October 2007

2205 Forest Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 Volume 51, Number 2 October 26, 2007

C.R. a ghost town? page 8

Wash football fever

Sky Smith/Surveyor

Early in the week when The Surveyor was printed, the Warrior football team’s record stood at 6-2 before an expected win against the Linn-Mar Lions, losers of 21 consecutive games. A win would qualify Wash for the state playoffs. Above, students weather the cold during the Homecoming game against Iowa City High, the team’s first loss.

MORE INSIDE SURVEYOR Sports Sam Seyfer comments on the Cubs’ hundredyear losing streak page 15

Profiles Kellar Elliott opens up about being a self-proclaimed couch potato page 7

Page 2

NEWS

Briefly Leadership Retreat preview As fall marches on, many ninth- and 10th-grade Washington students will again be attending the WHS Leadership Retreat at YMCA Camp Wapsie, Oct. 29-30. Junior and senior counselors will lead freshmen and sophomores in a variety of leadership activities.

A notable change in the scheduling of this year’s retreat is that it will be held from Monday at 4 p.m. until Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., instead of the usual Thursday to Friday retreat held on the same week. The change is due to the in-service day on Friday, Nov. 2.

“We believe that few students would want to show up at school on an in-service day to go to a leadership retreat, and there would also be conflicts for teacher volunteers as well,” said Julie Cain, leadership retreat coordinator and Japanese teacher.

Tyler Hubler

Deadly infection found in schools nationwide On Oct. 15, a high school student in Moneta, Va., died after being hospitalized for more than a week with an infection he caught at school. The infection was an antibioticresistant staph infection, known as MRSA. It is estimated by doctors at the Centers for disease Control and Prevention to be more deadly than HIV/AIDS with 19,000 deaths in 2005.

Health and educational officials have reported that in recent weeks staph infections, including the deadly MRSA strand, have spread through high schools nationwide.

The infection can be spread easily through skin-to- skin contact with an infected person or through sharing things like sports equipment or a towel.

Regular hand-washing and using separate towels or razors are good ways to prevent catching a staph infection.

Eleanor Vernon

Safety of Facebook in question Andre M. Cuomo, the New York Attorney General, has been investigating whether the social networking site Facebook should be allowed to promote itself as a safe online environment in response to many cases of sexual harassment that have been filed.

“Any site where you are attracting young people, you must assume you are simultaneously attracting those who would prey on young people,” said Cuomo in an interview with the New York Times.

To validate his claims against the Facebook Corp. and to tackle the growing problem of internet safety, Cuomo is employing consumer-protection laws.

Facebook has responded by agreeing to outsource its complaints to an independent company. Facebook typically receives anywhere from thousands to tens of thousands complaints each day. They have also agreed to limit the age of those who can access the site to 13 and older.

Eleanor Vernon

Teens imprisoned for life When the United Nations voted this past December to take up a resolution calling for the end of life imprisonment for young adolescents, the vote was a clear 185 to 1.

The United States once again stands alone in the world, only this time it is because it is the only country that convicts young adults to life sentences without the possibility of parole.

There are currently 73 Americans in 19 states who have been sentenced to life in prison for crimes they committed when they were 13 or 14. Iowa is responsible for three of the 19, making a total of 14 in the Midwest region. Pennsylvania has the most of any state with 18 teenagers up for life imprisonment.

Although there have been attempts by many lobbyists to outlaw this sentence, no definite legal action has been taken in protection of the minors.

Eleanor Vernon

October 26, 2007

Wash takes stand for Jena 6 Discussion, Facebook group tackle race case in Louisiana

thousands of protesters converged on the tiny town, demanding justice and immediate release for the six “unfairly sentenced” teens.

“There’s a tendency for overreaction,” said Ian Kleman, Pre Calculus teacher at Washington. A discussion in his class was prompted by a sign on his wall reading “Jena 6: It’s real.”

The Jena 6 did, however, beat their victim into unconsciousness and leave him with a concussion, a swollen eye, and various other face injuries. They point out he was well enough to attend a ceremony that night.

Opposition highlights the fact that he left early from the pain.

and Jesse Beard - have all received reduced sentences since the incident, or are being tried in juvenile court.

Washington student Alaa Elsheikh, ‘08, Kestrel Henry believes the high sentences would’ve been Staff Writer dropped after consideration anyway.

“I think they eventually would’ve realThe deadly assault weapon was a pair of ized,” she said of the prosecutors. “The kids soft white sneakers. “should have charges pressed against them.

Dec. 4, 2006, six teens fought a student They still hurt him. But not murder.” of Jena High School in Jena, La. He was Arielle Gibson, ‘08, founded a Facebook knocked unconscious while they proceeded group titled “IOWA SUPPORTS THE to kick him in the head. After being charged JENA 6 ... FREE JENA 6”. It currently has with conspiracy to commit second degree 195 members. murder, there has been an outcry of sup“I thought it was important that people port and accusations of injustice know about it,” said Gibson. “I against them, and their supporters took such an interest in it because have nicknamed the students the it’s something you never think “Jena 6.” would happen.”

The issue: the teens were black She adds that her friends knew and the victim was white. little, if anything, of the case.

In an area already flooded with Kleman observed the same. “I memories of past racial injustice, don’t think people at Wash know conflict had been brewing in Jena much about it.” for some time. Aug. 31, 2006, a T he f u l l-blow n incident black student asked an associate stemmed from a history of racial principal if he could sit under the tension, but also from individual “white tree” - a shady spot where, events that can happen anyplace according to students, only whites in the country, such as fighting or congregated. The next day, two even jokingly made racial insults nooses were discovered hanging at schools such as Washington. from the tree, which prompted However, “There’s much more the principal to expel those retolerance for other cultures and sponsible. The expulsion was other races at Wash,” said Adoverruled, however, by the school ams. board, who lessened their punishGibson agrees. “I think Wash ment. The district attorney spoke is a good school, and we’re diat an assembly shortly after the verse.” incident, trying to get those who The media has swooped down were upset to drop the issue. on Jena officials, prompting t“With a stroke of my pen, I can shirts and rallies and 500-plus make your lives disappear,” he told Facebook groups. the students.

In the confusion, some of the The punishment of the stustory seems to have been somedents was widely publicized as bewhat obscured. Jena school board ing a three-day “slap on the wrist.” president Jonny Fryar asserts that However, the superintendent has Jena is like any other community, recently insisted they were isolated and that people are taking this at an alternative school for nine www.jenasix.org too far. days, spent two weeks of in-school “I hate to see people label us suspension, along with various The tree in front of Jena High School that is at the root of the conas something we are not. Because flict that has grown with national attention over the past year. other punishments. we have black students and white Tension reached a climax on “It was all a big mess,” said Kari Adams, students playing football together,” he said.

Dec. 4, when Justin Barker was assaulted “They shake hands, get along. This is an ‘09. “I think things got carried away.” by the six teenagers, who were arrested and The protestors have succeeded to some unfortunate incident. We hope that the comcharged with second-degree murder and extent. The six - Mychal Bell, Robert Bailey, munity can heal.” conspiracy.

Theo Shaw, Carwin Jones, Bryant Purvis, As the story diffused through the media,

Ping Pong Club accepting members Sam Seyfer Staff Writer Another new club has been frequenting the Washington announcements this year: Ping Pong Club, whose main goal is to offer anybody the opportunity to play ping pong.

Ping Pong Club was started in the early fall by Trevor Polk, ‘10. The idea arose from a group of sophomores that played a lot of ping pong over the summer.

The official sponsor is Kiley Ingerslev, a math teacher here at Washington. Meetings take place after school in her room, unless they are playing ping pong, which usually takes place at Wash or at somebody’s house.

Due to the fact that many of the members, including Polk, are involved in cross country, the club experienced a two-month hiatus. Now that, for many, the season is

over, the club is really beginning to get going.

“It’s gonna kick serious dwarf,” said Andy Marshall, ‘10.

Despite the large amount of excitement surrounding the new club, some have differing opinions.

“I hate Ping Pong Club,” said Connor O’Neil, ‘10.

So far, there are around 50 committed members involved and others are expected to join.

“We plan to have some competitions, including tournaments with the whole club involved,” Polk said.

Everyone is welcome, not just sophomores, or cross country runners, as it may seem. The members gladly welcome any new players, despite skill or experience.

“It’s an open club, and we would like even more people to come and play ping pong with us,” Will Hart, ‘10, said.

See the guidance office for more information

NEWS

October 26, 2007

Page 3

Future of Westdale uncertain Madeline Steiner Staff Writer

Leonard M. Struttmann

Band marching to beat of its own fall success Abby Varn Staff Writer

With runner-up positions, following West Des Moines Valley, at both the Prairie and Linn-Mar competitions, the Washington band started their season off with a great start and hasn’t let up.

The band then went on to the Valley West competition to take fourth place.

“The band has done very well,” said co-band director Steve Shanley. Shanley had directed with Jim Miller for seven years.

“This season has been very comparable to recent seasons. We are still right up at the top, battling it out with West Des Moines, Valley, Waterloo West, and Ankeny,” said Shanley.

“I enjoy the sense of accomplishment I feel when the marching band plays a particularly amazing show. I then realize that all the time we had spent together was totally worth it,” said Josh Mades, ‘09.

Throughout their season, they participate in many festivals, including Johnston, Linn-Mar, Prairie, West Des Moines Valley, Ankeny, and the state competition. They will also host the 5 Seasons Festival with help from Kennedy and Jefferson.

Their goal of performing as well as possible at a competition is not the only thing on their minds.

“We have the same goal every year: entertain our audience!” said Shanley.

The Washington band has not come across this success just by chance. They have put in the time and proven that they deserve their scores.

“The band has demonstrated remarkable teamwork this year. Our student leaders are the strongest they’ve ever been, and each member is dedicated to playing and marching to the best of his or her abilities,” said Shanley.

“I feel like everyone in the band works great together as a whole,” said Kennon Meyer, ‘10, who is a part of the drumline.

Part of the reason for their strong abilities to work as a team may be attributed to the interactions that take place off the field.

“It’s really great to be together with friends that share a common interest,” said Ben Woods ‘08.

The band has high hopes for the future.

“We hope the crowd next year will see what it always has: a great show!” said Shanley.

This year’s ITED tests were all about the basics: Reading, math, and science.

The social studies and sources of information tests were omitted from the ITED schedule this year. They are no longer required by the school district because they are not used in the evaluation of a school’s performance and the amount of funding received from the No Child Left Behind education law.

AP United States and World History teacher here at Washington, Sigrid Reynolds, explained that the social studies test only employed simple graphs and paragraphs that had to be examined with questions to follow.

“It did not follow the curriculum,” said Reynolds. The results of students social studies test were not used by the Social Sciences department. It is considered to test more knowledge of reading and math, than the content of classes taught in the department.

Instead of employing the five-day testing schedule that has been used in years before, only four-days were needed this year.

“I think [the students] will be very pleased to only have four days of testing instead of five,” said Principal Ralph Plagman before the testing began.

“Why make the students [take a test] if it is unnecessary,” said Plagman.

Westdale and are losing money due to the restriction on the mall. The companies that own the buildings are Ditman Partners LLC and CRSC LLC. Both owners are asking the city to end the development restrictions, pay for money damages and allow the

Westdale mall once had the best shopping in town, but the mall has continued to decrease in popularity.

“This summer, I was surprised to hear the mall was still open,” said Dave Coates, Washington’s women’s cross country coach and former guidance counselor.

Westdale was first opened in 1979 and four major department s tore s : JC -Pen ne y, Montgomer y Ward, Younkers and Brandeis were the first to sign on.

While under construction, Brandeis left the mall and was replaced

by Von Maur.

What’s happened to the four major stores?

Montgomer y Wa rd closed in 2001 and the space was vacant until 2005 when Steve & Barry’s opened. In Ja nua r y 20 07, Von Maur closed due to the decrease in Westdale’s popu la rit y a nd t he Megan Barnes/ Surveyor space remains unocTop center: View of empty Westdale parking lot from Younkers entrance.

Bottom left cupied.

Westdale was origi- and right: Vacant stores in Westdale Mall. nally built by the Hahn Company (later became TrizacHahn) ever,” said Kevin Kennedy, ‘08. mall to sell stores individually.

The city wants to keep the mall and was sold in 1998 to The Rouse “There are, like, three stores.”

The Cedar Rapids City Council as a whole and has discussed creating Company.

In 2004, Westdale’s management voted to delay redevelopment and Westdale into a mixed-use center, was taken over by The Festival Com- hopes whoever ends up purchasing which would include retail stores, pany. The company planned to reno- the mall can keep it together while restaurants, housing, public venues, and a grocery store. This would revate the mall, expanding Westdale and creating a new image.

However, the mall’s owners asked quire the mall to be turned around, adding a food court - a $20 million plan. Unfortunately, the renovation the city to release the mall moratorium creating corridors, streets, and more plan was never put to action because because they can’t make the property open space.

Another option would be to cut stores continued to leave due to the appealing to potential buyers.

On Oct. 17, the Gazette reported Westdale down to just accommodate success of Coral Ridge Mall.

In 2006, a partial owner of the that the owners of “Big Lots” and the stores currently in the mall.

The city will have a public open mall, H-N-W Associates, failed to a building that used to be a theater pay its mortgage. Leasing responsi- are filing a lawsuit against the city to house to discuss the future of Westbilities were therefore given to Gen- drop the moratorium. Both build- dale on Nov. 8. eral Growth Properties, the owner of ings are located on the perimeter of

Teachers and students discuss different ITED week Rachel Owens Staff Writer

Coral Ridge Mall.

Then, in 2007, Westdale was sold at a Sheriff’s sale, a majority going to a Chicago bank-holding company.

As of now, 50 percent of Westdale’s stores have closed.

“I haven’t been to Westdale, like,

Despite Plagman’s prediction, many Washington students responded differently to the removal of the two tests.

“I really liked the social studies test,” said Caitlin Thirnbeck, ’10, of the recent change.

For some students, the removal of the social studies and sources of information tests meant the absence of a much appreciated boost to their composite score.

“Those were the easiest ones,” says Katrina Houmes, ‘08.

Although the level of difficulty of each test varies with each individual person, students generally struggle the most with the math computation test.

“Students give up if the questions get too hard in the math sections, but keep with it,” said Plagman.

While the easier tests were removed with this year’s testing, the hardest of the bunch is not expected to follow. The removal of the math computation test, along with the other tests that make up the core score, is protected by state legislation.

Along with ITEDs came incentives for Washington students to take the tests seriously. Every year Plagman hands out t-shirts funded by the PTA to those who meet certain requirements regarding their score.

“Those [t-shirts] are tight!” said Thirnbeck.

Page 4

NEWS

The t-shirts are in...

In a school where the PTA throws t-shirts at us like candy, it be-

comes harder and harder for students to come up with their own sweet ideas for class t-shirts.

But, here’s what weeks of making announcements, scheduling meetings, choosing designs and demanding money amounted to:

High school suicide As the number of teen suicides increases, Wash encourages depressed students to seek help Tyler Hubler Staff Writer Teen suicide is on the rise, especially in adolescent girls, according to a recent article in USA Today.

In the article, a 2003-2004 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a 32.3 percent increase in number of suicides of young women ages 15-19, as well as a 9 percent increase in suicides of males ages 15-19.

The CDC study coincides with a series of warnings released by the US Food and Drug Administration against using antidepressants to treat cases of teen depression. Specifically, the usage of a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRI, has shown a strong increase in the likelihood of teens to commit suicide.

“While some people are scared of SSRI antidepressants, they are the only medicines shown to be effective in studies for teenagers with depression… Psychotherapy, however, is often used with medication to improve the likelihood of remission,” said Dr. Kerri Husman, a psychologist with the Cedar Centre Psychiatric Group in Cedar Rapids.

The increase in teen suicide prompts the questions: What is Washington High School doing to prevent student suicides? What outreach does Wash offer to the student body?

And how can Wash students help prevent fellow students who have seriously thought about committing suicide, from doing so?

Wash Counselors Larry Simons, Jennifer Byers, Dean Blanchard, Sue McDermott, and Peggy Hardesty are often the first place where students go to for help.

“We’re all trained in crisis counseling and are here to help students when they are in need,” said Sue McDermott, a WHS counselor.

WHS counselors have a major role in reaching out to many students who suffer or have suffered from multiple levels of depression, which if gone undetected often leads to the belief that suicide is the only way out.

“Generally anyone who is suicidal (as opposed to having just pre-suicidal symptoms), is beyond school help, but we do the assessment on where we can guide those students for more intense treatment,” said McDermott.

“If a student is so bent on committing suicide, a psychiatric counselor from the

Senior women:

Junior ladies:

Junior men:

Sophomore ladies:

October 26, 2007

For help:

■ Foundation 2 Crisis: (319)-362-2174 ■ Abbe Center for Community Mental Health: (319)-398-3562 Abbe Center will immediately be on hand to assess help a student through their suicidal thoughts,” said WHS counselor Jennifer Byers.

WHS also offers outreach in other forms as well: such as a mental health session presented to 11th grade Social Studies classes every September. Another way WHS offers help is by providing an extensive list of phone numbers that can help students who feel uncomfortable in asking for help from their counselors, parents, or friends.

In order for WHS students to be more aware of students who may be suffering from pre-suicidal symptoms, there are many warning signs that are usually present.

“Students who are contemplating suicide are often very depressed; they may have had a big change in their personality, a significant drop in school attendance, and also may have started in giving their possessions away,” said Byers.

Another thing that students who have pre-suicidal symptoms will do, is to resort to using drugs and/or alcohol in order to escape the misery they’re feeling in their lives, which is a case in which WHS’ ASAC (Area Substance Abuse Council) counselors can also be of assistance. The best way to help friends who show pre-suicidal symptoms is to try to convince them to talk to a school counselor, or an adult that they trust.

“Surprisingly, many friends of kids who have pre-suicidal symptoms, take on the burden of trying to in someway ‘fix’ their friend,” said Husman.

However, not everyone talks about wanting to commit suicide to their friends.

While there may have been an increase in the past few years in teen suicides, WHS certainly offers a multitude of ways to provide outreach for students who need it.

“I would encourage any students who hear of other students who hear of other thinking about committing suicide, to try and immediately get them to see their counselor, or take the initiative to talk to a counselor on there behalf as soon as possible,” said Principal Ralph Plagman.

Homecoming success unaffected by Friday night Abby Varn Staff Writer

Around 1,200 students, all dressed in their finest, made it to the Washington High School 2007 Homecoming dance on Friday Oct. 12.

But after all the fuss over the Friday date and all the hard work put into the preparations, was it a success?

Most students agreed it was much better than just an average Friday night.

“Homecoming was so much fun,” said Phoebe Adolphson, ‘10.

As with any large events, there are always a few things to improve upon for next year.

Freshman ladies:

“Maybe a bigger tent,” said Ellen Hart, ‘09.

As suggested, a bigger tent would have helped ease the amount of pushing and shoving that occurred during the dance.

“The only negative part was the fight.

It brought the mood down for a little bit.

But after the music started again, it was fun again,” said Adolphson.

“I liked the D.J. and the decorations were really good,” said Hart.

The best part of the dance for most? That is definitely the people.

“Everyone was there and it was a lot of fun dancing with everyone,” said Hart.

Bomb threat taken seriously; students gather outside Eleanor Vernon News Editor

Megan Barnes/ Surveyor

At around eight o’clock on the morning of Oct. 3, The Washington main office received a tip from a student about a possible bomb threat to the building. Action was immediately taken.

An extensive search of more public areas was completed around the building. The police were called for advice and support with the situation. The Superintendant of the CR

Community School District and the Director of Secondary Education were also on the site assisting with the search.

Students were eventually asked to leave the building to allow staff members to search their own rooms and every locker in the building.

“We needed to take measures that were appropriate for what we felt was going on... above all, our number one concern was the safety of our students and staff,” said associate principal Mike Johnson.

OPINIONS

Page 5

Class of ‘08 leads way Staff Editorial

“...as two of our Surveyor editors were voted homecoming king and queen”

Sometimes at Wash the heart and soul of a class can be seen through its actions. This past homecoming, as two of our Surveyor editors were voted homecoming king and queen, we saw this happen. The ability to stand as one for a cause and make what the Surveyor staff thinks was a good decision, reflects positively on this senior class. If any of you know the king and queen, Greg Hansen and Laura Hart, ‘08, personally, we doubt you would disagree.

Both epitomize what we feel the class of 2008 would want to be remembered by. Endless smiles, genuine sincerity and kindness, fun, leadership, music, dance, art, sports and beyond. You name it, they do it with a

passion.

This gives us faith in the class of 2008 that they have the ability to show their passions and lead the school in their efforts.

Believing that if one gathers enough people, they can make a difference. Electing the people we see as our leaders in school, teaching us about service to the world. It doesn’t matter who you are at Wash, it is all the same. In the words of Laura Hart, ‘08, “We’re all in this together.”

This concept applies not only to Homecoming elections, but to our lives after Wash. Now that some seniors can vote, they hold this power nationally. We as Warriors are proud to hold such power and know that our input truly does count.

October 26, 2007

Drug tests not worth cost You’ve spent months training for this, you’ve done all of the essentials, you’ve done the routine, you’ve eaten the right food, and you’ve checked all of your spikes.

You are ready, you can do this. Two more high knees, then you step into the blocks. Your heartbeat is evident in every muscle, every bone, and every breath. The gun is up and you can feel the nerves in your stomach. The gun explodes and you push. You run as hard as you can, as fast as you can, and with every ounce of talent you have.

Most, if not every, runner feels pressure when they race. Of course this is Tiffany only a high school track race perspective. Westrom Imagine professional races, imagine the Olympics. Seven years ago in Sydney, Australia, athletes from all over the world felt it in an unimaginable way.

Among these was Marion Jones, a triple gold medalist and a double bronze medalist from the 2000 summer Olympics. She felt that fear, but in a severely more intense way. Seven years later, after being known as the fastest woman in the world, she finally admitted to using steroids before the races.

It is dangerously disappointing to hear this, because so many people looked up to her. Publicized stories like this are what make random steroid testing for high school athletes more and more popular. New Jersey, Texas, and Florida are the three states where a law has already been passed allowing schools to subject their athletes to drug testing without their prior knowledge.

Several other states are in the process of getting the law passed.

A single steroid test costs anywhere from $100 to $150. Schools say that administering these tests to every athlete for every sport could potentially become very

costly. Schools in our country could find a better use for that money.

With all the technology and resources that we have today, it is not unlikely that students have figured out how to get around these tests. Whether it is doing things before or during the test to flush the drugs out of their system, they know how to do it. The relatively few students that get caught doing this are being suspended from sports for up to a year. That small amount is not to say that others aren’t doing it; some just aren’t getting caught.

When athletes are penalized after failing a drug or steroid test, they are put on probation for the time decided by the school. After being put on probation, who says they won’t have more time to do drugs or use more steroids to prove that the team needs them in some way?

This generation is known for its rebellion, so why would this situation be any different? We all like to believe that situations are improving because of government support, but in this case, they might actually be instigating more of it.

Jones was a runner, but in most cases, it is football and baseball teams that are being tested. There are many other sports that are as physically demanding, yet because the tests are so expensive, schools are focusing on those sports where they think the use of steroids is prevalent.

The use of performance enhancing steroids are in no circumstances necessary, so trying to control the problem is a good idea. However, by wasting money to take kids out of class to test them is not helping the situation.

They often aren’t doing drugs anyway, or know how to pass the test even if they are taking steroids.

So how about we just stay away from steroids, guys!

Roses & Thorns

Shelby Iverson ‘10

Taylor Dose ‘11

Devin Harschnek ‘08

-”Late night football games and homecoming week.”

Shelby Iverson, ʻ10 -”Getting good grades.”

Taylor Dose, ʻ11 -”End of marching band season.” Devin Harschnek, ʻ08 -Getting to stay on the football field all day during bomb threat.

-A fairy tale themed Homecoming.

-Sources of Information and Social Studies sections gone from ITEDs. -Ping Pong Club, Male Volleyball Club, Arabic Club, Sewing Club and all the other new interesting clubs at Wash.

-”Cubs losing series and Rex Grossman.” Brian Covington ʻ09 -”Good senior teachers make for greater guilt during mid-day coffee runs.”

Katie Jones, ʻ08 -”Teachers that arenʼt fazed by homecoming week, 90 degree heat for xc races in Oct.” Cassy Novick, ʻ09 -”End of marching band season,” Devin Harschnek, ʻ08 -Bomb threat, fighting.

-People who skip ITEDs, costing the homeroom candy and parking spots for seniors.

-The stress that comes with college applications.

Brian Covington ‘09

Katie Jones ‘08

Cassy Novick ‘09 Greg Hansen/Surveyor

Surveyor Editorial Policy Surveyor is established as a schoolsponsored open forum dedicated to informing and entertaining readers. It is published nine times each school year by students 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. Surveyor accepts the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics as the basis for good journalistic ethics.

Editorials and 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.

John Runde Editorin-chief

Letters and guest editorials Readers are encouraged to express their viewpoints through guest editorials.

Surveyor also welcomes letters to the editor, with these guidelines: ■ It is not libelous or obscene.

■ It explains the material clearly.

■ It is not longer than 300 words.

■ It is signed.

Eleanor Vernon News editor WRITERS Caitie Allen Maddy Becker Anne Brenneman Matt Ceryanec Alexis Guess

Fatima Wagdy Opinions editor

Laura Hart Profiles editor

Maddy Halyard Co-focus editor

Alex Taylor A&E editor

Megan Hartman Kestrel Henry Tyler Hubler Molly James Allie Johnson Lauren Kelley

Lauren Glantz Co-focus editor

Greg Hansen Graphics editor

Megan Barnes Photo editor

SPORTS EDITOR John Runde COPY EDITOR Aunna McDowell PHOTO STAFF Carter Oswood Sky Smith Lauren Hoth Jessica Wohlers

Emily Kopec Aunna McDowell Rachel Owens Molly Parker Sam Seyfer Abby Varn

Keile Wahle Dan Williams Mallory Williams Tiffany Westrom ADVISER Steve Riley

OPINIONS

October 26, 2007

Page 6

ITEDs: Boresome burden or beneficial?

Pro: T-shirts, candy...opportunity; hey, why not?

Every year around the second week of October comes a dreaded, annoying series of tests. These tests last for a whole week.

I myself will be the first to admit that they are bothersome. However, they have numerous unseen benefits, despite how much we hate them.

Like other standardized tests, ITEDs show us what we can do, regardless of who our parents are, what Fatima social class we’re in, or Wagdy what connections we have.

Instead, we are put into courses according to how well we perform on such tests.

This contrasts with the subjective feelings a certain teacher or counselor might have.

Students are not simply deemed smart or dumb; an outside source gives specific details about a student’s achievement. The decision of taking that remedial course is mandated by an objective test, not just because a teacher feels that way. And one can prove they don’t need a remedial course by performing well.

In a way, these tests give students more power in their own academics and more of a chance in the future. The SAT, for example, was established to level the playing field for the applicants in applying to certain elite colleges so that not just the privileged kids would get in. The ITED allows students this same kind of opportunity in school. They provide opportunity where it may be difficult otherwise.

Also, these tests provide good practice for college entrance exams that many students take junior and senior year. For example, the ITED is very similar to the

ACT test and often accurately predicts your ACT score. This is very helpful for future college plans.

They are also useful in determining where one stands in comparison to students Megan Barnes/Surveyor in Iowa and around the country. It tells us what subjects we’re good at and what subjects we need improvement in. Then, the next year, one can try and do even better. This idea can also serve for the school as a whole and propel Wash to succeed academically as it has in the past with their high ITED scores.

These are also reasons to have seniors take ITEDs as well, for they show academic growth through the end of junior year as well. Despite the fact that the junior and senior tests are the same, the percentiles for each group are determined separately.

Therefore we would gain insight into achievement, and they would not be pointless.

ITEDs can be fun, too, with all the incentives from Dr. Plagman. Who would turn down candy, free snacks, and shorter class periods? All we have to do is tough it out and know that these tests are good for us, and we might as well pick up a new tshirt while we’re at it.

Con: Tests are even better than counting sheep

We were all told as young children that when we couldn’t sleep, we should count sheep. Our parents thought this was a revolutionary idea, but actually it never really worked all that well. And while sheep may have been acceptable when we were 5, we’ve grown up since then and so have our ways of helping us fall asleep.

Now instead of counting sheep when we close our eyes Allie at night, we can count the Johnson Scantron bubbles on the ITEDs form and go out instantly. There’s just something about 1,000 miniature red circles staring us in the face that either makes us: a.) So bored that we can’t even hold our eyelids open anymore or b.) Want to run away and hide under the covers just to escape the thought of seven hours of testing. Yes, it’s true, ITED season has come and gone. I think I can still hear the snores.

I think I can safely speak for the majority of the Washington population when I say: It’s not necessarily that we hate the ITED tests; it’s just that we find them pointless.

They cover the same material every year, and it’s all stuff we learned in seventh grade.

If I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast yesterday, how am I supposed to remember what we did in Mr. Charipar’s seventh grade science class four years ago? I remember I loved the class, but I definitely did not engrave every word spoken into my brain to use again on future ITED tests.

That would have been a waste of my time.

In fact, Dr. Plagman actually came into all junior U.S. History classes a few weeks ago and gave us a compelling testimony

about the importance of the ITEDs. It went something like this: If you don’t do well on ITEDs, you will not get into a good college.

If you don’t get into a good college, you will die! Then he told us the district has decided to remove two of the tests (sources of information and the social studies test) because they weren’t being used in a beneficial way.

So, I’m wondering, how many years has the district been making students take these tests that don’t serve any real purpose or have any real value? For as long as I can remember, anyway. Also, how many other tests are they fooling us into thinking are important? Do any of them matter?

As a student who has been taking the ITED or ITBS tests for the past nine years, it’s certainly frustrating to know that we are forced to spend countless hours taking these standardized tests and required to listen to the same introductory speech over and over and over again for no other reason than to ultimately be compared to other kids. Why do we all have to be put in the same boat?

Why should a certain score on a random test be plugged into a complicated college entrance equation to determine our future?

In the real world, after college, will it really matter what national percentile rank we received on our ninth grade vocabulary test?

Most likely, it won’t. I don’t want to completely bash the ITED tests because I’m sure they must serve some other purpose, but right now I see no other purpose in making us take these tests, other than to fool us into thinking our future will be somehow brighter with every darkened circle. Believe what you will, try as you might, and see who has the last laugh (or snore) ...

ZZZZZZ.

Internet brings both isolation and unification The Internet. Is it good or bad?

Does it bring people together, or does it push them apart? Well, of course there is no singular answer to this question; there are many different perspectives on the issue.

First, let’s start out with an interesting statistic: In 1996, for the first time in the history of television, TV Dan viewing among kids Williams 14 and under was down. This means that for the first time in 51 years, kids found something more interesting than TV... the Internet.

The Internet really is an incredible piece of technology, and when people say that it revolutionized the way we communicate with one another, they’re not exaggerating.

The Internet is the third communications revolution in human history: The first being language and the second the printing press. The Internet, like language but unlike the printing press, is interactive, which is very important to why it is one of the communication revolutions.

Okay, enough with the stats and history, let’s get to the juicy part; does the Internet bring people together? Well, a lot of people would say that it does. Their argument is that the Internet offers new ways for people to stay in touch over long distances in ways that weren’t possible or practical before. Tools such as e-mail, Facebook, Myspace, AIM, and other social networking sites allow people to stay in touch, as well as meet new people.

However, critics of the Internet say that it’s addictive, and that it can lead people to isolate themselves from society and have no

“real” contact with others. While early research upheld this old wives tale, a new study at the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that the cyberworld expands people’s social networks and even encourages people to talk by phone or meet others in person (you can access the study by visiting http:// www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/172/ report_display.asp, oh, and that’s a good example of how the Internet helps people communicate ideas to each other).

So does the Internet really isolate people? I think that to really answer this question, you have to go beyond data collected by national studies and surveys, and go to the heart of the situation...yourself.

Ask yourself some questions....

1. Do you spend more than two hours a day on the Internet?

2. Do you get severely annoyed when your parent/sibling wants to get on the computer when you haven’t checked your Facebook in the last 10 minutes to ensure that yes; you haven’t gotten any new wall posts.

3. Have you gotten a time of 2:19 or less on Max Dirt Bike?

4. Do you know less than half of your buddies on AIM? 5. Have you ever entered a random screen name such as “KillxxKill666” just to see if that screen name exists?

6. Do you currently use and update a Xanga?

7. Do you check more than two e-mail addresses?

8. When you do get on the Internet, do you automatically start typing a certain URL into the address box?

If you answered yes to three or more of these, then it is entirely possible that you are indeed addicted to the Internet.

Greg Hansen/Surveyor

Letter to the editor

United States lags in math, science Dear Surveyor,

The United States is falling significantly behind other countries in regards to our knowledge of math and science.

The National Assessment of Educational Process found 36 percent of fourth grade students and less than a third of eighth grade students reached a level of proficiency in math over the last thirty years. According to the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, American students rank among the lowest of all industrialized nations. Two-thirds of Chinese undergraduate students earn math, science, or engineering degrees, compared to only onethird of American undergrads.

I honestly do not believe this is due to laziness or a lack of de-

“American students are working hard to memorize, not understand.”

-Lana Godlewski, ‘10 sire to learn on behalf of American scholars. As a hard working student, I admit that I don’t understand math nor science to a level that is even near acceptable. We don’t understand because of the way we are being taught. Freshman year, I had a wonderful biology teacher, Mr. Robinson, who told our class that “any monkey can memorize a list of vocabulary words.”

This may be an exaggeration, but Robinson’s class allowed me to understand deep and robust

concepts for the first time. deep and robust understanding and never once did I memorize a vocabulary word. Knowing the definition of “punctuated equilibrium” doesn’t enable us to grasp the concept of evolution. The fact that we can write the standard form of a linear equation doesn’t mean we can apply it to everyday life. American students are working hard to memorize, not understand.

That is the explanation for the United States’ deficit in math and science.

A substantial and increasing amount of our nation’s students do not understand the workings of the world around them, and we need to change that by drastically revising the way we teach math and science in our schools.

Lana Godlewski, ‘10

PROFILES

October 26, 2007

Page 7

Kellar Elliott= a lazy person, but proud Madeline Steiner Staff writer Kellar Elliott is a junior in high school and he is known around school for being ridiculously lazy.

What’s his explanation for being lazy?

“I don’t like to work. I don’t like to make life stressful. There is no need for stress,” said Elliott.

On an average day, Elliott will wake up at 6:30, go to school, come home and sit on his couch.

If he wants to do something after school, like hang out with his friends, he waits until they have finished weightlifting at the YMCA and then joins them for some racquetball. Elliott enjoys sitting on his couch and watching TV. If it’s Saturday, he’s watching college football. Sunday, NFL. Thursday night is reserved for “The Office.”

On the weekends, Elliott will fall asleep on his couch.

“What you have to understand is that I don’t get off the couch when I wake up, I stay there. Well, I’ll get up, but only to go upstairs for some Pop-Tarts.”

The very fact that his couch is downstairs and the kitchen is upstairs is a problem for Elliott’s

Carter Oswood/Surveyor

Kellar Elliott flies through the air, parallel to his couch. It was a rare appearance out of his couch. lifestyle.

“The kitchen is too far away, sometimes I’ll be starving and go almost 13 hours without food.”

Food in general seems to be a

problem. In Elliott’s opinion, Chef Boyardee takes too much effort between opening the can and putting it in the microwave for a minute.

He’d much rather grab a bag of

Twizzlers or some Oreos.

Do people ever get annoyed by his refusal to do work?

“Oh, yeah, my parents get annoyed because when they ask me

to mow the lawn, it takes me three days, when it should take two hours.”

So no teenager wants to mow the lawn, but Elliott refuses to move an extra two inches.

“One time I was at Maddy’s [Halyard, 09’] and I went to grab a Coke from the fridge. Maddy asked me to grab the orange juice right next to it, but I said it was too far, so I didn’t get it.”

What’s the key to his laziness?

“Doing nothing, not moving that much or doing any work.”

Elliott attempted to be more active this summer by joining the men’s cross country team. He went to two of their summer practices, and unfortunately, it was a bit too much work for him and he quit.

Don’t worry though, Elliott isn’t completely uninvolved. He has been involved in show choir and choir since freshman year and is currently in Momentum show choir and Madrigal singers. Elliott has also attended two meetings for Rotary Interact, which is a pretty big accomplishment, in his opinion.

Does he enjoy the fact that people think he’s incredibly lazy?

“I don’t hate it. I’m just known for being lazy.”

Oh my Ghosh! Take note of Neel, who is one highly active freshman

Bleau will strum in years to come

Aunna McDowell Staff writer

Matt Ceryanec Staff Writer

Washington High School is known for having heavily involved students and a rich blend of culture.

Freshman Neel Ghosh is contributing to the diversity of Washington and many of Wash’s extracurricular activities.

Besides taking courses at Wash, Ghosh plays the saxophone for wind symphony, is a violinist in the orchestra, is a member of Vivace, and has a leading role in Aida, the upcoming musical. He also plans on playing tennis this spring.

Ghosh has noticed a stark contrast between high school and middle school, and he is loving his year at Wash so far. Going from 20 minutes to one and a half hours of homework has been challenging for Ghosh.

However, he feels the transition has, overall, been smooth.

Ghosh said, “The freshman teachers have been doing well making the transition easier.”

Ghosh has a cultural background that is different from those of other Wash students.

Almost 20 years ago, Ghosh’s parents moved to the United States from India. They first settled in Cleveland and later moved to Cedar Rapids.

The Ghosh family, especially Ghosh’s mother, practices Indian traditions within their home. Ghosh’s mother celebrates many Hindi holidays and participates in fasts, which are part of the Hindi culture. The entire family just finished celebrating Diwali, an important Hindi holiday. At home, the family does not speak English. Instead, they speak a language that is a form and mixture of Hindi.

All of Ghosh’s extended family live in India, except for one uncle. This past summer, Ghosh visited India. He saw his family and toured the southern region of India.

Ghosh’s father, Chiranean, decided to move to the United States because he wanted to start a better life for himself and his family.

Jordan Bleau, ‘08, has been strumming the strings on the guitar since middle school, and beating the drums for four years. Not only that, but he’s played the bass, keyboard, and tuba since coming to Washington.

“I really like music because music is universal,” Bleau said. “It breaks down barriers between all kinds of different people.”

Bleau’s main, and first influences in music are Stephen Malkaus and Jay Mascis, both guitar players. Guitar was the first instrument Bleau really got in to. Right now Bleau is involved in many musical things , including marching band, wind symphony, Momentum band, jazz band, and band. He also has his own band, who recently played at the homecoming bonfire. Michael Jarvey, ‘09, Miles Kean, ‘08, and Zach Ziemer, ‘08, are part of this band.

Sky Smith/Surveyor

Neel Ghosh, ‘11, holds his violin.

“I never wanted to come (to the U.S.),” he said, but now he is extremely pleased to be living in the United States.

Ghosh’s father is a highly respected doctor who works with people with blood diseases and cancer. He received the Iowa Asian of the Year Award, started the APG Foundation (a foundation that provides health care for those who can’t afford it), and funded the Greene Square Park meals program.

Ghosh’s father loves his practice and said, “It is an honor; it is a privilege.”

Ghosh is proud of his father and is following in his footsteps by being an active Warrior.

“He shreds hard, and he loves to rock,” Ziemer, a fellow band member of Bleau for years said.

Bleau plays music for about two hours every day, but Bleau spends even more time listening to music.

“A couple of my favorite bands are Pavement and Sigur Bleau Ros, but I listen to all kinds of music, rock especially.”

Bleau is unsure of what his future in music will bring, but he does know one thing. “I’ll always play music,” Bleau said. “But I might minor in music in college so I can maybe do something with it when I graduate.”

So don’t be surprised when you see Bleau in the hallways with his headphones in, or if he’s drumming on his desk during class. It’s not an understatement saying Jordan Bleau loves music.

FOCUS

Page 8

Page 9

Spine-tingling C.R....

-LaCresha Green ‘11

-Anna Siddall ‘09

How scary movie savvy are you?

1. What is the name of the child in The Omen?

A. Christopher B. Walter C. Damien D. Seth

Granger House:

Granger house (pictured below) is located in Marion, and is named after the family that resided in the house for almost 100 years. In recent years, the house has been turned into a historical museum funded by non-profit organizations. The museum houses 19th century artifacts as well as many of the original furnishings of the house at the time the Granger family lived there. The story says that if a person is to stand on the street at midnight, he or she will occasionally be able to see a young woman dressed in white appear in one of front of the windows.

2. What is the name of the murderer in Texas Chainsaw Massacre?

A. Leatherface B. Freckleface C. Charles Johanssen D. Skinface 3. What is the name of the father in The Shining?

A. Jack B. Jim C. John D. Phineas

Photo by Greg Hansen

-Robert E. Johnson ‘11

54%

of Washington students believe in ghosts.

5. Who is the villain in The Exorcist?

A. Lucifer B. Reagan C. Charles Darwin D. The Priest

-Jeremiah Newman ‘09 5. A

The Thirteen Steps are located in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Palo, Iowa. The stairs lead to the entrance to the graveyard, which is located in the middle of the woods. Many claim to have seen a “ghost” dog running near the steps as well as a disappearing and reappearing house.

Investigators claim to have recorded the voice of an old man wheezing and laughing malevolently near the steps. Many are also fearful of the steps merely for the fact that they are associated with the infamous number 13.

I moved into my new house whose previous owner was a brain surgeon. We have a big crawl space under the house, so my friends and I went under with a digital camera and took a picture which showed hundreds of ghost orbs on the screen.

4. C

Thirteen Steps:

I don’t believe ghosts are something you can encounter, just souls that have yet to let go of this world.

4. What is the name of the villain in Saw? A. Puzzleman B. Flicka C. Jigsaw D. Hannibal

3. A

Coe College, pictured below, is located in Cedar Rapids. The story of the Coe haunting focuses on Helen, a girl who died of Spanish influenza her freshman year in 1918 in Voorhis Hall. After her death, Helen’s parents donated a grandfather clock to place in her old dorm room. Helen’s ghost reappears each year on Oct. 19, the anniversary of her death.

At 2:53 p.m. on this day, the exact time of Helen’s death, the grandfather clock abruptly ceases ticking. Even after numerous attempts to repair the clock, it continues to stop at this time.

Helen is known for pulling the covers and sheets off of beds and slamming doors. She appears by the infirmary where she died.

“When my mom had an asthma attack at the hospital, my sister, Bernadette, and I saw my grandma above my mom.”

2. A

Coe College:

“There is a spirit or ghost that has lived in our house most of my life. He usually stays in the attic or upstairs. When I have lost things I sometimes find them in random places.

I credit John.”

1. C

Haunted places in Iowa

Page 10

FOCUS

October 26, 2007

Sandwiched between two sub stops Which sandwich stop do Warriors prefer?

By Lauren Kelley Staff Writer Of the many restaurants in Cedar Rapids, Milio’s and Jimmy John’s are perhaps two of the most well-known. Both are located on First Avenue, close to Lindale Mall.

Jimmy John’s is found near the popular Panchero’s and offers a variety of sandwiches, as well as a side of chips, a cookie, or a pickle. Milio’s, which is located off of First Avenue next to Secret Nails, also serves many sandwiches, ranging from regular turkey to vegetable. Milio’s also offers a few side options.

Though they have been in business for almost the same amount of time and advertise a similar menu, Washington students have their own opinions and preferences. Meredith VanWoert, ‘09, can be found working at Jimmy John’s. She enjoys her job and said that it’s fun, especially when serving with many other Washington friends. VanWoert explained that this restaurant is usually busiest during weekends or during lunchtime. When asked which sandwiches (Jimmy John’s or Milio’s) she likes the best, she said it’s 50-50.

“Milio’s has lots of different cheeses, which really can make a pretty large difference to some;” however, “Jimmy John’s has a better atmosphere. It’s bigger and a lot more open than Milio’s,” said VanWoert.

However, Milio’s variety is an important lure for students.

Caitlin Sole, ‘09, ranks Milio’s over Jimmy John’s for several reasons. She is a vegetarian, so Sole’s favorite sub is the Veggie Delite, layered with a variety of tasty vegetables, such as lettuce and tomatoes, with guacamole. This sub is only found at Milio’s.

Kat Swain, ‘09, also enjoys eating at Milio’s, despite the fact that she has never actually dined at Jimmy John’s. Her favorite meal is the simple, but classic “Pilgrim’s Pride.” Ellen Hatala, ‘09, loves the subs at Jimmy John’s, particularly “The Californian.” She also enjoys the atmosphere of the sandwich shop.

Photos by Carter Oswood

FOC

CUS October 26, 2007

PROFILES

Page 11

Rizer deals with family split overseas Father an Air Force pilot stationed in South Korea Aunna McDowell Staff Writer

Having a father nearby is a reality for many students. Maybe he lives at home, across town, or on the other side of the country; but it is most likely that Washington students have fathers within the U.S. However, this is not the case for Andrew Rizer, ’10, whose father is an ocean away.

Rizer’s father, Ken Rizer, is a pilot for the United States Air Force and was deployed to South Korea.

He has been away for four months flying the F16Falcon.

Ken Rizer is in charge of many people working in South Korea. He has to make sure everyone is doing his or her job and not hurting the team. Being an Air Force pilot is a high stress job because of all the responsibilities and dangers.

Rizer said, “It’s a really dangerous job…Every day he goes out to fly could be his last day.”

Rizer misses his father greatly and is grateful for their close father-son relationship. Every month, Rizer’s family meets with other military families and makes care packages to send to the men overseas. This is one

way Rizer can support his father, and the men appreciate the loving gifts from home.

Ken Rizer has been a pilot for 20 years. His job has forced the family to move numerous times. Rizer has already lived in 17 different countries. When he was 1, he moved to Japan. He moved out of Japan when he was 3, but never lived in the United States until he was eight.

During summer break, Rizer traveled to South Korea to visit his father for two weeks. He was the only member of his family who made the trip.

Being married to an Air Force pilot is not always easy either. With Rizer’s dad overseas, his mother, Cheri Rizer, is at home raising Rizer and his three younger siblings.

“I’m basically a single parent…it gives me appreciation for what single parents have to do,” she said.

Rizer’s mother knows her kids miss their father and wishes he could be involved in more aspects of their lives. Rizer’s little sister recently scored her first soccer goal. She wished her father had been at the game, but instead, she called him right away to share her good news.

The Rizer kids and mother greatly appreciate their father for his role overseas and as a dad.

Cheri Rizer said, “They miss him. I think it’s hard not having a father figure they can relate to…it makes me appreciate that we have a father (in our family).”

Andrew Rizer’s family.

This picture was taken two years ago. compliments of Rizer family

Meet the newest new kid at Wash Molly James Staff Writer

Alex Dorman (left) and Clay Dorman, both ‘08, pose after football practice.

Lauren Hoth/Surveyor

Dorman twins are double trouble for football foes Tiffany Westrom Staff Writer From two-a-days to the kickoff to the final touchdown, a football team is bonded so they can work as one to accomplish a common goal.

The team is strong and successful when everyone works together. Friends usually work well together, but who is better to work with than your own blood relative? Clay and Alex Dorman, both ‘08, are twin brothers who share their talent on the football field.

Both play for the defensive team; Alex is a linebacker while Clay is a nose guard.

Clay as a nose guard has the role to defend the interior and take on the offensive center.

He enjoys tackling and his favorite part of football is “being able to hit someone as hard as you want without getting in trouble.”

He plans on going to Kirkwood Community College for a semester before attending the University of Iowa for college. He does not plan on playing football in college, while Alex is considering it.

“I’m not sure yet (whether or not to play football), if I get the chance I probably would though, football is by far my favorite sport,” said Alex.

He is still deciding on his plans for college. His fondest memory of Washington is playing football and spending time with his friends. Time with his friends is also one of his favorite parts of being apart of the football team. In addition to that Alex enjoys, “Playing defense and just looking for someone to hit, it’s fun,” said Alex.

Alex and Clay compete on and off the field. On the field, they see who can get more tackles during the games.

“My brother and I compete in anything we can, I’m pretty sure, sometimes without even thinking, sometimes it’s good, but it can turn out bad,” said Alex.

They also compete during practice when they are running drills.

“Its not too bad (having a twin brother), but it gets old being asked if we’re twins,” said Clay.

These brothers have become accustomed to having someone who looks like them roaming the halls of Washington, and laugh when people still get them mixed up.

They both seem to agree that the best part of football is getting to tackle their opponents, and they enjoy playing as a part of a successful team.

Two months ago, Tiphaine Valois, ’10, arrived in Cedar Rapids as a foreign exchange student from Montpellier, France. Although she greatly misses her family and friends, she will spend the rest of the school year at Washington with many new ones.

Valois first became interested in the exchange program through a friend who participated in it last year. She looked for an Valois organization online and was extremely happy to find one and be accepted.

When asked why she wanted to come to the United States, Valois said, “I really wanted to be bilingual, and American culture was so different. It is kind of a dream.”

Although her “dream came true,” it was even more of a culture shock than she expected. Valois says the greatest differences are the shorter school days, (by two or three hours), the opportunity to choose some of her classes, and the school atmosphere in general.

At her school in France, they don’t have much school spirit, homecoming or many activities outside of school.

“My favorite thing is the school because it’s more fun and easier,” said Valois.

She has already become very involved at Washington with cross country and yearbook, and she plans to also participate in

Favorites:

Color: Orange American food: Chocolate Chip Cookies French food: Everything Game: Taboo Hobby: Shopping with friends Book: La Nostalgie de l’ange (The Angel’s Nostalgia) Song: How to Save a Life by The Fray Sport: Tennis Animal: Lion Subject: Math varsity choir, ping pong club and tennis in the future. Her willingness to try to things has led her to the making of many new friends.

“I’m really impressed with the fact that she’s getting so involved,” said Kenzy Lewis, ’10, who knows Valois from cross country.

“She’s very friendly and funny, and she approaches cross country with a positive attitude.”

Besides new friends, Valois has also become part of a new family, as she is being hosted by Karen Schmidt, ’09. However, it’s still difficult to be away for so long. She won’t see her family at all until June.

“Sometimes it’s hard to not have someone who knows you very well,” said Valois.

But overall, Valois is enjoying her time at Washington. She is adapting to the American culture very well, and fitting right in. She would definitely recommend taking advantage of the foreign exchange program.

Page 12

A&E

October 26, 2007

A&E Teacherʼs Choice: Peggy Hardesty Keile Wahle Staff Writer Counselor Peggy Hardesty’s college daughter, Laura, keeps her hip and in tune with the arts and entertainment gossip. But still she savors the youth culture from her childhood.

Hardesty has been a freshman coordinator and counselor at Washington High School for many years. Despite all of the computer work and paperwork, she still manages to have a little fun on the job. Every day Hardesty listens to music on the KSUI music player that resonates from her computer.

“I’m an oldies fan of ‘60s rock and keep my car radio station tuned to the classical music chan-

nel, while enjoying some of my daughter’s music as well,” said Hardesty.

Hardest y recent ly sent her only child away to college in New York. She misses her dearly.

“Thank goodness for cell phones a nd web-c a m,” said Hardesty.

Dr. Hardesty favors high school lifestyles of today rather than those from when she herself was a high school student.

She attended Washington High School in the mid-60s when class numbers averaged 800 kids

P H O T O

per grade level. At that time Wash housed 10th through 12th grades.

“My high school was so overcrowded, with limited classroom space resulting in three homerooms in the Little Theater.

I like Washington today much better with the number of clubs and academic offerings,” said Hardesty.

“My advice on high school students today... it goes fast. Enjoy it. And do the most you can do, “

said Hardesty.

Besides music, Hardesty makes room in her schedule for a date with ABC television and her couch to watch the antics of Denny Crane, star of “Boston Legal” on Tuesday nights at 9. Hardesty enjoys a wide variety of movies, anywhere from fairy tales to adventure works. Princess Diaries, Sahara and the Oceans movies are only a few of her favorites.

“I love comical things and finding humor,” said Hardesty.

Italian cuisine at Biaggis and the unique flavors of the Lincoln Cafe restaurants grab Hardesty’s taste buds and keep her going out.

To top off the yummy meals, her sweet tooth loves any product from Betty Jane’s Candies and M&Ms.

Hardestyʼs Picks Movies The Princess Diaries Sahara Oceanʼs 11

Food Italian Cuisine M&Ms Betty Janeʼs Candies

C H AL L E N G E

There are 11 differences between the two photos. Find them all! Answers on page 12. Good Luck!

Washington PTA congratulates Academic Certificate winners Dalia Sheasha Kristin Aerts Michael Anderl Wajeeh Arafat Kate Baustian Jordan Bleau Jonna Block Matthew Bredl Lauren Briggie Molly Briggie Alicia Brislawn Michael Brooks Hannah Brown Sara Buckley Victoria Chase Brian Chau Graham Churchill David Clair Heather Clark Justin Comer Rachel Conway Josh DeSousa Stephanie Edmunds Alaa Elsheikh Christopher Emery Eric Enberg Nicholas Fisher Adam Ford Benjamin Ford Taylor Foster Briona Franck Abbey Gesing Tanaya Ghosh Matthew Gibson Peter Gillon

Nathan Gorman Mark Hackendahl Kyla Hadenfeldt Katherine Hammond Keaton Hanrahan Gregory Hansen Kayla Harder Devin Harschnek Laura Hart Stella Hart Connor Healy Johanna Herder Antony Hildalgo Wohlleben Katrina Houmes Katherine Hoyt Kelly Huffman Daniel Isaac Trevor Johnson Kaitlyn Jones Esthella Kamara Kevin Kennedy Young Kim Douglas Land Miriam Liabo Margaret Loeffelholz Grant Luebe Bailey McCallum Jason McDowell Casey McNeese Emilia McVey Abby Meeker Katherine Mehlhoff

Thomas Mescher Jennifer Meyer Micha Mims Stephanie Mochal Audrey Mohni Sean Moore Cassandra Nauholz Nhan Nguyen Thanh Nguyen Jeffery Nielson Liberio Niyiragira Emily Novak Kahle Novak Sarah Novak Keegan O’Neil Katelin Oney Paul Owen Andrew Perez Erin Peters Ryan Phelan Cassandra Polzin Keaton Reeder Laurel Rhame Heather Riley Abigail Ritter Natalie Roush John Runde Connor Schulte Amanda Severson Katherine Shaw Gretchen Smith Katelyn Smith Mark Stastny Madeline Steiner Ramsey Steiner

Spencer Stephens Kyle Stewart Lesa Sutterfield Elizabeth Terpstra Collin Tevis Dustin Tevis Kelsey Thornton Justin Tromblee Janelle Unkrich Louisa Usanase Sarah Van Deest Eric VanDenover Christina Vander Zee Samantha Varnum Eleanor Vernon Fatima Wagdy Joshua Wagner Angela Wagoner Katherine Walling Christopher Waters Jonathan Weatherwax Devann Wedemeier Elizabeth Welch Ross Westercamp Quinton Wicher Khetyn Chariah Willard James Willey Jacob Wittman Kirsten Wolgast Benjamin Woods Robert Worley Zachary Ziemer

Eastside Academy fosters aspiring artists Mallory Williams Staff Writer

Walking down the halls of McKinley Middle School, unusual sounds may be heard this year besides the expected sounds of teachers drilling equations or vocab words into young students’ minds.

A new addition to McKinley’s arts program this year is the Eastside Arts Academy.

Founded by David Griffin, the music director at McKinley, the Eastside Arts Academy has many courses for middle and high schoolers to participate in. With over 14 teachers, five different subjects are offered.

Dance lessons include ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and Latin. Drama lessons consist of acting 101 and set design. Art lessons offer oil painting, muppets and marionettes, clay/

sculpture, creative scrapbooking, and more.

Music lessons are on show choir basics, harp ensemble, rock band 101, and AfroCuban drumming. Creative writing classes are also offered to prepare writings for publication.

“I started the East Side Arts Academy to provide students with additional opportunities to excel in the performing and visual arts,” said Griffin. “My inspiration originated when McKinley became a School of the Arts in 1999 and early 2000.”

Not only do the students meet after school, but they also have the opportunity to show off what they’ve learned at a few concerts and showcases later this year. Classes take place Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights after school. Registration for the first fall semester is Oct. 29.

A&E

October 26, 2007

Page 13

Frightmare Forest Life after Harry Ideal for mild thrill seekers, a bore for everyone else Potter: What now?

Molly James/ Staff Writer

The Face in the Frost by John Bellairs The Face in the Frost is a young adult horror fiction novel Prospero and Roger Bacon, are two wizards who are on the hunt for a book that may explain weird dreams and hallucinations that Prospero has been experiencing.

The wizards have to face a force much greater than their own in order to survive

and discover what has been bothering Prospero.

Although there isn’t a thick plot line, the book consists of multiple scary scenes involving talking mirrors, poison woods, melting villages, the risen dead, mummified animals, and many more spooky images. www.fantasticfiction.com

The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer This series consists of three books: Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse. Twilight is a young adult horror/fantasy/romance novel about 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to a new town and develops feelings for Edward Cullen, the only highlight of this new dull city.

Howe ver, over t i me

www.frightmareforest.com

One of Frightmare Forest’s many (potentially) frightening corridors.

Megan Hartman Staff Writer Xavier’s Frightmare Forest is a haunted outdoor maze filled with frightening actors and props.

However, many of these props aren’t scary and do a better job of just taking up space in the forest’s dark, winding rooms. No sudden movements or noises to frighten the eager crowds can be expected.

“The stuff in the forest wasn’t very scary,” said Randi Hilton, ’09. “The themes were dumb, and didn’t work very well for a haunted forest.”

The forest also features many actos that pop out

and chase the audience while conveniently guiding every through the maze.

The actors deliver disappointing performances though, being overly psychotic. Also, they are placed in obvious spots so everyone knows what’s coming.

“The forest was very predictable,” said Hilton.

“Especially the actors, but the scariest part was when they would follow you.”

While Frightmare has a spooky setup, much of the anticipation comes before actually entering the maze.

So if you’re looking for a moderately scary but overall lackluster night out this October, Frightmare is the obvious choice.

Frightmare Forest has two options, the Fallen Asylum, which is $9, or the Fallen Asylum and the Fallen Coven, which is $13. There is also a $1 charge for parking.

It’s open Friday and Saturday from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The last date it’s open is Sunday Oct. 28.

The Frightmare Forest is located on 42nd Street past Xavier High School. For more information you can go to frightmareforest.com.

Bella progressively notices Edward’s “supernatural” behavior, and she eventually learns that the Cullens are a family of reformed vampires.

As they continue their relationship and fall in love, Edward must refrain himself from drinking her blood, and Bella finds herself in great danger.

www.stepheniemeyer.com

The Uglies Series by Scott Westerfield This is a young adult book series made up of four books: Uglies, Pretties, Special, and the recently released Extras. The novels take the reader through the life of Tally, a teenage girl living in a futuristic city.

Once people reach the age of 16 in this city, they may have surgery that transforms them from “Uglies” to “Pretties.” If they choose to

become pretty, they live in a nicer part of town. The goal of this transformation is to stop arguments, wars, etc. that are occurring between people because they look different.

It’s a thought-provoking series dealing with Tally’s inner debate about whether or not to have the surgery and many other exciting subplots.

www.scottwesterfield.com

Opus honors 9 exceptional freshman choir members

Alex Taylor A&E Editor

freshmen audition for this choir.

“The talent level is very high.... it’s a remarkable choir,” said freshman choral director Matthew Armstrong.

This year, out of the 12 Washington freshmen who auditioned, nine were selected -- the second

and Emily White. Most years, only three or four are selected.

These students will also get to rehearse with the Iowa State Think: What do you love to do?

University Concert Choir. Hart, What do you aspire to be? Then ‘09, said, “ I think it will be a imagine that a small, elite group good experience. It will improve of people who share your same talmy singing skills, and I will get to ent are hand selected and brought sing with other together to colgood singers laborate with and from across the learn from experts state.” in that field, and “I want them you are selected to to have a great participate. experience and This past become leaders month, nine memin the choir,” said bers of the WashArmstrong; but ington freshman that’s not to say choral department that he doesn’t received a similar have great exopportunity when pectations for they were chosen the rest of the to be involved freshman singwith Iowa’s Opus ers. His ultimate Honor Choir.

Alex Taylor/ Surveyor goa l w it h t he The Iowa Opus Honor Choir is a Freshman Opus Honor Choir honorees: (left to right) Andrew freshman choir statewide student Clair, Evan Smith, Wesley Washpun, Miles Maurice, Ellen as a whole is to choir that allows Hart, Wesley Carlson, Lindsey Taylor, and Rachel Jones. Not receive six top scores at the All f i f t h - t h r ou g h pictured: Emily White.

State Competininth-graders to audition by tape or CD. Each most in the school’s history (10 in tion in November. “This is a really school is allowed to nominate a 1994). They are Wesley Carlson, strong class,” said Armstrong, and maximum of 12 students to make Andrew Clair, Ellen Hart, Rachel he believes this year’s great success and submit recordings to the judg- Jones, Miles Maurice, Evan Smith, makes this all the more evident. ing committee. Over 3,200 Iowa Lindsey Taylor, Wesley Washpun,

shelf; (11) book tilts on 2nd book case from left, 3rd shelf down. case from the left; (9) sign above right shelf moves; (magazine on far right cactus on shelf above right computer; (8) Plate on top shelf of the 2nd book tom center; (5) Wes Carlson bottom left; (6) right computer logged in; (7) computer; (3) sign on shelf above right computer; (4) chairs stacked in botPhoto Game Answers: (1) sign over left computer; (2) screensaver on left

Page 14

SPORTS

October 26, 2007

Warrior wounds

Q&A

Gorman’s torn ACL lands him on the football sidelines Anne Brenneman Staff Writer

with Wyatt Suess Washington quarterback Wyatt Suess reflects on the football season with Emily Kopec of Surveyor.

Emily Kopec: How is the season going so far for you?

Wyatt Suess: The season is going really well so far. I’ve been working hard and it has definitely paid off. We have a record of 6-2 and I know our team is capable of making it to the championships.

EK: What are your favorite moments playing on the team?

WS: My favorite moments were beating Kennedy and Xavier. They are our two biggest rivals and it was a huge accomplishment to defeat both. I think these wins gave our team a big boost of confidence.

EK: Have you had any big letdowns so far this year?

WS: I haven’t really had any big letdowns, but the homecoming game against City High was kind of a disappointment. We all wanted to win, but I just don’t think we were mentally prepared for that game.

EK: What has been your best game this year?

WS: I think Kennedy was probably my best game. The team and I all had the determination and confidence to win the game. I had a lot of good plays and it was a great feeling to kick the winning (23-yard) field goal.

A hit and miss season for varsity volleyball So far, the varsity volleyball season hasn’t fared well for the team; their current record is 0-5 in MVC and 7-17 overall.

“We’re not performing the way I was expecting us to, but we have had some tough times to weather,” said head coach Dan Rhine.

However, on Sept. 29, the team played a ranked Prairie to 23-21 and 21-16 at the Prairie tournament and ended up placing third overall.

The post-season is coming up for the team. On Oct. 22 the Warriors will host a tournament at home facing Burlington in the first round, followed by Iowa City High in the second.

“All things are possible,” Rhine said.

Anne Brenneman

Unfortunately for Washington High School, No. 20 won’t be stepping onto the football field to play a game anytime soon.

Nate Gorman, ‘08, was a safety for the Washington varsity football team until he tore his ACL during the first game of the season against Waterloo East.

“It was during the fourth play of the game. I made a cut and my knee popped out. It didn’t hurt that bad, it just felt weird.

But we went to the doctor the next day and found out I tore it,” said Gorman.

The week after Gorman tore his ACL, he had physical therapy and tried to come back and play. However, it didn’t work. Gorman was scheduled for surgery on Oct. 18. After the surgery, it will take six months to recover.

“I can’t play this fall. The next sport I can probably play is baseball,” said Gorman.

Although he’s spending the season on the sidelines, Gorman

-Nate Gorman, ‘08 still tries to help the team out however he can.

“I’m kind of like an assistant coach,” he said.

The memories Gorman is missing out on due to his injury have been hard to deal with.

“A disadvantage is not getting to play my senior year. And I definitely miss Friday nights with the rest of the team and my friends, and not being able to help them out,” said Gorman.

Gorman’s teammates feel the same way. Keenan Davis, ‘09, said, “He was a key player on our defense, and just a fun guy to be around. It affects the team because he made things easier for the defense.”

Learning to have no life while nursing my lame knee Keile Wahle Staff Writer Three words chime repeatedly in my head: crippled, atrophy, and ice.

After working intensively throughout the past few years, I accomplished my goal of making varsity volleyball, but I was only able to cherish the moment for a short time.

The first volleyball tournament was on Labor Day weekend. I was in the air, hitting arm cocked, eyeing to spot some wood on the opposing team’s court. The hit went down, but so did I. I was accidentally undercut behind my left knee by an outside hitter on the court adjacent to ours. I felt a pop and

“I have come to despise the two metal sticks that carry my disjointed body weight through the halls of Washington...” thought nothing of it, but soon found out I had torn my ACL and meniscus after unsuccessfully attempting to play in the following game.

My volleyball career was ended for the 2007-2008 school and club seasons.

This lame knee not only banned me from volleyball, but also from everything else I enjoy such as tennis, running, hiking, and skiing.

My chaotic schedule that made time whiz by was completely changed by this fluke of misfortune. For me, a typical

Men’s volleyball club hopes to form team It’s no surprise Filipe Camarotti, ‘10, would start an all-male volleyball team. According to Joseph Gallet, 10’, Camarotti has always “had a passion for volleyball” and enjoyed “schooling everyone in P.E.” As the first official captain of the new club, Camarotti hopes to recruit up to eight or nine players so the team can compete in tournaments in Ames. Camarotti and Gallet also want to get other Cedar Rapids schools involved so they can “play against other teams for com-

“I definitely miss Friday nights with the rest of the team and my friends.”

petition.”

Practices take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the old gym, but Gallet said, “We have to fight for the gym time, and we usually get the bad end of the rope with late night practices.”

Camarotti believes the fact male volleyball teams are more physical and attract larger crowds will motivate Iowa to sanction male seasons and tournaments.

Alexis Guess

day would begin at 6:45 a.m. and last until 6:30 p.m. when volleyball practice usually ended. Then it was home to eat, shower, do homework, and go to bed late.

Now a normal day for me consists of waking up earlier so I have enough time to get ready, and literally hobble into class before the bell sounds. I come home right after school, do my homework and then become bored out of my mind.

Days seem to drag on extra long and are more tiring. I have come to despise the two metal sticks that carry my distorted body weight through the halls of Washington and up and down the stairs in my home. Mentally, I was affected by all the help I needed post-surgery. I am an independent person, and found it difficult allowing people to assist me with everything. I felt worthless.

Being lame as I am is a huge bummer, but it’s not the end of the world.

I now have new goals to accomplish; whether it’s trying to bend my knee past 90 degrees or strengthen my quad.

I have a lot of respect for those who cannot walk or cannot lead an active lifestyle. I am also grateful for the outstanding medical care of Dr. Hart, who completed my surgery swiftly and comfortably. I hardly felt like I had had surgery when I woke up.

Having a wide-open schedule, I now have other things that occupy my time.

Physical therapy has been keeping me busy and I have gotten to know the therapy staff very well. Ted Kepros and Holly Miller at Physiotherapy Associates have been working me hard, which has resulted in great progress in my rehab.

I had full extension shortly after my surgery and have been adding degrees of “bend” or “flexion,” as they refer to it. I went from 83 degrees of bend to 121 degrees of bend in a matter of one week.

Sky Smith/Surveyor

Strengthening my quad has been a huge project because of the atrophy that has occurred from not using my leg.

I am slowly regaining quad strength.

With the help of new technology, a new machine referred to as, Stem, can activate my leg muscles and has had a huge impact on making my leg stronger.

The Game Ready machine I rent at home circulates ice water around my leg while at the same time, compressing the fluid from my knee. I am expected to attend physical therapy for 4-6 months and have been told my leg will end up ten times stronger than it was before. I cannot wait until I can become active again!

Washington’s cross country teams headed for state With a strong season under their belts, both the men’s and women’s cross country teams made state.

The women’s team placed second Oct. 19 in the Class 4A district race in Cedar Falls. They won their first divisional championship this year, and every girl that ran in the meet received a personal-best time.

The men’s team placed third

in the districts.

The men’s team has also excelled this fall. They finished first in the Valley Division.

Maddy Becker, ‘10; Madeline Steiner, ‘08; Ramsey Steiner, ‘08; Eveline Niyokwizigigwa, ‘11; Tiffany Westrom, ‘10; Kathryn Bell, ‘10; and Allison Knockle, ‘10, make up the women who placed second at districts.

The men’s team, which con-

sists of Lewi Manirumva, ‘09; Liberio Niyiragira, ‘08; Jonathan Weatherwax, ‘08; Saroneo Mugisha, ‘11; Phil Kincheloe, ‘08; Zach Hartford, ‘09; and Jehovanis Ntahimpreye, ‘10, placed third.

State takes place on Saturday at Fort Dodge.

Emily Kopec

SPORTS

October 26, 2007

Cubbies disappoint, yet again Saturday, Oct. 6, the longest championship drought in North American sports history continued. The Chicago Cubs lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-1, in one of the most pathetic sports performances I have ever seen.

The Cubs got swept, due to four inning-ending double plays and poor pitching. The highlight of the series came during the series opener, when the Cubs’ manager, Lou Piniella, took Carlos Zambrano out after only 85 pitches so they could rest him for Game 4 of the division series. Ironically, this Sam horrible decision---which cost Seyfer the Cubs their game---prevented the team from even making it to Game 4, where Zambrano was scheduled to start.

Even if Zambrano had pitched the rest of the series, the Cubs’ embarrassing batting would have ruined their chances of winning. The team scored a combined total of six runs during the NLDS, compared to the Diamondbacks’ 16.

And with a dismal batting average of .194 and only four extra base hits, the Cubs certainly did not deserve to be in the playoffs. Not to mention, they only won 85 games, barely held off the more capable Brewers by two games, and lost four of their last six regular season games.

But this season goes beyond this year or even this decade; this has been happening for a century. Think about it: The last time the Cubs won the World Series, it was 1908; World War I hadn’t even began. And in these last hundred years, the population of the world has quadrupled, the radio was invented, and Halley’s comet has passed the Earth twice. Yet the Cubs continued to battle and in 1945, they came close, losing the World Series after the seventh game to the Detroit Tigers. Since then, they have not won a league pennant, and subsequently have not booked a spot in the World Series.

Adding insult to injury, the Cubs always lose in less than memorable ways. There has been no Bill Buckner moment, no walk off homer for the opposing teams. NLCS 2003 was the team’s closest thing to a legendary loss, when Steve Bartman, a Cubs fan, reached out and caught a would-have-been out for the Cubs. Bartman dropped it into the stands, and the person who recovered it eventually had it destroyed.

Even fans are incapable of catching a ball.

A splash and a stride Freshman Molly Strand accelerates through the fall season as a doubly committed swimmer and cross country runner Maddy Becker Staff Writer Between classes, practices, and rehearsals, Washington High School becomes a second home to many students. Freshman Molly Strand is one athlete who can especially relate to this situation.

Strand chose to participate in two sports, cross country and swimming, this fall. Some days she spends up to 12 hours at school.

In the third grade, Strand began competing with a swim team and in sixth grade started running. Despite the conflicting practice and meet schedules, she gave the axe to neither sport. “I couldn’t decide. I like swimming and I like running,” said Strand.

That decision led to some extremely long days for the young athlete. Strand would arrive at Washington by 7 a.m. for an early-bird class. During the season, she attended cross country practice from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Following the run, Strand would head to the pool for swimming practice from 5 to 7 p.m. Once she could finally go home, all Strand

wanted was to eat and shower.

“My mom thought I wa s sleep deprived and overw o r k e d ,” s a id she.

“My pa rents said I have to choose one sport next fall.”

Sophomore swimmers have early morning practices Mond ay t h rou g h Friday, so Strand understands her parents’ concern. “I would have to be at school from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday,” she said.

So far, she hasn’t chosen whether to swim or run next fall. In swimming, Strand likes how supportive the team is and enjoys attending meets. In cross country, she loves the fun runs and the many opportunities to improve.

Either way, Strand can expect to excel.

Her best swimming events were the 500 freestyle, which she s wa m in 6 : 4 4.5, a nd the 200 individua l medley, which she swam in 2:46.38.

In cross country, Strand’s best 4-kilometer time was a 19:13, and until an injury ended her season early, she consistently ran in the top 10 on the Warriors freshmen and sophomore team.

Strand’s coaches and teammates were impressed by her commitment to both sports. “What’s making it work is her tremendous responsibility and excellent communication. She’s very motivated and very talented,” said cross country coach Dave Coates.

Camarotti and Corbett unleash their inner Warrior at Kingston Maddy Becker Staff Writer

Camarotti may have performed alone at the Homecoming game, but Jeremy Corbett, ‘10, will act as an additional mascot this year. Lovar Davis Kidd, who judged the mascot Last Thursday at the Homecoming football game, the tryouts, selected Camarotti after he auditioned in early September. An additional tryout new Washington Warrior mascot was held for a second mascot, and was unveiled.

Corbett was chosen.

Filipe Camarotti, 10’, dressed as Only one mascot will perform at a Warrior, complete with a sword, a time. “Whenever one of us can’t and pumped up students along go to the game, the other one will with the rest of the Washington substitute,” said Camarotti. spirit squad.

Even before they became the Camarotti arrived to early at school mascots, Camarotti and Kingston to warm up with the Corbett both attended football cheerleaders and dance team. Once games and cheered, wore Warrior the marching band began to play colors, and sometimes even painted the national anthem, he went down their bodies red and blue. “At the to the track with the spirit squad. games I was crazy anyways, so I deThen, with his Warrior cape cided I might as well be a mascot,” and helmet, Camarotti followed said Corbett. the track to the stands where all Now, the two sophomores play a of the Washington football fans more prominent role in the student were sitting. “When I got close to section including leading the fight the student section I ran by them song and other cheers. and started pumping them up,” Camarotti and Corbett look he said. forward to acting as the mascots Even though the Warriors were Jessica Wohlers/ Surveyor for an impressive Warrior football losing the game, Camarotti continued to cheer. “Throughout the Washington’s new mascots Jeremy Corbett team. They hope to start a tradition that will continue at Washington game I started the wave, did a few (left) and Filipe Camorotti (right). for many year. “Me and Jeremy are sideline cheers, and went into the the first mascots for this era,” said Camarotti. air,” he said.

Men’s varsity golf team optimistic for 2008 season The varsity men’s golf team failed to qualify for state, placing seventh out of 13 teams, and ending their season with a 19-41 record, but they are only going to improve from here.

“We were only 5 shots out of the fourth place, which would have probably been as good as we could have done, given what the other teams shot that day. Three of our players - Adam Ford, Sheldon Bazzell, and Morgan Land - all played very well,” said

Page 15

Coach Chris Cruise.

Cruise and the team are looking forward to next year’s season. Five out of the six varsity golfers will return to Wash to play in the 2008 season.

“If they make the same improvement in terms of their games this year as they did last year, we should be one of the top teams in the area next year,” said Cruise.

Anne Brenneman

Page 16

BACK PAGE

October 26, 2007

A look back at homecoming week

Jessica Wohlers/Surveyor

The dance team gets ready for the Homecoming parade.

Sky Smith/Surveyor

Homecoming king Greg Hansen and Homecoming queen Laura Hart happily pose after being crowned.

Jessica Wohlers/Surveyor

Ping Pong Club members ride in the parade.

Jessica Wohlers/Surveyor

FCA pulls onto Forest Drive to join in the Homecoming parade.

Jessica Wohlers/Surveyor

Members of the Baking Club prepare to ride their float.

Lauren Hoth/Surveyor

Sophomores take on the freshmen in a powder puff game.

Jessica Wohlers/Surveyor

The sophomore ladies ride their float in the Homecoming parade.