2205 Forest Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 SurveyorWHS@gmail.com Volume 54, Number 6
Surveyor February 21, 2011
The George Washington
CPR for all Lauren Sines Editor-in-Chief
Flav’s fried chicken hits the spot Isaac Halyard A&E Editor
I“Mandate t’s Wednesday. What does that mean? of Heaven Wednesday”
with my boys Pat and Ian, (both ’11.) “Mandate Wednesdays” are days where we partake in rugged man activities. For instance, two Wednesdays ago we saw “The King’s Speech.” That movie goes hard. However, this most recent Wednesday, Pat and I decided to shake it up a bit. Ian could not attend, unfortunately, due to an unexpected bout of Mono. Despite the lack of E-Fisch, we surpassed our semiannual quota of “Mandate Excellence” in one single Wednesday. It all began with chicken. Some days, you’ve just got to get your chicken fix. This Wednesday was one of those days. But at that point, KFC wouldn’t cut it. We needed some upper echelon poultry, the kind of fowl that can’t be found in CR. But, thanks to the strategic business move by an influential Hip-Hop emcee, we knew that such first tier chicken could be found at the recently opened Flav’s Fried Chicken, in Clinton, IA. After school, we jumped in the car and took the irritating, single-lane, Highway 30 all the way to Clinton. When we showed up in the city, we only knew one thing: ironically enough, FFC was next to a KFC. When we saw the glowing red and white expanse of “The Colonel’s” home, we started to scream with excitement. Directly next door, we saw a large red and yellow sign that read, “Flav’s Fried Chicken.” (continued on page 11)
Facts about CPR and heart disease 1 in 3 Americans has some sort of cardiovascular disease.
O
ne in every 100,000 high school athletes experiences out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest, according to The American Heart Association. Statistics like this are why starting next year, all graduating seniors in the State of Iowa will have been trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). This new graduation requirement is a part of The Healthy Kids Act. The bill was signed into law by then Governor Chet Culver on May 13, 2008. It has four main objectives. The first stipulates the types of foods and drinks that can be sold at schools during the day. Upperclassmen at Washington may remember when soda and many food items became unavailable in the vending machines around school in 2009. Another part of the bill, sets requirements for the length of time students must spend doing some physical activity. Elementary-aged students are required to get 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Middle and high school-aged students are required to get 120 minutes of physical activity every week. The bill also required Iowa’s Area Education Agencies to hire a licensed dietitian to consult with lunch planning. The final requirement, is that students must complete CPR training before graduating. Students do not have to be certified in CPR to graduate but have to take “a course that leads
to certification.” This initiative begins with the class of 2012. At Wash, students will receive CPR training in their Language Arts classes. A licensed instructor from The American Red Cross will lead the training. The training will take four days and students will have to pass a written exam as well as a physical text using resuscitation dummies. The American Heart Association was a major advocate of The Healthy Kids Act and specifically the CPR requirement. “If we train more people we can save more lives,” said Stacy Freeland, Iowa Government Relations Director for The American Heart Association. Wash has begun instituting the CPR training with much success. Fall and winter trimester gym classes have completed the training. The Area Ambulance Service has volunteered to conduct the training at Wash. Students are taught CPR methods as well as how to help a choking victim. Instructors brought CPR dummies so the students could practice the skills as they learn them. “The students have been very respectful [towards the instructors] and receptive of the training,” said Kari L o m b a rd i , p h y s i c a l e d u c a t i o n i n s t r u c t o r a t Wa s h . She said most students had some relation to heart disease and understood the justification for the new mandate. Wash and Iowa will forever be safer places for everyone with a greater proportion of citizens knowing life-saving techniques.
In the United States someone dies from heart disease every 39 seconds. Children as young as 9 years can learn and retain CPR skills.
old
Each year about 5,900 children suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The most effective rate for chest compressions is greater than 100 compressions per minute – the same rhythm as the beat of the BeeGee’s song, “Stayin’ Alive.” Facts from The American Heart Association
Inside this Issue N e w s
page 3
O p i n i o n s
page 6
F o c u s
P r o f i l e s
A & E
S p o r t s
pages 8-9
page 10
page 11
page 13
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2-21-2011
News
Ian Fischer
SurveyorWHS.news@gmail.com
For those not planning on going to college
Michael Andersland Staff Writer
The Denison Job Corps makes it possible for someone to find a good job after dropping out of high school. The Job Corps is located in Denison, a town in western Iowa and offers specialized training in a number of different fields to students from low-income families anywhere between the ages of 16 and 24. The program is specifically for students that have dropped out of high school, or students that are considered to be “at risk of dropping out.” On the Job Corps campus, students live with up to three other roommates in a dormitory, or they can choose to live off-campus. Students must first complete their GED, which stands for General Education Development and is almost the same as a high school degree, and can be obtained after taking a GED test. Students can then can choose from a selection of over 100 jobs in which to undergo hands on vocational training. Career paths carpentry, masonry, culinary arts and 90 percent of the include nursing. Participants can also learn about business students at the technology, or utilize off-campus training in other similar fields. Some students go on to attend colCorps last year either found work lege after some time in the institution. The Job Corps is free to all students. In fact, or were accepted students are given a small amount of money each into a college. week, which can increase if the students do well at the Corps or achieve goals. The Job Corps is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, in an effort to provide “Career Training That Works!” “I think it’s a good use of government money, because it lets kids [who otherwise would not consider further education] continue on after high school and learn about different jobs,” said Tom Chase, ’14. “The Corps is for students that just do not do well in the traditional high school setting. I’d recommend the Corps only after trying all other options, including switching to Metro,” said Washington counselor Sue McDermott. Although McDermott agreed it was a good use of government spending, she doesn’t recommend it to Washington students until they’ve exhausted all other possibilities. The Corps has agreements with several community colleges to help the students have an easier time applying and getting into extended area education. The program also has career specialists who keep in touch with each student for up to six months after their graduation to ensure that their job or college search is going well.
Graphic by Stacia Drafahl
Wash stereotypes Madeline Berg Staff Writer
“...You got your freshmen, ROTC guys, preps, JV jocks, Asian nerds, cool Asians, varsity jocks, unfriendly black hotties, girls who eat their feelings, girls who don’t eat anything, desperate wannabes, burnouts, sexually active band geeks...” This quote from the movie “Mean Girls” exemplifies the ways a typical teenager classifies their classmates. Stereotyping happens at every school, but how are Washington High School students stereotyped as a whole? Everybody does it, even if they do not realize it. “We judge someone on their physical characteristics,” said Charlie Hammond, ’11, when asked what a stereotype was. We use these classifications in our everyday language: “jocks”, “goths”, etc. However, stereotypes can be damaging and can lead to social and emotional problems. Words such as “gay” can lead to depression and even suicide. A more extreme example of stereotyping was The general consensus the Holocaust. from the Washington “Lately, because I’m part Jewish, I have surveys showed a deep begun to feel like I’m being treated like a ginger soulless. That’s why I abhor stereotypes,” said belief that Wash does –David Rosenthal, ’13. not have a defining Although some Wash students carelessly toss stereotypical student. around stereotypes towards other schools, such as “orange,” how do students from other schools classify us? “I’ve heard [upperclassmen] girls are mean to younger girls. I’ve heard its rough, (gang type stuff,) but I’ve heard there’s also a lot of nice people there and smart people with a lot of AP courses and good education,” said Anna Fabiano, a freshman at Linn-Mar High School. “I think most kids there are nice, they have great athletics and I’ve heard there are a lot of AP classes which goes to show how good their academics are as well,” said an anonymous source from Xavier High School. Props to Dr. Plagman, for making our universal stereotype a Photo by Ellen Hart positive one (unless you are one of those “upperclassmen” girls.) So whether you are considered “emo,” “preppy” or even “orange,” at least we can take solace in that we are considered “smart people with a lot of AP courses and good education.”
Ian Fischer
SurveyorWHS.news@gmail.com
Britt Bergquist Guest Writer
News
2-21-2011
The truth about teenage sex
There’s an obvious trend of teenagers having sex. their peers that are actually sexually active. This misAnd despite the way it’s portrayed in popular televiperception can contribute to the feeling that teens sion and film, teenage sex isn’t happening in the are being pressured to keep up with their friends. glamorous penthouse of Chuck Bass or in the roAlthough this compelling social force plays a large mantic setting of an abandoned southern home with role in determining teens’ choices, there’s no denya 17-year-old Rachel McAdams, as it is depicted in ing that there’s another side to the story. “The Notebook.” Many teens choose to parMore often than not, ticipate in sexual intercourse In the United States, sex is happening in cars, because they’re in a serious on couches and parked in relationship and intimacy almost one-third corn fields. According to feels like the instinctive next of 15-year-olds and a government survey done step. 71percent of 18-yearby the Center for Disease “It’s natural because just Control in 2009, about 46 olds have had sex. about every teenage boy’s percent of teens are sexuhormones [make him] just ally active, and many other want to do stuff with a girl,” http://www.saviodsilva.net/r/xs53.htm said Walter, ’12. studies project numbers that are even higher. So Love, attraction and why is it that roughly half of the student body at infatuation can become overwhelming emotions, Washington is (supposedly) having sex? especially in conjunction with media temptations In a society where we are constantly bombarded and societal pressure. with images of sexuality, it makes one question Regardless of the reasons why teenagers choose whether the media has an effect on the choices teens to have sex, this generation is having less sex than are making. teenagers in the 90’s. In 1993, the percentage of “One kid will see sex on TV and they’re like, ‘I sexually active teenagers was up to 53 percent. In want to try that.’ Before you know it, everyone’s the end it’s a student’s personal choice whether or making babies,” said James, ’12. not to be sexually active. As individuals, it is our With a combination of sexed-up media and pres- duty to not give in to media hype or to make others sure many students feel from their peers, it’s easy to feel pressured. imagine why some end up getting sucked into the sexual vortex. *James and Walter were “You don’t want to be behind all your friends,” used in place of anonymous said Ellie Peck, ’12. According to a study done by sources. the American Public Health Association (APHA), teenagers are likely to overestimate the number of
What is popularity? Ian Fischer News Editor Popularity is the cut arms of the quarterback as he throws them around his cheerleader girlfriend while his buddies throw punches back and forth in the lunchroom. Well at least in cinema, but everyday life isn’t set up to be all that picturesque. It carries different meanings in our school, as well as different ways to get to the top of the food chain. “Popularity is someone who is well-liked by everyone and could have a conversation with anyone without it being awkward,” said Bailey Lane, ’11. This idea of popularity is different from that portrayed in blockbuster films, where the popular kids are the most intimidating (20-something-year-old) characters. Photo by Ian Fischer Now that it’s defined, how does one become that chill person to talk to? Annie Bergquist, ’14 “If people are nice to others, they kind of just become popular,” said Tony Schmidt, ’12. “People shouldn’t really That said, there are plenty of nice people every day that care about popularity, go unnoticed by their peers. Being generous isn’t the only it doesn’t matter what way to become popular. “Some kids act out; drawing attention to themselves to others think.” become popular,” said Schmidt. This kind of popularity can be annoying and short-lived. Along with the “shock value” kind of popularity is the back-stabbing, social-climbing kind. Although this kind is relatively rare at Washington, there are still people who start rumors in attempt to rise up the social chain. “If you stab friends in the back no one will trust you,” said Schmidt, “It wouldn’t be an enjoyable lifestyle.” Is it really that important to be popular? “I think having a set group of close friends is better than being popular,” said Lane. At the same time, if your name is known throughPhoto by Ian Fischer out the school, more people will want you in the same activities as them. Gavin Jones, ’13 “If everyone knows you, you’ll be more active and you might enjoy school more, but it’s not essential,” said “I don’t really know Schmidt. much about popularity, If high school is not your thing, just remember that I tend to ignore people it’s four years, and then you’re off to bigger and greater things. who are not me.”
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Graphic by Stacia Drafahl
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2-21-2011
News
Ian Fischer
SurveyorWHS.news@gmail.com
Scandalous 500 pounders Sara Larson Staff Writer
The notorious “Green River Killer” has been charged with yet another murder. Gary Ridgeway was charged with his 49th murder, for the slaying of 20-year-old Becky Marrero which occurred over 28 years ago. If convicted, Ridgeway would be given his 49th consecutive life sentence. Teenagers found the remains of Marrero while exploring near Auburn, Washington. The majority of the remains of Ridgeway’s victims have all been discovered near Seattle, Washington in King County. Ridgeway began to kill his victims in the 1980’s, earning his nickname when his first five victims were discovered in the Green River. He typically strangled his victims with his own body, although he turned to tools for some cases. The “Green River Killer” was first convicted in 2001 when DNA evidence tied him to the murder of four women. He did not receive the death sentence for any of his murders due to the bargain he made to give police information on where the other women were. This conviction allows once again another family to have closure on the mysterious death of their daughter.
A 1500-year-old tradition is being rocked with scandal after three Japanese sumo-wrestlers admitted to having fixed matches. As a result, the 15-day long sumo-wrestling tournament to take place in Osaka, Japan has been cancelled. Numerous texts sent between the wrestlers were discovered when police confiscated the wrestlers’ mobile phones. Much of the evidence points towards match fixing, discussing bribes and methods to throw matches. Altogether, 13 wrestlers are believed to have participated. This is not the first time that Japan’s sacred sport has undergone controversy. Last year, over 60 wrestlers partook in illegal gambling on baseball and card games, involving the Japanese mafia. In addition, a 17-year-old was hazed to death during his training in 2008. Sumo wrestling’s fan base has continued to dwindle over the years, and the scandal may cause that trend to continue, making many fans wonder what is in store for the sport in upcoming years.
Graphic by Brian Kopec
Amidst all of the violence involving drug cartels in Mexico, the latest is a development involving a different kind of drug. Cartel queen Sandra Avila Beltran is said to have received injections of Botox during her sentence at the Santa Martha Acatitla Prison in Mexico City, Mexico. Although the injections have launched an investigation, the doctor said to have given the injections is not being charged with anything. The doctor gained access and was not identified by authorities at the prison. Avila is 50 years old and in jail on charges of drug trafficking, money laundering and conspiracy. She was caught in 2007 when she was suspected of smuggling cocaine to the United States. Avila was arrested with Juan Diego Espinosa, who was believed to be her lover. He was known as “El Tigre,” or “The Tiger.” The cartel queen is also known as “The Queen of the Pacific” for her efforts to smuggle drugs from boats in the Pacific coast.
Grant Kamin Staff Writer
The addition of a 196th country will likely be a result of the elections held last month in Sudan. Voters flocked to the polls to cast their ballots on whether southern Sudan should split from its northern half. According to the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, over 98 percent voted in favor of separation. President Barack Obama announced the intention of the United States to recognize Southern Sudan as an independent and sovereign state. Obama also said that the governments of Sudan and Southern Sudan will be supported by the United States to help ensure a quiet transition. Sudanese residing in the southern region of the country are very supportive of the decision, while those in the north harbor mixed feelings. The referendum was made possible by the peace treaty established in 2005 in order to end a war that caused over 2 million deaths in Sudan.
How social media helped protestors in Egypt
Senator Joe Lieberman’s Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010 would broaden the President’s authority to shut off any wired or radio communications, especially the Internet under a cyber threat. While this may appear as a defense to threats from other countries, many people believe that this bill would give the president power to shut off the Internet to fight internal threats, just like in Egypt where President Mubarak turned off the Internet to fight internal revolution. In Egypt, youth have been using Facebook as a way to organize rallies ever since April 6, 2008 when they rallied to support industrial workers rights. The “6th of April Youth Movement” page itself has over 51,000 fans, and has constant updates filled with video of rallies, photos of “Revolution Martyrs” and is packed with information about what they are fighting for. A video or news story is posted almost every hour about their newest rally and the fight to remove Hosni Mubarak from office. Hosni Mubarak, has been the president of Egypt for 30 years, and although he has been elected for office multiple times by majority vote, many Egyptians believe that he has cheated his way into office through purchase of votes and rigged elections. What makes his rule even worse is that Egypt is under Emergency Law, which allows
Graphic by Stacia Drafahl
extension of police power, censorship, many constitutional rights to be suspended and estimates of political prisoners have reached as high as 30,000. Outrage through social media climaxed on Jan. 25 when people joined together after events and tweets drew everyone to the streets. “I get most of my social information through Facebook and Twitter, and a lot of the time school groups like Amnesty use Facebook to send out mass messages to members to remind them that they have a upcoming event,” said Tori Wheeler, ’13. “If students used social media to fight things like the repeal on gay marriage we could change things, but I’ve never joined a ‘cause’ on Facebook because I feel like it wouldn’t benefit anything. Groups like ‘The biggest group against animal cruelty’ can get a lot of members, but it won’t actually raise any money,” said Wheeler. Wheeler also feared an Internet kill switch like in Egypt because it would “...hugely affect me, I’m connected to everyone and everything through Twitter and Facebook.” While Amnesty reminders and mass revolutions are quite different, social media plays a huge roll in how things happen in the current world.
Patrick Anderl
Opinions
SurveyorWHS.opinions@gmail.com
2-21-2011
The 3 G’s to success Jacob Meyer Guest Columnist
ROSES
THORNS
-Bonnaroo -Spring -Mandate Wednesdays -The Roots in Iowa City -Nat King Cole -Last finals for seniors -Spring sports glory -Closer to football season -Flav goes hard in Clinton -Seeing grass again <3 -E-bear’s birth month -Black History Month -Mr. Washington Pageant -Flip flops! -Seeing lines in parking lot -Kaiser Herz -Picnics -Bird funerals -Mubarak is out -Valentines from Mr. Taylor
-Closer to 2012 -Snow make-up day -Condemned people -Slush -Literal thorns -Gas prices -Pot holes -Rare half days -Linn-Mar basketball -Senioritis -We miss McMann... get better man <3 -Only one snow day -Soccer team. Wasted. Stop. -Wet shoes -We should be outside -Coats -Orange? -No leap day this year -Bullying
Is extra security necessary? The fact that Washington added a policeman to its security staff must have immediately become evident to every student who walks from class to class. Students have either seen officer Paiser roaming each hallway with his hand at his belt, as a gunslinger might grope his holster, or he has been seen standing in the foyer. This is a result of the many fights that have occurred over the years at Washington High School, in particular, the fight that occurred in December involving people inside and outside of our school. Mixed opinions on the matter have been spoken openly. “If there is going to be violence at a school, then there might as well be a police officer there too. Think about it. If your children went to school at Washington, would you be opposed to a cop keeping the peace?” said Gerald Bower, father of two former students at Wash and a believer in the necessity of checks and balances to manage behavior. When hearing these statements, I couldn’t find an argument to oppose such logic. However, there are students at Washington who resent the idea of a police officer walking our hallways. “I believe that it’s bull!” said David Moore, ’11, “...only after one fight this year with kids that belong to another school, they [the school district] had gone all crazy and got police to where they are here every day.” Though compelling, there are some that believe that the school district isn’t doing enough. Dylan Seaton, ’11, spoke his mind by stating, “Well I think it doesn’t matter if he’s there because, I mean, one officer, come on. Besides, we’re still going to have fights and there are ways more students than there are of Officer Paiser.” When I first caught word that we were accepting a police officer as faculty into Washington High School, I really didn’t think much of it, simply, because it doesn’t affect me. I didn’t feel any safer, nor in more danger, yet after hearing the opinions and arguments of others, I realized that my reaction doesn’t pertain to many others. In my perspective, I don’t believe a police officer at our school has impacted aggressive behavior. Therefore, the issue for me is not whether we have a police officer at our school, but do we need one? This raises the question, “What have we become to need this?” What has happened to the insight of us that has neglected decency and self control? It’s an issue that I have been contemplating. One can either be for or against the issue of a police officer at our school, but the real question should be why. What is it about us that requires an officer of the law in an institution of learning? I couldn’t find an answer to this, so I asked Officer Paiser of his thoughts. “All schools have problems,” Officer Paiser stated, “whether its alcohol, dope or violence. Sure, I’m here because of the violence, but I’m also here as a resource. I’m not here to just take people’s cigarettes and dope away. If someone wants to come to me and talk about some problems they’re having, they can do that.” Officer Paiser also showed me a description of his job, which showed that he indeed is a resource officer. Officer Paiser admits that violence at Washington has something to do with him being a faculty member, but arguably the point is not whether he is here because of that; the point is that he is here because the district believes we need him. We can look at him as “the man” who carries a heavy badge and will crack down on our behavior, or we can look at him as a friend and resource for Washington. He’s a friendly person, and I’m sure he’d love to get to know students. So the option for everyone is to either take a side on whether you want him here or to look in the mirror and ask, “What am I doing that requires an officer to be here?”
Nick Heins Staff Writer
The Surveyor Staff would like to wish everyone a happy spring!
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As I draw closer to the end of my high school career, I begin to spend many hours in front of the fireplace in my study pondering the life I will live outside of high school. “What does it take to be successful in college and beyond?” I asked myself this question as I gazed deeply into the crackling fire. At that point, I would look at all the most successful things and people I know for guidance. Examples included Michael Vick and Tiger Woods, but 18 months in federal prison is difficult to fit into my schedule and I have no super-model wife to cheat on. So, I had to go back to the drawing board. Finally the greatest success story in the history of the world dawned on me. America, or better yet, ‘Merica. And how did America become so unbelievably successful? Simple: the three G’s, God, Glory and Gold. It all started to click as I began to uncover the true key to success in college and life. Read this article friend, and I can make your wildest dreams come true. First, I must tackle the most controversial G: God. Now don’t for one second think that I am telling you that in order to succeed you must constantly reside in your respective place of worship. The earliest Americans did all sorts of things “in the name of God.” My friend, use this phrase to your advantage. Use “in the name of God” to get away with things you normally couldn’t. “You, attractive female student, in the name of God, give me your phone number.” She’ll be too bewildered by your mandate to reject you and before she knows it, she will have already given you her phone number. Other examples include (but are not limited to): “In the name of God, I declare that these midterm exams are unnecessary,” and, “In the name of God, the music is not too loud, Officer.” Secondly, everything you do must be for glory, the next G. Do not simply walk into class, kick down the door and immediately make your superiority over the professor and other students obvious. Now, people may try and stop you from doing things for glory, like campus police, but let the haters hate and keep doing it for the glory, just like Kanye West, who knows quite a bit about the college experience. Lastly, but most importantly comes gold, the third G. If history has taught us anything, it’s that the value of gold has increased steadily ever since Al Gore invented it. You must liquefy all of your assets and buy as much gold as you can. Don’t spend your money on food, shelter or clothing. Just buy as much gold as possible and carry it around in a burlap sack. Take the money your parents give you for rent and buy gold. Your friends may say stupid things like “It’s January, aren’t you cold?” What they fail to realize is that the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing you’re carrying around a burlap sack full of gold is all the warmth you’ll need for winter (it could also be the warm sensation felt before frostbite sets in.) Once your four years of college are up, your gold’s value will have increased and you’ll have more money than you started with (and more frostbite than what you started with.) The road to success isn’t easy, but fellow college-bound students: follow my creed of success. Do it with the 3 G’s.
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2-21-2011
Opinions
Patrick Anderl
SurveyorWHS.opinions@gmail.com
Students argue pros and cons of Branstad
Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben Guest Editorialist As I submit the final parts of my college applications, I can’t help but reminisce about my high school experience. I would be lying if I said I either enjoyed or loathed the entirety of my studenthood. It has been, without a doubt, a mixed experience, but I cannot say that I feel I am leaving the K12 system at a comfortable time. The political climate at Washington seems to include indifference by many with yelling by some who like to regurgitate what they heard Glenn Beck or their parents say. Today, I challenge you, the readers of Surveyor, to utilize your unique disposition as a student by both educating yourself on the political situation in Iowa and to become an active participant within it. As most of you hopefully know, Terry Branstad was elected Governor of Iowa this past year. Prior to this term, Branstad had been governor from 1983-99. At present, Iowa has a $920 million surplus, yet Branstad is viciously cutting the budgets for programs totaling $360 million. These cuts clearly include education. His education cuts include, but are not limited to, the reduction of state funding for preschools by $28 million. Branstad, while conceding the importance of preschool, argues that “parents, private donors and caring organizations” should play a more central role in preschool. Essentially, the state will play a secondary role in providing education, though clearly this assumes that private actors will provide affordable preschool for low-income families. As a public school student, I find it outrageous that the governor would shift the inherent public burden of education to a vague market alternative. Imagine if this were proposed for high school, Washington would be rendered obsolete; those who could afford school would get to ‘choose’ to go to Xavier or some other private entity with the poor left out in the cold. This is being done in a time where the state has a surplus, when Iowa can clearly afford to fund preschool programs, but don’t for a second think that these cuts are limited
Liesel Kohn Guest Editorialist
to families with preschool children. There have also been dramatic cuts in funding for public universities in Iowa. Recently passed in the Iowa House of Representatives, HR45 decreases the regents’ budget by $25 million for public universities. This decrease in spending will likely be compensated by increases in tuition costs. Among other things, Branstad has supported a motion to have a referendum on the Supreme Court ruling that allows same-sex marriage. In 2010, a NY Times survey found that 44 percent of Iowa respondents supported same sex marriage, the lowest of any state that recognizes said marriages. A second survey done by the Des Moines Register found that 60 percent of respondents believe that same-sex marriage “does not deserve the Legislature’s limited time.” Although a legislative attempt to ban same-sex marriage, civil unions, domestic partnerships and rights including hospital visitations has failed, Branstad still supports a referendum. Brandstad’s approach is fairly absurd—when was the last time civil rights were put to a public vote? Can you imagine if the 1964 Civil Rights Act was put to referendum in each individual state? If this was so, we might still see structural segregation and discrimination against non-whites in many states today. This sort of logic allows for discrimination against any minority group, as long as it is popular opinion. JB Priestley once said, “Even if you are not interested in politics, the fact remains that politics are interested in you.” Indubitably, the actions of local politicians will affect you and all other citizens in Iowa. We must remember that we all have voices and despite how loud others may be, we must make ourselves heard. Now is the time to re-examine what the purpose of government should be—to provide educational services to children from low-income families and protect the rights of all its citizens or cut programs and codify discrimination. I hope you don’t pick the latter.
All is not well with Iowa’s budget. Unfortunately, in order to avoid a massive deficit in fiscal year 2012 and have any hope of economic recovery and job creation, the state budget must be trimmed. Culver and his allies are quick to point out the budget surplus. However, the presence of a surplus one year does not in any way indicate the certainty of one in the following years. The only reason that the current budget surplus exists is because Culver raised fines and fees, shifted funding to place a higher tax burden on local property owners, and used onetime revenues such as the federal stimulus money to fund ongoing and costly social programs. When the one-time money runs out and the built-in spending increases take effect, fiscal year 2012 will end with a one billion dollar deficit. This utter disregard for fiscal responsibility puts new governor Terry Branstad in a tricky position. He is faced with the challenge of both finding areas to cut spending, while simultaneously lessening the unfair tax burden on property owners. Governor Branstad’s budget proposal calls for a $200 million reduction from the previous budget. The most controversial proposal is to change the current $70 million preschool program to a different $43 million one. The new preschool program proposal is not only less costly, but better for families. It would provide preschool vouchers for families making less than 250-300 percent of the poverty level, with a sliding pay scale. The effect of such a program is more choice for parents receiving the voucher, a better budget and a preschool education for all Iowa students. Democrats argue that within the new program, there is no assurance of teacher quality. Fortunately, there are other ways of ensuring a quality education besides government control. A 2008 study by the CATO Institute indicates that public school teachers are, on average, less qualified than private school teachers. Offering families the opportunity to choose private preschool will actually increase the quality of education, and therefore the success in school for low-income families. Another controversial budget allocation is the proposal to have zero allowable budgetary growth for Iowa schools for the next two years. This will undoubtedly pres-
ent a challenge for local districts that face necessary increases in teacher salary due to things like inflation and fuel costs. As much as it may pain educators, a challenging situation is exactly what the entire state is facing. The hard reality is the funding for some educational programs and staff simply does not exist. The items that must be cut are currently funded using stimulus money and hiked taxes on local businesses. Culver’s budget allowed for 2 percent growth, but that money was not there when the districts needed it. So, in order to keep the growth in the budget, districts were made to use cash reserves and increased local taxes. This may have provided a short-term band-aid solution, but it can not go on forever. In a time when organizations across the board are making difficult decisions, schools can be no exception. Nobody, including Branstad, is claiming that ending programs or freezing hiring will be easy. But, it is necessary if Iowa and the country as a whole ever expect to return to a time period of economic growth. Many argue that such cuts would not be required if Branstad did not also plan to provide tax relief to corporations and property owners. There is another simple lesson to be learned here. An out-of-control budget should not be placed on the shoulders of prosperous individuals and corporations that bring business, jobs and revenue to the state. Branstad plans to bring property taxes down to their former level in order to not so severely punish those who own property. The corporate tax relief will lower tax rates to match the states surrounding Iowa in the hopes of attracting business to Iowa and allow for job creation in the state. Culver’s budget was about spending now and paying later. While this fiscal strategy may satisfy temporary goals and appease organizations that always cry for more funding; it is unsustainable and irresponsible. If our state, country and people ever hope to recover from these tense economic times and return to a period where growth and development are possible, every group must be willing to make sacrifices. Branstad’s plans for Iowa will curb spending and encourage job creation and growth. His budget may not be popular, but it is necessary for the greater good.
The Surveyor Editorial Policy
The Surveyor is established as a school-sponsored open forum dedicated to informing and entertaining its readers. It is published nine times each school year by students enrolled in the Journalism News class at Washington High School. The staff will report as fairly and well-balanced as possible. All activities and news will be covered to the best of the staff’s ability. The Surveyor accepts the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics as the basis for good journalism. Editorials and the reviews that appear under a byline are the opinion of the writer, not necessarily the staff. Unsigned editorials represent the majority of the Editorial Board. The opinions section is designed to provide a forum for the opinions of The Surveyor staff and the Washington High School Community. Readers are encouraged to express their viewpoints through guest editorials. The Surveyor also welcomes letters to the editor, with these guidelines: 1. It is not libelous or obscene. 2. It explains the material clearly. 3. It is not longer than 300 words. 4. It is signed.
Lauren Sines
Brian Kopec
Emily Wicke
Ian Fischer
Joe Eken
Isaac Halyard
Patrick Anderl
Sangamithra Sathian
Alyssa Christian
Ellen Hart
Sara Larson
Shana Matthews
Editor-in-chief
Sports editor
Profiles editor
Writers
Michael Andersland Madeline Berg Joe Berry Jill Broghammer Catheryn Cooper Lily Gasway Shanay Gonder
Managing editor
A&E editor
Photo editor
Katharine Goodwin Spencer Harvieux Nick Heins Francesca HildalgoWohlleben Grant Kamin MJ Kamin Chloe Kohl
Business Manager
Opinions editor
Copy editor
John Kopec Kitty McGurk Natalie Neppl Cole Rhatigan
Photographers
Megan Anderson Natalee Birchansky Lauren Johnson
News editor
Focus editor
Copy editor
Amy Parker
Graphics
Stacia Drafahl
Web Master Anna Fisher
Adviser
Kyle Phillips
Alyssa Christian
Profiles
2-21-2011
SurveyorWHS.profiles@gmail.com
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Freshmen bachelors: Where are they now?
What is your current relationship status? Dating your editor [Alyssa Christian, ’12]. How has your outlook on relationships changed since you were a freshman bachelor? I like to think it’s matured quite a bit, but I’m still like a nervous freshman around pretty girls. What qualities do you look for in a girl now that you didn’t when you were a freshman? I think I care about the whole being a good person thing now, individuality, and being compatible. What advice would you give to current and future freshmen bachelors? Well what I generally say is play to your strengths and don’t be afraid to be yourself, like Peter [Klopfenstein, ’14] and his boyish charm. Did being a freshman bachelor help you get more girls? How? Kind of, I liked posing with Eleanor Vernon, and I have a girlfriend now so I guess it helped. What was your idea of a dream date freshman year, and what is it now? I didn’t really know dates were a possibility freshman year, now I’d like to go places and travel with someone. I like eating, too.
What is your current relationship status? I‘m dating Maddie Klocke, ’12. How has your outlook on relationships changed since you were a freshman bachelor? Freshman year was a joke, you didn’t know as much as you know now, you mature a lot more. I didn’t take relationships seriously back then. What qualities do you look for in a girl now that you didn’t when you were a freshman? Their personality and how nice they are. They have to have a good sense of humor and be laidback. What advice would you give to current and future freshmen bachelors? Go through high school without a girlfriend, have fun. Did being a freshman bachelor help you get more girls? How? No, I honestly don’t remember being a freshman bachelor. What was your idea of a dream date freshman year, and what is it now? Going on a vacation with a girl on a beach and it hasn’t changed.
Isaac Halyard
Neel Ghosh What is your current relationship status? Britt Bergquist is my one and only love. How has your outlook on relationships changed since you were a freshman bachelor? Now it’s more of a legitimate thing [then dating when you’re a freshman]; the long term’s more considered. What qualities do you look for in a girl now that you didn’t when you were a freshman? I guess I’m more shallow now then I was then, now the big is teeth and they have to be funny. What advice would you give to current and future freshmen bachelors? In terms of women, don’t get hung up on one girl if it doesn’t work out, there are plenty o’ fish in the sea as they say. Did being a freshman bachelor help you get more girls? How? I mean I already had the stud status on campus, but it put a broader spotlight on me. What was your idea of a dream date freshman year, and what is it now? As a freshman, it would have been for it to be unsupervised, and now I really enjoy, casual, hanging out at someone’s house kind of stuff.
What is your current relationship status? Single, for the most part. How has your outlook on relationships changed since you were a freshman bachelor? I think that as you become older... you come into your own and you realize that it’s okay to be yourself... If you’re not happy being yourself with whoever you’re with, then it’s just not worth the time. What qualities do you look for in a girl now that you didn’t when you were a freshman? Someone that’s easy to talk to, because you go through stages where it seems like people are too serious and too quick to be negative. What advice would you give to current and future freshmen bachelors? Everyone lacks confidence in some way and if you can somehow muster up that confidence to go for it, or ask a girl out I think that you’ll find it will work out in the long run. Did being a freshman bachelor help you get more girls? How? I don’t think it really mattered initially after the issue was published... I was still 5 foot. What was your idea of a dream date freshman year, and what is it now? Driving thirty hours to California to go to [the music festival] Coachella.
Wes Washpun
Oliver HidalgoWohlleben
What is your current relationship status? Single and ready to mingle. How has your outlook on relationships changed since you were a freshman bachelor? They still suck, girls are so difficult to deal with. What qualities do you look for in a girl now that you didn’t when you were a freshman? Now it is more about being compatible with them. It used to be about just looks, but now it’s more about getting along with them. What advice would you give to current and future freshmen bachelors? You’ve only got four short years. Go crazy. Did being a freshman bachelor help you get more girls? How? No not at all, if anything it turned more girls away because they saw my picture in the newspaper. What was your idea of a dream date freshman year, and what is it now? Mine was definitely like sailing in the Mediterranean or something like that. Now it’s jumping into a convertible in the summer and just driving and seeing where we end up by nightfall, with good music and sunglasses.
Photos by Natalee Birchansky
Josh Oglesby
Ian Fischer
CJ Cooper and Shanay Gonder Staff Writers
What is your current relationship status? Single. How has your outlook on relationships changed since you were a freshman bachelor? I don’t know, it’s definitely changed a little bit, like you look at relationships differently and you’ve experienced stuff. What qualities do you look for in a girl now that you didn’t when you were a freshman? Definitely maturity, like you need someone you can actually talk to and have a conversation with, not just be good-looking. What advice would you give to current and future freshmen bachelors? If you like somebody, be in a relationship for you, not for what your friends think. Did being a freshman bachelor help you get more girls? How? No, not really. What was your idea of a dream date freshman year, and what is it now? Oh man, I don’t remember exactly what it was, but now I’d say dinner and a movie or something like that.
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2-21-2011
Sangamithra Sathian Surveyorwhs.focus@gmail.com
Foc
Xbox was originally released on Nov. 15, 2001. The original Xbox was Microsoft’s first gaming console with Xbox 360 released in 2005. The Xbox 360 has sold over 50 million units and the original Xbox sold over 24 million units. Jersey Shore is an MTV original series that premiered on Dec. 9, 2009. The series follows the lives of eight guidos/guidettes. Jersey Shore has recorded the highest ratings for MTV, making it the channel’s most watched show ever. High waisted skirts have made a comeback since their reign during the 1960s. Women are said to have favored the “empire silhouette” during the 19th century due to its ability to conceal the stomach or emphasize the bust.
All Photos by Natalee Birchansky
Skinny jeans, now a style adopted by both men and women, have made a comeback since the 1950s. They were worn by popular rock bands such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Over the years, they have also been known as pegs, drainpipes and pencil pants.
UGG boots are unisex sheepskin boots. The boots were first developed in Australia. Mortel Sheepskin, who owner of the Mortel Sheepskin Factory claims that the name “Ugg” came about after his wife said the first pair he made were “ugly.”
cus
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a ) Because it’s easier to fit in. b ) I buy products based on necessity. c ) What trends?
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Numbers in red indicate the number of students that picked the response as their answer.
Every now and then, while shopping with my mom, I’ll hear her say, “Oh, stirrup pants! I had a pair of those when I was your age,” or, “Are boat shoes back in style these days?” This serves as a reminder that trends are constantly being recycled. “I borrow clothes from my mom’s closet all the time: oversize sweaters she had in her college days, leggings, denim shirts, and a lot of 80’s style clothing she has that have been coming back in style,” said Elizabeth Summers, ’12. If your mom didn’t save her high school and college wardrobe, second-hand stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army are great places to find inexpensive and unique clothes. Summers’s favorite Goodwill finds include a Dooney and Bourke shoulder bag she bought for three dollars and a pair of tan leather ankle boots with built in socks. “It’s the fun of the chase. You have to work your way through all those not-so-attractive items until you find something you like. There’s always a sense of accomplishment after you find something,” Summers said. Other current trends that received inspiration from previous decades include oxfords, wayfarer sunglasses, high waisted jeans, flowy tops with loose sleeves, ankle length pants, jean jackets, tie-dye, and jelly shoes. Marlyse Strait, Washington language arts teacher, often sees students wearing clothes and jewelry that remind her of things she wore as a teenager, like hoop earrings, big jewelry and short skirts. “I would roll my skirt up after my mom went to work,” said Strait. The return of some trends has surprised Strait, such as fishnet tights much like the ones she wore in her high school days. “Somebody had fishnets on today and I thought ‘Oh my god, here they come,’” Strait said. With trends, it’s hard to predict what will be the next big thing, so save your jeggings, fleece jackets and UGGs; your children may come asking for them someday.
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Profiles
Alyssa Christian
SurveyorWHS.profiles@gmail.com
Relationship spotlight: Robison and Niles
Katharine Goodwin Staff Writer
Morrie Schwartz once said, “The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love and to let it come in.” This quote couldn’t more aptly describe LaResa Nilles, ’13, and Cassie Robison, ’12. These two have one of the most pronounced, but ultimately unknown relationships at Washington. Robison and Nilles met a year ago through a mutual friend. “[We first met] at lunch. Totally romantic,” laughed Robinson. Although it may not have been love at first sight, their relationship soon budded into one full of love. “She’s just really sweet and really romantic sometimes, though she tries to hide it. I think it’s adorable,” said Nilles of Robison. “She’s adorable and she’s able to put up with me because I talk a lot,” said Robison of Nilles. “They are obviously very attached to each other,” said friend Kat Cross, ’13. This relationship isn’t only about romance. It has changed both of them for the better. Nilles and Robison were both depressed before finding each other. “I was really depressed because I kept getting into bad relationships,” said Robison. “They’re a lot happier and outgoing,” said Cross. Nilles and Robison are in a better place than they were a year ago, but it wasn’t an easy trip.
“If it were up to a total of people, we would’ve been broken up by now,” said Nilles. Both ladies have experienced extreme harassment in and outside of school. In times like those they turn to each other. “We actually care [about each other] and don’t give a damn about what people say,” said Robison. “We’re not going to stop dating because people are homophobic,” said Nilles. As for dates, they enjoy staying home and watching anime or playing games. “Which she beats me at every time!” said Robison of Nilles. “We go out on double dates with my friend, Cassie, and her boyfriend. It’s weird because there’ll be two people on the date whose name is Cassie and one’s my girlfriend and one’s not,” said Nilles. For Valentines Day, they went to the Sparks Anime Convention that was held at the Cedar Rapids Clarion Hotel & Convention Center Feb. 10-14. While they share an interest in anime, they also both share the fact that they’ve dramatically changed over the course of a year. “She makes me want to grow up sometimes and be more mature,” said Nilles of Robison. “I think I’m a lot more mature and caring. I used to be more antisocial,” said Robison. “They’ve matured. They have a window of understanding in the world,” added Cross. If the most important thing in life is to love and be loved, Nilles and Robison are certainly Photo by Megan Anderson fulfilling this task. Cassie Robison, ’12, and LaResa Nilles, ’13.
Micka makes hearts “fly” Francesca Hidalgo-Wohlleben Staff Writer If you’re looking for a well-rounded guy, bachelor Tyler Micka, ’14, fits the bill. “When I think of Tyler I think of his amazing hair, as well as his niceness and funniness. He’s just a good person overall,” said Hilary Stockmaster, ’14. If he isn’t too busy playing the electric guitar or waterskiing, Micka prefers to spend his time in the air. Photo by Natalee Birchansky Micka began taking flying lessons this past December, as he aspires to one day be a pilot. “It makes me feel like I can go anywhere and do anything I want when I’m up in the sky,” said Micka. This type of bold ambition mixes well with Micka’s funny and easygoing personality. Micka generally looks for the “nice, fun and pretty” girls, and when it comes to his idea of a perfect date, Micka prefers to keep things low-key. “It’d probably just involve a movie and hanging out.” At this time, Micka’s pretty content with playing the field, but that doesn’t mean he’s unattainable.
Photo by Natalee Birchansky
Isaac Halyard
SurveyorWHS.ae@gmail.com
A&E
2-21-2011
Flav’s Fried Chicken hits the spot hot wings. Roll tide. It may have been the atmosphere of the place, or the hunger from our long journey, but the meal was simply delicious. When the real work was done, we started (From page 1) to wonder if the big man himself would be First impression: It definitely used to be making an appearance. The grand opening a Long John Silver’s. The yellow “sea port” was over two weeks prior, so we assumed structure of the building was obvious, and Flav had returned a Long home to a foreign John mansion. Somewhat Silver’s jokingly, I enquired sign still to one of the servhung ers as to when Flav outside. would be back in This in town. no way “He just stepped matters, out and went to Hyjust a Vee but he should be nice back in a little while,” fact. she said. Second “So, you mean impreshe’s here? He’s in sion: town?” I said. One “Yep. He just does not came back this simply Photo by Patrick Anderl morning. You guys walk got lucky,” the server said. into FFC. One stumbles in, attracted by About 30 minutes later, clad in sweats the overwhelming aroma of deep fried meat. with a large white clock on his chest, The inside of FFC was quite eyeFlava Flav entered the premises. The most catching; the walls were slathered in bright interesting part of his entrance was Flav’s red and yellow paint, while almost all free obvious pride of ownership. He greeted all spaces on the walls were painted over with of his customers, personally refilled everyportraits, primarily of Flav himself. There one’s drinks and was was a counter to very open to all photo order food, sevops and the signing of eral tables and autographs. He owned a “DJ” named a business, and he was Doug. Doug proud of it. manned a comAfter he finished puter through his host duties, Flav which he walked directly over to played dozens our table. of tracks, all of “So I hear you guys Public Enemy write for a school and Flav’s solo newspaper. You lookcareer. Through ing for an interview?” a microphone he said he announced And so began our “Winner, winone-on-one interview ner, chicken with Flava Flav. He dinner!” when was clearly a busy an order was man, so we kept it up. brief. We made “Why Clinton, our way Iowa?” I said. through the “See, that’s what relatively short I keep hearing from line and ordered Photo by Sara Larson people, ‘Why Clin$34 worth of ton?’, ‘Why Clinton?’. You know what I food: 6 pieces of fried chicken, mashed say? Why not?” potatoes, baked beans, four rolls and 15 A valid reason indeed. Why not? But
Isaac Halyard A&E Editor
to further our understanding of his most recent business move, Flav told us the story of how his business partner, Nick Cimino, had owned a pizza place in Clinton, which
Cedar Rapids
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Flav went back to work and bid us farewell. Awestruck, we gathered up our things and set out on the ride home. In the car, I started thinking about the last thing that
Clinton
Map from Google Maps.
was in fact directly next door. He talked to Flav about starting a franchise, and Flav saw Clinton as the place to do it. After a few more minutes of conversing,
Flav said. To the 1300-some students at Wash, he offered up this wisdom: “Good luck with your lives, future goals and to always keep God first.”
Bob Marley remembered Chloe Kohl Staff Writer
With to-the-floor dreads, a soft smile and legendary songs, Bob Marley has become more than a familiar name, he’s become a legend. It’s no wonder that the Tuff Gong has recently issued a remastered version of the album “Legend: The Best of Bob Marley and the Wailers” in a two-disc set full of live tracks, rarities and familiarities that every generation can relate to. Bob Marley was a Jamaican born singer/songwriter who had chart success in the late 1970’s with the albums “Rastaman Vibration,” “Exodus” and “Survival.” Though quite famous, his popularity increased dramatically after Eric Clapton’s cover of “I Shot the Sheriff” reached number one on the Billboard Top 100 in 1974, thus creating a deeper connection in the iconic music Bob Marley pioneered. The influences on Marley’s music were partly early African American ska/blues artists like Fats Domino, but his main
influences came from his mother, Cedella Booker and innovator Marcus Garvey, the Pan-Africanism supporter of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL). Family and political leaders have had the most impact on his life, letting such inspiration shine through in his music. This “best of ” collection is true to not only Marley’s Rastafarian rhythm traditions, but it also shows his undeniable pacifist beliefs, preaching peace in songs like “One Love” and “Get Up, Stand Up.” It also includes his socially aware songs like “I Shot the Sheriff,” “No Woman, No Cry” and “Buffalo Soldier” to fully expose every aspect of his musical identity. Sadly, Marley died in 1981 of melanoma, but it is obvious his greatness is not forgotten. Walking down the halls at Washington you can find a handful of people a day wearing a shirt that pays homage to this musical prodigy. Marley’s sentiments can’t be denied or countered, so it’s best we all just take his advice to “take it slow, take it easy.”
-* The future is going to happen. -* Why not be smart about yours? -* Free or low-cost birth control.
Ready for a baby?
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Make smart choices. Free or low-cost birth control and condoms. Plus STD testing and treatment. St. Luke’s Family Health Center. text: notnow to 90820 www.FreeBirthControl.org
Family Health Center
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2-21-2011
A&E
Isaac Halyard
SurveyorWHS.ae@gmail.com
New Bo area clicks refresh Kitty McGurk Staff Writer More than a year ago, Iowa was submerged to its rooftops by disastrous flood waters. Cedar Rapids was drastically affected by this flood and the damages have remained. New Bohemia is an old, historic area in the heart of Cedar Rapids with goals of being diverse and artistic. It was affected greatly by the flood and serves as a gateway between downtown and Czech village. The unique and stately buildings, the colorful paintings on the walls and the array of urban style restaurants give the neighborhood a certain character that catches the eye. Parlor City and Chrome Horse would be prime examples of this atmosphere. On any nice day, motorcycles abound, local talented bands and occasionally big screen TV’s can be spotted. Both restaurants attract a variety of people ranging from your typical grungy and heavily-bearded motorcyclists to your average family having a dinner and watching the game. During the summer, art shows, fund raisers and concerts in the park are common. Main Street is a national trust for historic preservation that was formed in 1980 which came about in order to help and improve downtowns with economic declines. New Bohemia fit under those guidelines. The Main Street Approach is an initiative for community revitalization. This group has goals of economic preservation and focuses mainly on historical preservation. This organization is run by a volunteer board of various business leaders in the community. New Bohemia is quite instrumental in the ever-expanding farmers market, taking pride in the sheer growth and quality of its products. Most of all, this section of
Cedar Rapids had its continuing goals and missions to try and sustain it. The mission goes as follows: “New Bohemia group creates and promotes an environment that attracts, encourages and rewards creativity, innovative works of arts and sciences. “ Their vision is one that will hopefully attract artists and entrepreneurs from all walks of life to live and work here, sharing their knowledge and work with the locals. They expect a sense of community, filled with creativity, diversity, and integrity. After looking into these programs and their plans, if such things follow through, New Bohemia would be an example of the corner-stone of hope that this city needs after all of the destruction caused in an already despairing downtown.
Photos by Megan Anderson
“Skins” makes viewers skin crawl John Kopec Staff Writer MTV’s new controversial hit series, “Skins,” is getting a heavy dose of criticism for it’s vivid depiction of teen sex and drug use. Though the show has been directed towards an immense amount of graphic material, there are reasons why it’s said to be the most realistic show on the air. “I think it depicts an average teen life to the extreme and has a good story line but there is some bad acting. It’s definitely something you don’t want to watch with your parents,” said Cicely Deaton, ’12. “Skins” follows the lives of nine public school teenagers struggling with the kind of conflict and insecurity that makes high school what it is today. Skins is an adaptation of the British show that chronicles the lives of these high-
schoolers as they deal with sex, drugs and other controversial issues. An array of reports have been issued for “Skins’” constant alcohol and drug abuse. In addition to these drug and alcohol claims, “Skins” has been dropped by one of their sponsors, Taco Bell, due to child pornography and excessive references to sex featured on previous episodes. “Its like high school life on steroids and everything is to the extreme but doesn’t really hide much from the life of some students,” said Taylor Vogel, ’12. According to the Parental Television Council, “Skins” is the “most dangerous program that has ever been foisted on your children.” But will it remain on the air? MTV assures that episodes of “Skins” not only comply with all applicable legal requirements, but also with their responsibilities to the viewers. So, if the law permits it, the show is not likely to be dropped by MTV anytime soon.
Valentines Day - Was it worth it? One dozen roses from Flowerama: $29.99
One box of chocolates from Betty Jane Candies: $14.99
Total:$48.48 One card from Hallmark: $3.50
Predicted National Valentines Day sales: $15.7 billion Statistic from National Retail Federation
Drawing by Isaac Halyard
Joe Eken
SurveyorWHS.sports@gmail.com
Sports
2-21-2011
13
Diving competition makes a splash in Iowa City Jill Broghammer Staff Writer The new University of Iowa Recreation Center is not only a top notch facility, but has also brought in large competitions for many sports. The National Diving competition was held at the University of Iowa’s pool Jan. 30 through Feb. 6. Men’s swimming assistant coach, Megan Lewis, watched the diving competition on Sunday, Feb. 6. The day consisted of the finals for the women’s three meter springboard and the women’s ten meter platform synchronized diving. “It was way cool to watch the best divers in the country compete against one another,” said Lewis. The women’s three meter springboard finals consisted of twelve girls competing in five dives each and in the ten meter platform synchronized diving there were four sets of girls each doing five dives. “It takes some serious athleticism to dive in a national level diving competition,” said Lewis. Lewis’s favorite part to watch was the ten meter platform synchronized diving, but Lewis also enjoyed watching the three meter springboard girls tying for first place in the finals. “The two best women’s divers in the country and they tied for first place. That just doesn’t happen,” said Lewis. Alex Stephens, ’11 went to Iowa City to watch the diving competition on Friday Feb. 3. Stephens watched the men’s ten meter platform semi-finals and the women’s three meter springboard quarter finals. Stephen’s favorite part of the competition was seeing Olympian David Boudia.
Photo by Amy Parker
A diver performs a reverse dive.
What 2 Watch 4 March 9-12, Boys High School State Basketball tournament Last year the boys lost to top-seeded Ames, a team that boasted number one recruit Harrison Barnes.
March 2-5, Girls High School State Basketball tournement The girls will try to get back to State for the first time since they finished second in 2008.
Feb. 25-27, Midwest High School Hockey League Varsity State tournament The High School Roughriders are likely to qualify for the tournament for the first time in their history.
Photo by Amy Parker
“Watching the The final divers warm up in the three meter competition. Olympic diver David Boudia was my favorite part not only because he is an Olympic diver, but he is also very attractive,” said Stephens. Other men’s Olympic divers that Stephens watched compete included Drew Livingston and Thomas Finchum. Stephens tagged along to the diving competition with friend Sara Larson, ’11, who is a diver herself. “It was awesome to know that Sara would have gotten second in the women’s one meter spring board competition with her highest high school score,” said Stephens.
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Sports
Joe Eken
SurveyorWHS.sports@gmail.com
Green’s life is about more than just football
Natalie Neppl Staff Writer
Green continued his football career playing in the United States Football League. In the USFL, Green was a member of the Tampa Bay Bandits and the Birmingham Stallions, but due to a knee injury, could not pass the physical to play on either team. When his football career came to an end, Green knew he wanted to continue on with his education; the beginning of his renaissance. Green lives by the quote, “Individuals can accomplish anything they want to, I believe in persistence.” Not unlike the quote by famous Italian Renaissance Man, Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472), that “A man can do all things if he will.” Green continued his education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he studied philosophy. Green has known that he wanted to be a teacher since high school, to continue with his teenage goals, he attended Simpson College to begin studying education. After Simpson, Green went to Iowa State University and received his teaching license, along with English and Liberal Studies degrees. He received his Masters in teaching at Grand Canyon University and has gone on to teach at multiple schools. Green has enjoyed his time at Washington. “There are a lot of ambitious and intellectual people at Washington and each day is interesting,” said Green. Green continues to embody and encourage the Renaissance notion that people should embrace all knowledge and develop to their full potential.
A Renaissance Man is a man with extraordinarily broad and comprehensive knowledge; sometimes referred to as a polyhistor, that is, someone gifted or learned in multiple disciplines. The life of Sam Green, Washington language arts teacher, has been anything but average. He has had many life experiences others only dream of. As a child Green moved around central Florida, due to his dad’s job as a minister. “Growing up, my siblings and I would play sports in the orange groves, in back streets and on the beach,” said Green. At Fort Mead High School, Green participated in basketball, football and track. Along with being a varsity athlete, Green played the alto saxophone and had a great appreciation for music. “Influence from the church, my family, school and the community ensured that I would have a chance at being successful,” said Green. These influences were the basis for Green’s well-rounded lifestyle. Green went on to pursue his football career at The University of Florida. There Green played nose guard and inside linebacker. After his four years at Florida, Green was drafted to play in the Senior Bowl. Because of his successful career in college, Green was picked as the first player in the second round to play linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks. Throughout his four year playing career for the Seahawks, Green’s most lasting memory was beating the Oakland Raiders twice in the one season while a member of the Seahawks. Green’s NFL career continued when he joined Photo by Amy Parker Houston for one year. L.A. teacher Sam Green poses for a photo.
Green’s Career by the Numbers
5
seasons Green played in the NFL
3
interceptions Green had in his NFL career
91
yards Green returned one of those interceptions for a touchdown, his only score as a professional
29th
Draft
2
the position Green was taken in the 1976 NFL
fumble recoveries Green had in the NFL
2003
year Green was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame
“Some people in the league have told us picking Green on the second round might have been the best pick in the entire draft.”
-Seattle coach Jack Paterna
Joe Eken
SurveyorWHS.sports@gmail.com
Sports
2-21-2011
Packers back on top
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Joe Eken Sports Editor At Washington High School, green and yellow are not the most popular colors thanks to our crosstown rivals at Kennedy. However, students who walk into Larry Simons’ counseling office will find green and yellow plastered all over his walls. No, Simons is not a secret Cougar athletic club booster, he’s a lifetime Green Bay Packers fan, and one of the many cheeseheads who celebrated a Super Bowl victory for his beloved Packers early this February. “I’ve been a Packers fan as long as I can remember. They were a good team and were winning a lot when I first started thinking about football,” said Simons. Green Bay certainly has been one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. Their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV was the team’s fourth Super Bowl victory, not to mention the nine NFL Championships the Pack won before 1966, the year the Super Bowl started. The road to this year’s championship was a long one for the Packers. They had to win their last two regular season games just to make the playoffs and then defeated the top three seeds in the NFC to reach the Super Bowl. “It was a great feeling to see them win. And to have it happen the way it happened, winning the last game to get into the playoffs, it was fantastic; a story book ending to a season that was disappointing,” said Simons. The game itself was exciting as well. Green Bay jumped out to and early 21-3 lead but injuries to Charles Woodson and Donald Driver allowed Pittsburgh to slowly creep back into the game. The comeback ended when Ben Roethlisberger’s fourth down pass fell incomplete with under a minute to go and the Packers held on to win 31-25. “I was very nervous. Six is an ugly number [to be leading by] when the other team gets the ball. But it adds to the fun, especially when you win,” said Simons. Green Bay Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was named MVP, and with this win may have finally emerged from the enormous shadow left by Brett Favre. “This is such a good endorsement for Rodgers. A lot of fans didn’t think Favre should
Graphic by Joe Eken
have left but this is a great win for the franchise and for Rodgers,” Simons said. Most Packers fans won’t care who starts at quarterback as long as the team continues to bring home the Lombardi trophies.
Soccer team takes their game indoors Joe Berry Staff Writer During the winter, the Washington men’s soccer team competes in a local indoor soccer league at the SportsZone. Indoor soccer differs from outdoor in a few key ways. First and foremost, indoor soccer has walls instead of lines as boundaries. The ball is only out of play when it hits the nets above the walls, which means that the players can play the ball off of the walls. Also the turf is so short that the ball rolls much faster and travels much farther than in outdoor soccer. These two things make the game much more fast-paced than in outdoor soccer. There are a few rules that are different too. In indoor soccer there is a penalty box, similar to that of hockey, which players receiving a blue or yellow card go to for two or five minutes, respectively. Wash has two teams this year, loosely divided into a varsity team and a sophomore/ junior varsity team. The team has played three games out of its six games so far this season. “We are 3-0,
Women’s track gets a head start
so we’re doing pretty well,” says Evan Zalesky, ’13, a member of Wash’s varsity team. The varsity team includes Charlie Parks, Camron Harrison, Alex Zalesky and Brandon Besong, all ’11, as well as other juniors, sophomores and freshmen. The team expects to win the last three games of the season and looks forward to advancing deep into the state tournament in outdoor soccer in the spring.
Photo by Amy Parker
Members of the indoor soccer team fight for the ball during one of their games.
MJ Kamin Staff Writer For many people, over two feet of snow on the ground doesn’t seem like ideal running conditions. But for the Warrior Women’s track team, it is a sign of when their season starts. The Warriors began practice on Feb. 14, in hopes that the six weeks of training before their first meet will give them a leg up on the competition. “Early on, they [the practices] are kind of hard. But it is fun getting started,” said Kristin Rogers, ’11, who hopes to help take the Warriors back to state and win the Mississippi Valley Conference. Last year, the Warriors finished tenth in the state after finishing second in the MVC. “I’m optimistic that we can be one of the top two teams in our division,” said head coach, -Kristin Rogers Frank Scherrman. The Warriors started practices at this same time last year, and Scherrman expects about 15 returning varsity runners this year, with many other good core runners. Scherrman says these early practices are essential for the team to succeed in the upcoming season, even if they do start very early. “I really do think it helps our team get going and get in shape,” said Rogers. The team will go through their warm-ups in these early practices and a few of the long distance runners will start racking up miles. In past years, the track team’s coaches have shoveled and used a snowblower on the track to try and free up some room for running. Due to the recent refurbishing of Wash’s track, they will have to stay away from snowblowing this year. “If we can get decent side streets [cleared], then that will buy us time,” said Scherrman. The Warriors first meet is March 15 and the state tournament begins on May 19.
“Early on, they [the practices] are kind of hard. But it is fun getting started.”
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2-21-2011
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Ellen Hart
SurveyorWHS.photos@gmail.com
Warrior Basketball
Good luck at State!
Photos by Ellen Hart