cWr
surveyor
Volume 57
Issue 4
16 December 2013
about us... mission
The Surveyor is established as a school-sponsored open forum dedicated to informing and entertaining its readers. 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. Readers are encouraged to express their viewpoints through guest editorials. The Surveyor also welcomes letters to the editor, with these guidelines: it is not libelous or obscene, it explains the material clearly, it is not longer than 500 words, and that it is signed.
non-discrimination policy
It is the policy of the Cedar Rapids Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (employment only), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (students/program only) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. District employees with questions or a grievance related to this policy should contact Jill Cirivello, Director of Human Resources, 319558-2421; jcirivello@cr.k12.ia.us. Students and others should contact Rhoda Shepherd, Director of Student Services, 319-5582964; rshepherd@cr.k12.ia.us. The District mailing address is 2500 Edgewood Rd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-1015.
editors
MJ Kamin, Editor-in-Chief Hannah Jonasson, Managing and Photo Editor Michael Andersland, News Editor Eric Loeffelholz, Business Manager Michelle Zumhof, Arts and Entertainment Editor Andi Lawrence, Profiles Editor Ian Schweiger, Sports Editor Bridget Williams, Opinions Editor
staff members Elijah Wolter Anna Rizer Amy Wilkie Cameron Williams
Elijah Wedel Mitch Fisher Willow Evans Emmy Buonadonna Chris Harrington
adviser
Kyle Phillips
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Meet the Staff
Hannah Jonasson Managing Editor
what’s inside? Runoff elections HACAP Nelson Mandela Clubs at Wash
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17
news
sports
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Holliday playlist PAM Slam Java and Jazz Upcoming events Blackfish
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ADHD Elijah’s christmas
opinions
a&e
cover story feature:
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cover by: MJ Kamin, photo courtesy of Monument
Then and now Past students at Wash Blast from theh past photos School poll Twitter poll of the month
Mrs. Derrick Anna Wolle Saleena Ziadeh FBOM
profiles Managing Editor
Winter sports preview Wash hockey players Ultimate frisbee
Hannah Jonasson
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Hannah’s location of the month
photo Table of Contents
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Nelson Mandela July 18 1918 - DEcember 5 2013 Bridget Williams Opinions Editor Blacks and white, until he spent most of his young and old, dance adult life in prison that he together, sing tobecame a leader and a symgether, and celebrate bol of hope to South Africa. together on the streets South Africans commonly in South Africa. A refer to Mandela as their sea of different colors father, and he fought long do not sleep to sing and hard to overcome songs from the antithe struggle South Africa apartheid struggle, faced. the South African The story doesn’t stop Anthem, and songs of in South Africa. Mandela’s freedom. The young death is recognized all do not understand around the world and at the struggle, but they Washington High School. celebrate how far The day after Mandela’s they’ve come. The death, students tweeted adults understand the quotes of Mandela and struggle, and celeexpressed their respects. cc by Wikimedia Throughout the day, David brate how far they’ve come. They celebrate Duer played “Homeless” Nelson Mandela in 2008 the freedom that never by Paul Simon and “Lady Smith seemed possible, and Black Manazo” for Nelson ManMandela meant to South Africa. they celebrate the life of the man dela. Frank Howell showed a film Apartheid is a political policy of behind it. They rejoice outside his of Mandela’s life to all of his classes segregation by race. Non-whites former house in the City of Johanand explained how living in the time were required to carry passbooks nesburg. Nelson Mandela died Dec. of Mandela’s struggle was what that stated where they had permis5, 2013 at 95 years old. inspired him to become a social sion to go and how long they could People know Mandela’s legacy. studies teacher. Frank Scherrman be there. If whites asked to see the Mandela was convicted of high treaasked his students what happened pass book and non-whites weren’t son, spent 27 years in prison, was on Dec. 5 and who Mandela was. allowed to be there they could be released in 1990, he negotiated to “I was pleasantly surprised they arrested on the spot. There was end apartheid, South Africa held its knew about apartheid, and I was torture, open fire, car bombs, and first democratic election, and Manimpressed,” said Scherrman. prisons packed with anti-apartheid dela was elected president of South Mandela spent 27 years behind activists. Rage was building among Africa. What is not well understood bars and lived through the violence the people, but freedom seemed disamong our generation is what and oppression of apartheid. He died tant. Mandela fought for most of his apartheid really meant, and what peacefully at 95 years old. life against apartheid, but it wasn’t
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News
Michael Andersland News Editor
Brandon Cullen Staff Writer
Sledding and Sci-Fi
As the weather gets colder, some Washington High School students look to the snow for entertainment, and prepare to brave the cold and go sledding. Others prefer to stay warm inside while enjoying their favorite science fiction shows. The Fan club is a group of people who enjoy watching Dr. Who, Sherlock, and Supernatural, TV shows about time travel, mystery, and supernatural creatures. Dr. Who follows the adventurers of a mysterious time travelling “doctor”, Sherlock features detective Sherlock Holmes, and Supernatural is about a pair of brothers Fan club follows Sherlock, Doctor Who, and hunting otherworldly creatures. Supernatural The sponsor for the club is Renate Bernstein, the librarian. The club founder is Christine Cejka-Emig, ’16. She started the club to be with people that also love these shows. Meetings are Mondays or Fridays, immediately after school in the library, and often consist of viewing episodes or discussing the shows. Sledding club hasn’t gotten much sledding done so far, but plans to begin meeting on Saturdays once there is snow on the ground, for sledding and hot chocolate. Club founder Michael Arkenberg, ’16, said the club should not be taken too seriously, and welcomes anyone who would like to join, whether they are joining for the sledding, the people, or just the free hot chocolate.
HACAP Helps With the Holidays Matthew Andersland Staff Writer Most Novembers at Washington High School, Student Senate partners with HACAP to collect money to provide underprivileged children and families with food and presents for the holidays. HACAP stands for Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, a non-profit organization that helps people develop skills and build a strong community. Jack Fischer, ’14, says the process begins with preparations during mid October. Students advertise HACAP and start accepting donations after Thanksgiving Break. Students can donate cash to their fourth hour class, or can go to the HACAP tree in the student center and take an ornament from it. Each ornament contains a request for a specific item to be donated. “We usually ask for people to give food, toys, dolls, other gifts, and necessities,” said Fischer. Photos by Michael Andersland Student Senate members advertise the program around school and in classes and eventually collect the money given by students and teachers. With the money HACAP Donation tree in the student center. donated, they purchase items from the tree to donate. Callie Cook, ’14, said families that receive gifts are very grateful and sometimes even embarrassed. “They also say thank you about a million times,” said Cook. In the past the program has brought in around $2000 each year. This typically provides anywhere from four to 16 families with gifts. “I think it is a good idea for everyone to donate because not only does it help, but it also makes you feel good. Thanks to everyone that donated already,” said Fischer.
Michael Andersland News Editor
News
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A Change in Leadership Elijah Wolter Staff Writer Results of the December 3 Cedar Rapids City Council run- working with cities for 44 Two new faces are off elections. making their way into years will prove beneficial the Cedar Rapids City in accomplishing what he Council. In the fourwants to do as a member of candidate at-large runoff the City Council. election on Tuesday Weinacht came in second Dec. 3, Ralph Russell with 26 percent of the vote. and Susie Weinacht She, like Russell, was not won seats, beating out critical of the previous incumbent candidate City Council members, Chuck Swore and but rather hopes to use Carletta Knox-Seymour. her fresh perspective to Russell will serve a four continue the City Council’s year term and Weinacht a productivity. She serves as two year term. Executive Director of the Russell captured 32 Iowa PTA and manager percent of the vote. for labor advocacy group While this is his first time RWDSU-UFCW Local serving on City Council, 110, as well as a member of he is no stranger to the Cedar Rapids Parks and 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Recreation Commission. working with municipal governments. He spent She is also focused Graphic by Michael Andersland 44 years working at on fixing city streets, Cedar Rapids-based consulting engineering firm HR developing flood protection, and strengthening the Green, Inc. as a civil engineer. He also spent 26 years as economy and community. But more, than any issue, the company’s CEO and President. Weinacht wants to act as an advocate of the issues Cedar Rapidians care about. As her campaign website stated, “Susie is focused on bringing the voice of the people to City Council.” Weinacht comes to City Council without an agenda, but with experience working with and leading collaborative efforts in many types of organizations. Her ultimate goal as City Council member is to find common ground on issues and keep policy moving forward. He has also served as a member of the board of directors The runoff election itself was caused when no one for a range of organizations, including the Iowa candidate secured more than 25 percent of the vote on Engineering Society, Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of the Nov. 5 election. The top four candidates vied for the Commerce, the Hawkeye Area Council of Boys Scouts two at-large seats in the Dec. 3 election. Many, including of America, and St. Luke’s Hospital. Linn County Auditor Joel Miller, support eliminating the During his campaign, his four stated areas of focus runoff election format in Cedar Rapids, citing low voter were infrastructure, namely roads and flood protection, turnout and cost. 22.3 percent of voters voted in the Nov. government efficiency, economic development, and 5 election. Voter turnout dropped to 8.7 percent in the community development. He believes his experience runoff election.
Ralph Russell- 33%
Susie Weinacht - 26% Carletta KnoxSeymour- 21% Chuck Swore21%
“Susie [Weinacht] is focused on bringing the voice of the people to the City Council.”
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News
Michael Andersland News Editor
Elijah Wolter Staff Writer Before Christmas, there was Yule, the Germanic winter solstice celebration that was later appropriated into Christmas. Much like modern Christmas, it was a time of coming together for feasting and celebration. Unlike modern Christmas, there was no Christian tie-in. These days, Christmas is criticized from every angle. It’s attacked for becoming too commercialized and secular, but at the same time, public Christmas displays are denounced for breaching the gap between church and state. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We should embrace Christmas as the secular holiday it is. This is not to demand that current Christians revoke their church-going and Nativity-arranging, but for those of us who already don’t adhere, or feel like they should be adhering, to orthodox traditions to not feel guilty about adorning their houses with reindeers instead of virgin-laden donkeys. Truth be told, this is not very large of a leap to make. Christmas is already celebrated in many secular ways, now it’s merely a matter of treating it as such. Japan, which boasts a Christian population of less than one percent, is huge on Christmas. They’ve
Opinions Editor
incorporated the wintertime Graphic and Illustration by Bridget Williams revelry into their culture not accompanies decoration in the by syncretizing it with Buddhist and Northern Hemisphere, Australian Shinto traditions, but by treating it cities assemble extravagant light as any other holiday. displays and neighborly rivalries Traditions do vary some from keep residential areas jolly and those in America. Most of the illuminated. celebrations occur on Christmas These examples both go to show Eve and feature a familial Christmas the versatility and adaptability of cake and Christmas chicken dinner Christmas, as well as how it isn’t from KFC. The only presents always bound by Jesus being the given are from Santa to the kids reason for the season. and it stops once the children stop More than anything, we celebrate believing. It’s also much more Christmas because it allows us to romantic than Western Christmas. share and receive, to come together Couples are expected to go on with family and friends and to do romantic dates and lovers exchange what we do best, shop and eat. It’s gifts. ingrained in our society in a way In Australia, Christmas comes intrinsically different than religion. during the height of summer. The sooner we come to terms with Christmas brush fires are not that, the sooner we can celebrate uncommon. Camping and beach sans ceremonial Christian tradition barbecues are common Christmas and not have to feel bad about that. customs Down Under. Unhindered by the bitingly cold weather that
Bridget Williams
Opinions
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ADHD On the rise?
Michelle Zumhof A&E Editor The “DSM IV statistical manual of mental disorders” describes Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as multiple “behavioral” symptoms of inattention and impulsivity, using phrases such as “often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly,” “often blurts out answers before questions have been finished” or “often has trouble waiting one’s turn.” According to WebMD, people affected by ADHD may “appear hectic and disorganized”, “have significant problems prioritizing”, “are restless and impulsive”, and “are unable to concentrate for long periods of time on low stimulation tasks.” Based on these definitions, it’s
74 out of the 477 surveyed Washington students are or have been diagnosed with ADHD. That’s 15.5% of the students surveyed.
Graphic by Kate Lawrence
easy to see why so many teenagers think that they have this disorder, or why parents assume their child does. ADHD has historically been estimated to affect 3 to 7 percent of children. By 2013, nearly one in five high school boys in the United States and 11 percent of schoolage children overall have received a medical diagnosis of ADHD, according to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For many people who do suffer from ADHD, the diagnosis and treatments, both behavioral and pharmaceutical, have proved effective and helpful. On the other hand it’s obvious that a large majority may be taking medication for the wrong reason, or for
Rising Numbers situations in which it isn’t necessary. Experts know that there are changes in the brains of people with the condition, though it isn’t obvious what that difference is. Since there is no objective diagnostic to prove if someone has ADHD, the diagnosis can be as imprecise as prescribing medication to a child and telling the parents to see if it “helps improve their school performance.” An estimated 6.4 million children ages 4 through 17 have received an ADHD diagnosis at some point-that’s a 16 percent increase since 2007, and a 41 percent rise in the past decade. Why the sudden rise? Though nothing is for certain, there are speculations as to why this “epidemic” continues to surge.
Expanding Definition Even more teenagers are likely to be diagnosed in the near future because the American Psychiatric Association plans to expand the definition of ADHD. This would allow more people to receive the diagnosis and treatment by broadening the definition, such as the new requirement that symptoms merely “impact” daily activities, rather than cause “impairment.” Even at the current definition, people can get a prescription based on mild symptoms. “If we start treating children who do not
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Opinions
have the disorder with stimulants, a certain percentage are going to have problems that are predictable-- some of them are going to end up with abuse and dependence,” said James Swanson, a professor of psychiatry at Florida International University. There is danger in prescribing stimulants to kids who are otherwise entirely healthy and have no real need for them; apart from addiction it can also create problems such as anxiety and occasionally even psychosis.
Bridget Williams Opinions Editor
Education “Our children are living in the most intensely stimulating period in the history of the earth. They are being besieged with information and parse their attention from every platform, computers, iPhones, advertising holdings, hundreds of television channels. And we are penalizing them for getting distracted. From what? Boring stuff.” In this excerpt from the viral YouTube video “Changing Education Paradigms”, Sir Ken Robinson explains how this “epidemic” may not be faults in children themselves, as much as the restricting environments in which
they spend time in. Coincidentally, as standardized testing has increased in the education system over time, so has ADHD diagnosis. “An anesthetic is when you shut your senses off, and deaden yourself to what’s happening. And a lot of these drugs are that. We’re getting our children through education by anesthetizing them,” said Robinson. Kids could all too easily be diagnosed with an “attention deficit disorder” because of their apparent display hyperactivity, when in actuality they are just being typical energetic kids, or certain mundane tasks don’t hold their attention.
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DA POPE CR Moose PAM SLAM Winter break Wash Crush accounts Shaving December finished college apps #SHOEPOLICY KCRG Snapchat Obamacare works! Childish gambino 16 minute classes Mitch loses fantasy football
Exploring Options As compared to the United States, other developed countries have very different approaches to the subject. In the EU, they typically first look for a potential underlying cause. What could be causing these symptoms? Stress? Trouble with family or friends? A reading disability? They then see if changes to environment and parent training might resolve the symptoms which often works. Medicine becomes the last resort, only after trying these behavioral and cognitive interventions. This would explain why they have much lower percentages of diagnosis.
Opinions Editor
In the United States, we need to begin to look at the subject more critically. Though diagnosing and helping people with ADHD is important, not everyone who displays symptoms is immediately in need of medication, as our system seems to advocate. If we focused on potential underlying causes-- differences in the brain, our education system, personal challenges, environmental stresses, and much more -- rather than immediate medication based on subjective testimonies, the numbers would begin to fall, instead of continuing to escalate.
Bridget Williams
• Opinions editor misspells Kwanzaa • Drama on the Twitter • No tissues in class • Teachers who try to pass off paper towels as tissue. • Freshmen victory cheer • Endangered Tapirs • Quitters • Jock Lot in the snow • North Lot in the snow • This. seasOn... • Opinions Editor goes missing
Opinions
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Events 12/19- College Connection in Band Room 12/23-1/2- No Classes 1/4- Jazz Band at Kennedy 1/4- Band at NEIBA 1/7- Band at WHS Auditorium 1/9- AP Assembly 1/14-Show Chior at WHS Auditorium 1/18-Slice of Jazz 1/18-Show Choir at Linn Mar High School 1/25-Show Choir at Muscatine 1/25- Orchestra at Paramount 1/25- SAT Test
Sports Home Schedules
Men’s Basketball
12/16- 9th R&B vs. Iowa City 12/16- JV vs. Linn-Mar 12/17- Soph & V vs. Waterloo east
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Ads
12/19- 9th R&B vs. Jefferson 12/19- Soph vs Kennedy 12/20- V vs. Kennedy 1/3- V at Jefferson 1/4- JV vs. Jefferson 1/13- Jv vs. Iowa City High 1/14- Soph and V vs. Waterloo West 1/16- 9th R&B vs. Xavier 1/16- Soph vs. Prarie 1/17- JV vs. Prarie 1/23- 9th R&B vs. Wahlert 1/27- 9th R&B vs. IC West
Womens Basketball
12/19- Soph vs. Kennedy 12/20- V vs. Kennedy 1/6- 9th vs IC West 1/9- Soph & V vs. Xavier 1/11- Soph & V vs. Des Moines East 1/13- 9th vs. Linn-Mar 1/16 Soph vs. Prarie 1/17- V vs. Prarie 1/18- Soph & V vs. Moline 1/18- JV vs. Prarie 1/21- 9th vs. Prarie 1/23- 9th vs. Cedar Falls 1/24- Soph & V vs. Cedar Falls 1/27- JV vs. IC West
Mens Swimming 1/7- V vs. Linn-Mar 1/14- V vs. Kennedy 1/18- V Invitational
Wrestling
1/9- JV & V vs. Prairie, Waterloo East 1/20- 9th vs. Iowa City High, Thomas Jefferson, Xavier
Bowling
12/20- vs. Kennedy at Lancer Lanes 12/21- vs. Prarie at Lancer Lanes 1/10- vs. Xavier at Lancer Lanes 1/17- vs. Linn-Mar at CR Bowling Center
Hockey
12/21- V vs. Sioux City Metros 12/21- JV vs. Sioux City Metros 1/3- V vs. Dubuque Devils 1/3- JV vs. Dubuque Devils 1/18- V vs. Des Moines Oakleafs 1/18- JV vs Des Moines Oakleafs 1/19- V vs. Des Moines Oakleafs 1/19- JV vs Des Moines Oakleafs
Eric Loeffelholz Business Manager
Photo by Chris Harrington
MJ Kamin Editor-In-Chief With contributions from: Micheal Andersland News Editor Elijah Wolter Staff Writer Eric Loeffelholz Business Manager Hannah Jonasson Managing and Photo Editor 1956. 57 years ago, the building that hundreds of students attend each day, was built. Washington High School is one of the oldest high schools in Cedar Rapids. On the next three pages, past students reflect on their times at Wash, The Surveyor explores the idea of difficulty at school, and takes a look back with blast from the past photos.
Editor-In-Chief
MJ Kamin
Feature
11
Past Students at Wash
Peter Westphalen, 1984
Francis McMann, 1967
Marlyse Strait, 1969
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Feature
In the fall of 1968, Marlyse Strait, former language arts teacher at Washington High School, was starting her freshman year. Although she said the building is pretty much the same as back then - a lot has changed since those days. “[Grades] were on a very strict scale, not the same emphasis. It wasn’t as competitive, we didn’t have AP classes,” said Strait. Competitiveness has become a major role in many student’s lives these days, but that isn’t the only thing that has changed. “We passed notes, we didn’t text each other,” said Strait, “All the opportunities kids have [have changed].” In high school, Strait was only in one advanced class - but there was only one offered. She was also involved in choir, pep club, and student senate. Women’s sports were just beginning to be an option for high school girls at this time. When asked if she thought school was easier when she attended Wash, Strait had a simple answer. “I do. There was less homework, kids weren’t taking like four AP classes,” said Strait. Just one year earlier, Dr. Francis McMann had finished his senior year at Wash. On average, McMann had about 37-40 fellow students in each class. There were so many kids that the seniors actually held class in outside portable units - about 20 of which were stationed on the front lawn. “Back then, the average class load was five classes, everybody took P.E., no waiver, and music was extracurricular,” said McMann. McMann also believes that school at Wash was easier when he attended. There was very little writing work, it was more focused on analytical thinking and memorization. About 20 years later, Mr. Peter Westphalen graduated from Wash. He was in three AP classes throughout his high school career - AP Chemistry, AP Literature, and AP Music Theory. However, grades were still 4 point 0 scale - there wasn’t such thing as a 5 point 0 scale yet. Westphalen also agreed that attending Wash was easier on students in the past. “I believe college is like the old high school. Kids could make a living with just a high school diploma,” said Westphalen. In 1986, there were not as many clubs as offered today at Wash. There was only one level of show choir with 24 members. In recent years, physical additions have also been made at Wash - the music wing, new wing, and new gym have all been constructed. Although many things have changed over the years, Wash has a traditon due to the fact it is one of the oldest high schools in Cedar Rapids.
MJ Kamin Editor-in-Chief
Blast from the past photos
Upper hallway, 1969
Men’s golfer, 1967
Pop machine, 1962 All photos courtesy of Monument archives Washington High School, 1869
Nowadays, is School Too hard? To the right is a poll taken in all Language Arts classes at Washington High School. 432 students were asked to rate how much stress they experience because of school on a scale of 1-10.
Stress caused by school
40.27% of students chose 4-7 49.08% of students chose 8-10 Twitter poll of the month
Number of Students
10.64% of students chose 1-3
Stress level Follow @CRWashSurveyor for school polls, sports updates, and news about Wash!
Editor-In-Chief
MJ Kamin
Feature 13
Washington Student Makes Her Mark Teaching Tae Kwon Do Saleena Ziadeh
Michael Andersland News Editor Many students work at a job for the first time during high school. Perhaps as a cashier at a supermarket, or a server at a restaurant. Saleena Ziadeh, ’14, is no exception; she too is working at her first job. However, it isn’t your typical after school job. Ziadeh works as a Tae Kwon Do instructor for Chol Choe’s Black Belt Academy. Ziadeh has been involved in Tae Kwon Do for over three years, she first started in 2010. “I wanted to learn Tae Kwon Do mainly to develop self defense skills, but also to become more confident in myself,” Ziadeh said. Tae Kwon Do students begin as white belts and progress to higher levels as they learn and improve. The highest normal belt level is black belt, where a student can become an instructor. Ziadeh achieved her black belt in April 2013, and began working as an instructor soon after. Ziadeh teaches two classes at the Cedar Rapids branch of Choe’s Black Belt Academy, and at the Cedar Rapids YMCA. The first class is a white belt class, for beginning martial artists just starting Tae Kwon Do. The other class is for
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Profiles
color belt students, who are more advanced. Both classes happen twice per week. During class, Ziadeh teaches students everything from proper kicking and punching techniques to board breaking to complex forms and movements, and sometimes even sparring, where students face off against one another in a fight and test their skills. Every few months students have a chance to showcase what they have learned for Grand Master Chol Choe, and attempt to move up to the next belt rank. In addition to learning valuable self defense skills, Tae Kwon Do is about improving yourself. Ziadeh says the five tenets of Tae Kwon Do, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control, and indomitable spirit have helped her become a better person. “I teach my students these [tenets] and I have seen improvement in all of them, which makes me very proud,” Ziadeh says. Ziadeh is also an avid participant in Tae Kwon Do competitions. At
the Iowa Winter Games, one of the largest competitions in the state, she won silver medals in the forms and sparring competitions as well as a bronze in board breaking. At the Chol Choe’s Academy tournament, she was the grand champion in sparring for the entire academy. Along with teaching Tae Kwon Do, Ziadeh is involved in soccer at Washington. After high school Ziadeh plans to go to Kirkwood for two years and then attend the University of Iowa. She hopes to continue her martial arts training and maybe even learn new martial arts, such as Brazilian Jujitsu. “I don’t know what career I want to major in yet, but I know for sure I will be involved in the University of Iowa’s martial arts club.”
Photo Courtsey of Saleena Ziadeh
Andi Lawrence Profiles Editor
THEMAGENTAMUSICIAN My name is Anna Lily and I absolutely believe fashion is not just a bunch of fabric, sparkles, and seams; it’s an art form. Anna Wolle, ’14, lives the fashionista lifestyle and has a blog called The Magenta Musician where she shares her fashion sense with the world. Wolle came up with the name of her blog because she loves pink and purple and she is very involved with music.Once Wolle’s blog was the featured blog for Teen Vogue Fashion. On her blog not only does she focus on her fashion, Wolle also keeps bloggers up to date on upcoming music gigs. Wolle herself is an award winning violinist. Wolle’s sense of fashion comes from many sources. “I am always looking at everyone’s style, one time at a honor orchestra and I saw a girl wearing yellow tights, now I wear colored tights everyday,” said Wolle. She also watches the runway for
style ideas. “I take the styles I see and add my own flare,” said Wolle. Modcloth, White Rabbit, and Reviel are some of her favorite clothing stores. According to Wolle, her style is eclectic, rainbow, and gypsy. “I have tried to make my own clothes, it doesn’t work very well, but you can make it more personalized when you make your own.” You can see Wolle’s fashion when walking the halls at Washington High School. Lots of planning goes into her outfit. She picks one piece at a time and often adds household items to make them unique. Wolle’s outfits are sometimes themed. One of her themed outfits came the week before Halloween.“I dressed up as one of the world’s most famous composers, Johann Sebastian Bach,”
Andi Lawrence Profiles Editor Additional reporting by Amy Wilkie - Staff Writer
said Wolle, “even though he lived a long time ago, it was still really cool to dress as him.” In addition to being a musician and fashionista, Wolle has a great sense of humor. She said the fun part of having a unique fashion is seeing everyone’s reactions. “It’s fun walking into a room to see people’s looks. It really tests what society thinks of fashion,” said Wolle. Wolle recalls one day being called a Swedish astronaut when she coupled a handmade skirt with a galaxy printed shirt. Another time, someone called her a mermaid because she was wearing metallic. “It’s really funny because in elementary school I was a tomboy, my mom had to pick out my clothes,” said Wolle.
Visit Wolle’s blog, The Magenta Musican, to see more photos of her outfits.
Photos courtesy of Anna Wolle
Andi Lawrence
Profiles Editor
Profiles 15
Andi Lawrence Profiles Editor Imagine waking up at 4:15 every morning to take care of four children then going to your full time job. This is the life of Erica Derrick. She teaches kids with special needs about every class including: math, science, language arts, and art. She ends the day teaching student senate. Derrick says her favorite part of the job is being with kids. That’s a good thing, because she gets plenty of that at home too. Her children, Jacob- 7 years, Noah- 5 years, Davis- 2 years, and Abigail- 5 months, are known to be fun-loving but a bit of a handful. In addition to teaching, and raising her four kids, Derrick has additional student senate responsibilities. She said during Homecoming week, “I Photo Courtesy of Erica Derrick spend around 18 hours a day at school from 4 am to 10 pm.” Outside of school, Derrick has many hobbies and ways to spend her time. “I love to plant things, garden, read, build stuff, cook, and play with my children,” said Derrick. Most people wouldn’t know that Derrick was originally an elementary school teacher and that she attended a Quaker High School named Scattergood Friends which is near Iowa City. She is a teacher that connects well with her students but check out her daily schedule to learn more about her.
DAILY SCHEDULE:
4:15 A.M.: Wake up-shower & get ready 5:00 A.M.: “Wake up my baby”feed Abigail & make lunches for the boys 5:30 A.M.: Wake up Jacob, Noah, and Davis. Have breakfast and coffee 6-6:30 A.M.: Come to school 8:15 A.M.-2:00 P.M.: Pre-Algebra, Biology, FOS, Art, Algebra 2:00-2:55 P.M.: Student Senate 3:15 P.M.: Pick up kids from school and daycare 3:50 P.M.: “Clean up the house, run around with my dogs and awesome kids outside.” 5:30 P.M.: Dinner 7:00 P.M.: Put kids to bed 7:00- 10:30 P.M.: Make popcorn, clean and fix things that have been destroyed by my children, bake, or watch scary shows with my husband.”
Freshman Bachelor of the Month Most Freshman Bachelors of the Month have a solid catalog of Photo by Ian Schweiger reasons that interested ladies should be trying their hardest to revoke their bachelor status. Emmanuel Hidalgo-Wohleben, ’17, is no exception. His kindheartedness, global awareness and investment in community are exemplified through his participation in Amnesty International and Interact. He described what he’s looking for in a girl as “Smart, funny. And I wouldn’t mind if she was kind of pretty.”
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Profiles
Elijah Wolter Staff Writer
Romantic aspirations aside, Hidalgo-Wohleben is also seeking the friendship of a prehensile-tailed primate. In describing his perfect date, he said, “Staying in, playing video games and the date is my monkey.” But not just any monkey will do for our Chinese food-loving, raw broccoli-hating bachelor. Size and characters traits are not to be disregarded in the search for a video game companion. “He’s fairly large. Big enough that he can compete with me but not too big that he’s better than me,” he said. He additionally describes his dream monkey as energetic and kind and, above all, a good-snuggler. By no means, unadventurous, Hildalgo-Wohleben is nonetheless a homebody who designates the couch as his favorite furniture. If you’re a smart, funny girl who might also be pretty and you’re fine with splitting time with a gaming ape, Hidalgo-Wohleben is the man for you.
Andi Lawrence Profiles Editor
Frisbee Frenzy Chris Harrington Staff Writer Ultimate Frisbee is a high energy, high action sport that is played on a 70 by 40 yard field with endzones 15 yards deep. To score, one team must consecutively pass the frisbee from one end to the other without a drop or turnover. Daily pickup games are played to either 7 or 11 points on the front lawn. Wash’s ultimate club attracts players onto the front lawn daily, rain or shine. These highly active and energetic athletes are very committed to their sport, but the atmosphere they create on the front lawn do not match their levels of commitment. “Everyday we go out to play a fun, simple game with our friends from class,” said Ethan Cross, ’14. The weather plays no factor for the 5-10 athletes that show up to play everyday. These
daily diehards have played in everything from three inches of snow to 100 degree heat over the summer at Bever Park. They carry a strong passion for their sport and an even stronger dedication to playing ultimate as often as possible. Ultimate Club’s founders Noah VanderVaart ‘15, Adam VanderVaart ‘13, and Grant Blades ‘14, had been playing with friends for years but with the help of former and current teachers John Williams, Joel Decker, and Kyle Phillips, the club has grown from 4-6 people per day to up to 20 people in just under a year. “We had already been playing a lot, we knew the rules, and the games just kept getting bigger so making this [ultimate club] an actual club was just the next step,” said Noah. Although the club has its
bigger days, there is always room for more players. “We’ve never sent anyone away and we don’t plan to,” said Blades. In the spring, the Ultimate Frisbee Club plans to attend the Central Regional USA Tournament in Ames, Iowa or the Iowa High School Ultimate State competition. Last spring, a makeshift team of the daily players traveled to Iowa City to play against Iowa City West and Scattergood High School (West Branch Quaker Private) in a round robin style tournament. The loose-playing Wash team didn’t do as well as they’d hoped, but have been practicing and playing daily since then. If interested, contact Noah, Blades, or Cross. They have very high hopes for the upcoming competitions and are always open to newcomers or experienced players.
Photo by Denise Kassis
Sports Editor
Ian Schweiger
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Winter Sports Preview Ian Schweiger Sports Editor
Eric Loeffelholz Business Manager
Mitch Fisher Staff Writer
Women’s Basketball and Bowling The women’s basketball team return two key players from last year’s state tournament team in Aleena Hobbs, ’14, and Dani Franklin, ’14. Hobbs said every game will be tough as the conference is very competitive. The team’s main goals include to win as many games as possible and make a return back to the state tournament. “[Personally], I want to become a stronger leader and be named First Team All Conference.” said Hobbs.
Franklin has signed with Valparaiso University to play basketball next year, while Hobbs is currently undecided. The women’s bowling team brings a well rounded group of stars from last year’s state tournament team. Shania Christensen, ’16, Kelly Waters, ’14, Keely Pernicka, ’14, Lynze Moon, ’15, and Ally Owens, ’15, have all turned in big scores in the women’s team wins over Iowa City High and Cedar Rapids Kennedy.
Men’s Basketball, Wrestling, Swimming, and Bowling The men’s basketball team lost all their starters from a year ago, but return many key reserve players. Even with the losses from the starting lineup, head coach Adam Sanchez said that the team will look to get better in every game they play. “Our goals are to finish in the top half of our league and to [at least] get to the substate final,” said Sanchez. This season’s standouts include Jake Kramer, ’14, C.J. Nelson, ’14, Montaves Anderson, ’14, Razadon Taylor, ’14, Reid Snitker, ’15, and Maurice Arrington, ’15. The wrestling team gained a new assistant coach for this season, and the whole staff is working hard to get their wrestlers on track to qualify for state. “I’m excited to just go out there, put stuff together and win for the team and win for the school,” said Noah Fox, ’14. The wrestling team is relatively small and there is a lot of competition in Iowa, but the wrestlers are training hard to stand out. “The goal is always to end the day just dead
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tired, no matter what you’re doing,” said Fox. Standout wrestlers, such as Trey Schuler, ’14, Dax Dills, ’15, Tyler Burkle, ’14, and Fox are hoping to qualify for state competition this season. The men’s swim team is very optimistic about their upcoming season. They are looking to be the fastest team in Iowa this year, and are hopeful to make a state championship run. “[There’s] good potential for it if we put in the hard work,” said Jake Kehoe, ’14. The team has much returning experience, and 11 of the 16 varsity swimmers are seniors. “Were trying to go out with a bang. We’ve got to keep the tradition going,” said Kehoe. The team is also looking to win another title at the district competition. If they can do this, Washington will have won 51 consecutive district titles. The men’s bowling team, led by Kyle Kaness, ’14, and Brian Cline, ’15, managed to beat Iowa City High and Cedar Rapids Kennedy handily. “The team is in good shape, I know with Kyle and Brian, we have a chance against anybody,” said Victor Lopez, ’14.
Ian Schweiger Sports Editor
High School Hockey Revealed Eric Loeffelholz Business Manager It may not have the mass appeal of football or the flash of basketball, but hockey undoubtedly boasts some of the best athletes at Washington. The semipro players in our high school get the much of the attention, but there are some who just play for the love of the game. Although the Roughriders high school hockey team shares the same name and home venue as the Cedar Rapids professional club, that's about all the teams share. The high school club consists of a collection of players from Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and surrounding areas. There are about 35 players split between Varsity and Junior Varsity squads. The club is part of the Midwest High School Hockey League and as a member of the east division, they compete against teams as far away as Kansas City and Omaha. But because the team is on the road a lot, the players have to work hard not only to play at a high level, but also to fundraise in order to pay for road trips to away games. The team is coached by Washington Alumni Brandon DeWolf with the assistance of Larry Heggebo and Jerry Herb. The varsity team went on the road on Dec. 1st
Photos by Chris Harrington
Sports Editor
Ian Schweiger
Carlos Fornaris, ’14, enters the game for the Roughriders professional team
to take on Kansas City but the team came up short both games losing 1-6 and 2-3. The team is ranked second in the division with a record of 3-6. "The team’s much better than last year," said Alec Nichols, ’14. Nichols is one of five Washington players on the team. Nichols, Mike Eken, ’14, Chayton Wendler, ’14, Travis McConnell, ’17, and Chris Brown, ’16, all play for the high school level team in the winter. Most of the members of the team have been playing hockey since their youth. Eken and Nichols have both been playing Ice Hockey for 10 years, all of which through the Roughrider Youth Organizations. "I love it, just for the thrill of playing," said Nichols. Because of countless years of playing together for more than their high school careers, the team chemistry is good. "Road trips are fun, we watched “Mighty Ducks 3” and “The Heat” on the bus to Kansas City," said Eken. The home games are held at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena and admission is free for students.
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Bridget Williams Opinions Editor
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Orcinus orca. Killer whale. In the wild their weight is up to 11 tons. They swim over 100 kilometers a day. They live in groups. Their lifespan is equivalent to that of a human’s. Males have a tall, strong dorsal fin. There is no record of an orca doing harm to a human in the wild. In captivity, orcas are put in a concrete enclosure, a tank. They don’t live in groups the way they do in the wild, they’re put with different orcas from all over the world. When they can’t communicate with their family, it generates aggression and violence. Most captive orcas die in their teens and 20s, which the SeaWorld industry blatantly lies about, telling visitors that that is the “average Graphic by Alice Tosi lifespan”. 100 percent of captive male orcas have collapsed dorsal fins, which is speculated to mean that they’re in distress. There are over 70 accounts of killer whale/trainer accidents. Some of us have seen a killer whale at SeaWorld. We’ve gasped in awe of a killer whale’s beauty on the other side of the glass, we’ve watched one flip and wave at a Shamu show. We didn’t hear about the forced breeding. We didn’t see the bleeding on their sides. We didn’t see a trainer get brutally crushed between two whales. We didn’t hear the long range vocals made by a female orca desperately looking for her young. “Blackfish,” a documentary created by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, exposes the truth behind what SeaWorld has kept behind closed doors for almost 40 years. While we’ve been looking at orcas behind glass, “Blackfish” goes deeper and shows us a glimpse of life within. It starts with the hunt. The film portrays an unethical, eye-opening scene of the capture of killer whales. It proves the intelligence, and emotional bond the orcas share, and marks only the beginning of the captive life these animals withstand. In 1983, a two year old killer whale was captured, they called him Tilikum. Tilikum
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began to exhibit psychosis and aggression, which escalated and resulted in death of an employee and closing of the park, “SeaLand”. SeaWorld bought Tilikum immediately after this incident. Tilikum went on to kill two more people, and cause many injuries to trainers. All of these instances were claimed to be trainer error by SeaWorld and kept under wraps. Despite his track record, Tilikum is SeaWorld’s main breeder. 54 percent of the whales in their collection contain Tilikum’s genes. Tilikum is not an outlier in expressing violent behavior, killer whale/trainer accidents is a serious consequence of captivity that SeaWorld fails to resolve. “Blackfish” brings to light the lengths that SeaWorld goes to cover what goes on beyond the glass. SeaWorld has violated the law, what is morally right, and is sacrificing the well-being of both the animals and trainers for the sake of selling tickets at the gate. The truth is that killer whales weren’t the monsters we made them out to be until put in captivity. They are fighting back. And so are the people. The film recently aired on CNN, and made a lot of noise online. People all over the world were tweeting to put an end to Sea World. The Barenaked Ladies, who had planned to perform at SeaWorld, canceled due to an online petition caused by the “Blackfish” phenomenon. “Blackfish” has ignited a spark in all of us, and it’s spreading quickly. It’s an important film, I was alarmed by the emotion that filled me, not in the lies SeaWorld told, or the deaths of SeaWorld’s trainers, but by the footage of the orcas in the wild. Their black bodies against blue waters, the way they all swam in formation, connected to each other. They had the ability to swim as far as they wanted. They were free. “The first nation’s people and the old fishermen on the coast, they called them blackfish,” Whale Researcher, Dave Duffus, said in the film, “They’re an animal that possesses great spiritual power and they’re not to be meddled with.”
Michelle Zumhof A&E Editor
The Coe College Jazz Band
Sam Werner , ’15, and Elijah Wolter, ’14, performing their solos
Washington Band students after their performance
Jazz Also performs with guest artist John Kizilarmut
A&E Editor Michelle Zumhof
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Mikayla Frye Staff Writer On Friday, December 6, Emmy Bounadonna, ’15, broke Elijah Wolter’s, ’14, three year winning streak of the Poetry, Art, and Music Slam hosted by The Washington Literary Press. The fifth annual PAM Slam featured a diverse and talented group of students that showcased their art, performed their music, and delivered their poetry to their peers, teachers, and parents. Some of the musicians included Faith Brooks, ’16, In the Attic, and Summertown. A friendly competition is held between poets which eventually produces one grand champion. After three years of winning the competition, Wolter placed
third, Aaron Bissell, ’15, placed second, and Bounadonna proved to be the audience’s favorite. “I expected to come here and not even make it to the second round,” said Bounadonna, “I didn’t even prepare enough pieces.” Prepared or not, Bounadonna captivated the audience and now provides a new face to the list of PAM Slam champions. When asked if she had any advice for future performers, Bounadonna joked “don’t throw up on stage.” All proceeds from the PAM Slam ticket and t-shirt sales go to The Washington Literary Press.
Michael Janssen ,’15, Emily Laverty, ’16, and Jennifer Greif, ’15, performing music
Denzell Hayes ’14, rapping
Emmy Bounadonna, ’15, after winning the championship round of poetry Atticus Roberts and Aaron Bissel, both ’15, performing their skit, “Shoe Policy” Photos by Chris Harrington Faith Brooks, ’16, singing
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Michelle Zumhof A&E Editor
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