2008 October by Cedar Rapids Washington Surveyor

Surveyor The Washington

2205 Forest Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 Volume 52, Number 2

October 27, 2008

Warrior marching band makes “an offer you can’t refuse”

Maddy Halyard Editor in Chief

Each morning, those students with a second hour class overlooking the front lawn have grown accustomed to the sights and sounds of the Warrior marching band. Warrior students expect to hear the beat of drums echoing through the halls on game days and cheer along to the fight song after every touchdown. The Warrior band keeps our school spirit alive and our voices loud during football season. However, many do not know the amount of time and energy the band dedicates in order to keep students happy as well as maintain a standard of musical excellence. The marching band practices every day during second hour through October for the first six weeks of school. Concert band is distinct from marching band and continues throughout the year. All tenth and eleventh grade students who are in concert band are required to play in the marching band. Marching band members and concert band members have slightly different goals for their music. “Marching band focuses on one seven minute show,” said Steve Shanley,marching and concert band director. “The main purpose of the show is to entertain the crowd at football games. However, concert band is year round, with a focus on different music.” Similar to many other groups, band gets an early start on the season over the summer. Each year before school, members of band are invited to attend band camp. The purpose of band camp is for returning members of the band to learn the year’s music, the theme and the formations, also called the “drill.” This year’s marching band theme is “An Offer You Can’t Refuse” in reference to organized crime. The music surrounds ideas from films such as The Godfather and On the Waterfront as well as the Dick Tracy comic strip. In addition to entertaining the crowd at football games, the marching band participates in numerous competitions against area schools. This year, they began in Johnston, Iowa, a noncompetitive forum where they played for practice and received comments concerning ways they could improve the show. The band continued on to Linn-Mar, where they received third place, and Prairie, where they received first place. At Prairie, the band also acquired awards for the best color guard and the best winds. After receiving this color guard rating, Hannah Colton, ’09, senior color guard member, shared that, “Color guard is sweet. We throw rifles and wear suspenders.” The band also hosted the Five Seasons Contest and attended the state contest, the West Des Moines Valley Contest and a contest in Ankeny. Overall, Shanley and James Miller, co-band director, feel good about the season.“I’m very proud of how hard the kids have worked,” said Miller. “Our focus is to be the best we can be. Period. We perform well and good things happen.” Shanley agreed, saying, “It’s been a great season. Every student works very hard, and we get a good response from the crowd.”

Election Frenzy Turn to the focus section Confused about the economic crisis? Learn the to see some of the most fast facts about what is talked about issues this happening to our counelection and learn the candidates’ take on the try’s economy and what problems our country is each candidate plans to do to avoid further crisis. facing today. pages 8-9

page 4

Courtesy of Melanie Phelan

Meet: Kate Siebels Siebels, ’09, is the drum major of the marching band. Many may recognize her as the girl who climbs the stairs at halftime in order to conduct the masses of kids with instruments on the ﬁeld. However, what many Warrior students do not know is that drum major is an esteemed position in the world of band and has numerous requirements and standards. The band directors themselves, Steve Shanley and James Miller, choose the drum major through an intricate process that includes an application, an interview, a student vote, a speech and a ﬁnal vote. The drum major is expected to have musical talent and a background in band, of which Siebels has both. She has been playing clarinet since middle school and has also taken up the tenor saxophone. Siebels has been an active participant in the wind symphony, jazz band, celebration band and marching band throughout her Washington High School career. Although Siebels misses marching with the band, she feels she is extremely lucky to “be able to work with talented and experienced players, such as Wesley Keane, ’09 (trumpet).”

Siebels’ Favorite Obscure Things Mythical Creature: phoenix TV Show: The Oﬃce Board Game: Scrabble Pokemon: Raichu Band that is also a food: Cake Superhero: Spiderman Cereal: Cheerios Tree: Magnolia Drupe: Plum Eye Color: Green Shape: Heart Tartan: Macarthur Hogwarts subject: Care of Magical Creatures Continent: Africa Minor Holiday: Earth Day Month: June Summer Camp Activity: Archery Mysterious Color: Purple

10-27-2008

Oct. 7 Judge Ricardo Urbina orders the U.S. government to free 17 Uighur Muslim Chinese men from the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The U.S. government delays court proceedings in protest.

Oct. 21 The United Nations Security Council calls for a ceaseﬁre in eastern Congo between the government and the Tutsi, an ethnic faction.

News Just so you know

Oct. 22 India, a semi-peripheral country, makes national aeronautical history after launching an un-manned spacecraft on its ﬁrst mission to the moon.

Future legislators draft laws Shayma Elsheikh Staff Writer

Oct. 11 North Korea agrees to allow U.N. ofﬁcials into its nuclear plant at Yonbyon. In return, the United States takes the country off the ofﬁcial list of countries who sponsor terrorism.

Oct. 7 Protestors in Thailand barricade the legislature inside a government building. Fighting breaks out between those trying to stop prominent politician Somchai from being elected and the Thai police force. The encounter wounds hundreds.

Writing and proposing legislation is hardly the typical after school activity. For six Washington High School students, though, this is a reality through the Iowa Youth Congress (IYC). Last year was the first year for Washington High School students to participate in IYC. Washington is now among 39 Iowa high schools that can take part in the organization. Member schools are selected as “target schools” from 17 counties and the Meskwaki Settlement School because their student populations have 75% of Iowa’s minority students. The overall minority student population in these target schools is 13,888. For every 139 minority students in a given target school, one representative is elected to attend the 100-member Youth Congress. Washington students Alia Amer, ‘10, Anab Abdi, ‘10, Nia Epperson, ‘10, Marion Epperson, ‘10, Tosha Harrison, ‘09, and Adrienne Shavers, ‘10 will attend this year’s Iowa Youth Congress, which will convene in Des Moines on Nov. 14, 2008. During the 2008 IYC inaugural session, members will agree on three focus subjects and compile bill proposals which they will later present to state legislators at the general assembly on Jan. 12, 2009. According to the IYC website, the purpose of the program is to “evoke a sense of community and place and inspire the coming generations with hope.” Amer has already realized these benefits through her participation in the program. “Students gain a lot from being a part of IYC. Not only do we get to make a significant difference in the lives of many Iowans, but we have the opportunity to meet and talk with different politicians and key members of our community,” said Amer. Last year, IYC discussed many political issues that relate to youth. One of the bills they drafted dealt with compulsory school attendance age. Iowa law initially gave students the right to drop out of high school once they reach the age of sixteen. The bill drafted by IYC changed this policy. State law now states that “a child who has reached the age of six and is under eighteen years of age... is of compulsory [school] attendance age.” Students also discussed the impacts of sexual education in both public and private schools in reference to the influence it has on student populations. Furthermore, the congress also considered amending the Iowa DREAM Act, which offers undocumented students an opportunity to Photo by Sky Smith continue their education at a reasonable cost. “We discuss issues regarding anything,” said Amer. Nia Epperson, Marion Epperson, and and Anab Abdi, all juniors, work In recent years, IYC schools have been divided into five regions to optimize representation and discussion. Annually, each area holds a regional meeting prior to the statewide convention. This year, together in preparation for the Iowa Youth Congress this November. representatives and alternates from Linn, Blackhawk, Tama, Johnson, Muscatine, Louisa, Wapello, and Scott counties gathered on Oct. 10 at Kirkwood to debate concerns to raise at this year’s congressional session. “Each year we convene regionally to discuss issues we feel are holding the state of Iowa back,” said Amer, who is our regional (Region D) chairperson. “These issues do not necessarily have to pertain to minorities.” At this year’s Region D meeting, members also conversed about potential candidates for the elections held at the state meeting. Nia Epperson is the presumed candidate for vice president and Abdi was nominated for secretary. However, the official president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer will not be announced until the state meeting held in the Iowa Chambers. The progress that IYC members have made in regional meetings will be instrumental in holding a successful statewide IYC convention. The process of legislative deliberation will continue to help 2008 IYC representatives gain a solid understanding of Iowa’s political framework and it will afford students the opportunity to positively impact their communities.

News Briefly Wash kids grant wishes Rachel Owens Staff Writer Although the floods of 2008 have left the state of Iowa reeling ever since they hit, many people are now trying to work through the catastrophe, or help others who lost it all. At Washington, what began as a discussion between Hannah Wheeler, ‘10, and her dad has become a student-run program for the displaced students of Taylor Elementary School. The Wash-Taylor 3 Wish Club, headed by Wheeler and friend Bailey Sande, ‘10, plans to grant three wishes to every displaced Taylor Elementary student who applies to the Wash-Taylor 3 Wish Club members discuss program. The community initiatives. organization will raise money through donations and sponsors. It is a new type of club at Washington High School, and students hope to use the organization to help those who otherwise would not be able to dream big after this disaster of grand magnitude. “We want to help familiarize [the students] with something they lost; to let students know that people still care about the kids,” said Wheeler. Taylor students who attended the school for at least half of last school year may apply for this project, and so far the club has received over one hundred applicants. Participants will be able to make three wishes: small, medium, and large. Wheeler and Sande hope to help the students realize even the broader dreams of these kids through the help of sponsors, donations, and fundraising. The Wash-Taylor 3 Wish Club is looking to expand its operations in order to meet its goals. They hope to recruit new members who will help with the bake sales and brainstorm new fundraising ideas. In addition, the club has been looking to gain exposure, and it has already been mentioned on news and radio broadcasts. It is in the process of creating a website and a promotional video that will be sent to businesses to seek sponsorship. With its volunteer base and publicity, the club is well on its way to finding funds to make Taylor students’ dreams a reality.

10-27-2008

Between the bubbles Lauren Sines Staff Writer The Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITEDs) are a staple of autumn at Washington High School. Students still sit through hours of standardized testing. Free food is still passed out in the hallways before school. Teachers are still encouraged to go easy on their students by reducing homework and avoiding the administration of additional tests and quizzes. Perhaps most significantly, the success of Washington High School is still judged solely by the junior classes’ level of proficiency. The most recent development, though, exempts seniors from ITED testing, which is mandated for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors by both state and federal law. Since the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) judges high schools by the proficiency of the junior class, the senior class data is not needed for statistical purposes. Freshmen and sophomores are still required to take ITEDs to measure their educational proficiency and to place these students in the proper level of classes. The nationwide standard set by NCLB places a high emphasis on helping students reach a proficient level in core testing categories. Proficiency, as defined by the State of Iowa, is scoring above the 40th percentile. This year, 74 percent of Washington ninth through 11th graders must be proficient in order for Washington to stay off of the “Watch List” and the “School in Need of Assistance” list. This national emphasis on standardized testing explains the emphasis Principal Ralph Plagman places on incentive programs associated with ITEDs. Washington homerooms are rewarded with candy if they have perfect attendance the previous testing day. This motivates students with the promise of rewards and encourages perfect attendance because students want to avoid letting down the other members of their homeroom. “The candy really motivates (my homeroom) to get to (ITEDs) on time,” said Chanda Schmitt, ’11. Rewards are also given to individual students who give their best effort on ITEDs. Students who score their personal best or score above the 90th percentile receive a long-sleeved CWR shirt. “We’ve been giving (the t-shirts) forever; I’d say for at least the last 15 years,” said Plagman. He explains that the t-shirts are used to encourage students to give their best effort. Plagman also wants our scores to remain competitive in comparison to other schools. Plagman plans on continuing the t-shirt incentive, and also foresees the continuation of ITEDs. He believes the tests are a good and accurate measurement of student ability. Although ITEDs are not the only measurement of student academic achievement, the testing serves as an important measure of nearly every student. As educational measurement becomes increasingly important nationally, Warriors can continue to expect to endure hours of tedious test taking, receive free food, and focus on testing achievement.

Warrior Thoughts: Washapalooza Taylor Dose Staff Writer

US lends a hand to Africa Emily Kopec Staff Writer United States Africa Command, or Africom, is a new Uniﬁed Combatant Command of the United States Department of Defense. It is responsible for U.S. military operations in and military relations with 53 African nations all over Africa except in Egypt. President Bush announced the creation of this program February 6, 2007. According to the White House, Africom was created “to strengthen our security cooperation with Africa and create new opportunities to bolster the capabilities of our partners in Africa.” The Bush administration expects Africa Command to help foster stability and peace in Africa. They also hope the organization will work with African nations to create African medical care, literacy, democratic government, and economic development. Recently, there has been a great deal of African resistance to United States military command. The people of Africa are simply having trouble trusting the U.S. They believe that the U.S. has ulterior motives for its involvement in Africa, and they believe the U.S. will exploit African oil, timber, cobalt and uranium resources. South Africa ﬁgures prominently in the opposition to Africom. The country’s economic, social, and technological advancement makes their government and citizens feel as if they do not need the United States’ help. Although African countries suspect that Africom is an agent of imperialism, the Bush administration continues to reassure African nations that its goals are genuine. The U.S. government has high expectations for Africom to succeed in its numerous objectives despite its unpopularity in Africa.

Courtesy of Hadley Kluber

Three One Citrus members, seniors Michael Jarvey, Reggie Anderson, and Matt Daughtery perform at Washapalooza on Oct. 4.

“I think it was really successful. I was imagining more people being there, but realistically we had a lot of people.” -Hannah Colton, ʻ09. “My favorite part was ﬁnally getting to perform. It was kind of my ﬁrst show playing my own stuff, so it was exciting.” -Abby Brown, ʻ09. “You got to see the local bands performing, and sometimes I knew people in the bands and that made it pretty cool.” -Hannah Philgreen, ʻ10.

10-27-2008

The facts

News

Your future in a ﬁscal frenzy Kestrel Henry, Max Ernst, and Tyler Hubler

The good news: it’s not 1929 all over again. Not even close. “It’s false and malicious,” said economics teacher Dr. Francis McMann of the continued rumors of a modern-day depression. America’s economy has not even hit a significant enough level to constitute a recession, or more than an eight month span of decline in the American gross domestic product, or the total goods and services produced by the country. Though McMann thinks the economy will eventually hit this level, it is not in such a dire state as recent media coverage might portray. As the Dow Jones Industrial Average – a measure of the American stock market – steadily decreased, the economy became a hotbed of crises and proposals all attempting to prevent an internal collapse of American finances. Attention was first brought to the crisis during the government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in this September. More formally called the Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, these companies were founded by the government to assist those who would not normally receive loans because they were deemed ‘risky investors’ – those with the highest probability of not being able to pay – by giving them lower interest rates. This includes the low income and financially struggling citizens, but also affluent persons financing their second (or fourth) houses in states like California, Texas, and Florida. However, this system produced some undesirable consequences: as more people refinanced their homes or established a new contract to take advantage of the lower rates. The value of some properties became inflated because more people could afford them. Banks also bought the loans from companies such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac without knowing the risk attached to the loans. Consequently, when the risky investors couldn’t pay the loans, banks suffered. The bailout policy accepted by the Senate, therefore, will not only save troubled companies, but when their assets are bought, it will infuse money into the banking system, as well. The plan was meant to help stabilize capital markets such as the stock market – but McMann states that those markets go through over a trillion dollars of capital on an average day. The bailout plan of $700 billion, though to some an incomprehensible sum, pales in comparison – a mere 70% of a single day’s capital through the markets. Sep. 7 As adjustments are continuously made to remedy economic decline, the economy will continue to adjust Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are to the financial environment influenced by the government, the banking industry, and the stock market. placed under government supervision.

September

Where the candidates stand

Sep. 14 Lehrman Brothers goes bankrupt and Merill Lynch is sold to Bank of America.

Sep. 15 Dow Jones drops more than 500 points. Sep. 20 A proposal is made for the government to buy $700 billion in mortgage assets from the aﬀected companies. Sep. 29 The House of Representatives shoots down the $700 billion plan; Dow Jones drops 778 points.

October Oct 1. Senate approves their version of bailout plan: executive salaries are limited, government can buy troubled assets from companies. In addition, 150 billion in tax relief is granted to businesses and individuals. Oct. 6 Eﬀects of crisis in America affect Europe, causing large drops in international stock markets Oct. 11 The G7, a group of seven economically advanced countries, send representatives to a meeting in Washington to discuss the ﬁnancial situation. Oct. 14 The U.S. government decides to take $250 million of the $700 billion for investment in US banks. Oct. 14 Governments in Europe, Australia, and Japan implement policies to protect their economies from crisis.

In a time when Americans are experiencing one of the largest economic recessions since the Great Depression, both Barack Obama and John McCain, the major-party candidates for president, are seeking change in economic policy. Both presidential candidates have proposed spending plans that avoid raising taxes, and at the same time they have both emphasized elimination of federal debt and investment in new domestic initiatives. “The fundamentals of the economy were weak even before this latest crisis,” said Obama in the latest presidential debate. “We need a rescue package for the middle class.” Obama recently proposed investment in four categories to remedy American economic issues. He plans to provide tax credits to companies creating jobs in the United States, invest in working-class families, revive the housing market, and reform energy and health care policies. In order to assist middle-class families, households with a yearly income less than $200,000 per year would receive tax breaks. Obama’s proposal would also afford homeowners the opportunity to renegotiate inflated loans with their banks. McCain perceives remedying the failing housing market as the prerequisite for economic recovery. Beyond that, he seeks reform in spending policies, investment in homegrown energy, and emphasis on free-market economic development. “Americans want the country to go in a new direction,” said McCain during the final debate. “We need to have a short-term [economic] fix, in my view, and long-term fixes.” McCain has proposed governmental purchase of home mortgages from banks so their cost can be renegotiated with homeowners. McCain’s specific long-term economic revitalization and budgetary initiatives include utilization of domestic energy, elimination of pork-barrel spending, and an across-the-board spending freeze. Some economists are skeptical of both candidates’ proposals to revitalize the economy and balance the budget. John Geweke, a University of Iowa economics professor, believes the next president will need to make difficult decisions in order to balance governmental programs with available resources. “Our resources are scarce, and we will have to pay for [governmental programs] one way or another,” said Geweke. “No candidate wants to make politically unpopular spending choices.” The next president will undoubtedly face a difficult economic situation. The president’s degree of success in aiding economic revival will impact the present-day American financial situation and determine the budgetary legacy that remains for posterity.

Looking ahead: prosperity in the balance

As a recent survey published by USA Today shows, the escalating economic crisis in the United States has caused 64% of 18-24 year-olds to say they feel more stressed today than six months ago. While many youth are uncertain as to how the U.S. financial crisis will affect them, many agree that it will cause them to have a dismal outlook on their future. Even before the recent recession, the U.S. job market and economy were part of an increasingly competitive financial environment in which old blue-collar factory jobs were being shipped out to countries that would allow transnational companies to realize greater profits (i.e. Mexico, China, India, Thailand). Factory jobs will be less in demand, and many young Americans will have to receive some form of postsecondary education, even if their parents did not. These changes to the economy will err on the side of necessitating younger generations to acquire a two or four-year college diploma in order to survive and compete in a globalized economy. As current high school students prepare to enter the job market and college, they will face a variety of challenges. College tuition prices have increased significantly, making hikes on student loan rates all the more unbearable as graduates enter the job market in debt. While the $700 billion bailout package signed into effect by Congress on Oct. 3 will relieve some troubles youth face in taking out car loans, student loans, and in opening credit card accounts, the bailout plan will not alleviate all problems. Rising food costs, living expenses, and cuts in funding for bus transportation will continue to be issues that generations entering and exiting college will face. Now more than ever, choices of congressional representatives and the election of this country’s next president will greatly impact Americans and their posterity for years to come.

Dow Jones Industrial Averages for 2008. Source: http:// www.forecasts. org/images/ stock-market/ djia.gif

Opinions

10-27-2008

The country takes sides...

OK. Here’s a quiz (in case you don’t get enough of this in AP Econ!): Who is a 5’7”, white-haired, father of seven, who is older than M&M’s and Tang, was a Allie Johnson priosner of war in Vietnam for five Staff Writer and a half years, is the senator of Arizona and has the middle name Sidney? If you guessed John McCain, you are correct! (Thumbs up!) Now, answer this: who has a plan to help the American economy rebound quickly, get homeowners back on their feet, reduce dependance on foreign oil and energy, and end America’s war with Iraq peaceully, due to his fifty-five years of service to our country? You guessed it again, John McCain. As the Republican presidential hopeful for this 2008 presidential election, John McCain has promised three things to every American: reform, prosperity and peace. I believe that through these three ideals, John McCain can build a better future for America. His first pledge is reform, particularly for the American economy. It seems like every morning for the past two weeks, I’ve turned on the morning news to find frantic news anchors, interviewing worried economists who are biting their fingernails and sitting on the edge of their chairs like the rest of us, ready and waiting to see what will become of our future. John McCain has a plan to change all of that. He calls for “reasonable economic growth” because it has historically been one of the greatest successes in reducing deficits. McCain also believes in bi-partisan spending controls to rebalence America’s budget as well as decreasing the number of spending proposals. The second assurance made by John McCain is prosperity for America. He believes this will occur primarily through making strategic decisions to free our nation from its dependance on foreign energy. John McCain has made the necessary choices-producing more power, pushing

technology to help free our transportation sector from its use of foreign oil, cleaning up our air and adressing climate change and ensuring that Americans have dependale energy sources. John McCain will lead the effort to develop advanced transportation technologies and alternative fuels to promote energy independance and cut off the flow of oil wealth to “repressive dictatorships like Iran,” states his website. The final building block that McCain will shape his presidency around is peace. Throughout his carear, McCain has been an ambitious advocate of American armed forces. Besides being one of the best manned armies in the world, McCain will ensure that our military is up to par technologically.

CBS reports over 1,000 McCain signs stolen or missing in Linn County as of October 11th. Seeing that CBS has issued at least two Connor O’Neil follow up stories, the Staff Writer number has probably risen. My question is, why haven’t these mysterious sign thieves used their impressive abilities to deface the newest sign off Center Point Road? The sign reads: “VOTE FOR A TERRIOST OBAMA” (The man did in fact misspell terrorist). The sign is an old recycled board that is secured to the ground via thick cables with the message crudely sprayed onto the board with red paint. The sign has recently made national news, and has also appeared with a picture in the Gazette (October 19th paper). So those who pillage, plunder, and purloin McCain/Palin signs; I know you salivate at the sight of those 4x6 foot signs off of C Avenue, but please make an effort to see that this sign on Center Point Road is properly dealt with. The accusation of terrorism that this man makes could arise out of the deficient 11% of people in this nation who still believe that Obama is Muslim. I sure do hope that these 11% don’t let that false assumption sway them from voting for Obama. I mean we’re not racist enough to let that affect our vote…right? Well in this case, the owner of the sign made his incrmination based on Obama’s affiliation with the 1970’s

The states decide

McCain fought for the creation of the independant 9/11 commission to identify how to best attend to threats of terrorism and American susceptibility. He has also fought for the establishment of the Department of Homeland security to defend our homeland and establish peace, and will continue to do so as president. On October 13th, 2008, McCain delievered a speech in Virginia Beach, Virginia, which, I believe, sums up his willingness and eagerness to serve our country as President: “Yes, we will lead. Yes, we will prosper. Yes, we will be safer. Yes, we will pass on to our children a stronger, better country. But we must be prepared to act swiftly, boldly, with courage and wisdom... We never quit. We never hide from history, We make history.”

anti-Vietnam war fugitive William Ayers (Obama was 8 years old). At age eight, I was reading Berenstain Bears and making a name for myself in four-square, disconnected from the news of the nation. My guess is that Obama was in a similar situation at the time, not secrectly collaborating with Ayers and planning on bombing the United States Capitol building. So is it really fair to connect Obama to terrorism just because he worked with Ayers for the benefit of education and schooling thirty years later? The owner of the anti-Obama sign boasts freedom of speech while preaching that Obama should be tried for treason for stating that “American soldiers are killing Afghan villagers.” The irony is just plain sad. So even if we excuse this man for such an absurd statement (based on his inability to spell), what’s the excuse for others around the country blindly calling Obama a socialist? Do we have to force feed these people the definition of socialism or the benefits of Obama’s economic plan? This whole situation illustrates the unfortunate problem with democracy. The misinformed and ignorant will march to the nearest voting registry with seriously flawed ambitions. I’m not saying that these people should be silenced, I’m just proposing we elect an individual who makes college more affordable for the standard family. Maybe then those eligible to vote will have learned enough in schooling to make the only reasonable choice. McCain fought for the creation of the independent 9/11 commission to identify how to best attend to threats of terrorism and American susceptibility. He has also fought for the establishment of the Department of Homeland security to defend our homeland and establish peace, and will continue to do so as president. If you’re going to vote on November 5th, I suggest you do it with intent of improving the standard of living for everyone in the nation.

Surveyor Editorial Policy 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 Jornalism News class at Washington High School. The staff will report as fairly and wellbalanced as possible. All activities and news will be covered to the best of the staff’s ability. Surveyor accepts the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics as the basis for good journalistic ethics. Editorials and the 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 opinions of the Surveyor staff and the Washington High School Community. Readers are encouraged to express their viewpoints through guest editorials. Surveyor also welcomes letters to the editor, with these guidelines: 1. It is not libelous or obscene. 2. It explains the material clearly. 3. It is not longer than 300 words. 4. It is signed.

Megan Barnes

Maddy Halyard

Anne Brenneman

Sam Seyfer

Maddy Becker

Keile Wahle

Lauren Glantz

Alex Taylor

Dan Williams

Tiffany Westrom

Max Ernst

Kestrel Henry

Tyler Hubler

Molly James

Lana Godlewski

Writers

Alexis Guess Megan Hartman Nick Heins Allie Johnson Brian Kopec Emily Kopec Natalie Neppl Connor O’Neil

Rachel Owens Charlie Parks Jack Shey Lauren Sines Rachel Stolba Abby Varn Mallory Williams

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Co-news editor Patrick Anderl Taylor Dose Joe Eken Shayma Elsheikh Brittany Ficken Anna Fisher Alex Fuller

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A&E editor

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Co-sports editor

Co-opinions editor

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Alexandra Bergman Matt Daughtery Lauren Hoth Sky Smith Jessica Wohlers

Co-sports editor

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Trevor Polk

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Opinions

10-27-2008

“My memmy’s fuzzy.”...“What’re you guys doin out there? Ya’ll are fools b.”

Roses -No more ITEDs for current Juniors! -Successful marching band season -Jack Shey -SNL political impersonations -Halloween is an early out -An extra hour of sleep for daylight savings time

Thorns -Struggling economy -Let the cold weather begin -School spirit for all the sports -Thanksgiving break is too far away

Things we heard in halls this month... “My ears are sexy!”... “That’s why they call me the baby-maker.”

Do you hate your job? Have a crazy teen work story to share? Do you have to clean up little kids’ accidents? Write in, and you will be featured in our “I Hate My Job...” section in the next edition.

Five year old politicians As I walked along the sidewalk one afternoon, I came upon some youngsters, talking amongst themselves. However, as I passed by them quickly, Tiffany Westrom trying not to Staff editor anger the crumbgrinders that we have somehow become inferior to, I was surprised to hear one sticky little rugrat explaining the diversity of America and how Senator Barack Obama should be the next president. I am not embellishing for dramatic effect; the frenzy that our nation is in right now has created at least one five year old politician that uses words like diversity, senator, and voting rights. I personally enjoyed just eating my ice cream and letting my parents deal with politics when I was younger. That’s when I realized how much I, and a very good majority of all other teenagers, have in common with this ‘baby Biden.’ The election is a mere six days away and every hour it seems like there is another one of my friends or teachers nudging me with left wing reactions and comedy. The thought of universal healthcare that Obama has promised sounds excellent if it would work as smoothly as hoped. As the young adults that we are, people start to pay attention to our thoughts, considering we are or will be of voting age sooner than some would like. Somehow, I can’t understand how someone of my own age, except for Maxwell Ernst, can fully understand and have experience with mortgages and the effects of tax policies. Since we don’t own houses or stock, we must go off of what we do know, our morals and beliefs. I don’t believe democrats are complete fools or idiots (which is ironic considering when I looked up ‘idiot’ in Webster’s Thesaurus, listed under ‘chump’ and ‘cretin’ was the

word ‘donkey’), because I know that their morals and beliefs match up with the sentiments of that party. If I share anything with the rest of my peers, it is that I am not financially independent. Also, I don’t yet have an accurate concept of how a new president will affect my friends’ political belief. In fact, from what I have heard, I don’t think any one of us understands everything enough to effectively persuade anyone. Everyone wants to be right, but since we aren’t all as well versed in domestic policy as Lauren Sines, who would “give a finger for a picture with Obama,” there are those who make jokes about the same things SNL and the media make fun of. I haven’t met a high school student that has given in after their candidate was mocked. The answer is immediately ‘Oh gosh, no.’ I can’t even get Mr. Thompson to admit that Senator Obama is African-American, because I’m a Republican, so I must be refuted. As much as I can’t wait to be tortured by Caitlin Thirnbeck on the back of Jack Kohn coming after me in a dark alley for writing this, I will make the sacrifice. I would vote for John McCain because he believes in the same ideals I do. He believes in a strong military, finishing the Iraq War and not being disrespectful to all those who have already died for the cause by pulling out. He is pro-life and wants to adjust America’s dependency on foreign oil. Lastly, this election has become largely based on physical appearances and personalities, which has led some people to vote to make history or avoid the dinosaur, and even because of some racial bias or problems. If you are going to vote, vote on the issues and not on the crazy characters themselves. Would it help if he wasn’t so old? Would it help if she didn’t wink? Would it help if he wasn’t a single parent? Or if he wasn’t black? Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I believe it would.

“ Wear your snail suits, I want to see an ocean of snails.”

“Both times I’ve gone to the bathroom this week, people haven’t been speaking English.”

I Love My Job... Working at Mr. Movies is not as glamorous as one may think. It requires dedication, work ethic, and tolerance like none other. To work there, one must expect the unexpected, and believe the impossible. When I first applied at Mr. Movies, I didn’t think much about working at the movie rental store. I just needed money to pay the bills and to prevent Jack Shey any further pillaging of my mom’s purse. Upon Staff Writer reviewing my application, the corporate district manager was very skeptical about hiring a colorblind kid to work the highly prestigious counter spot at Mr. Movies #1077. Yet going against his better instincts, he decided to hire me. With this new job came great responsibility. The manager warned me that this “was not a walk in the park;” it required patience and skill like none other. With this in mind, I started out my days at Mr. Movies enthusiastically, as I dreamed of a lavish lifestyle full of money, power, and girls. As my summer nights became replaced with movie rentals and bathroom cleaning, I found myself becoming increasingly depressed. What wore me down the most were the angry customers who would not back down. Late rental phone calls were the worst when I started. One of the first customers I dealt with was an older man whom I called everyday to remind him of his 8 rentals still out (all of which were over 11 days overdue). He told me again and again that I was calling the wrong guy, and he would personally come and beat me if I didn’t stop calling him. I would make a mental note about it, but the next day I would completely forget and make the dire mistake of calling him again. This repeated calling eventually led him to actually coming into the store and threatening to press charges against me. Throughout the summer, I had many customer relations that left their mark. Whether it be from the kid peeing all over the bathroom floor, to the guy who misplaced his “Asian Spice 2” porno with Call of Duty 4, Mr. Movies has shaped the man I have become today. I will continue to talk about my experiences with Mr. Movies, and I ask anyone reading to share their job stories as well.

Proﬁles

10-27-2008

Young activists support their parties Lauren Sines Staff Writer

Countless hours of knocking on strangers’ doors, just hoping to make a difference. Two Washington High School students are working for very different organizations to achieve a common goal-getting people to the poles in November. Jeff St. Clair, ’10, is an active member of the Young Democrats at both the school and county level. St. Clair has volunteered for the Barack Obama campaign locally many times. He has not only gone door-to-door talking to people about Obama and his stance on issues, but St. Clair has also worked in phone banks, canvassing and inviting people to events. Michael Olson ’11 is a member of a different group; the Young Republicans at Wash. Michael has also volunteered for his respective party. Olson has yet to go door-to-door advocating for John McCain and Sarah Palin, but he hopes

to soon. Olson says the issues most important to him in this election are national security and the economy. St. Clair agrees that national security is one of the most important topics, but he also stresses the importance of climate change. St. Clair’s feelings about national security and particularly the war in Iraq are far diﬀerent than Olson’s. “The war has been based on lies and misrepresentations from the very beginning, and the amount of money we’ve sunk into it (nearly $600 billion) could have been put to any of a nearly inﬁnite number of better uses. Of course, we can’t just pull our troops out immediately, but I think Obama’s the best candidate to get us out,” St. Clair said. St. Clair is excited about having Obama as the democratic nominee because of his ideas. Olson on the other hand, is not thrilled with either candidate. “I’m not a huge fan of (McCain). I mean, I am, but I think that the Republican Party could have done better. However, I do have faith that McCain would do a good job as president.” Olson hopes that McCain can toughen up and start pressing Obama more. Olson believes that Sarah Palin would be a better president than McCain would be. “She is more of a Republican, more conservative than

Baking club: the new black Mallory Williams Staff Writer Students at Wash who have never seen one of those “cool” baking club shirts are probably living under a rock. Washington’s “Baking Club,” organized by Roland Hart and Joshua Mades, both ‘09, has become almost more popular for their t-shirts than actually baking. During their sophomore year at Wash, baking club founders and baking “czars,” Hart and Mades, sat at a lunch table together. Once a week they had a “cake day,” where one person would bring a cake to share. After the successes of “cake days,” Hart and Mades had the idea to form a baking club. Who comes up with the cool tee ideas? Hart and Mades decide what they want them to say and look like. Then, Nat Kesler, Wash alumni, “works his magic and makes them look amazing,” said Hart. Hart enjoys baking brownies most, but confesses he enjoys cooking more than baking. His specialty is pasta with homemade noodles and seasonings from his mom’s garden. Mades will be handing over his title of “baking czar,” in about a month to Alex Taylor, ‘09, because he is moving to Alabama. Baking club has become more popular for its trendy style rather than the actual practice of baking. What’s next for this source of pop-culture in our school? Keep an eye out for more t-shirts and original baking club videos with raps written by Hart himself.

McCain on most issues.” St. Clair feels very differently about both Republicans. “I disagree with McCain’s negative campaigning, and I’m absolutely terrified of a world where Sarah Palin is the president of the United States.” Olson and St. Clair do agree on one thing, young people are a vital part of the election process. They both feel that going door-todoor, talking about the issues and encouraging people to vote is a significant part of the outcome of an election. Olson explained it best when he said, “If by going and talking to people one by one, I can get even one person who wasn’t planning on voting to vote then I have accomplished something.” St. Clair agrees, “Even if I can’t vote, I can influence others to vote and explain my point of view. A little youth participation can make a significant difference in an election as tight as the last few races have been.”

Meet Carrie Fattig Rachel Stolba Staff Writer Q: What prior teaching experience do you have? A: I taught for three years prior to this at West Liberty High School, and for one year before that at Scattergood Friends School in West Branch. Q: Were you involved in speech and drama at those schools? A: Yes. I was head of the drama department at West Liberty and at Scattergood, and I was in drama and speech all though high school and college. Q: What are your goals for this year at Washington? A: My goal for drama for the rest of the year is to help organize the costume rooms and dressing areas, as well as help present directors continue to build the department. As far as speech is concerned, my goal is to continue to develop a strong speech team. I am really focused on improving each participants’ skills. Q: What challenges have you faced thus far? A: My biggest challenge has probably just been getting used to a new school. This is my first experience with a large 4A school, so getting used to working around a larger number of students and teachers took some time. Q: What has been your most rewarding experience in your first few months at Wash? A: My most rewarding experience would probably be finishing the run of my first production at Washington, Fools. I had a very good cast and crew to work with, and directing the first production of the year really helped me just jump into and get involved in things. Q: What advice did you receive coming into this school year? A: Mr. Yuska and I are from the same very small town (Chelsea, Iowa), so I’ve known and been friends with him since elementary school. We were both heavily involved in the fine arts in high school. The only advice he gave me is to take the program that he has built up and make it my own, which I think is pretty sound advice.

Valenti marches to his own exceptional beat Mallory Williams Staff Writer Dominic Valenti. ‘11, marches to the beat of his own drum. As a freshman, Valenti is already an accomplished member of Wash’s drumline. Seeing as ninth graders do not traditionally participate in marching band, this is a rare accomplishment. Valenti started playing the drums in ﬁfth grade after he watched two of his older neighbors play and decided to try it. “I thought it looked cool and fun,” said Valenti. Two years later, in seventh grade, Valenti went to watch the Wash drumline for the ﬁrst time. He enjoyed watching the drumline but wasn’t convinced he would want to try it out in high school. A year later, Valenti went to the Marching Band Indoor Classic at the U.S. Cellular Center. Valenti said, “That was the deciding point. I knew drumline was something I would like to try in high school.” Valenti’s neighbor, Devin Harschnek, ‘09, is a more experienced member of drumline. Valenti credits Harschnek for helping him with the audition pieces. Valenti even practiced with the drumline before he auditioned. Social studies teacher and Wash alumni, Eric Thompson, is the director of the drumline at Wash. Thompson has noticed some outstanding qualities in Valenti. “His respect for others and willingness to be taught stand out the most”, said Thompson. “His parents raised him with a strong moral code and strong sense of respect for himself and others. This is really part of who he is now.”

Although Valenti is very talented, there are still aspects of his drumming he would like to improve on. “When you’re playing on the ﬁeld and you make a mistake, everyone’s mad at you. I guess I’m trying to be more conﬁdent,” said Valenti. Valenti isn’t sure where he would like to go to school after he graduates from Wash, but he hopes to continue as a musician. “I would like to at least audition for a drumline and hopefully make it,” said Valenti.

Photo by Jessica Wohlers

Focus

McCain Palin

10-27-2008

Has seven kids Astrological sign is a Virgo Drives a Cadillac CTS His favorite foods are chocolate ice cream and pizza with pepperoni and onions Favorite TV shows are “24” and “Seinﬁeld” Has two dogs, a cat, a ferret, two turtles, three parakeets and 13 saltwater ﬁsh Favorite musicians are Chuck Berry and Roy Orbison

Health Care

McCain supports the free-market, consumerbased system and proposes affordable health care for each American without a mandate, which be believes can be achieved without a tax increase. McCain plans to more closely monitor health costs as well as provide $2,500 tax credits for individuals and $5,000 for whole families to buy this insurance.

Economy McCain blames our ﬁnancial crisis on lobbyists, although he is also in favor of electing a new federal authority, saying it would greatly aid ﬁnancial institutions. McCain would like to make Bush’s tax cuts permanent and get rid of the alternative minimum tax.

Social Security McCain is in favor of having privatized social security. He says he supports allowing workers to put a portion of their payroll into private accounts they will manage themselves.

Abortion McCain does not support the Roe v. Wade decision and is in opposition to abortion, although he has supported it in the past and has been quoted saying he has faith in women to make the right choice.

S V

Environment

McCain supports a cap-and-trade program. McCain hopes to reduce the carbon emissions sixty percent below the 1990 levels by 2050. He also plans to require companies to bid for permits to emit greenhouse gases, although he has not yet speciﬁed what share of the pollution permits he will auction.

Vice Preside

Sarah Palin - Age: 44 -Home state: Alaska -Current job: Governor of Alaska -Government experience: Governor of Alaska, mayor of -Education: Degree in journalism- communication and a minor in politics. -Interesting facts: Active moose hunter and former Miss Alaska and Miss Congeniality.

War on Iraq

McCain voted for invasion in 2002 and continues to support our involvement in Iraq. During the course of his ﬁrst term, McCain hopes to bring most troops home, but still maintain a small military presence in Iraq.

Q & A with Washington’s young Republicans What as a club have you done for this election? The Young Republicans have been supporting John McCain since his nomination. As the election draws nearer, we will be working with nearby College Republicans to Volunteer for the McCain Campaign.

Why do you support McCain?

Well, Barack Obama says that he supports tax cuts for 95% of Americans. However, only 70% of Americans actually pay taxes in the ﬁrst place. Maybe the senator should go back to Harvard to brush up on his math skills before he thinks seriously about running for President. McCain, on the other hand, is ready to be a ﬁscally responsible President right now.

Do you feel Palin is qualiﬁed for the position of Vice President? Governor Palin is more than qualiﬁed to be Vice-President. She has real executive experience as Governor, unlike Senator Biden who has only been in the senate for four years -Vice President of club: Dan Peterson

Focus

Obama Environment

Obama is in favor of a mandatory capand-trade system to cut down on carbon emission eighty percent below the 1990 levels by 2050. If elected, Obama plans to require companies to bid for permits to emit greenhouse gases through an auction in which he plans to auction off one hundred percent of the allowances.

ent proﬁles

10-27-2008

Biden

Health Care

Obama’s hope for our country’s future health care is universal coverage. He plans to make this happen by requiring employers to provide insurance, exempting the smallest buisnesses and reimbursing those employers for the more overwhelming health costs. Obama Plans to require insurance companies to provide coverage for people with health problems without charging higher rates. He also plans to require all children to have health insurance.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii He has written two books He has two kids Drives a Ford Escape Hybrid Astrological sign is a Leo His favorite food is chili Favorite sport is basketball His favorite movies are “The Godfather 1” and “The Godfather 2”

Economy

Obama blames deregualtion for our country’s ﬁnancial crisis. He is in favor of electing a new federal authority as well as canceling bush’s tax cuts for households earning over $250,000. Obama proposes that electing a new federal authority would regulate markets as well as aid struggling families with their mortgages.

Social Security

Joe Biden -Age: 65 -Home state: Delaware -Current Job: Senator -Government experience: Senator, lawyer, law professor -Education: Law degree -Interesting facts: He lost his wife and daughter in a car crash and raised his remaining two sons.

War on Iraq

Obama is against privatized social security. At the Dartmouth Democratic Debate in Hanover, New Hampshire on September 26, 2007, Obama stated that we should be willing to do anything that would strengthen our system.

Obama opposed the invasion of Iraq and continues to disagree with his decision to stay there. If elected, he plans to withdraw one to two brigades per month and ﬁnish our involvement in Iraq within sixteen months. He would like to leave limited forces in Iraq to combat terrorism and provide protection.

Abortion

Obama is in support of abortion. He supported the Roe v. Wade decision made in 1973 and has criticized the Supreme Court decision upholding the ban on partial-birth abortions.

Q & A with Washington’s young Democrats

What as a club have you done for this election?

We sponsored a voter registration drive that lasted three days. We have also started planning a mock election for Washington High School. We have been encouraging our members to volunteer at the Obama ofﬁce.

Why do you support Obama?

Senator Obama has a very forward-thinking political ideology a clear knowledge of policy. He understands the issues that ordinary Americans face, and has a great ability to generate solutions. Obama is a true political maverick because he has held strongly to his beliefs throughout the campaign without succumbing to political pressure from Democrats or Republicans, he will lead America to a brighter future.

Do you feel Biden is qualiﬁed for the position of Vice President? Senator Biden complements Senator Obama very well. I was impressed with Biden’s knowledge and political experience. I think the wisdom he has gained from his long tenure in the Senate will be an important asset to Obama. -Vice President of club: Max Ernst

Focus

McCain Palin

10-27-2008

Health Care

Social Security McCain is in favor of having privatized social security. He says he supports allowing workers to put a portion of their payroll into private accounts they will manage themselves.

S V

Environment

Vice Preside

War on Iraq

Why do you support McCain?

Focus

Obama Environment

ent proﬁles

10-27-2008

Biden

Health Care

Economy

Social Security

War on Iraq

Abortion

Obama is in support of abortion. He supported the Roe v. Wade decision made in 1973 and has criticized the Supreme Court decision upholding the ban on partial-birth abortions.

Q & A with Washington’s young Democrats

What as a club have you done for this election?

Why do you support Obama?

Focus

McCain Palin

10-27-2008

Health Care

Social Security McCain is in favor of having privatized social security. He says he supports allowing workers to put a portion of their payroll into private accounts they will manage themselves.

Focus

S V

Obama

Environment

The Young Republicans have been supporting John McCain since his nomination. As the election draws nearer, we will be working with nearby College Republicans to Volunteer for the McCain Campaign.

Why do you support McCain?

Vice President proﬁles

Biden

Health Care

Economy

War on Iraq

Q & A with Washington’s young Republicans What as a club have you done for this election?

Environment

10-27-2008

Social Security

War on Iraq

Abortion

Obama is in support of abortion. He supported the Roe v. Wade decision made in 1973 and has criticized the Supreme Court decision upholding the ban on partial-birth abortions.

Q & A with Washington’s young Democrats

What as a club have you done for this election?

Why do you support Obama?

10-27-2008

Proﬁles

Warriors take pride in cultural backgrounds Camarotti embraces Wash, misses Brazil

Corbett enjoys summer home, food in France

Natalie Neppl Staff Writer

Natalie Neppl Staff Writer Jeremy Corbett, ‘10, is a junior at Washington. Although he was born in Cedar Rapids, he lives another life in Avignon, France, the birthplace of his mother. Every other summer, Jeremy gets the opportunity to travel to France from a range of four weeks to the entire summer. Corbett said, “In terms of living my life, I love it here and wouldn’t want to leave. France is my summer home.” The first time Jeremy got to visit was when he as only one month old. When he was 12 and 13 years old, he got the chance to live there in full emersion. Like in Cedar Rapids, Jeremy was involved in many activities in France. “I played handball, soccer, and a bit of track. School was much different there than here so there were different activities such as cooking,” said Corbett. He also mentions that the food he ate was much better in France than what we have here. Although he loves living in the United States, he is proud of his French culture and plans on maintaining a relationship with his family there for years to come.

Filipe Camarotti ‘10 is a junior here at Washington with a background different than the average student. Filipe was born in Pernambuco, Brazil and moved here when he was only six years old. He recalls his shock at the differences between between Brazil and his new home. “December 23rd, 1998 was the first time I saw snow,” said Camarotti. Filipe loves living in the United States but enjoys visiting family back home in Brazil. He tries to visit every year, but doesn’t always get the chance. The past two summers he has gotten to visit Brazil and spend time with his dad and family. A major difference between Brazil and the U.S. is the school system. Filipe says,”The public schools in America have better eduPhoto by Jessic Wohlers cation than most private schools in Brazil.” All in all, Filipe says living in Cedar Rapids and attending Washington High Corbett and Camarotti, both ‘10, sport soccer School is “a wonderful place that is full of adventures!” jerseys from their respective countries.

Kenyan student finds joy in foreign exchange Aunna MacDowell Staff Writer Flying across the ocean for the first time, 16-year-old Giada Vischi, ‘09, wondered how she was going to manage living an entire year away from her family in Kenya. Yet, today she is enjoying life in the United States and happily embracing a new culture. Vischi is a foreign exchange student at Washington this school year. She left her parents and two sisters in Kenya and is now enjoying life as the fifth child of Mitch and Jean McElree. Vischi’s father is Italian. He met her mother while working in Kenya. Vischi speaks Italian at home, English at her school, and Swahili with her extended family. Kenya recently has become involved with PAX, a foreign exchange program. Ten Kenyan students were awarded scholarships to study in America. Vischi went to numerous interviews and was awarded with one of the scholarships. She was interested in coming to the United States because she wanted to experience a different culture and life on her own. Being away from her family seemed impossible, but Vischi said, “One can stay away from her parents as long as she’s strong.”

Vischi has noticed many differences between Kenya and America. The biggest difference has been the climate. She already thinks it is freezing outside. She is also excited to see snow for the first time. Another big difference is the way schools are set up. Vischi’s school in Kenya has only 300 students. The school has sports teams, but there are no musical groups for students. The school also has a strict uniform code that sends students home for simply wearing the wrong colored socks. Vischi’s experience in the United States would not be as wonderful without her host family. She loves spending time with her host siblings, Taylor, 15, Ian, 13, Annie, 10, and Ethan, 8. Vischi said, “They’re awesome people. I love them so much! If they tried to change my host family, I wouldn’t leave. They’re the best.” Taylor, who is a freshman at Cedar Valley Christian, is thrilled to have Vischi living in her home. She said there are some adjustments, such as having her younger sister move out of their bedroom to make room for her new roomate, but there are also a lot of great benefits to having a Kenyan sister. McElree said, “It’s fun to have a sister that’ s closer to my age; there’s someone to talk to and hang out with. She’s got a good since of humor, and she says she’s shy, but she just talks and talks. Vischi is looking forward to the rest of her stay here and is very happy with her decision to spend a year abroad.

“One can stay away from her parents as long as she’s strong.” -Giada Vischi, ‘09

A stellar student teacher

Rachel Stolba Staff Writer

ence in Wash’s math department on October 9th, leaving an impression on many students. “She’s really relatable,” said Maggie Norman, ’10. It’s not a secret that many students feel they Harrison said her laid back teaching style, less cannot relate to their teachers, but one Washington strict classroom, and young age is what students student teacher broke the mold. Sumr Harrison identify with most. She feels the same way about appealed to Matt Miller’s math students because of corresponding with her students. Harrison’s favorite her ability to relate to students. Harrison is a senior at Mt. Mercy and is the old- part of being at Washington was the student interaction. est of six kids. “Ms. HarIt was a chemrison taught on a istry teacher personal level, you who inspired really got indiHarrison, but vidual attention,” math has been Joey Mescher, ‘10, her favorite said of the student subject since teacher. middle school. Harrison hopes She ﬂopped to have an even between many stronger conneccareer choices, tion with students including when she has her advertising and own classroom. culinary arts, Harrison’s next but declared stop is another Photo by Skylar Smith on teacheight week student ing, because it Recent Washington student teacher, Sumr Harrison, helps teaching job at Lisallows her to get some Advanced Pre-Calculus students. bon Middle School students excited where she’ll teach seventh to ninth grade math. In about math. Harrison completed her student teaching experi- May, she will graduate and start looking for a job teaching algebra or geometry.

A&E

10-27-2008

“Max Payne” shatters confidence in video game spin-offs Alex Fuller Staff Writer John Moore, director of “The Omen” (2006) and “Behind Enemy Lines” (2001) has birthed yet another videogame based action film into a country that has recently been polluted by them. “Max Payne” features Mark Wahlberg (“The Happening”, “The Departed”) as the main character, whose name is also cleverly used as the movie title. Max, a DEA cold case agent in a gothic-style New York, spends his days behind a desk, and his nights roaming the streets, attempting to find the last of three men who killed his wife and child several years before. After the opening line “I don’t believe in Heaven. I believe in pain. I believe in fear. I believe in death.”, Max is cast as an exorbitantly dark character, a persona from which he fails to develop for nearly the entire film. After meeting some rather interesting characters at the start of the film, Max then becomes the prime suspect in two murders, that of Nata-

sha (Olga Kurylenko), who he meets at a party, and Alex Balder (Donal Logue), his friend and previous partner. On the hunt for clues, Max is confronted by Mona Sax (Mila Kunis), a Russian Mob assassin, who believes him responsible for her sister Natasha’s death. The two team up to find the real killer, resulting in a typical modern shooting film, featuring gratuitous amounts of “bullet-time” (made famous by “The Matrix”) and other such special effects; in addition to the “most glass ever shattered in a single moving film award” – a lot of windows were broken in the making of this film, giving a hellish, apocalyptic feel to an already dark movie. Not only dark in tone, many of the movie’s scenes are also shot in pitch dark settings with minimal light sources – a fact that is incredibly stressful on one’s eyes. The movie features a strong, drug-related theme, but has been toned down from what was originally an R-rating to reach its current PG-13, a fact that I would argue was a bad move on somebody’s part. Although boring at times, Max Payne has its good points – it’s not perfect, but worth a couple dollars for a matinee.

www.wallpaperez.info

Mark Wahlberg (left) brings emotionally tourtured videogame action-hero Max Payne to loud, excrutiating, ultra-violent life in John Moore’s loud, ecrutiating, ultra-violent (and ironically, frequently boring) ﬁlm version of the popular “Max Payne’ video game.

Slice of Jazz puts the pieces back together Megan Hartman Staff Writer

everyone’s voices to each other.” Last year, the group won “The Best of Iowa Jazz Showcase” and was invited to perform in a national competition in Reno, Nevada. The Members of Washington’s Slice of Jazz are group has since extended their practices to preready to face the challenge of returning only pare for their trip to the national competition. four members for their “It will be interupcoming season. esting to see how Slice of Jazz is a jazz we stack up against singing group at Wash. groups from across They are a 12 member the country,” said group who travel around Peterson. the state and country The group has a competing against other very positive outlook singing groups. on this season. This year they only Their goals include have four returning beating West Des members, Dan Peterson, Moines Valley, their Daniel Peterson, ‘09 ’09, Mackenzie Hartman, biggest competition, ’10, Emily Lower, ’10, and defending their and Ben Schmidt, ‘10. With so few members “Best of Iowa Jazz Showcase” title. returning, singing with a new group poses many “We’re a really young group, but have a good challenges. chance of winning competitions,” said Peterson. “We need to be able to know each others “I think it’s going to be a great season for us.” voices so they blend,” said Peterson, “Our big-

“We need to be able to know eachother’s voices so they blend... Our biggest Challenge this year is going to be adjusting everyone’s voices to eachother.”

Megan Barnes/ Surveyor

Members of “Slice of Jazz”, Washington’s award-winning acapella jazz group, sing. Left to right: Hannah Colton, ‘09, Kathryn Bell, ‘10, Mackenzie Hartman, ‘10, Miles Maurice, ‘11, Jeremy Corbet, ‘10, Neel Ghosh, ‘10, and Ben Schmidt, ‘10.

gest challenge this year is going to be adjusting

Photo Challenge//Photo Challenge//Photo Challlenge These photos are nearly identical... Find the 9 (nine) things that make them different. Answers on page 12

10-27-2008

A&E

Karen Siebert: art and alt-rock aﬁcionado Megan Hartman Staff Writer

prose. Siebert also enjoys a variety of music styles. Her favorite band at the moment is Bon Iver, which is an alternative band. However, when Siebert was in high school she loved Janes From Marilyn Manson concerts to painting with octopus ink Karen Siebert, math teacher, has had many unique experi- Addiction and The Beastie Boys. “Jane’s Addiction had the rock ences. and The Beastie Boys had the beat,” Siebert loves to experience new said Siebert. “‘Paul’s Boutique’ by the things. Last summer, Siebert went to an Beastie Boys is the best album of all art colony in Alaska. Here she learned time. It’s awesome.” from a woman named Diane Tillian, Siebert fondly remembers a Nine who paints with octopus ink. Siebert Inch Nails concert where Marilyn learned a lot at the colony where she Manson opened. spent a lot of time working on her “He wasn’t very well known then,” nature drawings. Karen Siebert, Math Teacher said Siebert, “I just didn’t know what “I paint a lot of nature scenes,” said to think of him.” Siebert, “I like to express myself through As for TV, Siebert doesn’t have pictures, and Alaska was the perfect time to watch it often, but when she place.” does, she watches “True Blood”, which is about vampires. When Siebert isn’t drawing, she’s usually reading. She When Siebert was in high school her favorite show was “Bevalways has a book to read, and whatever book she’s reading is erly Hills 90210.” her favorite. Currently, Siebert is reading “Pride and PrejuAlthough Siebert’s interests have evolved, she will always dice” by Jane Austen. Her favorite thing about the book is it’s be trying new and unique things.

“‘Paul’s Boutique’ by the Beastie Boys is the best album of all time. It’s awesome.”

Persepolis

I don’t pretend to be anything more than a casual fan of graphic novels. Die-hard comic book fans will no doubt scoff that I’ve given myself even so generous a title as that, because I’ve only read one. But they have no room to argue with the strength of my selection: Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s “Watchmen”. If you went to see “The Dark Knight” this summer, you’ve heard that title: the preview for the upcoming film adaptation of “Watchmen” played before the feature presentation. That’s where I first heard about it. The aforementioned die-hard comic book fans have known about it for years, perhaps as early as 1986 when “Watchmen” was first released by DC Comics. Those who followed the novel in its original serial form (it was released in twelve parts, and later consolidated) will know first hand what a shock it was to the comic book universe. “Watchmen” showed the public that the comic book medium had the potential to rise above its reputation as a low-brow, preteen past time to become art, without betraying its passion for science fiction and fantasy.

“Watchmen”is, however, conscious of the childish, two-dimentional themes that plague the comic book medium as a whole. Alan Moore brought maturity, depth, and self awareness to the concept of occupational heroism and superheroism, and placed it in a modern, very real world setting. Without going into too much detail, “Watchmen” involves the threat of a Russian lead neuclear apocalypse, and puts it on the shoulders of a few retired vigilantes. “Watchmen” asks thoughtful questions about the nature of heroism: do you have to be a good person to be a hero? what constitutes heroism? what are a hero’s obligations? There are no easy answers, but the strength and complexity of his characters put these questions in relatable, emotional terms and lend confidence to his conclusions. Illustrator Dave Gibbons brings it all to life in his meticulously detailed panels. Just flip through the book: the sheer volume of illustrations is astonishing in itself. These illustrations will lend greatly to the visual style of the film. Alan Moore and David Gibbons created a masterwork in the graphic novel genre. We can only hope that Hollywood is as attentive to Alan Moores characters we know that it will be to the visuals.

This French-languge animated ﬁlm was nominated for best animated ﬁlm at the 2007 Oscars. It was based on the graphic memoir by Marjane Satrapi, about growing up during the Islamic revolution in Iran.

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Alex Taylor A&E Editor

It was every teenage boy’s favorite ﬁlm for at least a week. “300”, directed by Zach Snyder (director of “Watchmen”) faithfully adapted Frank Miller’s graphic novel for the big screen: every shot in the ﬁlm has a coresponding and nearly identical panel in the graphic novel.

Dark City

Alan Moore’s graphic novel “Watchmen” gets the Hollywood Treatment

Dark City (directed by Alex Proyas, “The Crow”), is not based on a graphic novel, but its visual style and sci-ﬁ themes borrow greatly from the genre. Proyas uses fast, static cuts to imitate the rhythm and ﬂow of comic book panels.

Photo Challenge Answers 1. The eraser is missing from the shelf. 2. The topic on the chalkboard has changed. 3. The top paper tray on the right is missing. 4. Language of Literature has been added under the Journalism Agenda. 5. The date has been changed. 6. A book has been ﬂipped upside down on the upper shelf. 7. The Language Objective has changed. 8. Bin #2 and bin #3 have switched places. 9. The bucket is missing from the top right shelf. 10. The garbage can has been replaced with the recycling bin.

Sports

10-27-2008

The ultimate game experience Patrick Anderl Staff Writer Carter Oswood, ‘09, walks the thin line between justice and injustice with a Frisbee in his left hand. A glint of sun reflects off of his oversized aviators as he walks on to the Ultimate Frisbee playing field. He joins the other players on the grass and the legendary game begins. Frisbees originated when college students threw around pie dishes in their campuses. Then, a line of discs called “Frisbees” were introduced to the public by the Wham-O toy company in 1957. In 1968, Joel Silver proposed a school Frisbee team at Colombia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey. They called their new game “the ultimate game experience”. It couldn’t be described more perfectly. Ultimate Frisbee is a game similar to football that includes a rectangular field with end zones, but no physical contact. However, the game can get pretty physical. Players pass the 175 gram disc to teammates in the end zones to score. There is a designated point limit, so the game is not determined by time. Teams are divided into seven players each. While the team on offense concentrates on scoring, the team on defense does whatever they can to swat the Frisbee down. A dropped or blocked Frisbee results in the Frisbee going to the opposite team. Ultimate Frisbee is a very popular sport all over the world and is even played by high school and college teams. At Wash, it is also popular. Ben Handler, who graduated from Washington last spring, is the original founder of Ultimate Frisbee Club. He describes that his favorite part of the game is, “laying out and playing hard.” Tim Berry, ‘09, and Oswood, ‘09 now run the club, continuing the tradition of the great game of Ultimate Frisbee. Matt Daughtery

Manirumva going for gold at state Joe Eken Staff Writer Through all the hectic schedules, classes, and other events that come with the first couple months of school, there has always been something for Wash students to count on: Lewi Manirumva breaking the tape first in Warrior cross country meets. Manirumva has won eight of the nine meets he has participated in, beating hundreds of other competitors in the process. “I just run. I run hard every practice and do what my coach tells me to do,” Manirumva said of his success. Manirumva is not the only one experiencing prosperity this fall; the Washington men’s varsity team (which consists of runners Lewi Manirumva, Zack Harford, Saramo Mugisha, Jiavonnis Ntahimperege, Rob Hogg and Andy Marshall) has finished first in five of their eight meets and in the top five in all of their competitions.

The Women’s Cross Country team is quietly having a successful season as well. The varsity squad has a 57-14 record and is currently ranked 10th in the state. Coach Dave Coates sees this particular group of girls as unique. “This team is a bit different than our usual teams because there are no seniors who have run at the varsity level on a consistent basis. This has thrown the juniors (like Maddy Becker, Lauren Kelley, Alison Knockle and Meg Zmolek) into a leadership role along with our fine senior captains,” said Coates. Both the men and women’s teams expect to finish high at the district meet and qualify for state where. “Our goal is to win state,” said Manirumva who has a shot at the individual crown as well as the team title. With a little luck the men and women’s teams may be bringing a little more hardware into the halls of Washington.

Megan Barnes/Suveyor

Lewi Manirumva, ‘09, ran to victory at the Dubuque Super Meet, pictured above. He has won eight cross country meets this ear. Lewi’s ﬁnal race will be on November 1st in Fort Dodge at the State Meet. The men and women’s teams are both looking for top-10 ﬁnishes as well.

Swimmers ready for Districts on Saturday Brian Kopec Staff Writer

Lauren Hoth/Surveyor

Meredith Gantner, ‘12, swims at the Linn-Mar meet in September. The swim team travels to Iowa City for districts on November 1st.

The Washington Warrior Women’s Swim Team dove into competition on Aug. 18, and began their long and intense season to the State meet. Coach Meghan Smith is leading the team to the State Meet on Nov. 7 and 8. Last year, she led the team to the State Meet and ﬁnished seventh. Smith says the primary goal for this year is to place better than they did in 2007. “I feel like our team is very strong and fast, going into the Districts and meet State,” said Smith. The Warriors are performing at a solid level right now. The team has won four of their ﬁve meets. A low point for the Warriors was when the junior varsity and varsity teams had to compete in seven meets over just 14 days. The Linn-Mar meet, in which the Warriors competed with their cross-town rivals, was a highlight this season. Smith was the former Women’s swim coach

at Linn-Mar two years ago and then transferred to Washington. The tension has built between Linn-Mar and Washington ever since. “The Linn-Mar meet is always intense,” said Smith. The Warriors simply couldn’t overcome Linn-Mar’s large team and lost 83-103. Sami Puk, ’10, is anticipating going the Districts and State meet. “Districts and State are always fun and exciting,” said Puk. Zoey Dietz, ’10, also mentioned State and Districts as future highlights of the swim season. “The team feels really strong and we are definitely capable of winning districts.” Both Puk and Dietz hope for a win at Districts, top five overall team finish at State, and to place top three in the State Meet four by one hundred meter relay. The Warrior four by one is currently ranked third in the state. The Warriors are on track to achieve their goal of improvement at State. With two practices a day, averaging round 6,500 yards a practice, the Warriors are putting in the time and effort to succeed.

10-27-2008

Sports

Warrior football wraps up stellar regular season Abby Varn Staff Writer

Upcoming Warrior athletic events October 27th

-Regional volleyball tournament

With an easy win over the Jefferson J-Hawks on October 10, and a new record of 6-1, the Warrior football team is setting its eyes on the state championship. On October 3rd, the Warriors invaded Iowa City West’s field, and shut them down with a final score of 28-7. Just one week later, the team returned home to Kingston Stadium to take on Jefferson. During the first half of the game against our city rivals, the Warriors found themselves tied with the Jefferson J-Hawks at 20-20, before working together and surging ahead. Andre Dawson, ‘10, contributed a 36-yard run, and a 22-yard touchdown pass from Wyatt Suess, ‘09, to Shay Gutman, ‘10, both helped the Warriors bring home a win. The final score read 41-20. The Warriors have only one loss on their record, dating back to September 4, when Iowa City High won the game 27-23. The substate game is scheduled for October 29, playoffs November 3, quarterfinals the 7th, semifinals the 14th, and finally the championship game on November 21st. With just one loss flawing the Warriors record, there is a great sense of hope for success in the upcoming games from both the team itself, and its loyal supporters.

October 29th

-Substate football game -Regional volleyball tournament

November 1st

-Women’s swimming district meet -Men and women’s state cross country meet

November 3rd

-Regional volleyball tournament -Football quarterﬁnals

November 7th

-Women’s state diving competition

November 8th

-Women’s state swim meet

November 14th

-State volleyball tournament -Football semiﬁnals

November 21st

-State football championship game

Jessica Wohlers/Surveyor

The varsity football oﬀense prepares for a snap during a regular season game at Kingston Stadium. The Warriors have a record of 7-1 heading into the playoﬀs.

Warrior Numbers 8 First-place ﬁnishes by mens cross country runner, Lewi Manirumva, ‘09

56-0 Score of the Warrior’s football victory over Dubuque Senior on October 17th

58.64 Sophomore swimmer Jill Broghammer’s school record-breaking time in the 100 ﬂy

16 Points scored by the women’s junior varsity cross

country team at the Mississippi Valley Conference meet. The Warriors placed ﬁrst, second, third, fourth, and sixth, missing a perfect score of 15 by a single point.

0 Divisonal titles won by the Warrior Women’s Vol-

leyball team prior to this year. Congratulations to the girls and Coach Lombardi for winning the title for the ﬁrst time this year on October 21st with a victory over the Jefferson J-Hawks.

Sports

10-27-2008

Double tennis swings into action Alexis Guess Staff Writer Although tennis is thought of as a spring sport, Mrs. Heather Adams, a science and psychology teacher, along with a group of students, started the mixed doubles tennis league which plans to compete all winter and into the next year. Adams originally got the idea for a mixed doubles league after spending a great deal of her summer playing in a mixed doubles tennis league with Kollin Trevallion, ‘09 at the Veterans Tennis Center in an adult league. “When you get a good partner, you compliment each other and allow room for mistakes,” said Adams. Wash’s mixed doubles tennis league also helps less experienced players become better tennis players. Tyler Eckhardt, ‘10 joined the league not only because he likes Adams, but because, “Keile Wahle taught me how to play because I’m not very good.” Adams hopes to heighten skill levels so the matches will be more competitive while maintaining a fun and goofy feel. The clinics will most likely include one hour of training, and two hours of actual mixed doubles play. Moriah Meyer ‘10, another member of the league, joined because she is a manager at the Veterans Tennis Center where Adams and Trevallion played over the summer and got to play with the doubles duo. Meyer expresses a great deal of fun in working with Brian Kopec ‘11. “Playing with a guy partner is more fun, more competitive, and involves more strategy,” said Meyer compared to her experience on the women’s tennis team. In high school, Mrs. Adams experienced rejection from her tennis team because her size 12 ﬁgure was considered too big. However she encourages all students regardless of obstacles to join the league. Adams also claims that playing tennis is very informal because you can play in “uggs and jeans,” like Meyer. Adams also considered having everyone play lefthanded. Carter Oswood/Surveyor Currently, the mixed doubles tennis league has 22 members, but Adams is Seniors Michael Best and Regan Sieck prepare take on opponents in the mixed doubles tennis welcoming anyone interested in tennis or having fun to join. If you are interleague. Heather Adams, chemistry and psychology teacher, started the club this fall. ested in joining, talk to Adams in room 258.

10-27-2008

Back Page

H A L

L O W E Bradley Johnson, ‘10, and Lauren Johnson, ‘12, dressed together as Chicago Bears.

Caitlin Vint, ‘11 and her brother pose as Miney Mouse and the Green Power Ranger.

John Reasoner, ‘10, dressed as a mouse at Washapalooza.

Neel Ghosh, ‘11, and Jack Kohn, ‘10, are pictured here as a two-headed monster.

E N Meredith Van Woert, ‘09, dresses as a bunny rabbbit.

Joel Gasway, ‘10, poses as a clown.

s e m ts u

Lily Gasway, ‘12, was a bee for Halloween.

THE PTA WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE ALL ACADEMIC NUMERAL RECIPIENTS

Amina Ahaddad Patrick Anderl Carrena Bailey Sarah Barnes Gail Barnum Allison Barr Layloni Beard Ryan Beardsworth Brittany Berquist Alysia Berns Brandon Besong Natalee Birchansky Jordan Birkicht-Carr Morgan Bjornsen Rachel Bode Tonya Boots Jill Broghammer Jordan Brown Wesley Carlson Marissa Carson Diavonte Carter Rosalynn Carter

Katharine Christiansen Samuel Claassen Andrew Clair Matthieu Corbett Christophe Cummings Benjamin Davenport Jacob Davis Tia Dawson Josie Delgado Sarah-Elizabeth Deshaies Zachary Detweiler Brandon Dixon Madeline Doyle Stacia Drafahl Joseph Delvo Eken Amy Ennis Madeleine Ficken Ian Fischer Anna Fisher Anna Fritsche September Fuller Celia Garner-Prouty

Neeladri Ghosh Mo Green Morgan Hageman Isaac Halyard Charles Hammond Maria Hanson Ellen Hart Susanna Herder Rebecca Herron Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben Mitchell Huffman Alissa Ingles Nicole Johnson Rachel Jones Theodora Jones Alejandro Jordan Samuel Kacena Michelle Kelly Michele Kenney Allison Klasson Autumn Kohl Brian Kopec

Olivia Lagrange Bailey Lane Sara Larson Benjamin Matsuda Abra Matthews Shana Matthews Miles Maurice Max McGee Emily Meyer Jacob Meyer Megan Mullan Benjamin Nelson Natalie Neppl Newman Joshua Michael Olson Alissa Oney Abbey Overland Charles Parks Kaitie Parsons Alyssa Pearson Ellen Petersen Hannah Philgreen

Jordon Pilcher Coleman Rhatigan Christopher Ritter Daniel Roalson Madelyne Rosenberg Nicholas Ryan Lauren Sines Rachel Spencer Alex Stephens Molly Strand Brennen Tevis Elizabeth Townsend Jacob Vandervaart Rebekah Veldhuizen Quinn Vincent Bradley Weaverling Emily White Xiaoqing Zhou Tobiah Ziemer Brianna Zumhof