Issue 0909

INSIDE

Spring into ac�on

Spring musical intertwines student creativity with professional talent

-pg.3

Pg.2 Freedom of expression Pg 4. Biggest loser: teacher’s edition Pg. 5 Synchronized swimming Pg. 7 Hip hop: it don’t stop Pg. 8 The Board

Defying stereotypes

Senior sets out to prove violin is not only restricted to playing classical music

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CHALLENGER HOOVER PUBLICATIONS 4800 AURORA DES MOINES.IA. 50310 515.242.7313 4.3.09 V.42 I.9

Budget increase for state schools More money in schools’ pockets for upcoming year Heaven Slye sports editor

Campus monitor Linda Hart examines the parking camera from her computer. Next year’s $10 parking fee will help pay for new parking cameras. “We are not doing this because of vandalism,” said Principal Doug Wheeler. “Cameras are to prevent things from happening. Cameras prevent more than people think.” ��

Be� er safe than sorry New parking policy implemented to raise money for security camera Jessica Thrane opinion editor charge up to $25,” Wheeler said. Other schools in the district require a fee for parking stickers and now Hoover will join them. Senior Corey Soulinthavong, a member of the Student Problem Identification-Resolving Issues Together (SPIRIT) committee that met with Principal Doug Wheeler to discuss the idea, thought that the fee would be beneficial as the funds would be used to install new cameras and maybe possibly a new light. “It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Soulinthavong said. “Prevention is very important.” The parking fee for next year will be $10 for all students, which according to Wheeler is a small fee to pay compared to other schools. “At other schools they charge more for parking stickers. Some schools

Wheeler said he thinks that the school’s student parking lot is accomodating and that the fee will only help improve it. “We’re lucky that here at Hoover we have enough space for all of our cars and that our parking lot is never full. At other schools they have more parking problems,” Wheeler said. “And Hoover was actually the first school in the district to have working cameras.” The school district is also giving Hoover a security grant to put in one parking camera for proactive measures. But according to Wheeler, Hoover doesn’t have enough cameras. “We are going to get one or two from the district, and we’re going to use the parking lot fee for that too,” Wheeler said. According to Wheeler there have not been many incidents involving

CLOSED

-Recently Des Moines gym New Image Family Fitness Center closed without no�ce; a note was placed on its door sta�ng that the gym will be closed due to ﬁnancial issues. -Customers who paid in advance were told that they will not be ge�ng money back. -According to kcci.com, many customers are upset. -A number of businesses in Des Moines have closed because of economic issues. -A rumor that PacSun was going to close due to economic issues proved untrue. -Many tanning salons and other small businesses have been closing simply because they don’t have money to con�nue.

vandalism. “We are not doing this because of vandalism,” Wheeler said. “Cameras are to prevent things from happening. Cameras prevent more than people think.” Wheeler said cameras “protect the safety of students and their belongings and help out with proof of claims.” Senior Amy Kopaska drives to school this year . “I think the fee is ok because a lot of people will pay it so they don’t have to walk in the rain--plus it’s just $10,” Kopaska said. Resource teacher Christopher Sellers agrees too. “$10 a year amounts to 5 cents a day! It seems like a small price to pay to have the luxury of parking steps from the front door of your future. And remember, that $10 fee (at least now)is tax deductable,” Sellers said.

Economic downfall causes businesses to close doors

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According to the Associated Press, governor Chet Culver recently signed a bill at Central Academy to allow an increase in education for schools. This is going to supply an extra $60 million to schools in the state. For teachers and students alike, some are having trouble with the falling economy. History teacher Maureen Murphy has faced changes with education budget several times in her 16 years of teaching. “We often have years where we need to adjust our thinking as the budget does not cover as much as it did the year prior. One year we had a cut mid-year,” Murphy said. Education cuts haven’t really seemed to affect her in large ways, however. “With an exception of one year, I’ve always had between 155-175 students. So, as far as class size, it probably won’t affect me as much as it does others. I will probably be at the upper end,” Murphy said. Murphy said that even if it does affect her and the way she teaches, she would adjust because she loves her students. “I think I accept what happens and try to adjust to it. If you don’t, it might affect how you relate to your students, and I love my students. They do not deserve less from me,” Murphy said. Besides how the education budget has affected Murphy and other teachers, she reacted in a positive manner to the bill signed by Culver. “I always appreciate politicians who say they love children and then actually do something to prove it. Governor Culver is a former teacher who taught at Hoover, so I think he understands the problems public schools face in times like these,” Murphy said. However, teachers aren’t the only ones who are in favor of the bill that recently was signed and passed. Senior Ben Lockin also agrees that the bill was for a good cause. “It will make for more entertaining classes and more activities for students to learn with,” Lockin said. Lockin’s education has been affected by the economy, but as a senior, he won’t be affected by next year’s budget. “For me, it’s kind of for looking toward next year. Loans for student loans will be harder to get,” Lockin said. Lockin said that besides it being harder to get money for college, he’s applying for scholarships to be able to afford the University of Iowa. “I’m applying for a lot of scholarships,” Lockin said. Murphy said she has to rely on her own money to supplement what is given to her by the government in order to pay for classroom expenses. “(I have to spend) between $500$1000 (out of my own pocket),” Murphy said.

news 2

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payton quinn page design

special 3-part series

NEWS BRIEFS Cast and crew prepare for The Wiz The spring play will be the musical The Wiz. Junior Carolyn Thorn is a member of both cast and crew as they gear up to perform April 16-19. “It’s very much a work in progress. Everything is started but we have a lot to do,” Thorn said. Thorn an�cipates the show to be extremely entertaining. “Expect to see a fun and wellperformed show,” Thorn said. “The cas�ng was really well done and the singing is amazing. It’s just all coming together brilliantly.” Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and $3 for kids 12 and under.

School board works toward new goals The board is learning about the new system the government has put in place, in which the staﬀ is se�ng the priori�es and doing less in the way of school ac�vi�es, while the teachers and principals review the goals set. Dick Murphy has worked on the board for four years and though it proves stressful at �mes, ﬁnds it worth it for the students. “It’s a good opportunity to work with other educators and improve things for our students,” Murphy said.

Comedy Fest audi�ons April 21 Comedy Fest audi�ons will be held April 21 in the auditorium. Comedy Fest is a student-run comedy sketch show and a drama department tradi�on. Thespian Board President senior Jordan Taha is director and Vice-President senior Bea Rendon is assistant director. Audi�ons are open to all students interested but no parts are guaranteed. Students cast will meet a�er school to write, prac�ce and produce sketches for the show, which will be held May 16 at 7:30. Students planning to audi�on should come with a wri�en idea for a sketch.

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the QUICK quiz 1. Students can wear anything they want. 2. The Tinker case was a matter of freedom of religion.

4. 2009 is the 30 year anniversary of the Tinker case. 5. There are ﬁve rights guaranteed in the ﬁrst amendment.

Directions: Place a T (for true) or an F (for false) in the box next to each statement.

6. Dress codes can vary building by building. ANSWERS: 1:F 2:F 3:T 4:F 5:T 6:T

All juniors will be taking the ACT April 22 during the school day. Freshmen, sophomores and seniors will have that day oﬀ. The test is being provided free of charge for all Des Moines Public School juniors. Juniors will have Friday, April 24 oﬀ of school. Experts recommend ge�ng a good rest the night before and ea�ng a healthy breakfast the day of the test.

people wearing one color in a group,” Galvan said. of what those rights include are still Superintendent Nancy Sebring saw being discussed and challenged. John a number of ways that other schools Tinker, one of the three former students dealt with similar issues in Colorado. involved in the Tinker case, said he Sebring wants more students to know sides with the students on this particular about their rights and said the district discussion. will be working on a student’s rights “I just can’t imagine that the color of and responsibilities handbook to inform a shirt is really going to be distracting to students of their rights and what an education,” Tinker said. responsibilities come with those rights. But Wheeler said that it is a Sebring said this issue is a hard one to distraction and that since the address. administration had students stop “I think there’s some difficulty in wearing red, they weren’t having the really dealing with that issue, but I can problems that tell you if you don’t deal they had at the with it you also have beginning of the some problems because year. you don’t need gang It’d be easier for “It’d be easier activity, which we all me to let people for me to let people know exists, being carried wear red and let out in your school,” wear red and let gangs continue to Sebring said. intimidate people Galvan doesn’t feel that gangs continue to in this school, she’s informed about her intimidate people in rights as a student and but that’s not acceptable to me,” said she doesn’t this school, but that’s Sebring Wheeler said. think students are as well not acceptable The one thing informed as they should Galvan wants be about their rights. to me. administrators to “I’m hopeful that our know is that to her students understand that -Principal Doug Wheeler this issue wasn’t they’re citizens of the about a gang; it was about getting a United Sates and that the protections point across. therein apply to everyone and that they “Because we thought it wasn’t right also understand that it’s not clear cut…it for other people to be getting sent home requires people to think and to interpret or told not to wear red. We didn’t think and to be aware,” Sebring said. that was right because there are other

a CLOSER look

3. Students cannot wear head wear in school.

Juniors required to take free ACT

WHO

the Tinker case

JOHN TINKER MARY BETH TINKER CHRISTOPHER ECKHARDT DES MOINES PUBLIC SCHOOLS

WHEN

1965-1969

WHERE

Des Moines, IA

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Edward Rodriguez amendment rights in courts across the co-editor in chief country, because the interpretation

Sophomore Paola Galvan woke up one morning ready for a protest. She slipped into her blue jeans, red chucks and red t-shirt before leaving home for what she would soon find out was a very short school day. Galvan knew when she stepped off the bus and onto the front lawn of the school to join her matching friends that the color red was associated with the gang known as the Norteños. But that isn’t the reason she and her friends chose to wear that color on the exact same day. “Everybody was going to wear red because we were all mad that they were sending people home because they were wearing red,” Galvan said. And according to Galvan, that’s just what happened to her friends that day. She chose to leave with them. Galvan thought that she had the right to wear any color she chose, but Principal Doug Wheeler disagreed on the basis that it could cause a material and substantial disruption to the normal school environment. “If there’s a gang member wearing a certain color and we’ve had fights, which we have had this year that are related to that color, then we’re going to take action with it,” Wheeler said. Forty years after the Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District case students are continuing to fight for their first

GSA organizes day of silence GSA is ending the year with new president elec�ons. Next year’s presidents will be announced and start to plan next year events and goals. The day of silence will be held April 17. Shirts will be distributed that day. For more informa�on get in touch with Stephen Boatwright or any GSA member.

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AT WHAT WH

Mary Beth and Eckhardt wore black armbands to school Dec. 16, 1965, to publicize their objections to the Vietnam War and support of a truce. John wore his armband the next day and they were all suspended from their schools until they would come back without their armbands. Their parents took the case to a district court where the complaint was dismissed. After going through the court of appeals, the case made it to the U.S. Supreme Court, where it was decided that students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate. The students won their case.

A look at how dress code policies have changed and the rights students do and do not have. Challenger survey results.

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the DRESS code

oover students are expected to exhibit good taste and demeanor in dress and language in order to support the serious business of education. Students are not to use inappropriate language in classroom or hallways. Revealing clothing, including halter tops, midriff tops, back-less tops, low cut tops, tops with bare shoulders, short skirts and shorts etc., is not appropriate for school. Students will be asked to change clothing or jewelry that display obscenities, offensive language or graphics, promotes illegal activity, or could be considered disruptive to the educational environment. Students are not permitted to attend school without shoes. Students may not wear or carry with them sunglasses, head wear, bandanas, chains, pajamas and slippers in the building. After repeated violations of the good taste in dress and demeanor policy, disciplinary action up to and including suspension will be taken. This policy exists to protect the safety and learning environment of all students.

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www.hooverchallenger.com

features 3

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Spring into ac�on �� Dillon Whalen staﬀ writer The spring musical of choice is The Wiz, and with it comes some new twists. This production will be similar to the film version, but with some differences. Some of the twists of this version are different styles of music, and different locations of some of the characters. It will have funk music, and hip hop-influenced choreography. The choreography is very inspired by popping and locking. “This version is going to have a modern feel to it,” drama teacher and director Chelsea Cunningham said. Cunningham felt that the music from the show was the best to represent the school in this type of production. “I wanted to choose a type of music that reflected the Hoover body,” Cunningham said. The choreographer of choice was Lovar “LD” Davis Kidd. Kidd, who is an Iowa native, came highly recommended to Cunningham. Cunningham knew Kidd through a mutual friend. “(Kidd had a) wonderful professional resume,” Cunningham said. The choreography in The Wiz is a kind of choreography that hasn’t been seen before in a Hoover production. Cunningham chose the choreography the same way that she chose the music of choice – she wanted the choreography to be diverse. While the cast and production team are fairly large, the set design is simpler than previous plays. The set will pretty much look like what the auditorium looks like right now, with two platforms on the stage and two ramps extended out to the seating area, but there will still be things added on as the show

dates approach. Senior Jordan Taha, who is the stage manager for The Wiz, said that the set won’t be as complex as sets in the past. “The set’s pretty simple,” Taha said. Taha also said that there will also be a place for the pit on the stage. While the set is simple, Taha said it still takes a lot of work. Cunningham and Taha both agreed that a lot of work is being put into the set for The Wiz. “(Students work on the set) pretty regularly,” Cunningham said. “After spring break, every day and weekend.” Junior Alexis Edwards, who plays Dorothy in the play, really enjoys The Wiz so far. “It’s a whole lot of fun,” Edwards said. This is Edwards’ first musical and her first Hoover play. Edwards has also been in theater productions outside of school. “I wanted to try it out,” Edwards said. “(I wanted to) see how my first musical would be.” Edwards agrees that this version of The Wiz will be similar to the film version, but it will have some twists to it. Edwards also likes the music. “I like it,” Edwards said. “It brings a lot of soul.” Another difference about The Wiz is that 50 percent of the cast are minorities, according to Cunningham. “(There’s) a lot of flavor and soul,” Cunningham said. “(This is) a performance that reflects Hoover.” Cunningham and Edwards agreed that The Wiz will have a lot of twists to it and a lot of excitement. “(There will be) a lot of excitement,” Edwards said. “(There will also be) a lot of moments where you can pick-pocket moments out of your life.”

Lovar “LD” Davis Kidd, a professional choregrapher, teaches The Wiz cast members hip hop dancing. Dance will be a key aspect to the musical produc�on performed by students. “This version is going to have a ‘modern’ feel to it,” drama teacher and Wiz director Chelsea Cunningham said. ��

TICKET PRICES: PERFORMANCES: “This version is going $7 for adults $5 for students $3 for kids 12 and under

Apr. 16 at 7:30 Apr. 17 at 7:30 Apr. 18 at 7:30 Apr. 19 at 2:00

to have a modern feel to it,” -Director Chelsea Cunningham

Driving Distractions Teens have have highest highest accident accident Teens rate of of any any other other age age group group in in rate America, here’s here’s why: why: America; We will be in the Des Moines area on: Saturday, May 2nd at 1:30 pm, Stoney Creek Inn Register For Your FREE Information Session Online at www.namiss.com/IA or call us at 1-800-655-9390

texting talking on the phone having additional passengers listening to music eating singing applying makeup

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4 health

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thao pham page design

Biggest loser: teachers’ edi�on �� Katlin Perkins staﬀ writer

really gave them “theThisincen� ve to get healthy. ”

-Nutris�cs teacher Maribeth Newman

teachers. “It gets something fun going among staff and we’re getting healthier,” Newman said. According to biggestloser.com, The The Biggest Loser has been helping people shed pounds since 2004, at home and online. The website can help participants keep track of how much weight is lost every week. People post their personal stories as motivational pieces for others who are struggling to lose weight. Des Moines’ Farrell’s fitness center has picked up on The Biggest Loser trend, with members of the gym competing for a cash prize while losing pant sizes. Farrell’s is what Newman joined to help her team gain success in the teachers’ competition, and said she thinks having competitions like this push people to help themselves lose weight. “People really do know that they need to lose weight and this really gave them the incentive to get healthy,” Newman said.

What’s really in your food?

Since 1990, the FDA has forced companies to put ingredients on their labels.

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Hit TV show The Biggest Loser has influenced Americans to lose weight and change lifestyles. Hoover faculty have had their own competition going for around 11 weeks. 43 teachers were involved in the competition. They were split into 10 teams with four to five members in each and then required to weigh in every Thursday in the nurse’s office. The nurse then calculated the percent of body weight lost and emailed them to science teacher Eric Hall, who was one of the instigators of the contest. Nurse Jeanne Mark weighed in teachers for the competition and said she thought it to be a real motivation to stick to their weight loss plan. “They would come in and take their shoes off and take out their keys; it was funny and really made a difference,” Mark said. Teachers involved in the experience had a positive impact among other faculty. Some staff members who weren’t in the competition still got involved with the weight loss. “Even people who weren’t involved in the competition would come way in every day and still do because it influenced them,” Mark said. Nustristics is a class that deals with eating the right things and making healthy choices with eating habits and everyday life. Nutristics teacher Maribeth Newman watches The Biggest Loser every week. She said she is glad she decided to join the competition and finds it to be a great experience for

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4.3.09.v42.i9

Junior Amber Anderson prac�ces the rou�ne for synchronized swimming. Senior Becca Leﬄer is looking forward to the performance. “It’s swimming, dancing and music, three things I love. Of course I’m going to go for a sport like that,” Leﬄer said.

Synchronized swim season makes a splash

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�� Michael Roby back page editor

As spring has sprung, the synchronized swim team has sprung from the diving boards and into the

sports 5 sp

heaven slye page design

water for another season of swim and dance. Synchronized swimming is a combination of swimming and dancing means putting on a show with music in

the water, usually with a theme of some sort. Some of the team’s past shows have included a detective search for the mascot and saying farewell to the team’s old bus driver. Freshman Abby McNichols is looking forward to the show, even with what she considers a less experienced team on hand. “Yeah, we’ve got a lot of middle schoolers, but that should be ok. We’ll do pretty well anyway,” McNichols said. As McNichols is still in her early years on the team, senior Becca Leffler is looking toward her return. Leffler is returning to the team and is more then ecstatic to reunite with her old swim friends and put on another show. She said she really enjoyed the performance and fell for the applause of the crowd. “It’s swimming, dancing and music, three things I love. Of course I’m going to go for a sport like that,” Leffler said. Coach Anita Leveke has been looking forward to this time of the year. She coordinates the competitive swim team but also enjoys putting on a performance in the water. “It’s just something that might seem so offbeat, but hey, if people go to see dolphins do all the same tricks, why not?” Leveke said. The team meets every day of the week unless Leveke specifies otherwise from 3:30-5. The group will be meeting under said schedule until their performances Apr. 30 and May 1. The theme for the show will be “Hard Rock Café”, performing to racy rock hits like “Jungle Love” and “Girls Girls Girls”. Although it’s not going to be a swim through the park, Leffler and the rest of the team are still confident in a great show ahead of them. “By the time we’re done just splashing around, the crowd will be going nuts,” Leffler said.

Ashley Neal

Athlete of the Issue Bio Ashley Neal started bowling in seventh grade when she joined a league team. She has been bowling for the Huskies since she joined the team her freshman year. Neal said she likes the easy atmosphere of bowling. “It’s a good team sport where you can have fun and there’s not a lot of pressure,” Neal said.

Age: 16 Height: 5’4’’ Year: Junior Sport: Bowling

Awards While compe�ng in bowling leagues Neal won Best Overall Average and Highest Score awards.

At this year’s state bowling meet Neal took ﬁ�h place out of 71 female bowlers and helped her team come in at eighth place.

Future Neal’s goals for the Husky bowling team next year are to make it to state and do just as well as this year. “I hope to do be�er and get at least top 10,” Neal said. A�er high school, Neal said she plans to bowl for fun in her spare �me unless she decides to con�nue on compe��vely.

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SPORTS BRIEFS Track

Team members have prac�ce daily. The teams have gone as far as UNI or Iowa State. Throughout the few meets so far, both boys and girls have been compe�ng. Some boys have been comple�ng their races in fi�h place or above. This includes senior Lam Chol who finished fi�h in the 200-meter dash. The meet at UNI also included two boys relay teams. One team finished first in the 100-meter relay and the other finished in fourth in the 200-meter relay. Team members also completed a meet yesterday.

Synchro Synchronized swimming’s theme this year is “Hard Rock Café.” Middle school and high school students have been prac�cing for their performance which is planned to take place this month. Prac�ces are held Monday-Friday for two hours. Senior Amy Kopaska is focusing on preparing for the performances. “Right now we’re just prac�cing choreography and ge�ng numbers done,” Kopaska said.

Cheerleading There were two cheerleading clinics for the cheerleaders to learn two new cheers and a dance for tryouts. Tryouts for next year were on Mar. 28. At tryouts the cheerleaders had to perform the two cheers and the dance they learned and two jumps, a toe touch and another of their choice. Sophomore Joe Wildt was the only male cheerleader who made next year’s squad. The cheerleaders also have a banquet on Thursday.

Boys Tennis Boys tennis started a few weeks ago. The boys are condi�oning and star�ng to prac�ce. Senior Dalton Jacobus, who has been playing tennis for four years, said he feels the team is really strong this year. “I feel we’re really strong, really compe��ve,” Jacobus said. The boys also have a few tennis meets coming up in the season.

Game dates Boys TennisApr.14- @ Hoover Apr. 16- @Dowling Apr. 21- @Mason City Girls TennisApr. 14- @ Marshalltown Apr. 20- @Hoover Apr. 21- @Hoover Girls TrackApr. 4- @ Valley Apr. 6- @ Urbandale Apr. 7- @ Monroe Boys TrackApr. 4- @ East Apr. 6- @ East

6 entertainment

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Defying stereotypes �� Thao Pham health editor

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Senior Bryne Berry plays violin at Grandview University for a beneﬁt helping vic�ms of domes�c violence. The event took place March 13th. Bryne was heavily inﬂuenced by Nuthin But Stringz, which are two African-American brothers who play R&B and hip hop on their violins THAO PHAM PHOTO

iolinist senior Bryne Berry not only plays classical music, but she also plays R&B and more contemporary music on the violin. By doing this, she hopes to show how versatile the violin is. Most recently, she was heard playing along to R&B group Silk’s “Meeting in My Bedroom” in the diversity assembly Mar. 6. She learned to play the song by ear as she watched a girl play it on the violin through a Youtube video. “I saw a woman on Youtube play her violin, and I thought it looked cool and it didn’t look that hard, and I wanted to play it to a wider audience,” Bryne said. Bryne was heavily influenced by Nuttin’ But Stringz Stringz, which are two African-American brothers who play R&B and hip hop on their violins. She has also been influenced by hip hop Israeli violinist Miri Ben Ari, who has played her violin with notable artists such as Kanye West West, Janet Jackson and Britney Spears Spears. Bryne has been playing the piano since first grade and the violin since fourth grade. She comes from a family that appreciates music. Her father used to play jazz music and her mother loves to sing. Bryne is hoping that she will influence others to take on the violin or any other type of instrument after exposing them to the possibility that a wide range of music can be played on most instruments. “I’m definitely going out for the younger kid and the ninth graders. A lot of kids came up to me and was

like “Man, I used to play the violin!” Hopefully they can spread the word if they have little siblings.” “Stay on the violin, kids. You can do a lot of things on it. You can twist it and make it your own creation,” Bryne said. Bryne’s family has been widely supportive of her throughout her whole musical career. Bryne’s mother Linda Berry is proud of her daughter’s accomplishments. “I have tried to always encourage her. I sit and listen. Bryne is such a selfmotivated person that she doesn’t need to be hounded to do anything,” Linda said. Linda is delighted over her daughter impacting other young students. “I was very pleased that especially minority students were glad to hear the way she played her violin to a more contemporary song. It gave them a better example of how classical music can be used. It can encourage them to take music lessons. Music is an important skill that also definitely helps one’s academic performance,” Linda said. Bryne’s younger brother sophomore Bralen Berry has also been affected by his sister’s playing. “I think it’s really cool because she gives the violin a new face. I want her to play ‘Baby Got Back,’” Bralen said. After high school, Bryne plans on playing more when the opportunity presents itself. She hopes to play in more pits for play productions and showcase her diverse skills. “I hope to influence others by perpetuating and giving more publicity that you can play other types of music, especially on the violin, and showing it to a wider audience,” Bryne said.

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opinion 7

jessica thrane page design

America’s obsession with weight

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CHALLENGER

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Eating disorders verses obesity; each are two different ends of the “teenage problem” spectrum. The facts have been discovered, reported, tested, presented and drilled into the heads of teens all over the world, but the bottom line still remains that young females and males alike struggle with either overeating or undereating. The studies conducted by various medical facilities and universities state the reasons why teens struggle with their weight: negative selfimage, family patterns, hereditary tendencies and most of all, peer influence. While it is true that a large fraction of most teens’ overall self image derives from interaction with peers and The dangers of being underweight and the pressure to be socially accepted, there is no overweight are real and struggles with eating reason why peer influence should result in a habits should not be taken lightly. Being a negative self image. dominate influence in the lives of friends According to an article published on www. should encourage teens to be a support gallupyouth.com, a Gallup system to their peers, Youth study found that instead of an enabler to an The Challenger staff about 19 percent of teens unhealthy pattern. were likely to admit they voted 11-0 Though rumors were underweight and in for this editorial about a person’s weight contrast about 18 percent are unfortunately spoken were likely to admit to Peer influence should into existence they are not being overweight. While always true. Not every this finding is beneficial to have a posi� ve eff ect in underweight person has a young person’s doctor it the life of teens an eating disorder and not should have no influence every overweight person over how they are treated eats too much. by peers. Teens are often pinpointed for facing Every student walking the halls has their excessive pressure to “fit in” and taking drastic own personal reasoning behind the decisions measures in order to do so. The reality is they make. They are each a unique individual everyone, young and old, has a number that facing real life situations, not a statistic.

Student Sound Oﬀ

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What do you think about eating disorders?

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Letter to the editor: Jason Reichenbacher staﬀ writer

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As our students and teachers are constantly being bashed for their work ethics and attitude around the school and the community, I would like to remind my peers that one bad apple does not spoil the bunch. If you don’t agree look around at your school. You go to a school that has teachers who care about students, working one on one with them to help them graduate, tirelessly writing grants for technology and better facilities. Other schools do not have teachers that work that hard to make sure their students have opportunities. Look at your student body. We have National Merit Finalists and AP Scholars. We have students that work hours heading up activities like GSA, Best Buddies and the publications department. Those are organizations that rank highly compared with

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other schools in the state and even the nation. If we didn’t have such hard-working, dedicated students and teachers, that wouldn’t be the case. We also have students that come from all over the world and have different home lives and experiences. We have students that work full or part-time to support themselves and their families and still maintain passing grades. So I challenge you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes next time you wish to critique them! You may not know what they are going through. If we want our school to be perceived well in the community, our students and staff must first look at all the positive things in our school because there are many. -Senior Jordan Taha

IN MY OPINION...

mind around. The choreographer just kept going over it again and again and I just seemed to keep fumbling over it. As a musician I feel like I should have the ability to move my body with at least some type of rhythm. I guess as of now that’s not in my cards. Even some of the warm-ups were complicated for me to catch on to. I realized Learning to dance has been one of the that it took so much natural rhythm to feel hardest things I have ever attempted to comfortable doing the moves. do. Over the past couple weeks the people I have developed a new respect for people involved in The Wiz have been learning all the who have the ability to dance. I can honestly choreography for the show. say that dancing is much harder than it looks. I knew that dancing was my weakest Over the past year I have developed an attribute when it came to acting, singing and dancing. When we started learning the dances enjoyment for drama and play productions. I have auditioned for both in and out of school I was blind sided by the skill it took to simply musicals and have realized that dancing is a move your body to a rhythm. When I first got a taste of the choreography major part of them. I have made it my goal to have learned at auditions, the step was hard to wrap my to dance by the time I graduate. I plan on

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greets them whenever they step on the scale. A successful adult is just as capable of finding disfavor with that number as a confused teenager. Even though teens deal with difficult issues they have strong minds to counteract the pressures they face. Understanding peoples’ differences and accepting them can be used as a shield against such struggles as eating disorders or negative body image. Teens should not allow themselves to be defined by statistics or stereotypes. As the students of today and leaders of tomorrow, teenagers shouldn’t contribute added pressure to the hardships of their peers but instead strive to mend inaccurate self images and unite to overcome difficulties too great for one individual. When teens work together in the face of overwhelming odds it becomes possible to reach their accumulated potential.

auditioning for shows down the line and I think being able to dance would really be to my advantage. The Wiz is now the second show I feel that my dancing has affected casting for me. To be a triple threat when auditioning for a show would add a comfort to the process of auditioning. I would define a triple threat as someone who can sing, dance and act. It’s easy to get your feet wet with all three of those things, which I have done. It is another to become skilled in them. I like the idea of doing other shows possibly as a job maybe even a career, and I believe it is essential to have those three things down to the best of your ability to have success in the business. I would love to be able look back 10 years from now and see the progress I have made and be proud of how far I have come.

�� Publica�on dates for 2008-2009: • august 21-orienta�on • september 26-homecoming • october 15 • november 7 • wednesday, november 26thanksgiving • december 19-winter break • january anuary 23-semester 2 • february 13-black history month • march 6-spring break • april 3 • thursday, april 23-prom • may 15-gradua�on subscrip�on rates $10/year

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.

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8 informa�on

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•Comedian Jimmy Dore at Funny Bone. $10 to geis performing •Des Moines Buccaneers t in. 7:30 p.m. Black Hawks. Cost: $8-25 vs. Waterloo •Drake University profes . 7:00 p.m. Perry will perform a fac sor Bruce ulty recital at Drake 8:00 p.m. •Dueling Pianos with the at the Grand Bistro 8:30 Ladyﬁngers •April overnight adventup.m. re @ Science Center •Prom Night Another Nig Remember at the Val-A ht to ir ballroom. Tickets are $25. •Talent on Parade Regio Compe��on at Wells Fa nal Dance rgo Arena 8:00 a.m.

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C H A L L E N G E R

April

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michael roby page design

Monday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Boys 6 track @ East Band Boosters @7

7 Boys track (H)

8 90 minute early out

9 Vocal Pre Contest workshop

Junior Warnell Lyons is building up a reputa�on for himself for his art skills.

Sunday

Saturday 3

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Newman mnus Jack the Masters lu a r e v o o H e playingAin l 9-10. ‘06 will brn ament pri u To Golf

Friday

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Girls track @ Valley

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Tech rehearsal for The Wiz

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Boys track @ East

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Places to go

Senio All-Star Evan Hoyt “Doria te with his went to IHS o n Anch S or.” riginal poemA

Des Moines Art Center Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, as the spring sports season begins Vaudeville Mews Funny Bone Comedy Club (see things to do) Civic Center, for its touring shows.

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