cWr
surveyor
Volume 57
Issue 6
24 February 2014
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 Amy Wilkie Cameron Williams
Matthew Andersland Lauren Barber Elijah Wedel Mitch Fisher Chris Harrington Brandon Cullen Mikayla Frye Evan Fisher
adviser
Kyle Phillips
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Meet the Staff
Hannah Jonasson Managing Editor
what’s inside? Year of the 36 Job Shadows Snow Days Q&A on Waivers Individual Speech
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news
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Sochi Olympics Track Preview State Bowling Bracket Challenge
17 sports
Semesters and Waivers The Warming Planet Teacher / Student Pet Peeves
opinions
Opera Staff Movie Picks Art Club
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a&e
cover story feature:
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Renovating Wash Q&A with Diplaced Teachers
Upperclassmen Bachelors Davenport Twins
profiles Managing Editor
Hannah Jonasson
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Hannah’s Location of the Month:
photo Table of Contents
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Year of the 36 Mikayla Frye Staff Writer It has been quite an unusual year for the senior class. While it is rare for any class to have someone receive a 36 on the American College Testing assessment, commonly referred to as the ACT, this year’s seniors have experienced two of their classmates receiving this honor. Anji Misra, ’14, has recently joined Elijah Wolter, ’14, on the list of students scoring a 36. “I was really surprised when I found out I got [a 36]. I woke up and checked my phone then went to put in my contacts to make sure I saw it right,” said Misra. Misra was not expecting for the report to read that she had earned a perfect 36 on her ACT. After years of taking the ACT, her hard work finally paid off. Unlike most students, Misra started studying for and taking the test long before her high school days. Misra took the test two times in middle school and then three times in high school. Even though Misra has earned the top score on the ACT, she does not undermine its difficulty. “[All sections] were hard. Reading was probably the hardest because I had to pace myself,” said Misra. When Misra wasn’t busy studying for her classes, doing homework, or looking up cat videos on YouTube,
she would help herself prepare for the ACT by taking a lot of timed practice tests and reviewing from study books. Misra spent the two weeks leading up to her last and final test Anji Misra studying for it. “I was so proud of Anji when I found out she got a 36 because I know how hard she worked for it,” said Ali Lundy, ‘14, who is a friend of Misra. Although Misra is only the second person since the graduating class of 2009 at Washington High School to score a 36 on the ACT, she admits that she did not celebrate her achievement in any way and that “just getting the score was enough.” Students and staff at Wash were as surprised as Misra that two students earned a 36 in one year. “If anyone deserved to get a 36, it was Anji. I can’t think of a more deserving person,” said Lundy. Misra’s achievement not only brings her friends and family pride, it brings Washington a great pride as well.
Take a High-Schooler to Work Day Elijah Wedel Staff Writer Job shadows are a great way for students to explore a Tyler Walker, the director of the job shadow program. career path, deciding whether or not they want to choose It’s also important to have a driver’s license and be at the specified career. least a sophomore. Walker said it’s possible to “Available job shadows In a job shadow the student participate in a job shadow without having a chooses a career they think driver’s license if the student has a ride. include botanist, might be interesting and spends A job shadow can last anywhere from three microbiologist, dancer, a day following someone hours, to a full day, and it’s very easy to get that works in that career. started. “[All I had to do] was sign up online at and others” This doesn’t apply for certain workplacelearning, print out a form and turn it in jobs because of confidentiality issues. Washington to the office” said Laurel Dusek, ’15. High School has a job shadow program, but before Available job shadows include botanist, jumping into the job shadow program there are a few microbiologist, dancer, and whole other variety of job requirements to know. shadows. A complete list of job shadows can be found at The first step is filling out a form and turning it in to http://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?p=32896.
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News
Michael Andersland News Editor
Good Year to be a Senior Michael Andersland News Editor “Cedar Rapids schools are closed today. This is a sentence that students everywhere eagerly await hearing or reading throughout the winter months. However, during this school year we’ve had far more snow days and two hour delays than normal. So many that the district has exhausted all but two of the scheduled snow make-up days. With Iowa’s ever changing unpredictable weather, it’s possible that there could be two or more additional weather cancellations by the time the snow finally melts for good. While a day off means a day of sleeping in and relaxation for students, what effects do delays and cancellations have on teachers, classes and other school staff? Dr. Ralph Plagman, Washington High School principal, explained that there are actually two different types of snow days. When the weather is not quite as severe, teachers and students get the day off, but administrators and some other staff members still come to work. “A snow day is still a work day for me, unless all district offices are closed,” said Plagman. The district offices have less lenient standards for closing, and throughout the six school cancellations we’ve had so far this year, the district only completely closed on three of these occasions. Snow days are made up with two “built in” make-up days during the year, but after that make-up days are added on at the end of the year. So far there are four extra days at the end of the year. Many school districts, including Cedar Rapids, have considered adding some
“Scoop snow, take my kids to school if they don’t have a snow day.” -Terry Kahler
“Play with my puppy.” -Jordan Hill
News Editor
time to the school day during the spring as a makeup alternative, but according to KCRG.com the Iowa Department of Education won’t allow this to happen. Next year, districts could get the option for a school year to be measured in hours, rather than days. Right now a full school year is 180 days, early dismissals and late starts included. If the district chose to change to hours, 180 days would become 1080 hours, and the district would gain more options for making up snow days, and maybe even making up early outs. Despite make-up days, one of the biggest problems snow days cause concerns AP classes. “AP tests are at the same time regardless of snow days. Make-up days in June don’t help,” said Plagman. “Snow days put me way behind for the AP exam,” said Dr. Terry Kahler, who teaches AP Biology at wash. The AP exams are held in May, so by the time of the make-up days in June, the exams have already happened. Teachers are forced to cover material faster or cut out some of the material. Even two hour delays have an effect on class progress. “Late starts shorten classes so much it’s hard to get students to work, and there’s less time to do anything. And two hour delays don’t get made up,” said Adam Witte, a language arts teacher at Wash. Even so, Witte isn’t opposed to having a snow day now and then. “At some point, all the snow days can be overkill, but I’m just as excited as anybody [when school gets cancelled],” said Witte.
What do teachers do on snow days? “Come in to work if district offices are open. If not, work on projects or newsletters at home.” -Dr. Ralph Plagman
Michael Andersland
“Sleep, clean my apartment, and play video games.” -Jacob Mason-Marshall
“Shovel the walk, drink coffee, do laundry, and maybe grade papers.” -Adam Witte
News
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A Change in the Waiver Brandon Cullen Staff Writer Washington students are used to our system of PE classes and waivers. They can get a sports waiver for each sport they participate in throughout the year, an academic waiver if they have a full academic schedule, and waivers for other activities such as show choir or club sports. Next year, things are changing. Staff writer Brandon Cullen sat down with Dr. Plagman to learn exactly what’s going to change. Q: What is going to change about the waiver system? A: For all grades one sports waiver may be used per year for successful completion of a school sport. In addition, directed study PE credit can be earned for successful completion of a second sport under the supervision of a PE teacher who will have some additional expectations. Juniors and seniors may use two academic waiver each year if they are enrolled in a full schedule of 30 credit hours or more. Q: When will the changes take effect? A: It will go into effect next year.
Q: Do you like that we’re changing the waiver system or do you like the current waiver system? A: I like the current waiver system better. Q: What have you heard from students about the new waiver system? A: I haven’t heard much and that the new waiver system is better for the juniors and seniors. Q: What is the purpose of the waiver system? A: To allow for tougher academic schedules. I don’t think that the athletes should have to take P.E. class. Q: Is this new waiver system just for Washington High School or for the whole district? A: It’s for the whole district. Q: How is this going to affect the students that are playing multiple sports? A: It will only affect the kids that play three or more sports.
Preparing for Competition Michelle Zumhof A&E Editor As winter comes to a close and spring approaches, individual speech begins preparation for the series of competitions ahead. Around 60 Washington High School students prepare speaking pieces and compete in up to two categories out of 15 categories total. Kara Sulzer, Wash’s individual speech coach, explains, “The students give preferences of which categories they want to be in.” Sulzer adds that their years of experience in speech are also factored into that. All State individual speech has 3 weeks prep. If a one is scored at the district level contest, the student goes to the state contests a week later. For All State, on top
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News
of just getting a one, students also the piece needs to be communicated have to be nominated, which is a through voice. Pausing, rate, big deal-- only about five percent inflection, tone, volume… and how of all students in Iowa move on to to manipulate those to communicate All State. Districts are on March 1, the piece.” Also to “Slow down and State on March 15, and All-State on be articulate. It takes work.” March 31. Sulzer said that the most Erica Cole, ’14, is a two year popular category is acting, which participant in speech. “[My favorite is “The most desired, but the most part is] narrowing the whole difficult.” theatrical experience into one small Solo musical theater is also part that you can focus on and hugely desirable, along with “After develop, and that transfers over to dinner speaking”, where the actor when you do a big show,” said Cole. gives a speech in a specific format to Cole made All State large group a given group of imaginary people. speech last year, and again this year. As for preparation, Sulzer said “The hardest part is probably just that the most challenging part for getting over fear and nerves while the students is memorization, and performing,” said Cole. “Understanding the piece, and how Logo used with permission from IHSSA
Michael Andersland News Editor
Changes to Come Waivers
Andi Lawrence Profiles Editor
The new system for gym waivers starting next year may have come as a shock and
disappointment for many students. Beginning the 2014-2015 school year, the system will limit the use of sports waivers to one, unless additional requirements are fulfilled, and not accept ANY outside of school waivers previously accepted (including YMCA classes, outside of school sports teams, dance classes, tae
Semesters
During the 2015-2016 school year, Washington High School will be facing even more changes, Lauren Barber this time, Staff Writer our faithful trimester system will be replaced with semesters. “Trimesters are a unique feature, most schools are on semesters or block schedules and so are most colleges. We want to help align the school with others in the area,” said Assistant Principal, Michael Johnson. Though some things are still cloudy such as if they’ll only be two sections of the elective courses offered a year or if Wash will have quarter courses offered allowing
Opinions Editor
kwon do, etc.). For many students, including myself, a sport outside of school plays a bigger role than sports at school. We spend just as many hours a week going to practices, meets, ski shows, or whatever it may be, as the students involved at sports in school. I would even go so far as to say, we get more physical exercise (plus we enjoy our own activities) in a week than we would if forced to sign up for weights or dreaded walking gym. I could agree with making the waiver system more serious so people can’t slide through without being active, but not completely ending this benefit that Washington students have enjoyed. the opportunity for four sections of electives to be offered, this seems like a step in the right direction for Wash. “Teachers in the professional learning communities (PLC) will help decide what they’ll do in regards to how elective courses will change, yearlong courses won’t change much, if any,” said Johnson I am really excited for the future of Washington and having the school on semesters. I think the possibility of less finals will make things exponentially less stressful for the students to deal with and the possible opportunity to take four electives as opposed to three would be a nice option for people. Also, having the schedule more similar to colleges is something I wish we could’ve had, but it’s a great change for the future students.
Bridget Williams
Roses
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Jovon on the announcements Orchestra Ski Trip Finally got my money right Not losing the half day Owl City made another song With Carly Rae Jepsen Big Cookie Day The Olympics Kleman’s Salon and Spa Hot singles in your area GBB Conference Champs Mt. Jock Lot Two full weeks this term NewBo Salsa
Thorns • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Owl City made another song Fab Five Sochi Teachers who try to sneak diss on you Sasquatches Normal squashes Snow won’t stop Twitter Suspensions #getbridgetisrawunsuspended Going to school until August Mitch turns in stories last minute Doing the entire Surveyor the day after its due subtweets
cc from commons.wikimedia.org
Opinions
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The Warming Planet Part 2: Connecting the Dots
Science and recent headlines suggest that we could be on the path to extreme weather becoming the norm. “There is good Bridget Williams confidence indicating Opinions Editor that California will likely experience a continued trend of increasing temperature, increased extreme weather events, extended drought periods, and sea level rise. Some specific California effects are an early snowmelt, increased flooding, increased, erosion and landslides, decreased water resources for extended periods, and low lying regions under water,” California Regional Assessment, 1998. The headlines of 2014, “Dry and Dangerous, California fights Wildfires and Historic Drought,” CBS News, “California drought brings ‘unprecedented’ fire danger,” LA Times, “Climate Expert Warns California Drought May Last Decades,” NPR, “Hundred Years of Dry: How California’s Drought Could Get Much, Much Worse,” Time, “Heat, Flood or Icy Cold, Extreme Weather Rages Worldwide,” NY Times. So I’m back. Here to tell another gripping tale of global warming’s wrath. This week is not about the polar vortex. Today we discuss another villain that has the western area of the nation under its full control; extreme heat, wildfires, a drought that could last decades, and
the threat of turning on a faucet and nothing coming out. That all sounds a little dramatic and there has not been any real research on the 2014 drought in regards to climate change yet, but that doesn’t mean the extreme heat in California has nothing to do with global warming. Last month, Gov. Jerry Brown of California issued a drought emergency. There have been over 150 wildfires this season and farmers are facing unemployment due to dry crops, but here we’re facing the coldest winter on record, so how are these related? Most of us know the basics of water, it can move from large bodies of water through evaporation, it condenses to form clouds, and returns back to the earth in the form of rain or snow. Normally, jet streams are fast flowing winds that move from east
to west, driven by the differing temperatures in the north and south, but due to a warm Arctic and the smaller temperature gap between the north and the south, these jet streams are distorted and slow. The peak of a jet stream wave indicates high pressure and the southern part indicates low pressure. Around this time, the high pressure front would be over the Sierra Nevada, allowing water vapor in the air to come back down as snow, but that high pressure front is now to the east of California, causing a drought of historic proportions. California experienced heavy rain recently, but it was virtually nothing matched with a drought that could last decades. The nation depends on California for food because normally they have three growing seasons and now the soil and vegetation are dried out. The majority of California is in severe need of water. We can’t continue to water our lawns every day, or use these advanced irrigation systems, or take 40 minute showers, our time is up. Australia’s in a record drought, it’s July in January for California, Alaska’s warm, The U.Kis flooding, the Midwest is in an extreme winter, we’re closing in on all the symptoms to the end of the world here, and we’re still treating climate change as a political debate.
Graphic by Bridget Williams
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Opinions
Bridget Williams Opinions Editor
I hate it when teachers... Don’t allow late work but also don’t allow you to criticize them for being late grading homework and tests. -Wreece Marner
Ask “Did I miss anything when I was gone?” No, we just all sat around wondering what to do without you. -Mrs. Metzger
Think your questions are dumb and won’t answer them. -Hallie Cooper
Opinions Editor
Spend five minutes telling us how we are wasting time in class. -Jake Truemper
Have giggling fits in the library. -Renate Stewart
Graphics by Hannah Jonasson
Bridget Williams
Show up. -Mr. Kleman
Sit through class with an earbud in their ear and then ask questions about the material we covered while listening to their music. -Mr. Throndson
Give homework on break. -Macey Coppess
Top Answers: Use 4 Point Scale Are Disrespectful Assign Busy Work
Lie, steal. -Charlie Faulkner
-Change their schedules 10 times per term. -Wait till the last minute to submit college/ scholarship apps. -Mrs. Byers :)
Teach. Seriously. Teachers are screwed just like policemen. Even if they do their jobs perfectly they’ll still get hate. Very few teachers can make teaching bearable. -Christian Nassif
Give students a packet but then don’t do anything beneficial to the class for that period. -Ethan Hammer
I hate it when students...
Underestimate themselves. I totally see apathy and plagiarism as symptoms of the same problem: students don’t believe they can, do something so they find a way NOT to do it. It’s so depressing to me to imagine my students copying a neighbor’s work because they don’t have enough faith in themselves and their abilities to learn the material. Can you imagine something more hollow than a grade you didn’t earn? To accept a diploma or a Valedictorian medal you know you don’t deserve? -Mr. Witte
Top Answer: Are Disrespectful Opinions
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wash MJ Kamin Editor-In-Chief With contributions from: Mikayla Frye Staff Writer Lauren Barber Staff Writer
Ian Schweiger Sports Editor Amy Wilkie Staff Writer Cameron Williams Staff Writer
On March 1, 2013, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, also known as HVAC, remodeling project began at Washington High School. The program, funded by the local option sales tax, began with construction on the hallway leading from the offices to the cafeteria, the pool, and the old gym. This year, at the beginning of the third trimester in early March, the HVAC program will resume. Construction on six classrooms on the east most side of the building, closest to the jock lot, will be demolished and remodeling will begin. The new gym will also be closed for remodeling on March 19. This 25 million dollar project is a joint effort at Wash, Kennedy, and Jefferson High Schools. It began five years ago when the heating and cooling systems at Kennedy were remodeled. Wash is the last school to be remodeled, a little behind Jefferson, who remodeled their cafeteria last summer. Wash’s cafeteria will be remodeled this summer. Continue reading on Page 12
Editor-In-Chief
MJ Kamin
Feature
11
Continued from page 11
wash
The entire project will end with a new heating and air conditioning system in the whole school except for the new wing and music wing. Renovations will continue to take place until August of 2015. Six teachers and their students will have to move for the final trimester of the year (see page 13). For some students, spending time in another classroom in a different part of the school for the end of the year at Wash could be different. For example, some teachers may be moved to the industrial wing. “I don’t want to go to the industrial wing. It’s far away. On the bright side, if I don’t get a spot in the jock lot I won’t have to walk as far,” said Oliver Hammond, ’15, a member of Dr. Bette Huntington’s AP Calculus class. For others, the move will be no big deal. “I’m not overly attached to the classroom. I mean… I’ll be mildly annoyed because it will be further from the jock lot and take me longer to go out to lunch. But beyond that, it is the people and the teaching in the classroom that makes it the class,” said Tom Chase, ’14. Although work will be done on the school during the summer, the renovations will also be occurring during class time. “They wanted to get them done in a reasonably short timeline,” said Dr. Ralph Plagman, “It’s a need. It’s an urgent need. I mean, our heating and cooling system is so bad here.”
“I think it will be a distraction to some extent, but manageable. I haven’t heard any real horror stories from Jefferson. Last year, for example, it was going on all spring term in phase one,” said Plagman. Not only do the changes bring new heating and cooling, but also energy efficiency. All new higher efficiency lighting, ceilings, floor covering, exterior walls, and windows are to be installed. The new windows will no longer be single pane glass, a design element from the mid 1950s. The new windows will be better at trapping in the cool and warm air. “The entire building will be air conditioned, that’s the biggest bang out of the whole thing. Those super hot days in spring and fall, that won’t happen anymore,” said Plagman. The restrooms that have yet to be remodeled will not be remodeled, at least not through the HVAC program. “The restroom remodeling was a different project, not related to this,” said Plagman. Plagman expects the renovations on the new gym to finish around late April. That area will then become the dining room. He expects most of the serving to be done out of the concession stand. “In the end, we will have pretty close to a new school,” said Plagman.
It’s a need. It’s an urgent need. I mean, our heating and cooling system is so bad here. - Dr. Ralph Plagman
Have thoughts about the construction at Wash? Write a letter to the editor! Submit to crwashsurveyor@gmail.com.
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Feature
MJ Kamin Editor-in-Chief
Mrs. Stranathan Moving to: 205 C
Q: How do you plan on transporting all of your materials? A: “Janitors will help. Not much stuff to move, I only need two filing cabinets.”
Mrs. boesenberg Moving to: 219
Q: How do you think the renovations will affect the students? A: “I’m going to be hopeful that the effects will be positive - better air conditioning and heating.”
Mr. Metzger
Moving to: 131 periods 5-6, 146 other
Q: How do you think the renovations will affect students? A: “Changing them out of their environments might take some getting used to. The renovation as a whole is a good thing.”
Editor-In-Chief
MJ Kamin
sra. niffinegger Moving to: 101B
Q: How do you think the renovations will affect the students? A: “Rooms are kind of dreary, it will help make it more inviting. People are more excited to be in a newer place.”
mme nicol Moving to: 229
Q: How will the renovations affect you? A: “During track season I have to move the home base. Most of the stuff is in storage, and I’ll have to make sure I have the stuff out.”
dr. huntington Moving to: 101A
Q: How do you think the renovations will affect the students? A: “Vents have not worked right for years. Climate controlled rooms have a predictable and comfortable climate.
Feature 13
Reece Chadima What are you looking for in a girl? You know, someone who can be fun. Shorter than me, light hair maybe. Celebrity crush: Mila Kunis. What would you get a girl for Valentine’s Day? A small animal, maybe a dog, maybe not. Perfect date: Pick her up in a plane, go to Venezuela, and spend the week on the beach.
Hunter Smith
Bryan Cline
What are you looking for in a girl? Sense of humor, good taste in music and intelligent. Best date: Matchbox 20 concert Greatest attribute: My bowling game Favorite love song: Aaron Bissell singing “Love Song”
Gunnar Lenzen
What are you looking for in a girl? Funny, easy to talk to, good looking. Celebrity crush: Mila Kunis. Perfect date: Dinner, a movie, and a night on the town. Greatest attribute: My sense of humor.
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Profiles
JUNIORS Andi Lawrence Profiles Editor Lauren Barber Staff Writer
What are you looking for in a boy? Someone outgoing. Celebrity crush: Channing Tatum Perfect date: Ice cream and a movie, on the beach watching a sunset. Favorite chick flick: “The Notebook”
Christian Peterson What are you looking for in a girl? Sense of humor, most definitely. Celebrity crush: Heath Ledger Worst date: A walk in the woods...there’s ticks and bugs. Greatest attribute: My handwriting
Andi Lawrence Profiles Editor
Sawyer Philipp Cam Bentley
What are you looking for in a girl? Someone who likes to have fun and who can put up with my swimming antics. Celebrity crush: Mila Kunis. What would you get a girl for Valentine’s Day? Depends how long I’ve been seeing them. Greatest attribute: My humor.
What are you looking for in a girl? What am I supposed to be looking for? A good personality, good character, nice and attractive, obviously. Celebrity crush: Emma Watson. What would you get a girl for Valentine’s Day? Roses. I dont know, what girls wanna hear...a dinner. Greatest attribute: I’m a nice guy.
Mike Eken What are you looking for in a girl?
Funny and nice. She has to be an astronaut. Celebrity crush: Sofia Vergara. Perfect date: Long walk on the beach, nice romantic candlelit dinner on the beach. What would you get a girl for Valentine’s Day? What are you looking for in a girl? Lots of food. Someone with a sense of humor, knows about sports, pretty, and a good personality. What are you looking for in a girl? Celebrity crush: Someone who will only judge me by Roselyn Sanchez. my Surveyor answers. Perfect date: Celebrity crush: Breakfast in bed, noon movie, dinner in Not Meghan Fox. For this month’s Freshman Favorite chick flick: Bachelor of the Month check Times Square then a Knicks vs Heat game courtside. “Tangled”... or “Saw VI”. out our Febuary podcast at What would you get a girl for Valentine’s Greatest attribute: crwashsuveyor.com! Day? My pro-hop. Roses obviously. Depending on how long
Marcus Morgan
Jack Mescher
SENIORS
Andi Lawrence
Profiles Editor
Profiles 15
School and Religion Hand in Hand
Bridget Williams Opinions Editor
Hannah and Heidi Davenport are two juniors at Washington High School who are members of the Mormon church. Opinions Editor, Bridget Williams, sat down with them to learn more about being Mormon at Washington.
What is your daily schedule like? Photo by Hannah Jonasson Heidi: I’d say most mornings I wake up about 4:30 to finish homework that I didn’t finish the night before and actually start getting ready for the day about 5:00, leave my house about 5:45 and at the church at 6:00, seminary from 6:00 until about 6:45, and then I have early bird starting at 7:15 all the way up until the end of school and then most days I either have a trumpet lesson or a Revs rehearsal or something until about 5:00 and then at 5:00 I get to go home and eat dinner, then most nights do homework and on Wednesdays we actually have more church for another hour and a half. What are a lot of common misconceptions [about Mormonism] high schoolers have? Heidi: Some people think we have more than one set of parents for some reason, some people think we’re completely opposed to anything that’s unhealthy, but I mean we eat chocolate and candy all the time. Hannah: Yeah, and some people think we have magic underwear, it’s kind of ridiculous. Heidi: We’ve been asked before if we worship Pocahontas. Hannah: And if we drink milk, and if we can dance. Heidi: Yeah, some people don’t think we can be in show choir, they thought it was against our religion.
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Profiles
What is your view on Evolution when it is taught in your Biology classes? Heidi: Science and my religion go hand in hand. They explain each other. You believe in what you do in class as well as your religion? Hannah: Well sometimes, we believe evolution is cool, survival of the fittest just makes sense, except for really when it comes to humans, we don’t think we came from the same ancestor that monkeys do, we were created by the Heavenly Father. Heidi: We have evolved, just saying that all of these animals just blindly went into what they are now does not make sense, there was some divine intervention in there somewhere. They go hand in hand. I don’t see how you could believe in one and not the other. Do you guys feel like high school has modernized you in your religion? (rephrase) Heidi: I’d say I’m definitely more open to what other people think now that I’m more around different people with different opinions. I can understand how some people think rather than thinking I was the only person that thought the right things. I understand a lot of things I never would have been taught about, had I been home schooled. What are your plans after high school? Heidi: I think we both intend to go to Brigham Young University, which is a private school in Utah and it’s a Mormon school. It’s pretty selective, but we both want to go there and eventually we’ll both get a degree in something, I’m planning on going into music therapy. Hannah: I’m not sure, I either want to be a counselor or a teacher or something like that. Heidi: And then we’re both going to get married and have Mormon people, have Mormon families. Find the rest of the Q & A with the Davenport twins on our website crwashsurveyor.com.
Andi Lawrence Profiles Editor
Sore Subject in Sochi Elijah Wolter Staff Writer We wanna be like Mike. We coerced our parents into taking us ice skating after watching “The Mighty Ducks.” We put posters of them on our bedroom walls and aspire to achieve a fraction of what they’ve achieved. The influence athletes have on us as a society is irrefutable. Because of this, it is impossible to separate politics and sports anymore than politics and film or politics and advertising. They’re all locked together in the ways they influence us. This inseparability becomes even more prevalent when elevated to an extremely visible international stage as it is every two years with the Olympics. This year at the games in Sochi, Russia, there has been a sizeable political focus on recent Russian anti-gay legislation and the implications for the LGBT community in Russia. The Russian policy, signed into law on June 30, 2013 bans “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations to
minors.” The intentionally vague law limits gay rights and dialogue in Russia. The controversy that may play out at these Olympic Games is one that has already occurred at the track and field World Championships in Moscow in 2013. Swedish highjumper Emma Green Tregaro received a warning from track and field’s governing board, the International Amateur Athletic Federation, when she showed support for gay rights and protested Russia’s then-recently passed law by painting her fingernails the colors of the rainbow. The IAAF claimed that her nails violated the regulations, which prohibit political statements at its sporting events. Thomas Bach, the IOC president recently renounced country leaders pushing political agendas “on the backs of the athletes,” and discouraged athletes from using Olympic venues for “political demonstrations.” The problem is that politics and the Olympics are
inherently tied together. They serve as a ceremonial competition between nations to exert dominance. For a large portion of the 20th century, the Olympics were an athletic arms race between the USA and USSR. Even today, uniforms are plastered in national pride and corporate sponsorship. It seems unreasonable to allow expression of some opinions but not others. Doing so deprives athletes of their expression and casts them as mute pawns on the Olympic stage. Athletes are much more than their physical achievements. Olympic athletes only get their global spotlight once every four years and they should not be deprived of their chance to express themselves and their opinions. Athletes are always going to serve as inspiration and it’s best if they can do so as fully-formed personalities, not just pushing the bounds of human achievement, but speaking their minds and expressing themselves as well.
Left: A figure skater performs in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia
CC by Atos International
Sports Editor
Ian Schweiger
Sports 17
Track and Field Preview
Andi Lawrence Profiles Editor
It may be hard to believe that track practice began Feb. 17, when there are freezing temperatures, snow, and school cancellations. This is normal for the Washington track team. Both the men’s and women’s teams have around a month of practice before their first meet in March. The team hopes the weather will be nice enough to practice outside for preparation. At the end of track season, it’s not unusual for the temps to be in the 80’s and to be wearing minimal clothing; that’s the beauty of track. The Washington women’s track coach Frank Scherrman is excited to begin this season. In the pre-season, Scherrman said the girls are getting ready by lifting weights and getting some running in when they can. “Shannon Gorman, Sarah Witt, Megan Muller, and Jasmyne Jones, all ’14, are our returners who have been to state all four years,” said Scherrman.
He also mentioned Kadejah Sanders, ’14, as a top sprinter for the team. “[As far as newcomers], We don’t really know until they show up, but we love surprises,” said Scherrman. The goal of this women’s team is to be one of the top teams in the Metro area. “For a long time, our team was one of the top but not for a couple years now. We’d like to get that spot back,” said Scherrman. Sarah Witt, who runs 400s-800s, said she’s excited to begin track to hang with the team and coaches. “They become your second family during the season and knowing that all the hard work I’m going to put in will pay off,” said Witt. The men’s track team has similar goals. For pre-season, many of the boys are in the weight room every morning. “We weren’t at the level we wanted to be last year,” said Washington men’s track coach
Maurice Blue. This year they hope to improve. Important returners for the men include Landen Akers, ’15, in 100s-400s, Clayton Bjornsen, ’14, in 200s and 400s, Wes Ennis, ’14, a thrower, Alex Herzog, ’16, in relays, Ian Klopfenstein, ’16, in 400s-1600s, Isaiah Nimmers, ’16, a low hurdler, Mason Taylor, ’15, in 100s, 200s and relays, and Raz Taylor, ’14, in the long jump. Many of them qualified for state last year including Ennis, Herzog, Nimmers, and Raz Taylor. The men’s team is expecting some new runners this season also. Robert Bolden, ’17, and other freshmen are expected to be a good addition to the team. Cheer on the men’s and women’s track team at their first outdoor meet on March 25 as the men take on Waterloo West and the women take on Iowa City High.
Mooney’s expectations have not changed for her team. Mooney said they are ready for state, with regionals coming up in two weeks. Monica Reeves, the Washington men’s bowling coach, said her expectations of their season was making sure the bowlers learned more about bowling and trying to win. Reeves said that in the regionals, her expectations for the varsity team were higher, but at least wants Kyle Kaness, ’14, and Bryan Cline, ’15, to make it individually. Last year, Cline placed second in
the state tournament and Reeves wants him to do the same or better. She is very proud of the newcomers and others who have stepped it up, especially Victor Lopez, ’14, who made the varsity team this year, after playing JV last season. Cline said they think that they will have a tough road at regionals, but won’t rule out the chance of making it to state. “Kyle and I have the best chances at making it individually. We’ve had a great season and became better bowlers because of it,” said Cline.
State Bowling Preview
Brandon Cullen Staff Writer
Both men’s and women’s bowling teams are going into regionals with high hopes for the state tournament. Regionals are held here in Cedar Rapids, and State takes place on Feb. 25. Both teams have high hopes as their regular seasons come to an end. Traci Mooney, the Washington women’s bowling coach, said that her expectations are to win at least half of their remaining meets and also to have at least one bowler make it to state. They have a 5-4 record with two meets left to bowl.
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Sports
Ian Schweiger Sports Editor
The Billion Dollar Bracket Mitch Fisher Staff Writer Certain college basketball fans may brag about how they predicted last year’s winner, or at least a few of the correct teams in the Final Four. But correctly picking the winner for every single one of the 64 games in the Championship can be unthinkable. The NCAA basketball championship has five rounds and a championship game, so statistically there are 4,294,967,296 different possible outcomes. That is a .00000000023% chance of correctly predicting every game. Usually there are a few games
that are easy to pick, but there are so many variables that go into deciding the outcome of a game, it can be hard to correctly pick each one of the 63 games. There are so many unexpected scenarios that can happen as well. Star players can get injured, ruining that teams chances, or there can be an unexpected upset matchup, and the underdog that you had losing in the First Round makes it to the Elite Eight. The chances are so small that if anyone in the world would be able to do it, that Warren Buffett is offering $1
billion to anyone that can predict the outcome of every game, and create a “perfect” March Madness bracket. Buffett, thanks in part to the success of his company, Berkshire Hathaway, has an estimated net worth of $53 billion. One of Buffett’s companies, Quicken Loans, is officially offering the prize. To participate, head over to their Facebook page for more information on how to enter their official challenge and fill out that perfect bracket.
This year for the NCAA Basketball Championship, The Surveyor will be hosting a school-wide March Madness Bracket Challenge. The top three finishers who have a bracket with the least errors will win a prize. Follow the Surveyor on Twitter (@CRWashSurveyor) to stay tuned for more details surrounding the bracket challenge.
CC by The D34n
Sports Editor
Ian Schweiger
Sports 19
THE OPERA: Q&A Michelle Zumhof A&E Editor On January 17 and 19, the CR Opera Theater at the Paramount put on one of the most famous operas in the world, called “Carmen�. This opera, set in Seville, Spain, is about a gypsy woman named Carmen who tries to seduce a soldier, Don Jose. Passionate and tragic, an intriguing opera is produced through both story and music. 14 Wash students had the chance to be involved in this production.
Photo by Katie Weston
Katie Weston and Caroline McLaughlin pose behind the scenes of Carmen
CC from Open Clipart
20 A&E
Michelle Zumhof A&E Editor
CATCHING FIRE “It looked exactly as I pictured it as I was reading the book, and it was really well done.” -Mikayla MONSTERS UNIVERSITY “I loved it so much I bought the soundtrack.” -Ian ANCHORMAN 2 “It was pretty funny.” -Matthew DISPICABLE ME 2 “I liked that it was about a girl’s relationship with her dad.” -Cameron WE’RE THE MILLERS “Even though it was stupid, I laughed the entire time.” -MJ THE BUTLER “It was a really good depiction of US history from the 1960s through present day.” -Hannah THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY “Um it sucked.” -Bridget OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN “It was full of action and I loved when the little kid got out.” -Andi BLACKFISH “I liked it because everyone else liked it.” -Lauren NEBRASKA “It was an accurate portrayal of Midwesterners.” -Phillips N/A
“I didn’t watch any movies in 2013.” -Eli CC from Open Clipart Library
A&E Editor Michelle Zumhof
A&E 21
START
WHAT: Art Club WHERE: Mrs. Schmelzer’s room (237)
THE
WHEN: Most Wednesdays of the school year, after school (3pm)
ART
WHY: To provide an artistic environment where students can express creativity and learn new skills
(CLUB) Carlos Aguayo, ‘14, working on his latest piece
Mitchell Fisher Staff Writer A certain club at Washinton High School brings together students interested in art and creativity. Art club meets every Wednesday in Mrs. Schmelzer’s room and is open to anyone willing to learn and create. The art room has many resources available, such as paint, several kinds of paper, writing utensils, watercolors, clay, or any other artistic tool students bring in. “If it’s somebody new, we ask them if there’s anything they want to learn,” said Matt Sturges, ’14, president of art club. When students meet, they can work on their own art, ask others for constructive criticism on their work, or participate in art club projects. “It’s not a club that ties you down,” said James Carey ’15, referring to the flexibility that art club offers. As a group project, Art Club recently painted some of the shelf carts in the Wash library. In the future the club is thinking about drawing chalk murals or challenging themselves to create paintings using a specific artistic style. Art Club can be a supportive environment where students can decide to work individually as well. “You [can] bounce ideas off each other. You can make something completely different than what you intended,”
Photos by Mitchell Fisher
said Carlos Aguayo ’14. “If you’re open to suggestions, it’s good to come in here. There’s no one running around telling you ‘I don’t like that’. [Art club is] not negative. It doesn’t bag on other people,” said Aguayo. Art club members have successfully created a thriving and sociable place to create, while still maintaining a calm and rewarding place to work. “It’s relaxing. I can tune out the other things that are going on in the room and focus on this one project,” said RJ Powell ’15. The club is very diverse. Students of all grades and skill levels attend. There are opportunities for students to expand their skills in different tools and techniques. “If [you] are a painter, you could be throwing clay and learn different techniques of art and get feedback,” said Aguayo. For students who don’t have the time to fit an art class into their schedule, art club is a good opportunity to explore their talent. “Stop by even if you’re curious. Everyone is welcome,” said Sturges.
CC from Open Clipart Library
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A&E
Michelle Zumhof A&E Editor
New graduated driver’s license laws went into effect on Jan. 1 in Iowa. Did you know that during the first six months of your intermediate license, only one non-related minor passenger can ride with an unsupervised driver? Get the details at uichildrens.org/gdl. Tweet @uichildrens one fact from the website plus #gdl and we’ll randomly draw 30 winners between now and the end of March to receive a $20 gas card.
Kohl’s Keeping Kids Safe at University of Iowa Children’s Hospital
Business Manager
Eric Loeffelholz
Advertising 23
Photo from the ‘balloon send off ‘ at the funeral of McKenna Terrington, ‘16 at Jefferson, close friend of Hannah’s.
well, hannah spent so much time on Netflix this month she neglected to take a photo for the back page...sorry guys.
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