times of the holder’s partner when they are legally married. justification for procreation. So, because gay lifting of the ban, “I’m still feeling kind of shaky. Hanson said that the law permitting only men couples cannot reproduce without outside help, It’s pure elation. I just cannot believe it.”
The Challenger staff voted 14-0 for this editorial Legalizing gay marriage could bring enormous benefits.
INmyOPINION . . . !
of many of my fellow classmates. Some would deem it a harsh, cruel and unjust punishment. But I, like so many other students and teachers, know perfectly well that a little rule like that would never stop sophomores and freshman from leaving entertainment campus. It would, however, increase the chances of a editor student being punished for their actions. And as the number of fumed students that have to suffer the consequences to their actions increases, so will the amount of resentment and anger of the entire student body. This would create a hostile and aloof environment that could have otherwise been avoided. The worst part about the open or closed campus controversy is that the notion to have closed Congratulations to the class of 2008! You have campus for juniors next year is out in the open. managed to spend three years of your high school What happens if they do make it closed campus for experience with open campus, graduate with juniors next year? Would they then decide just to only 21 credits and avoid having to deal with the eliminate open campus all together? controversy of blocked scheduling. You were given Closed campus isn’t even the worst problem for a sweet slice of pie while the class of 2010 was left the class of 2010. The raise of credits from 21 to to eat a bucket full of crap. 23 has forced students to work harder than ever in This year’s new closed campus regulation for order to graduate. Scheduling errors and counselors freshman and sophomores has boiled the skins are not making it any easier for students to get the
Edward R Rodriguez
The class of 2010 got screwed
allotted credits for graduation. Mistakes in scheduling have been severely abundant this year and part of that could be because of the new scheduling system. But too many students are suffering because their schedules and counselors did not meet the standards that they had been hoping for. I’m afraid that we’ll be seeing even more scheduling errors next year as blocked scheduling takes hold of our little school. Some students are completely for block scheduling. Others are adamantly against it. And I’m just plain sick of hearing about it. It’s coming and it’s happening whether we want it to or not. And just like the raise of credits and the closed campus controversy, there’s really no point to bitch about it. But there is a point to make it very clear that school as we know it is changing. The difficulties that the class of ’08 had to deal with three, two or even one year ago are not the difficulties that the class of 2010 is faced with today. We can choose to ignore the fact that our school is changing, but it’s impossible to ignore the fact that the class of 2010 was screwed in the process.
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Hoover High School Publications, 4800 Aurora Avenue Des Moines, IA 50312 515.242.7313 co-editors Christine Attey Rachael Stern features Payton Quinn opinion Bea Rendon information Joanna Welter entertainment Edward Rodriguez sports Sam Ricke design Sam Kyker illustrator Aaron Gottl chief photographer Laura Gates new media editor Emily Tow staff writers Tanner Buckley, Alyssa Vogel, Dillon Whalen adviser Timm Pilcher, CJE timm.pilcher@dmps.k12.ia.us principal Dr. Doug Wheeler printer Wilcox Printing
Publication dates for 2006-2007: • august 23-orientation • thursday, september 20-fall fest • october 5-fall break • october 26-halloween • november 9 • wednesday, november 21thanksgiving • wednesday, december 19-winter break • monday, january 14-semester 2 • february 8-black history month • february 22-black history month • march 7-spring break • march 28 • april 11-prom • thursday, april 24-drake relays • may 0 • may 23-commencement subscription rates $10/year
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HUSKY BITES
Student Sound Off
Fall Fest
During the weekend of the 21st, join Beaverdale for the Annual fall fest. Don’t miss the parade on Beaver Ave., the morning of Saturday the 22nd. Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday, enjoy the carnival in the Holy Trinity and Iowa Video parking lots.
Why do you support or not support samesex marriage?
Freshman Logan Sanders “I do support gay marriage because if straight people can get married so can gay people because America is about equal rights.”
Games
Hoover football on Friday, Sept. 21 plays Ottumwa and then again on Friday Sept. 29, plays Lincoln for homecoming.
Powder Puff
Sophomore Christina Peiffer “I do because it’s not someone’s right to tell gay people that they can’t love and marry.”
Junior Elerick Vasquez “My family is Christian so I’m not for it but that doesn’t mean I dislike gay people.”
Senior Grant Harvey “I’m in favor of gay marriage because all citizens are created equal and all deserve the same rights and equal treatment.”
Senior Stephon James hugs his little brother Skylar James, five years old, after winning the first game of the year and the first win in three years. The game was against Council Bluffs on Friday Aig. 30.
Huskie Hunt JAI ALAI ARCHERY LACROSSE BADMINTON POLO BASEBALL RACQUETBALL BASKETBALL RUGBY BILLIARDS RUNNING BOCCE SKATEBOARDING BOWLING SKATING BOXING SKIING CRICKET SOCCER CROQUET SOFTBALL CYCLING SQUASH DARTS SURFING FENCING SWIMMING FISHING TENNIS FOOTBALL VOLLEYBALL GOLF HANDBALL WRESTLING HOCKEY PUZZLE FROM WWW.PUZZLES.CA/WORDSEARCH.HTML
HALL PHOTO
Thursday Sept. 27 seniors and juniors face off at the girls Powder Puff game. Come to see the male cheerleaders.
Dance
Homecoming is Sept. 28 at Hoover. The theme this year is pary like a rockstar.
Comedy Show The House of Bricks
is hosting the HOB Comedy Showcase on Friday Sept. 21. The show will begin at 10 p.m.
Early Out
On Oct. 3rd, Hoover students will be following the early dismissal schedule. Classes will release at 1:05 p.m.