Merged document

The Growl

Vol. 51 Issue 1

Friday, Sept. 26, 2014

Bettendorf High School

Getting his hands behind different wheel

Brandon Gore flies on average four times a week and is planning on getting his pilot’s license this spring. Photo Credit: Brandon Gore.

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by Alex Connor Newspaper Co-Editor

G

erman philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.” Going above and beyond these words, junior Brandon Gore has had a passion to soar ever since he first got the taste of flying at a young age.

“I flew for about three seconds when I was two years old, although I did need help obviously…” Gore said.

Riding in a plane with his mom’s friend as a toddler, Gore has been going on rides ever since. Last summer, he started lessons.

This summer, he flew solo.

Getting a job at the Clinton Municipal airport, Gore paid for lessons along with earning a $7,500 flight training scholarship.

Taking lessons three to four times per week, Gore was able to fly an overall 10 hours alone this summer while he practiced various flying maneuvers. Gore was also able to gain extensive knowledge of flying in Wisconsin through the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA.) “It’s a week-long camp, where you learn everything you can think of about flying.

We were able to get time in the cockpit of a plane and a helicopter. We also had time to make projects with sheet metal and wood,” Gore said. Gore attended this EAA camp in Oshkosh on a full scholarship.

“He is working on his cross country flight currently, which is a solo flight of over 100 miles,” Gina Gore, Brandon’s mother, said in an e-mail. Brandon said when his instructor allowed him to fly alone, he flew every day.

“The first time [I flew solo] I was nervous, but confident. After about three hours of solo time, I was not nervous, but happy to be able to realize that I am legally allowed to fly alone. And yes, I have scared myself before, but I know what I am doing,” he said.

To gain his official pilot’s license, Gore will need to complete over 40 hours of flight time total, along with an in-depth written test, which he has already passed, and an oral exam, plus a physical flying test. His goal is to achieve all of this by January.

“He wants to be an aeronautical engineer at Purdue and hopefully secure a slot as a test pilot with the military while on a ROTC USAF or Navy scholarship,” Gina said.

Gore is also considering Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana for college. Being a test pilot would involve flying experimental aircraft and aircraft under development, while carefully documenting the flight experience to provide feedback for the engineers working on the plane With dreams of flying high in mind, the sky’s the limit for Gore.

Make sure to check out our online paper at bettgrowl.com “Right now we are programming an arm that is supposed to pick up a ball and be able to carry it,” Kennedy said.

(Above) The team alliance competitions on the robotics field “will allow us to be creative with our robots but also show off what we have learned over the class,” Sunderman said.

Robotics class introduced

by Melissa Weinstein Staff Reporter

T

his school year marked the beginning of a new robotics class in the industrial tech department. Taught by Rebecca Carton, the course allows students to design, build and program robots that can be entered in competitions.

The curriculum is based on the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Tech Challenge competition programs.

Carton has coached FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics teams for the last two years. This year, both Carton and Dan Drexler will coach the Bettendorf FTC Robotics team.

“This course follows our school’s dedication to meeting the needs of students by providing them with an exploration in a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) course,” Carton said.

Junior Mariah Kennedy is interested in engineering in college and wanted to take the course to get a better idea of the field of study.

“I think programming could help me in my future depending on what I decide to major in later, but I think the teamwork

will help me the most. Working together to make something work is a skill everyone will use for the rest of their lives,” Kennedy said.

Carton agrees and adds that students will learn other skills including communication and public speaking. Junior Aaron Silva’s building, planning and computer skills are improving thanks to the class. Though an industrial technology elective, the course can be classified under all fields of STEAM. Students are not expected to have any experience to take robotics.

“I really like science, especially chemistry, as well as technology and math,” Kennedy said.

Junior Andrew Sunderman is interested in all aspects of STEAM because they encourage students’ creativity.

To build the robots, students have access to various reusable materials including Tetrix, Lego Education, and HiTechnic parts. The materials used for the course have been paid for by grants and the high school.

For one of the final projects, students are required to design, build and program a robot of their own for a competition challenge. The different robots will compete on the robotics field located in the STEAM lab. If other students are

interested in seeing the work done by the class, they may look through the windows in the industrial tech wing of the school as long as they are not distracting.

“I think when people see what’s possible, they’ll want to get involved too,” Kennedy said.

“Neighboring districts have similar programs but are restricted within the curriculum,” Carton said.

“This class allows you to be creative, and test out different ideas, which not many classes offer,” Sunderman said.

“Other kids should sign up because unlike other classes you can see your progress right away. When the robot is turned on, all your hard work happens right in front of you,” Kennedy said.

Carton hopes that more students, particularly the underrepresented female and minority students, will become inspired to pursue careers in the STEAM field.

Students who are interested in robotics but are unable to fit the class in their schedules may apply to be on the BHS FTC Robotics Team or support the team at competitions. They can also check out the numerous STEAM clubs and activities offered at the high school.

Opinion

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The Growl Editorial

The

S

NARL

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rom year to year, not too many things change. Wide-eyed freshmen roam the hallways looking around for classes, and big bad seniors act better than everyone else.

As for the school day schedule itself, this year it has changed a lot. For example, the school day has been extended an extra five minutes at the end of the day from 3:10 to 3:15. Another big change is the addition of advisory every Wednesday instead of randomly throughout the school year.

Whether you agree with these changes or not, they are here to stay. The extra five minutes is needed now because of a new state law. Instead of schools being required to have a certain amount of days, the state goes by time. By adding on the five minutes BHS now fulfills the required time throughout the year.

Advisory every Wednesday is a change that surprised many students this fall.

Previous years, advisory was a time that only happened about once every month and a half. Now, every Wednesday at 9:40, each student is required to be with their advisory until 10:20. The purpose is to get information out to the students. Having an

Sept. 26, 2014

BHS takes on new school schedule

advisory is easier to do paperwork required by the state and get news to students.

September is national suicide prevention month so the upperclassmen received a very nice presentation by associate principal Joy Kelly during advisory. The underclassmen have also seen various lectures this fall. Having the advisory bridges the gap between students and administration, making everyone on the same page.

Some of these changes can be hard for students. With what already seems like a long school day made longer, how can students survive? Watching the clock tick around five more times during the end of the day can make fourth block seem never ending.

Staying focused all the time can be hard enough, but with 20 extra minutes a week, it can seem even more challenging. The grind of high school for most students who have a jam-packed schedule of honors and AP courses, have to extend the time in the classroom even longer.

Advisory could be the biggest and hardest change. Now every Wednesday everyone’s schedule is messed up. Not

knowing when class starts or ends can be a struggle at times. For seniors with off blocks, trying to find out when they need to be in school and when allowed to leave can be a hassle.

When students finally scramble into advisory, most of the time there is not that much to do or the topics seem pointless.

Filling out forms, watching social media safety, and filling out physical education contracts are just a couple of the boring activities required of us.

Advisory lengthens the school day for seniors and many do not like that at all.

However, seniors actually have had really important information given to them for graduation. This is great for the class knowing what is going on and what needs to be done for students to graduate.

Even if you disagree with the new changes, they will not be going away. Extra minutes a week will not harm you even if it feels like a long time. Not remembering the schedule on a Wednesday can be confusing, but we’re sure everyone will have it down perfectly in a couple weeks.

The things that are done in advisory may seem pointless and not fun to you, but at the end of the day, they are important things and ideas, made by the administration to help and educate us.

If the things done in advisory where not

important, administration would not have taken out 40 minutes of every Wednesday for everyone to meet.

High school can be a very hard time for some students. These new changes can be hard on some. We all have heard at one time a student complain about advisory or the extra five minutes.

Our advice is to not to stress over it that much. The administration truly does care about us and wants us to succeed.

Just like some of our parents who may be overprotective and strict, they do it because they love us. Administration tries their hardest to provide a school that everyone is proud to be at and full of students that are receiving one of the best educations in the country.

In life, all of us will be asked or told to do something that we do not want to do.

As an athlete, if a coach told you to do extra running after practice, would you complain to him or her? If a boss handed you a big project on Friday that will need to be presented on Monday, would you say no?

If having to change your schedule around for the added time and advisory is the worst thing that happens to you this year at BHS, then we would say you are having a pretty good year.

Mental Illness: How does depression affect you?

by Alex Connor Newspaper Co-Editor

Imagine

being caught between two circles. One being huge, omniscient, overpowering, and one equating to that of the size of a palm. Label the big circle depression, and the small one, suicide.

You’re trapped in this all-knowing bubble of depression and the only way to escape is to wrap yourself up in the hands of the smaller one. Would you want to live this way every day? Letting it control every emotion, every fear, every act?

Imagine being tired all the time, not allowing yourself to enjoy the pleasures that everyone else is finding themselves in.

What if everything you felt, everything you said, everything you tried to express was categorized as manipulative, as egotistical, as narcissistic?

Imagine that the only thing that keeps you alive is the fear of death itself.

Those living with mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, and other illnesses are lost in the misguided and unintentional ignorance of those who do not understand or are not knowledgeable about the disease(s.)

“Sometimes when I fall, I feel like I’m falling off of a cliff, and although I may be down for a few seconds, I don’t think that I can get up. I feel like I’m down there for an eternity,” an individual who wished to be anonymous said.

Living with depression, along with Asperger’s Syndrome, a disorder that which delays social and cognitive development, anonymous spoke about what it’s like to live every day as if it could be his/her last.

During advisories on Aug. 10 and Aug. 17, Joy Kelly, associate principal at

BHS, spoke on the issue of suicide and depression. Sharing her own experiences with those around her who have been a victim of the disorder, Kelly shared the signs and warnings of depression to the entire high school.

Signs, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), include a depressed mood or change in behavior, displaying sadness, poor concentration, insomnia, fatigue, appetite disturbances, and excessive guilt along with thoughts of suicide.

According to Kelly, the best way to handle someone with depression is to not tell them that what they are feeling is wrong or just a phase but to be respectful and ask “Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?” Those who know of someone with suicidal tendencies should tell a trusted adult so that the person can get the help that they need.

If anyone needs someone to talk to immediately or is having a strong urge to end his or her own life, the suicide prevention lifeline is available 24 hours a day. The number is 1-800-273-8255.

“Sometimes I want other people to feel the hurt that I feel, but if I were to ever cause that hurt, I’d probably have to end my own life. I know that it’s not right,” anonymous said.

Knowing that they might hurt their loved ones, someone living with severe depression may decide not to end their life in fear of who they may bring down with them.

“I want to scream and yell, and I do. But sometimes I have an alternate me, the one with straight A’s, the one with a boyfriend, the pretty one,” anonymous continued.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255 Like said earlier, anonymous was also diagnosed with Asperger’s at a young age, which has led to some of his/her depression.

Depression can also be caused by severely traumatic event, and can be genetically inherited. According to NAMI, over 25 million Americans will suffer from at least one episode of depression in a year.

Half of those will be treated, the other half will live with the disorder with no relief.

So who is to say, who is to accuse that someone isn’t feeling what he or she is expressing? When one action, one word, one instance, could push someone towards the smaller circle, to push them towards the death by their own hand, who is to say that they never saw it coming?

“Devastating as this disease may be, it is treatable in most people. The availability of effective treatments and a better understanding of the biological basis for depression may lessen the barriers that can prevent early detection, accurate diagnosis and the decision to seek medical treatment,” the NAMI website said in its paragraph over depression.

When asking the anonymous individual if his/her depression will ever go away, the individual said, “Yeah, maybe someday.”

The individual said that he/she believes it will go away: “Because I know that I will be happy, and if I am happy, then others will be happy, too.”

Growl Staff Editors: Brett Gaydos, Alex Connor Reporters and Photographers: Thomas Byrne, Hannah Chin, Haidyn Hank, Dajae Hanson, Ashley Hertter, Christine Vincent, Melissa Weinstein, Andrew Ball.

Columnist: Alex Connor. bettgrowl.com Editors: Hannah Chin, Christine Vincent.

Adviser: Connie King.

Mascot: Newsie.

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

Visit us at bettgrowl.com.

“Like” us on Facebook (bettmedia).

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.

Use your smart phone or iPad to visit our website!

Sept. 26, 2014

News

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‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ creates awareness for deadly disease

by Alex Connor Newspaper Co-Editor

Amyotrophic

lateral sclerosis, otherwise known as ALS or Lou Gehrig disease, has been making its mark and spreading awareness of the neurodegenerative disease through a social media challenge called the “Ice Bucket Challenge.”

This particular disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord inhibiting motor neurons from reaching the spinal cord and muscles in the body from the brain. Eventually, those with ALS will die from the degeneration of their motor neurons.

Once diagnosed, ALS patients will on average live up to three to five years but occasionaly can live up to 20 years. In Publications class took over the courtyard after school on Aug. 27 to participate the later stages of the disease, patients in the “Ice Bucket Challenge.” The French club watched in fear as they were could become completely paralyzed. nominated.

“I knew the general idea of what it was, and with the Jurevitz’s family and popular I knew very little about ALS; people are more aware,” Weindruch said. with the involvement of the community, however, now I have learned all about the That is not to say that the challenge we [as a community] are more aware and disease and how important it is to donate has not been receiving negative attention, have a more personal connection to the to help those living with it,” sophomore though. matter,” senior Archie Weindruch said.

Joe Martens said. Martens and Weindruch, Popping up on social media feeds, Passing away in 2011 from ALS, Bob along with the rest of student council, all pictures of starving, dehydrated African Jurevitz created a general awareness for did the ice bucket challenge. children are being contrasted to Americans the disease in the Bettendorf community.

“We nominated the BHS administration, pouring unlimited water on their heads.

Sweeping across the nation, however, to the BHS football team, and the PV student “First, it’s not as though the water we raise knowledge of the disease is a social council. We chose these people because used would go to Africa, so we’re not taking media video and challenge known as the we thought the administration and football anything away. It’s counterproductive to “Ice Bucket Challenge.” team doing the challenge would help spread put it in a negative light. Obviously, we Those who do the ice bucket challenge the word within our school. Challenging should bring water to people in Africa,” must dump a bucket of ice water on their PV student council was a great way to Weindruch said. “Sometimes you have to heads within 24 hours of being nominated. spread awareness to their school and motivate a child to learn with candy and If the nominated chooses not to participate, eventually more and more schools around then to learn just to learn.” they must donate $100 to the ALS the area and the nation,” Martens said.

“This challenge really helped me Association or a similar foundation. That is Weindruch nominated a teen group in understand the difficulties that people not to say that those who take the challenge Wisconsin and a few friends. Those within not only with ALS, but with any lifecan’t also donate. student council donated at least $10 each threatening disease go through. Not only According to ibtimes.com, the ALS to the cause. Other clubs and groups within does the victim go through hard times, but foundation has raised over $100 million the school also took on the challenge I learned just how much the disease can through the challenge, which is 3,500 including the publications staff. affect the victim’s friends and family as percent more than from this time the “It is a great example of word of well,” Martens said. previous year. mouth and social media. The campaign “Before this challenge became so has obviously been super successful and

The Growl: Also online

by Hannah Chin and Christine Vincent Staff Reporters

F

or years, The Growl has been the voice of the BHS student body. The Growl staff is dedicated to publishing the most pressing stories and features of the school year.

Until now, the Bettendorf school community has only been able to access The Growl information six times per year.

The Growl has been online for a few years now, but is about to take a new role. It will be updated frequently, featuring the latest news occurring in the school.

The Growl Online is composed of the most current news stories happening in the district. The website is divided into news, features, media, sports, and opinion sections for easy access.

The online newspaper format has also changed. The Growl staff completely renovated the website to make stories and media more accessible.

The Growl Online is covered by the publications staff and is advised by Connie King. Issues of the printed newspaper can also be viewed at this site.

If there are any events that the publications staff do not know about, but should be covered for The Growl Online, please let the staff know.

When taking pictures at any school related events, make sure to upload them to the ReplayIt application by Jostens.

Then, The Growl staff will be able to easily put student pictures in the yearbook and newspaper.

Follow The Growl on Twitter @bettpress for breaking news.

Summer on West Coast well spent

by Alex Connor Newspaper Co-Editor

Lauren Young relaxes outside the Giants’ stadium.

Packing away the shorts, flip-flops and

tank tops, all the while digging out the cardigans, scarves and boots for Friday night football games is a high school student who doubles as a college student.

Flying halfway across the country, this

Bettendorf student attended Stanford University over the summer.

Cross country runner Lauren Young packed her bags and headed west for a semester at a prestigious school the summer following her junior year. Spending her days in San Francisco and attending classes twice a week, Young gained an experience which will not be forgotten. “[There were] other high school students from around the world,” Young said.

With anyone being able to apply, the acceptance rate at Stanford is 5.1 percent as of 2014.

“It depends on if I get accepted, it’s harder to than during the summer,” Young said about possibly attending Stanford next fall. Young is still applying, but to smaller colleges as well.

Offering over 145 courses in 35 different academic departments, Stanford’s summer program grows with diversity in students, staff, and classes. This eight-week semester finds its roots in goal reaching high school students like Young.

With dorms filled with undergraduates and other high schools students,

“I’m glad to be back home with my friends and family,” Young said. “A downfall is that I have classes every day [now].”

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Lauren Young stands in a giant tree in the Muir Woods in California.

Young was not alone when it came to developing better study habits and adapting to a harder yet more free way of living.

“Find a quiet area,” Young said when it came to studying. Young also suggested to separate from friends when in need of some concentrated study time.

Those attending the program spanned in ages of 16 through 19.

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4

Before the Dance

by Melissa Weinstein Staff Reporter

1. Decide if the homecoming dance is for you.

If not, you can still enjoy all of the activities leading up to the dance during homecoming week.

Junior Karly Lent, a member of the homecoming parade committee for student council, is looking forward to the parade on Thursday, Sept. 25. Lent loves going to homecoming because she gets to spend the entire night with her friends, and “it’s a chance to do something a little different than just hanging out one weekend night.”

Freshman Jackson Stamper agrees that going to homecoming is worthwhile because of “the ladies.”

Sophomore Jenna Bakeris is most excited to watch the drumline parade the halls.

2. Decide who you want to go with.

Go with a date or a group of friends.

Stamper is interested in asking “someone who enjoys the Star Wars movies as much as I do,” while senior Christian Steffen is setting his standards high.

“My dream homecoming date is Emma Watson,” Steffen said.

Freshman Justine Pearson, thinking similarly, hopes to attend the dance with Zac Efron.

Junior Andrea Hale is searching for “somebody tall.”

Freshman Grace McGee is looking forward to attending the dance with a group of friends because it will be “less stressful than going with a date.”

3. If you decide to ask a date, plan a way to ask.

Steffen favors texting his potential date “HC?” and hoping for the best.

If Stamper could ask himself to the dance he would surprise himself with a poster covered with candy.

“I would get myself chicken and rice from Azteca and write, ‘I’m not a chicken, so it’d be rice if you went to hc with me’,” sophomore Jenna Bakeris said.

4. Decide what to wear.

Pearson plans to get her dress from Dillard’s while McGee found her dress online.

Steffen is going to check out Goodwill’s selection before heading to Von Maur to find a tie.

Senior Casie McGee practices curling Grace’s hair.

“Casie’s really good at curling hair, so I know it will turn out well,” Grace said.

During the Dance 1. Make yourself look presentable.

“I’ll take a shower depending on how I smell,” senior Noah Krist said.

Both Stamper and junior Tilor Meyer plan to listen to their favorite music to get them excited for the night.

2. Get together with your group to take pictures and eat dinner.

Lent took pictures in downtown Moline last year and enjoyed eating at Johnny’s Steakhouse. Krist and Steffen agree that their dates can work out the details of the night. McGee’s group plans to make the night casual and eat at Village Inn. 3. Come to the high school from 8-11 p.m. for the homecoming dance.

Bakeris is looking forward to getting dressed up and eating food.

Hale agrees and said, “It’s just something different that’s fun.”

Pearson is excited for her first homecoming “because all of my friends are going to be there, and I think it will be a fun night”.

“I like seeing everyone dressed up and having a blast,” said Meyer.

“It can be as fun as you make it so make the best of it,” Lent said.

Features

Sept. 26, 2014

Tying the knot: BHS students with shoe game

(Far Left) Makinze Roman’s shoes.

(Left) Kylee Cangas’s heels and boots.

(Below) Fredy Stroker’s wrestling shoes.

by Hannah Chin Staff Reporter

E

yes, hair, and teeth are the first things someone usually notices about a person.

As students walk the halls of BHSl, they are noticing something else: shoes. The shoe game phenomena has hit the school community and social media environment by storm.

“Shoe game is when someone has a diversity and balance of shoes and style,” senior Kylee Cangas said.

Shoe game is defined

by Urban Dictionary as a person’s shoe wardrobe or a comparative term meaning the type or amount of shoes a person owns. Twitter and Instagram are major outlets in expressing one’s shoe game.

Using popular hashtags,

posting pictures, and following famous accounts are ways to improve shoe game and get recognition from others.

“I purchase most of my shoes from the Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW). I love their selection and reasonably low prices,” Makinze Roman said.

The Von Maur shoe room, Foot Locker, Finish Line, and online stores are also popular destinations.

“My most expensive pair of shoes costed $225,” senior Fredy Stroker said.

Even though that is a big ticket price, Stroker explains that if one wants to play in the shoe game, they must participate to their full potential. He also noted that most shoe suppliers have exceptional sales that can assist in alleviating a fraction of the cost.

“My favorite pair of kicks are my Lebron 11 Lows. I also love my wrestling shoes,” shoe gamer Paul Glynn said.

Basketball players and wrestlers seem to be famous for their shoe game, considering their countless pairs of performance shoes.

Most shoe game superstars are professional sports players who have endorsements

with companies such as Nike, Asics, or Under Armour. By having these milliondollar contracts with big name businesses, celebrities can get recognition, and shoe lovers can get their fix by purchasing a pair of their their idol’s iconic shoe designs.

“I also sometimes custom design my shoes using the Nike Customs website.

They just ship to my house,” Roman said.

Shoe customization promotes design creativity and ensures that each pair of shoes a company sells are unique. These websites allow buyers to add their own touch and develop a shoe that satisfies their personal needs.

“Shoes are a great, fun way for me to dress up and complete my outfit,” Cangas said.

Finding the perfect pair of sneakers or sandals is a quest that everyone embarks on. A student looks for style, comfort, and affordability when searching for the best shoes. From boots, moccasins, and tennis shoes to heels, wedges, and loafers, each shoe gamer has their own favorite pair that accompanies their individual style and personality.

To dance or not to dance

by Thomas Byrne Staff Reporter

O

n Saturday, Sept. 27, much of the student body is going to get spruced up and head to the gym for the annual homecoming dance after enjoying a meal at a nice restaurant. However, a few guys decided not to ask any girls to this year’s homecoming dance. Let’s see what they will be up to that night.

Jake Hayles, senior, knows how to have a good time without going to the school dance Saturday night.

“I have been to homecoming the past three years and had fun at it,” said Hayles, “but this year I might just play some Risk or Stratego with my friends or something like that, it gets pretty crazy. I am definitely going to participate in the spirit week and attend the football game though.”

Another senior, Bryan Sproston, had fun at homecoming when he went

during his sophomore year, but thinks he’ll have a pretty low-key evening this year.

“I will probably just play video games with some friends that night, and maybe go to some afterparties later, those are always fun,” said Sproston.

Other BHS students Blake Bodenschatz plans on watching college are having to work a lot, football during the night of the homecoming even on nights of special dance. events like homecoming; Fall Saturdays are often known as just ask senior Eli college football days; that is no different Modjeska. for senior Blake Bodenschatz.

“I work a lot as an orthotic technician, so “It’s Saturday, which means college I don’t think I will be able to go to the game football is on,” said Bodenschatz. “I’ve got or the dance that night,” said Modjeska. “If to keep my priorities straight.”

I do have free time though, I will probably Bodenschatz, an avid fan of the Kansas just go longboarding with my friends.”

State Wildcats, will be plopped on his Athletic competition is also something couch watching the Wildcats take on that keeps kids busy on weekends. the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) Mikey Trahan, a junior, has been doing Miners. competitive rowing for a couple years now.

The homecoming events will be kicked “I am going to a rowing tournament in off Thursday with the parade, followed by Des Moines where I will compete with the game against Clinton on Friday, and people all around Iowa in 5,000 meter concluding with the dance Saturday night. races,” said Trahan. “I think I will go to homecoming next year though since it will be my senior year.”

Features

Sept. 26, 2014

SECRET PLACES AROUND THE SCHOOL

by Melissa Weinstein Staff Reporter

Built at the same time as the Performing Arts Center, the green room is an area for students involved with drama and show choir to get ready before performances.

“The lighting and cabinets are much nicer than the old green room. A lot of cast bonding goes on when we are doing our makeup and hair before shows,” senior Kennedy Knight said.

Photo Credit: Melissa Weinstein.

High above the stadium, the press box gives spectators an overview of the entire field. Inside, areas are marked for the administration, coaches for both teams, announcer, official timer, radio broadcasters and videographers. Photo Credit: Melissa Weinstein.

The music for the musical is made by musicians around the school who sit in the pit during performances. The pit lies underneath the stage in the Performing Arts Center. Though empty for most of the year, the pit bursts with lively melodies during musical season in preparation for the show.

“Playing in pit is great. You meet awesome people, and the music that you play is very fun. I look forward to it every year,” senior Logan Mohr said. Photo Credit: Melissa Weinstein.

The recording studio, built along with the Performing Arts Center, allows students and staff the opportunity to produce their own projects. Photo Credit: Melissa Weinstein.

Unknown to many, the fourth floor of the school is filled with “ventilation ducts, piles of stuff, and a little office,” senior Nicholas Arevalo said. “We were heading down to the wood shop to work on a project for the Science Olympiad last year, and a teacher asked if we had ever heard of the fourth floor. We hadn’t, so we were taken on a journey to the coolest place in the school,” Arevalo said.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Arevalo.

“Working in sound is a really technical job with a lot of responsibility that not many kids get to learn, and I still get to watch our shows,” junior Amanda Matthews said.

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Features

6

Sept. 26, 2014

Students take on other countries

by Christine Vincent Staff Reporter

In Paris, Jodi Alagna, Brianna Klabunde, Kira Kuhn, Emily Tinsman, and Melissa Trepa stop on the Pont des Arts, a bridge known for the padlocks left by couples.

T

his summer, 17 Bettendorf students participated in foreign exchange trips.

In the spring, 16 students will travel to England, and three international students are attending BHS for the entire school year.

Seven students went to Germany this summer; they left on May 25 and returned on June 23. They traveled to Munich first, stayed with host families in Saarland, then toured Berlin. This Wednesday, Sept. 23, 16 German exchange students arrived.

Five students traveled to France on June 2 and stayed for 16 days.

Jackie Blaum, Amber Jerson, Simone Miller, Willow Miller, and Clare Murcia, tour the rainforest and hike the base of a volcano in Costa Rica.

“We spent our first few days in Paris and went to all of the main tourist places like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower. Then we went to a smaller town, Tours, and saw some castles around there.

The second week we stayed with our host families in Bordeaux,” senior Kira Kuhn said.

“I will never forget that moment when I was looking down on Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower. It was truly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” senior Emily Tinsman said.

Although the students in the German exchange had smooth travels, those who went to France had trouble getting back to the United States.

“It took us three days to get home. We missed our plane out of Paris and also out of Atlanta. By that point, we all just wanted to be back,” Tinsman said.

For the Spanish exchange, five students stayed in Venicia, Costa Rica, for 12 days in July.

“I had never flown before, and we almost missed our plane to San Jose,” junior Clare Murcia said. “Once we got there, I created great memories. I had never seen so much untouched nature in my whole life. It was breathtaking. Their rivers and streams were clear and blue.”

By traveling to other countries, Bettendorf students experienced different cultures and their customs.

“Every day for every meal we had pinto gallo, which is beans and rice. They also don’t put toilet paper in the toilets or provide toilet paper at the schools. We unfortunately discovered this after we got to school on the first day,” Murcia said.

For spring break, 16 students will fly to Cramlington, England, for a seven day trip.

They will stay with host families and tour castles in Northern England and Scotland.

There will be seven students from England arriving on Oct. 20. These students will be in Bettendorf for a week.

They will tour Chicago, take a day trip to Dubuque, and attend BHS classes and sporting events.

Three international students are attending BHS this year. Senior Lara

Blasting back to the past

by Brett Gaydos Newspaper Co-Editor

O

n Tuesdays and Thursdays, a small group of students get together in the auto shop. Each one of the students sharing a common interest, mechanics. This bunch has been working on a 1920 Buick. The car was bought by Joe Phillips’ wife and given to him as a present. When the car is finished, the car will be orange with black accents.

“The hardest part is finding new parts to replace the old. We found a place in california that carries the parts so a lot of our time is spent waiting for them to come in,” Phillips said.

Kourtney Bowers, Emma Cox, Michael Hughes, Jess Jacobsen, Jordan Laufenberg, Anna Rath, and Olivia von Gries gather with their exchange students.

Hanke is from Jaderberg, Germany. She arrived Aug. 5, and will be staying until June.

“For the first week, your lockers were very difficult for me, and I had never taken a multiple choice test before. Little things are different too, like the locks on your doors or the taste of your eggs and water,” Hanke said.

Senior Gabriella Figueiredo is from Brazil. Before coming to Iowa, Figueiredo and Hanke both went to an orientation in New York. Figueiredo said BHS is different from her school in Brazil because we have the same classes every day. Senior Simen Bergset is from Lilehmmer (Lillehammer), Norway. Bergset arrived on Aug. 5 and will be in Bettendorf until the end of the school year. Bergset is participating in cross country, and is looking forward to soccer and track season.

Behind the scenes of car club at BHS

One thing that motivates everyone to get the car running is to preserve its history.

Cars like this are hard to find in any condition.

“There is a huge need to keep these cars running because the ones who used them are dying and no one cares about them,” Phillips said.

Right now is the make or break time for the project. Some of the car is now being put back together and if not done right the car will not run.

“If you think of the project as a hill, we are almost over the crest,” Phillips said.

The club has also done several other fun

activities. Last year the group made a brass cannon and shot it off behind the school.

This year there is a plan to do it again but this time make it even bigger.

Being a part of the car club is a group that you can drop by anytime. No one is

ever turned away and someone is always there to help you even on your own car.

Everyone there is very knowledgeable about motors and vehicles.

“We will never turn anyone away that wants to turn a wrench,” Phillips said.

College Fair Monday, October 13 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Rogalski Center St. Ambrose University 518 West Locust Street Davenport, IA

Located at the intersection of Ripley and Lombard Streets.

Parking will be available in the Rogalski Center lot.

There’s a lot to think about when trying to select a college or university.

This college fair is a great place to discover over 100 colleges and universities.

Join us for a college fair to learn more about colleges and universities: • Admission Steps • Campus Visit Days • Financial Aid and Scholarships • Academic Programs and Majors • Extra-Curricular Activities and Sports

Sponsored by: Assumption High School Bettendorf High School Central High School North High School North Scott High School Pleasant Valley High School West High School St. Ambrose University

Explore your college options with your friends and parents.

Scott Community College

One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student from each sponsoring school.

qctimes.com

Sports

Sept. 26, 2014

7

Herbst embraces varsity role

by Thomas Byrne Staff Reporter

D

“ ynamic.”

That was the word used by head volleyball coach Diane Lichtenberg to describe her star junior player, Josie Herbst.

Herbst gained recognition over the summer as being an elite player in the Mississippi Athletic Conference. Her talent began to receive notice following an unlikely victory at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior National U-16 Beach Volleyball Championship in Hermosa Beach, California.

When my AAU coach picked me and my partner to go to nationals, we were really surprised because all these girls were amazing, and they trained year round.” said Herbst. “We didn’t think we would win.”

Yet the pair emerged victorious anyway after a grueling final day of competition in which the two played six matches. Soon after, Herbst, who also had offers from South Carolina and Tulane, committed to the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) to play her collegiate volleyball.

“I loved the coaches at UNLV and I loved the campus,” said Herbst. “I just knew it was the right place for me.”

Kickoff to a new chapter

by Brett Gaydos Newspaper Co-Editor

Although many college scouts and opponents have taken notice of her abilities, her head coach also provided some words of praise.

“Josie is an extremely explosive player,” said Lichtenberg. “She has great court vision and has the ability to place the ball in the holes on the court. She has a very high reach and can really get on top of the ball when serving and attacking.”

Herbst was the second out of three current Bulldogs to commit to a Division I volleyball program. Over the summer, teammates Danielle Pennington and Megan Sharkey committed to Loyola (Chicago) and Rutgers, respectively.

Herbst helped the Bulldogs to an opening night victory over Pleasant Valley.

Photo Credit: Quad City Times/John Schultz.

Freshman climbs varsity ladder

by Thomas Byrne Staff Reporter

T

Fall teams get recognized by wlaking across the field in front of fans and supporters.

On Sept. 4, TouVelle Stadium showed

off the new improvements. With the addition of field turf along with a totally remade entrance, the Bulldog dynasty got a bit of a face lift. The whole project had been talked about for several years and finally came to the conclusion a few weeks ago. “ This is a great thing for our student athletes and community to enjoy,” athletic director Kevin Skillet said.

The next day, Iowa City High visited Touvelle Stadium for the first game on the new field. The rainy conditions on an overcast night did not keep the game from being canceled like it could have on the grass field.

“I loved it,” senior Dema Puzikov said.

“It just got done raining, and the field was not wet, and the stadium still filled with crowds all around.”

The first touchdown came in the first quarter on a handoff from quarterback Cyle Cox to Justice O’Connor.

“So many people come to watch us play; Justice concentrates well and that’s a big part of our team,” Puzikov said.

School Events Survey

by Ashley Hertter Yearbook Co-Editor

With the new chapter of Bulldog football starting on that Friday night, everyone felt a part of the new tradition. The buzz all around was felt by the players on the field.

“It feels like we are the start of a new era,” Owen Ridenour said. “I hope little kids look at us and want to go play football.”

One issue that the old field had was if it rained, play could be canceled or delayed.

If the players were allowed to go back out and play, the old turf would be very dangerous and an injury could happen very easily.

“The turf is always flat, unlike the other field,” Ridenour said. “You never have to worry about injuries like a twisted ankle or a hurt knee; all you have to do is focus on the game.”

“You feel a lot faster running and playing on the turf other than grass,” Dalton McLaughlin said.

With the new excitement with the new field, the season continues. The ‘Dogs have one goal for the rest of the season: win.

“If you’re not first, you’re last,” Puzikov said.

School surveys were filled out during advisories. The results were taken from approximately 500 students.

his fall, the boys cross country team hopes to improve upon its poor finish at the 4A state meet appearance a year ago.

With the addition of speedy freshman runner Anthony Peña to the varsity team, the Bulldogs should have little problem accomplishing this goal.

“I first ran competitively at the age of nine and won a lot of races,” said Peña, “but I also loved to run just for fun as a kid.”

Peña has indeed “won a lot of races.”

In eighth grade, Peña broke the timed mile record for the conference meet last year, clocking in at four minutes and 31 seconds. On top of that, he won the Illinois 2A middle school state cross country meet last fall while running for Jordan Catholic Middle School.

Outside of running for school, Peña has also been successful in running competitions.

“I’ve been running with a competitive track club called the Mississippi Valley Track Club (MVTC) for about two years now,” Peña said. “This past year with the MVTC, I ran individually for three events at nationals and had to run one age group up. I finished 15th in the 1500 meter race and ninth in the 3000 meter race.”

Before this school year, Peña had a choice to attend either Bettendorf or Pleasant Valley, two schools that have been successful in both academics and athletics.

“When I came to visit BHS I was very

Anthony Peña finsished second on the team in his debut varsity race at the Spartan Invitational on Sept. 6. Photo Credit: Dajae Hanson

excited but also nervous,” said Peña. “Mr. Casas helped the nerves go away, though, and my parents and I were blown away by the school. That’s when I knew that Bettendorf was the place for me.”

Peña has run varsity-caliber times in 5k races before, with his best finish being 17 minutes. But running has just been one of aspects he likes about the Bulldog cross country team.

“So far, my favorite part has been meeting new people and making new friends,” said Peña. “The cross country team has helped me to become a better leader and has accepted me as a teammate and friend.”

Meet T he Growl staff Editors Back Page

8

Brett Gaydos

(@MC_GAYDER) I am co-editor for the newspaper. I have been in publications since the beginning of junior year and have taken the class every quarter. I am also on the golf team and play every day. If you ever need to find me, I am probably either at Palmer Hills golf course or down in the journalism lab working! I hope everyone enjoys this year’s Growl.

Sept. 26, 2014

Alex Connor

Follow @bettpress on Twitter!

(@xandramconnor): Hi! I’m so excited to be this year’s Newspaper co-editor with the famous Brett Gaydos. I’ve been in publications class since my sophomore year and love anything English. I work at Whitey’s Ice Cream and at the Starbucks in HyVee. Hope you enjoy this first issue of the Growl. P.S. We kinda worked really hard on it.

Reporters

Hannah Chin

Melissa Weinstein

Ashley Hertter

Thomas Byrne Christine Vincent Dajae Hanson

(@hannah_chin): I am a co-captain of the Goldusters Dance Team, vice president of FBLA, co-chairman of RSVP, and the head coach of the Dusterettes. I enjoy eating coffee ice cream, watching Netflix.

(@mel_weinstein): I am a section leader for marching band, in NHS and RSVP. I am a teacher’s aid for a religious school preschool class, and I do crossfit. I am a huge fan of pasta, dogs and jeans made for short people.

(@ashleyhertter): I am one of your 2014/15 yearbook editors. I’m a choir officer and a member of Surround Sound. I love cats, choral music, and traveling. If you like me, buy me ice cream/Olive Garden.

(@Byrneee96): Publications rookie.

Irish man and Irish fan. It’s always a good time.

‘Rabbit Hole’ fall play

by Andrew Ball Guest Reporter

I

t’s that time of year when outdoor activities start to move inside. Bettendorf’s well known production team is at it again, this time with the production of “Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay Abaire.

“I found it to be very entertaining,” director Katie Howard said. “The audience definitely connected with the characters, in a way I haven’t seen them connect before.”

The play is about a young couple who lose their son in an accident, which leads to the beginning to lose their relationship as well.

“It causes them to just drift apart,” Howard said, “and [they are] trying to heal themselves separately and trying to heal their relationship at the same time.”

The cast includes Ellie Stamper as Becca; Ty Lane as Howie; Abbie Carpenter as Nat; Grant Nickles as Jason; and Kennedy Knight as Izzy. Production help comes from stage manager Ashley Swearengen; lighting designer Nate Walczyk; and sound designer Amanda Matthews.

“Rabbit Hole” will be presented Oct. 2, 3, and 4, at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Adults cost $8, students, $5; students are also admitted with an activity pass.

FREE HAIR CUT with a color with Jenna! $10 off new set of lashes with Shawn!

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563-323-3679 Expires 11-1-14

$5 off make-up application! $10 off specialty up/ dos!

(@vincentchristine16): I’m president of French Club, parliamentarian of National Honor Society and a section leader for marching band.

I have a bit of a shopping problem and I’m pumped for the England exchange trip.

Haidyn Hank

(TrackStud_400m): Hello, My name is Dajae. I am new at Bettendorf. I am from North Scott.

I am very athletic.

I like to laugh at everything and eat lots of snacks, Paix!

(@HaidynHank):I am one of the yearbook editors and am also in NHS. I like soup, Florence and the Machine, Lana Del Rey, and sleeping all day. I am obsessed with the Avengers, Tom Hiddleston, and Audrey Hepburn. So basically I’m a huge nerd.

Enrollment disproves projection

by Christine Vincent Staff Reporter

T

he average age in the Bettendorf community continues to increase, causing a projected decrease in enrollment for the school system. In spite of the prediction, however, enrollment at the high school has actually been increasing.

“As the last of the larger classes (350400 students) graduate in the next few years, we will start to see the enrollment begin to level off as most classes will be between 300-340 students,” said Mike Raso, assistant superintendent.

Because Bettendorf Community School District is landlocked, the geographic area for enrollment remains stagnant, while other districts continue to grow. BCSD has an eight mile radius, and most of the growth is occurring in the Pleasant Valley Community School District.

“The demographic trend line that keeps getting reported tells us that our enrollment is continuing to go down but they’ve been saying that for 10 years,” said Jimmy Casas, BHS principal.

The high school enrollment has yet to show signs of decreasing. Due to open

enrollment, the BHS has continued to grow in size.

“Last year, the high school enrollment went up almost 40 students, but as a district we lost about 80 students overall,” Casas said.

While decreasing enrollment could cause problems for the district, Casas is still skeptical.

“If we lose enrollment then obviously that means losing programming and teachers or staff,” Casas said. “ But our open enrollment remains strong and because of that we’ve pretty much stabilized in our overall enrollment.”

According to Raso, the last study of district enrollment was held four years ago, and another study will be conducted this year.

“In the next few years we will see the high school enrollment begin to decline, unless we have new students move in or an increase in open enrollment to the district,” Raso said.

Describing BHS, Casas said, “I don’t think we’ll ever get back to the days where we’re in the 1,600 range. And honestly, I’m not sure I want that to happen. Sometimes a school can be too big.”

CROWLEY’S

CORNER

by Henry Crowley Cartoonist