2205 Forest Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 SurveyorWHS@gmail.com Volume 55, Number 2 November 18, 2011
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“I think that obviously something like this [scandal] coming out in public makes it seems like it’s necessarily an increase but there have been cases like this in the past… there is some evidence from various surveys that are being done that there does seem to be an I don’t care if the teacher’s increase in general in cheating in high schools right next to me, I’ll cheat. It’s and in colleges and in kids self-reporting,” said Duer. that easy. It’s just like look real However, Duer has his reservations. quick and just remember what “One part of me says that yeah, kids have always done this, you know, but another the hell is on their paper. part says that the issue about the importance of the college admissions test and how increasingly competitive it is to get into college suggests that it might be becoming more of an issue. I’m of mixed opinion about it.” Regardless of whether or not there is an increasing trend of cheating on college placement tests, the fact remains that it does happen. “I knew I wasn’t going to get caught,” said the student. “I had a smart girl to my left and a smart girl to my right and it was just perfect. And I kind of went from the left girls answers, switched to the right.” In regards to whether or not they felt guilty about cheating a test that some students go to great lengths in their preparations, the student had the following comment. “Not at all. [I don’t feel bad] at all. That’s Graphic by Katie Nunemaker and Alyssa Christian their problem, that’s my Nationwide cheating scandals prompt the question of how prevalent cheating on standardized tests is at Wash. opinion. I found a way to do it and they found a of a perfect storm, in a sense, that all of these way to do it themselves.” Cheating on college placement tests factors are coming into play,” said David Duer, The student, however, cautioned. has gained media attention with the recent Long a Wash language arts teacher and previous “You just get stupider every time you Island cheating scandal and has caused Warriors employee of the ACT. “I think there are many cheat... It’s not okay, at all, in any position, but to ask themselves whether cheating is a problem students who feel a lot of pressure and respond sometimes people got to do what they have to at Washington High School. to the pressure by taking what they see as the do,” said the student. “Everyone does it [cheat The Long Island cheating scandal was only option out and finding someone to take the ing]- in school in general- homework, tests, an example of surrogate testing, where a student test for them or copying off of other students.” students find a way around teachers and it’s has another person take the test for them, and The surrogate testing in Long Island bad... Every time you cheat, you just fall more has resulted in the arrest of over 35 students who prompts the question of whether cheating and more behind, that’s why people keep on either paid others to take the test for them, took trends in general are on the rise. cheating.” the test for others, or created fake IDs for the test
Alyssa Christian Editor-in-Chief
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taking impersonators. The Surveyor had the chance to sit down with a Wash student who had personal experience with the issue of cheating. “I didn’t have any motivation to do it and I didn’t study so I felt like I could just copy off someone and get a better score than I could’ve myself that day,” said the student. Lack of motivation might not be the only factor that is encouraging students to cheat. “The increased cost of education, the difficulties with the economy, I mean, it’s kind
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25% of Wash students surveyed have thought about cheating on a standardized test. 47% would cheat if they were guaranteed to never be caught. 12% admitted to cheating on a standardized test. 18% believe cheating is a problem at Wash. 46% viewed cheating as “morally wrong but sometimes justifed.”
Inside this Issue n e w s
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Sangamithra Sathian surveyorwhs.news@gmail.com | November 18, 2011
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Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 All-State Music @ Off Campus Monday, Nov. 28, 2011 1st Day of Trimester
Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 PTA Health Sessions @ History Classes Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 PTA Health Sessions @ History Classes PPA Meeting, 7:00PM @ Little Theatre Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 Sports Assembly, 9:30AM @ Main Gym Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 Band @ NEIBA SAT Test Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 IPTA Health Sessions @ Language Arts Classes Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2011 Early Dismissal, 12:30PM @ CR Wash Friday, Dec. 9, 2011 Jazz Band @ Off Campus Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 ACT @ Off Campus Cocoa and Carols, 11:00AM + 2:00PM @ Auditorium Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 PTA Meeting, 9:00AM @ Room 128 Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 Academic Letter Assembly, 9:35AM @ Main Gym Band, 7:00PM @ Auditorium Orchestra, 7:00PM @ Auditorium Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 Choir, 7:00PM @ Auditorium College Connection, 11:15AM @ Band Room
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Backpackers go rogue Michael Andersland Staff Writer
Have you ever wanted to hike for a couple days in the outdoors? To cook your dinner outside on an open fire? To learn how to scale a frozen structure? Then maybe you should look into joining Washington High School’s Backpacking Club. The club has been around at Wash for about ten years now, and is sponsored by Wash science teacher and men’s soccer coach J.P. Graham. Although they haven’t gone on any major out of state trips in the last couple of years, they’ve certainly been active. This year on the weekend of Oct. 21, the backpacking club headed to Palisades Park, near Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Activities during the trip included cooking out and going on a night hike. The club plans to go on a winter hike as well, perhaps to Backbone state park. Graham said that at some point during the year, the club may get the chance to visit a farm in northern Iowa where they will have a chance to learn how to climb up the frozen farm silo there. Graham says he enjoys the friendly “togetherness” of the club and looks forward to their upcoming trips. “My favorite part of the club is probably the time spent around the fire, telling stories,” said Graham. Graphic by Tori Wheeler
Schnoebelen brings the bernie Kiran Misra Staff Writer
Bernieing is a movement that has spanned the nation, uniting many as they celebrate victories, exercise, and honor the deceased by doing the Bernie dance. Equaled in dance infamy by popular moves like cat daddying and dougieing, the Bernie is both hilarious and fun and originated in the popular 1980’s movie “Weekend at Bernie’s”. It started when a dead man joined a conga line and started an innovative shuffle that ignited the country in controversy. A southern rapper named Isa recorded a song called “Movin Like Bernie” and adapted the Bernie dance from the movie to go along with it and the rest is history. For those who aren’t quite up to the current dance trends, urbandictionary.com describes the Bernie as, “A hippie-esque dance craze in which you ‘hold yo head back like a nosebleed comin through’ while letting the body get loose and Move it like Bernie.” Despite the occasionally derogatory descriptions of this dance and its implications for society, the Bernie has infiltrated Washington High School. Dr. Tom Shonebelen, Pre- AP and AP Chemistry teacher, is attempting to unite the school and gain a world record in the process armed only with this wildly popular dance move. He has proposed to gather the largest number of people simultaneously Bernieing in one location. Schnobelen retells his moment of revelation. “I got the idea from my daughter, an eigth grader. She came home one day and showed me the dance online, and I thought, ‘wow, that’s really cool!’ I combined this with my lifetime ambition of being in the Guinness World Records book and thought it would be really ben-
Photo by Jessica Erb
eficial to all involved.” One thing Shoebelen underestimated was the explosive nature of his idea. All it took as one mention in class, and, “the idea took on a life of its own,” he described. What he did not misjudge was the ability to unite people with a variety of different interests. Upon asking his students about their intent to participate in the record attempt, there was a nearly unanimous outcry of support. “I will most definitely participate,” exclaimed Amria Nash, ‘13, an AP Chemistry student. “I think that his goal is very admirable and is sure to be a success.” Anna Wolle, ‘14, a pre-AP Chemistry student adds, “It’s a very ambitious plan, but Dr. Shoebelen is an amazing teacher, so if anyone can pull this off, he can. I will for sure be in attendance.” When asked what can be achieved by this effort, Shoebelen has the success of Wash in mind. “This will really put Wash on the map and provide invaluable school spirit. I think it’s a great idea.” It will also provide some welcome humor, despite the stress of school. Kassandra Kittredge, ‘13, another AP Chemistry student says, “I might not participate, but I will definitely be there to support those that do and laugh at the hilarity of the dance.” Though the date for this is yet to be announced, anyone can brush up on their Bernie skills to be prepared for the event. All students at Wash can be involved in this history in the making and go down in history as a world record holder.
Visit crwashsurveyor.com to look at and read about Occupy Cedar Rapids!
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Sangamithra Sathian surveyorwhs.news@gmail.com | November 18, 2011
WORLD IN REVIEW Briefs by Reid Rossberger Staff Writer
Facebook moves to Sweden---------
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Pakistani officials to push for stronger actions against the Haqqani terrorist network, a network believed to be responsible for attacks on American troops. “Nobody that launches attacks should be tolerated with safe haven in a country,” Clinton said. While pressing for a tighter grip on the network, Clinton admitted that the U.S. has held meetings with the network before. Like the Taliban, he Haqqani network was supported in the 1970’2 Soviet war. According the U.S. commanders, the network is the most resilient terrorist organization and one of the biggest threats to U.S.-led NATO forces.
Charity chooses contemporary artist-------------Controversial Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who played a hand in designing the infamous “Bird’s Nest” for the Beijing Olympics, was detained by Chinese officials and accused of tax evasion. He received a bill of $2.3 million, for the tax money that the government claims he owes, on Nov. 1 and was given 15 days to pay it. The artist was then surprised to find thousands of people donating money to him in a multitude of ways through Paypal, cash, and even folding banknotes in paper airplanes and throwing them over his fence at night. He has collected $958,000 so far from over 22,000 people.
Sharks threaten lives----------------------------------------------------------------Summer months have come and gone, with many families at Wash have traveled to the beaches that lie next to an ocean. The threat of shark attacks isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind before getting into the water. Recent attacks in Western Australia have left four dead in the past 15 months. These attacks have triggered a prompt response from the Premier of Australia Colin Barnett. He has raised the amount of sharks a fisherman is allowed to catch and also initiated a shark hunt meant to “catch with the intent to kill”.
Student Senate extends service to school and community Kiran Misra Staff Writer Most students at Wash have participated in activities planned by Student Senate, but most participants don’t realize the large impact of Student Senate and the extent of their influence. Meeting during seventh hour every day, the organization plans numerous school-wide activities throughout the year and aims to, “plan activities that are both fun for the school and improve the environment at Wash and the rest of the Cedar Rapids community while learning important leadership skills,” as described by Student Senate member Kristin King, ’13. The group has had their fair share of success: earlier this year, there were a record number of signups for the Leadership Retreat went well over its planned student limit. Their impact outside of the school’s walls include the costume drive, held in early October. Currently, the members seem to taking on a plethora of projects. The HACAP food, gift and can drive has already started and is set to conclude. Depending upon the age of the children, families receive toys, clothing, and school supplies to help them celebrate and ease the financial burden during the holidays. “Student Senate drives held throughout the year provide so many people in the community with vital items and funds and really keeps the people at Wash improving the community. It’s a great way to get involved,” said King. In the upcoming school year, Student Senate is also planning to address a pressing issue for students and staff alike, inside the school- the bathrooms. They are proposing to paint over the copious graffiti that adorns the stalls to rid the school of the profanity and deter further writing on the walls. Currently, this project is awaiting administration’s consent and approval. As Student Senate adviser, Derrick states in the Student Senate mission statement, “the people of Student Senate will be active participants in providing reliable services to Washington High School and the surrounding community.” This improvement of the school and around Cedar Rapids is a testament to the integral role that Student Senate plays in the Wash community. Caroline Rossberger, ’14 preparing posters for the food drive. Photo by Jessica Erb
BIG
t he
Sharks threaten lives--------------
With electricity cost steadily rising, Facebook recently released plans to move their server to Lulea, Sweden. The project is promoted as Facebook’s first data center outside of the United States and part of the initiative to be environment friendly. The location, just 62 miles away from the Arctic Circle, will keep servers cool and will allow Facebook to access Luela’s available renewable energy options. The center will handle data processing from Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
PICTURE
Kyle Maynard, a man without both his arms and legs, plans to scale Mount Kilimanjaro.
Manny Pacquiao defeated Juan Manuel Marquez in the conclusion to the epic seven-year fight trilogy on Sunday, November 13, within 12 rounds.
Jerry Sandusky, Ex-Penn State coach gets off scotfree by paying a bail fee of $100,000. cc by boxinginsider
4 | Opinion
Grant Kamin surveyorwhs.opinions@gmail.com | November 18, 2011
Offers Physics Classes, All Sound Terrible When I was in the fourth Ricky Perry- “oops” grade, I D.P + McMann+ Boat stumbled HP Part 2 on DVD upon a 11/11/11-11:11:11 No shave November VHS Lewis Blake in my Wizard of Oz Staff Writer Can food drive parent’s Skyrim collection entitled “Nova”. COD map pack- MW3 Seeing as we didn’t have R Kelly Boggle & assorted games cable at this point, I figured I had nothing better to do Baking holiday treats than put it in the tape player Noodles and Company and watch it. It turned out to The Dean’s List be an episode about string Razzleberry Peace Tea CrWashSurveyor.com theory, a topic most fourth Oscar season movies graders would have assumed SWAGIC related to arts and crafts, and Kim Kardashian is single within five minutes of having McRib is back! my mind blown to pieces, Hot chocolate I was hooked. I must have The Oasis in IC watched that tape at least 15 State football times before I could even Turducken attempt to understand it, but it sparked a curiosity in me that I consider to define what Velcro education should truly mean. 2012 I discussed it with my dad, Not enough snow who couldn’t quite answer Morning practices my questions to a level of Locker room disputes my satisfaction, so I looked Lack of punks
Roses
Thorns
for answers elsewhere, primarily school. During science lectures by my teacher Mrs. W, I would ask off topic questions relating to the Universe and Einstein’s theory of relativity which rarely got any attention. In all fairness though, I did attend a Catholic elementary school in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains of Pennsylvania, so naturally observable fact in science and rational thought process was not their forte. In my gifted and talented program, which was located in a white van in the school parking lot, I continued to ask questions about multiple dimensions and time travel which my instructor there could not answer. Most of my time there was actually spent trying to share my limited knowledge on the subject to the instructor as well as the other girl in my class who was deemed smart enough to hang out in the parking-lot
van with me, Carla. When signing up for classes last year, I was torn as to whether to take a physics class here at Washington. On the one hand, these were the sorts of discussions which made me think deeply and intellectually about things man-kind could only try to grasp, but on the other, I knew high school physics classes mostly revolved around calculating velocity and things of that nature. I wasn’t very much interested in these seemingly trivial aspects of the class, and so I decided not to take the course. It made me wonder: why wasn’t there a class offered which only dealt with the concepts of physics? Proving how the Universe works through mathematics is one thing, but understanding how it does and thinking about it through a philosophical and theoretical lens is another. No class seems to cover
Hippie Infestation
exactly what I’m curious about and it feels like an area of lacking. I’m sure I’m not the only one out there who has such a pristine interest in how the Universe works and I’d be willing to bet some of those students would opt for a course which dealt with it in a such a manor. The school could call it “Theoretical and Conceptualized Physics” and maybe even throw on the prefix “AP” just for laughs. We could sit in a circle, discuss the Universe and breakthroughs in modern science and drink black coffee. It’d have the chill factor of Washington Literary Press but with a basis in science. I believe there are others who would agree with me on this, so maybe this Theoretical and Conceptualized Physics class is something for the district to keep in the back of their minds as they prepare classes for next year. It’s a shame I won’t be here to enjoy it.
Kangaroo breeding Bear hunting season Penn State Dark @ 4:30 Evan Lehrman America was built on the principles of hard work, perseverance and capitalism. Our forefathers worked Burnt in November Guest Columnist tirelessly to create and instill these values into all Americans and for the first 190 years of our independence we Unfair vacations followed these ideals and our country became the strongest, most educated and most industrial country in the Iowa football world. But something went terribly wrong in the early 60’s with the creation of a group; a group so toxic that it is literally destroyMoochers ing the morals of America. I am talking about Hippies. Twilight Breaking Dawn Since I was a child I have seen the hippies as a corrosive entity. The first words out of my mouth were, “Why no do anyDirty Facebook images thing?” My finger pointed at hippies playing Frisbee. My father said, “When you are old enough, you will understand,” and now Lack of winter lover(s) I do. Hippies since the beginning of their existence have worked against “the man” in the false illusion that the man is oppressing Alum coming to parties them. In reality “the man” is a democratically elected government that works in the best interest of the districts that they represent. Finals Even if they were right about the problems all they do is whine about it. Get a real advocacy and elect officials. Sequined Uggs Their ideas grew more and more popular and invaded every community in America. Hipsters and urban mountain men were Sad day for turkeys Speaking tests the evil spawn of the hippies and actively work against the American ideals. Hippies have created a generation of slackers and Receding hairlines commies unwilling to work or add any value to society. And my question is, “Why don’t we make being a hippie illegal?” This is a Pro-life protesters very modest proposal. It would boost the American productivity and perpetuate capitalism. What’s wrong with that?
The Surveyor Editorial Policy
The Surveyor is established as a school-sponsored open forum dedicated to informing and entertaining its readers. It is published nine times each school year by students enrolled in the Journalism News class at Washington High School. The staff will report as fairly and well-balanced as possible. All activities and news will be covered to the best of the staff’s ability. The Surveyor accepts the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics as the basis for good journalism. Editorials and the reviews that appear under a byline are the opinion of the writer, not necessarily the staff. Unsigned editorials represent the majority of the Editorial Board. The opinions section is designed to provide a forum for the opinions of The Surveyor staff and the Washington High School Community. Readers are encouraged to express their viewpoints through guest editorials. The Surveyor also welcomes letters to the editor, with these guidelines: 1. It is not libelous or obscene. 2. It explains the material clearly. 3. It is not longer than 500 words. 4. It is signed.
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Opinion| 5
Grant Kamin surveyorwhs.opinions@gmail.com | November 18, 2011
Grand Old Problem Things aren’t looking good for the GOP. I know that if I was President Obama, I would feel pretty confident about the next election. Running against a group of nut jobs who don’t seem to have any clear front runner should make this next election a breeze for the Democrats. After all, the Republicans don’t have many options: The current front runner, which could very well change Molly Brown by the time this article is published, is Herman Cain the Staff Writer sex-scandled, pizza mogul. I’m not sure how much I would want a candidate who didn’t know China tested their first nuclear weapon in 1964. But lets face it, there are many republicans who don’t know much about history either (insert slam here) and perhaps they want another candidate they can “share a beer with” (or rather a pizza in this case) because we all know how well that worked out last time. And then you have Mitt Romney. Someone should tell Romney that he needs to take some sort of permanent stance on, well, anything. The problem with his rapid “flip-flopping” is that no one knows what side he will be on tomorrow. I wonder if he, like myself, doesn’t bother to reread what he writes considering he constantly disregards what he published depending upon who he’s talking to. Seeing as we don’t have enough room in the entire Surveyor to publish all of his flip-flops to view them yourself, check out mittromneyflipflops.com. And who could forget congress woman Michelle Bachman. She’s a fun one. I personally am going to vote for her in the Republican caucus because
I’d like to give Obama the easiest opponent. From her lack of knowledge regarding the harmful effects of Carbon Dioxide to her outrageous claims about the HPV virus causing “mental retardation” Bachmann makes Palin look intelligent. However if you don’t support Ron Paul, you “don’t understand what freedom is all about,” that’s what he said on Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show”. He has a great range of views. He supports the “Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008”, that’s mavericky! He believes that in regards to drugs, people should have “freedom of choice”, but when it comes to abortion rights Paul is not as compassionate. He is a supreme libertarian. I think he’s adorable, a little crazy, but adorable, however unelectable. Rick Perry is a funny guy. He certainly seems like a candidate you can have a drink with. The video of him “drunk” (there is no proof that he actually was drunk, perhaps just very happy that people like him) on Youtube. Perry has been using his inadequate public speaking skills to his favor. Many successful ads of him “forgetting” where he is from, or what he supports, mocking his lackluster debate performance. Some media figureheads have said that these mess ups make him more likeable because they realize he is a person. I would rather have candidates who can form complete sentences and say something coherent. This lack of viable candidates proves that Obama shouldn’t have too much trouble winning reelection. I think whether or not you are a democrat or a misguided republican, you should have fun this election cycle. I know Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert will keep me entertained.
Famous Romney Flip-Flops
• ‘I’m a strong believer in stating your position and not wavering.’ • ‘My view is that we don’t know what’s causing climate change on this planet.’ • ‘I saw my father march with Martin Luther King.’ • ‘I think the minimum wage ought to keep pace with inflation.’ Graphic by Luke Godlewski
Romney and Cain clowning around.
• ‘I changed my position.’
• ‘I believe the world is getting warmer, and I believe that humans have contributed to that.’ • ‘I did not see it with my own eyes.’ • ‘There’s no question raising the minimum wage excessively causes a loss of jobs.’
Quotes from mittromneyflipflops.com
License to Parent
There is a song by Smosh & I Set My Friends on Fire entitled “Sex Ed Rocks”. If you haven’t already heard it I doubt you would find it worth your while to look it up because most likely you won’t enjoy it, Lewis Blake but I must say, I couldn’t really Staff Writer understand why there was such a song until last year. Most people hate sex ed, and rightfully so. It makes them uncomfortable, feel awkward around ladies who you never could really see talking about such subject matter, and repeats lessons that most people our age learned from having internet access at a young age. With the obvious awkwardness aside, there most likely is no better way to make a room full of teenagers feel uncomfortable than discussing the negative aspects of sexual intercourse. One of my favorite parts of sex ed is when they attempt to apply the transitive property math to the subject. Apart from the fact that math is probably the least sexy subject there is (French or Italian being the sexiest when spoken well); using the ideology that you slept with every other person one’s sexual partner previously had and vice versa is within my top three favorite ways to conjure looks of disgust out of teenage faces. It’s comedy in its prime. You’ll begin to hear side conversations around the room that go something like, “Awh hell nah! I know he a playa an’ I ain’t tryna catch none-a what his nasty-ass got. Mmm
HMM.” Again, pure and utter comedy. I must say however, that I was surprised by the reactions of my last sex ed class. I thought they would have known better. If you engage in an activity that could result in the procreation of life and life-long responsibility, you’d think more people would get their facts straight. (Side comment: This is just another reason I believe people should have to get a license to become a parent. You need a license to do just about everything else in this world: drive a car, become a teacher, go scuba diving. You even need a license to become a qualified baby sitter. God forbid someone didn’t know how to properly take care of a kid for the afternoon, but let them take care of it for 18 years and you can pretty much get that deal for free.) Understandably though, we do live in a society which immortalizes “people” like Snooki and Mike “The Situation”; whom I had wrongfully assumed been stripped of their basic human rights long ago. Not to mention the fact that every time I turn on the radio my ears get bombarded with the same annoying beat and chord progression with the consistent lyrical message of “Hello, I am presently intoxicated and in my current frame of mind happen to find you somewhat sexually attractive. Do you accept my request to copulate with me this evening?” It says a lot about how we function as a society. Sadly, seniors don’t get the joy of sexual education and so I am now denied the opportunity to giggle to myself about the reactions and side
conversations during it. But for all you freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, I hope you used this as a prime opportunity to bring some humor into your day as well as make presumptuous judgment calls about the characters of your fellow class mates. You shouldn’t have been disappointed if you did.
Graphic by Tori Wheeler
6 | Focus
raditio aro Yutong Wu, Wash foreign exchange student, has traveled across the globe from China to make it to Wash. He is in a whole new world of holidays and traditions, experiencing new things every day. Wu enjoys celebrating holidays, with one of his favorites being the Chinese New Year. It is a day in which he is fully engrossed with the festivities that he loves in China. “I’m excited to celebrate Thanksgiving and my birthday,” said Wu. With his birthday and Thanksgiving around the same time, Wu will be able to experience the joy found during holidays in America. Brief by Amy Parker
SENEGAL
Maty Tall, Wash foreign exchange student, is She celebrates Tabaski, a Muslim holiday where each sheep, visits relatives, and receives new clothes and m ter the sheep is killed, they grill it and eat it. Tall als Korité, which marks the end of Ramadan, a month o Korité, families get together and feast – especially on Traditional clothes are worn during Korité, and relig played during both Tabaski and Korité. Tall celebrates most of the religious holidays ily. However, National day, Christmas, and Easter, a with her friends. To Tall, the most important part of the holid “I think it is to gather the family, because even your family comes to your house,” said Tall. Brief
Brief by Amy Parker
Nerea Ugarte, a Spanish foreign exchange student at Wash, has become immersed in the American culture, and can easily see some similar aspects in the holidays here with those of Spain. Spain is a Catholic country, with many of the holidays, therefore, being based on religion and with some even turning into twoweek-long merriments. The big festivals bring the whole community together and revive the culture of the region. Ugarte is fully aware of her native region of Basque and thrives in her local culture. “I’m proud of being from Basque, so we really feel the thrill in festivals,” said Ugarte.“We have big festivals with Basque original music and wear a blue skirt with a green belt.” While Ugarte’s native celebrations are joyful and amusing, she is also excited and ready to learn about and experience the American holidays.
SPAIN
Brief by Amy Parker
Coming from Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Abohaimed, Wash foreign exchange student, is surrounded by a new and very different culture, but he’s ready to experience the American holidays. In Saudi Arabia, Abohaimed’s celebrations are mostly based on his religion of Islam. “We have no music in the traditions but [we] dress in the most expensive material,” said Abohaimed about the religious celebrations that are most important Saudi Arabian society. Abohaimed is ready for the new experiences that are coming his way through holidays and festivities. “It’s a total different culture and I don’t know what to expect,” said Abohaimed.
SAUDI ARABIA
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washington’s foreign exchange stud
GERMANY
Ben Weller and Tanja Windorfer, b ebrating their first Thanksgiving holiday t Although Germany does not have Windorfer said there is a church holiday w ing”. This holiday does not have an official of a church service. Another holiday tradition Windor celebrators all eat “fish and lots of meat.” “We really like meat!” Windorfer s eaten during the holiday season in Germa day customs, no one really does them anym When asked to describe Thanksgiv holiday, Weller said that it is “typical Ame Windorfer plans on celebrating Th will have family come in,” Windorfer said
Francesca Hidalgo-Wohlleben surveyorwhs.focus@gmail.com | November 18, 2011
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ound th World
dents share their holiday traditions
JAPAN
Sayuri Noda, a Japanese foreign exchange student, has come to Washington High School just in time to celebrate some of the most common American holidays – Halloween and Thanksgiving. For Halloween, the first holiday that Noda celebrated in America, she dressed up as a bumblebee and went trick-or-treating for the first time with Anri Moore, ’12 and Alyssa Christian, ’12. Noda said she really enjoyed the holiday. Noda plans on celebrating Thanksgiving as well. Although she’s not sure what she is going to do for the holiday yet, she is excited for her sister from her host family to come home from Chicago to visit her. “We have no Thanksgiving in Japan,” Noda said when first asked about the holiday. However, Japan does have certain unique traditions as well. One in particular is the celebration on New Years. “On New Years Day, we have special dishes and many kinds of shrimps, eggs and beans. Each food has a special meaning behind it,” said Noda. Brief by Madeline Berg
s from Senegal. h family kills a money. Afso celebrates of fasting. In n chicken. gious music is
with her famare celebrated
days is family. non-close by MJ Kamin
SLOVAKIA
rfer describes is the Friday before Easter where the
said. Weller adds that one of the most common foods any is duck. However, Windorfer said, “All these holimore.” ving from what he has heard and learned about the erica.” Thanksgiving in America with her host family. “They as she described her plans for the holiday. Brief by Madeline Berg
both German foreign exchange students, will be celthis coming week. anything similar to Thanksgiving, according to Weller, where the name is directly translated into “Thanksgivl date of celebration in Germany, but rather, it is part
Y
Slovakia is home to rich folk tradition, and Wash foreign exchange student, Bianka Mikleova, is well aware of the native customs in her homeland. Mikleova sees Slovakia’s culture changing as years go by and as new customs are added to fit modern society. “One of Slovakia’s holidays is similar to America as they celebrate Christmas, but Americans are more decorative,” said Mikleova, “Americans celebrate their holidays much more than in other countries.” While Slovakia and America share similar traditions, it is easy for Mikleova to enjoy other unique customs here, like scary Halloween songs and the joy found during Thanksgiving. Brief by Amy Parker
ARGENTINA
Matias Gomez Osnaghi is from Argentina. As a Catholic, Osnaghi celebrates Christian holidays like Christmas. In Argentina, Osnaghi also celebrates cultural holidays like Independence Day, New Year, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Friend’s Day, and Kid’s Day, all of which (other than Friend’s Day) are spent with family. On New Years, white is always worn – but there aren’t any specific foods eaten on specific holidays. Osnaghi spends Christmas at his grandparent’s house and New Years at his own. His favorite holidays are Mother’s and Father’s Day, Christmas, and New Year. Osnaghi has two favorite things about the holidays. “First, no classes. Second, well… Christmas and New Year are really different in Argentina than here. Here it is really family things. In Argentina, it is family things… until 12. After 12, it is your celebration. So you have really huge parties where all your friends go,” said Osnaghi . Brief by MJ Kamin
8 | Profiles
CJ Cooper surveyorwhs.profiles@gmail.com | November 18, 2011
Washington alumnus back at home
Evan Fisher Staff Writer
Walking down the halls of Washington continue. seem very promising. All groups will have a High School’s music wing, it does not take The changes made involve more costrong, successful, and enjoyable year,” said a lot of investigating to tell that the choir teaching between Westphalen and new asWestphalen. department is different this year. With Peter sistant choir director, Ryan Deignan. There is Westphalen believes Wash’s varsity Westphalen taking the new position as direcalso more interaction with students- asking for show choir, Momentum, will not disappoint, tor of the choral program at Washington, many opinions and allowing leaders to step forth. along with the sophomore show choir, Celchanges have been made. “Prospects for competitive and nonebration. Wash’s freshmen show choir, Vivace, “The beginning of the school year has competitive groups [in the choral program] is also said to have an enjoyable year, laying gone tremendously well, the foundation for success in mostly because of the the choral program. enormous talent that Wash With many changes in ington students have,” said the department, opinions Westphalen. He believes have arose-some satisfied that although it takes time, and others less satisfied. students are acclimating “They are really paswell to the new learning sionate about what they do, environment, and he is and Mr. Westphalen makes working to adjust along class pretty fun and relaxwith them. ing,” said Braxton Leonard, “It is still strange to ’15. walk the hallways,” said “We all loved Dr. KriWestphalen, “knowing I etzer, but he (Westphalen) is attended Washington years filling big shoes very well,” ago.” said Jenny Vestle, ’12. Although there are Westphalen stated he is unavoidable changes made great friends with previous with new teachers, Westdirector Dr. Gerald Krietzer, phalen feels what makes and that his words of enWashington great is its couragement have been very many rich traditions, in helpful in directing at such Westphalen conducting during a Vivace practice. Photo Illustration by CJ Cooper which he will do his best to an amazing school.
Gunning for a lucky lady MJ Kamin Staff Writer
If you happen to pass by Gunnar Lenzen, ’15, in the hallway, his luscious hair may have you confusing him with Justin Bieber. Although he isn’t a popular singer/songwriter like Bieber, Lenzen does run cross country and plays soccer as well as tennis. He describes his perfect girl as someone he can relate to, who is smart, funny, easy to talk to, has good teeth, and is shorter than him. “[My best qualities are] definitely my humor and my ability to talk to girls. And my hair, of course,” said Lenzen. His dream date would be dinner followed by a walk around a big city, similar to in the movies. Although he isn’t looking for a relationship, Lenzen would be willing to commit if the right kind of girl came up.
Photo Illustration by Lauren Johnson
Freshman Favorites
Favorite food: Steak Favorite sport: Soccer Favorite hobby: Video games Favorite song: “Sountrack to My Life” by Kid Cudi Favorite movie: Transformers 3 Favorite class: AP Human Geography Favorite season: Winter
A&E| 9
Kitty McGurk surveyorwhs.a&e@gmail.com | November 18, 2011
“Breaking Dawn” vs. Finals
First things first, let me tell you, I am a huge fan of school. Hellish homework loads rock Kitty McGurk my boat, AP Staff Editor classes toot my horn, trying to understand a language that I truly will never comprehend is pleasure, and I just can’t get enough of those late night study parties that always lead up to me crying on my floor. However, there is one thing that I really can’t reason with… Fall finals.
Winter finals are dandy and there’s nothing better than those good ole’ Spring finals to end the year, but ever since I have attended Washington High school, I have had a problem with the finals we are about to embrace this upcoming Thursday. Now, it is not the idea or substance of these finals that continues to have me in an uproar, it is the date to which they are to be taken. Why, might you ask, has this date been so conflicting? I am here to tell you it is because of the Twilight series. Although I cannot fully expose that Dr. Plagman and the director are friends and have been scheming a plan to ruin my life yet, it is a known fact that ever since my freshman year, I have not been able to attend the midnight premiere of any Twilight movie.
Not to worry, fellow fans, further investigation is to be had. This year, may just be the biggest upset. “Breaking Dawn part one” premieres on Nov. 18 and apart from it being my favorite book, it appears that it is going to be their best movie yet. The special effects have surpassed their old ones by a landslide, there was more money to improve each and every set, the actors are more experienced, and the plot of this book leaves you with countless action and suspense. With a racy sex scene between a vampire and a human, countless battles between the werewolves, and a violent birth from a human to a vampire, “Breaking Dawn part one” has the power to amaze and entertain.
Although I am not able to attend the premiere, many have purchased their tickets and are ready to go. “Finals? Eh. This is Twilight we’re talking about” said Corey Gutman ’13. Although some students are more fortunate than I, my ticket has been purchased and I shall be the first one in line once I am set free from my last final on Friday. As for Dr. Plagman, I’m on to you.
Graphic by Kitty McGurk
Miller’s Undeniable Swagger Grant Gregory The rap industry is a monarchy, Staff Writer
and Mac miller is on his way to becoming king. Malcolm McCormick, otherwise known as Mac Miller, just released a new hip-hop album, entitled “Blue Slide Park,”that once again displays his unique rapping style. Most teenagers are familiar with Miller, he’s nothing new to the industry. However, this album solidifies his status as a top rapper in the nation with 16 fresh new tracks that are original and witty while Mac Miller shows the world a different side of himself. Miller typically alludes to teenage antics and angst in his lyrics, which is primarily why he has become so popular. Teenagers can relate, despite the fact that Miller is equally as arrogant as other rappers of the day- still leaving a little room for weakness, which is exemplified in the lyric “I ain’t normal, I’m clinically insane, I guess it’s the result of drugs entering my brain” in the song “Of the soul”. A combination of his laid
back and raspy voice sync perfects the electro beats he tends to rap over in addition to the upbeat and witty lyrics he integrates in his songs. The best way to describe his new album, in general, is an all around a good time. Although the album is excellent in terms of production and lyrical content, there aren’t really any songs that meet the previous upbeat standards set by “KnockKnock” and “Donald trump,” with an exception to “Up All Night.” Even with this song offering some style of his previous styles, it still doesn’t carry that specific Miller “I don’t give a ----” swagger. I’d like to think Miller saved all of his radio friendly jams he produced on the album to be released as singles because the album definitely has a void that needs to be filled. Despite this flaw, the album is still a great listen, a lot of fun, and I highly recommend listening to it because Mac is king and he’s here to stay.
Ted Wendler, former Washington High School student, is currently in the new but up and coming band Mansions on the Moon. This being the band that recently collaborated with Mac Miller on the track “PA Nights” from his new album “Blue Slide Park.”
Let’s Go Warriors!
Follow up to be continued....
Kitty’s Thanksgiving -Sit Back and Relax- Playlist • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Paradise- Coldplay Maybe- Ingrid Michaelson Lovely day- Maroon 5(ft. Bill Withers) Feeling good- Michael Buble Wild Child- Enya Enchanted- Taylor Swift Heartbeat- The Fray She makes me feel- Mansions on the Moon Tell me what we’re gonna do now- Joss Stone(ft. Common) “5 o clock”- T Pain(ft. Wiz Khalifa & Lily Allen) Uncharted- Sara Bareilles Wasn’t me- Shaggy Won’t Stop- One Republic Your hand in mine- Explosions in the sky There will be tears- Frank Ocean Cosmic Love- Flourence and the machine Matthew Santos- My Remedy Lesson Learned- Alicia Keys(ft. John Mayer)
10 | Profiles Chloe Kohl A&E Editor
Chloe Kohl surveyorwhs.AE@gmail.com | November 18, 2011
Teens wub dubstep
The kids these days got bored with rock n’ roll, and the replacement came in “wubs.” This wave of electronic trance music called dubstep is a concept that the tweens are, quite literally, glowing for. Dubstep is form of rave music that originated in London, earliest attempts dating to 1998. John Peel, a famous radio personality who influenced the spread of many early punk bands, was a huge advocate and gave the genre heavy play the later years of his show. The early forms of dubstep tended to be mostly instrumental techno, adaptations of 2-step garage music with a heavy bass. They use movie samples (mainly British men saying
bada** things) and ocSpears started using music, artists like Deadcasional lyrics. The early dub-like qualities in their mau5 and Skrillex had pioneers more opof dubstep portunity to were Disget into the tance and software of Plastician, now-aspirwhich led to ing dubstep the popularD.J’s. ity of Rusko “It’s the and Caspa. beats, Once man,” this English said Tyler fad spread to McVay, the States, ’12. “The there was no fusion of stopping the the sounds glowsticks, stimulate glitter, and the mind .” ecstasy from D ubstep appealing to sounds like the youth. the abuBefore sive expopularity, boyfriend dubstep was of house primarily music. The stoner’s zone sounds tend music. When to imitate mainstream machinery Photo by Chloe Kohl artists like and sounds Tyler McVay, ’12, mimics a dubstep D.J with a head cover like Britney more Deadmau5
Playlist: Dubstep
abrasive than strict techno. This elevated volume satisfies the youth because they can upset their parents by playing it and relate to their peers by enjoying it. With synthesizers and computer programs, the music can come off cold and unfeeling. The lack of instruments and human voice makes finding the soul hard to find for some listeners. “I have problems listening to music that doesn’t have a soul” said Channing Tackaberry, ’12. It’s music that the teenagers thrive on. The fans wear shirts with “Listen to dubstep” across their chest. Despite the lack of historical base, like blues is to rock music, Dubstep is just fine fighting for a right to party.
Vegan Thanksgiving
Chloe Kohl A&E Editor
Chloe Kohl A&E Editor
Girl from Codiene 1 Cockney Thug | Rusko 6 City | L-Wiz 7 Ghosts N Stuff | 2 V | Distance
The holiday season reminds us of why we love family, but most importantly, food. Here’s a vegan recipe the whole family can enjoy this Thanksgiving.
Deadmau5
3 Africa VIP | The Others 8 Spongebob | Coki 4 Scary Monsters and 9 Look at My Eye | Nice Sprites | Skrillex Orien
5 Born to Do It | Caspa 10 Guru (Power and Rusko Hour) | Skream
cc by Driusha cc by kevin dooley
Vegan green bean casserole Ingredients:
Preparation:
• 1/4 cup vegan margarine • 1/4 cup flour • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth • 1 tbsp soy sauce • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp onion powder • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional) • 2 14 ounce cans French style green beans, well drained • 1 3 ounce can French-fried onions (Cheddar)
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small saucepan, melt the margarine and add the flour. Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, garlic powder and onion powder, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens. Whisk in the vegetable oil and nutritional yeast. Toss together the sauce and green beans in a casserole dish. Bake for ten minutes. Remove and sprinkle the French fried onions on top of the casserole. Bake for another ten minutes.
Recipe from: http://vegetarian.about.com/od/specialoccasionrecipe1/qt/sidedishes.htm
Joe Berry surveyorwhs.sports@gmail.com | November 18, 2011
Sports | 11
Fall season comes to a succesful close
Joe Berry Sports Editor
As the fall trimester ends, as do all of the fall sports’ seasons. Of the six fall sports at Washington High School, four qualified either an individual or a team for the state championships, and one more was one victory away. The men’s golf team began their season before the start of the school year, and concluded not to long into it; the team finished their season at the district meet on Oct. 4 at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course, in Cedar Falls. The warriors finished seventh out of 13 teams, but only 19 points out of the top three. Austin Bergstrom and Matt Strand, both ’13, led the team, which bodes well for next season, they will both be returning. The volleyball team closed out a satisfying season with a disappointing loss to number one ranked Iowa City West in the regional finals. The warriors were one victory away from
advancing to the state tournament. The volleyball team also has a talented young team, led by Dani Franklin and Aleena Hobbs, both ’14, and Hanna Reese and Madison Kramer, both ’13. The Wash football team provided thrillers for the warrior faithful this season. “[The] football team gave the fans a lot of excitement: the way they play; the come from behind wins,” said Paul James, Washington Athletic Director. The football team lost a close game to top-ranked Cedar Falls in the state tournament quarterfinals. The warriors were up ten late in the third quarter but gave the lead up with less than four minutes left, and were unable to recover. The team provided suspenseful triumphs through out the season, upsetting LinnMar and Iowa City High, both ranked number two at the time. “The wins over
the second ranked teams obviously rank up there with some of the bigger wins we’ve had here,” said James. Warrior women’s swimming and diving sent four swimmers to state after a third place finish in their district meet. The team finished 23rd at state. The four swimmers who competed at state are all returning next year, including Jackie Hughes, ’14, who placed second at state in the 500 yard freestyle as well as being named the conference Athlete of the Year in women’s swimming and diving. The warrior men’s cross country team placed fourth at state despite going into the meet ranked seventh. The team took home the title at the Clinton Classic, and placed second at the Cedar Rapids Invitational, the Rich Engel classic, the MVC Divisional Meet, and the State Qualifying meet. The cross country season continues for three warriors, who qualified
for the Footlocker Midwest Regional meet, on Saturday, Nov. 26. Willis Harte, head men’s cross country coach, was also named All-Metro Coach of the Year. Women’s cross country concluded their season with a fourth place finish at the state qualifying meet, only five points away from qualifying their team for state. Although the team didn’t qualify for state, Shannon Gorman, ’14, qualified individually, placing fourth. Gorman finished 22nd at the state championship, and will also compete at the Footlocker Midwest Regional Meet. The women’s cross country team is also young, they return the entirety of their top five fall athletic teams, because it seems to get the year off on a good note,” said James, he believes Wash can expect continued success in years to come. “I’d say we have really young teams that will show great improvement”
Warrior All-Metro and All-Conference Athletes Women’s Swimming
First Team All-Conference McKenzie Asplund (200 IM) Jackie Hughes (500 Free,100 breast) Second Team All-Conference Maddie Dietz (200 IM) First Team All-Metro McKenzie Asplund Maddie Dietz Jackie Hughes Second Team All-Metro Hannah Saulnier All-Metro Athlete of the Year Jackie Hughes
Volleyball
Second team All-Conference Dani Franklin First Team All-Metro Dani Franklin Second Team All-Metro Jessica Erb Aleena Hobbs Hanna Reese
Football
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Rockewell
Photo by Katie Nunemaker
Photo courtesy of Hanna
Students compete on the field, on the course, in the pool, and on the court for the warriors this past season.
Fist Team All-Conference Flynn Heald David Tann Sean Bredl Second Team All-Conference Storhm Henry Michael Daughtery Ryan Cain
Women’s Cross Country
Second Team All-Conference Shannon Gorman First Team All-Metro Shannon Gorman
Men’s Golf
All-Conference Honorable Mention Austin Bergstrom Matt Strand All-Metro Honorable Mention Austin Bergstrom Matt Strand
Men’s Cross Country
First Team All-Conference Robert Hogg Etienne Nzoyisaba Second Team All-Conference Joseph Berry First Team All-Metro Robert Hogg Etienne Nzoyisaba Second Team All-Metro Laurant Hakizimana Joseph Berry All-Metro Coach of the Year Willis Harte *The football All-Metro selections can be found on crwashsurveyor.com
12 | Back Page
Katie Nunemaker surveyorwhs.photo@gmail.com | November 17, 2011
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the game?
8
“Because our team played extremely well and it was fun to be there which would be a 10, but then we got beat out at the end, which brings it down to an 8.” -Dylan Shah, ‘12
7
“Because it was a good game but in the fourth quarter they kind of pulled away from us.” -Clayron Willett, ‘12
7-8
“It was a close game, and we had a lot of good plays, but we didn’t win.” -Sparkley Gray, ‘13
8
“Because the student section was energetic and they kept the spirit up and the team played really hard.” -Cierra Simmons, ‘12
Things done instead of the game: Women’s Swimming and Diving State -Jackie Allen, ‘14 College Visit -Scott Allison, ‘12 Senior Pictures -Terrance Washington, ‘12 Musical Practice -Quincy McGee, ‘13 Chicago to visit sister in college -Elliott Althoff, ‘12
VS. CEDAR FALLS