November 2006

Volume 50 Issue 3

November 15, 2006

Warriors perform into top spots at All-State 30 band, orchestra, and vocal members make the cut Aunna McDowell

staff writer

Washington’s halls are filled with music.

Chorus, band, and orchestra members enchant he school with beautiful songs, spirited beats, and lively rythms. Talented musicians walk among us, and this year 30 Washington students made All-State ensembles.

Washington music groups were given tryout pieces in August and began practicing early for the Oct. 21 contest. Wash’s All-State competitors practiced together and alone, all hoping to make the cut.

“You just have to work very hard,” said Elizabeth Smith, ‘09, who made the cut for the All-State band, playing her bassoon.

Orchestra and band competitors play their instruments for the judges through solo pieces.

The process of deciding who makes the cut can take all day. Impressive performers are called back and asked to repeat their performances for the judges until the judges narrow down the winners. Chorus works similarly, but singers perform with the rest of their choir so that the judges can listen to the group as a whole.

Smith was afriad of not making the All-State band but said, “It’s (knowing if you’ll make All-State) not really a big surprise becacuse you can normally tell how you will do based on your audition.”

Nevertheless, when the piece of paper is brought with the names of the All-State members, the musicians crowd together hoping to find their name. After a full day of performing and waiting for results, the musicians can hardly contain their anticipation.

“It took so long (to find out)...there was a lot of suspense,” said Rebecca Krewer, ‘09, who made the All-State orchestra playing the violin.

Thirty Washington High School students were able to happily find their names on the All-State paper. The months of practicing, hours of waiting for results, and minutes of performing paid off for these Washington High School students.

Preparation for the All-State tryouts take a lot of commitment and require many hours of practice. All this work will play off Nov. 16 at the All-State performance.

“I worked really hard, and it paid off to know i got in,” said Smith.

photo compliments Len Strutman

SHOWING OFF THEIR INSTURMENTS OF CHOICE ARE the members of the All-State orchestra, from the back L to R: Spencer Walrath, ‘07, Miriam Liabo, ‘08, Tanaya Ghosh, ‘08, Danielle Engmark, ‘07, Isaac Behrens, ‘10, Matthew Gibson, ‘08, Rebecca Krewer, ‘09, Hannah Colton, ‘09, Maggie Loeffelholz, and Pam Schroeder, ‘07.

Student study session created Megan Hartman

staff writer

Wash’s new Student Study Table is helping many students stay in extracurricular activities.

Student Study Table was an idea of Principal Ralph Plagman as a solution to the new grading policy for students involved in other activites.

The program consists of four teachers: Jacquelyn Bunnell, Zarmun Duke, Karen Siebert, and Kiley Ingerslev. The teachers tutor students involved in extracurricular activities that have and F or just need help in general on their school work.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to turn things around and start over next trimester,” said Bunnell. “We don’t want students to think it’s too late to turn their grades around.”

The teachers tutor students in room 118B everyday after school from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. They help students in all academic aspects, ranging from math, foreign language, english, and science. The program isn’t just for people who are involved in extracurricular activities. If any student is failing, he or she can get help. Most of the students in the program

now aren’t in activities and just need help with their school work. They also accept students that aren’t failing and just need help with their homework.

However, students who are failing take priority over students who aren’t and they will get helped first.

“I think the program is a great addition to our school,” said Aaron Auwles, ’09. “It really helps people involved in extracurricular activities that need help with their academics. It provides great one-on-one attention for students that are struggling with their school work and just need some extra help.”

There are around six to 12 students who come every day. The staff’s goals for the program are to get as many students that need help involved. They also want the students to make an effort at their school work and improve their grades.

“We really just want to get students to put in an effort to their academics,” said Bunnell. “We want this program to help students raise their grades and allow them to participate in activities.”

Students that want to get help don’t need to sign up. They can go to room 118B after school any week day, and teachers will be there to help them on any work in all subjects.

“We really just want to get students to put in an effort to their academics.”

— Jacquelyn Bunnell

DRINKING HOT CHOCOLATE AFTER A LONG HALLOWEEN NIGHT are Adastra members (L to R) Kelly Austin, Jackie Albrecht, Sasha Barnum, Lizzie Sauter, and Stef Victora, all ‘07. The Nationla Honor Society collected canned goods to donate to the Catherine McAuley Center.

news WHS teachers and students find ways to save the Science Station

opinions

profiles

The pros and cons of celebrities and their recent involvement in politics

Dakota Crosswhite crowned Miss Iowa Teen USA at statewide pageant.

focus Surveyor fills in WHS students on the dangers of threats to the learning environment.

sports

a&e

Warrior football team end their season just barely missing the state playoffs.

Need some recipes for Thanksgiving? A & E gives popular turkey day recipes.

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11.15.06

Opinions Volunteering is the new black Erin Becker

Opinions editor

You’ve got a Mercedes, a Cadillac, a Lamborghini, and a golf cart to get you up and down the driveway.

Your neck displays more ice than the Arctic Circle in December. Versace, Dolce, and Gabbana are on speed dial for those fashion emergencies. With a net worth in nine digits and all three of your cribs featured on MTV, where can you go next? Politics. Charity. Duh. When followed by a constant train of reporters and paparazzi, one begins to wonder if maybe they shouldn’t do something with all this fame and money.

(Yeah, I know this from experience.) Anyone who’s watched an awards show in the past few years knows they’ve basically morphed into anti-war rallies. Along with layering and belts worn over sweaters, adopting African children seems to be in season in Hollywood right now. Yep, I’ll take the blue Uggs, and a round trip flight to Zambia, thanks.

A fashion whim of Lindsay Lohan can convince millions of teenage girls that yes, black is the chic color for painting your nails. Clearly the girl’s got power. The question here is, can the American public --young people, specifically-- differentiate between the Jolies and the Lohans? The Bonos and the Hiltons? One needs to figure out who can dole out voting advice and who should stick to predicting whether brown is the new black.

This overwhelming influence of the celebrity in our culture is frightening in some ways; 10-year-olds watching rap videos on MTV2 probably aren’t gaining much in the realm of intellect and morals. However, some stars who have delved into the realm of the political and philanthropic are using their power for good, not evil, and the American would do well do pay attention. The only celebrity on the list of top U.S. donors, Oprah Winfrey, gave $51.8 million to charity just in the past year (USA Today.) Anyone who hasn’t heard about Bono’s crusade against global poverty, well, probably hasn’t heard of Bono. And Angelina Jolie has used her skyrocketing celebrity to help raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic in African children.

Who’s doing it from the goodness of their heart? Who’s doing it to help boost their good PR? Who cares, good stuff is getting done by the people with the best means to do it. Imagine a world where each celebrity has his or her pet cause-- education, homelessness, medicine, international relations, animal rights, freedom of speech, whatever. Political activism and donating to charity would be as in fashion as Justin Timberlake’s new CD. Just remember to re-touch that black nail polish before you head to the soup kitchen.

I’ll take the blue Uggs and a round-trip flight to Zambia, thanks.

artwork by Alex Pearson

Standardized tests are _____ for our school.

B) A pointless waste A) Time well spent Patrick Berry

guest columnist

Believe it or not, there is more to the Iowa Test of Educational Development than Wash t-shirts and candy bars. The endless list of bubbles actually serves a laudable purpose for our educational community. Standardized testing gives educators, parents and students an accurate evaluation of each particular school’s success.

A school is run for the purpose of education, and what better way to check our pulse than through a carefully crafted standardized test given to all the students. You can’t achieve this with grades or regular classroom tests, because most of them are relative to other students in the class, and you aren’t able to compare between classes and levels.

Some argue that these tedious tests are biased and judgmental. They say that they can’t accurately show what students are capable of. “Patrick! I am a budding Picasso and some stupid sandardized test isn’t going to show the world what exceptional talents I have to offer!” might be one student’s argument. I would respond to such an argument by pointing out that schools simply use standardized tests to see if students are learning what the school is trying to teach. That’s all. It’s not a test to see what kind of work habits you practice, and it sure isn’t a test of your personal talents. It boils down to whether or not the school is doing its job.

Some argue that standardized testing isn’t fair to all. Fairtest.org, home of the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, proposes one solution to claims of unfairness. Citing the Olympic Games as a model, they suggest the use of a judging committee for each student. They follow the Olympics’ lead when they also suggest throwing out the high and low score (which is crucial because of that accused French judge). They argue that a judging panel is better than a standardized test, because it will help to eliminate the testing “bias.” First, finding a panel of judges to rate all 1,500 kids in our school would be like trying to find chaperones for a high school dance; only the new, inexperienced teachers would agree to do it. Second, saying that a panel of judges will be less biased towards a student than a standardized test strains all credibility.

The advantages of standardized testing should be quite apparent. These tests are excellent litmus tests for a school’s performance and ability. Why not try your best and get through a measly week of testing? Do you need some sort of incentive besides the t-shirts, plaques and candy? Well, in the paraphrased words of Sen. Kerry, “If you don’t do well on your ITEDs, children, then you are just going to end up in Iraq.” Standardized testing is an excellent resource for our educational system, and you can count me pro-multiple choice.

Sam Moorman

staff writer

ITEDs have come and gone again this year, and I can’t say I’ve ever been happier to be done with them, once and for all.

I will miss the benefits. After all, who doesn’t like getting free food before you take your tests, having shortened class periods, and possibly a free T-shirt at the end for doing well? Unfortunately, the benefits of ITEDs stop there.

I must say I’m not a fan of filling countless little bubbles to questions that I could care less about. Answering questions under a time limit is not an ideal for anyone. It puts extra unwanted stress on kids, and if you end up blanking on the day of a certain test and doing terribly, you might end up in another class to try and improve your skills. In reality though, you may be good at math-- just not the world’s greatest test taker.

To make the tests even more difficult, they don’t always cover things you’ve learned in class; they go beyond it. I remember last year some parts of the math section were nearly impossible because I hadn’t gone through pre-calculus yet. I had the same problem with parts of the ACT; I just hadn’t learned some of the things that were covered. With so many students at different levels in math, you can’t assume that the kids in basic math can do the same thing that the kids in Advanced Algebra II can do.

Now, ITEDs aren’t on as grand a scale as the ACT or SAT, since the ITEDs aren’t a factor that plays into the college admissions process. I’m by no means a fan of these other standardized tests. They add more stress than any high school student needs. I spent almost a month prepping to take the ACT and still felt inadequately prepared. The stress that comes with these tests is ridiculous. I’m normally fine when it comes to standardized tests, but I wasn’t so lucky with the ACT. I went to write my name on the answer folder, and out of sheer nervousness, I spelled my own name wrong, not once, but twice. It took me a few moments to realize what was wrong with my test folder, but when I finally figured out what was wrong, I felt incredibly stupid. That silly mistake that I made because of all the stress that came along with the test didn’t help it go over too well either; I honestly think I got about an 8.

With all of the factors playing into standardized testing, it makes them an inaccurate view of how much students actually know. If you’re tested over things that you don’t know to begin with, it’s obviously not going to go well. A better view of students’ progress would be their grades or teachers’ remarks. Though the grading sysem may also be slightly unequal, it’s certainly a step up from these stressful and unfair standardized tests.

Opinions Only YOU can save CR science Kalese Henry

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Roses and Thorns: The monthly column where Surveyor let’s you know what’s IN and what’s OUT at WHS

ROSES

staff writer

I hear the Science Station is going under. Someone stole all their money, donations are down, times are tight, and admissions aren’t what they used to be. Critics say that it is a boondoggle, a sink for city money, and a tax increase waiting to happen. I disagree. I think the Science Station is the best thing in town to encourage the study of science, with the possible exception of Mr. Rieck’s ice cream lab.

I went to the children’s science museums for years, both in town and elsewhere. I remember having a great time. There were bubbles that were impossibly big, mirrors that made my legs short, xylophones with little devices that made sound visible, and a spinning stand that spun faster when I pulled my arms in. I got to throw things, measure things, make noise, and run around, my spirit rising as fast as the multi-colored balloon in the atrium.

With the closing of the history museum, the Science Station seems to be following an unsettling civic trend. “My children are grown” and “I don’t do that sort of thing” are the public’s excuses for not wanting to support educational facilities. Academics that study college degrees are worried that too few American students go into science as a profession. I have heard whining that too few women go into science as a profession. The Science Station sees to prove we can complain with the best, but we are too cheap to do anything about it.

The good news is that this only seems to be true of grown-ups. The first donation to the Science Station, $4.00 and change, came from a young student who cleared out his piggy bank to help. The elementary schools are holding coin drives. $3,000 has been raised by little kids who care. This is .25 percent of the amount that is needed, a fraction of a fraction, but given from the heart.

I have a theory that if a thing is enjoyable before it becomes a job, it is more likely to become a profession. If we are serious that we want kids to learn about science and become scientists that we must first teach them that science is not just Krebs cycles and force equations. It will be hard to convince Joe Student, whose only interaction with science is the inside of a biology textbook, that science is a cool way to spend a life.

Instead, beginning science must be hair sticking straight out when you touch an electrified silver ball, talking through whispering tubes, and balls sitting in midair on a column of air. The Science Station sets the foundation for harder things to follow by teaching us that science can be fun. In the name of science, it should be saved.

11.15.06

-The 30 All-Staters and 109 AP Scholars giving Wash more statistics to prove how much we DOMINATE -To Jason Alberty, for his fabulous computer layout program skillz -One last bouquet of roses to all fall activities-- all sports teams, the marching band and Grease cast and crew-- for a trimester well done!

Thorns -Crunch time for sending in college apps... good luck over break, seniors.

-School heating system turned up WAY too high for this time of year. Are we educating kids or re-enacting The Inferno?

-Extremists pulling our country apart.

Young Moderates Club, anyone? artwork by Alex Pearson

Congressional act threatens our liberties Fatima Wagdy

staff writer We all know the rights we have as Americans, the rights illustrated in our own constitution. Our founding fathers fought for these freedoms, and as Americans, we know that these rights are what make our country great.

However, Congress has just passed an act, the Military Commissions Act of 2006, that takes some of these civil liberties away from anyone declared “an enemy combatant of the United States.” It was signed Oct. 17. This new act allows the president to broadly define whom he decides is an enemy combatant without any evidence against them.

So anyone the president says is an enemy combatant, no matter what they have or have not done, will be given that label, and will not have the various rights given to prisoners by international law. Nor do they have the rights given by the Constitution to all Americans. These people include those “selected by the military for prosecution.”

One of the basic liberties taken from these people is

habeas corpus, or “the ability of an imprisoned person to challenge their confinement in court.” Also, the U.S. can now hold prisoners indefinitely without charge. This means that someone can be held prisoner for as long as the government wants, and they don’t have to charge them.

Finally, the prisoners are guilty until proven innocent. The prisoners are denied rights that should be given to all people and are a cornerstone of democracy.

What kind of message is the U.S. sending to the world if they detain prisoners and do not give them the democratic rights they say all people deserve?

This new act also allows the government to define torture more broadly and, therefore, use confessions obtained from such torture against them, something strictly prohibited in civilian courts.

Not only does this law defy the freedoms laid down in our own Constitution, but also possibly violates laws of the Geneva Convention. Jakob Kellenberger, president of the Red Cross, said, “the Geneva Conventions guarantee prisoners ‘the presumption of innocence, the right to be tried by an impartial and independent court, the right to qualified legal counsel and the exclusion of any evidence obtained as a result of torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment” (Yahoo News).

Surveyor Editorial Policy

Surveyor Staff List

Surveyor is established as a school-sponsored open forum dedicated to informing and entertaining its readers.

It is published nine times each school year by students enrolled in the Journalism Laboratory class at Washington High School, 2205 Forest Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403.

The staff will report as fairly and objectively as possible. All activities and news will be covered to the staff’s best abilities. Surveyor accepts the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics and Criteria of a Gold Newspaper of the Associated Press Managing Editors Association as the basis for good journalistic ethics.

Editorials and reviews that appear under a byline are the opinion of the writer, not necessarily the staff. Unsigned editorials represent the majority of the Editorial Board.

The Opinions section is designed to provide a forum for the opinion of the Surveyor staff and the Washington High School community.

Surveyor is a member of the Iowa High School Press Association and Quill and Scroll. Printing by Graphics, Inc., Calmar, Iowa.

Editors

James McMenimen, Editorin-Chief Cassandra Albert, Profiles Erin Becker, Opinions Erin Wahle, News Jenna Hackendahl, News Anne Sullivan, Focus Rebecca Dennis, Focus Meredith Bell, Sports Jackie Albrecht, A&E Miranda Bernstein, Photo Mary Crumley, Photo Katrina Houmes, Business

Staff Writers Brent Gasway Laura Hart Kalese Henry Lauren Glantz Barney O’Donnell Stephanie Steimel Kristina McLaughlin Molly Parker Aunna McDowell Maddy Halyard Megan Hartman Lauren Glantz Aunna McDowell Sam Moorman Emily Kopec Laura Seyfer Eleanor Vernon John Runde

The new law also says “the presdent can ‘interpret the meaning and application’ of international standards for prisoner treatment, which was intended to allow him to authorize aggressive interrogation methods that might otherwise be seen as illegal by international courts”(Yahoo News).

This act will allow for a “witch hunt” of presumed enemies to occur, where they have no voice, and cannot have a trial.

Justification will simply be that “they are terrorists.” Once someone says this, no further questions are asked because we naturally fear terror. We don’t want to asky any questions for fear of endangering our country or “supporting the terrorists.”

Many of the detainees are innocent, and are called terrorists, even thought they have done nothing wrong. Although this new act was not widely publicized, it has great implications. To stress the reasons for this act would only cause Americans to critically think about what is actually going on, and so it simply disappeared off the news after the first teport.

If we simply say “it doesn’t affect me, so I don’t care,” we could soon be sorry. If the government can take these rights away from detainees, we could be next if we don’t stand against their actions. This is not the America I believe in, and is not the kind of democracy we value.

Surveyor Letter Policy Assistant Editors Molly Briggie Emily Penningroth Fatima Wagdy

Photo/Art Alex Pearson Megan Barnes Taylor Davis

Adviser Steve Riley

Anyone can contribute to the Sur veyor Opinions page.

Readers are encouraged to express their viewpointes through guest editorials.

Surveyor also welcomes any letter to the editor, provided that: 1. It is not libelous or obscene 2. Its explains the material clearly 3. It is not longer than 300 words 4. It is signed.

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11.15.06

Profiles

Crosswhite crowned Miss Iowa Teen Eleanor Vernon staff writer Washington High School’s very own Dakota Crosswhite, ‘07, recovered from almost falling flat on her face during last year’s swimsuit competition and returned to be crowned the 2007 Miss Iowa Teen in Ottumwa last month.

Crosswhite beat out 70 girls after being judged in interview, swimsuit, and evening gown competitions.

“I used to go to school with my pageant producer’s son and they were always sending me stuff but I was never a ‘pageant girl,’” said Crosswhite.

However, two years ago she decided to give it a shot.

Crosswhite was a natural from her first pageant. She finished with a place in the top ten her first year and she returned last year where she placed fourth runner-up.

Despite the common belief of the tortures that beauty pageant contestant must put themselves through, Crosswhite swears she doesn’t do much. In previous years she began to prepare by running and doing abs in mid-summer, but this year, she decided to kick things up a notch.

She started her training back in May and hired a pageant coach with two other Wash students, Melinda Serovy

attended a safe Halloween event for kids, is also expected to make appearances at different events on weekends and during school vacations this year.

“My mom has always been a main supporter, she does so much for me.

She has spent so much time and money for me to be able to compete and now she has another very time-consuming year ahead,” said Crosswhite.

Students that made the trip to support her and the other Wash contestants include Joe Drahos, ‘07, Sara Buckley, ‘08, Kahle Novak, ‘08, Melinda Serovy, ‘08 and Sally Timmons, ‘08.

Crosswhite will make her next appearance onstage next August when she will represent Iowa Photo Compliments of Dakota Crosswhite and compete for the title of Miss Teen USA BEING INTERVIEWED DURING THE MISS IOWA on the NBC Miss Teen USA television special.

TEEN PAGEANT IS Dakota Crosswhite, ‘07 “Pageants aren’t about and Molly Briggie, both ‘08. a lot of confidence. I mean how just competing for looks The highlights for Cross- many people can say they’ve or personality. Pageants white during the three-day been in front of hundreds of give out many scholarships pageant are not only found people in four-inch heels and and many girls that comon-stage. The girls from all a swimsuit?” said Crosswhite. pete are in the top of their Along with the sash and class academically. So don’t over the state that she has been able to meet and keep crown also come a number of re- believe all the stereotypes in touch with at each pageant sponsibilities. Winners are closely you hear—you can’t judge keeps it exciting off-stage too. watched and expected to be posi- a book by its cover—and “Pageants give their par- tive role-models throughout the it’s the same for pagticipants, including myself, year. Crosswhite, who recently eants,” said Crosswhite.

Award leaves

Bartelme shines in Yuska speechless drama productions Katrina Houmes staff writer Danny Yuska, language arts teacher and speech coach, has won the Iowa Young Speech Coach award of the year.

The award came with $1,000. This award can be renewed for up to two years.

To apply for the award, Yuska had to fill out an application, send his college transcript, be recommended by principal Ralph Plagman, and write three essays. He then had to send all of those

to the Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA), where a team of random people picked the winner.

Yuska found out he won the award on the weekend of Oct. 13 and 14, the Tuesday before the award ceremony.

He was also required to prepare an acceptance speech.

He gave his acceptance speech in front of a few hundred people who were attending the ceremony.

“I was a little scared because I was giving the speech in front of speech coaches,” said Yuska.

Eleanor Vernon staff writer Freshman Jackson Bartelme, has had no trouble jumping right into life at Wash. While juggling his homework from AP human geography and language arts, he has also been learning his lines and practicing his moves for his role as Sonny in the musical Grease.

Bartelme made his debut appearance at the young age of five in a Midsummer Nights Dream and

hasn’t looked back since.

“It’s a good way to meet ne w people and fun to become someone you’re not,” said Bartelme.

He has been involved in more than 15 productions in his life. “[Bartelme] is highly energetic, creative, and has tons of potential, he’s a natural,” said Grease director, Michael Cervantes.

Bartelme credits his love for the stage to his parents who are active in the arts and are in the PPA Hall of Fame.

War in Iraq has impact on Taylor Aunna McDowell staff writer Americans all seem to care about what is going on with the war in Iraq. News reporters spend hours reporting updates and filling the general public in on this topic. Joe Taylor, science teacher, sees the war in Iraq as more than a news update. He sees it as a major part of his life.

Taylor left for Iraq in November 2003 and returned back to the United States in March 2005. Taylor came as a member of a unit called the 308th Quartermaster Company. Taylor was in charge of approximately 25 soldiers and worked as a part-time medic.

Taylor and the members of his unit had two main jobs, base security and convoy security. Taylor’s base was filled with gun trucks, gun towers, and all sorts of security devices.

Numerous insurgents were brought to Taylor’s base, and the soldiers were ex-

pected to watch them.

Taylor found being a medic very challenging.

Taylor had to treat injured American, British, and Iraqi soldiers, as well insurgents.

“Usually the most difficult times were when we had a large number of casualties at the same time,” said Taylor, whose base sometimes had to care for up to 30 wounded soldiers.

While in Iraq, Taylor learned life lessons. Taylor was impressed with the attitudes of the Iraqi soldiers. The soldiers were paid little and knew the great suffering going on around them, but they still kept optimistic spirits.

“A lot of the lessons I learned related to humanity ... both the good and the bad,” said Taylor.

Taylor would go back to Iraq if he didn’t have a teaching job and a wife, but he will never forget his journey in Iraq.

“It’s worthwhile to go help other people who can’t help themselves,” said Taylor.

Gallet boasts unique name Megan Hartman staff writer Learning how to spell your name in kindergarten is hard enough, but for Elise Gallet, ‘07, it was even harder.

Gallet’s full name is Elise Francis Nicole Gallet De St. Aurin, which comes from her French heritage.

Although Gallet has lived in the United States her whole life, her family is from St. Aurin, a northern province in France. The name Gallet means pebbles. Her ancestors

were road builders, and that is where the name comes from.

“My name makes me feel unique as a person,” said Gallet, “I think it would be boring to have a regular name.”

Gallet is the only one in her family who uses the full name. Her brother, Joe Gallet, freshman, only uses the name Gallet.

“If you’ve got the name you might as well use it is my philosophy,” said Gallet, “Why should you try and hide it? It shows your background and is part of who you are.”

photo compliments Jennifer Byers

ATTENDING THE ANNUAL I-JAG BANQUET ARE Rosalyn Eatman, Joshua Milam, Lani Malden, Adam Page, Andre Dawson, Jasmine Meyers, Saheka Smith, and I-JAG Education Specialist Collin Fletcher. I-JAG stands for Iowa’s Jobs for America’s Graduates, a program that focuses on helping students learn about different careers and the ins and outs of the workplace.

Profiles Sgrosso provides European charisma Taylor Davis staff writer Sitting in a local coffee shop on an early October afternoon, three Wash students laugh and smile at the sights and sounds of two foreign exchange students arguing soccer. Their accents heighten the intensity of the disagreement. The subject: the final game of the World Cup. Each student, Enrico Sgrosso and Lucie Kanius, defend his and her native country, Italy and France, respectively.

That afternoon was case-in-point displaying the diversity that Wash is always so proud of.

It a l i a n s t u d e n t S g r o s s o a d d s t o t h e Wa s h i n g t o n m e l t i n g p o t , o n l y t o e n r i c h t h e d i v e r s i t y f u r t h e r.

Sgrosso traveled to Iowa to stay with senior Tyler Mitchell’s family for one year.

After studying English for three years, he decided to “tr y something new.”

He left his home in Naples, Italy, and arrived in Cedar Rapids on Aug. 24th.

His stay will be nine months long.

“Enrico is very open to new things and always has a good sense of humor,” said Karen Mitchell, mother of Mitchell.

He explains that in Italy, school is quite different in structure of teaching, size, and emphasis on spor ts.

In the Italian school system, their high school equivalent, Sgrosso is in his fourth year out of five total.

When he arrived at Wash, the passing times were something that Sgrosso had to get

used to because they do not have them in Italy.

“Everyone was really friendly when I arrived at school. In general, people a re v e r y n i c e h e re ,” s a i d S g r o s s o.

Of course, there are things he misses about home, some of them being pasta, friends, the sea, the culture, parties, and disco clubs.

Sgrosso and Mitchell try to have fun to take Sgrosso’s mind off of his hometown.

They achieve this by attending football games, going to Iowa City, and playing soccer.

Sgrosso is looking forward to participating in soccer when spring sports commence.

“An Italian kid makes a good wing man,” said Mitchell, “It’s just fun to do things I wouldn’t have normally done.”

The Mitchell family has also planned some vacations throughout the year, which will help Sgrosso experience America to a great extent.

They have already planned a trip that will take place this winter. The trip will include snowboarding, which will be a new skill Sgrosso will have to learn.

The Mitchell family is also planning to have a Japanese foreign exchange student for two weeks while Sgrosso is here.

Sgrosso may be missing certain elements of the Italian life, but he soaks up the new experiences that are offered here in Iowa with a very open mind.

In many ways, he is like an American kid.

The only thing that indefinitely separates him from the rest of the population here is his seemingly infinite European charm, displayed by his very diplomatic answer to the question of whether he prefers Italian girls or American girls, compliments of Mitchell. Sgrosso’s responds, “half and half.”

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11.15.06

Italy vs U.S. Topic

Italy

U.S.

1. Size

116,341 sq. miles

3,717,796 sq. miles

2. Population

58 million

295,734,134

3. Religion

No official religion No official religion (98% Roman Catho- (84% Christian, 14% unidentified) lic)

4. Government

Parliamentary Republic: the Prime Minister is the head of the government and the President is the Head of State.

Federal Republic: the President, elected by the electoral college, serves as the Head of State and Government.

5. Education

Free for children of all ages between six and 14. Goal: to have a well-trained minority; not a widely educated majority.

Controlled by state; strives to promote ideas of democracy, equality of opportunity, and personal development.

6. Holidays

Carnivale, traditional Halloween, Thanksgiving, Independence Catholic holidays Day

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!! FROM THE SURVEYOR STAFF

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Focus

11.15.06

R ecent U.S .

S chool Shootings

MARCH 1998: Two middle school boys kill four girls and a teacher, in addition to wounding 10 others during a fire alarm.

APRIL 1999: In the infamous Columbine shooting, 35 students were shot, 14 of whom died. They also killed one teacher and themselves. They wanted to kill at least 500 and blow up the school.

FEB. 2000: A s i x - ye a r - o l d g i r l w a s s h o t dead by her six-year-old classmate with a .32 caliber handgun.

MARCH 2001: At a school in California, a student opens fire at school, resulting in two student deaths and 13 wounded students.

MARCH 2005: Student kills one teacher, a security guard, five students, and himself at school after shooting his grandfather and companion at home.

SEPT. 2006: An outsider adult holds six students hostage and kills a teenage girl and himself in Colorado.

SEPT. 2006: Fifteen-year-old boy shot and killed school principal in Wis., who was defending other students.

OCT. 2006: A 32-year-old man shoots 10 school girls, killing half in an Amish schoolhouse. He then commits suicide. www.newsvote.bbc.co.uk

What could be done to make Wash a safer school?

Cartoon by Alex Pearson

Recent at-school massacres Emily Penningroth

staff writer

Washington High School students may remember participating in a school shooting drill this past October. For most students, this was a first time drill considering our generation has grown up with the only possible school dangers being a fire or tornado. But due to a rapid increase in school shooting violence in our country, Wash had to take precautions.

As heavily publicized by the media, Wash’s new concern was sparked by three consecutive school shootings. The first occurred in Colorado at Platte Canyon High School, killing one student and endangering many more. In the past, school shootings are mainly done by a student. Although, in this case, the gunman was actually a 53-year-old man. It was known the man walked into the school with an assault rifle. He was also said to be carrying a bomb, although this is not certain. When the man walked into the classroom of his choice, he lined six girls up as hostages along the blackboard and sexually assaulted them before shooting one. A bomb squad, SWAT team, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Explosives came to survey the scene shortly after.

The second of the three shootings happened in Wisconsin at Weston High School two days after the Colorado school shooting.

This shooting was done by a freshman student of the school. He

“Maybe having a police car in the parking lot.”—Sami Puk, ‘10

“Teach people the signs of a problem student.” —Alex Christophersen, ‘07

entered the school with a handgun and shotgun, which were owned by his parents. The student first attempted to shoot his teacher, but failed when was restrained by a custodian. He next saw the principal and shot him several times, killing him. No students were harmed.

The third shooting was done in a one room Amish schoolhouse in Pennsylvania only two days after the Wisconsin shooting. The gunman in this situation was a 32-year-old man he entered the school with many different weapons including a shotgun, handgun, wires, chains, nails, flexible plastic ties to bind the arms and legs of the hostages, and wooden boards to barricade the doors of the school. The gunman kept all the female students as hostages, but let the males, infants and pregnant women go. The gunman killed five girls, wounded five other females, and committed suicide.

What do these three consecutive shootings have in common?

Two of the three gunmen were older males with a criminal past.

The gunman in the Colorado shooting had been arrested in the past for drug use and had a harassment charge. The gunman in the Pennsylvania shooting had molested young relatives in the past and dreamed about doing it again. Pretty sick, huh? Although in the ninth grade shooter’s case, his motive for carrying out the shooting is due to being bullied and harassed by other students and feeling that faculty did not do anything to help him. According to the National School Safety and Security Services, these shootings make up three of the twenty-four school shootings in the history of the United States.

“[The new security guards] look like they wouldn’t really be able to stop a person with a gun.” —Tim Kigin, ‘10

“Maybe more teachers could patrol the halls during passing time or their prep period.” —Krystal Hoff, ‘10

Focus

11.15.06

7

Plagman promotes positivity John Runde

example, if a person, specifically a classmate, commits suistaff writer cide—there is little publicity. This is because the administration doesn’t want the tragedy to influence another afflicted individual School violence has always been a grave issue and a scary reality for who may be on the verge of succumbing to similar solutions. students, staff, and the community in general. Especially in times like Being comfortable at school is more important though, these when inexplicable tragedies occur in our nation’s schools. Five according to Plagman. Over the last few years he has been Amish girls are dead; a Wisconsin principal killed; a hostage fatally conducting surveys and hosting meetings with students to shot in Colorado. Naturally, these recent incidents have prompted voice their concerns. He wants to get a strong understandschools to focus on security. But is there such a thing as complete safety? ing of what problems impact the school, such as fighting.

“School is the safest place you can be,” said Dr. Ralph PlagDiversity also works to Washington’s advantage. With such man, principal. “There’s always a risk, but we do the best we can.” a large student body, to everyone of a different race, religion, There are a total of 42 entries into Wash, making it more than origin, and interest, freedom and expression are key. Clubs possible for a random intruder to find a way inside. The hard truth: are a perfect testament to the school’s openness. Washing“Anyone can get into almost any school in America,” ton has everything from “Prayer Group” to “Paintball Club”.

Plagman said. “I can’t turn this place into a prison... but I “ We m a k e r o o m ,” s a i d P l a g m a n . St u d e n t s c a n hope and pray it wouldn’t be easy to enter [Washington].” f i n d t h e i r i n d i v i d u a l n i c h e s a n d h a v e f u n , m a k Plagman doesn’t just rely on faith though. Sixteen “terrific” full- ing it harder for people to feel isolated or rebellious. color cameras monitor the entire school. In addition, Gene Nassif The most important way Plagman tries to make sure and Rashar Morgan act as security guards. They can be seen directing students are content is through the staff. He hires teachtraffic under the arcade and watching over the halls and main lobby. ers who can relate to kids and generally care. Plagman does Also, in the light of current news, other guards were hired Nov. 3. this right down to the ladies who serve lunch every day.

But the root of school violence has nothing to do with a loaded “I would be disappointed if at the end of the year, a student couldn’t handgun or a knife tucked inside someone’s pocket. The people who name one teacher he or she felt like they could turn to,” he said. commit these “unimaginable crimes are sick inside.” Often, they are The students themselves don’t appear to be overly worcarried out by students who are disaffected, bullied, harassed, and ried about their safety. “It is a scary thing,” said Josh DeSogenerally uncomfortable at school. This is where Plagman takes great sa, ‘08. “You never think it could happen to your school... initiative, attempting to prevent potential outbreaks of aggression. But there are crazy people everywhere you go... at the end “Our general concern is for crazy copycats,” he said. For of the day, what are you going to do? Not go to school?”

Harte narrowly misses shooting

Rebecca Dennis and Anne Sullivan

co-focus editors

On Nov. 1, a group gathered for a moment of silence to commemorate those lost fifteen years ago to a shooting by a disgruntled student. Gang Lu, a UI doctoral graduate fatally shot five people, including both students and professor. He also permanently paralyzed another student.Willis Harte, mathematics teacher, had left the building before this tragedy occurred.

As a graduate student at UI, Harte was in the Russian department watching television with his classmates. Leaving for a halfhour bagpipe lesson, Harte returned to Jessup Hall where “all hell had broken loose.” Witnessing a body being wheeled out of the building, the crowd gathered outside filled him in on the details.

After being denied a prestigious academic award, Lu was out for revenge. After killing several professors and students in the Van Allen Hall, he then approached Jessup Hall.

“He sprinted across to Jessup... He was confronted by a Work Studies student, who I knew, shot her and paralyzed her for life,” Harte said.

Hearing the sirens in the distance, Lu proceeded to search for an empty classroom. After an unsuccessful search in the Russian department, he available room in the Geography department and shot himself to death.

“It just sort of came out of nowhere a n d h a p p e n e d v e r y q u i c k l y,” H a r t e s a i d .

Returning from his band lesson, Harte was one of the few not traumatized by the experience since he was not present. The SWAT team had burst into classes for security. “ I t w a s a n i s o l a t e d t r a g e d y. A n y k i n d o f a t t a c k i s i n c r e d i b l y h a r d t o p l a n f o r,” H a r t e s a i d .

As a result of the trauma, psychologists counseled the witnesses in the following days.

Why Jack is more likely than Jill to bring a weapon to school

Molly Parker

staff writer

Did you know that at this time in our adolescent lives is the stage when our brains are just beginning to grow? Studies have shown that because of this transitional period in teenage years, it can cause teens to make decisions that they might regret in the future. One example of the regret is the aftermath of school shootings. Ever since the Columbine shootings seven years ago, there has been a quiet fear of what could be happening in schools across America when the kids are left alone.

Because of this blur in teenagers’ minds, it causes them to lose sight of the repercussions of their actions. Psychologists have studied this for years and have come to the conclusion that during the time of brain redevelopment, teenagers don’t think of the consequences to their actions which can lead to irrational decisions.

Another factor in the school shootings across America, studies

Do the recent national school shootings concern you?

have shown, is the difference between the psyches of boys and girls. The major difference between the two sexes are the way they deal with their problems. When boys get into arguments, they are more aggressive and they resort to bullying as a way to fix their problems. On the other hand, when girls get into arguments they go with a more sneaky method of fighting by starting rumors, excluding people and ignoring the problem. Because of the difference, boys have been shown to be more prone to extreme actions. This is not to say that all boys are going to start school massacres like the Amish School massacre or Columbine, but studies have pointed to the fact that boys tend to be more violent.

There is no precise answer to what causes people to resort to school shootings as a release of anger. However, some causes to the violent behavior can be based on the changes that teenagers’ brains are going through in their high school years. If you feel that you need help with any problems that could lead to bigger problems be sure to go talk to your counselor or a trusted friend before things get out of hand.

“[No] because I don’t think that anybody would hate me enough to want to shoot me.”

—Harry Foster, ‘10

“Yes because there’s kids in this school that get picked on daily and that’s not right.” —Andrew Wright, ‘10

Samantha Jacobo

WATCHING GUARD OVER THE PREMISE, Gene Nassif, security guard, looks for trouble in the parking lot. Rashar Morgan, security guard, and Nassif are responsible for Wash’s safe halls.

Local Scares

•Threats directed at Prairie High School’s principal, Mark Gronemeyer, were written on the wall in a boy’s bathroom. They were found on Oct. 12 and 13. It read “Mr. Gronemeyer is going to be killed on Nov. 2nd.”

•Kennedy High School underwent a thorough search following the discovery of threats to the whole school. Written on a wall of a boy’s bathroom, it read, “We’re all going to die, Oct. 12 at noon.”

•McKinley Middle School underwent a lockdown Sept. 28 following the entrance of a adult man into the school. He was rumored to have robbed a taxi prior to entering the school. The lockdown was successful.

•Wash responded to the local threats by undergoing a lockdown drill in which no one could either leave or enter the building. Two Per-Mar guards were temporarily hired to enhance security at two main entrances.

“I don’t believe that anyone at this school would do something that extreme.”

—Jesi Evans, ‘08

“They’re happening everywhere, not just in big cities or bad neighborhoods.”

—Amy Willett, ‘07

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11.15.06

Sports

Wash football finishes in winning attitude Brent Gasway

Compliments of Spencer Thornton

DROPPING THE BALL FOR A PUNT AS DEFENSE HOLDS is Tony Meis, ‘07.

staff writer

The Warrior football team fell just short of going to the playoffs this year with a 6-3 record. This was the first year for the team’s new coach, Tony Lombardi.

The team opened the season with two decisive victories. One came against Waterloo East, 38-15, and one against Dubuque Senior, 38-0. Wash’s first loss came against Kennedy. The Warriors bounced back shortly after winning against Jefferson and then Iowa City West with a miraculous comeback touchdown and kick.

Bryce Buchanan, ‘07, said, “The best part of the season was for one, the Iowa City West game. This year we took a bunch of guys and made them believe in something, and an offense that we have never seen at Wash. We agreed to work together and do as much as it takes to reach our main goal, to ‘build a foundation.’”

The toughest competition the team faced was

Xavier, who beat Washington, 52-10. A week later, Wash lost to Iowa City High, but would then finish the season beating Waterloo West and Linn-Mar. Goals set by the team early on were to make the playoffs and to become a family as a team. The team met their second goal of becoming a family, but could not clinch a playoff spot because they lost three games.

“Coming into the season, we set really high goals,” said Buchanan. “We hit some bumpy roads on the way, but we achieved our main goal. It was to build the foundation... and to show people that Wash will be a team everyone will hate to play during the regular season, and especially the playoffs.”

Perhaps the favorite part of being on the football team for the players were the spaghetti dinners.

“The best thing about the season were the spaghetti dinners,” said Ricky Mellor, ‘07. “I will miss the excitement and adrenaline during the game. I will also miss tackling people and being part of the team.”

Runners stomp down state competitors Meredith Bell

sports editor

With hearts set on teamwork and legs set on flying speed, the Warriors in men’s cross country have run their way to one of the most successful seasons in Washington history.

The runners who make up what might be known as the cross country “dream team” coached by Will Harte are Gamariel Barutwanayo, ‘07; Liberio Niyiragira, ‘08; Lewi Manirumva, ‘09; Eddie Niyonzigiye, ‘07; Jimmy Beardsworth, ‘07; Jonathan Weatherwax, ‘06; and . All seven of these runners were varsity competitors throughout the season from their beginning victories to their fourth-place team finish in the Iowa State Championships.

The Warriors killed teams across the metro area. In each race leading up to state, the men took home a gold or silver finish; an accomplishment rarely attained by any team in the city. They brought home the title from the Prairie Invitational, the Cedar Falls Engle Classic, the Eastern Iowa Classic in Dubuque, the Linn-Mar Invitational, and the

Clinton Classic. With each of these victories under their belt, they settled for no less than second place at the Cedar Rapids Invitational at Noelridge, the MVC Super Meet in Cedar Falls, and the MVC Valley Divisional Meet in Cedar Rapids.

Harte has enjoyed his first year of coaching at Wash after spending a two-year leave teaching at the international school in Asmara, Eritrea. He entered the season enthusiastically, excited to coach teachable runners and hopeful for a competitive team -- and he sure got what he was hoping for. Nyiragira, Barutwanayo, Manirmva, Niyonzigiyi and Beardsworth were among the top 20 individual finishers of each metro race, running as a team and pulling each other past the competition. The team is pleased with their final place at state.

“Overall, the guys ran a great race,” said Harte.

“Times were good -- three of the top five runners had [personal records] and we just missed third place by four points. It has been a great end to a fun season.”

The Warriors ended their season wih a strong finish, just as their running performance disp l a ye d a t e a c h p r a c t i c e a n d d u r i n g e a c h r a c e .

Mary Crumley

SPRINTING THE LAST STRETCH are members of the Warrior men’s team.

Warrior volleyball: the definition of team Brent Gasway

Miranda Bernstein

SETTING UP FOR A KILL are members of Warrior women’s varsity volleyball.

staff writer

Although the Warrior women’s volleyball team went 0-8 in the Missippi Valley Conference this season, that didn’t stop them from focusing on the good and having a good time.

Before the season began, the team was preparing for upcoming challenges. One of those challenges was players who decided not to go out this year. Goals were set to overcome the losses of players and make 90 percent of serves.

Both of these goals were met over the course of the season.

The Warriors had good matches against Xavier, Jefferson, and Waterloo West, but came up shy of wins each time.

Iowa City High was the toughest competition the team faced all year. City High was one of the top teams in the state.

“The worst thing about the season is that our record doesn’t

show the great things our team did,” said Stephanie Crippen, ‘07. “We had to overcome a lot of problems throughout the season, but in the end we came together as a team and played the best match we’ve ever had with Jefferson in regionals.”

Wash was ahead of Jefferson in the regionals, but couldn’t seal the victory to take the match. Even after a lot of close losses, the team didn’t let losing get in the way of having fun.

Kalli Semler, ‘07 said, “I really liked getting to spend time with all the girls on the team. I will miss being with the team next year. It’s a lot of fun to be around the girls that I don’t normally get to see every day.”

Said Crippen, “I’m going to miss the team and competition. I’ll miss these girls, the coaching staff, and stepping out on the court every Tuesday night to play volleyball.”

With winning efforts and a hard working attitude in each game, the 2006 volleyball team is one to be remembered.

Men’s golf finishes a ‘tee’-riffic season any seniors on varsity and this year our No.1 and No. 2 players, Ben Rops and Ross McLaughlin, are both seniors and played consistently all season” said Ford, 08. A highThe Washington Warriors’ men’s golf team had an- light of the season for many of the golfers was when the other successful year. Top varsity golfers Ben Stamats, varsity team beat Linn-Mar and Iowa City West at Gardner.

Keaton Hanrahan, ‘08 said, “The highlight of my ‘09, Adam Ford, ‘08, Ross McLaughlin, ‘07 and Ben season was when I actually got to Rops, ‘07 had an impressive season.

“The highlight of my season was “...he and I put some extra play on junior varsity for a meet at Jones. I brought in a solid 47.” when Adam Ford medaled for the One change for the team first time in a varsity meet,” said Rops. time out on the course, was the addition of a new ju“He struggled at the start of the which really paid off.” nior varsity coach, Josh Jobson. season, but he and I put some extra “He was an excellent coach. He time out on the course, which paid off.” -Ben Rops, 07 taught us many valuable techniques.

Although the varsity team did not Also, we have an excellent head make it to state, they improved a lot coach, Chris Cruise,” said Hanrahan. from last year’s record. They had a “We improved a lot,” said Rops. “Last year we barely winning season, placing third at the first MVC meet.

At Districts they placed sixth out of 15 teams. beat 10 teams…it was terrible. Although we had our “The team has changed a lot. Last year we didn’t have ups and downs, we came out with a winning record.”

Laura Hart

staff writer

Compliments of Mitchell Lurth

CHIPPING ONTO THE GREEN is Keaton Hanrahan, ‘08.

Sports

11.15.06

9

Warrior women run the road to success Maddy Halyard

Mary

Crumley

MOVING FORWARD TO BEAT THE COUGAR PACK is Kahle Novak, ‘08.

staff writer

The season has finally ended for what was the most successful women’s cross country team in the history of Washington High School. Coached by Dave Coates, retired Wash counselor, the team was ranked 2nd in their district, 5th in their division, and 7th at the state meet. The top three runners at the state meet were Erin Becker, ‘07, who placed 26th, Meredith Bell, ‘07, who placed 34th, and Maddy Becker, ‘10, who placed 37th.

Cross country was a way for girls that were more serious runners and girls that were just out have fun and get in shape to come together as a team. Many of the girls have fond memories of the season.

“My best memory is when Salbadal, Sqeaker, and I made it to East Post Road and back to the jock lot and then got popsicles. It was ‘da bomb!” said Taylor Williams, ‘07.

Christine Appleby, ‘07, also remembered the season fondly.

Men’s sports pumping up for winter Basketball shoots for victory

Wrestlers grab at season goal

John Runde

Laura Seyfer

staff writer

Men’s varsity basketball will tip off on Nov. 27 at the Xavier Jamboree The team, coached by Rick Williams, has five returning letter men, and high expectations for the 2006-2007 season.

“I think we can make it to state,” said varsity basketball player Dylan Hines, 07. “We have a legitimate shot at winning it all.”

Returning varsity players include Nate Veldheisen, ‘07; Demarco Dawson, ‘07; Ceth Davis, ‘07; Barney O’Donnell, ‘07; and Malcom Moore, ‘09; players who will be quite pivotal in Washington’s success.

In the gym, the players perfect their offense, scrimmaging intensively to get themselves prepared. “The coaches keep us motivated by telling the players to play their game and control the tempo,” said Hines. “Once we win, no one will care how hard the practices are.”

“We have all been playing together since seventh grade,” said Davis. “We were, and are the best.”

Wash will match their competition Nov. 13 against Marion. Warrior wrestling has been a strong program at Washington for many years. This year will be no different.

The wrestling program is under the coaching of Coach Hatcher. This will be his fifth season and he is very excited for this season to begin. He is also excited for the seniors this year.

“This is going to be my fifth year coaching, so the seniors this year will be the first class to be with me all four of their years,” said Hatcher.

This year, the wrestlers have a couple of big competitions. The biggest competition is Iowa City West, but they are also looking out for Kennedy and Jefferson.

They have a very good chance of having a great season and literally coming out on top of their competition.

Their first practice is on November 13 where they will go over the fundamentals of wrestling.

The Cedar Rapids Washington PTA would like to congratulate these Academic Letter winners Haaken Abernathey Dalia Abo Sheasha**# Daniel Abramson Kristin Aerts**# Michael Anderl**# Wajeeh Arafat* Stephanie Arndt* Megan Banaszek Courtney Bassett Kate Baustian**# Emily Bey Jordan Bleau*# Jonna Block* Matthew Bredl*# Lauren Briggie**# Molly Ann Briggie*# Alicia Brislawn Michael Brooks*# Hannah Brown*# Sara Jayne Buckley*# Victoria Chase*# Brian Chau* Graham Churchill David Clair**# Heather Clark# Patrick Collard Joseph Combs* Justin Comer*# Rachel Conway**# Ellyn Cook# Joshua DeSousa**# Stephanie Edmunds* Alaa Elsheikh*# Christopher Emery* Eric Enberg* Kayla Eppele Charles Epperson# Nicholas Fisher* Adam Ford Benjamin Ford Taylor Foster*# Briona Franck# Abbey Marie Gesing** Tanaya Ghosh*# Matthew Gibson* Peter Gillon** Nathan Gorman Mark Hackendahl Trisha Hagensick Katherine Hammond*

Ben Handler Keaton Hanrahan*# Gregory Hansen** Kayla Harder Devin Harschnek**# Laura Hart*# Stella Hart* Connor Healy* Johanna Herder**# Antony HidalgoWohlleben* Katrina Houmes* Katherine Hoyt* Kelly Huffman** Daniel Isaac*# Anna Jankwietz* Trevor Johnson**# Kaitlyn Jones*# Viktoriya Kalyushik Esthella Kamara** Kevin Kennedy Young Kim* Logan Knight* Douglas Land*# Miriam Liabo* Ma r g a re t L o e f f e lholz**# Jeremiah Logan Michael Long Grant Luebe*# Michelle Lusk A l e j a n d r a Ma l d onado*# Bailey McCallum Jason McDowell**# Jasmine McGrew Casey McNeese*# Emilia McVey**# Abby Meeker*# Katherine Mehlhoff** Narcisco Meneses Thomas Mescher* Jennifer Meyer**# Micha Mims* Stephanie Mochal Audrey Mohni** Sean Moore Ashley Mu’min Cassandra Nauholz Nhan Nguyen* Thanh Nguyen*

staff writer

Jeffery Nielson**# Liberio Niyiragira Emily Novak* Kahle Novak* Sarah Novak* Keegan O’Neil* Catherine Olson# Katelin Oney Paul Owen* Molly Parker Andrew Perez*# Erin Peters** Ryan Phelan Alexander Phelps Cassandra Polzin Keaton Reeder* Allison Reisner Laurel Rhame** Heather Riley Abigail Ritter* Kathryn Ross* Natalie Roush** John Runde**# Connor Schulte*# Amanda Severson* Katherine Shaw* Iasha Shellmire Michael Sickles Gretchen Smith* Katelyn Smith* Mark Stastny* Madeline Steiner*# Ramsey Steiner**# Spencer Stephens* Alex Stewart Kyle Stewart* Lesa Sutterfield* Elizabeth Terpstra** Collin Tevis Dustin Tevis# Anthony Thomas* Kelsey Thornton* Sally Timmons* Justin Tromblee Janelle Unkrich* Louise Usanase* Sarah Van Deest*# Eric VanDenover*# Christina Vander Zee* Samantha Varnum Juan Vera

Eleanor Vernon**# Fatima Wagdy**# Joshua Wagner**# Angela Wagoner* Katherine Walling**# Christopher Waters*# Jonathan Weatherwax**# Devann Wedemeier* Elizabeth Welch**# J Westercamp*# Unique Whiteside* Quinton Wicher*# Khetyn Chariah Willard* James Willey# Daniel Willman Jacob Wittman** Kirsten Wolgast** Benjamin Woods**# Robert Worley* Elliott Wright Shedrak Yamuremye Xian Yu Zachary Siemer* * 3.5 and higher GPA ** 4.0 and higher GPA # Second Year Algebra Award Recipients

ADDITIONAL JUNIOR RECIPIENTS OF SECOND YEAR ALGEBRA AWARD David Deshaies Chelsea Edaburn Megan Gutschmidt Dakota Ihde Steven Olsen Kendall Smith John Sullivan Austin Washburn Ryan Webster

“All the encouragement from the girls is a really great memory, especially after a hard race. Having your friends all gather around you and tell you how well you did or how strong you looked in the finish is pretty great.”

Throughout the season, the girls made goals and worked to achieve these goals at practice and at meets.

One of the most popular of these goals was to run to the tree downtown and then back to Wash, a total of five miles.

“My best memory was when Meggie and I ran all the way to the tree downtown and touched it with both hands and then climbed it,” said Lizzie Glantz, ‘07.

Mikaela Fisher, ‘07, also achieved her goal for the season. “My goal from this year was to break 17 minutes. I didn’t P.R. last year at all so I wanted to beat my sophomore time first and then break 17 minutes. I ended up with 16:39 as my best time.”

The girls motivated each other with “secret pal” gifts at each meet and encouragement throughout races.

Swimming and diving: a wave of memories, fun Meredith Bell

sports editor

Women’s swimming ended the season with an outstanding finish, ranking No. 5 at districts and No. 18 in the state of Iowa.

Competitors in the state meet were Kari Kolsrud, ‘07, in the 400 Free Relay, 100 Breast and 200 IM; Emily Kopec, ‘09, in the 100 Free, 200 Free, 200 Free Relay, and 100 Breaststroke, Miriam Liabo, ‘08, in the 100 Breaststroke; Katelin Oney, ‘08, in the 200 Free Relay; Sami Puk, ‘10, in the 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay; and Zoey Dietz , ‘10, in the 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay, and 100 Backstroke. State alternates were Greta Oldach, ‘10, and Sarah Van Deest, ‘08.

Kopec finished 8th in 100 freestyle and 200m freestyle races.

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11.15.06

A&E

All-Stater Rebecca Krewer finds true love, excitement, passion in playing the violin Lauren Glantz

Q&A

staff writer

Most everyone has something that brings great joy, excitement and passion to their life.

Weather it is sports, academics, performing arts or any other hobby, nearly everyone has that something. For Rebecca Krewer, ‘09, that something is her love for the arts, especially violin.

Krewer has been playing violin since she was a young child. It was at age 6 that her mother began to teach her the basic playing skills. Along with the violin Krewer has experimented with both the piano and the accordion, but quite a few years ago she discovered her true love was with the violin. Keeping music in her life is very important to Krewer.

“When you have a piece of quality music that you are good at playing, and enjoy, it is extremely rewarding.” Krewer said.

Not only is Krewer involved in orchestra, but she also is a techie for various performing arts groups at Washington. Last fall Krewer was a new member of Wash’s color guard.

As well as performing arts, Krewer is also part of Wash’s tennis team in the spring.

Last month on Oct. 21, Krewer tried out for the All-State orchestra in Oelwein. Practice for the contest began back in May, when Krewer received her violin solo. Krewer worked all through the spring and into the summer.

Fav. music: Classical Fav. artist: John Williams Fav. movie: “Star Wars” Fav. season: Winter Fav. TV Show: “Project Runway” Megan Barnes

HAPPILY PRACTICING HER VIOLIN is all-stater Rebecca Krewer, ‘09. She received first chair honors for All-State.

Krewer’s solo piece was finally polished by July. At the beginning of August, Krewer, along with all the other competitors, were able to get their etudes, in which she would also play for the All- State contest. During the fall months, Krewer and the rest of the AllState competitors put in long hours in order

to be prepared for the Oct. 21 contest date.

A t t h e c o n t e s t , K re w e r w a s a c cepted into the All-State orchestra.

“I love performing,” said Krewer, “It feels great when you play music and your audience enjoys the music you played.”

Krewer plans on continuing with music

Fav. food: Mashed potatoes throughout her high school career. After graduating, Krewer hopes to attend a college that has a quality music program in order for her to continue playing. After college, Krewer believes that her career won’t incorporate her musical talents, but hopes to continue to play in the future as a hobby.

‘Project Runway’ makes it work Wash alumni and others take as above-average reality show the stage in upcoming opera Jenna Hackendahl

co-news editor

My mom always asks me how I can watch Project Runway marathons when I already viewed each episode at least five times. “Jenna, the outcome is always the same. We know who wins,” she enviably says.

And it’s true. I know that Jay takes the title in season one, Chloe in season two, and most recently, Jeffery in season three. In the same way that I re-watch episodes of scripted shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, I can hear Tim Gunn repeat his catch phrase, “Make it work,’ a million times (100 times per episode) without wavering. Project Runway has set itself apart from other reality television shows to hold a place in entertainment history.

Reality television is typically criticized for being contrived (see Laguna Beach), crazy (see Girls Next Door), or just stupid (see The Littlest Bachelor). The cable network Bravo has been able to tap into a faction of the reality television market that has not yet been exploited … serious talent. The designers on Project Runway are for real.

They have been working their entire lives and amounted to very little. Project Runway gives them a place to belong. The show is not about alliances or teams; the person with

the most skill wins. Period. Twelve designers compete, three show in New York City for Fashion Week, and one wins an internship, car, and $100,000 to start their own line.

The simplicity of the plot leaves plenty of room for drama. Sewing machines have been destroyed, dresses torn by greedy models, and famous tears shed on the runway. The characters created are better than the cast of Friends or Desperate Housewives…combined. Santino, Andre, Jay, Austin, Daniel V., Jeffery, Michael, Kayne, each has held his own place in Project Runway history.

Of all the catch phrases the show has spawned, the biggest breakout star must be awarded to Gunn, mentor to all Runway designers. In his own quirky way, Tim really cares for the designers, and usually, he is right. The judges have also become stars. Model Heidi Klum, fashion director of “Elle,” Nina Garcia, and designer Michael Koors use a scoring system, rather than producer’s input, to rate the designs.

All the aspects of a great television show seem to be woven together in Project Runway. Like a breath of fresh air, the first time I heard Klum say ‘Afietazen’ I was hooked.

Amidst the clutter crowding the airways of current television, Project Runway, season after season, just keeps on making it work.

December A&E Events 1-17: Christmas: Hans Christian Andersen @ TCR

12: Instrumental Holiday Concert @ WHS

2: Moscow’s Ballet performs “Nutcracker” @ the Paramount

14-16: “Amahl and the Night Visitor” in WHS auditorium

9: Martina McBride: “Joy of Christmas Show” @ U.S. Cellular Center

16-17: C.R. Symphony Pops Concert: Sounds of the Season @ the Paramount

9: Cocoa and Carols in Washington auditorium

19: Holiday Vocal Concert @ WHS

Maddy Halyard

staff writer

This year, the Wash music department has decided to raise the standards: It will be putting on the opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” to celebrate Wash’s 50th Anniversary and raise money for PPA. The opera will take place Dec. 14-16 in the auditorium. It will showcase former students, present students and WHS parents.

Gerald Kreitzer will conduct the pit orchestra, Michael Cervantes will direct the show and Bill Lammers will be the technical director.

The story takes place on the night Christ was born. Three kings on their way to pay homage to the newborn child, come to the house of a poor, crippled boy named Amahl and his mother. During this time, the mother attempts to take some of the king’s gold to help feed her son, but is caught and accused of stealing. Amahl tells the kings she

was only doing it for him and they should forgive her. He offers to give them his crutch to take to the child as a gift. Miraculously, because of his innocence and goodness, he is cured and can walk. The kings realize that Amahl is a blessed child and should go with them to see the child. He says a good-bye to his mother and leaves with the kings.

Involved in the musical will be opera star Karla Goettel; executive producer for Paramount Pictures Aaron Parry; national opera star Austin Kness; Broadway and international music theater star Dan Shaheen; father of two Wash students Steve Schroeder; current student Katherine Mehlhoff, ‘08; and the Wash Madrigal singers.

“This opera will showcase some of the talent that Wash has and is now producing. It should be a fantastic night of entertainment for all. The ensemble hopes many will come to see this once in a lifetime experience,” said Cervantes.

A&E ‘Grease’ entertains audiences, brings back nostalgia of 50s to CR

11.15.06

New art exhibits attract visitors to Cedar Rapids Molly Parker

Mary Crumley

SINGING ABOUT SUMMER NIGHTS IN THE MUSICAL “GREASE” IS Adam Hoffman, ‘07, who plays one of the main roles of Danny. Five productions of “Grease” were performed Nov. 14-16. “Grease” week included a 50s dress-up day competition for four tickets to a show.

11 staff writer

If you haven’t been to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art in a while, then this month is the perfect month to check it out. There are lots of new exhibits coming to town, and also some Grant Wood showcases coming back for observation at 5 Turner Alley.

The first of the new exhibits coming to Cedar Rapids is Bollywood. The Bollywood exhibit is a taste for Indian art. If you attend Bollywood, you’ll experience all the Indian culture from food eaten in India to the types of cultural music.

Another exhibit coming to town is the About Face Portraiture. This collection deals with figurative art. It will be in town from Nov. 25 until Oct. of 2007. The exhibit addresses how the portraiture evolved through time.

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt’s birth, a handful of Rembrandt paintings are being shown downtown now through Dec. 31.

According to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art’s website, “These eight jewels provide access points to life and viewpoints in the 17th century.”

Also there’s an exhibit called Cedar Rapids: Day into Night. This exhibit called for art entries dealing with some aspect of life in Cedar Rapids. Many varieties of art forms will be on display including: paintings, sculptures, ceramics, video, photography and prints.

The biggest exhibit featured at the museum this month is Midwestern Visions: Grant Wood and Marvin Cone. The two artists are Washington graduates and many of their paintings will be displayed from Nov. 2006 until Jan. 2007.

Did you know that if you’re under 18 you can get into the Art Museum for free? The art museum’s hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays.

A final special exhibit being displayed is called Works by Warhol from the Cochran Collection. This collection features about two dozen large prints created by Andy Warhol from 1974 to 1987. It includes iconographic images of Mick Jagger, Mickey Mouse and Buzz Aldrin’s moonwalk.

This exhibit will run until March 11, 2007 at the Czech and Slovak Museum. Why is the Czech and Slovak Museum displaying works of Warhol? Although it isn’t a very well remembered fact, Warhol was Slovak.

If anyone is looking for something interesting to do over break, or if you’re looking to get ahead on a language arts cultural events assignment, you should look into visiting the Museum of Art. It’s close to home, cheap and there are tons of exciting exhibits to see.

Fun recipes to try out on Thanksgiving Day Pumpkin Bars Ingredients & Directions 4 eggs 1 cup oil 2 cups pumpkin 2 cups sugar 2 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. vanilla Beat the eggs and combine them

with oil, pumpkin, and sugar. In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Add flour mixture and beat until smooth. Pour batter in 12 x 18 in. pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Frosting Ingredients & Directions 4 oz. cream cheese 1 stick butter (room temp.)

2 cups powdered sugar 2 tsp. vanilla Combine & spread over bars.

Apple Crisp Ingredients & Directions 8 Granny Smith apples 1 and 1/8 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. brown sugar 1 cup frozen blackberries(thawed) 1 lemon (juiced) 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar 2 cups quick oats 1/2 cup melted butter Preheat oven to 325 degrees and place peeled 1/4 inch apple slices

into a bowl. Add the blackberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 tbsp. flour, and lemon juice. Stir, then spoon into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. In another large bowl, stir 2/3 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix lightly until it looks crumbly. Then, sprinkle topping mixture over fruit mix until they are completely covered. Bake until fruit juices bubble through topping or about 30 mins.

Compiled by Erin Wahle; compliments of Seventeen Magazine

Theatrical releases to hit big screen in time for break Alex Taylor

staff writer

The second half of fall 2006 will have drama and action fans rejoicing. Veteran action director Tony Scott (Top Gun, Enemy of the State, Man on Fire) teamed up for a second time with Academy Award winner Denzel Washington (Man on Fire, Glory) to create his most recent action-thriller, Deja vu. Washington stars as ATF agent Doug Carlin, who is assigned to investigate the tragic bombing of a New Orleans ferry. Deja vu attempts to explain a phenomenon that many people claim to experience, but that few take seriously. Officer Carlin believes deja vu may be the answer to preventing the bombing... although it has already happened. Deja vu is set to open Nov. 22.

Mel Gibson plans to release his latest

historical epic, Apocalypto, after a turbulent year in the tabloids. Apocalypto takes place in Central America during the decline of the Mayan Empire. Mayan religious leaders are convinced that the only way to prevent the demise of their empire is through human sacrifice to the Gods. Apocalypto follows Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), a young man selected to be one of these sacrifices. The trailer indicates intense violence (think Braveheart), but with Gibson at the helm, it is certain to be more than that. Provided that the big budget is handled with restraint, this won’t be one to miss. Apocalypto is set to open Dec. 8.

The James Bond series will also be releasing it’s latest installment, Casino Royale, from director Martin Campbell (Golden Eye).

Casino Royale will explore the beginnings of Bond, and will follow him on his first major mission as a “double O” agent. Bond is sent to

Madagascar to spy on a terrorist by the name of Malloka. He learns that Malloka is involved with a wealthy banker named Le Chiffre, who is planning to fund Malloka’s terrorist organization with money that is to be won in a high-stakes gamble in a Montenegro casino.

Bond follows his assignment to Montenegro when he tries, with the help of “Bond girl” Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), to stop Le Chiffre, and keep the money out of the hands of the terrorists. Pretty standard stuff, but the buzz about this installment is, of course, the new Bond, Daniel Craig. Craig is the sixth actor to play the role of Bond throughout the series history and the first blonde Bond. Casino Royale is the 21st film in the series, and a 22nd is already going into production. If this is not faith in your product, I don’t know what is.

All of these are all promising films to check out over break, so be sure to make time.

compliments of moviesonline.ca

12

News

11.15.06

WHS students weigh i n o n t h e c u r re n t problems facing the S c i e n c e St a t i o n .

“If the science station/ IMAX close we can use their funding for a new and up-to-date project that will teach children the same things.”

-Morgan McVay, ‘10 ”IMAX was a bad idea.”

-Dennis Abney, ‘07 ”Convert it into Seaworld.”

-Benjamin Sines, ‘07 “I think this may be the only solution for the Science Station right now.”

-Spencer Micka, ‘10 “Use the funds from city street maintenance to save the IMAX.” -Peter Visser, ‘07 “Make it an empty building so that people can rent it out and

have techno parties.”

-Tyler Thirnbeck, ‘07

Science station faces troubles John Runde

staff writer

For years the IMAX Theater and the Science Station, of downtown Cedar Rapids, have provided an outlet of entertainment and education to Eastern Iowan citizens of all ages. However, barring an unlikely debt cancellation of $1.3 million dollars, these two landmarks will be closed.

Rather than dwelling on their inevitable closure, the junior class of Washington has faced this reality with positivity, recalling interesting experience and favorite memories.

Like many students, David Clair, 08, fondly recalls the Bubble Room, located in the basement of the Science Staton. “The bubbles have been there throughout my life. As a child, I was in awe. Even today, the [Bubble Room] sparks my interests.”

While the IMAX and the Science Station predominantly attract younger ages, they still have plenty to offer high school students, some of whom attend regularly.

“I still go there all the time,” said junior Jeff Nielson, who recently visited the Science Station for the National Chemistry Week’s hands-on activities, and to see “Grease” playing at the IMAX. “I usually go 20 times a year,” said Nielson, “I have even applied to work there. I love the Science Station.”

The two facilites strive to bring education and entertainment together. The IMAX runs more educationally-based films such as “Egypt” and “Lewis and Clark”. Many students applaud the effort, “The fact you can learn so much, yet have so much fun is really nifty,” said Abbey Gesing, 08.

For the past few weeks, science teacher

Nuclear progression in North Korea Laura Seyfer

staff writer

When thinking of Nor th Korea most people think of a poor, powerless country, but due to recent developments, that is exactly what they are not.

North Korea has a very highly developed and increasingly advanced nuclear missile program and every year they are becoming stronger and smarter. For years now the United States, with the help from other countries, has been trying to stop North Korea’s nuclear program, but the US has not been successful at stopping them. The US is having troubles stopping this program because it is very difficult to pinpoint the

head of the operation. The country is very secretive and no one is an obvious suspect.

Most recently, North Korea launched a test missile. The missile launched was just a test, but it was also a kind of threat to the rest of the world showing that they do have nuclear missiles and they could use them, but that is highly unlikely.

On Oct. 25, Condoleezza Rice spoke to the governments in Asia saying that it is important to enhance security in Northeast Asia to maintain control over North Korea.

On November 1, North Korea, China and the US had a meeting discussing the nuclear issue. It was a very effective meeting, but there is still work to be done to get North Korea to completely dismantle their weapons.

Mary

Crumley

STRUGGLING WITH FINANCIAL ISSUES, THE SCIENCE STATION combats the problem by gaining community support.

Mrs. Adams has been selling bags of puppy chow and t-shirts to help raise money, which will go towards the facilities’ debt.

The imminent closure of the IMAX and Science Station has left a bitter taste

in some Washington high school students’ mouths, “Cedar Rapids has such little entertainment,” said Elizabeth Terpstra, 08, “it would be sad for them to close. They are such a big part of the city’s history.”

Iraq: Hussein sentenced to death Molly Parker

staff writer

Just five years ago, it would not be uncommon to frequently hear about Iraq and Iran in the news. However, these days there aren’t as many articles in the newspapers, or stories on TV. On one hand, it’s refreshing to know that they must be doing better because not a lot of news coverage, but on the other hand it makes one wonder...what’s going on over there?

Saddam Hussein and two others were sentenced last week by the Iraqi High Tribunal to death for ordering the execution of nearly 150 Shiite Muslims from the Iraqu city of Dujail. A former leader of Malaysia spoke out against Saddam’s court hear-

ing and said that he didn’t receive a fair trial and that he shouldn’t be sentenced.

The former leader of Malaysia wasn’t the only person with something to say about the verdict. President Bush was apparentally overjoyed with the outcome. His reaction, though, put him at odds with the British Prime Mimister, Tony Blair who very much opposed the death penalty for Saddam.

It seems that the president’s strategy in Iraq is to stay there long enough to help rebuild the economy and fix their dictatorship. In the month of October the US suffered 100 casualties. One-hundred seems like a smaller number in comparison to the casualties from just a few years ago. In the recent elctions, the Iraq war was a major issue.

Student Senate gives back Emily Kopec

staff writer

There is a young woman named Blaire Thorson who graduated from Wash in 2005. She was involved in many activities at Wash and graduated with many academic awards.

Thorson was a Valedictorian, had academic honors with distinction, received four-year scholar awards for math, science, and foreign language, and was in the National Honor Society.

She is a bright student and loved being in school. Her brothers, Jody and Colin are currently attending WHS. When Thorson graduated, she received scholarships and began attending Kirkwood Community College. In August she was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes).

The cancer is treatable but requires many treatments.

Currently, she is undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Further treatment will include radiation. All of her treatment is very expensive and the school is working to help.

Co-organizers, Cathy Girdy, from Grant Wood Elementary

and Nancy Stiles, foriegn language teacher, along with St. Matthews Catholic Church, sponsored a pancake breakfast.

Many faculty members and students donated time, food, and money in this effort and raised nearly $7,000. Also t-shirts designed by fellow 2005 graduate, Amy Traviagikas, were sold

by Heather Adams, science teacher, to add to the support.

Student Senate also wanted to contribute to Thorson’s cause through a coin drive. Teachers were given buckets to collect change. To get students to participate, Student Senate agreed that the teachers who had the most and the least amount of money had to wear a costume on Halloween. Chris Robinson, science teacher, collected the most ($55) and Kiley Ingerslev, mathematics teacher, collected the least ($10).

The coin drive raised nearly $400.

“We all thought it was a good idea to help out Blaire.

We brainstormed ideas of what we could do, and we all thought that a coin drive would be worthwhile. It was an opportunity to help and to have some fun with it at the same time. It was pretty successful and Student Senate really hopes it can make a difference,” said Sarah Kibburz,’07.

“It (the coin drive) was an opportunity to help and to have some fun...”

—Sarah Kibburz, ‘07