2205 Forest Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 SurveyorWHS@gmail.com crwashsurveyor.com Volume 55, Number 7 Friday, March 23, 2012
Wash readies for renovations lines that we have and the old tra ditional assembly line-type thing. It will be more exposed to some self Continued excellence in acaservice areas in the design of the new demics, arts, and athletics are longkitchen.” held traditions at Washington High The cafeteria is only a fraction School, but the physical tradition of the entire renovation. of the school is soon to see a trans“[With] the rest of the building, I formation as the district draws out think the number one emphasis will renovation plans for Cedar Rapids be on the geothermal system that high schools. will be installed which will allow a “We’ve had some concerns more efficient type of heat and then for the last 10-12 years about the air conditioning to general classaging of our buildings and how we rooms and offices. So those are the were going to take care of it and big changes- that will occur also Costs for the cafeteria renovahandle the situation, so, it’s been on with the renovation of our walls and tions are projected to be around two our mind for a long time and maybe our windows which obviously have million and the entire plan will have even longer…” said Associate Prinnot been the most efficient infraa price tag of a currently unknown cipal Rick Williams, “Based on our structure in this building for quite a amount. The project is largely being one cent sales tax, that was installed while. That then in turn will help the funded by a combination of an anmany years ago, we knew that the geothermal system be more efficient nual school district allocation geared buildings were becoming aged… and as well. New windows, new walls, towards school that it was time to raise money improvements and to facilitate these new facilities revenue created from that we have projected.” the one cent local These renovations, option sales tax. similar to the ones that have al As the entire ready begun at Jefferson High renovation cannot be School, will begin at Wash this completed strictly summer and continue throughover the summer, the out the 2012-2013 school year. plan will cause some The renovations will revolve interruptions next closely around the concepts of year. modernization and increased “Anytime efficiency. that you take two “The first phase of our steps forward, most [renovation] will be the caflikely you’re goeteria which will be renovated ing to have to take and modernized and hopefully one back. So, for a render some efficiency to it,” gray period of time said Williams, “Obviously, as Courtesy of Shive Hattery there’s going to be you know, that the cafeteria A look inside the cafeteria renovation plans for Jefferson, of some distractions has been as it is for the last which Wash will be closely modeled after. around the school,” 50-something years and I think said Williams, “The what the renovations are also whole building will be impacted in going to allow is a little bit more some floors will be changed because some capacity and at some time. I space. The most important thing is to of their locations, new tile- tile will have yet to figure out, along with the upgrade the equipment in the kitchen be taken up and new tile will be laid engineers and the architects, exactly area and then the serving situation in some classrooms, ceilings will be which route they want to go but they will be a lot better than what it is altered some to enhance the energy have asked me to start considering a right now: just the makeshift serving efficiency,” said Williams.
Alyssa Christian Editor-In-Chief
“[The renovation is] not the type of thing that’s going to change our test scores or make better students out of us, but at least you’ll feel better about being here at the school.”
Rick Williams
four to six classroom rotation. So, for a period of time, which I don’t know what it is, I think they’ll have six classrooms to work on those and those exterior walls, the sink, tile, the windows, the ceilings, the floors. And that’s… the strategy they want to take to work during the school days.” Despite any disturbances this project may cause, Williams believes it is a worthwhile and needed overhaul. “Yeah, there’s going to be some distractions but hopefully in the long run I think that staff, students, community will be pleased to see their money in action here,” said Williams. “I have seen some very poor upkeep on some schools in some inner city areas where they don’t have the money [for renovations]. I think in the long run, [poor upkeep] could impact how people feel about their school, which could then in turn impact the academic aspect of it. I don’t know what always goes into people’s minds and what motivates them but it surely can’t hurt any to upgrade the facilities…. It’s not the type of thing that’s going to change our test scores or make better students out of us, but at least you’ll feel better about being here at the school.”
Inside this Issue n e w s
o p i n i o n s
p r o f i l e s
f o c u s
a & e
s p o r t s
Pages 2-4
Pages 5-6
Page 7 &10
Pages 8-9
Pages 11-13 Pages 12-15
2 | News
Sangamithra Sathian surveyorwhs.news@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
WORLD IN REVIEW Briefs by Ian Schweiger Staff Writer
Syria Crisis Cease Fire Is Put On Hold ------------------------------------------------------------------------UN envoy Kofi Annan met unsuccessfully with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to promote a cease fire with rebel forces. The meeting follows a year-long string of violence between government forces and rebel factions. The factions arose from citizens opposing oppressive government control. Annan was pushing for a cease fire in order to promote talks between the Syrian government and rebel forces. On the other hand, Assad believes that the solution is impossible as long as there are rebel forces continuing to attack the Syrian government. China and Russia also support the Syrian President. Iraqi Students Stoned To Death For “Emo” Haircuts--------------At least 90 Iraqi students have recently been stoned to death for having emo haircuts and wearing Western style clothing. Emo, short for “emotional hardcore”, originated from a rock music movement in the mid 1980s. The hairstyle, often referred to as “punk” is characterized by a shiny, black color. The Iraqi moral police believe such hair styles and fashion are a form of devil worshipping. Although leading clerics have condemned the stonings, the Iraqi moral police recently released a statement saying they intend to eliminate the trend.
Israel Considers Attacking Iran Nuclear Sites-------------- In the wake of Iran’s increasing nuclear capability, Israel has openly considered destroying those nuclear sites capable of producing weapons that could be used against them and other Western nations. Military analysts believe an attack by Israel would center on four key sites capable of producing nuclear weapons. An attack by Israel is not without risk. Potential downside risks include isolation by the international community, enormous costs of the attack, and retaliation by Iran and other neighboring rivals such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
Japan Marks One-Year Anniversary Of Tsunami------------------------------Japan marked its one-year anniversary of the disaster that killed over 19,000 people and caused one of the world’s worst nuclear crises. One year ago, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit the eastern Japanese coast, causing a tsunami that devastated the country. Across the island nation, at precisely 2:46 p.m., the exact moment the quake hit one year before, a moment of silence took place to remember those who perished in the disaster. Japan is in the process of rebuilding coastal communities devastated by the tsunami.
SPOTLIGHT Sangamithra Sathian News Section Editor
Hearts for hearts Charitable must be Washington High School’s middle name. From raising money for Pakistani refugees in East Asia to the countless fundraisers organized throughout the year, students never cease to show their generous and passionate dispositions. In light of the health problems of famous economics teacher Francis McMann, Wash’s Interact, our wellknown service club, has been promoting the sale of “hearts for hearts”. “When Interact had the opportunity to raise money for the American Heart Association, it gave us a chance to raise awareness for a cause that hit close to home with a lot of AP Econ students,” said Meredith Gantner, ’12, one of the leaders spearheading the movement. The hearts were sold for a dollar each and 137 hearts have been taped to the wall outside McMann’s room with a total of $175 made. “It has been a great way to show our support for McMann throughout his absence,” said Gantner.
Displayed all around the school by Washington High School’s Student Senate, KONY 2012 posters have sparked attention from students. KONY 2012 is a film made by filmmaker Jason Russel and Invisible Children Inc. that has recently become a viral video with more than 83 million views on YouTube and views in the millions on other websites as well. The movement was instigated in order to stop Ugandan war criminal Joseph Kony from the brutal tactics he has employed in order to transform the Ugandan government into a theocracy. Kony has gone as far as to order the abduction of children for use as child sex slaves and child soldiers in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), of which he is the leader. President Barack Obama signed into law, in May 2010, the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act. The bill passed unanimously to stop Kony’s LRA. In a letter to Congress, President Obama said, “Although the U.S. forces are combat-equipped, they will only be providing information, advice, and assistance to partner nation forces, and they will not themselves engage LRA forces unless necessary for self-defense.” Above: Photo by Katie Nunemaker Below: cc by ra_coons
News| 3
Sangamithra Sathian surveyorwhs.news@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
Kiran Misra Staff Writer Every year, a few students from Okinawa, Japan travel half way around the world to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They have likely been seen in the halls or dancing at the academic assembly. “The exchange program is possible because of a sister school partnership between Washington High School and a school in Okinawa, Japan,” explained Julie Cain, Wash Japanese teacher. For 18 years, Japanese students have been coming to Wash for a few weeks and every other year, Japanese students from Wash head to Japan to get a taste of Japanese culture, firsthand. Kassie Kittredge, ’13, a host of one of the students, shared that the students are all high school students, which in Japan spans grades 10- 12. “They know varying levels of English,” she explained, “some are more fluent than others.” These students decided to come to America because of their aim to go to college and live in America when they grow up. Sawana Matsuda, one of this year’s exchange students elaborated on this, saying that she was “very interested to learn about American culture and language,” and that learning about the country through an exchange experience was “very exciting.” They described life in Japan as being very different from favorite experiences as “roller skating, seeing the snow, and the that in the U.S. dancing.” “Everything is so big here!” said Matsuda. There is also The girls especially enjoyed dancing because of its huge emphasis on school in Japan and students don’t have importance in Japan. The dancing they did at the assembly was as much time to devote to recreational activities. When they described as a traditional Japanese dance by Yuki Uehara. Uehara do have some free time, they “go do karaoke or swim in the elaborated by saying that dancing is often a family tradition ocean,” said Matsuda. with ancestral dances being passed down from generation to Another big difference is the school system itself. generation. r ri Wheele “The school system in Japan is a lot more strict. However, Yumeka Maeda, one of the other students, o T y b to o Group Ph Emily Arkenberg They stay in one room all day and the teachers rotate shared that her favorite thing about her home country was the, f o sy e urt Photos co classes,” said Cain. Matsuda elaborated on this saying that “beautiful ocean and the coral reefs.” Since is made up of a y jo ts en e studen f Wash. a huge difference she noticed between the American and Japagroup of islands, there are many opportunities to experience s e n a p Above: Ja t and outside o nese school system, “were the Smart Boards,” which are only these natural features, which is major form of recreation in Japan. a e s y e ta n n Japa their s He- present in American schools and that American students were h Of their time in America, the thing that these students like the shingto it a w W : s e w pos Belo lie Cain ccom- allowed to eat and drink in class. a Ju most, though was the inclusive efforts of all the students at Wash. t r a e h th c r tea ache nsai, te an. During their time in America, these students experienced “We really liked how everyone was so friendly,” they shiki Se dents from Jap stu a variety of sights like Brucemore, but they described their commented. panied
Q&A
Three of the Japanese students (Sawana Matsuda, Yuki Uehara and Yumeka Maeda were asked about their favorite American food, favorite instruments, sports and musicians. Favorite American food: Matsuda: Tacos and nachos Uehara: Apple pie Maeda: Mashed potatoes Instrumental Activities: Matsuda: Piano, clarinet, and drums Uehara: Marimba Maeda: Piano
Sport Involvement: Matsuda: Basketball and volleyball Uehara: Softball Favorite Musicians: Matsuda: Adele and Taylor Swift Uehara: Katy Perry Maeda: Lady Gaga
Congratulations!
to the following Wash students who received awards in the 2012 Iowa PTA Reflections contest. The theme for submissions this year was “Diversity Is...” These winning students will be honored at a reception in Des Moines on April 14.
-Shawn Fliger, 1st place, Music Composition -Chessa Loushin, 2nd place, Dance Choreography -E M Bechler, 3rd place, Visual Arts -Anjali Misra, 3rd place, Literature -Breanna Linville, Honorable Mention, Literature
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Sangamithra Sathian surveyorwhs.news@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
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Monday, April 2, 2012 School resumes after spring break Men’s Soccer @ Davenport Central, 4:30PM Tuesday, April 3, 2012 MUDACO Auditions @ Auditorium, 3:00PM Men’s Tennis @ Dubuque Wahlert, 4:00PM Women’s Track @ Brady St. Stadium, 4:30PM Men’s Track @ Burlington, 7:00PM PPA Meeting @ Little Theater Wednesday, April 4, 2012 MUDACO Auditions @ Auditorium, 3:15PM Women’s Golf @ Airport National Thursday, April 5, 2012 Women’s Golf @ Gardner, 3:15PM Men’s Tennis @ Home, 4:00PM Men’s Track @ Kingston, 4:15PM Women’s Soccer @ Waterloo East, 4:15PM Men’s Soccer @ Kingston, 5:45PM Friday, April 6, 2012 Progress Report Day, 12:30PM Early Dismissal Saturday, April 7, 2012 State Solo Ensemble @ 9:00AM Men’s Tennis @ Vets Memorial, 11:00AM Women’s Track @ Kingston
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Video game marketing class: a unique experience Michael Andersland Staff Writer
How would you like to design and create a marketing plan for your own video game? And perhaps eventually post it on the internet to be downloaded? That’s exactly what students in the one-term video game marketing class offered here at Washington have the opportunity to do. The class was started two years ago, by Washington High School teacher Jason Wood. During class, the students usually focus on two main topics: learning about how to successfully market a product, and actually designing a video game or mobile application. No prior knowledge is required for the course, and it is open to beginners as well as more advanced students. “The neatest thing about it is that I can get a wide range of knowledge [in the class],” said Wood. The students design their projects using a variety of programs, including Game Maker, Eclipse, and Google App Inventor. As they continue to develop and improve their game, they also create a marketing plan for it. Rather than the traditional grading system of quizzes and tests, the grade students earn depends on the quality of their project and marketing plan.
“They are graded on how they present [their plan] and what they produce, as if ‘I was an investor,’” said Mr. Wood. Throughout this school year, over 80 students have taken the class, and eight of them have moved on to a more advanced course. Wood said that roughly 10 percent of students have taken their game to the next level and put it on the internet for download. Although the games have found relative success and been downloaded, none of the students have been able to charge money for them due to restrictions concerning the programs used to design them. Noah Thalblum, ’15, participated in the class and created a scrolling, shooter style game. “I really enjoyed the last section of the course when there were so many things happening at once,” said Thalblum. Wood said that the class will help prepare students, who are interested in entering the gaming industry. He added that this is a recession proof industry, and another benefit is the wide variety of career options ranging from game designers to graphic artists to storyline writers and more.
Monday, April 9, 2012 Men’s Track @ Muscatine, 4:30PM Men’s Soccer @ Kingston
Wednesday, April 11, 2012 ITEDs @ 9:00AM Women’s Golf @ Twin Pines, 3:15PM Thursday, April 12, 2012 ITEDs @ 9:00AM Women’s Golf @ Hunter’s Ridge, 3:15PM Women’s Soccer @ Kingston, 5:45PM
Men’s Soccer @ Shrader Field, Longfellow Elementary @ TBD
Friday, April 13, 2012 ITEDs @ 9:00AM Women’s Track @ Beckman , 4:30PM Saturday, April 14, 2012 ACT @ Off Campus Band @ Jefferson Choir @ Jefferson Slice of Jazz @ Off Campus, 9:00AM Men’s Tennis @ Dubuque Senior, 11:30AM Men’s Track @ Loras, 1:00PM Men’s Tennis @ Dubuque Helmpstead, 12:30AM
BIG
Photo by Jessica Erb
Students focus intently upon their computer screens during the video game marketing class.
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Tuesday, April 10, 2012 ITEDs @ 9:00AM PTA Meeting @ Room 128, 3:15PM Women’s Golf @ Gardner, 4:00PM Men’s Tennis @ Home, 4:30PM Men’s Track @ Linn-Mar, 4:30PM Women’s Track @ Linn-Mar, 4:30PM Women’s Soccer @ NW JHS, Coralville
PICTURE
George Clooney was arrested outside the Sudanese Embassy on the account of misdemeanor charges during a protest that took place on Friday, March 15. The outraged George Clooney called for the Sudanese to stop bombing innocent civilians and for immediate humanitarian aid. He was released upon paying a $100 fine. Clooney is also reported to have had a meeting with President Barack Obama on the matter.
cc by Josh Jensen
Opinions| 5
Grant Kamin surveyorwhs.opinions@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
Simple swimming
Danielle Gallet Guest Columnist Maybe you’ve smelled the scent of chlorine along the old gym hall. Maybe you’ve watched the announcements and seen the swim teams. Maybe you’ve even walked down the locker room stairs, out of curiosity, and found yourself on the pool deck. But have you ever swum in Washington’s pool? In a survey of some Washington students, 56% of them stated that they had never used the pool. Some even admitted to not knowing where it was or how to get there. 20% of Washington students don’t consider themselves adequate swimmers, while 13% said they suffered from a fear of swimming. Why is this important? Because Washington has the resources to help students overcome these fears, learn a lifelong skill, and become healthier in the process. Yet it sits idly, used only by those who are already capable of handling themselves in water. African-American Olympic swimmer and gold medalist Cullen
Heather Adams Washington Teacher Jones advocates for a program called Make a Splash, which works to save lives by teaching young people the basics of swimming. The program shines special light on minority peoples, who are at a significantly higher risk of death by drowning. Children from non-swimming households are eight times more likely to be at-risk for drowning. 70% of African-American children cannot swim, 60% of Hispanics, and 42% of Caucasians. When we can do something about this, award credit for graduation, engage students in a true physical education program, and teach them a life skill they can pass on to their children, why would we NOT? In 2006, eleven hundred children under the age of 20 died from drowning related injuries. It is estimated that an additional 1600 more suffered permanent brain damage due to lack of oxygen during their drowning episode. Drowning is the number two cause of childhood accidental death in the United States and nine
people die each day due to accidental drowning. You may recall the summer of 2010, when two African boys died at the FCA camp in Pella, Iowa. Both had told their counselors that they “knew how to swim,” so that they could be included in deepwater activities. It was only upon their deaths that their families acknowledged that neither could swim. Less than a year ago, a 16 year old boy drown in Clear Lake after reporting to his friends that he was “in trouble”. He went under and never resurfaced. His friends watched and could do nothing to help. The brain dies within four minutes without oxygen. What could YOU do in four minutes? As outdoor swimming season approaches as the weather warms up, we tune up our bikes so that we can bike farther and faster. We begin running regimes so we can better enjoy the outdoors. What do we do to ensure that our friends and families are safe at the pool? As a public institution, we can offer swim lessons to our students. These pools are almost entirely funded by taxpayer money. According to USA swimming, it cost the Cedar Rapids School district almost $450,000 to build each pool and its facilities, and more importantly, $113,000 is
spent annually to keep just one pool running year-round. How much more would it cost to teach students to swim? Nothing, if our physical education teachers have their lifesaving endorsement, or around $200 if they do not. Teaching swimming would be a good investment in the future, as well as a better way to utilize resources that otherwise sit, day after day, acting only as a drain into which taxpayers throw their money. We are not alone. Few Iowa schools offer swimming as a Physical Education class. Don’t Warriors always lead the way? We need to embrace this and become the change we wish to see.
Roses Thorns JAMNESTY Sprinkles Dairy Queen 70’s in March Spring break Flip flops Mock Trial March Madness New tennis shoes Exchange students New computers Committee WHS Throndson cake day Having a job Dollar menus Dwitanic Gettin’ swell Duke, Mizzou Pizza The Reidzone Mustaches Orch ski trip Secret brothers Windows down Star Wars 3D Surveyor website
Missing cameras AP test sign up Ms. Brown leaving 2012 Humidity Too tan people Graphic assignments Rain when I’m outsideNo rain when I’m inside Homework over break Screwed up brackets Sanju skipping Surveyor Bad phones Duck and cover Hot Red Bull Dysentery Being inside Snow? Knock-off TOMS Pasty legs No air conditioning Senior homework Candy corn Kony 2012 Guilty
From the mind of Luke
Charitable slavery
Lewis Blake Staff Writer It seems to me there’s little in life Americans love more than religious dogmatism, cheap fast-food, and hypocrisy, except for perhaps that of charitable doings. Yes, as a nation which prides itself as a global police force and owns around 1/5th of the world’s wealth, it should come as no surprise that a sense of imperialistic influence in the name of good has become a major pillar in our self-image as a country. Every Hollywood A-Z lister has started up their own foundation in an
attempt to rid the world of its evils and of course you too can support their efforts by texting your money to little Haitian children. While the strive for “justice” and “good” in this world is a very honorable one, I must confess to being rather taken back when I came across a charity a few years ago and which since has continued to irk me. The Heifer Foundation was founded in 1991 and describes itself as “a variety of planned charitable giving instruments that provide individuals from all walks of life the ability to help themselves, their loved ones, and a world in great need.” Sounds all bright and dandy, right? Wrong. Their marketing plow is a simple one, give us your money and we’ll send a goat (or the like)
to some starving families in third-world counties so they can make it work to feed themselves. Now, as someone who views other animals as equals, but not for any moral means but genetic, I still find this somewhat disturbing. I may be intellectually superior than a goat (or so I like to believe,) however at the end of the day it is just another carbon-based life form composed of cells formed from DNA remarkably similar to my own, created through evolution from the same basic star dust we all are. When you look at it this way, it begins to look a lot like slavery, which in 21st century America we generally get all up in arms about. Slavery I’m honestly not opposed to. If you can convince someone to follow you
Graphic by Luke Godlewski
around and do all the stuff you don’t want to, then congratulations, you’ve successfully got some idiot to become your servant. It’s slavery based upon genetic, physiological, and ideological differences that becomes “immoral,” and that’s essentially what the Heifer Foundation does by shipping animals around the world to take care of people. The obvious opposition here is the fact that humans have used and domesticated animals for hundreds of thousands of years in order to provide for themselves, which is entirely true. The only discernible difference is that for this entire time people have done it out of necessity for themselves rather
than a charitable act without the consent of the individual in question. So without the use of animals to deploy around the world, what is an organization like the Heifer Foundation to do to help combat a world hunger crisis? It certainly isn’t out the realm of feasibility that every person born into this world should be fed and have safe drinking water and so their efforts must prevail. A modest proposal might be that instead of sending the animals across the world to support for these families that the Heifer Foundation uses its funds to transport those facing the First-World troubles of obesity to the homes of those facing ThirdWorld starvation and vice
versa. This would help raise the average human life expectancy, combat world hunger, and provide a new niche for travel agents. Everybody wins! If you’re really interested in helping solve the word hunger crisis my advice would be to grab some oatmeal, some friends, and hike around the Sudan serving it up à la mode because as far as I can tell most of these non-profit charitable organizations spend more money on advertising than actually feeding children. I could be wrong though, in which case the Smashie & Nicey skit Christmas is Charity is a bit of a farce, but then again probably not.
6 | Opinions
Grant Kamin surveyorwhs.opinions@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
Invasion of the 8th graders
Kate Ernst Guest Columnist “Hey, did you get ‘the letter?’” “Yeah I got mine today. Did you hear that “so and so” didn’t get the letter? How embarrassing!” This conversation about “the letter” is a trending topic among middle school students. “The letter” I am referring to is a slip of paper mailed to seventh graders who scored in the top 10 percent on ITBS, giving them the chance to take up to three high school classes 201213 school year. Proud
parents might think this is a great opportunity for kids to challenge themselves. As a student, though, I feel really sorry for the kids who will be put in this position, and my first reaction is that this whole idea is less than favorable. Middle school years are for learning and growing; a good middle school should challenge all students, prepare them for high school, and give them the educational skills they need to succeed. Students should learn how to do their homework, how to make friends, and how to enjoy themselves. By eighth grade, students will feel comfortable with their surroundings and environment and be ready to move up to high school. The plan to take 60 eighth grade students
from their schools to take up to three classes at each local high school alters this whole growth dynamic and potentially has many negative consequences for students. High school is filled with pressure: to complete homework, to study for finals, and to try to fit in other enjoyable activities. Students work hard in high school and barely have six hours each night to sleep. The younger students who are selected to take these courses will experience some of this pressure, and they may not be ready. Before jumping into a high school setting at age 13, students need to acquire the emotional and educational skills that will prepare them for future success. In order to be successful with high school classes, a student
needs to have a solid base to build on. This includes all core classes. It takes a lot longer to understand AP Social Studies classes without a background in social studies, and these students will miss their 8th grade social studies class because of scheduling problems. Skipping eighth grade science will mean that the previously fast-paced Pre-AP Biology class will take twice as long to cover certain topics. This program would also limit the true high school student’s opportunities because their algebra, biology, or foreign language class may go at a much slower pace with a group of younger kids. Some middle school students are not eligible for this program, and will be required to stay in all eighth grade classes. This reinforces
differences in academic achievement. When an entire classroom of eighth grade students leaves the middle school, it’s pretty obvious to the students left at the school that they are not succeeding. Students not selected to participate in this program may feel defeated and discouraged. Also, they are at an automatic disadvantage in high school because the top students in their class have already been hand selected. Students who are selected to participate will ultimately get the opportunity to take more courses, thereby boosting their GPA to a level impossible to reach for a non-participant with the same grades. The truth is, this academic advancement is something that can be done at the middle school level, in the
middle school building. Students are already offered algebra at their middle schools, so why bother busing them to another location? If biology is a need, add biology into the eighth grade curriculum. Foreign language is already taught in the elementary schools and the high schools. Why can’t it be taught in middle school? I do support enhancement of student academic achievement, but from a student’s perspective, this program is not the most beneficial way of reaching that goal. Middle school is a time of growth, both academically and emotionally. Busing an entire classroom of kids out of their school building is disruptive to that growth, both for the kids who leave and for the kids who stay.
A radical change, for peace
Evan Lehrman Guest Columnist Recent controversies, the Quran burning and the massacre of Afghani civilians, in Afghanistan have left our troops in the Middle East in constant fear
and danger of attack. Violent protests are threatening to destroy all of our valuable assets in the Middle East and all Islamic countries throughout the world. I think I have thought of a solution that sounds silly but functionally would work. My solution is to either make it U.S. foreign policy abroad to have a copy of the countries holy scripture in every vehicle and have that same scripture on all body armor.
This would be effective because it is against the religious law of Islamic Countries to burn/ defile the Quran. Shooting bullets at U.S. troops would then be breaking their own rules and religious fundamentalists really don’t like breaking those rules. It would leave our troops in a position where land mines and missiles would be unusable because it would defile the holy text. Only close combat
The Surveyor is established as a school-sponsored open forum dedicated to informing and entertaining its readers. It is published nine times each school year by students enrolled in the Journalism News class at Washington High School. The staff will report as fairly and well-balanced as possible. All activities and news will be covered to the best of the staff’s ability. The Surveyor accepts the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics as the basis for good journalism. Editorials and the reviews that appear under a byline are the opinion of the writer, not necessarily the staff. Unsigned editorials represent the majority of the Editorial Board. The opinions section is designed to provide a forum for the opinions of The Surveyor staff and the Washington High School Community. Readers are encouraged to express their viewpoints through guest editorials. The Surveyor also welcomes letters to the editor, with these guidelines: 1. It is not libelous or obscene. 2. It explains the material clearly. 3. It is not longer than 500 words. 4. It is signed.
would be allowed and the U.S. would not be restricted to this warfare. Of course there is the argument that the U.S. is already defiling the Quran as body armor. But there are two ways to get around this. 1) Have Obama or our future president (likely Obama) announce this policy in the frame that we are doing this so our troops better understand the culture of the Islamic people and atrocities are less likely to happen
and 2) even if some of the Islamic people see it as defiling of the Quran there is only a chance that this would create less attacks. It is literally try or die doing this. My other idea is that U.S. should just end the mission in Afghanistan. Right now America is trillions of dollars in debt and we are fighting a war to promote democracy in a country that no longer wants us there. It is an unsustainable and the
trends prove countries will get democracy if they want it and that is what Arab countries are doing. The U.S. being in Afghanistan is impeding Afghani’s ability to be truly free. If we withdraw we will be able to focus our money on decreasing the debt or we could take over Canada. I say Canada but, you know, whatever works.
Alyssa Christian
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Profiles| 7
CJ Cooper surveyorwhs.profiles@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
Kidney failure not stopping poetry passion
MJ Kamin Staff Writer
Makayla Kellner, ’13, is one of the most active students in the drama department at Washington High School. She excelled in speech this year, taking three acts to state, and is a very skilled poet. However, behind the scenes, Kellner deals with her kidney disease. Kellner has kidney failure in one kidney, which is now completely dead. Her other kidney is working just fine. This doesn’t affect her everyday lifestyle much, but she isn’t allowed to eat certain foods or play contact sports. However, there is possibility that later in life she may lose her other kidney which would cause her to go on dialysis. “I don’t think about [my disease] much, but I know the dangers. My mom is more concerned about it than I am,” said Kellner. Her mom also has kidney failure, as well as her grandfather, so
Kellner believes it is hereditary. Kellner is involved in speech, plays, musicals, swimming, and tennis at Wash. For speech, she was part of a one act play called “Leaving Iowa.” She also performed in an ensemble acting piece called “Oh My God, It’s Another Play” which received all ones at state, the best score possible. In addition, Kellner did two individual acts. One was a review of Nicki Minaj’s newest album, “Pink Friday”, which received a one at districts. The other was the reading of two poetry pieces, which also received a one at districts. Both of these acts were taken to state, where they received ones
“Poetry is my way of showing who I am” Kellner
The Beauty I See Makayla Kellner
Beauty is not what you see, its what you feel, and who you choose to be. Me, I am beautiful. In all I choose to do for me, and for what I believe. Because I believe, that I came into this world to change, to make a change, because, for all of you, who choose to be, what you see in society, and on t.v, is not beautiful. Because they believe, you can’t be the impossible, when impossible itself says “I’m-possible.” You have to choose to be greater than what you see. The sky is not the limit for me, because I believe I will never stop, until I burst through the top of all I can be. But what I see is different than what you see. What I see is you, thinking life is a video game. And you’re wasting away this time to have so called “fame.” But what happens to you when you realize life is an amazing maze. Where you need to figure it out without all these lies and games you choose to play. Risking your life for “friends” who in the end would take you out and bend you till your end. When will you realize there is NO second level? I see you posting on Facebook and Twitter “#yolo,” when you drink and smoke and don’t give a f--till you’re s--- out of luck.
When will you realize you don’t need to be what others see? Be who you are with all your heart, not throwing it out there like a used car part. When you look in the mirror and see a girl who longs to be what she sees in her dreams, but covers it up so the hot guy in Humanities will say “sup.” That girl isn’t you. Too many years you have thought that you are too cool for school. “When will I need this in my future?” You say. When one day you’ll find yourself quitting work because you make minimal pay. That equation you learned in math might have saved you from that. If only you had realized, that in life you can’t find beauty in the glass half empty of vodka needing it filled to the top until you stop when you hear the sirens of the cops. Why can’t we see beauty in drinking a coke, rather than smoking that dope? What does it do for you? Get your creative juices flowing until you think you’re flying high in the sky or rowing in a boat as a goat, you don’t even know. We’re all a bit of a hypocrite, because we’re not perfect. But I, don’t want anything near perfect. We all have flaws, but let us learn from that and do our homework instead of going out
and led to an All-State nomination for her poetry. “She lives and breathes drama, that’s how I would describe Makayla. And regardless whether she gets casted or not, she’s going to go out. She’s good,” said Kara Sulzer, Wash teacher and speech coach. “She has the two key ingredients it takes to be talented in these areas: she’s self aware - she knows who she is, and she has empathy and cares for others. And I think that is huge part of being able to act and to really feel it,” said Sulzer. On top of her involvement in
and buying that crack. Life is beautiful, but so very fragile. And you see it where you can have a party and you think its all a bash, until your life is gone in a flash. But see then its too late where you can’t rewind and not make that mistake. You may not agree in what I see as beauty, but I’m going to take a stand. Whether that’s alone or hand in hand with the ones who surcome the abuse in life for not doing what their “friends” think is right. We are all beautiful. In many ways, everyday. And just because what you see and what you believe doesn’t open the door immediately, be patient, and in time you’ll be thankful you chose to do what may have been uncool. But who cares? Throw your chin up in the air! Because what I see in hard work that is you, is your dreams, is your life, is you looking so pretty, is far more beautiful, than the makeup slathered on, the name brand - lets all look exactly alike jeans, the you who choose to free yourself, from the bars you let people set on you. You are pretty amazing because, we all have dreams to see what life can truly be, because beautiful is the beauty I see, in life, you, and me!
To the right: Kellner reciting one of her poems. She participated in the poetry event of individual speech this year.
Photo illustration by Lauren Johnson
To the left: Kellner’s own poem, The Beauty I See. This publication is her first, but would like to publish more in the future.
speech and drama at Wash, Kellner is a poet. She likes spoken word poetry and uses poetry as a way to tell her story and speak her opinions. Some of her pieces include The Dream to Feel Free and The Beauty I See. She started writing poetry in January of this year, and prefers long pieces. “[I write about] what I see and hear at school, what people don’t know about me, how I’m quiet. Poetry is my way of showing who I am,” said Kellner. Right now, Kellner hasn’t written for any publications like Washington Literary Press (WLP) but would like to sometime in the future. This publication of her poem, The Beauty I See, will be her first. “I want to [write poetry in the future], it comes to me out of the blue and I want to continue,” said Kellner.
8 | Focus
-Wohlleben Photos by Francesca Hidalgo
SADD Washington’s club SADD (Students Against Destruction Decisions) is focused on promoting the good decision making of students. SADD also puts on a variety of fundraisers to raise money throughout the year. “We do muffin sales, advertise puppy chow, and sell T-shirts,” said Polly Johnson, ’12, the president of SADD. “The muffin sales are always the most profitable,” continued Johnson. This one-time-a-year fundraising event takes place during Red Ribbon Week when SADD sells muffins, all ornamented with a red ribbon to wear. “It’s something unique to SADD,” said Johnson, making this fundraising event even more exclusive. While SADD can be heard fundraising throughout the year, it is not a crucial task for this club. The money can be used for projects, but fundraising is not seen as a vital action that is needed for the club to do its main tasks.
KIVA
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Francesca Hidalgo-Wohlleben surveyorwhs.focus@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
Amnesty
Interac
t
|9
“A techniq ue we use ting the w hole schoo is advertising a lot and getl involved Jenny Ves in donatin tle, ’12, In g,” said terac act’s fundr aising with t Service Chair, of Interin Washin service gr gton. Inte oup throu rac gh Wash w volunteer here the m t is a for local o e mbers rganizatio communit ns, and he y in any ev lpin ents wher The club it e help is n g the s e lf is eeded. not fueled more by v by fundra olunteeris ising, m, but the drives put y do profi on throug t fro hout the y coat drive ear, like th m and the sc e win h ool suppli out this ye es drive. Th ter ar, Interac rou t ha the club, b ut has also s raised about $250 ghfor se Indian bo arding sch nt money overseas fo o o r an l and raise and clothe d canned s. goods “The mon e y is im portant fo it pays for rI lunches, it pays for sc nteract because Interact h holarships as, and it a that lso different o rganizatio is used to send mon ns we are ey to time,” said supportin Anna Nor g a t euil, ’12, p the resident o f Interact.
Amnesty International club at Washington is a club that promotes basic human rights for all and looks out to stop abuse of these rights. Their fundraising includes bake sales, but their greatest fundraiser comes once a year. “Jamnesty is a big concert/fundraiser where we have the talent at Wash come and perform, all the while we present facts about things that are occurring around the world,” said Channing Tackaberry, ’12, the secretary of Amnesty International at Wash. However. the main goal is to spread awareness and this is where Amnesty gains most of its popularity and profit. “We keep a little bit of the profit to be able to do more things, but we mainly donate to the Amnesty International organization,” said Tackaberry.
10 | Profiles
CJ Cooper surveyorwhs.profiles@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
Embracing individualtiy through music
Nick Hansen Staff Writer
Most Washington High School students participated in a band, orchestra, or choir group as part of the district’s performing arts requirement while in middle school. Some encouraged, or forced, by their parents took up their respective musical class for the duration of middle school and then promptly dropped them upon entering high school. For others, the opportunity sparked a discovery and love of music that could easily be with them for the rest of their lives. Andrew Watkins, ’13, who began playing a new instrument in middle school, is one of those individuals who had the passion, and the talent, to continue playing beyond the 8th grade. Now Watkins uses that passion to entertain others and play his instrument with his own style. Watkins began his music career at McKinley Middle School where he began playing bass in the orchestra in sixth grade. Since his older brothers had played brass instruments in the band, he decided to go a different route with the strings of orchestra. You may find that
individuality is a recurring theme in Watkins musical career. Watkins soon became a valued member of the orchestra, where he was instructed by Andrea Savage. Through orchestra Watkins was introduced to the guitar, which is the instrument he primarily plays today. It was a natural progression as his brother plays the acoustic guitar as well. Today Watkins plays the electric guitar and while it was his orchestra teacher that got him into guitar, it was another instructor who changed the way he played. As Watkins began taking private lessons he was quickly influenced by how his instructor played. He not only strummed the strings to produce sound, but also tapped on the guitar itself to create a harmony. This percussion like influence fascinated Watkins and he soon began utilizing the technique. To sharpen his skills Watkins instructor had him do special warm ups in which he strummed with one hand while tapping with the other. These helped him develop
the technique and quickly improve. “Playing the piano definitely helped too,” said Watkins of learning his technique. Watkins doesn’t stick to one style of music as he plays the music of many different artists. “I can’t really say that I’ve got a style, I kind of play whatever I like and always try to put my own spin on it,” said Watkins. Watkins has embraced the creative aspects of music and enjoys performing in a unique and individual way. His method may be unconventional but this is what allows him to create such a different sound that captures and fascinates his audiences. To the right: Watkins playing piano, one of his many musical instruments. Photo Illustration by Jessica Erb
Visit crwashsur veyor.com
and take a look at Evan Fisher’s inter view with
Kitty McGurk and Reid Rossberger,
Bachelor Madness MJ Kamin Staff Writer
“Hard-working, alpha male, jackhammer, merciless, insatiable,” said Steven Kramer, ’15, when asked to describe himself. Kramer is freshman of average height, who enjoys playing basketball, playing video games, and hanging out with friends. Kramer would like to achieve a 4.0 in his years at Washington High School, as well as win a state basketball championship. Later in life, Kramer would like to be an engineer or something in that field. Kramer likes girls who are nice, funny, smart, long-haired, and average height like him. His dream date would be a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant, preferably with his celebrity crush, Kim Kardashian. “[Steven is] generally nice, polite, respectful, and trustful,” said Jake Kramer, ’14, Steven’s older brother. Although Steven can’t beat Jake at basketball, yet, Jake still appreciates his average height.
vorite a F n ma FreshFood: Pizza Hobby: Basketball Color: Green
Photo illustration by Lauren Johnson
s
Band: Drake Class: French Athlete: Scottie Pippen Season: Spring
next years Student Senate Officers.
A&E| 11
Kitty McGurk surveyorwhs.AE@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
Cedar Rapids gets a fresh taste A positive to living in a city, state and region of the U.S. that experiences a Shanay Gonder vitamin D Staff Writer deficiency amongst its inhabitants for a minimum of six months a year? Yeah, it proved grueling to come up with anything myself. That is unless pasty flesh, chemically ripened tomatoes and frost-stricken produce appeals to you. It being likely that the afore mentioned list causes a dark wintery cloud of disparity to fall upon your spirit, let me have the pleasure of introducing the soon to be unveiled, Cedar Rapids’ NewBo City Market. Scheduled to open its doors this Spring, the addition of the NewBo City Market to Cedar Rapids
seeks “to revitalize a neighborhood by creating a major new destination centered around healthy food and fun.” (courtesy of NewBo City
Market website: http://newboczech. info/nb-city-market) After the devastating flood of 2008, New Bohemia Village has literally risen up out of the muck and undergone a transformation that, while still in progress, is a striking
Cudi Is Back Again Taking an entirely new outlook on music, Kid Cudi and Dot da
Oliver Hammond Staff Writer Genius produced the new album WZRD. “WZRD” is a rock album, released on February 28, 2012. The album, “WZRD”, contains no profanity and is not marked as explicit. “Also, the ‘WZRD’ album does not contain any profanity or the usage of the word ‘n----’. A universal album for everyone,” Kid Cudi announced on Twitter. One controversy over the label of it not being explicit is the use of the word “pussies” in the song “Upper Room”. Cudi’s response to this was that is merely the plural of puss, and that his daughter even watches the movie “Puss in Boots”. During the making of the album, Cudi said
experienced his first writer’s block for five months because of his new sobriety. A drastic change since one of his old songs was even titled “Marijuana.” The album does not have the same sound as Kid Cudi, and many are disappointed. Rock was not the best direction for him and his music. “It has a couple of good songs, not like Kid Cudi’s old songs,” said Caroline Rossberger, ‘14. Even though the entire album is not up to the usual standards, “Teleport 2 Me” is one of the better songs. It has his old style, which Cudi fans love and enjoy. The song also still has no profanity like the rest of the album, but it still gets the message across and doesn’t feel like it is missing. Through the good and the bad, it can make it hard for true fans to feel Kid Cudi in all of the songs, but only in a few. Overall it is a three out of five, some songs are good, but others weaken the production.
contrast to the unsatisfactory state it held before street-sign levels of water inundated its streets. The installation of the market in the community will create new entrepreneurial job opportunities for displaced workers and others through the renting of lowcost stalls as well as help stimulate small business development and economic activity in the flood impacted area. New Bohemia’s city market will provide a variety of permanent stalls and seasonal vendors as well as classrooms and special event space. The year round market will also
introduce a healthy grocery donned, “The Market Store” as well as the “Market Yard” and “Market Square,” both be outdoor venues for seasonal vendors, concerts, festivals, and an ideal location for gatherings with your compadres. Aspiring to make “Cedar Rapids-has-nothing-cool-to-do” comments those of the past, The NewBo City Market will showcase the finest small food entrepreneurs and the best locally grown and prepared foods as well as entertainment Iowa has to offer. So next winter, if the sunless season threatens to grasp its colorless fingers around your sanity, rest assured that a place of solace can be found at the NewBo City Market were the freshness is plentiful and the chemically ripened tomatoes are few.
• Celebrate- Common • Drank in my cup- Kirko • Could be you- H_Wood • Walking on a dream- Empire Of The Sun • If I ever feel better- Pheonix • Wild Ones- Flo Rida ft. Sia • Uh-Uh- Mozella • We are young- Fun • So Good- B.o. B • Hey Mama- Mat Kearney • What if- Colbie Caillat • Call me maybe- Carly Rae Jepsen
12 | A&E
Kitty McGurk surveyorwhs.AE@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
A book you won’t regret reading In my mind, there are three types of books. There are those to escape to, those to learn from, Lewis Blake and then Staff Writer there are those to waste time and laugh a whole lot. In his previous two books entitled I Hope They Serve Beer in hell and Assholes Finish First Tucker Max filled that last slot with a new literary genre known as “fratire” and in his third book Hilarity Ensues he continues to do so. Within its bindings lie endless tales of belligerent drunkenness, debauchery, and fornication with everything from how to spend an entire semester of law
school living in Cancun to what happens when you date a crazed former pageant queen. It’s male fantasy at its finest and becomes
awesome.) What Max lacks in literary talent, he more than makes up for through pure absurdity, comedy, and an uncompromising
a strong candidate to put The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants and all other related chic-lit back in its place (except this isn’t fiction therefore is twenty times as
denial of social norms. Hilarity Ensues, however, is not a book you will actually gain anything from. Of all the books in recent months I’ve read I
Latin-Asian fusion anyone? Delectable. Ambrosial. Appetizing. These are just a few of the adjectives which truly reflect my experience at the refreshing, upcoming restaurant Lava, located on the corner of Edgewood and Blairsferry Road. Hannah Jonasson Lava comes forth with a Staff Writer satisfying yet relaxing environment with its trendy and modern decorations. While sitting in the exotic dining room I noticed the calming music and relaxing temperatures which accompanied my magnificent food. Ordering a variety of tapas (appetizers) and entrees shared around my table, Lava is very capable of satisfying a wide array of palettes. The menu choices range from mac & cheese on the kids’ menu to the salmon with pistachio crusted meal and sweet potato gratin and asparagus (a personal favorite.) Along with meeting the needs of a varying tastes, Lava can suit just about everyone based on how much they are willing to spend. Some entrees are on the pricey side, but there are many other options at more reasonable prices which will
fit a high school budget. But it is well worth it to spend a few extra dollars to order a fresh and tasty Atlantic Trigger fish uncommonly available in the Midwest. I am happy to report the service is welcoming and gratifying as well. Seated in Adam Hairston’s section I was warmly treated to whatever I needed, which included three complimentary refills of a ‘specially requested by me’ raspberry iced tea. The cooks, and proprietor, Tony Kassouf, pride themselves in serving food, “that you can’t find anywhere else in Cedar Rapids.” The menu and atmosphere invite you to try some of the things which make this ‘Latin Asian Fusion’ restaurant truly unique. While talking with the owner, Tony Kassouf, who also got Marion’s Cibo Restaurant and the thirteen year restaurant veteran American Skillet started, I learned the executive chef at Lava is former Washington Warrior graduate Nathan Derrick, and husband of current Wash teacher, Erika Derrick. So, looking for a great prom date dinner spot? Take your date to a classy, but vogue, blend of both Spanish/Latin and Asian foods this year. A fun atmosphere, comfy chair, and great tasting dishes never failed to please this hungry client!
feel as though this one has the potential of decreasing one’s intelligence. I should also stress that if you are easily offended, a raging feminist, or aren’t interested in wasting your time then this is NOT the book for you. If you don’t find yourself falling in line to any of these categories then I would recommend it. So if you still feel as though this might be the book for you, you can either go torrent it or find me in the hall way and you can borrow my copy. Just because it’s a 400+ pages doesn’t justify spending some twenty odd dollars on a book I’m sure most of you could finish in a weekend. Overall it is an enjoyable, ridiculously easy read that I’m sure has the capacity to bring the laughs of snickering children back into the library.
A&E| 13
Kitty McGurk surveyorwhs.AE@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
The show well worth watching, trust me
The Vampire Diaries; I can only start this article by saying one thing…. If you have not been watching this show, start. Kitty McGurk Now I know what you’re all A&E Editor thinking, ever since Twilight first hit the public, the majority of guys and even
some strange girls have made it their mission to veer far away from anything vampire/human related. In doing so, I can’t blame these vampire haters. We all know nothing gets more awkward than Kristen Stewart in the first Twilight. However, that is no reason to form a biased opinion towards all shows and movies relatable. The Vampire Diaries, airing every Thursday night at 7 p.m. on the CW, is an amazing production.
Washington High School meets the big screen
From the directors of “Superbad” and “Old School,” producer Todd Phillips throws us a curveball with John Kopec his most recent Staff Writer party-fueled movie, “Project X.” “Project X” follows a geeky trio of high schoolers as they try to elevate their popularity status by throwing the mother of all parties. Birthday boy Thomas Mann, a shy and innocent seventeen-year-old teenager, is pressured into hosting what was supposed to be a small get together with his two best friends. Despite the promises made to keep the party small and intimate, the party explodes with hordes of twisted teenagers and an immense amount of profane behavior. “The movie was so good it made my actual social life look pathetic,” says Jack Mescher ,’14. “Project X” takes a standard parental nightmare and blows it up to an outrageous degree, which is why this movie is not for everyone. It is literally 87 minutes of insanity. “It was crazy and had good soundtracks. It would never happen though, but it would be tight if it did,”
says Kassiani Kelleher, ’12. From a critic’s standpoint, there are many flaws, but to a young normal viewing audience it provides a lot of laughs and raunchy entertainment. Though the movie lacks some originality with its mash-up of genre clichés, its cast of unfamiliar faces and underage wish-fulfillment fantasies makes this movie a pleasant waste of time.
Beer, babes, and a dude with a flame-thrower; this party is historical. “Project X” is lively and really gives you a sense of being at the party with its found footage; fortunately, it’s the best party ever.
The show is based around a main character, Elena Gilbert who lives in the deceivingly perfect town of Mystic Falls. From there, the cast just kind of trickles off from two vampire brothers in love with her, vampire and witch best friends, and numerous other supernatural characters that bring life threatening drama into every episode. Although it may seem ridiculous and stupid based off of the cast, the producers have a way of keeping everything realistically suspenseful. Let me just tell you, there have been times that I have full on cried, not only from some of the
drama and frequent deaths, but from the fact that I can’t watch the next episode right away. Now I know life is rather busy for us high schoolers, but ever since freshman year, I have found a way to make time for this incredible show. The Vampire Diaries is truly the game changer. So if you haven’t been watching this show, I suggest you invest in my good ole friend, Netflix, and make sure to cancel all plans and college aspirations for about the next month. But if you have been a true lover such as myself, keep up the good work my
14 | Sports
Joe Berry surveyorwhs.sports@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
March, you mad bro? The writers and editors of the sports section collected NCAA basketball tournament brackets from students and teachers of differing gender, grade level, and familiarity of basketball. The teams listed below are the teams that were predicted by these students and teachers to go to the Final Four. The
South
Kentucky--67% Baylor--25% Duke--8%
selections were taken from the complete brackets that were made before the tournament began, so some teams have already been eliminated. Also, please note that this issue went to press before the start of the Sweet Sixteen.
Champion Nor th Carolina--41% Kentucky--25% Mich. State--9% Marquette--9% Baylor--8% Missouri--8%
East
Florida State--50% Syracuse--17% Vanderbilt--17% Ohio State--8% Loyola Maryland--8%
West
Mich. State--41% Missouri--34% Marquette--17% Norfolk State--8%
Midwest
Kansas--66% Georgetown--17% North Carolina--17%
Best brackets
These brackets have been scored by a system developed by the professionals.
Step 1. Raw “Round Scores” Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 Score 2 3 5 8 13 21
Score: 221
Step 2. “Seed Score”
Seed# x Round# = Seed Score
Step 3. Total Score (for each game) “Round Score” + “Seed Score” = Total Score
bele Dr. Schoe
n
Score: 285
Sports| 15
Joe Berry surveyorwhs.sports@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
March Madness: Perhaps the greatest sporting event known to man
Peter Holmes Staff Writer It’s heart stopping. It’s mindboggling. It’s chaotic. It’s madness. The month of March transforms the average sports fan into a complete maniac. Bets are made, tempers erupt, and plenty of Totino’s Pizza Rolls are eaten. It doesn’t matter if the weather is 70 degrees and gorgeous, you know where to find me from March 18 through April 2— relaxing on my brown leather couch. Without a doubt, the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament has consistently been one of the most popular and highly viewed sporting events since its creation in 1939. “Just being able to watch a game anytime of the day makes March Madness great,” says Jason Oney, ’13, an avid fan of “The Big Dance.” The build-up to the Super Bowl comes and goes, but the excitement lasts for weeks
of his. He might “...no other not go far in his career sporting event professional with those feisty Raiffeisen Wels from Austria, but at least gets the fans when he’s a bald 45 old with a beer as involved as year belly he can say he tearing up the March Madness.” was courts with the big
in the NCAA tournament. There is no hangover; just a relief that it’s finally over. What I love most about this event is that players from small colleges have the opportunity to enter the tournament unknown and leave as a national hero. For instance, one of my top ten favorite players of alltime, Ali Farokhmanesh from UNI, became a household name with two jump shots—a buzzer beater against UNLV, and another to help upset the almighty Kansas. I’ll always remember that silky smooth jumper
dogs back in the day. How could we forget Shaka Smart and his VCU Rams stunning the field of 68 along with every ESPN analyst and college basketball fan in the country. Their Final Four trip defined what it takes to become a Cinderella story. You wouldn’t think that another 11 seed could ever
be as talented or as accomplished as VCU was last year, but look at North Carolina State, they are doing it this year. When I think of it, no other sporting event gets the fans as involved as March Madness. Filling out a bracket has become as common as drinking milk straight out of the carton. Everybody desires to create that perfect bracket, gain bragging rights, and acquire eternal glory. The other day while quietly filling out my bracket (the same one that should be burned right now), I could not help a shadowy figure standing over me. Of course it was our very own Megan Laverty, ’13. “I’ll bet you fifty bucks Marquette wins,” she said with that smirk on her face. I know what you’re thinking—a girl challenging me to a high stakes bet dealing with college basketball. She must be crazy! I do have to give her credit, though, because Marquette is still in it... for now. Nothing gets me on the edge of my seat more than March Madness. It’s become a phenomenon, a national event. Who knows where we would be without it. Most likely outside.
March Madness
Z I U Q Do you call yourself an NCAA
expert? Is your bracket busted? See if you can regain your March glory by taking this March Madness quiz.
1. What is the longest streak of tournament wins? 2. What was highest combined score of any tournament game?
3. What is the worst seed to ever win the National Championship?
4. How many times has a 16th seed defeated a 1st seed?
5. What was the largest spread overcome by a team in the tournament?
1. 38. The UCLA Bruins streak was snapped in 1974 by North Carolina State, also breaking their streak of seven consecutive National Championship titles. 2. 254. In 1990 Loyola-Marymont defeated Michigan 149-115. 3. 8th. In 1985 Villanova won the National Championship over the Georgetown Hoyas. 4. Zero. The closest time was in 1997 when 16th seeded Fairfield led UCLA by nine at the half, but the Bruins pulled off the victory. 5. 20 points. In 1993 15th seeded Santa Clara overcame a 20-point spread to defeat the 2nd seeded Wildcats of Arizona.
16 | Back Page
MO
Katie Nunemaker surveyorwhs.photo@gmail.com | March 23, 2012
SHOW “
SATURDAY, MARCH 10TH
ICHOIR ENJOY SHOW
BECAUSE I ENJOY THE
ADRENALINE
YOU GET WHEN THE
MUSIC Photos by Katie Nunemaker
STARTS
-Ethan Lindley,‘12