2205 Forest Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 SurveyorWHS@gmail.com Volume 54, Number 8
Surveyor April 25, 2011
The George Washington
Students and staff remember Meyer Lauren Sines Editor-in-Chief
From his student...
The Washington High School community was shocked by the death of beloved tennis coach and special education teacher, David Meyer. His sudden death occurred on Saturday, April 2, 2011 of unknown causes. Meyer was in his only seventh year as a teacher at Wash, but his impact on the staff and students he worked with reflected that of decades. His sense of humor helped him relate to those around him, and he was passionate about his job. “He loved kids. He worked so hard to make things better for them by getting them to reach their potential,” said Kathy Ulrich, special education teacher. Meyer was a sort of renaissance man. In college he studied to become a music teacher and he taught band for a while. He later co-owned a store with his wife before returning to teaching. At the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Johnson Country Meyer taught reading, math and GED courses to inmates. This experience influenced his decision to go back to school to get his master’s degree and special education endorsement. “His various experiences in the private sector brought a unique perspective for students,” Ulrich explained. These experiences as well as his connections with local business provided his students with information and opportunities for post-high school planning. This was just another way that Meyer went out of his way to help his students and other teachers. Meyer was also a respected tennis player and coach. He personally competed on nationally ranked adult tennis teams. As Wash’s head tennis coach he coached multiple state champions. Last year his top doubles pair consisting of Charlie Hammond, ’11 and Mitch Blades, ’13 placed second in the state meet. His students and athletes, as well as his co-workers say they miss his upbeat personality and his deication. “He was always making people laugh,” said Bill Pinckney, special education teacher.
Coming in to my freshman year I had Mr. Meyer for directed studies where I would do my work and if I needed help I would ask him. I rarely asked him for help, but eventually I began to. I would see Mr. Meyer everyday and as things became more comfortable and he began to show his true colors with his jokes that weren’t always funny. I would go along with him and laugh, he would find at least one joke to tell me everyday so I was basically prepared to laugh,. He would usually ask me how my sports were going. As a freshman I would tell him “terrible” and he would tell me that they would get better. Mr. Meyer helped me a lot with school and he helped me become a better student in the classroom. He attempted to give me a few pointers on sports along the way. Thinking back to habing him as a teacher, I find myself missing his crazy jokes and his absurd laugh. Dave Meyer will truly be missed by all friends, students, and family. Adam Sailor ’11
From his athlete ... We called him Diamond Dave. This name was partly inspired by Diamond Dave’s restaurant we passed coming home from meets in Cedar Falls, but more importantly from the person Dave was. His short and stocky stature, along with his thick walrus-like mustache may not draw any diamond analogies, but those who ever had a conversation with Dave Meyer know exactly what I’m talking about. Those who knew him, knew him to be a kind, gentle and easy-going man, pure as a diamond. He had a great sense of humor that was only enhanced by his childish giggle. Coach Meyer cared for each member of his team, he loved us. He wanted to see us succeed more than we did. Some of my fondest memories in high school are from times I spent on the road with Dave and the tennis team. From running over car tires, watching his reaction to playing the most profane songs, to blasting music in the van as if it were a party-bus on the way home. Every moment I spent with Dave was a moment well spent and I’m going to miss his company. It has become almost a cliche at this point, but this season is dedicated to Dave. Lets win state. Cole Rhatigan, ’11 Varsity
David Meyer
Inside this Issue N e w s
O p i n i o n s
page 33
page 6
F o c u s
pages 8-9
P r o f i l e s
A & E
S p o r t s
page 7
page 12
page 15
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4-25-2011
News
Ian Fischer
SurveyorWHS.news@gmail.com
Charity: Water providing for those in need
Michael Andersland Staff Writer
Around the world, one in every eight people does not have access to clean water. What’s more, 4,500 children die every day due to lack of clean water. But Washington students have made a difference with their latest fundraiser. Student Senate members are working with an organization known as Charity: Water. The organization was founded by Scott Harrison after a trip to West Africa in 2004 where he saw firsthand the suffering that some of the people in less developed countries must go through on a daily basis. Their mission is simply to provide clean water to as many people as possible. To raise money, Student Senate organized the Run for Water, a 5k race that took place on Sat. April 23, at 8:00 a.m. The sign up cost was $20 per person. In addition to the race they sold school shirts for $10. “$10 for a shirt doesn’t seem like it would help, but it goes a long way,” said Laura Vestle, ’12, one of the three students in charge of the fundraiser along with Erin Emery and Nicole Baty, both ’12. This money is going towards the construction of wells for communities in Africa. Many of the people in these communities have had to live their entire lives without access to clean water. “My favorite part of setting this up is spreading awareness of the water deprivation faced by African communities. It show how much people take clean water for granted,” said Emery. The money that remains after the wells are complete will be put towards maintaining the wells in the future and educating the inhabitants of these African communities on hygiene. Each well costs $2,500, and Student Senate’s goal is to raise enough money for two. “[OrgaPhoto by Lauren Johnson nizing the fundraiser] is a lot of work but it’s really worth it, knowing how many people we’re (From left to right) Erin Emery, ’12, Laura Vestle, ’12 and Nicole Baty, ’12. helping by doing so little,” said Baty.
Medical Mall coming to Cedar Rapids Downtown Cedar Rapids will be acquiring a medical district coined “Medquarter” to become a regional health care hub. After the flood, various groups such as The City of Cedar Rapids Planning Process and Vision Cedar Rapids identified the need for an all-encompassing medical services quarter located downtown to bring new investment. A key to the success of the district is a plan from the Physicians Clinic of Iowa (PCI) to build a Medical Mall on 10th Street and Second Avenue. A Medical Mall is exactly what you’re thinking; many different medical amenities all in one area, without the Panda Express in the food court. The idea is popular because it offers diverse specialities from various doctors in one destination that is easy for the patient. Medquarter is proposed to be built around the Medical Mall by PCI, which constitutes the center of the medical district. For PCI’s plan to pull through, Second Avenue traffic needed to be re-routed. The re-routing proposition was passed six to three by the Cedar Rapids City Council. The entire medical district will stretch from St. Luke’s Hospital to Mt. Mercy and cover a total area of 50 square blocks. Graphic by Stacia Drafahl The city of Cedar Rapids has agreed to give PCI $13.24 million for a parking ramp and street improvements, funding coming out of your own pockets due to new property taxes.
Ian Fischer News Editor
Gas station mania From a fight to an opening, the gas stations around Cedar Rapids have been making news. Although employees of the Road Ranger, located on First Avenue in Cedar Rapids, are not yet allowed to disclose any information about the large fight that recently occurred, web sites such as http://cedarrapids.org and KCRG provide many facts about this disturbance. On March 21, at approximately 2:04 a.m., three security guards and 14 police cars were attempting to control a crowd of over 200 people. Reports state that another fight occurred the same night as the one at Road Ranger, which may be related. This is not the first time violence Quick look : has occurred at this 5 arrests at Road Ranger local gas station. Four years ago a 3 for disorderly conduct man was murdered 1 for possession of marijuana in the same parking Photo by Lauren Johnson lot. No deaths were 1 for assault reported in the latest Price sign at the Road Ranger gas stafight, but several people were injured in the altercation. One victim was sent to tion on 1st Avenue. the hospital for a stab wound. Five arrests were also made in conjunction with the fight. Some Road Ranger customers at Washington are not being kept away by the recent violence. “I get gas at Road Ranger all the time and honestly this won’t affect where I get gas,” said Isaiah Newman, ’12. However, this Road Ranger will close from 1:30 – 3 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday morning. Security guards will also be on duty the entire time. Casey’s General Store, located on Mount Vernon Road, has also had an Photo by Lauren Johnson eventful year. Casey’s closed earlier this The new Casey’s gas station on Mt. Veryear for a major remodeling project. non. According to employee Jessie Cooksley, 4 years of service, the reason for this was because of a growing customer base.
Madeline Berg Staff Writer
Ian Fischer
SurveyorWHS.news@gmail.com
News
4-25-2011
The world in review
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Grant Kamin Staff Writer
Religion in France
China having problems
Nuclear Recovery Plan
A recently passed law in France now prohibits the wearing of the Niqab (the Muslim veil) in all public places. Just as the United States separates church from state, France’s extremely secular policy takes it one step further and separates church from everything in the public realm. Although there is a lot of controversy surrounding the ban, 70 percent of the population supports it, meaning it is very unlikely to see any kind of removal of the law.
Rapid inflation in China, which in March caused a 5.4 percent spike in the consumer price index, has forced banks to set aside 20.5 percent of their cash. This is the fourth time this year an increase has happened, which allows less money to be loaned out, stifling their booming economy. Their efforts to restrict the expanding economy, which grew by 9.7 percent so far this year, and hold back the banking system will continue, according to the governor of China’s Central Bank.
The major nuclear crisis in Japan resulted from the earthquake and tsunami is now predicted to take six to nine months to bring the nuclear situation to a safe stage. The two step plan for recovery includes the reduction of radioactive material, which should take three months. The second step, ensuring the radioactive material is under full control, should take another three to six months. The Japanese plan is to be reviewed by American experts, and the U.S. government will continue to help Japan.
BP bandits Sensitive e-mails between employees of BP, revealed by the Freedom of Information Act, shows their attempt to control the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative as it studies the impact of the Deepwater Horizon spill. Although there have been no signs of how successful BP was in directing the research, it gives weight to the widespread fear that they hold too much control over research done on the oil spill. In the long term, this e-mail will cause much more oversight into all research going into the gulf spill aftermath.
Help! They’re coming! There are many things that accompany springtime for a Washington student such as shorts, warm weather, and dwindling concentration. Another is the Advanced Placement examinations. The College Board holds these exams every year in the beginning of May over the course of two weeks. For many juniors and seniors, this isn’t their first time around. However, many freshmen and sophomores will experience firsthand the exams that have helped build Washington’s reputation. This year, Wash had 453 test takers sign up for a total of 953 exams. These numbers have increased from 2010, where 430 students signed up to take 940 exams. The numbers for 2011 have set new records for both tests being taken and the number of students taking these tests. As much as Washington prides itself on its achievements in the Advanced Placement realm, it often leaves mixed emotions amongst students. While the exams give many students an opportunity to earn college credit, boost Graphic by Stacia Drafahl the content of their resumes, or get them out
Sara Larson Copy Editor
of a graded cumulative final, it often leaves them overwhelmed from all of the studying and material that must be covered. “I hate the pressure of them. I think that some of them are a big deal while others not so much. It depends on the test,” said Zach Gothard, ’13. The majority of the tests are administered at the Kirkwood Training and Outreach Services (KTOS) building, located past Lindale Mall on First Avenue. However, there are tests, such as Microeconomics that are given here at Washington. “I mostly just like the chairs we get to sit in,” said Molly Strand, ’11, who has taken AP exams before. Students will find that although KTOS can be distracting with chilly temperatures and humming light fixtures, the chairs provide plenty of entertainment once the exam has been completed. Although there is no way to secure Photo by Lauren Johnson yourself a five on the test, most teachers As AP Exam season comes around, will advise students to get a good night some students find themselves sleep, and eat a good breakfast the morning of. swamped with study materials.
Graphic by Brian Kopec
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News
4-25-2011
Ian Fischer
SurveyorWHS.news@gmail.com
Washington’s wing of community service
Nick Hansen Staff Writer
The members of Washington’s Interact group have been very busy helping others in the community, as well as those around the world. Interact is a group of Washington students that volunteer their time and raise funds for
numerous causes. One of the group’s recent service projects helped to raise money for the victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. They raised over $250 selling baked goods for one dollar a piece. The money will be given specifically to the Japanese disaster victims through the American Red Cross. Ellen Hart, ’11, Previous Interact projects is the president of Interact and Anna Noreuil, ’12, is vice Helped with: president. They • Sunday Evening Meals Program help to oversee the roughly 40 member • Salvation Army Coat Drive group, the events • Quad Recycling Project and the meetings • Cards for Soldiers they hold. Photo by Danielle Gallet • Bowl for Kid’s sake “Lots of people (From left to right) Olivia VanAntwerp, ’12, Jill Broghammer, ’11, Liz Townsend, ’11, Ellen are willing to vol• Salvation Army Bell Ringing Hart, ’11, Allison Klasson, ’11, Isaac Halyard, ’11, Danielle Gallet, ’12, Alyssa Christian, ’12 and unteer, when they Brianna Zumhof, ’11. have the opportunities,” said Liz Townsend, ’11, the senior service chair. In the past year Interact members have provided meals for the homeless through a program called Sunday Evening Meals Program (SEMP), and helped to provide coats and other cold weather clothing for those in need, just to name two. “I believe we’ve gotten more projects done this year thean last [year,] even though we haven’t had as many people,” said Jenny Vestle, ’12, the junior service chair. The group meets every other Wednesday during both lunches. At these meetings there are speakers from upcoming service projects. Members also plan, discuss and sign up for future projects. Although the year is coming to a close, Interact still has opportunities for people to help out. Senior Service Day, sponsored by Interact, will be held in early May.
187 days of school!? The story of 1,080 hours If an amendment to House File 26 is passed, there will be seven more days added to the school year as Grant Kamin well as an end to early leave for graduated seniors. The Staff Writer bill would come into effect on July 1, 2011. Next year, the class of 2012 and those following could have to follow the new amendment. The amendment states that “a school district shall require a graduating senior to meet the same requirements for attendance during the school calendar as those required of any other class of students enrolled at the secondary level in the school district.” Put into simpler words, seniors no longer get to leave the normal ten days early, and will have to make up snow days. Erin “Once seniors have their diplomas, there isn’t go- ing to be any learning happening anyways. It’s just a waste of time,” said Erin Emery, ’12. Another large change is that instead of measuring school in 180 days, it will now be measured in 1,080 instructional hours. Instructional hours are defined as
not counting lunch, passing time, early dismissals, non-educational assemblies, weather related early-outs and late starts. Which equates to 1,080 hours of solid non-stop learning. With an average school day consisting of 5.7 instructional hours, that means we are looking forward to an increase from 180 school days to 187 school days. Which leaves some wondering why. “Just because we have more days, doesn’t mean we are to learn more,” said Eric Emery, ’12 going Loeffelholz, ’14.
“Once seniors have their diplomas, there isn’t going to be any learning happening anyways. It’s just a waste of time.”
Graphic by Stacia Drafahl
Nuclear meltdown
On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake ravaged Japan. Shortly afterward a huge tsunami rushed inland from the eastern coastline, causing waves ranging up to 30 ft. in size. Thousands of people were killed in the earthquake, drowned by the tsunami or swept out to sea as the wave retreated, but for many Japanese citizens, the worst was yet to come. Japan’s Fukishima Daiichi Nuclear Center was damaged in the earthquake, but at that point it was still functioning. There were many backup generators at the plant, and even if those went offline there were still batteries to power the crucial cooling systems, but once the tsunami hit, even those were wiped out. At this point, the cooling systems failed and the nuclear crisis began. “The main issue in a nuclear crisis like this is the spent fuel rods,” said Ian Kleman, a physics teacher here at Washington. “They are stored in the same place as the power producing unit and the hot fuel. If anything happens, and the fuel overheats, you have a major containment problem with not only the current fuel, but also the spent rods.” These spent rods are dangerous because of their radioactive properties. If left unconfined, they leak dangerous amounts of radiation that can be deadly if people are nearby. Kleman believed that a crisis such as this one is an extremely unlikely occurrence, and he feels we are safe here in Cedar Rapids despite our close proximity to the nuclear plant in Palo. “Nuclear power plants are extremely safe, with multiple backup power sources to regulate cooling and control. A nuclear accident in Palo is extremely low on my list of concerns. It really does take a disaster such as a magnitude nine earthquake to cause a crisis like this.” Washington’s Japanese Club is doing their part to aid the survivors of these disasters. The students in the club have been folding paper cranes, and selling them at school. “There is a long standing history of cranes in Japan, they are a symbol of longevity and good fortune,” said Wash’s Japanese teacher Julie Cain. “It is said that if you fold a thousand cranes you are granted one wish… we hope to make and sell a thousand cranes, and send the profits to Japan.”
Michael Andersland Staff Writer
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Patrick Anderl
Opinions
Staff Editorial
SurveyorWHS.opinions@gmail.com
ITED’s change seasons
Yet another seven months of high school have been completed and suddenly there’s talk of an end of another year. Standard April activities are in full swing: Graduation invitations are being distributed, caps and gowns have arrived and review for AP tests has begun. And yet something is different. The week of April 4 arrives like a belated birthday card stuffed with cash from a distant relative. It seems like we had all but forgotten that ITEDs had been transposed from fall to spring trimester. The switch was not only convenient, but preferable as well. Fall trimester is always the most hectic time of year. For underclassmen, it’s a time of adjustment and for upperclassmen, the fall months are characterized by college visits and the dreadful process of filling out college applications. On top of all that, there’s the
ROSES -Return of Dr. McMann -Hazelnut coffee -Nice weather -Charity: Water -Spring sports -Literal roses -Blood drive -Closer to football season -Closer to college -Kaiser Herz -Camelbacks -Last trimester -Frisbee -Jamnesty -Easter- Jesus rises again! -Graham -Isaiah’s house -Friday -Earth Day -Graduation parties -May flowers -Sports being cancelled -Connor Jackson -Camron Harrison -Muffins -Smell of spring
4-25-2011
THORNS
added social pressure of attending football games and homecoming festivities, as well as the first annual back-to-school appearance of Nightstorm to get your mack on. In the middle of this whirlwind of activity and sensory stimulation, it’s hard to sit down and take a standardized test. In the spring, however, when everything is beginning to slow down (with the exception of AP test preparation), it’s nice to get a break from the monotony of class. For seniors who have senioritis gripping them by their throats, this is especially true. To anyone not a senior: your time will come, my friend, and it will be so, so sweet. We must also take into account Dr. Plagman’s arguments for moving the ITEDs from fall to spring. He affirms the idea that delaying the tests gives students more time to
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prepare. This logically makes complete sense. Freshmen are no longer just reflecting the knowledge they have retained from middle school and the rest of the student body isn’t fresh off the academic doldrums of summer. Theoretically, a good solid seven months of schooling should improve scores and it’s perfectly reasonable for us to hope for numbers that we can be proud of as a school. It remains to be seen whether or not spring ITEDs will raise scores, but the change seems to be for the better. Although ITEDs will never truly be enjoyable (unless you’re a senior,) the spring relieves the stress and the pressure. And Dr. Plagman will always keep the t-shirts rolling.
12 out of 12 Editors agree with this editorial.
Into the fire
In Florida on March 20, Pastor Terry Jones and other pastors -Closer to 2012 :( in the area held a Quran burning outside of a Parish to convey their opinions on the evil of Islam’s holy book. The actual burn-Senioritis ing of the Quran was decided after Jones and other pastors held -Calc final for seniors a mock trial in order to decide the book’s fate. If the book were to be found guilty during the trial, the Quran would either face -Linn-Mar burning, a (one man) firing squad, drowning or shredding. When -Prom drama Nick Heins the mock trial attendants found the book guilty, they decided to burn it. Columnist -Cold weather at inconvePresident of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, announced the pastor’s nient times actions to his people. After a Friday prayer session in the Afghan city of Kabul, a protest occurred as a peaceful demonstration showing distaste for the -AP exams pastor’s actions, but later this protest turned violent. Part of the angry crowd rushed the -No heat in building Afghan police, taking their AK-47s and turning them on four security guards outside of a local United Nation’s building. When the gunmen entered, they murdered three UN of-Gas prices ficials. Though Jones takes credit for working against a religion he believes to be dangerous -Literal thorns and evil, he feels in no way responsible for the violence that he has stirred in several cities in Afghanistan. In fact, Jones believes that the Islamic people used this as a reason to commit -Parking lots violent acts. -CPR classes “We (the Quran burners) do not feel responsible,” Pastor Jones said during an interview with ABC News. “We feel more that the Muslims and the radical element of Islam used -Shanley leaving that as an excuse.” Looking at this statement from a logical standpoint, one could see that -Only one more paper this was said by someone detached from compassion. The most disturbing part, I believe, is that the man who spoke those words holds the title of pastor. However, when I heard -April showers that statement I immediately recalled the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew (43-44). -Hard boiled eggs “You have heard that it was said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemy and pray for those that persecute you.” -Bear attacks If we are to believe that in fact Islam is our enemy, as Jones states, then shouldn’t he as -Grey skies a ‘man in Christ’ understand the very words that his teacher has spoken? Christ did not tell us to curse and provoke those in whom we differ in faith, nor did he tell us to burn the -WINDDDD holy book of other faiths. No, Jesus did not tell us to do any of those things. He told us something even more radical than that; he told us to love them even if they persecute us. -Waking up highlight this point, as Christ was dying on the cross he asked his Father to forgive those -Mike and Mike in the morn- To who had done this to him. Looking at the message Jones and his fellow congregation send to the world, it seems ing contrary and removed from what God asks of us. The truth is if Pastor Jones held but a -Senioritis mustard seed of faith for Christ, he would know that Jesus doesn’t need any help beating his name into people’s hearts, nor does he need us to strike down those who curse his name. -Still doing school work Faith in Christ does not teach us to bash other faiths. Faith in Christ is to have an individ-Poisons with no remedies ual and personal relationship with Jesus. If we forget these teachings and act as Jones, then we might all (like the Quran that he burned) be destined to go into the fire.
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Opinions
4-25-2011
Patrick Anderl
SurveyorWHS.opinions@gmail.com
The tattoo king
Recently, I’ve had the privilege to admire new nicknames others have given me. A few of the more clever ones include “Lucky Charms,” “Cloverfield,” and the favorite among the adults in my life, “Idiot.” Inspiration for such names is drawn from the figure now permanently fixed on my left calf. For Cole Rhatigan those that haven’t seen or heard, I came home from Spring break in Columnist the Bahamas with a shamrock tattooed on my leg. This earned a mixed reaction. Amongst these mixed reactions, I detected a central theme. Many comments focused on the fact that I chose to get a tattoo in a foreign country. Mattie McDowell, ’11, exclaimed, “I think that’s so cool you got a tattoo in the Bahamas!” DR’s reaction was slightly more negative. Bewildered by the level of stupidity he now saw me in, he asked, “You really trusted someone from a foreign country to do that to you?” I could do nothing but smile back and shrug. It all began on the shuttle ride from the airport to our resort when our driver, Frank, was extremely knowledgeable. He spoke of the Bahamas history, current progression, the best restaurants, the best entertainment; it was apparent he truly knew his homeland. I chose to take advantage of this. When the opportunity presented itself I asked, “Are there any good tattoo parlors?” Without taking a second to think Frank responded, “Yeah mon, the Tattoo King. Anna Nicole got a tattoo there.” Sharing needles with a Playboy model is safe, right? Still, the
power of celebrity won me over. Convincing my mom proved itself to be little trouble. Whether the easy-goingness of the Bahamian people had rubbed off on her, or the effects of a few Bahama Mama’s had taken control of her judgement, or maybe she’s a little cooler than I’d ever given her credit for, she had no objections. On the third day of the trip, the majority of our group, including myself, traveled into mainland Nassau. This is where the Tattoo King was. I split off from most of the group immediately. Alex Intlekofer, Justin Cole, and Alex Zalesky, all ’11, chose to join me on my ink quest. My mom and Bill Neppl escorted us there to ensure we weren’t walking to our death beds. The Tattoo King stood on a street corner, in the upper half of a building complex. While the building was far less glamorous than its title, it looked no more sketchy than the tattoo parlors around Cedar Rapids. I reached the front desk and no one was there. Anxiously, I looked around the desk into the shop and I was spotted. “Yeah mon, come on bock!” I turned the corner and was struck by a mural of biblical figures stretching across the entire back wall. A familiar buzzing, like an electric razor, worked in harmony with the radio that was blasting music from the seventies. Two other men, already heavily tattooed, were getting worked on. I thought only one thing, “This place is legit.” The manager, Ben, approached us. “What do we have here, a virgin?” Everyone in the parlor looked up wide-eyed and smiling. “Don’t worry, Mom. We take good care of him here.” He sent me with a worker to go down the street to an internet
cafe to obtain a picture of what I wanted. My mom frantically followed us, looking as if she thought I may be taken behind the corner to get shot. I found my tattoo, the price came out to be sixty dollars, and my mom left a little more calm than she came in. Before the artist started his work on my leg, I nodded toward the mural and asked, “Did you help paint that?” Without looking up from his needle he answered, “Yeah mon, I help wit dat.” I knew I was in good hands. Without ever flinching, and before I knew it, my tattoo was finished. My artist yelled out, “Wooo, he’s not a virgin no more! He needs a tat-tat dance.” Seconds later, a very large Bahamian women shuffled over and stopped a few inches from my face. She then turned and displayed exactly what a tat-tat dance was. I doubt Eminem has ever seen an “Ass Like That.” I left the Bahamas a different man than I had come. I walked the Bahamian airport proudly, knowing those who noticed my tattoo would assume I had gotten it there. Furthermore, they would assume I had one hell of a spring break. The shamrock is a family luck charm and each leaf has its own meaning: respect, wealth, love, and health. However, it holds much more meaning to me. For me it will always hold the memories I created with my friends. People will ask, “Hey, when’d you get that?” And I’ll answer, “Spring break ’11, bro. It was crazy!” Also, it symbolizes the trust I had for my Bahamian brothers. They did an excellent job, I never doubted them. As I sat in the airplane, waiting to leave spring break behind and return to the dullness of real life, I knew one thing was certain. I was wearing shorts on Monday.
Playing the game of high school
I’ve played a game for the last four years at Washington High School, learning the strategies and short cuts for getting around the board without landing on “luxury tax” or “going to jail.” I’ve avoided getting trapped in the molasses swamp (for all you Candyland players), and beat ninety-one percent of Brian Kopec my class to the finish. The game is Managing Editor getting through Wash as efficiently as possible and into college. It started off freshman year, getting that lovely GPA boost from the “oh-so-difficult” class of AP Human Geography. My year of that class involved me leaving my Rubenstein book behind the cabinet in Jans’ room, never reading beyond the second key issue of the book, then just bull $#!++1ng the h311 out of the essays. Freshman year came to pass and next came sophomore year. I was brutally bombarded with the absurd difficulty of AP Chemistry as a sophomore, which became very well bal-
anced out with the ridiculous easiness of AP World History. AP World class was the class to take if you’re playing the game of school to win and have fun (not AP Euro.) I found out how enjoyable AP Composition with Language Arts teacher, Adam Witte was, yet I also found out that he was the teacher to get if you wanted a good grade and also have a ton of fun. I birthed the first series of the legendary AP World assignments my sophomore year and distributed them to classmates in exchange for copying their other class work. I established a bartering system with students that set me up well for the next year when it came to skimping my way out of homework and making bank off soon to be AP World students. Next came the critical year of junior year at Washington high school. I could have taken the pain of taking AP US History with Erick Thompson or thoroughly enjoy my time in an another class. I was always told, “Brian you are dumb for not taking AP US with Thompson, and you will never get college credit.” Well, as I hoped, I made it into a school where they wouldn’t accept the AP score if I got a six on it
anyway. My avoidance of homework during junior year was complete by taking US Humanities with the right teachers. I packed my junior year with four GPA-boosting AP’s (Wash’s specialty.) This was done with full knowledge that I could achieve high grades in AP classes without much extra effort, an option not many have. Senior year came around and I capped it off with all AP classes (with the exception of Surveyor.) On a college resume, my schedule looks like the most difficult thing in the world. Rather, I wake up at about 9:00 every morning, roll into AP Econ at about 9:20 then call it quits at either 12:11 or 1:45, depending if I feel like going to AP Literature or not. I’ve played my four years right and taken the right classes with the right teachers to maximize my grade point. If you are taking AP classes avidly, all that colleges are going to do is see “AP…” on your transcript and smile. A concerned colleague once told me that colleges look at what teachers you take classes with. This is a load of crap. It simply comes down to: do you have the lack of dignity necessary when it comes to school to make it easy on yourself without letting colleges know? I do.
The Surveyor Editorial Policy
The 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 well-balanced as possible. All activities and news will be covered to the best of the staff’s ability. The Surveyor accepts the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics as the basis for good journalism. 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. The 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.
Lauren Sines Editor-in-chief
Brian Kopec
Managing Editor
Emily Wicke
Ian Fischer
Business Manager
News editor
Joe Eken
Isaac Halyard
Patrick Anderl
Sangamithra Sathian
Alyssa Christian
Ellen Hart
Sara Larson
Shana Matthews
Sports editor
Profiles editor
Writers
Michael Andersland Madeline Berg Joe Berry Jill Broghammer Catheryn Cooper Lily Gasway Shanay Gonder
A&E editor
Photo editor
Katharine Goodwin Spencer Harvieux Nick Heins Francesca HildalgoWohlleben Grant Kamin MJ Kamin Chloe Kohl
Opinions editor
Copy editor
John Kopec Kitty McGurk Natalie Neppl Cole Rhatigan
Photographers
Megan Anderson Natalee Birchansky Lauren Johnson
Focus editor
Copy editor
Amy Parker
Graphics
Stacia Drafahl
Web Master Anna Fisher
Adviser
Kyle Phillips
Profiles
Alyssa Christian
SurveyorWHS.profiles@gmail.com
4-25-2011
Mother-daughter duo take on school
7
Francesca Hidalgo-Wohlleben Staff Writer
For most, it is a somewhat frightening thought to imagine what it “Sometimes she brings me candies or sweets too, which is always would be like to have Mom work at school. She’d be able to check up awesome,” adds Madalyn. on grades whenever she liked, talk to teachers frequently and practicalAs it can be expected, even with the perks, being around each ly know every little detail that went on in the building. However, the other all the time can be a little difficult. experience could also turn out to be a positive one. For Madalyn “Sometimes I wish my mom wasn’t hanging over my Adams, ’14, and Washington teacher Heather Adams, this wonder shoulder so much,” said Madalyn. has become a happy reality. Heather responded, “I really do try to stay out of Heather Adams has been teaching at Wash for 15 years, but her hair though, unless she has missing assignthis past ments… then I get in her hair.” year she As one of both Heather’s students and was joined Madalyn’s friend, Sarah Beth Coleman, by her ’13, sees both sides of the relationship. daughter, “Sometimes the biggest difficulty Madalyn, for the two would just be getting along who is because they have very similar and currently a yet conflicting styles of procedure -Madalyn Adams, ’14 freshman. and thinking.” “It’s way Nonetheless, when it too much comes down to it, you time together,” Heather laughed, “No but really, it’s a good time. can see that the two are I always knew she’d be here eventually, I just feel really old now a happy mother and that she is.” daughter pair. Though Madalyn isn’t in any of her mother’s classes, Heather Madalyn added, is her coach for both Science Olympiad and Academic Decath“We’ve been learnlon. When it comes to these activities, Madalyn said she feels ing to understand “like any other teammate.” each other better the Heather agreed, saying, “I really try hard not past couple of years. to treat her any differently from other kids.” Honestly, she drives So what’s the biggest difference between their me up the wall somehome and school relationship? times, but in the end “Well, we have to cool it down a little bit, but I wouldn’t have her Photo Illustration by Lauren Johnson any other way.” it’s pretty much the same,” said Heather. “It’s Madalyn and Heather Adams have continued to learn from each other as they now not only really convenient too. If she ever needs lunch share a house, but a school. money, she can always find me.”
“...She drives me up the wall sometimes, but in the end I wouldn’t have her any other way.”
Peter’s eyes mesmerize Katharine Goodwin Staff Writer With curly hair to rival that of Dominic Valenti, ’12, Peter Brooks, ’14, is a basketball sweetheart looking for a girl to complement his good sense of humor and laid-back personality. He plays basketball for Washington’s freshman team and the Iowa Mavericks in the AAU league. “He has really luscious curls,” said McKenna Angellotti, ’14, a classmate of Brooks’. Brooks, above all else, is looking for “a girl who is fun to be around, outgoing and kind to all people.” Any girl would be lucky to steal this point guard “because he’s polite, considerate and has a magnetic personality,” said his grandmother Susie Brooks.
Photo Illustrations by Natalee Birchanskey
Who’s your celebrity crush? “Katy Perry. I like her music and she is pretty good looking.” What’s your dating style? “I kind of play the field.” What is your best quality? “I have blue eyes, girls seem to like that.”
Favorite Color: Orange Favorite Food: Ribs Favorite Season: Spring Favorite Sports Team: Chicago Bulls Favorite Music Type: Alternative Rock Favorite Movie: Toy Story 3
Nine to eight Hannah Jonasson Staff Writer
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favorite cartoon character
favorite band / singer
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As students, we have witnessed and changed history. We have the ability to say “I was there the day America elected our first African American president” or “Pluto was still a planet when I was a kid.” Members of Washington High School dig up memories and reflect on their past.
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most memorable moment in history
first vacation
blast to the past : survey Wash students voted on their childhood firsts and favorites.
4-25-2011
favorite television show
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Sangamithra Sathian Surveyorwhs.focus@gmail.com
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based on an assortment of 116 freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors
Since its discovery, Pluto was considered a planet, just like all the other planets in the Solar System. In 2005, Mike Brown, astronomer at California Institute of Technology, from Caltech shocked the world with the discovery of a new object named 2003 UB313 which was actually larger than Pluto. In a move that generated a lot of controversy, and has forced textbooks to be rewritten, Pluto was officially dubbed a dwarf planet. The definition of a “real” planet states: a full-fledged planet is an object that orbits the sun and is large enough to have become round due to the force of its own gravity. In addition, a planet has to dominate the neighborhood around its orbit. Pluto, now a dwarf planet, cannot achieve these standards. There are now only eight major planets in the solar system. Mercury, Venus, Earth,
Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Pluto is not alone though, there are a total of 44 other dwarf planets existing in our solar system, and astronomers are always finding more, according to Brown. People responded to this change in many different ways. A University of Chicago spokesman Richard H. Miller says, "Some people may be upset, but we've long regarded it [Pluto] as a minor planet," For some people, Pluto will always be on a “real” planet. Others will enter into their solar system studies only hearing about the dwarf planet... Pluto. Pluto, the planet named after the Roman god Pluto, is still a dwarf planet, whether you still think of it as the ninth planet in our solar system or by it's new M.O.
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1874 Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States of America is born in West Branch, Iowa. 1930 Grant Wood paints the infamous “American Gothic” that is now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. 1956-1957 Franklin and McKinley students vote on Wash colors and select the “Warrior” as the mascot.
1957-1958 The “Warrior Fight Song” and our “Alma Mater” are written by Richard DuBois, Washington’s first choral director. 1981 Dr. Ralph Plagman becomes the principal of Washington High School.
Hannah\Jonasson\\\\\\\ Staff\Writer\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ The invention was merely a solution to a problem three friends had shared in 2005. Today, it is one of the most visited web sites in the world. YouTube was created by Steven Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim with meager beginnings, in a garage in Menlo Park, CA. Google Inc, the great enterprise, saw a lot of potential and quickly propelled the popularity of the videosharing web site. Google bought YouTube from Chen, Hurley, and Karim for 1.65 billion dollars. All three founders still serve an important role in YouTube’s management till date; they are Chief Executive officers, and Chiefs of Technology at the YouTube office. The web site was inspired by a frustrating experience Karim had after the scandalous halftime show at the 2009 Superbowl. He claims that he was looking for the clips from the Superbowl halftime show and couldn't find footage anywhere on the internet. In another situation, Chen and Hurley found that they were unable to send a video through e-mail because of the size of the file.
1998 Ashton Kutcher, a former Washington High School student, debuts in “That 70s Show.”
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1998-1999 Iowa gets a new slogan. Iowans choose “Field of Opportunities” through newspaper and internet voting.
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-More video content is uploaded to YouTube in a 60 day period than three major U.S television networks created in 60 years. -People got the site confused with Utube, causing Utube to sue YouTube for infringement of their name copyright. -The first ever video posted on YouTube. com was a vlog by creator Jawed Karim: “Me at the Zoo.” Since then it has had 4,282,497 hits. (pictured below)
-YouTube has installed a secret game of snake into every video. By pausing the video and pressing the up and left arrow at the same time you can enjoy a mind boggling game of chase the snake. Facts used from http://mashable. com/2011/02/19/youtube-facts/
2001 Elijah Wood, a Cedar Rapids native stars in the first installment of the “Lord of the Rings” series.
1993 The Flood of 93 affected every part of Iowa and was part of the “Great Flood” that plagued the American Midwest. 1989 “Field of Dreams,” an inspiring story about baseball, is filmed in Dyersville, Iowa.
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2008 President George W. Bush lands at The Eastern Iowa Airport in Air Force One during the The Flood of 2008.
2007 Zach Johnson, Cedar Rapids native and Drake University graduate, wins the 2007 Masters Golf Tournament. The timeline (above) includes major events in Washington High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and United States history. Information compiled from Iowa Pathways, World Atlas and Wikipedia. Photos by Natalee Birchansky
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4-25-2011
Profiles
Alyssa Christian
SurveyorWHS.profiles@gmail.com
Wash teachers rejoin student ranks Shanay Gonder
Ben Hamburger
Staff Writer
Amidst all of the retiring teachers, two teachers are leaving for a different reason. French and History teachers respectively, Amy Walton and Ben Hamburger plan on taking leaves of absence at the beginning of the 2011-12 school year. Two of Iowa’s rival colleges, Iowa State University and University of Iowa will be home to the educating duo as they partake in academic work and research that promises to further increase their savvy in the their subjects of expertise. Ultimately, the educators look to contribute to the improvement of the school district upon their return as well as fulfill personal goals.
Amy Walton
What prompted you to make the decision to go back to school? “It has always been a goal of mine to get a doctoral or terminal degree. Getting married made it clear to me that if I was going to go back to school, it would be better to do so before set routines and more established schedules begin that are harder to break.”
What are you going back to school to accomplish? “I’m going to be attending Iowa State to major in Applied Linguistics and English.” What prompted you to make the decision to go back to school? “It was really a combination of things; being involved with Amnesty and getting to know individuals who are apart of the ELL program here at Washington really prompted me to learn more about other cultures and potentially incorporate a broader range of teaching tools into the classroom like technology and written composition study.”
What are you going back to school to accomplish? “My ultimate goal is to get my doctorate in History and focus on twentieth century Middle Eastern or African history.”
How will your responsibilities and schedule change by returning to school? “I’m tentatively going to be attending the University of Iowa. I currently live in Center Point so the commute will be substantial, but there will be less time in the classroom so more time outside of school in my schedule Photo Illustration by Lauren Johnson as a result.”
Teachers Ben Hamburger and Amy Walton smile as they round out their last spring at Washington before taking a leave of absence to continue their education at the beginning of next year.
How will your responsibilities and schedule change by returning to school? “My husband is currently looking for jobs in laboratories in the Ames area, but my leave of absence will tentatively be for two years. I’m a little nervous about it but the experience will be worth it.”
Pearson pursues passion
pare to going right out of high school? “It will be harder and I’ll definitely have a different attitude about it. One thing that you discover is that once you graduate, work is a real thing. I think I’ll probably enjoy the freedom that comes with the college schedule.” Overall though, she is hoping to move to New York or Los Angeles to dance professionally and later become a choreographer. “I expected Alyssa to major in dance in college because she’s grown up dancing and especially in the last couple of years she has exceeded in talent and gotten a lot better,” said fellow dancer, Madeline Klocke, ’12, While a dance major was not Pearson’s original dream, it surely has become one. As she finishes her last year at Wash, Pearson anxiously awaits the new experiences ahead of her and can’t wait to pursue her passion for dance in college.
CJ Cooper Staff Writer
A dedicated and passionate dancer, Alyssa Pearson, ’11, has decided to carry out her lifelong love for dance in college. This coming year, Pearson is planning to attend Point Park University in Pittsburgh, a conservatory with one of the top programs in the nation for cinema, dance and theatre. “When I’m dancing I feel the most alive. Like I’m not just going through my day, but I’m actually doing something exciting. Also, dance classes are such an escape for me, like I don’t have to think about school, I don’t have to think about drama, it is just my time. It means a lot to me,” said Pearson. Though Pearson has been dancing since she was five years old, continuing to perform in college had not always been her dream. She always thought that it would just be a high school activity, but when she was asked to be a part of the National Dance Academy (NDA) faculty show, everything changed. “After the faculty show I knew I had to do this for the rest of my life; I couldn’t give it up,” said Pearson. Currently, Pearson takes a variety of dance classes at NDA including jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, modern, pointe and hip-hop. In college, she will have a jazz concentration, meaning she is wil take mostly jazz classes, but also some modern, ballet and other choreography classes. Along with her dance major, Pearson wants to be involved with marketing, advertising and travel abroad during her college years.
In what way does going back to college for the second time com-
Above photo by Beth Tessier Photos (top and right) provided by Alyssa Pearson
A&E
Isaac Halyard
SurveyorWHS.ae@gmail.com
4-25-2011
4th Annual Georgie Awards
Best Movie
Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers
Hottest Actor Right Now
Worst Movie
1. “Inception”
1. “Human Centipede”
1. Charlie Sheen
2. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”
2. “Mean Girls 2”
2. James Franco
3. “Never Say Never”
3. Johnny Depp
3. “Black Swan”
Photo courtesy of Monster Pictures
Hottest Actress Right Now
Photo courtesy of IMDB
Worst Fashion Trend
Best Fashion Trend
1. Natalie Portman
1. Sperrys
1. Uggs
2.Megan Fox
2. Yoga Pants
2. Jeggings
3. Rachel McAdams
3. Skinny Jeans
3. Fake Bake (LM Syndrome) Photo courtesy of UGG Australia.
Photo courtesy of Sperry Topsider
Photo courtesy of IMDB
Georgie Awards
Best Album 1. “Lasers” -Lupe Fiasco
http://lupefiasco.com/ photo/lasers-cover-art/
It’s been quite the year... ev-
erything from exceptional music videos from teen mo2. “21” - Adele guls of the music industry, to a self-proclaimed expert 3. “Speak Now” -Taylor Swift on “winning” . Taken from a survey of over 350 Wash students, The 4th Annual Georgie Awards sum up the best 1. Pancheros of the best of the 2010-2011 school year.
Best Lunch Location
Best Video Game 1. COD: Black Ops 2. Mario Kart Photo courtesy of Activision
1.“Social Network” 2. “127 Hours”
Photo courtesy of Pancheros
Enjoy.
3. Burger King
Best Web Site
1. Facebook
2. Stumble Upon
2. Twitter
3. Google
Best Celebrity
Photo courtesy of IMDB
Best WHS Moment 1. Sports Assemblies
Photo by Lauren Johnson
Best Celebrity Twitter
2. Justin Bieber
Photo courtesy of IMDB
2. Football Games
3. Myspace Photo courtesy of CS Institute
1. Charlie Sheen
3. Rebecca Black
3. “Inception”
Best Social Networking Site
1. YouTube
3. NBA 2K11
Most Underrated Movie
2. Brueggers
Photo courtesy of YouTube
11
3. Craig Taylor
Best YouTube Video
1. Charlie Sheen
1. “Friday”
2. Voldemort
2. “TalkingTwin Babies”
Photo courtesy of Twitter 3. Wiz Khalifa
Photo courtesy of YouTube
3.“Please Don’t WatchThis”
“Adventure Time” baffles audience of many ages Kitty McGurk Staff Writer
up your alley. Please forbid my baffled review from altering your opinion on this fine work of art, for, there are others of your kind; real life Wash students, in fact. “Adventure Time has the cartoonist little kid feel, while also being the craziest, most mind blowing, [messed] up show in all of time’s realm” said Wes Carlson, ’11. That being said, enjoy.
“Adventure Time.” If you would have asked me what it is after viewing the first episode and prior to gaining Wikipedia’s sketchy information, I honestly would not have been able to tell you anything regarding this odd show. However, after I was numerous episodes in and had done sufficient research, I came to the realization that no one can truly generalize this creation considered a show. “Adventure Time” will take you on a virtual “adventure” with your two friends Fin (the human boy) and Jake (the dog with magical powers) that dwell in the Land of Ooo. This animated Cartoon Network television series was created by Pendleton Ward, who I would deem an avid -Wes Carlson, ’11 LSD user. The show literally makes no sense and the plot is opaque if not non-existent. However, if you find yourself spending a ridiculously large amount of time glued to Fin and Jake sledding. the computer watching illogical YouTube videos, this series is right
“...[the] most mind blowing, f***ed up show in all of time’s realm.”
Photo courtesy of Turner Newsroom
12
A&E
4-25-2011
Isaac Halyard
SurveyorWHS.ae@gmail.com
Talent-filled Jamnesty impresses Wash crowd
Natalie Neppl Staff Writer This year marked the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International. Every year, Washington’s chapter of Amnesty puts on a benefit concert for the club, aptly called Jamnesty. This year marked the ninth anniversary of this student-run fundraiser for Amnesty. This years concert, held on April 16, featured 16 talented Washington student performances. The diversity of acts that took place in Washington’s own Little Theatre won the audience’s favor throughout the concert. There were many incredible groups, but one of the crowd favorites was Asante, a quartet singing in Swahili while pounding on the drums. The original clothing and passion for the music the girls expressed presented an
incredible amount of soul. Double Dutch, an acoustic duo of Patrick Anderl and Wes Carlson, both ’11, combined their love for Snapple and music to intrigue the audience and keep their unwavering attention. The band “Red Metro,” featuring artist Connor Jackson, ’11, Ben Matsuda, ’11, and Shawn Fliger ’11, offered a recreation of “Go Johnny Go’’ from “Back to the Future”; their rendition of this rock classic turned up the heat on the stage with the Rock n’ Roll spirit and intense moves. This year, Jamnesty was sold out and has been projected to raise even more money than last year. An added revenue builder for the benefit was the “People’s Choice Award,” in which the audience could drop change in the bowl of their favorite performance, and the group with the most money
Grape Drank
won the People’s Choice Award. In the first half of the concert, Asante stole the People’s Choice Award and in the second act Red Metro took the crown. About 20 percent of the money raised at Jamnesty goes to supporting Washington’s Amnesty, and approximately 80 percent goes to programs and causes promoted and sponsored by Amnesty International. These programs and causes include the Demand Dignity Campaign (abuse of women and child birth mortality,) ending poverty and child labor. The ninth anniversary of Jamnesty provided great entertainment while raising money for a great cause. Good friends, awesome music and a great cause made the night memorable in many different regards.
WHS Amnesty Int’l.
Robert Miley, ’12 and Nafisa Abdi, ’13.
Dylijah
Photos by Ellen Hart Dylijah members Dylan Shah, ’12 and Elijah Wolter, ’14.
Members of Washington High School Amnesty.
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Chloe Kohl Staff Writer No one is safe from the viral monster that is Rebecca Black. No matter how opposed a person is to this heinous example of American pop music, it’s been linked online on every available page or the people who are thought to be friends have been singing it in the hallway, making “Friday” impossible to escape. “Friday” is the auto-tuned viral pop song by 13-year-old California native Rebecca Black, who is an eighth grader involved in dance and school musicals. Her mom paid ARK Music Factory $4,000 to shoot the video and it’s not clear if that included the rap cameo. (Is there a Rent-aRapper in Cali?)
There is a small sect of Justin Bieber lovers who legitimately find the song to be “omg like so good lol.” It’s “YouTube” like to dislike ratio says otherwise. “Friday” currently has about 250,000 likes and 1,900,000 dislikes. People watch it to mock it, which is shown through the hilarious parodies you’ll find. With Brock Baker’s voice dub (Everybody’s Russian!), a sequel called “Saturday,” and a Bob Dylan impersonator cover, this tweeny tragedy becomes a wonderful comedy. There’s also a Dubstep remix that makes the song much more than listenable, if not good. (Gotta have my bowl, gotta have WUUB WUB WUUB WUB.) It is necessary to caution that yes; there is a studio album in the works and a second single “Prom Night” has been leaked that sounds exactly like “Friday.” If her other songs can conjure up the same buzz as “Friday,” then it’s time to hide the women and children.
Rotary Offers Free Leadership Conference Opportunity Consider Rotary’s Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) conference an adventure that just might change your life. Openings still exist for RYLA to be held July 17-22 at the YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln in Blue Grass, Iowa. The weeklong, free conference will be an action packed week of activities that help build confidence and leadership skills. The conference is open to current sophomores, juniors and seniors. To register (or learn more) see Mr. Simon or checkout www.district5970.org/ryla/about-ryla for an application form
A&E
Isaac Halyard
SurveyorWHS.AE@gmail.com
4-25-2011
13
Microsoft cedes music battle to Apple Chloe Kohl Staff Writer Microsoft’s music player Zune has officially been discontinued because of its lack of competition with Apple’s iPod giant. Microsoft is still going to sell the music players, but will not produce newer models. Apple managed to push Microsoft aside with its development of iPhones, iPads, and the revolution of Applications. iTunes found affiliates in places like Starbucks to promote their music store and managed to appeal to a wide array of demographics, while Microsoft’s ads were
narrowing towards hipsters and indie rap fans. Though not nearly as popular as iPods, Zunes have fewer reports of shutting down and are supposedly much more reliable than iPods. Zune has a more interactive way of sharing music as well, which works through a whole social network within their software. It seems as though Apple’s dominance of music players is impenetrable for competitors to get any significant revenue. Though the Zune music player may be on the verge of becoming obsolete, Microsoft decided to put its focus on mobile phones, which are able to contain apps. In doing this they hope to be a more viable competitor to Apple and regain some lost commodity.
Wash jazz band places at championships Kitty McGurk Staff Writer On Tues., April 12, 2011, Washington’s select band members attended the 2011 Iowa Jazz Championships. Over 1,500 students from 60 different Iowa schools participated in this one-day high school jazz festival held at the Civic Center in Des Moines, Iowa. This event is recognized for it’s unique caliber in which the students are broken down into six Iowa districts. After such division, only the top two bands in each district are invited to this event. Once these bands are selected throughout Iowa, the remaining spots in each class are chosen from an assortment of other bands that have met specific criteria. This spontaneous selection adds an extra “thrill” to the competition. The Washington Band was chosen due to their “top two” status and perfectly fit all of the criteria necessary to attend. Washington, and many other schools are
competing for the State Championship in Jazz (hence the name of the competition.) The winning band is selected by a panel of outstanding and qualified music educators from around the country. These judges, with difficulty, determine two bands from each class to perform at the evening finals. After the evening performance, four bands are declared State Champions from each class. The Iowa Jazz Championships prides itself on being a positive experience and after attending, I am certain that the audience and band members would have no other choice than to agree. “It was really nerve-racking to play in such a big place, but it was super fun and we all played really well,” said Kate Ernst, ’13. Washington received fourth place which is an impressive ranking. Also, three seniors were recognized for their accomplishments in making 4A All State; those seniors being Michael Olson, Neel Ghosh, and Max McGee. Washington High School Band as a whole was well represented at the event.
Photo Illustrations by Megan Anderson
Brad Weaverling, ’11 despairs over discontinued Zune.
Pregnant? Photo by Kitty McGurk
Max McGee ’11, Kate Ernst ’12 and Neel Ghosh ’11 in foreground
Pollock painting may leave Iowa John Kopec Staff Writer
Graphic by Stacia Drafahl
One of the most important modern American paintings, the “Mural,” painted by Jackson Pollock has recently caught the attention of the Iowa Legislature. The “Mural,” located at the University of Iowa, has the potential value of $140 million. The Iowa Legislatures are disputing whether or not to sell the painting. Proponents for the sale argue that the money would give scholarships for student aid in an economic climate where many students are struggling to pay for college. Opponent’s argue that selling the painting is short-sighted and that such a generous gift should be used as the donor intended, to advance art educational and study. “I think selling the mural other than to obtain more art will damage the University of Iowa’s reputation,” says language arts teacher Akwi Nji-Dawson.
Art collector, Peggy Guggenheim, recognized the significance of the University of Iowa’s studio art program by generously donating the painting in 1951 to the University of Iowa along with additional work. Needless to say, if the heirs of Guggenheim choose to pursue this in the courts, the entire situation will reflect poorly on the state and the University, and the University could end up losing the work with no compensation at all. “I think selling the Mural will have a negative effect and will take away the uniqueness and value of the University of Iowa’s art department”, says Taylor Vogel, ’12. Pollock’s “Mural” is arguably one of the most famous paintings in Iowa and one of the most important paintings in all of American Art. It tackles a number of elements, each with different diverse strengths while flooding the painting with other art world references. Opponents feel that selling this historic masterpiece would likely result in discouragement in future donations coming into the University of Iowa’s collection and undermine the University’s credibility throughout the world. The “Mural” was immediately recognized as a turning point of modern art. As expressed by many, selling the painting could result negatively and hurt the University of Iowa’s reputation.
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Sports
4-25-2011
Joe Eken
SurveyorWHS.sports@gmail.com
College-bound superstars Senior athletes discuss their plans to play sports in college.
Tia Dawson
Ashley Piper
Dartmouth - Basketball
Colorado Christian College - Basketball
Q: How did you make your decision? What attracted you to that school? A: My coach told me that Dartmouth was looking at me and wanted a video of me playing. They ended up liking me so I visited the school and really liked it, plus they gave me a scholarship and the school has a good reputation. Q: How are you preparing for the transition to college athletics? A: Dartmouth is sending me a summer worksheet for me to do.
Q: How did you make your decision? What attracted you to that school? A: I liked the school and Colorado and didn’t want to stay in state if I had the opportunity to leave. Q: How are you preparing for the transition to college athletics? A: I go out early in the summer to start training and I will work out a lot to prepare for season. Photo by Amy Parker
Q: What other offers did you get? A: Missouri S&T and that’s about it. I got a lot of letters but also didn’t really look all that much. Q: What are you looking forward to most? A: The competition and that it’s something new.
Photo by Amy Parker
Q: What other offers did you get? A: Mostly schools in Iowa like Cornell, Coe College and Mt. Mercy.
Q: What are you looking forward to most? A: Meeting new people, living in Colorado, the Colorado atmosphere and people, and the new experiences.
Alyssa Oney
Brandon Besong
Q: How did you make your decision? What attracted you to that school? A: I loved St. Louis and had a great visit hanging out with the girls. The coach is very genuine and I felt like I could fit in there.
Q: How did you make your decision? What attracted you to that school? A: What made me make my decision was overall the team and the coaching staff. Coach Seabolt the assistant coach there recruited me first and believed I had the talent to play at the D1 level. Also the area of Springfield was warm and reminded me of Iowa City and Cedar Rapids combined. Plus the academic business part of Missouri State attracted me to go there.
Missouri State University - Soccer
Maryville University - Basketball
Q: How are you preparing for the transition to college athletics? A: This summer I have intense workouts including running, shooting and lifting to get me in shape for next season.
Photo by Amy Parker
Photo by Ellen Hart
Q: What other offers did you get? A: I had some other offers and some pending offers from various schools, but Maryville seemed like the best choice for me. Q: What are you looking forward to most? A: I’m looking forward to playing at a new level of competition and growing as a basketball player.
Q: How are you preparing for the transition to college athletics? A: I’m preparing for college soccer with their spring break/summer workout schedule they gave me. Q: What other offers did you get? A: I had talked to and got offered by Western Illinois, Wartburg, Colegate and Xavier, and talked to schools like Michigan State and Notre Dame. Q: What are you looking forward to most? A: I’m looking for to meeting new people, having fun at school and being part of a great college soccer program, that is getting nothing but better.
Low on numbers, golf team swings into action Jill Broghammer Staff Writer The women’s golf team may be small in numbers this year but they are still mighty on the course. With only nine girls on the team this year, the underclassmen are looking to the seniors to lead the team. Katie Rohde, ’11, has played golf all four years of high school and is a strong player on the course this year. Rohde is excited for the season and has high hopes for her own performance on the course. Some of her favorite things about the high school golf season are spending time with her teammates, being outside and being at Indian Creek after golf practice. “I’m looking forward to everything about this season. We only have nine girls on our team, but we are strong, have good chemistry, and great potential to succeed,” said Rohde. The golf team practices after school except when it is raining. If the weather is bad there
is no practice and Rohde describes having no practice as “messing around instead.” Rohde has been playing golf since she was younger and as a senior this year hopes to go out with a bang. “My personal goals are to shoot in the 40’s and not get so frustrated. Golf is one of those sports where you can’t let the other girls get in your head and it’s a lot of concentration,” said Rohde. Since the team is so small this year the girls on the team have gotten close with one another on the bus rides home and through bonding on the course. “Golf bus rides home after away meets are always a fun time and the team has a lot of
inside jokes including our ICBNL joke,” said Rohde.
Photo by Amy Parker
Alex Stephens getting ready for an approach shot at practice.
Joe Eken
SurveyorWHS.sports@gmail.com
Sports
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4-25-2011
Tennis team overcomes tragedy Joe Berry Staff Writer
varsity team includes Mitch Blades, ’13, Clayton Hoyt, says Hammond. Despite the tragedy, Hammond and the ’12, Mitch Anderson, ’12, Ian Fischer, ’11, Charlie Hamrest of the team have high hopes for the season. mond, ’11, and Zach Detweiler, ’11. “We are a top three team in the state, so our goal is to Blades and Hammond were last year’s runner up definitely make it to [team] state, and hopefully win,” he Despite the recent snow, it is spring, and spring means doubles team at the individual state tournament. The two adds, but also says, “near the end of the season it will be tennis season. In fact, the men’s tennis team has been in are striving to make the trip again, and the team has high tough not having him there with us.” action and working the courts since March. hopes for the team state meet. So far the varsity team is 2-0 in their dual meets. The “Our district is tough, but we have a lot of talent,” says Anderson, a transfer this year from Linn-Marr High School. Washington’s District meet is on May 12, at Kennedy. Washington’s District includes, Jeff, Kennedy, Xavier, Iowa City West, and Linn-Mar. At Districts, the varsity squad is split into two doubles teams and two singles players. The singles and doubles play a seeded tournament to advance to state, the winner and runner-up of each the singles and double’s teams advance to the individual state tournament. The District meet is also scored based on wins in the singles and doubles matches, and the two teams with the highest total scores move on to team substate. “After Districts, if the team advance’s, we play either the winner or runner-up from another District,” Explains Anderson. “So, the winner of District “A” plays the runner-up of District “B”, while the winner of District “B” plays the runner-up of District “A”. Then the winner of those two meets plays against each other to advance to the team state championship. Recently the Washington Men’s Tennis team and the entire Warrior community suffered a tragic loss. The unexpected death of Washington Special Education teacher, and head men’s tennis coach David Meyer, was a sudden shock to the tennis team. Photo by Amy Parker Photo by Amy Parker “Initially it was tough to come back and play, Charlie Hammond gets ready for a return. Mitch Blades hits a forehand during practice. and having a new coach makes a huge difference,”
Someone you know can’t talk to her parents about it. 3425 1st Ave. SE, Ste. 100 | Cedar Rapids 1.877.811.7526 | www.ppheartland.org
Spring Sports Glory Women’s Tennis 1987
A recap of all the state championships won by the Warriors in the spring trimester.
Men’s Track 1975 1977 2009 2010
Women’s Golf 1999 2001 2002
Men’s Tennis 1983 1987 1990 1994 1996
Men’s Baseball 1966 1994
Students run for a good cause MJ Kamin Staff Writer 4,500 kids die everyday due to lack of clean water. 1.1 billion people are without clean water. Student Senate hopes to change these numbers by hosting a Run for Water on April 23 that will support Charity: Water. One runner entering in the race for only ten dollars can raise enough money to provide one person in need with clean water. “A small amount really does make a difference,” said Nicole Baty, ’12, co-chair of the Run for Water. Charity Water is an organization that raises money to help people in third-world countries who lack access to and money for clean water. Workers will go to the country in need and build wells of clean water accessible to the public. They also teach them to maintain the wells and to keep good hygiene. It only costs $2,500 to build a well that can help hundreds, even thousands of
people. Co-chairs Nicole Baty, Erin Emery, and Laura Vestle (all ’12) came up with the idea of a race for a fundraiser together. Student Senate hopes to have 200 or more runners and raise about $4,000 dollars for the cause, but running isn’t the only way to help. Student Senate is also selling t-shirts and accepting donations. “I knew a race was a good way to get the whole community involved and raise lots of money,” said Vestle. The race is to be held at Thomas Park and is a 5k run/walk. It is open to the whole community, not just Washington students, and there are many benefits to running, other than just helping Charity Water. Runners receive a t-shirt upon registration as well as a bag of goodies. On race day you will see many Washington students and family members running, including Dr. Plagman, to help raise money to build wells in third-world countries and support Charity: Water.
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4-25-2011
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Ellen Hart
SurveyorWHS.photos@gmail.com
Jamnesty 2011