March 2012 Growl

The

Growl

Bettendorf High School Vol. 48 Issue 5 Friday, March 30, 2012

Stuco works wonders

By Megan Sanchez Editor

On Feb. 13, Student Council hosted its second annual high school student council exhange at the AEA. At the exchange students were able to exchange ideas.

The student council exchange consisted of seven high schools from around the area. Pleasant Valley, North Scott, United Township, Assumption, Moline, and Rivermont Collegiate brought student councils to this event.

This event was planned by a committee containing four members, Kayla Finn, junior, was the chair of the

committee, Nicholas Baer, Mark Wells, and Brandy Jurevitz.

Topics of discussion included homecoming and hunger drive. The students played games such as “Mingle Mingle”, three-legged races, and “Chicken on a Hill”. They overall, got to know other students really well.

The main purpose of the exchange is to share ideas with other schools on how our council is so successful. School spirit is a topic that most schools enjoy talking about.

“I think it is important to share

Pitch, Please!

By Michael Conner Staff Reporter

A group of friends decided to change the way music is portrayed. The girls created a group and called themselves “Pitch, Please.”

“Pitch, Please” is an a capella group made of ten girls in which each girl sings a unique part.

“Pitch, Please” was started when ten girls got together and picked a song.

The girls listened to the different parts of the song. Then the girls practiced the song repeatedly until they got each part memorized.

The group is made up of Logan Tudeen, Molly Mayne, Ashton Temple, Kaylee Huber, Megan Sanchez, Dylana Lockwood, Courtney Pate, Maddie GlanzGuessford, Ali Grampp, and Morgan Harksen.

“Pitch, Please” has performed at Senior Night and plans on competing at the talent show.

Molly Mayne said the best part

Logan Tudeen and Morgan Harksen getting ready before the show. of “Pitch, Please” is that it is a lot of fun to hang out with friends and the songs end up sounding really good.

“The best part about ‘Pitch, Please’ is that we get to take a well-known song and put our own twist on it. I really like how we got to come up with some of it on our own. I also love how we’ve all grown closer to each other in the process,” Mayne said.

Being in “Pitch, Please” has not only been a good time for these friends, but it has also resulted in more closely knit friendships.

“I’ve become a lot closer with the girls in the group and I am happy I was asked to join ‘Pitch, Please’,” Tudeen said.

“Pitch, Please” shows off their costumes before their performance.

Student council does a lot of hard work each year. What many students do not know, is that BHS has a top notch student council. Student council puts in enormous amounts of work to organize things for students at school.

Also, this is not the first time student council has shared its Nicholas Baer, Brandy Jurevitz, Mark Wells, and Kayla Finn successful ideas were the planning committee for the event. with others.

Student Council has presented a session on school ideas with other councils spirit at the state level because it helps them to conference for two years in grow and improve. We are a row. a strong council, and I think At the conference they other schools can learn hold three sessions with a from us,” Finn said. room filled with students.

Danielle Breier Each time they do a session, was the advisor for this they are over packed and event. She helped to there is a line at the door. oversee the committee “The amount of and made sure things ran dedication and hours smoothly the day of the that these kids put in is exchange. something most students

“I love to see all don’t know about,” Breier the schools come together, said. and to see what our student Not only does student council is really capable council work hard, but of,” Breier said.

Breier also enjoys Head planner, Kayla Finn, it pays off. Most student do not realize that BHS is getting to talk to some of is deep in thought after a very lucky to have such an the other schools’ advisors, long day of new people admirable student council and finding out how other and new ideas. that is so successful. schools run their student Brier believes the councils.

For the future of the student student council is best at planning and council exchange, Breier sees it growing. implementing events. She also believes She hopes that it can eventually be called a that they are good at teamwork.

“I think we have some of the best MAC conference for student councils. leaders in the state,” Breier said.

Abby Drexler served as president on the State of Iowa student council.

She was in charge of student councils for the entire state of Iowa.

Overall, student council puts in enough time and effort to call themselves an “elite” student council.

The student council exchange was one way they proved this name to be correct.

Student councils get to know each other while playing games such as “chicken on a hill.”

2

Senioritis catches students unawares

News

Prom, after prom fun coming up

By Megan Horton Staff Reporter

By Christian Hahn Assistant Editor

Growl Staff

The Growl accepts all signed Letters to the Editor by the student body. Letters may be edited for length, grammar, and clarity.

Letters may be dropped off in D100, journalism lab or emailed to bhsgrowl@gmail.com.

The Growl is a member of the Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA) and the Journalism Education Association.

Visit us at bettgrowl.com.

Use your smart phone to check us out online!

This year’s prom is on Saturday, May 5. The dance is from 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Rogalski Center at St. Ambrose University. Photos will be taken

by Rhoades Photography.

The theme this year is “This Is It,” and the colors are purple, black, and silver. Students can expect the usual for this year’s prom, but should be prepared for a lot of fun.

The After Prom Event takes place in the high school gym from 12:00 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. All seniors are invited, whether they go to the dance or not.

A.P.E. is a free event, and this is made possible through generous donations from local businesses and Bettendorf supporters.

There will be music, karaoke, games, food, and prizes. Seniors should watch for upcoming announcements on how to pre-register for the event.

Bett Beats becomes first special needs show choir

By Callie Heiderscheit Assistant Editor

When senior Phil Groh was presented with the decision for his annual Eagle Scout project, there was no contest.

Groh, who has been involved with special needs kids for years, is the founder of Bettendorf’s premier show choir for students with disabilities, Bettendorf Beats.

However, Groh’s involvement doesn’t stop there; he also holds the titles of choreographer, Seniors Phil Groh and Selah Bucciferro cheese it director and costume up after their first performance. designer. While Groh is fully satisfied with “Never Say Never” by Justin Bieber. the organization’s Senior Selah Bucciferro, who achievements so far, he still hopes for

the club to expand further.

“My hope is the group grows to be like the Sparkles Cheerleading Team.

I want to prove to everyone how talented these kids are,” Groh said.

Groh had his first chance to do just that on Sunday, March 6.

The Bettendorf Beats showed their stuff before an audience of eager students Show choir director Phil Groh with performers Courtney and parents in the Pate, Selah Bucciferro, Morgan Harksen, and Sam auditorium.

Rochotzke take a group photo after Bett Beat’s first show.

T h e show consisted of multiple individual acts; one being Groh’s singing of Demi originally joined by recommendation Lovato’s “This is Me”. Groh felt this from her best buddy Sam Rochotzke, accurately depicted the message of the enjoys each practice held on Tuesdays and Fridays. Overall, who she appreciates most group.

Another individual performance is her coach.

“He’s a really good teacher! was by the group’s sponsor, Angela Greaves, who sang a song by country artist I’m really glad that he runs show choir,” Bucciferro said.

Martina McBride.

Preceding that piece, the entire group joined together to perform the song

Senioritis is an issue with almost anymore and she wears barely any makeevery senior student by the time he or she up.

“My advice for other people with enter their last semester of senior year. senioritis is just be happy that this your With graduation around last year,” Eckhardt said. the corner, seniors tend Scheetz waits till the last to forget about school minute to do her homework, work and focus more on sleeps a lot, and does not the rest of their lives. study. She began facing Sarah Eckhardt, Tayler senioritis in the fall of 2011.

Scheetz, Kyle Alberts, “My advice to other and Jordan Gagne are students is don’t get too only a few victims of behind,” Scheetz said. senioritis.

Jordan Gagne slacks off Scheetz is not looking

Gagne said in class. forward to graduating, but is that his senioritis began looking forward to summer. during his sophomore Alberts’ senioritis began year. For Gagne, the when he started his senior year. Alberts hardest class being taken this quarter is does not do his homework and believes he Fundamentals of Baking. has a strong case of senioritis.

“I don’t do homework, don’t go “Advice to other people with to school, don’t eat lunch, and make fun senioritis is don’t have it,” Alberts said. of freshman,” Gagne said. Gagne's advice He is looking forward to going into the air to other students with senioritis is, “If you force after graduation. don’t feel like doing your homework, don’t

By the time these students do it.” Gagne said. become seniors, they were hit with a case

Eckhardt’s senioritis began after of senioritis.

This is why some students the first quarter of her senior year. After consider early graduation.

Overall, graduation, Eckhardt is looking forward to senioritis includes sleeping and taking college and getting away from her parents. easy classes.

Eckhardt does not dress up for school

Editor: Megan Sanchez Reporters and Photographers: Emma Brindle, Michael Conner, Christian Hahn, Callie Heiderscheit, Megan Horton, Chris Matheson, Allie Weis, Haley Zapolski.

Adviser: Connie King Mascot: Newsie

March 30, 2012

Features

3

March 30, 2012

Students take care of business

By Abbi Clevenger Yearbook Editor

Enf Photography

“I love being able to set my own hours and I also enjoy interacting with people, especially families,” Fleming said.

Making about $100 per shoot, Fleming makes a lot of money during a busy time, such as senior photo season..

Sometimes she works with other people, such as local photographer Carrie Fanderclai, during weddings where she is the second photographer.

At times connecting and networking to people can be slow, but because she advertises, which can be very tricky due to the multiple medias, business is not bad.

For senior Erin Fleming, owning a business in high school is nothing new.

Fleming’s business, enf photography, took off about two years ago. From senior photos to weddings, enf photography does it all.

“My first memory of taking pictures was with my mom at the park when I was really young,” Fleming said.

Not only does photography come naturally to her, but she is very passionate about making money doing Photo credit: Erin Flemming something she loves.

Fleming has a Facebook page students can visit called “enf photography,” and more recently, she started a blog where she posts a picture a day of something that inspires her.

“It takes a long time to edit pictures, but I love photography so much.

It’s always a great outlet,” Fleming said.

Fleming is the historian for school. She believes that her camera is like her phone for most high school students; she cannot leave home without it.

Cleaning foreclosed homes

him: Jeremy Crane, Jordan Holmes, and Derik Walton.

“We have to take out everything in the house except kitchen appliances and dispose of them properly,” Ritter said.

Depending on the size of the house, Ritter makes anywhere from $400$2,000. The money is used to dispose properly of the trash and is then split among him and his employees.

“I absolutely love my job because I get to break a lot of things, which is a good stress reliever,” Ritter said.

Tyler Ritter throws out an old pot.

Box it out!

For most students, pushing carts and scooping ice cream seem to be a typical job, but owning your own business is far from typical, which is exactly what junior Tyler Ritter does.

Thanks to his mom who sells foreclosed properties for the bank, Ritter has been cleaning out houses for eight years. He has three employees who help

Freshman Justice O’Conner has been wrestling four years, following the footsteps of older brother Clinton Hester.

O’Conner started in Georgia at Pena Boxing Gym and now boxes in a local gym in Davenport.

Training requires hard work and dedication where O’Conner spars with other boxers. He also hits bags, jumps rope, and runs a lot.

“Hitting people is fun,” O’Conner said.

A wrestler here, O’Conner described a boxing meet much like a wrestling meet with many matches in a larger time. He enjoys the individuality of both sports because winning and losing depends on the individual.

“My favorite memory is going to Nationals and getting ranked second,” O’Conner said.

Along with wrestling, he is also involved with football, track, and wrestling.

Derik Walton throws out unwanted appliances from a foreclosed home.

Photo credit: Erin Flemming

4020 Brady St Davenport, IA 52806 563-323-4700 Photo credit: Erin Flemming

Features

4

March 30, 2012

Holiday House shows spirit

By Haley Zapolski Staff Reporter

The Holiday House is hard not to notice. It’s the house right next to the library on 18th Street with decorations almost year round, but notably on Halloween. People can easily recognize the house, maybe even the car there, which has a dragon tail sticking out of the back. But most would be unable to recognize the person putting in the hard work to create the masterpiece.

Karen Habenicht is the mastermind of decorating, and spends entire days from Oct. 1 to Halloween adding monsters and ghouls to her lawn. She has created over 100 “creepers” as she calls them, all using her own hands and imagination.

The creepers are not store bought, but han d crafted.

Habenicht uses a milk jug as the head, a mop stick as the body, and swim noodles as the arms. She buys her supplies and masks from everywhere, Goodwill, Walgreen’s and the Dollar Store, but mostly uses her own resources.

Habenicht found her love of decorating and Halloween when she was young. Her mom built floats for parades, made homemade costumes, and performed singing telegrams.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Habenicht began to deliver singing telegrams, with the variety of 19 different outfits. Some of her outfits include a pink gorilla wearing a tutu and a clown. Habenicht has always enjoyed her job and has had great experiences along the way.

One of Habenicht’s most memorable experiences was when she went into a 7-11 in 1995. While buying a Mountain Dew, she scanned the store for a clock to find out the time, and the clerk perceived her to be casing the place.

After returning to her car, Habenicht started to put on her pink gorilla costume for a telegram she was going to deliver across the street. Suddenly, the cops

a-potty not far from her front lawn.

Habenicht adorned a creeper with a hard hat and an orange vest. To make him even more realistic, she made the creeper talk when motion activated, and plopped him down on the toilet seat.

She waited for the first construction worker to open the door.

The first victim’s reaction was priceless and included words inappropriate for

pulled up after getting a call from a worried gas station employee thinking someone was going to rob the establishment.

The police checked her car for weapons, as she explained to them what had happened. The police left with a chuckle and Habenicht had a great story to tell at parties.

school.

It is not always fun and games for Habenicht. Preparing for her favorite holiday of the year takes grueling hours of preparation. Just this year she was electrocuted nine times. She spends so much time decorating during the month of October, that her son has forced her to stop

That wasn’t Habenicht’s only encounter with the law. There was a dead body found in the Mississippi. After examining the body, it was found that the supposed dead body was actually a scarecrow, one of Habenicht’s infamous creepers that she had thrown away.

Habenicht also enjoys playing practical jokes. When construction took place on 18th Street, there was a port-

and eat a sandwich.

It is a labor of love for Habenicht who said, “I want people to get a kick out of life and the holidays.”

Habenicht always tries to appeal to everyone, and includes a variety of different themes in different sections of the yard. For this past Halloween she had Area 51, pirates, an electric chair, a wedding reception, thriller, and just too many to name. She includes a “ScaredyCat shortcut” for ones who are easily scared.

Her favorite theme by far is the Thriller dance. There are rarely any Michael Jackson masks and when she found one recently, Habenicht knew it would be perfect.

Habenicht recommends that when people visit her house, they should walk up close to her decorations, so they can notice her close attention to detail.

Everything has to be perfect. If she sets up a realistic poker game, there has to be an ace card sticking out of a creeper’s sleeve.

The most common question Habenicht is asked is whether she decorates the inside of her house like the outside. She said, “My lawn is a haunted house but my house is decorated with real dust and spider webs.”

Construction becomes obvious

by Jordan Raso Online Reporter

Trizzino takes the track

By Allie Weis Layout Editor

Lisa Trizzino, senior, works hard in track, and it pays off. Last year, at the Drake Relays, Trizzino received second place in the 4x800 relay alongside Mahnee Watts, Anna Peer, and Megan Nickles.

Trizzino has been a distance runner on the track team since freshman year and her teammates have spoken very highly about her work effort.

“She is a good leader and she works hard. Lisa is very inclusive and friendly to everyone. She doesn’t goof around when you’re not supposed to,” teammate Sarah Dixon said.

A typical practice for Trizzino includes a half mile to a mile warm up, either running on the roads or a track workout, and a cool down.

“At practice I like to run with Haley Zapolski because she is entertaining and she makes me laugh,” Trizzino said.

Lisa Trizzino tears up the track

Zapolski said, “Lisa is one of while running the 4x800 relay in a the hardest workers I’ve ever met. She meet last season. just keeps on running no matter what.

She pushes me to work my hardest parties before meets. everyday.”

Trizzino’s goal for this season is

Trizzino’s favorite part about to win state and the Drake Relays in the track is running with her teammates, 4x800 relay. meeting new people, and having pasta

The beginning of the auditorium can be identified, the sloping hill representing the house seats and where the pit meets them is the start of the stage.

A corner office in the administration center has windows now.

It is obvious just by glancing at the high school progress is being made on the construction projects. The central administration center and auditorium construction is right on schedule.

The central administration center has quickly taken shape. Over the course of the last few weeks, it has gone from flattened out dirt to a welldeveloped building. It is still scheduled to be completed by the beginning The area to the left is the secretarial of next year, with the high school office with a lobby area to the right. administration occupying it until the Central administrative offices continue end of the first quarter when central down the hall. administrators will move in. creating the slope of the house seats for the

Door and window frames have auditorium. The pit and elevator shaft can gone in and the window panes were placed now be identified, as well as the front of the week after spring break. They began to the stage and a wall for the auditorium. put on the ceiling during the week of March

On April 2, concrete panels will 26, with painting following the week after. arrive, to begin shaping the auditorium.

Even though students might not The panels will be carried by 16 semis, realize it, the basic form of the auditorium marking the continued advance towards is currently being constructed. During the beginning of a new area for Bettendorf the week that students came back from High School. spring break, construction workers began

Features

5

March 30, 2012

Getting to know nurses

By Emma Brindle Staff Reporter

School nurses do much more than just hand out Tylenol and cough drops. Sometimes, they may have to get rid of dead opossums. Just ask Diane Saul.

“I met my most interesting patient when I worked in Dubuque.

A student came in Diane Saul with a dead opossum in his backpack. He told me that he saw it on the road while waiting for the bus and was trying to help

by picking it up. Fortunately the child was all right, however, the backpack did end up getting thrown away,” Saul said.

Melanie Gelhaus also has a unique story to tell.

“I ran into my most interesting patient when I had a kid come in complaining of a hurt ankle. It turned out that his pants were actually on fire, they had caught a spark from industrial tech.

We ended up putting out the fire and the boy was all right, but it was definitely interesting,” Gelhaus said.

Gelhaus and Saul are the two school nurses. Gelhaus works Mondays and Tuesdays while Saul works Thursdays and Fridays and the two share working Wednesdays.

Gelhaus attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, and Saul attended the University of Evansville in Evansville, IN.

Gelhaus decided to become a school nurse because she loves kids and there is currently a desperate need for nurses. Gelhaus is married with three kids, all of whom attended BHS.

Before working here, Gelhaus worked at a hospital in pediatric intensive care, which gave her good insight on working with children.

She Melanie Gelhaus also did nursing research and worked at Herbert Hoover Elementary School.

In Gelhaus’s free time, she also likes to travel and enjoys helping with surgeries in third world countries.

Saul decided to become a school nurse

because the scheduling worked out with her role as a mother. She is married and has two children, Ryan, who lives in Connecticut has two daughters of his own, and Lauren, who lives in Cincinnati has one daughter. Saul worked in both Pleasant Valley and Dubuque school districts before working here.

In her free time, Saul enjoys counted cross stitch, traveling, and visiting family.

Gelhaus and Saul both agree that the best part of the job is the kids they get to work with every day.

Although one might not get the pleasure of seeing the nurses every day, they are always more than happy to help whenever they are needed. Students should definitely be sure to take time to get to know the nurses and remember to always wash their hands.

Students with dynamic language duos

By Megan Sanchez Editor

Three students, Oliver Kao, Sarah Francisco, and Colin Plouffe all have something in common, yet they are very different. Each of these students speaks a language in their home. The majority of the students in school speak English, but for these students, this is not the case.

Kao, senior, speaks Mandarin Chinese at home.

His parents are from Taiwan, Oliver Kao which brought the language to their family. They moved here for grad school.

Kao learned both languages

simultaneously as we was growing up. up from friends. It is not that hard,” Plouffe language.

“Mandarin Chinese is a lot said.

Speaking two languages is harder,” Kao said.

Another interesting thing unique, and is a tradition that can be

F r a n c i s c o , about these students is that carried down in families to come. freshman, speaks Portuguese even though they are already

Francisco plans on having her at home. Her family moved speaking two languages, they family and children speak Portuguese. here in 2001 from Maringa, have to learn a third Plouffe is unsure about Brazil. They made the move as a requirement for French. because her father was school.

Kao said, “My family transferred for his job.

Kao is taking will not speak Mandarin

Francisco learned Spanish because Chinese, because I am English at age four. It was he thinks it is easy. going to marry a white Sarah Francisco difficult for her, because her Francisco chose girl.” parents did not teach her, and to take French, she had to learn it at school. because she believes it is very

Plouffe, sophomore, speaks a similar to Portuguese. language that is more familiar to students, Plouffe is Colin Plouffe French. His father is employed through taking French. This seems quite John Deere, and they came here from redundant, but some students Quebec, Canada, in 1999. who can speak languages very well, are

“I learned English by picking it not so fluent in reading and writing the

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Animal rescue helps family dog

By Megan Horton Staff Reporter

A lot of students own dogs or cats. However, there is a rare few amount of students that own rescue pets.

Brianna Sierra, junior, owns two rescue dogs, Hank and Halo. Hank is an American pit bull and Halo is an American pit bull mixed with a bulldog.

Sierra chose to rescue because her neighbor rescues dogs.

Sierra has challenges with Halo because he used to be a fighter dog, which made him aggressive. Another struggle with

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Sierra would recommend rescuing pets.

“It’s good to do something for others and they are good companions to have,” Sierra said.

Rescue pets are available at the Humane Society of Scott County or go to hssc.us to find out more information about rescuing pets.

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6

Photo Feature

March 30, 2012

For this production, truly Captions by Callie Heiderscheit Photos by Maddie Glanz-Guessford

Whether it’s playing an instrument, painting props, or moving a crowd, Bettendorf’s yearly musical is where numerous kids showcase their talent and enjoy doing what they love.

Bettendorf’s production of 2012, “Anything Goes,” is no exception.

On any given afternoon a herd of the musically gifted and

Working diligently to achieve a goal is no stranger to sophomore Megan Urich. Last year, she participated in the musical “The Pajama Game,” and this year Megan came back for more.

Those joining Urich in the chorus of “Anything Goes” generally practice two hours a day every day of the week.

“The dance rehearsals are long, but it’s really rewarding in the end,” Urich said.

Ellen Justis, junior, finds her place in this year’s musical offstage--or under it, that is. Justis will spend each night of the musical camped out in the pit playing the trumpet along with the band. According to Justis, the music adds a great deal to the show.

“It really gives depth to the play. With the music, it sort of comes alive,” Justis said.

Senior Camille Perk watches Olivia Howard, director Katie Howard’s, daughter during rehearsal.

Olivia is starting young to become a supporter of the fine arts.

artistically inspired are on their way to the auditorium, their temporary home-away-from-home.

Here is where they vigorously prepare for the final product which we all see, the musical.

The production will be April 19, 20, 21, 22. Evening shows are at 7:00 p.m., and the Sunday, April 22, show is at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale online or in the activity office for $10.

Waiting for their cues are (L-R) Sam Ruchotzke, who plays the purser; Morgan Harksen, a chorus member; Tyler Ritter, a sailor; and Matthew McFate, who plays Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.

Techies Isaac Bries and Megan Moon take a break from work to visit for a few minutes.

“The play was super fun! I got to do it with a cool group of people,” Moon said.

The techies are an important part of the production, as they make everything behind the scenes run smoothly.

“We’re not sure how the musical’s going to turn out. At this point, ‘Anything Goes,’” Bries said.

Freshman Melanie Duffin works on homework while waiting for the chorus, which she is in, to perform. Students spend long hours rehearsing; many take advantage of a few minutes of downtime to complete classwork.

Photo Feature

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March 30, 2012

“Anything Goes!”

Alexa Major and Ali Grampp enjoy offstage time at rehearsal, while Jordan Raso (behind Ali) studies her script.

One of sophomore Nathan Perk’s favorite parts about his involvement in this year’s production is simply being in the presence of his fellow techies.

Nathan said that while he’s working on all the behind-the-scenes action of the show, including running the lights, he’s surrounded by people he thinks very highly of.

“The other techies are fun to hang out with, hardworking, and dependable,” Perk said. Two of the techies he’s working with are Jason Nankivell and Isaac Bries.

Senior JJ Johnson, who snagged his first lead role this year, approaches the musical with a sense of humor. Johnson finds his character’s accent to be the most enjoyable part of the show. In contrast, he is not taking the more serious benefits for granted.

“It’s good for scholarships and stuff, but what I really love is being a different character in shows, because it lets me just be myself when I’m at school,” Johnson said. Others on stage include (L-R) Chris Matheson, Johnson, Michael Byrne, and Dallas Snyder.

Senior Amanda Malin works hard to get all the right notes for “Anything Goes.”

Senior Logan Tudeen practices her lines as “Erma,” one of the principal characters in the musical.

When it comes to the pit band, everyone helps out, including math teacher Chuck Collins, who will play his trombone for the production.

Molly Mayne plays Hope, one of the female leads. Her character cries as she realizes she wants to be with a different character. Does she get the one she wants? You’ll have to see the musical to find out!

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8

March 30, 2012

“Pretty Little Liars” unmasks A

By Christopher Matheson Staff Reporter

On March 19, A was unmAsked on “Pretty Little Liars”. Like every episode, we are given a recap of the previous episodes, more importantly we are reminded that Jenna has gained sight in one eye.

The episode opens with Hanna (Ashley Benson), Aria (Lucy Hale), Spencer (Troian Bellisario), and Emily (Shay Mitchell) viewing a news story on Officer Garrett’s arrest for Alison’s (Sasha Pieterse) murder. Shortly after, the girls receive invitations to a masquerade party with a message from A, “Be there when the clock strikes midnight.”

The girls then drive out to the Lost Woods Resort that is true to its name as it sits in the middle of nowhere. The girls then request to stay in room number one, the same room that Alison had stayed in just before her disappearance.

That night when the clerk leaves, Spencer and Aria go to recover the guest book while Emily and Hanna stay back at the room. While Hanna goes to shower, Emily receives a phone call from her girlfriend Maya, but cannot get any reception so she goes outside, leaving Hanna alone.

As Spencer and Aria discover that Vivian Darkbloom, Alison’s alter ego, stayed at the hotel, a hooded figure who we presume is A, enters Hanna’s room and gets too close for comfort. However, when Hanna checks the bathroom from behind the shower curtain, A is gone, but the door is wide open.

On the way back from the resort, Spencer finds Toby (Keegan Allen) cleaning debris from the burned down house that appeared in the previous episode. She attempts to talk with him, but he ignores her and when she leaves frustrated, he receives a phone call from Dr. Sullivan (Annabeth Gish) who had seemingly gone missing.

The scene then changes to a park where the now sightful Jenna gives a stranger an unseen object and says, “They’re all going to be at the party, you know what you need to do.”

After arriving at the ball, Hanna and Aria are surprised by Caleb (Tyler Blackburn) and Ezra (Ian Harding) respectively. Spencer then realizes that the key from room number two at the Lost Woods Resort was missing earlier after

“The Hunger Games” arrives in theaters

By Christopher Matheson Staff Reporter

On March 23, 2012, “The Hunger Games” premiered in theaters across America. I was lucky enough to get a ticket to see the film at the midnight premiere. As a fan of the books, I was extremely excited for the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ award winning novel.

I arrived at the movie theater at 6:40 p.m. and was not expecting to be third in line. The theater was nearly empty save for the few people waiting in line and the employees diligently working to prepare for the premiere. I was expecting the hype of a Harry Potter premiere, but was relieved to find that I would get the seat I wanted with no problem.

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the film, but I left the theater satisfied and ecstatic.

In short, I loved the film. I know that others left with mixed emotions.

What was so off-putting for these viewers, was the lack of “epicness” that they believed was present in the book. I actually appreciated the subtlety of the film. For me, it made the film more real.

The film also impressed me with its accuracy and attention to detail in regards to the book. Nearly everything matched the book’s descriptions perfectly.

There were a few plot points from the book that did not make the cut for the film, and some aspects of the book did not translate well with the director’s vision.

However, the attention to acute details such as the color of a backpack to the foliage in a forest made up for what was missing from the book. This is most likely due to the book’s author, Suzanne Collins, being a co-writer for the screenplay.

I did have some gripes about the director’s choice in interpreting certain elements. For example, the manner in which Katniss receives her Mockingjay pin is completely different from the novel.

Also, the design of the cornucopia was not what I was expecting. I understand the director’s choice to keep the designs cohesive, but the cornucopia is a huge part of the Hunger Games and its drastic change in appearance from what I had imagined was slightly upsetting.

Overall, I really enjoyed this film and the experience. The film was superb, the fans behaved appropriately for the most part, and I had fun with the six hours I had before the show. I expect entertainment and fun from movie premieres and “The Hunger Games” did not disappoint.

Mona (Janell Parrish) tells her that she spoke to Ali, dressed as Vivian Darkbloom, while Ali was spying on an unknown person shortly before she disappeared.

Mona and Spencer return to the motel and enter room number two, revealing a disturbing collage of cut-outs of Alison, a dollhouse, clown masks, and doll faces. All of these elements were used by A to terrorize the four girls earlier in the season. Spencer then deduces that this is A’s lair.

Spencer then begins to piece things together when she notices a bag of cashmere sweaters that Mona purchased earlier on and a gum wrapper stuck in Ali’s diary. Mona then offers Spencer the same brand of gum, but leaves to retrieve more from the car.

When Mona returns, she is dressed in the infamous black hoodie worn by A and knocks Spencer unconscious.

Spencer then wakes up in a car being recklessly driven by Mona, who then explains the reasons behind her actions as A. Aria calls Spencer, who answers the phone discreetly so that all of the girls know that Mona is A. The three other girls then rush to Spencer’s rescue, nearly

hitting Mona with the car.

Mona then attacks Spencer and attempts to kill her by throwing her off a cliff, but Spencer gets the upper hand and when Mona is about to fall, Spencer offers her her hand, but Mona refuses and is sent tumbling down instead. The police and emergency medical team arrive with Dr. Sullivan, who explains that the injured Mona was suffering from a personality disorder that made her seem omnipresent and all knowing as A.

The girls are relieved as Mona is labeled criminally insane and taken away. They think that they are finally safe.

However, at Mona’s mental hospital, an unseen person wearing a red coat enters Mona’s room. Mona looks at the stranger and simply says, “I did everything you asked me to.”

This episode was really intense. I joined the PLL bandwagon recently, but I was not expecting A to be Mona. I do not really believe that Mona is alone however, and I definitely don’t think that Jenna is entirely innocent either. The arrival of the red coated visitor was an interesting development as well. Even though A has been “caught,” there is no way that the danger is over for the “Pretty Little Liars.”

Jimmy’s pancakes rock

By Michael Conner Staff Reporter

The most important meal of the day is breakfast, so why not enjoy it?

Jimmy’s Pancake House, 2521 18th St., is a restaurant with a good atmosphere, nice people, and great food.

The first thing customers notice as they enter Jimmy’s is the green walls. The walls are painted a bright green color and create a very inviting atmosphere. The service is quick and friendly, and the food is cooked and delivered quickly.

Jimmy’s is known for their pancakes, which are delicious. The pancakes are very thick, cooked to a golden brown perfection, dusted with powdered sugar, and go great with the syrup that is soaked into the pancakes. Customers can order just pancakes, or can order a separate side of sausage or bacon.

Jimmy’s skillets are among other great meals to get. My favorite meal from Jimmy’s is the meatlovers skillet. It comes with hash browns, eggs, bacon, sausage, and of course, a side of two thick stacked pancakes. The meal costs $8.79.

Customers really can not go wrong with any other meal at Jimmy’s.

Even a basic breakfast of bacon and hash browns are made to perfection.

Jimmy’s makes its hash browns with a softer texture compared to the more authentic crispy hash browns. The bacon is crispy and tops off the meal well.

With the speedy delivery of food, fair prices, and delicious taste, Jimmy’s Pancake House makes a perfect breakfast stop for anyone.

Reviews

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March 30, 2012

“Glee” enrages viewers

By Christian Hahn Assistant Editor

“Glee” fans everywhere watched in horror on Feb. 21 as their favorite cheerleader was face-to-face with the icy glare of death that had taken form of a giant Mack truck. Quinn Fabray was on her way to witness the wedding of best friends, Rachel Berry and Finn Hudson, when she fell victim to the consequences of texting and driving.

The final episode before the much-dreaded break left viewers on the edge of their seats while tackling controversies such as--in Quinn’s case-texting and driving, as well as teen suicide and teen marriage.

Junior and Gleek Kelci Ohl loves “Glee” because the show addresses a lot of problems teens have. Of course, she also loves Glee for its endless renditions of popular songs. Ohl’s favorite song from the show is “Loser Like Me” because the Glee club wrote it, and they performed it on stage telling everybody that they were losers and they were okay with it.

“The last episode had you smiling one minute and crying the next,” Ohl said.

At the opening of the episode, Sebastian from the Warblers attempts to bribe Rachel with fake nude photos of fiancé, Finn, telling her, “You have 24 hours to drop out, Rachel, or I’m gonna press the upload button.”

Sue Sylvester announces her pregnancy to Quinn, before Quinn gives her advice about avoiding morning sickness.

Quinn then asks to rejoin the Cheerios, and Sue, staying true to her character, kicks Quinn out of her office implying her refusal.

The closeted Karofsky is unwillingly un-closeted and humiliated in

front of all of his friends, as he sees the word “Fag” in pink on his locker.

Blaine sings “Cough Syrup” as made famous by Young the Giant in the scene that follows, which starts with the line, “Life’s too short to even care at all.”

Karofsky makes his way home, gets on Facebook, and finds that the entire school is making a fool of him online.

Forced into dark thoughts, Karofsky makes his way to his closet to dress up in a suit of his. After he is dressed, the camera focuses on Karofsky’s face, looking up at a beam in his closet, then cuts to his feet about to mount a chair, before cutting to the commercial, leaving us all to assume the worst as Blaine finishes the song, echoing, “one more spoon of cough syrup now.”

“When I saw that Karofsky was attempting suicide, I was surprised at first, but I guess I should have seen it coming because it’s such a common issue,” Ohl said.

The theme of the episode continues to play out as Rachel tells Finn she wants to get married right after Regionals, preceding her argument with, “Life’s too short.”

Sebastian confesses that he has destroyed all the fake Finn photos before saying the Warblers are dedicating their performance to Karofsky and that the Warblers want to win fair and square.

“It’s all fun and games... ‘til it’s not,” Sebastian says about his treating Karofsky poorly.

Rory Flannigan tries peanut butter for the first time in front of the Glee club, reminding us that the simplest of things can bring the greatest of joys.

Schuester shares with the Glee club that everyone has something that sends them over the edge, that they’re all young, and that they all have something to

look forward to.

As the Regionals begin, Finn stands and cheers for the Warblers during their performance.

Someone asks, “Why are you cheering for your competition?”

Finn’s only reply could be, “Life’s too short.”

Finn and Rachel share with the group that everyone should join them for their wedding right after Regionals.

“I like Finn and Rachel together, but I think it’s too early for them to get married, especially because they’re so young and they haven’t been together for very long,” Ohl said.

The New Directions get on stage, opening with a mash-up of “Fly / I Believe I Can Fly,” then the girls join the Treble Tones to sing “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” as made famous by Kelly Clarkson.

Rachel closes the show practically shouting “Here’s To Us”.

This seems to be the most emotion-filled and strongest performance seen yet, eventually proving so as the New Directions take the stage with first place.

After the performance, Sue seems to have a change of heart, telling Quinn, “I have always admired you,” before giving Quinn’s Cheerio uniform back.

Karofsky and Kurt have a heartto-heart in Karofsky’s hospital room, before Kurt gives Schuester’s advice to Karofsky.

Kurt helps Karofsky imagine himself in ten years, being as happy as ever, giving him something to look forward to.

Sue and Schuester congratulate each other, Sue for Schuester’s group’s success, and Schuester for Sue’s newly announced pregnancy.

Rachel and Finn’s parents conspire against their marriage as Finn sees his bride for the first time.

Rachel receives a text from

Quinn that says, “Went home to get my bridesmaid dress. Be there soon.”

Then we see Quinn in her car on her way to the wedding, as Rachel tells the other bridesmaids to be patient because Quinn said she would be there.

Rachel and Finn have waited long enough when Rachel shoots a text to Quinn, text-shouting, “WHERE ARE YOU???”

Next, we see Quinn in her car, receiving the text message. She reads and types out her reply, “On my way,” just before hitting send when the truck slams into the driver’s side.

The words flash on the screen, “To be continued...” as Gleeks everywhere, enraged, stand up, shout at the television, turn to fellow viewers and shout some more, just as if it were the biggest sports event of the year.

“I don’t think Quinn died,” Ohl said, “because it would be horrible to kill her off especially when she just got into Yale and all that stuff. I think at worst she would be paralyzed, because that would show how fast things can be taken away from you.”

This was easily the best episode of Glee yet, and I can’t wait to see what they turn out next. Although I can’t say I like what they’ve done to the show choir community, seeing as the only similarity between Glee club and show choir is that both involve singing, I have come to appreciate the entertainment and have become attached to the characters of the show as I have grown up with them since I and the characters of the show have been sophomores.

You can catch the last episode, “On My Way” at fox.com/glee, and be sure to watch out for recurrences of the theme.

The next episode premieres on April 10 at 7.

Opinion

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The Growl Editorial

The

S

NARL

Chris Critiques:

According to the Iowa Association For Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, physical education includes the physical fitness activities that increase cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and flexibility; sports and games; tumbling and gymnastics; rhythms and dance; water safety; leisure and lifetime activities.

Physical Education is a requirement for all students here.

Students are required to earn two credits of P.E. before graduation. On top of P.E., some students are actively involved in extracurriculars that require physical exercise.

Julianne Trizzino, sophomore, participates in soccer, track, and basketball. She practices six days a week for most of the school year.

“I believe that if a student is really active, they should be able to choose whether they take P.E. or not,” Trizzino said. “If I did not have to take it, I would be able to take a lot more classes.”

Diane Lichtenberg, physical education teacher, believes that students who are athletes should still be required to take P.E. because she feels that the lessons learned go beyond mere physical activity.

“It gives students the chance to participate in other activities they may not have experienced before,” Lichtenberg said.

Mark Brooks, athletic director, also thinks that P.E. has more to offer than just physical activity.

“I believe that students learn a lot of life long skills. It also teaches a lot of social skills,” Brooks said.

The Growl had some questions concerning the state requirements for physical education and how they align with our own school’s requirements.

Upon further research, we were shocked to find that useful information was being withheld from the students.

According to the IAHPERD, all physically able students are required to enroll in a minimum of one-eighth unit during each semester they are enrolled.

Origins of Pink Triangle

By Christopher Matheson Staff Reporter

In the LGBT, or Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender, community, the pink triangle, the pink lambda, and the rainbow have become prominent and well known symbols of LGBT pride and the LGBT community. However, their origins and meanings have been lost in parades, pride, and merchandise.

The pink lambda symbol does not have a very colorful or momentous origin. The symbol, which was selected as an international LGBT symbol in 1970, signifies unity under oppression.

The Lambda Literary Award, an award for literary excellence given to LGBT authors, derives its name and logo from the symbol. The symbol is simply a message of unity as opposed to a form of protest.

The rainbow flag, one of the most popular LGBT symbols, has been used by the LGBT community as a symbol of pride and social movement since 1978. Originally, the flag had eight colors with each representing a different aspect of LGBT life and ideals.

However, since 1979, the simplified six colored flag consisting of red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), blue (harmony), and violet (spirit) has become the staple of LGBT pride and community and is the most popular form. The demand for the flag as a symbol of pride drastically increased after the assassination of Harvey Milk, an openly gay San Francisco City Supervisor, in 1978.

With the help of Cathy Ahrens, I gained some insight on the origin of the pink triangle.

As many people know, Adolf Hitler imagined a perfect German world in which the Aryan race ruled. With blond hair, pale skin, and blue eyes, the race was envisioned by Hitler as the “perfect race”. This concept brought about Hitler’s purging of the “imperfections.”

“The Jews were always an easy target,” Ahrens said. “Any time there was a crisis, the Jews were used as a scape goat. A lot of them were bankers and shop owners; people with money, and they were blamed for economic struggle.”

As the oppression of the Jews increased, Hitler began to find more flaws in what he perceived as his perfect world. The gypsies, the disabled, and the homosexuals were some of these flaws.

“Anyone or anything that was viewed as sexually deviant, or anyone who was not socially acceptable was seen as undesirable,” Ahrens said.

The Nazis began imprisoning people in concentration camps like the Bolsheviks, the homosexuals, and the Jews. Each type of person was assigned a different colored triangle. For example, the Jews had to wear a Star of David.

These triangles identified the different races or types of people that did not belong in the Nazis’ perfect world.

The pink triangle was assigned to the homosexual men. In addition to the years of horror spent in concentration camps, many gay men and women sometimes remained imprisoned for an additional twenty years because the German laws regarding homosexuals had remained intact.

In 2002, the German government issued an official apology to the gay and lesbian community for the injustice. The pink triangle was adopted by the LGBT community in the 1970’s as a form of protest inspired by the suffering of gays during the Holocaust.

March 30, 2012

However, a student may be exempt for many reasons.

If a student is involved in a cooperative, work-study, or other educational program, the school may authorize the student’s absence. A student can be exempt from P.E. if other classes conflict with the scheduling.

Most important and valuable of these exemptions is that a student in twelfth grade may be excused from P.E. as long as he is involved in, “an organized and supervised athletic program which requires at least as much participation per week as one-eighth unit of physical education.”

The Growl staff believes that this is information students have a right to know.Time and time again students war with making the block the schedule work for them while also including P.E.

Additionally, students who meet the requirements to be exempt are generally completely unaware of this fact, which means that the school has been denying us of our right to this option.

This would not only benefit the many active seniors not required to take P.E., it would also benefit those who do not meet the requirement.

Omitting most of the athletic students from a senior-only P.E. class would allow the students who are not necessarily athletic the chance to be involved. This would result in raising students’ self esteem and motivation to be active.

For instance, when playing dodgeball, the less-active students are

generally eliminated from the game early on by a more-active student. This results in poor self esteem and less motivation to remain active for the duration of the course.

Additionally, the students who are less active are the ones sitting out, and in turn the more active students exercise more, when they do not need it as much as the less-active students. This seems to be somewhat of an oxymoron.

We understand that this situation is hypothetical, but it happens more often than most would think, and perhaps too often.

Senior year is a time for exploration, and this exemption would allow athletic seniors to discover something entirely new, perhaps in the arts. As a result, the non-athletic would be able to excel in P.E.

The significance of P.E. is wellunderstood, providing that it allows students the chance to be involved in several different activities over a short amount of time. However, we do not deem it as pertinent to our education.

Our school takes pride in its athletic programs, and the high standards placed on athletics are sometimes paralleled to our standards for academia.

If the school believes so firmly in our athletic programs, then it should have enough faith in them to believe that any of the programs would meet the requirements of physical education itself.

The Halestorm: The Art of Facebook Creeping

By Haley Zapolski Assistant to the Co-editor’s Assistant

Social media is a whirlwind.

When I first got a Facebook account in December, I couldn’t grasp the concept that people were “friends” with people they didn’t know, others posted ridiculous statuses and pictures, and almost everyone spent time looking at them.

Soon, I caught the bug. My symptoms were spending endless hours on Facebook, going back to people’s pictures from 2008, and examining their likes and interests.

With that, Facebook turned from a pastime into a hobby, and the art of facebook creeping was born. I can see a person in the hallway and think, oh I’m friends with them on Facebook, their favorite movie is “Mean Girls,” they went to Hawaii for spring break last year, and they just ended their relationship. I know so much about them that I want to say hi, but I usually try to refrain myself from doing so.

There are plenty of benefits that come with being a hardcore Facebook creep. For example, you will know everything about everyone and you will be more in the know. My favorite day to creep is the day after formal dances. I make sure my schedule is free to look at all of the newly posted pictures.

Not everyone can be as creepy as I am, so thank goodness you are reading this article so you can learn how. The steps are easy and progress to how creepy you want to be.

Step one: like every one of a specific person’s statuses, comments, and pictures. This will send the message that you are looking at what they are doing.

Step two: dig back into their history. I enjoy liking someone’s very first picture. Or making comments on pictures from 2008 like, “You were so cute back in seventh grade.”

Step three: send the person playful and vague messages. A winky face is great and can be interpreted many different ways. While you’re at it, you might as well poke the person too. You only live once.

If you have not been blocked up to this point, I encourage you to move on to step four. If you have been blocked, create a new account and go back to step one. Luckily, Facebook has a great tool called the search box, and it opens a whole world of possibilities. Type in someone’s last name and you will probably find their relatives. Send them a quick friend request. If they don’t accept, look at what you can; hopefully they have low security settings.

Finally, you have reached the last step. In this step, you must go outside of Facebook. That’s right, Google the person. You can find EVERYTHING now.

Now that you have successfully completed all of these steps, please send me a message on Facebook, I will gladly present you with a certificate recognizing that you have mastered the art of facebook creeping. Your mom can proudly post it on the fridge and show it off to all of your relatives and neighbors.

I recently discovered Twitter, so, you know, watch out; because I’m following you.

Features

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March 30, 2012

Breakfast fun AP students enjoy challenges and food

By Michael Conner Staff Reporter

Joe Buck, Rodger Wilming, and Pete Bruecken advise Breakfast Club, which meets Friday mornings to enjoy fellowship and food.

Breakfast Club goes to either Village Inn, Mickey’s, or Jimmy’s Pancake Mr. Buck House.

Students can check with one of the three teachers to see where the next meeting spot is.

Breakfast club started out as a gathering spot for students in Science Club.

The members of the club would attend breakfast to hang out and talk about club projects.

Eventually, Wilming joined Bruecken and Mr. Bruecken

class where I know I’m going to learn stuff is more interesting than a class where I just sit there and get an A.” This year the grading scale for AP classes was changed to make an A

The high school offers 17 was 85 percent and above, rather than 90 advanced placement classes that have percent and above.which encouraged more varying degrees of difficulty, length, and students to enroll. material covered. Most students find AP Eli McDonald said, “I think it is Psychology to be the easiest of all of the AP better to take an AP class classes, but still relatively and get a B, than an A in difficult.

AP American a regular class because it Government and AP shows that you applied Calculus are considered the yourself.” most rigorous.

AP European

Students find History, AP Calculus, many benefits from and AP Physics last three taking rigorous courses. quarters. AP American It looks good on college Government is the applications, is challenging, shortest, being only one and can earn college credits. quarter.

Senior Samira Eli McDonald works in AP The AP tests Bazuzi says she takes AP Physics class. are in the spring. Since classes because, “There is some of the classes end a higher proportion of kids before the test, students can choose to who care in AP classes and contribute continue studying and most teachers offer more. It seems to make more interesting study sessions. conversation.”

Bazuzi’s advice is, “If you’ve

Most consider AP classes a done the work to take the class and are challenge, but that is one of the reasons going through the stress of taking the class, students take it. The amount of homework then the review sessions are worth it to varies with each class. help you do better on the test.”

Austin Broyles, sophomore, said,

To be an AP scholar, one must “AP Euro homework destroyed my night pass four AP exams with an average grade life at home because all of the homework of 3.25 and a 3 or higher on each of them. involved in that class but at the end of the One of the benefits of being an AP scholar day it is all well worth it and prepared me is that your face is pictured on the AP for AP classes next year.” scholar poster hanging around the school The challenge is enjoyed by all year round. some, like Bazuzi, who said, “To be in a

By Haley Zapolski Staff Reporter

his science club before it became a weekly meeting with Buck, Wilming, Bruecken and students.

Not only do students get a Mr. Wilming good meal, but they also gain the opportunity to have one on one time with three very helpful teachers.

If students have questions on homework, quizzes, or tests, these teachers should have no problem helping.

“It’s a good time,” said Buck, “and even though we love cars, we promise not to spend the whole time talking about them.”

If students are looking for a meal to fill them up until lunch before school, Breakfast Club is a great place to go.

Student Survey

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March 30, 2012

Media mania takes over

By Allie Weis Layout Editor

In today’s world of media, there are several shows, singers, and social networking sites that are similar. During B lunch, 80 students were asked to take a poll to decide their favorites. According to

the poll, Ferb, Facebook, The Voice, Lady Gaga, Glenn Coco, and Beyonce were popular choices.