September 2009

Surveyor The Washington

2205 Forest Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 Volume 53, Number 1

September 29, 2009

High school is a time of discovery Shana Matthews Staff Writer

“[There are] so many experiences to be had and memories to be made,” said John Reasoner, ‘11.

In May 2010 another class of seniors will cross the stage With regards to classes, some students are tempted to take the and graduate from Washington High School. Each student hardest classes they can, while others prefer to take less rigorous who passes through Washington has a unique experience, and courses and focus on extracurricular activities. Many students during graduation most of them will be looking back on the believe balance is the key to success in school. amazing adventure that was high school.

“Just have fun. Don’t stretch yourself too thin doing homeFor most freshmen, Washington seems like a big place. work [because] this is where you meet some of your best friends,” There are so many choices that did not exist in middle school. said Vance Mueller, ’12. His favorite class from freshman year was Clubs, classes, sports and activities all have their place in high AP Human Geography with Mr. Jans. school life, but it can be hard to choose the right ones, let In general, upperclassmen advise students to make the most alone keep them in balance. out of high school. Taking advantage of all academic and extra“Stay focused on schoolwork,” said Tillie Loeffelholz, ’10. curricular opportunities can help students find their passions and

- Tillie Loeffelholz ‘10 achieve scholastic “Don’t be afraid to try new activities, and definitely take adsuccess. vantage of all the opportunities that Wash gives its students.”

“Be smart. Think about if you looked back in four years, Current Washington students recommend trying out all would you be proud of what you did?” said John Reasoner, ‘11. sorts of activities including Drama Club, Science Olympiads, Washington offers a variety of classes and extracurricular orgaMarching Band, Interact Service Club, and Math Team. These extracurricular activities nizations, so freshmen will have many opportunities to become involved in school. provide a great way to meet new people and discover new interests.

“Don’t be afraid to try new activities, and definitely take advantage of all the opportunities that Wash gives its students.”

Photos by Shayma Elsheikh

Freshmen are learning and adapting to the new high school environment.

Find out which teachers were star athletes in high school!

Q&A with varsity quarterback Shay Gutman Page 11-12

In this issue Senior columnist Dan Williams offers advice to freshmen Molly Brown comments on the impending death of the public option Page 4-5

Joey Mescher reviews four new albums from 2009 Summer blockbuster “Inglourious Basterds” reviewed

by Isaac Halyard Page 9-10

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9-29-2009

Washington D.C., United States: Sept. 9, 2009

President Barack Obama speaks in front of a jointsession of Congress concerning the debate over public health care. Some people share the concern that a public option will hurt the competitiveness of private medical care, decreasing the quality of public health. Although Obama welcomes legislative compromise, he states that health care reform would offer coverage to citizens who are currently unable to afford medical care.

News Just so you know Events written by Patrick Anderl

Hebron, Israel: Sept. 13, 2009

An Israeli F-16 fighter jet crashes during a routine training flight near the city of Hebron on the West Bank of Israel. The cause of the accident is unknown. The pilot is 21-year-old Assaf Ramon, son of Ilan Ramon, who many call the national hero of Israel. Ilan Ramon was Israel’s only astronaut and was on the Columbus space shuttle when it exploded.

Trevor Polk/Surveyor

Hyannis Port, MA: Aug. 25, 2009

After a year of fighting brain cancer, Ted Kennedy dies at the age of 77 at his home in Hyannis Port. Kennedy, a member of the United States Senate for 47 years, was a leading supporter of President Barack Obama and universal health care.

Kennedy is going to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia on Aug. 29.

Tehran, Iran: Sept. 12, 2009

Iran’s president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad meets with the United Kingdom envoy in Tehran about Iran’s right to develop “peaceful nuclear technology.” Ahmadinejad states that having nuclear weapons is their right and conditions will not be negotiated with anyone. He claims the technology is for civilian purposes only and that they are nearly prepared to discuss international cooperation.

News

9-29-2009

3

Warriors Gone Camping Alyssa Christian Staff Writer

programs. Campers have find many different parts of the Camp Wapsie “experience” appealing.

“The social aspect of it (Camp Wapsie) is enormous; you have connections all over Iowa,” said Quincy McGee, ’13. McGee was a second year camper this past summer.

“Camp really brings out the best in you,” said Jenny Vestle, ’12.

Vestle returned this past summer as a Leader-In-Training during her tenth year at Wapsie.

“One person hears about it and it just spreads. They bring their friends to camp and everyone wants to experience what they didlike camp fever,” said Vestle in explaining the popularity of the camp.

However, no response to the question of why Wapsie campers come back is quite as popular as, “Wapsie magic.”

“There’s a magic there: it’s something you know from the first time. It is almost a spiritual presence,” said Caitlin Thirnbeck, ’10.

The feeling and significance of this magic varies from person to person, but it can best be described as a feeling that Camp Wapsie holds a special place in the memories of everyone who has attended.

What is certain is that year after year Washington High School’s connection with YMCA Camp Wapsie grows stronger; many campers believe this “magic presence” grows deeper, and unquestionably the memories continue to accumulate.

Since 1918, hundreds of young people have trekked to Coggon, IA for a one-week summer camp experience offered by the YMCA. Some call it a magical place, some call it a second home, but it is known to everyone as Camp Wapsie.

YMCA Camp Wapsie is located on an expanse of 172 acres of forest along the backwaters off the Wapsipinicon River. Today young individuals ages 6-18 dedicate days, weeks, and even months of their summers to Camp Wapsie as campers, leaders and counselors-intraining, and counselors.

An average day at camp is spent bonding

“Camp really brings out the best in you.”

- Jenny Vestle, ‘12

with the camp members and participating in a wide variety of activities: archery, rock wall climbing, zip-lining, riflery, arts and crafts, swimming, canoeing, and much more.

A majority of the past campers of Camp Wapsie have returned at least once each year, and eventually enter the different leadership

Words of Warriors Charlie Parks Staff Writer

All phrases used in everyday conversation have an origin. Finding the meaning of a phrase or word can help people understand why or when certain phrases or words are used. Some phrases have apparent meanings, such as "jumping the gun." Other phrases, however, have more complex histories that may or may not leave easily found clues. These are often hidden in past cultures, lost in foreign languages, or derived from commonplace routines.

Take, for instance, the term "haymaker." British boxer David Haye claimed the title of cruiserweight champion in 2008, obliterating his opponents and claiming the ringname "Haymaker." His signature right-hook knockout blow to the face easily earned him the name, but why would a person that is known for delivering a solid punch be called a haymaker?

Originally, a farm-hand that showed skill and persistence was called a haymaker. His job was to make the siphoned-off grass ready to be made into hay. The haymakers’ repetitive motions soon became part of a folk jig, where people would imitate the gestures. Boxers began to take notice of the dance and its sudden yet fluid movements and utilize such swift, powerful motions. Boxing enthusiasts began to describe those that leave the ring with their opponents knocked out as "haymakers." The word has now become a term to describe any sort of knock out.

Athletes commonly have painful cramping in their legs, called a charley horse. The muscle spasm, usually in the thigh, can bring the best of athletes into a world of pain.

Why does it make any sense to call a muscle spasm a charley horse?

Many creative stories have been told about its origin, so there is no definite answer.

There are, however, two prominent explanations for the two halves of the phrase. One explanation comes from the early twentieth century when a night watchman was called a charlie. They would patrol the cobblestone streets until sunrise. Eventually, their legs would tire out from the hours of walking and cramp up.

A different story focues on the "horse" aspect of the phrase. During the same era, veterinary science was not widely known.

Trainers coined the phrase "horse ail" as a way to describe the pain that jockeys felt while riding. There is speculation that there was a jockey named Charley who was unfortunate enough to cramp up during the middle of a race.

Every phrase and word originates somewhere; tracing it through time and separating fact from fantasy gives enlightenment to the deeper meaning and use of a word or a phrase.

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Photo courtesy of Lauren Sines

Campers cheer and dance around a weekly rowdy camp fire at Camp Wapsie.

Wapsie Numbers Counselors-In-Training from Washington High School (Summer of 2009) 7 out of 24

5

8 6 9 2 7

5 6 8 8 4 3 7 5 9 2 5 4 2 1 2 5 9 8 1 3 3 1 4 1 8 4 7 9 8 5 2 6 6 1

3 8 2

2 1 9 7 6

7 5 1 8 3

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9-29-2009

Opinions

Freshmen: how to survive and thrive We’ve all heard of and seen the stereotypical hazing of freshmen in movies and TV shows, and freshmen, I’m here to tell you that every bit of it is true. Oh we do all the classics - locker shoving, swirlies, paddling etc, but we also throw in a few curveballs such as the “electric carpet” (pretty much what it sounds like ), tarring and feathering, feces throwing, and my personal favorite: the snake pit (where we keep a bunch of snakes in your closet and then release them when you’re asleep...they’re poisonous too). If you make it through the first trimester without any permanent disfigurement then you know SOMEONE hasn’t been Daniel Williams doing their job properly.

Psych. Don’t worry freshmen, hazing, as entertaining as it might be, isn’t a ritual here at Wash. We prefer more constructive forms of initiation, such as yelling really loudly at you during football games or tickling you [Andrew Watkins] in the hallway. But there are some things that, as a freshman, you should know that could help you survive the first year of the rest of your life.

First off: academics. I’m sure your middle school teachers told you sickening stories about the amount of homework you’ll have or dramatic tales of your teachers recycling all late work that comes to them. Most of your classes will have homework but trust me, it’s nothing you can’t get done in less than in hour. And as for the turning-in-late thing, I’ve had one, maybe two, teachers who have refused to accept late homework and they definitely weren’t freshmen teachers.

Now at this point I’m starting to worry that you’ll begin thinking that you can just blow off school and never do homework. Wrong. If there’s one year that screws people over while they’re walking across the stage at graduation, it’s freshman year. I’ve heard countless stories of people reminiscing about how they just messed around their freshman year only to fall .03 points short of that 4.0 they desperately need; or how they didn’t take AP Human Geography freshman year so now they have to take it senior year with a bunch of wee freshman (I’m guilty of this one).

The stories are limitless, the moral is the same: if you want to relax senior year and only take four classes, stick it out and don’t fail math because you will have to take it again and trust me, your free time as a senior is much more valuable than as a freshman.

Second, be respectful and don’t act like everyone cares about what you have to say, because they don’t. No matter how cool you were in middle school it doesn’t matter anymore, hearing you talk obnoxiously loud in the hallway while walking tortoise-paced up the stairs doesn’t help me get to class any faster and it certainly doesn’t make me eager to meet the rest of your peers. You don’t have to open doors for us or anything (although that would rule), just keep beneath the radar and let me enjoy my last year at Wash with-

Death of the public option Americans have been trying to reform national health care since Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency, but there are always those who close their mind to the idea of change. Most recently congress has been trying to make a public option available, and it would have passed if it weren’t for those meddling special interest groups and their political agendas.

The special interest groups use a tactic called astroturfing.

Astroturf: (verb) to create the illusion that the majority if Americans are opposed to the public option when polls the contrary.

Molly Brown show

Recently, both the members of the House and the Senate went to their respective districts during August recess to hold town hall meetings about the public option. Simultaneously, private firms such as United Health Care brought bus loads of out-of-state, similarily minded people to the town halls with one goal- to cause a scene.

It’s frustrating that there are people who have predetermined ideas, and that they don’t consider what Democrats are offering, much less President Obama. Most of their reasons for opposing ideas such as the public option are based on Obama’s support.

Even more depressing is when I’ve talked to fellow students who make generalizations without claims or have been misinformed.

The fact is that many of the people opposing the public option would actually benefit from it. The reason they oppose varies. It can be simply that they have been misinformed by media bias, or that they have listened to whatever their parents political ideas without taking time analyze them.

There are many myths flying around about the public option. One faulty idea is that the bill calls for a death panel to be implemented. Our own Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said the he wouldn’t “pull the plug on grandma”. Many also seem to think that the public option is forced upon Americans. I can’t think of any other response, except to tell them to look up the word ‘option’. You can keep your current coverage if you choose, but the public option would still benefit you, even if you didn’t use it. The public option would include a new tax credit, (Tax Credit: (noun) sum of money you can deduct from taxes, different and better than tax cut which deals with subtracting money from income) for individuals that make $43,000 and families of four who make $88,000. Furthermore, only those individuals who make over $350,000 would see a surcharge, 99.33% of Iowa’s first district would not be effected by this surcharge.

The biggest problem that is brought up up with this bill is debt. This would actually produce a surplus of $6 billion from the surcharge over a ten year period. Money that would’ve otherwise stuffed the puckets of drug and insurance companies. The sad truth is that the public option has seen it’s most recent death, and will not be included in the bill to reform health care.

out having to spend every day after school in Dr. Kahler’s classroom because I was late.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll have a great, haze-free experience at Wash. Remember, respect your elders. We’ve walked these halls for four years now; we’ve done things you could only dream of, give us a break and pipe down for a bit or we might have to actually bust out the ol’ electric carpet out from Kleman’s closet...and it’s not pretty.

Opinions

9-29-2009

5

When can we trust our politicians?

“Actions speak louder than words,” a cliche, but a good one. Applied to politicians, what could be said? Most politicians, if not all, are always saying that we are addicted to foreign oil, and that the world needs an environmentally friendly and more efficient energy. Yet we continue buying oil from countries that hate us and would love to witness our demise.

Politicians are notorious for promises that aren’t kept, but still get votes for what they say. Presidents especially with recent promises such as ease on unions for organizing.

Nick Heins The “Employee Free choice act” (allows employees to form a union without interference from management), promise for instance was never kept. Those who say they promote labor unions and ask worker’s for money for their elections rarely follow through with pushing labor issues.

Education is a major concern for some, specifically parents. Most look for supporters of education and listen for the promises on the matter. Looking at those whom we elected, the ones who speak for their stance on education don’t completely follow through. Some have even cut funding for schools because because of low

performance on the kid’s part. However, what is the logic of taking away money so that school’s do better? In such a case where is the fulfillment of their obligation?

Politicians are, according to their words, reverently pro middle class. More and more we see jobs shipped to other countries, dimming the American dream for working families.

Also, where are the actions taken for those who promised fewer taxes? Even some politicians who openly oppose health care reform don’t offer their own ideas.

So, now that we have looked at words not kept and actions neglected, doesn’t this prove that we American’s should hold politicians to their obligations? Isn’t it time we’ve wised up and stopped looking for those who say that they have the answers? Shouldn’t we look for those who are willing to take action rather than to rely on us to fall for their words? Perhaps the answer is the simplest, let’s stop being lazy so that we may fulfill our obligation by bounding leaders to their words.

A well known being who lived around two thousand years ago, (fellow Christians probably know who I’m talking about), once spoke, “Make your yes mean yes, and your no mean no,” or to clarify, “Do what you say your going to do.” We the people must first make this issue distinct and act according to what is right and what is wise. We cannot let politician’s promises float away come election time. We have to flex the arm of action when we are heard, because that is the true obligation. Simply put, words are meaningless if we choose them to be.

“We cannot let politician’s promises float away come election time...”

Plight of a true colorblind victim Many of us are born with odd peculiarities. For some, these unusual characteristics define us as a person. For others, they are a burden carried with extreme distaste. In the years since my birth, I have carried with me a feeding parasite: a disease so deadly, yet so commonly encountered in humanity. A disease so unmerciful and relentless that even my parents deny knowing me. A disease that knows no fear, that knows no boundaries. A disease that fights to the end...my name is Jack Shey and I am in stage four of red-green colorblind echinococcosis. This is my story.

When I first started making simple observations at the ripe age of 4, I knew I was special. Whenever I went shopping Jack Shey with my mom I was left outside because “colorblinds”, as they called us, were not allowed to go in. Whenever I played dress up with the neighborhood kids, they always gave me the pink power ranger costume telling me it was the red one. I spent many nights contemplating the origin of my unique color-detecting deficiency. Not once did I suspect what was finally diagnosed.

Years went by quickly, mostly due to the fact that I cannot see the seasonal colors associated with fall, winter, spring, and summer. Things really took a turn for the worse when I began middle school. At this point I could no longer take art class because it was too difficult to comprehend the fact that there were more colors than gray, brown, and magenta-burgandy.

For most lunches, I sat by myself eating away at hamburgers until I felt a sharp pain in my wrist,

a sign that once again I had mistaken the color of my hand for the color of the hamburger.

Even my favorite class, P.E., offered no comfort for my condition. I was always picked last in gym class because no one wanted the colorblind kid when we were playing tag. I always pulled off my own team’s flags because they looked like the same color as my opponents.

Every day in high school is a struggle. I wake up depressed each morning, knowing that I have to try and match my clothes. Sometimes my mom helps me, sometimes she doesn’t; it depends on how she feels. I dread the end of school because I know I have to find my car out of the mess of gray blobs that sit in the parking lot. Sometimes, my peers try and cheer me up. Shay Gutman always tells me that the grass is greener on the other side. Despite his efforts, however, it doesn’t work. I do not even know what the color green looks like. Life is a game of guess and check. I guess which color the stoplight is when I drive through an intersection; I take a guess at which wire to cut when dissembling a bomb; and I’ve even had to start guessing what color my dad is. (Afro-Bolivian??)

Yet, as bad as it may seem, I am always hopeful. I work hard at everything I do because I believe that maybe someday I will be able to see colors again. Despite my setbacks, I still realize the importance of what stage four accute colorblind-spinal-meningitis-syndrome has done for me. Although I can no longer participate in football “blue-outs” or choose between the red and blue pill offered in the Matrix, I know that my condition is just one of many more serious endeavors that humans face every day. I don’t mean to complain out of pure self-pity, I just like sharing my story because it symbolizes the challenges we all have to face. Just remember next time you see a colorblind person trying to play croquet. Think about what it’d be like to be in their shoes. Maybe, for them, it’ll make the grass just a little bit grayer on the other side.

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 Journalism 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.

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9-29-2009

Focus

Where Wash Shirt Wash shirts were sighted across the United States this summer as many students ventured outside Iowa borders.

From Delaware to California and from Minnesota to Louisiana, Wash students visited nearly all of the 50 states.

For seven weeks and four days this summer, Filipe Camarotti and Jeremy Corbett, both ‘10, ventured through Camarotti’s homeland, Brazil.

They visited the cities of Recife, Olinda, and Canuaru. While Camarotti roamed the familiar streets of Brazil, Corbett immersed himself in the culture while avoiding pickpockets.

“English is very limited there.” Said Corbett, “Filipe and his mom did most of the communicating for me.”

Portuguese is the native language of Brazil. Even though Corbett is fluent in French and English, he was forced to resort to using hand gestures as his only form of communication.

Unlike the U.S., the population in Brazil is booming. Brazil’s landmass is greater than the continental United States. “Olinda has 3 million people alone,” said Camarotti. “The biggest difference is the amount of traffic and people you see; it’s crowded.”

Despite the rainy season and the sun setting at 5:30 p.m., Camarotti and Corbett spent many hours on the beaches everyday. “We made clay castles and had wars,” said Corbett.

The two friends also attended concerts, laid in hammocks and ate barrels of fresh fruit everyday. “I played more soccer than I actually saw,” said Camarotti, “we played in the streets, the farm...everywhere.”

“My favorite part is seeing family that I don’t get to see during the year,” said Camarotti.

China- written by Lauren Kelley France- written by Anna Fisher Mediterranean cruise- written by Lauren Kelley Brazil- written by Shayma Elsheik and Keile Wahle

“My travels to Morocco were unforge table. I absolutely love the culture, the people, the food and everything about th country. My home stay family there is an amazing group of people that supported me now for two years and I feel as if they are family of my own. My extensive study of the Arabic language with the amazing teachers I had in Morocco have benefited me greatly and improved my knowledge of the culture and language.”

-Max McGee ‘10

A bike ride tour through Paris and climbing t tower were two memorable moments from this y French Trip. Four Wash students went on the tri Hart ‘11, BJ Bloomhall ‘10, Jessica Wohlers ‘10, Alyse Burnside ‘10.

During their two and a half weeks in France, dents visited Paris, Annecy, Lyon, Bourgoin, Gre and Versailles. “My favorite part of the trip was A because it was so pretty and fun,” Burnside said.

Besides a tour through popular cities in Franc students stayed with a French family for a week. thought the home stay was one of the most excit parts of her trip. “I loved the host family. My Fre skills definitely improved while I was there. You speak French in order to communicate and you totally immersed in the language”, said Hart.

Hart also enjoyed the art museums, food, and ping. “I would go back in a heartbeat!”

Focus

9.29.2009

7

ts have Been...

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“If you’ve ever seen ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Everything about it was beautiful!” said Kennon Meyer, ‘10, of one of four family vacation destinations, Santorini, Greece. Meyer and her brother, Jacob Meyer, ‘11, spent the beginning of their summer on a fourteen-day cruise through the Mediterranean Sea. “We visited Italy, France, Turkey, and Greece,” explains Meyer, ’10. “We were in a different city everyday.” With no rain and temperatures in the mid to high 70’s, the Meyers describe their vacation as the ideal getaway.

One of their favorite destinations was a restaurant in Turkey . The Meyers could choose from a large selection of new foods and enjoy the entertainment of Turkish dancers. “Everywhere from Greece to Turkey had such different cultures. There were different foods, languages, clothing; it was always new and changing,” says Meyer, ’10. “It definitely made an impact. I would love to go again!”

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Despite enduring mid-July humidity, typhoons, and a fourteen-hour flight, Washington teacher Heather Adams said she enjoyed her stay in Shanghai, China over the summer. She traveled to visit her sister, who formerly lived in Shanghai. Adams found that traveling alone was a fun experience.

“It was actually really fun! My sister didn’t take those days off work, so I would leave the apartment in the morning and wander the city all day,” said Adams.

During her ten-day vacation, Adams said she found almost too much to do.

“It was overwhelming. Just walking down the street was overwhelming--the food cooking, people playing games on the sidewalk, and the huge number of people. There were mopeds, bikes, and buses zooming all around and people selling things. This was at seven a.m..” said Adams.

She also noticed several differences in culture such as family interaction and employment. Adams also noted how everyone had a job; even the most mindless tasks were occupations.

“The best part of China is that one can get anything they want to eat at any time!”

Adams said she could find someone selling food around nearly every corner she turned. The only difficulty she encountered was the communication.

“No one speaks English. I got lost one day and had to find my way home from the other side of town on the subway, none of which was in English. Thank goodness for pictures!”

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9-29-2009

New faces inhabit Washington Natalie Neppl Staff Writer

This year, another group of exchange students walks the halls of Washington for the first time. Surveyor’s Natalie Neppl spoke with some of these students to learn more about their background, their participation in the exchange program, and their experiences in America thus far.

Name: Milica Urosevic Age: 16 Grade: 10 Home Country: Serbia Host Family: David Hahn and Lisa Carrara Q: What are your favorite things about America?

A: The opportunity to have choice, and the freedom.

Q: Why did you decide to be part of the exchange pro-

gram?

A: To find myself and clarify my goals.

Name: Auwal Hafeez Ahmed Age: 17 Grade: 10 Home Country: Nigeria Host Student: Michael Heeley Q: Why did you decide to be part of the exchange program?

A: Because it was a challenge, but I knew I could succeed.

Q: What is the biggest difference between Washington and your school in Nigeria?

A: Computerized technology everywhere here.

Name: Tomas Pinto Age: 16 Grade: 10 Home Country: Chile Host Family: Paul and Cathy Phelan Q: What sports do you play back home in Chile?

A: Soccer, basketball, handball, and rugby. Handball is my favorite and unusual for this country.

Q: What is most different about Chile and America?

A: Cultures, cars, architecture, food, a lot is different.

Name: David Yepez Age: 17 Grade: 11 Home Country: Mexico Host Student: Robert Henry Q: What has been the best part of the exchange program?

A: Having the experience of a different culture than my own.

Q: Do you like Washington?

A: Yes! The kids are fun to be with.

Profiles Warriors juegan con los chicos Lily Gasway Staff Writer In August, Spanish teacher Nancy Stiles, gathered wellness, eating patterns, and positive life choices. They some of her students to volunteer for a picnic in Jones provide resources and support in direct funding for food Park. These students assistance, school enspent time with Spanish rollment, and women speaking children, while and children’s needs. the children’s mothers Now, they are expandlearned about healthy ing to the Spanish lifestyles through the speaking population.

“Building Bridges” Interacting with program run by Healthy the children also gave Linn Care Network. the volunteers an opSeveral Wash portunity to improve students participated, their Spanish speaking including Keile Wahle, skills.

Maddy Becker, Kenzy “It was very fun to Lewis, and Anne Brenplay with the children neman, all ‘10, and and see their little Jordin Pilcher and Anna faces light up when Fisher, both ‘11. Wash you spoke Spanish graduates Aunna Mcto them. It was even Dowell and Nick Fisher more exciting to know also volunteered. they understood you,” “I thought it was a Lewis said. great experience to pracThus, the families tice Spanish, along with weren’t the only ones help out mothers who to benefit from this Photo courtesy of Nancy Stiles really benefited from the day; the students also education,” Lewis said. Kenzy Lewis, ‘10, enjoys spending time with a Spanish-speak- took something away While students from the experience. ing child as a part of the “Building Bridges” program run by Healthy Linn Care Network. played with the kids, “It was a great their parents listened to opportunity for presentations by Healthy Linn Care Network, an agency interaction with native speakers while helping this grateful that works with various groups in Linn County to improve community,” said Stiles.

Her first year; her final year at Wash Natalee Birchansky Staff Writer Kitty McGurk, ’13, has entered high school eager to experience whatever comes her way.

As an freshman, Kitty hopes to make the most of her four years at Wash by participating in many activities and creating strong friendships.

Aside from the social aspect of high school, McGurk also looks forward to some scientific ventures.

“I’m excited for all the dissections we get to do in biology. I’m really interested in anything medical, and I would eventually love to be some type of physical therapist or doctor. I really enjoy working with people in general.”

Although her senior year is still three years away, McGurk anticipates her final year at Washington.

“I think the best thing about being a senior will be the top dog role that comes with seniority. When you’re a senior, you feel comfortable with all the people you’ve been with for four years.”

Photo by Jessica Wohlers

Kitty McGurk, ‘13, and Hannah Wheeler, ‘10, embrace each other and offer their perspectives on life and high school to Surveyor.

Hannah Wheeler, ’10, describes her life in three words: hectic, exciting, and nostalgic. As a senior with three years of high school under her belt, Wheeler has acquired an immense amount of knowledge that will guide her throughout her entire life.

She’s worried about finding a good college match and leaving best friends behind, but awaits the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Two trips to France in the past two years have given Wheeler a taste of the future.

“I look forward to being on my own, truly making my own decisions, and being in a completely different environment. Spending time in France definitely made me much more aware of what independent life will be like, and what kind of opportunities are out there.”

Looking back at her beginning high school years, Wheeler realizes that she has learned some important life lessons over the past four years.

“Freshman year, you’re friends with a bunch of people, but as the years go on, you find out who your true best friends are. I learned that striving to be considered popular or part of that popular group is a waste of time, and that you should do things for you, to better yourself.”

Wheeler plans to use the values and wisdom she has gained in high school to succeed in college and beyond.

A&E

9-29-2009

Inglourious Basterds

S U D O K U

Isaac Halyard

Staff Writer

For years, Quentin Tarantino’s trademark style of directing has been exhibited on silver screens around the world. His well-known technique and atypical approach to film direction, is that of intensely theatrical and suberbly well-written dramatic effort. Each film is supplemented by “sick to your stomach” violence and dry, witty humor. Tarantino has created an art form by writing a number of extremely different, non-linear strory lines, all of which culminate at the climax of his films. His greatest hits, “Pulp Fiction” and “Kill Bill (Volumes 1 and 2)” were prime examples of his creative direction, and have quickly become loved by the masses. His lastest film, “Inglorious Basterds”, has followed suit.

The primary story of “Inglorious Basterds” follows a company of American soldiers during World War II, comprised of Jewish men wishing to seek revenge in Nazi Germany. Superstar actor, Brad Pitt, plays Lieutenant Aldo Rayne, the commanding officer of “the Basterds”. With a familiar since of pride similar to that of the classic, “Dirt Dozen”, the company enters Nazi Germany dressed as civilians with one goal in mind: to kill as many Nazi as possible, while spreading fear throughout the entire third Reich. Pitt (who is dubbed “Aldo the Apache” by the Nazis) honors his Native American heritage by ordering each of his men to scalp at least 100 Nazis. This sadistic style of comedy that is typical of Tarantino is in no short supply in “Inglorious Basterds”.

Admist the violence, a surplus of unexpected twists and turns are created, showcasing Tarantino’s ability to create and oh-so-convoluted plot line. As “the Basterds” march their parade in death about Europe, a number of additional stories and characters are introduced. Melanie Laurent plays Shosanna Dreyfus, Jewish woman and escapee of the deadly Herman SS. She leaves the Grench countryside to open a cinema in Paris. Fate falls into her hands as the leader of the German film industry plans to premiere his latest film showcasing the heroism of a German sniper, in Laurent’s theater. Dreyfus plans to avenge her murdered family by burning the theater to the ground, killing dozens of sfficers and supporters of the Nazi war effort, including despicable Fuhrer Hitler himself.

As chance (or Tarantino) would have it, the combined intelligence of the British and American forces become aware of this premiere and its exclusive guest list. Accordingly, “the Basterds” were assigned the task of blowing up the theater while the brains of the Nazi regime were trapped inside. The premiere night of the well-anticipated Nazi propaganda film turned into a taucous occosian of misfortune, violece, and death.

The climatic finale of “Inglorious Basterds” does a terrific job of leaving the audience questioning their morality. The grotesque massacre of one of the most historically evil groups in the world supplies misxed feelings. Is it right or is it wrong? There is an urge to cheer for “the Basterds” in their brutal methods of destruction that is counteracted by a tinge of sorrow felt for the undeserving Nazis. The finale creates a terrific blend of emotions to conclude a terrific film.

“Admist the violence, a surplus of unexpected twists and turns are created, showcasing Tarantino’s ability to create and oh-so-convoluted plot line.”

9

See page 3 for answers

comingsoon.net

Check out these four unforgettable new albums Selected and Reviewed by Joey Mescher The Appleseed Cast

Jay-Z

Sagarmatha

With the release of their seventh studio album on February 17, 2009, The Appleseed cast brings a sot, mellow, and new sound to their fans with “Sagarmatha”. The “Cast” is an instrumentalbased, indie rock band with similar sound to Explosions in the Sky, Ghosts & Vodka, and Sunny Day Real Estate.

Sagarmatha is relaxing and perfect for listening when doing homework. They developed as an intense, heavy-emo band, but recently have changed to more contemporary, commercial music. The album features more of an emphasis on background sound effects than previous albums. The inventive guitar riffs and smooth sound make this a great buy.

The Blueprint 3

mtv.com

September 8, 2009, two years after his earlier release of the soundtrack, “American Gangster”, Jay-Z returns with “The Blueprint 3” and a great balance of new and classic sounds. “The Blueprint 3” keeps up the horns and that bass-heavy sound that made Jay-Z famous, but also great samples of piano tunes.

The album features a great list of cameos from artists like Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Rihanna and Young Jeezy. Jay-Z does a lot of “hating” on “The Blueprint 3” with songs like “Hate w/ Kanye West” and “Death of an Autotune (D.O.A.)”, discussing the fall of hip hop by referring to the software that T-Pain uses to make his voice sound robotic and making fun of rappers who make melodies out of raps.

This is not necessarily Jay-Z’s best album, but it definitely has some great tracks on it.

Third Eye Blind

Regina Spektor

annashelffield.com

Ursa Major

Far

Regina Spektor came out with her fifth studio album this summer ion June 23, 2009. It offers a similar sound to her previous albums, as well as artists like Adele, Feist and Rilo Kiley. The album starts out with a happy, peppy song called “The Calculation”, which is a great song to drive to. After that, Far takes a turn to “Eet”, a song with a more appropriate mood for a rainy day. From there, most of the album has a gloomy feel to it. The lyrics are sad and she uses minor chord progressions that have a calming and depressing feel to them. Still, she keeps up some of her fun lyrics and music with tracks like “Folding Chair”, “Dance Anthem of the 80’s” and “Wallet.”

Third Eye Blind is back with their fourth album, Ursa Major. Ursa Major was released August 18, 2009, after a six year hiatus from a full-length album release from the band. Unlike many popular band from the 90’s, Third Eye Blind did not change their music or sellout like Matchbox Twenty did with their album Exile. Ursa Major brings back songs that sound like “Jumper”, in fact, two songs have the lyrics “I wish…” in them. However, the album does include some new innovative guitar riffs.

Mainly, Ursa Major sticks to basic rock chord progressions and sounds like the “old days” of Third Eye Blind. themuseinmusic.com

idolator.com

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A&E

9-29-2009

Secret’s out: PostSecret tour moves audiences In the past four years since its creation, the Postsecret blog has become an international phenomenon. Every Sunday, the website is updated with a new collection of artfully decorated postcards, revealing the deepest secrets of anonymous contributers throughout the world. Recently, the organization’s creator, Frank Warren, has taken his cause to the next level with a nationwide Postsecret tour. Surveyor staff writer, Mackenzie Hepker, who was able to catch Warren during his stop at the University of Iowa, shares her experience.

Mackenzie Hepker

Staff Writer

Like many Washington students, I often spend my Sunday mornings scrolling through the latest batch of secrets posted on PostSecret.com. Not only is it interesting to visit the site and read the motley postcards that express the senders’ deepest secrets, it is also a way to connect with anonymous strangers on a bizarre, intimate level. So when I was invited via Facebook to a “PostSecret Event”--a lecture by Frank Warren about the PS project, including banned postcards, personal anecdotes, and secret-sharing--I was thrilled at the opportunity to experience this in real-time.

The event was scheduled for the first day of school, 7:30 PM, at the University of Iowa. When I arrived with a few friends about an hour early, the Lecture Hall was already packed with college students, some high school students, and scant adults. Once the doors to the auditorium finally opened and everyone sat themselves, it was almost another hour before the alarmingly tall Frank, founder of PostSecret and arguably “the most trusted stranger in America,” appeared, walking across the stage to thunderous applause.

Frank opened up with a few jokes, citing the various objects he receives in his mailbox, such as a bag of coffee he once received with his home address written on it.

“The secret was on the other side of the bag,” he recalled, “and it read, ‘Where I work, for whatever reason, they don’t keep inventory, so please enjoy sixteen ounces of our finest dark roast.’” After sharing a few more of his favorite secrets, Frank proceeded to show a slide of certain postcards that had been banned from being in the PostSecret books.

Some were too offensive, too racy, or too real to be published; one postcard confessing to murder, another forbiddingly admitting the existence of a secret religious sect. Many others were funny, inspiring, and emotional; some made me want to cry, or brought a solemn hush over the audience. All the while, Frank described how the postcards made him feel and think, and how they had affected both him and others who had seen them.

Warren Sprouse: debate coach, psychedelic rock enthusiast Katharine Goodwin

Staff Writer

Teachers are not often known to jam to indie rock concerts or dare to face their fears through horror films. While these may not seem like favorites of a typical educator, they are all loved by our very own Warren Sprouse.

Sprouse has been teaching here at Wash for 13 years. He currently teaches AP comparative government and is the head coach of the debate team which, having won the state championship the last six consecutive years, is extremely successful.

“He is a pretty cool dude, he’s almost like a bottomless pit of wit,” said Liesel Kohn ‘12, a Wash debater, “I doubt he has any free time at the moment, but Sprouse probably spends his time petting cats, eating and doing debater-type things.”

Sprouse may seem like the average teacher, but there is another side to him. “I generally like dark movies with sorta freaky, interesting characters,” Sprouse said. His Favorite movie is China Town made in 1974.

In high school, Sprouse, apart from being an active member of the debate team and in the art club, was a big fan of the 1960’s American rock band The Velvet Underground. “I listened to The Velvet Underground almost exclusively,” Sprouse said. As a teacher, Sprouse is still into rock music; his favorite band is The Pink Mountaintops, an indie rock band with a psychedelic sound. His favorite album of theirs is Outside Love. He reports that the best concert he has been to was a Chicago show last summer featuring a band called The Spiritualized. “It was super loud, their songs are mostly about heroin,” Sprouse explained.

Though a schedule teeming with teaching and debate duties does not allow for much leisure, Sprouse makes an effort not to neglect his hobbies. “This time of year, I have no free time because of debate, but I enjoy reading, gardening, listening to records and eating,” Sprouse said. “Right now, I’m reading a book about the Iranian revolution called The Ayatollah Begs to Differ.”

Sprouse may seem like just another teacher, but in reality he is an indie music aficionado, an self-proclaimed book worm and a devoted debate coach.

Sprouse and his varsity debate squad take a quick breather from a dynamic practice after school.

Photo by Jessica Wohlers

After finishing his lecture, Frank announced the moment we had all been waiting for, and opened the floor for people to step up to the microphone and either ask him a question or share a secret of their own. One girl went up to the mic and said, “I have tried to kill myself five times. Since the fifth time, every day has been the happiest day of my life.” At this, Frank almost burst into tears. The whole room applauded her confession for almost a full minute.

“You are such a brave girl,” Frank remarked, wiping his eyes. “And you have no idea how many in this room needed to hear that. You’re a hero tonight.” I agreed. I knew that girl had just saved somebody.

“Sometimes, when I’m really intoxicated, I pee in the bed.”, “I can’t remember saying goodnight to my mom the night before she died.” As the secrets went on, I watched Frank’s face crumple, reform, twist from an understanding gaze into an appreciative smile, and I wondered how a man so empathetic could handle the burden of so much guilt, trauma, and pain without breaking down.

“If you’re really open to [secrets], at the core, there’s this kernel, this bit of wisdom that I think we can learn from,” he says. “I like the idea that sometimes we think we’re keeping a secret, but really the secret’s keeping us. And when that secret is shared with the world, it becomes something sort of miraculous.” That night, everyone took something home with them, whether it was hope, enlightenment, something to think about, or a signed book. I think that’s how Frank handles it: by giving back to the people who inspire him.

Photo courtesy of milikin.edu

Sports I say cheer, you say leaders Alexis Guess Staff writer Any Warrior fan who has spent time in the student section this football season has probably noticed some changes in the atmosphere. Under new leadership from coaches Shelli Brady and Kasey Weinschenk, the cheerleading team has led Washington fans to many victories.

This year, the goal is to maintain strict and uniform cheerleading, but also to incorporate more rowdiness and fun. Coach Brady and Coach Weinschenk have added at least 20 new cheers while still including old favorites such as “Victory.”

So far, the cheerleaders have enjoyed the changes. “[Coach] Shelli is fun, but we still work hard,” said Marissa Reed, ‘10, one of the cheer captains. “She has taught us cheerleading can be fun again.”

Although the team practices one less day per week than last year, many cheerleaders feel like they are still improving.

“The practices this year consist of more stunts and are, in general, more productive,” said Mariah Garner, ‘10. Garner is also a cheer captain.

Despite many girls choosing to participate in sports rather than cheerleading, Coach Brady still strives to be a positive role model for the girls and show them that their sport is a fun one, too. She would like cheerleading to become more important to high school students, as it was when she was a teenager.

As for the cheerleaders, their goal is to get the crowd more positively involved in the cheers and for the team to enter cheer competitions. Their first possible competition is in November.

Coach Brady, Coach Weinschenk, and the team hope that all of their hard work and practice will pay off this season, enabling them to bring life to the stadium and cheer the Warriors to victory.

9-29-2009

11

New Warriors making impact on fields, courses Abby Varn Staff writer

Photo by Lauren Johnson

Cheerleader Josie Delgado, ‘11, works the crowd at a recent football game at Kingston Stadium.

Every new school year brings different classes, teachers, and a horde of fresh faces. Typically, freshmen make up the “unknowns”, but this year a group of transfer athletes have stormed the halls, and they’re making an impact.

Around fifteen athletes from varying states and schools have found their place on Washington’s fields, courts, and streets.

Adjustments can be difficult in a new place, but these athletes seem to have found their niche.

“I just like the people, the teachers, and other stuff here. It’s just a more fun place,” said Justin Cole, ‘11.

Cole transferred from Kennedy High School this year. He transferred because many of his friends attend Washington and he was intrigued by the atmosphere. He now plays football for the Warriors, alternating between corner, linebacker, and slot receiver. When asked how it feels to play against his old teammates, he didn’t seem rattled.

“It’s fun to play against them because it’s like a rivalry for me, I guess,” said Cole.

The football field isn’t the only place feeling fresh feet. Ali Al-Yassery, ‘12, has put many miles in around Washington and has run his way into a leading position for the men’s freshmen and sophomore cross country team. Al-Yassery relocated from Jefferson High School. With only three meets under his belt, he has made a name for himself as a key runner for Washington.

Al-Yassery kicked off the season with a second place finish at Prairie, followed by a first place win at the Pella Invitational, and another second place finish at Noelridge. Despite this success, he is unable to compete on the varsity level due to his transfer.

“Ali has assimilated quickly and has been a great addition to the team,” said teammate Collin Barker, ‘10.

Cole and Al-Yassery are just two among many new athletes Washington is proud to have wearing the red and blue this fall.

12

Sports

9-29-2009

Wash teachers reminisce on high school glory days

Warrior athletes take on breast cancer

Joe Eken Staff writer For many Wash students, the faculty members seem like just another set of authority figures that dish out homework, detentions, and keep them prisoner until the precious weekend arrives. However, surprising as it may seem, there was a time when these teachers were young and they too went through the glory days of their high school and college athletic careers.

J.P. Graham, a teacher in the science department, is known for being an avid outdoorsman, but he definitely has a passion for sports. At Lanphier High School in Springfield, Illinois, Graham participated in soccer, wrestling and baseball. He played four years of varsity soccer, and led the team from an 0-18 cellar dweller his freshman year to a soccer power that went 12-6 when he was a senior. He scored 8 goals and had 12 assists that year playing stopper (a defensive position) with his brother.

Apart from soccer, Graham was a force to be reckoned with in wrestling as well. One of his favorite memories was making it to state wrestling in his last year of high school.

“Qualifying for the state tournament in front of 15,000 people. That’s pretty cool,” he said. He went on to play college soccer and still coaches it, along with wrestling here at Washington High School.

Joel Decker played a little different kind of futbol in high school, American football that is. Along with football, Decker did four years of track and played basketball his freshman and sophomore year. Decker was a part of the track team at Dubuque Hempstead that won the city championship, a big accomplishment considering Dubuque Senior was a track superpower at the time.

His real passion, though, was football. Decker started at quarterback his senior year for the Mustangs, taking over a team that went to the state playoffs the year prior.

Interestingly, he ended up leading Hempstead to a victory over Wash, setting what was then a record for most first downs against our Warriors.

“Looking back on it, that was pretty fun,” he said.

Decker studied at Coe College where he played football for two years and coached the freshman football team

Jill Broghammer Staff writer

Graphic by Trevor Polk

until this year. He is currently an assistant coach for Washington’s varsity basketball team.

One teacher who donned a Warrior uniform when she played in high school was science teacher Nikki Rowland.

Rowland was a member of the volleyball, basketball, track and softball teams and went on to participate in both volleyball and track at Coe College. She was the regional player of the year her sophomore year in college and set five hitting records at Coe. Rowland also set the school record at Coe for the indoor shot put.

Even after this illustrious career, Rowland continues to play volleyball for an adult club team that took fourth place at nationals last year. Not surprisingly, she is a coach for women’s track and the freshman women’s basketball teams here at Washington.

These three teachers are among many at Washington who were prominent athletes at one time or another. They are merely an example of the talent that lurks behind every door in these halls.

Warrior Spotlight: Shay Gutman 1. What do you do right before a big game?

I eat, talk to Evan Davis and Albert Carr, and listen to music.

2. What is your favorite practice drill?

My favorite drill is the Oklahoma Drill.

3. How long have you been playing football?

I’ve been playing for five years.

4. What other sports do you play?

I play soccer and basketball and plan on starting track this year.

5. What’s the best thing about playing football for Washington?

Singing the fight song after we win.

6. What has been your biggest sports accomplishment?

I have made All-Conference in three sports.

7. What is your favorite sports movie?

“Remember the Titans.”

8. What is your favorite professional football team?

The New York Giants.

9. Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Lebron James.

10. What is your favorite pump-up song?

“The Sky is the Limit” by Lil Wayne.

11. Who has been your all-time favorite coach?

I like all the coaches I have had.

Shay Gutman ‘10 Football 12. What was your hardest practice ever?

The first week of soccer is always hard.

12. What do you like to eat before a competition?

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich or whatever is provided to us before the game.

13. How do you wind down after a game?

I go to Starlight, hang out with my girlfriend Brooke, and go to bed.

14. What hopes do you have for this season?

I hope we win the state championship.

15. What has been the most memorable football game you’ve played in for Washington?

Playing in the state semi-finals last year.

Over 40,000 women will die this year from breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. This fall, many sports teams at Washington are joining together to raise money for breast cancer research.

The football, volleyball, swimming, and cross country teams have all designated a game or meet where they will raise money and spread awareness of breast cancer. Student Senate is also doing their part by selling pink t-shirts and donating the profit to research.

Shay Gutman, football quarterback and captain, came up with the idea to fundraise after his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Gutman and his teammates brainstormed ways to support the cause and decided to wear pink jerseys to the October 9 football game against Jefferson.

Football coach Tony Lombardi is pleased to see his players taking action to support a good cause.

“We all need to step up to help fund cancer research,” said Lombardi. “Bringing awareness to high school kids and high school kids bringing awareness to the community is such an inspiration.”

On October 6, two Warrior teams will be supporting breast cancer research. The women’s swimming team will wear pink swim caps in their meet and the volleyball team plans to wear pink uniforms in their game. Both teams are competing against Linn Mar. “We are really excited for the game and are hoping for a great crowd to support the team,” said volleyball player Erika Connor, ‘10.

Two days later, on October 8, Washington’s men and women’s cross country teams plan to raise awareness during their meet. The men will wear pink singlets during their race, and the women will wear pink ribbons in their hair.

“We are all pumped up for this meet and are hoping for some great races to raise money for breast cancer research at the same time,” said cross country runner Mary Kate Schmitt, ‘10.

Baseball team breaks stateless streak Ian Fischer Staff writer Long hours and hot sun make summer baseball practice no walk in the park. Nevertheless, with all of their practice, the Warriors got to play in Principal Park in Des Moines.

Several members of the Washington baseball team agreed that, in their eyes, the team practiced too much this summer. At the same time, they admit that all of the hard work was the main contributer to their progression to the state tournament.

“It felt like we were there practicing all the time,” said Zach Zingula, ‘11. “But it did prepare us for the games. We never got tired during games so we were able to go all out the whole game.”

It had been a nine-year drought since the last Warrior team found themselves in the dugout at the state baseball tournament. The team hopes to never wait that long again.

“It was really fun and we worked really hard to get there,” said Mike Troendle, ‘11.

“Now that we’ve finally made it, I want to go again that much more.”

Although the season had many high points, perhaps the most memorable moment came when Mitch Dostal, who graduated last spring, slid into home plate during the game against Xavier. This scored the winning run and sent the Warrior team to state, paying off for all of those long, scorching summer hours of practice.

“I thought the coaches did a good job. They knew we could do it,” said Josh Ogelsby, ‘11.

“The seniors had been close so many times. It felt like a brick lifted off our shoulders when we beat Xavier.”

Despite graduating all-star seniors Chad Christensen and Derek Giesking last spring,

Photo courtesy of www.crwash.org

Warrior pitcher Dakota Freese, ‘11, winds up during Washington’s game against Xavier this summer. there are still familiar faces around Washington who made getting to state possible. The current team is positive about the future.

“We have lost a lot of good players,” said Zingula. “But if we keep up the hard work and believe in ourselves, you never know where we can end up.”